Memory of Heaven:Romance Written By Fate Through Beyond Infinity Time-Chapter 424 Between Love and Judgment — Ritual for the Cursed Sister
Chapter 424 - 424 Between Love and Judgment — Ritual for the Cursed Sister
The atmosphere of Alpha strained like a thread pulled too tightly.
Rui lay still in the midst of the collapsed altar, her body gradually pulsating with foreign symbols—fratricide circles and bloodstains that seemed to challenge the very concept of "family," illustrating how betrayal and brotherhood could intertwine within a single fate. Around her, the ground cracked slowly, as if this world—crafted from the order of will and name—could no longer bear the resonance of Qayin. The moment between them felt to transcend time, as Joanna's memories of Rui's laughter and warm embraces flooded her mind, urging her to act. The spirit forged from those beautiful memories whispered like a gentle breeze, slicing through the silence that dominated the atmosphere, reminding them of the bond that once existed.
Joanna, standing amidst it all, felt unsteady, her eyes red from sleeplessness and tears. Yet one thing remained unchanged: her love for her sister.
"Rui... you are not a burden."
"You are the reason I do not drown in the eternity of time."
Joanna drew a circle of light—not with Alpha magic, but with ancient aether, once taught to her by Sheena. This aether does not yield to the Spiral, but rather to the bond of souls, creating something deeper and more powerful than ordinary magic. With each stroke, a gentle energy enveloped her spirit, as if dancing in harmony with the intertwined pain and hope of sisterhood. The strength born from the depths of her heart, undefined yet real, built a bridge between her soul and Rui's.
"I cannot heal your curse... but I can give you a body to live for a while without being consumed by it."
She took a crystal from within her cloak—"Fragmentum Armonia", a shard from the Codex Harmonia once touched by Jeanne, her eldest sister. The crystal vibrated with sharp energy, filled with history and hope, as if whispering that their love could sever the darkness.
Joanna gazed at Rui, who lay there.
"Your brother used to bear the weight of time... now let me... bear this blood with you."
"Veritas Caelorum: Filii Mei, Ego Te Recipio."
(The Truth of the Heavens: My Daughter, I Accept You, an expression of love that transcends boundaries, signifying recognition and acceptance.)
The golden light enveloped Rui. The symbol of fratricide began to glow brighter, then slowly shattered into bursts—yet it did not vanish. She resisted. She denied it. She groaned. Amid the tension surrounding her, Joanna felt her heart racing, as if every second was a collision between hope and fear. How I miss your smile, Rui, she whispered in her heart, as the light trembled, seemingly regaining its strength from an infinite love.
From within Rui's body, Qayin's voice echoed:
"Love... cannot atone for blood."
"I have killed my brother... and now... you will lose your sister."
Joanna clenched her jaw. All she wanted at that moment was to protect Rui, even if it meant risking her own life. Sadness seeped into her heart, but her resolve was as strong as the light enveloping the altar. "No, I will not let it happen," she whispered, as if hoping her voice could shake reality.
"Then I will lose the whole world... as long as I can save her, a sacrifice I am willing to take to lessen her suffering."
The sky suddenly trembled. Alone, she sensed a supernatural force seemingly being drawn into her; hope and despair intertwined in a single breath. A magical aura surrounded Joanna, emboldening her to step forward, like an invisible protector guiding her steps. She was the light amid the darkness, and no force could separate her from Rui.
From all directions, six figures cloaked in light and holy forms descended: The Guardians of World Alpha. They were high-intentioned entities, protectors of the integrity of Alpha's existence since the early era of the Spiral.
They spoke not a word.
They simply stood in formation around the altar, their light weaving an undeniable mantra:
"Terminus Vitae Externa: Executio Inheritoris Qayin."
(The End of Alien Life: Execution of the Heir Qayin.)
Joanna stood between Rui and the Guardians, feeling the strong vibrations of conflicting emotions within her; love and fear intertwining in a dance she could not hide, creating a moment that was both tense and hopeful. She sensed the depth of their bond, an invisible thread tying their hearts across dimensions.
"She is not the heir of destruction. She is... my sister."
All around her, pure light trembled as if responding to Joanna's determined voice. In the profound silence, she could feel Rui's gentle breath, a love ready to transcend the boundaries of reality. Despite the heaviness of the situation, hope ignited between them, as if there were a magical force intertwining their destinies.
One of the guardians—taking the form of a light dragon with a mouth that never opened—spoke directly into her mind:
"The Alpha world does not write Qayin's name."
"Because if it is written... then all love will grow with roots of death."
"Then let me be new paper, a clean sheet, rewriting her name with limitless hope."
"Then let me be new paper. I will rewrite her name."
One of the guardians unleashed magic:
"Null Purge: Lumen Sanctorum Caeli"
(Purgation Zero: Sacred Light of the Heavens)
A golden ray pierced from the sky toward Rui's body—ready to erase her existence without pain... but also without mercy.
Amidst the rustling winds, a heavy insistence emerged, packing Joanna's hope into a glimmer of light. Each heartbeat resonated in harmony, recalling every precious moment between them, wrapped in warmth and understanding, as if those moments were trying to be conveyed in an intangible language.
Joanna opened Michael's wings.
"Aeternitas Custodia: Vinculum Sororis"
(Everlasting Guardian: Sisterly Bond)
Her wings opened wide—enveloping Rui's body like a cocoon of light, shielding her from the powerful beams of execution. Those rays were obstructed by a wall of emotions stronger than the logic of heavenly law, demonstrating the power of love that can defy fate.
In the serene silence, Joanna felt Rui's presence within her soul, the bond between them glowing brighter than the hometown that held sweet memories. A magical aura shimmered in the air, narrating wordless stories that resonated with the elements of their lives, as if reaching out to them through genuine love.
One by one, the guardians advanced.
Joanna was bleeding. But she stood firm.
She knew: she could not defeat them all.
But she could... plead.
"If love cannot save... then let me be the bearer of that curse. I will take her far from this world."
"As long as she... can live. And choose for herself... whether she wants to love or kill."
In that tension, it felt as though they were all listening, like a council of gods weighing the deepest decisions of the human soul, ready to confront whatever choice would be made in the face of unlimited love.
The Guardians paused for a moment.
And the earth... held its breath.
Suddenly... a deep crimson-purple light emerged from Rui's body—not Qayin, but the lingering soul of Rinoa, whom she had once killed. Yet... she smiled.
"You choose to save her, Joanna?"
As if time had stopped, their gazes held a deeper question—can love transcend the boundaries of life and death? Why has this bond become so significant, even in the most unexpected moments?
"Then I will give you one condition, something that can test just how deep this love runs."
"Say that you love her... not because she is your sister, but because she is your choice."
Joanna cried.
"I love Rui..."
"Not because of blood. But because she is the only one who makes me want to live... as a human." In the end of her words, there was a glimmer of hope, as if the lost moments of peace could be restored. A reminder that true love knows no bounds and is unaffected by dark fate.
The sky dimmed.
Amidst the darkness, a soft light from the weave of magic surrounding them depicted an unbreakable connection despite the many obstacles that lay ahead. Every heartbeat of Joanna resonated in harmony with Rui's breath, like two stars trying to find their way back to each other in the vastness of space.
The Guardians stood in silence, mesmerized by the sincerity and strength of the love radiating from Joanna. They felt the wave of emotions arising from the bond between the two connected souls, undeterred by the significant challenges they faced.
Amidst them, the subtle presence of mystical energy began to emerge, as if the essence of the Alpha world vibrated with their potential. The echo of the connected souls filled the air, warming the cold atmosphere around them. And time... awaited its answer.
