The footsteps grew closer and finally entered the room.
I held back a scream with all my might. I desperately hoped they would pass by, but just then, the curtains were suddenly drawn open before I could even think of escaping. Seeing the person standing before me, I felt like my heart stopped.
It was a tall man, probably in his mid-twenties. He was a calm and elegant beauty, and his silver hair seemed to shimmer like jewels when he brushed it back. But what stood out the most were his clear, shining silver-gray eyes.
I knew him well. Although he had changed a lot, how could I not recognize him?
Isaac Dias. The young master I had saved, and the hidden villain of this game, Isaac Dias. Seeing him all grown up left me bewildered. Just how much time had passed?
In the midst of this, I noticed the sword Isaac was holding. It was stained with bright red blood. W-What is that…?!
Now that I think about it, Isaac is the villain of this game! Does he intend to kill me?
I was so tense, staring at Isaac. I could see his eyes trembling as he looked at me.
He muttered dazedly. “Mia?”
Did he recognize me? Since he didn’t seem like he was about to kill me, I lowered myself and cried softly.
“Meow.”
When I meowed quietly, Isaac looked like he was about to cry. He threw away the sword he was holding and hugged me tightly.
“Mia, Mia…! I missed you so much. Every night since you died, I…”
Huh? Did I really die? I thought I had just fainted for a moment and then woke up. So, how did I come back to life?
Meanwhile, Isaac was shedding tears.
Oh, crybaby. Even after all this time, you’re still a crybaby. Seeing him like this made me sure that this was the Isaac I knew. I still don’t know why he was holding a sword, though…
I rubbed my head against his chin, wiping away his tears. I heard Isaac let out a small laugh.
“…When I was young, you used to wipe my tears like this too.”
Yes, you’re right. I rubbed my head against him again. He smiled gently and sat on the sofa, stroking my head.
“Mia. You have no idea how happy I am to see you again. You can’t imagine how miserable I was without you…”
I wondered what kind of life he had lived. I wanted to ask him what had happened, but it was frustrating that I couldn’t speak.
It felt like only a short time had passed since I last saw Isaac, but his touch carried a deep longing that had lasted for years. For me, it was just a moment, but it must have been over a decade for Isaac…
“It’s been 15 years, Mia. You have no idea how much I missed you. You’re not in pain anymore, right?”
“Meow.”
Fifteen years? You’ve grown so much, Isaac.
Isaac smiled at me, but soon his expression turned serious. “You fool. If something like that happens again, you have to leave me behind. Got it?”
I’ll try my best. But is it really okay for us to be so relaxed in such a dangerous place? Just as Isaac was petting me endlessly, we heard a commotion from outside.
“W-What is this? The monster is dead…!”
“Are we safe now?”
It seemed like people were coming out after escaping from the monster. Isaac’s expression turned annoyed when he heard the voices.
Then someone entered the room. It was Lian. He looked quite shocked when he saw Isaac. His eyes then fell on the sword lying on the floor.
“You…? Did you kill that monster?”
“Something like that,” Isaac replied in a cold voice as if he had no interest in the matter.
Lian looked at him with slightly surprised eyes. “You seem familiar with this place. Is that right…?”
“I’m not obligated to explain.”
Isaac’s attitude was entirely different from how he treated me. Huh? Now that I think about it, Isaac didn’t appear at the beginning of the game.
The protagonist explores this mansion, gathering clues and slowly uncovering information about the Dias family. It’s only at the climax that they discover that Isaac is the mastermind behind all of this. He created this place to offer people as sacrifices for dark magic. In the end, the protagonist has to kill Isaac to end the night. That’s how the story was supposed to go, so why is Isaac here now?
Confused by the unexpected change, Lian spoke urgently. “I’m Lian. Please, can you tell me what’s happening here…?”
“As I said, I’m not obligated to answer. Get out. Don’t be a nuisance.” Isaac’s silver-gray eyes glinted sharply.
Wow, he could kill someone with that glare…
I’m curious about what’s going on too, and I feel like I should help the protagonist, Lian. Should I step in?
“Mia?”
I jumped down and approached Lian. Then, I rubbed my head against his leg to show friendliness. Isaac’s eyes widened in surprise when he saw this.
“…Mia, do you like him?”
“Meow.”
“…Haa.” Isaac let out a deep sigh as if he had no choice. Then he crossed his arms and spoke reluctantly. “I don’t know much about this situation either. But one thing’s for sure—this isn’t the real world.”
“It’s not the real world? Are you saying this is the afterlife?”
“No, it’s not that. When morning comes, you’ll wake up in the real world. Of course, when night falls, you’ll be pulled back here. But not every night.”
The people seemed slightly relieved, knowing they could return to the real world if they survived the night.
“You can bring items from the day world, so I suggest you arm yourselves to protect yourselves. There are also useful items scattered around, so find them on your own.”
This part was the same as in the original game. The main objective was to avoid monsters, collect items, and find clues to ascend to the upper floors. But I was still confused and frustrated about why Isaac was here and why the story had changed.
The only way to end this situation was by killing Isaac, but I didn’t feel good about that. Still, his death was a predetermined conclusion. Otherwise, this night would never end.
“By the way… I’m Lian. May I ask your name?”
“Why should I tell you that?” Isaac’s tone remained cold.
How did he grow up to have such a harsh personality…? I guess the signs were there even when he was young.
While the two exchanged what barely qualified as conversation, something caught my eye. Was that… a jewel? I noticed a small gem rolling around in the corner of the room. I approached it and nudged it with my paw.
[You have found a ‘Guardian Stone.’ Would you like to place it in your inventory?]
Huh? A Guardian Stone? But how do I put it in the inventory?
I tried nodding, and the gem disappeared before my eyes. Wow… the game’s system is well-implemented. I wonder if there are other items around.
Just as I was thinking that, Isaac picked me up. “I’ve said all I need to say. Now get out.”
The people hesitated at his sharp warning but eventually backed away. Lian, however, was still smiling.
“Alright, I understand. But since we’re stuck together, it would be nice to get along. I’ll be going now.”
They left, leaving Isaac and me behind. Only then did Isaac’s expression soften.
“Mia, I’m sorry. Was it noisy?” He spoke gently as he held me close.
His personality really does change so quickly. A moment ago, he was exuding coldness, but now, nestled in Isaac’s arms, it felt just warm.
Isaac kissed the top of my head and spoke. “It feels like a dream… Don’t go anywhere now, Mia.”
“Meow.”
And so, Isaac sat on the sofa, stroking me for a long time. Before I knew it, the sky outside began to brighten.
[The night fades.]
[The time of light has come.]
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