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future dreams will be unlocked every tuesday, thursday, sunday

On the date specified in my mandatory conscription notice, I headed to the oldest Familia Cathedral in the capital. Originally, I was supposed to go to the Grand Cathedral, but it was still under repair from the damage caused by a recent gate incident. While they claimed it was being swiftly restored, the hall where these ceremonies were typically held was half-destroyed, necessitating the change of venue. As the oldest cathedral in the capital, the creaking floorboards with each step were unavoidable. However, I understood why Familia Cathedral had been chosen. The mystical atmosphere within seemed perfectly suited to sanctify this bizarre event. Whether this was intentional or due to other circumstances, I didn’t know.

Inside, numerous Companions were already seated. They ranged from those who looked barely of age to much older individuals. Some were even dressed in mourning clothes. How cruel. The Companions of deceased Awakened were being temporarily assigned to Awakened slated for gate closures. Considering the reliance on physical contact, it was an utterly heartless practice.

Awakened suffered mental contamination with each use of their powers. Severe contamination led to rampages, which were equally dreadful. They’d relentlessly destroy everything around them until their life force was completely depleted. This was why Awakened needed Companions. The mechanism by which Companions purified this mental contamination remained unknown. It was only understood that a Companion’s power grew as their bond with the Awakened deepened, both mentally and physically. Of course, physical intimacy was considered the most effective way to strengthen their emotional connection. And this applied to me as well. Worrying won’t change anything. I found a relatively secluded spot and sat down.

The assignment process was simple: the names of those requiring Companions were called, and then names of Companions were drawn from a small box. With each name called, a wave of mixed emotions rippled through the seated Companions. As temporary assignments, the extent of purification they could offer was predetermined. Still, I can’t help but dread it. I, too, had names I desperately hoped wouldn’t be called. But before long, an unexpected name echoed through the cathedral.

“Lennard Verhagen.”

Why is Lennard’s name being called here? Since the names were called in order of ascending rank, he was likely the last Awakened. The other Companions also began to murmur in surprise.

“Duke Verhagen?”

That Verhagen?”

The somber atmosphere instantly buzzed with anticipation. Amidst this excitement, I was the only one desperately praying my name wouldn’t be called. Please, God! If you’re out there, have mercy on me!

“Estelle Schneider.”

My fervent prayer was cruelly crushed. Silence descended. I couldn’t bring myself to lift my head in embarrassment. Everyone knew. Everyone knew that Lennard Verhagen and Estelle Schneider had broken off their engagement just a few months prior. See, this is how cruel God is to humanity!

Even the priest seemed uneasy as he announced the completion of the assignments. One by one, people began to leave, until I was the only one left. I still couldn’t accept the reality.

“My lady, it’s time for you to leave.”

At the young priest’s words, I stumbled to my feet.

“I’ll be closing in thirty minutes. Please compose yourself and leave before then.”

Thanking him for his kindness, I wandered through the cathedral, feigning composure while my mind raced in denial. How can I face him again? The temporary companionship wouldn’t be long, perhaps a few weeks, but still, we would have to spend that time together. I felt both apologetic and resentful towards him for letting things escalate to this point.

As I was about to leave, I noticed a small statue. Ironically, in a cathedral dedicated to God, this statue was placed near the entrance, while a statue of a saint occupied the center. Who are they truly worshipping? Although God had forsaken me this time, I hoped for mercy in the future. I bought a small candle, lit it, placed it before the statue, and clasped my hands together. Please help me escape peacefully, as it happened in the original story.

After my short but earnest prayer, I looked up. A haloed statue, seemingly emanating light, stood before me. The subtle glow made it appear incredibly lifelike. Is it actually glowing? As I reached out to touch it in astonishment, I heard a youthful voice from afar.

“You must leave now.”

I quickly withdrew my hand. When I looked back at the statue, the light was gone.

***

A few days later, the fateful day arrived.

“This is outrageous! The Order can’t do anything about it?” Nina muttered, her face etched with frustration.

I hadn’t been idle. I’d appealed to the Order, but they’d swiftly dismissed my plea, stating that assignments with former fiancés were commonplace. I had assumed they would be relieved if I expressed my reluctance. Perhaps the Imperial Family or the Verhagen Duchy intervened.

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