[Please choose, Host: close the world, or continue the simulation.]
Hearing the System's prompt, Kael froze for a moment.
Kamisato Ayaka's corruption had already been cleared completely.
In Ayaka's life, he was without question the most important person to her.
But she also cared deeply about Inazuma.
Now that she could truly see Inazuma beginning to heal, that lingering attachment inside her finally dissolved.
Kael's gaze swept across the hall.
Ayaka smiled as she watched everyone mess around…
Kamisato Ayato was being forced to drink by his subordinates, looking helpless on the surface but unable to hide the amusement in his eyes…
Teppei, completely drunk and collapsed, was still gripping his Vision with both hands…
Kaedehara Kazuha's friend was struggling to lift Kazuha's unconscious body off the ground…
And the Resistance soldiers were as loud and cheerful as ever…
The aftermath of this life simulation was honestly beautiful. There were no regrets left.
Kael lifted a hand and gently brushed aside the loose strands of hair framing Ayaka's cheeks.
"Ayaka… are you happy?"
Ayaka turned her head and rubbed her cheek affectionately against his palm, her smile bright and radiant.
"This is the happiest day of my entire life."
Kael met her gaze. "Good."
He had already made up his mind.
"System, close this life simulation."
If he let it continue, the simulation would only end once Ayaka died or met some other tragic end.
Kael felt it would be better to leave all this happiness frozen right here.
He came into the simulation for one purpose: to erase Kamisato Ayaka's corruption.
Now that the mission was complete...
The rest of the story should be written in reality.
He would make sure Ayaka stayed happy.
And Inazuma as well…
When Kael first arrived in Teyvat, all he wanted was to live an easy life, using whatever rewards the System gave him.
He hadn't cared about anything happening on this continent.
But now, because of the simulation, he had formed emotional connections with so many people.
The ones he cared about were all living here.
He was no longer just an outsider passing through; his life had become inseparable from Teyvat.
Looking at all those smiling faces before him, Kael suddenly felt that if the people of Inazuma in the real world could smile like this… it would be wonderful.
In reality, Kazuha's friend was already gone, something that could never be undone.
But the Resistance soldiers were still alive… Teppei was still alive…
Kael thought that once he returned to reality, he should visit Inazuma. See what he could do.
If he could stop any tragedies from happening, that would be the best outcome.
[Understood.]
Kael picked up his cup and stood, raising his voice. "Everyone..."
The rowdy crowd quieted as all eyes turned toward him.
"Thank you for coming to Ayaka and my wedding. Thank you for your care and support."
Everyone… see you again in reality.
Before the final word even faded, the scene shifted.
He detached from the life simulation and returned to Mondstadt.
[Life simulation closed. Thank you for your assistance, Host.]
Seeing Mondstadt's scenery—so different from Inazuma—Kael felt a faint sense of loss.
He had spent more time inside the simulation than in the real world.
He had even begun to grow used to that simulated life.
The warmth everyone gave him still lingered in his chest.
But fortunately… this goodbye wasn't forever.
They would meet again.
[Kamisato Ayaka's Pain Value -100. Current Pain Value: 0.]
[Yoimiya's Pain Value -100. Current Pain Value: 0.]
The System's announcement pulled Kael out of his thoughts.
It seemed the bonds formed in the simulation were affecting reality now.
Ayaka and Yoimiya's Pain Values had been cleared.
Kael had expected Ayaka's score to drop.
But Yoimiya's clearing to zero was a surprise.
So she had accumulated Pain Value because she believed she'd caused his death?
And seeing him alive and happy had washed it all away?
[Rewards for Pain Value reduction have been issued. Host, there is something I must remind you of.]
"Hm?"
[The reason memories from previous simulations were not projected into reality was because those simulations were still ongoing, and the energy was still circulating.]
[But this time, the life simulation has been completely shut down. There may be some energy overflow.]
"…Meaning the memories from this simulation might spill into reality?"
[There is a chance. Host, you should be prepared. Some people in Inazuma may recall fragments.]
…You couldn't have mentioned this earlier?
"Can't you just absorb all the energy? Isn't that what you wanted?"
[…If I could absorb everything directly, I wouldn't need you to stab everyone in the heart for emotional energy. And I can't absorb every type of energy.]
[I'll do my best to seal it, so the overflow should be minimal. If things go wrong, I'll reopen the simulation to restart the flow…]
So closing the simulation… accomplished absolutely nothing.
Meaning he might have to go back in again?
Kael's feelings were complicated.
It sounded troublesome, but deep down, a part of him felt that the ending had been so beautiful… it was almost a shame to shut it off.
If there was a chance to return, that didn't sound so bad.
The overflow was the only annoying part. Who knew how much the people of Inazuma would remember…
But compared to previous simulations, Kael felt he had truly done everything he could this time. Perfectly, even.
Even if they regained some memories, he had nothing to feel guilty about.
He could always improvise later.
[Does the Host have any further questions?]
Kael rolled his eyes.
As if asking you anything ever solves a problem.
He still had to figure everything out himself.
This stupid System was only good at lecturing him after the fact.
"Get lost."
[Understood. Returning to core state. Host, please enjoy your life in Teyvat.]
The System's voice disappeared. Mondstadt's frozen air finally began to move again.
Klee, who had been stuck mid-motion, started moving too.
She tilted her head at him. "Boar King Brother?"