Chapter 6

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In the comment section, Shina-san is so popular that I decided to write a story about what happened to her afterward.

It's a short piece.

Her face felt slightly warm, and the chirping of birds could be heard from afar. So, the sun had already risen.

Five days after the failed interdimensional summoning, my body, having surpassed the deadline, rapidly aged, and I had even lost my sight. I could no longer move my body properly and hadn't eaten anything since yesterday.

Is this what it means to die alone? By tomorrow, my body will likely starve to death. Even the blanket covering my body feels unbearably heavy and suffocating.

I regret not having at least one disciple or assistant. But that's only if I could have made one.

Ah, I still think about it. If only that interdimensional traveler were here.

Teaching him all my knowledge and experiences, sharing the same aspirations, and spending my remaining days in peace. It's pathetic to have even dreamed of such a tranquil life.

But the interdimensional summoning failed. There's nothing I can do now. Thinking about such hypothetical dreams only makes my current situation more miserable, so it's better not to think about anything.

Is this the end of my life?

After dedicating myself to research for the sake of others, and finally grasping something, will it all be for nothing in the end?

What was the point of my life? Wasn't I just doing research in a remote cabin?

Reflecting on my life, it's hard to say I truly lived. After dropping out of magic school, I've been doing research all along.

No family interactions, no tea parties with friends, no neighborhood socializing.

No husband, no boyfriend, not even a romantic partner.

I've never held hands with a loved one, never known the joys of being a woman, and of course, I have no children.

I've never spent time with family or watched children grow up.

Can I even say I lived?

I set such a grand goal of helping others, but in the end, I haven't really lived.

Hunger and thirst constrict my digestive system and entire body.

No matter how I think about it, my life is over.

If I hadn't attempted the interdimensional summoning, I might have lived another month. During that time, I could have made a good friend or a close companion.

But given how isolated I've been, and how I've been called a witch and disliked, that was impossible.

If only dark magic weren't so despised.

I might have been able to enjoy research with a good colleague.

But it was precisely because I was disliked that I pursued my research.

What is this? In the end, my life is empty.

Such a meaningless life, perhaps it's better to just let it go and hope for a better next life.

I should just die quickly. What a hag I've become.

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"......I want to live......"

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"Hey, you're still barely alive, huh?"

......Am I already dead?

Is this a dream?

I don't know anyone who would visit this cabin, let alone a man. The door creaked as he entered, and I heard a man's voice. I can't see, so I don't know what he looks like.

"Are you still alive? You're really on the brink... that person... well, never mind. Hey, can you still hear me?"

"......Yes......Who are you?"

I managed to respond in a strained voice.

"I came here because someone told me to, Shina-san, right? How does it feel to be closing your life without accomplishing anything?"

"You're cruel... Are you trying to torment someone who's about to die?"

"No, I don't mean to. I just want to know your will. Do you have any regrets about your life?"

Regrets about life? Of course, I do. My life is filled with regrets.

"Let me simplify the question. Do you want to die like this, or do you want to cling to life?"

"What do you mean...? It sounds like you have a way to save me?"

"Of course. That's why I came here."

However, the man continued.

"To extend your life, there are a few conditions."

"Conditions?"

"Yes. First, let me ask you a question to confirm."

"Are you a virgin?"

What kind of question is that...

"......That's not something you'd ask an old woman like me... but, sadly, it's true."

"Then, the second condition. If you are saved, you will have to give up all human dignity and become subordinate to me."

"Subordinate?"

"In simpler terms, you will become my slave. You won't be allowed to live as a human. Of course, there's a possibility that your regrets in life won't be fulfilled."

A slave, huh. And the question about being a virgin. I have a feeling I know where this is going.

"......Are you planning to make me a sex slave? I doubt it would be enjoyable to have an old woman like me."

"No, if I save you, you will be rejuvenated and gain eternal youth."

"So, you mean... I'll be constantly used for sex?"

"Interpret it however you like."

I see. So, it's either die immediately and fall into hell or live in a living hell.

"Why are you helping me? ...Just to make me a sex slave? I don't think I'm that beautiful..."

"No, you're quite beautiful, but that's beside the point. I want to thank you."

"Thank me?"

"Yes, your dark magic has helped some people."

The man paused, then spoke seriously.

"We don't have much time. Make your decision. What will you choose?"

Die immediately or live while losing my dignity as a woman...

To be honest, I'm scared. I don't understand why I'm listening to this man so calmly. There's no reason to trust him.

I can't see what he looks like. Even if he's my savior, I don't want to be violated by a fat, sweaty middle-aged man.

But......

"......Save me. Do whatever you want to me."

"Hehehe... Even after failing so miserably and knowing your regrets won't be fulfilled, you still cling to life. ...That's a good attitude."

The man laughed pleasantly.

"Of course. ...Dying means everything ends, but as long as I'm alive, there's a chance. I'll spread dark magic in this world no matter what. ...Even if it means selling my soul to a demon like you."

"......Calling me a demon is a bit harsh, isn't it?"

"Reviving a broken-down human like me isn't a human act."

"More like a god or an angel, I suppose..."

The man sighed and began to move.

"Then, let's get this over with. Become my neighbor, Shina."

His breath grew closer, and I could faintly feel his body heat.

I've never seen him, and we've only been talking for a few minutes, but for some reason, I felt a sense of comfort from his presence.

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I've revised the last line. (2016/5/8/21:23)