Xingyue, is Xiaokai also considered Kai?

Even now, Ort is still reviewing Favia's memories, because he cannot understand why Favia, also a star, can reignite.

Under normal circumstances, even though he was already dead, in the fleeting moment before his consciousness vanished and his body was slowly falling into fragments, Oort clearly saw with his own eyes the appearance of the star that had killed him.

How can one surpass their own past failures and the once-faded supernovas?

Just because of breaking the limit and burning out 4.6 billion years?

Such insignificant years, so...

This is, how—

"So beautiful..."

In the silent, imperceptible transition, it uttered this mechanical sigh—perhaps for the first time.

Although one can never learn culture, one should at least possess the ability to imitate the behaviors of creatures one has already preyed upon.

"sun......."

These final whispers were carried away by the wind, never reaching Favia's ears, and then there was no more sound.

"...Is it beautiful...?"

Favia smiled when she heard Ort murmur "beautiful" but didn't know what he meant.

The planet-devourer, summoned by the planet but arriving at the wrong time, has met its end.

When the crimson sky above, symbolizing the protection and blockade of Pluto (UO), dissipated, the cracked dome was revealed, and the once terrifying Crystal Valley on the ground rapidly faded away, marking the end of the alien landscape representing destruction.

At the very end of the only exit from this other world, the towering tree withered, and the sun died down.

Favia knew she was about to disappear.

But as long as that world—where people can continue to exist—that's enough.

but--

"...They should be able to hold on a little longer."

We must return to the place where we were born, because it was agreed upon.

"I should go back... Someone is waiting for me, I can't break my promise."

Without realizing it, a smile naturally appeared on his face, and he couldn't help but shake his head as he walked step by step toward the exit.

.......

The Himalayas, 1891.

Two humans who should have been dead are here.

One of them was Helena Blavatsky, the magician who supposedly passed away in a deep sleep somewhere in London on a certain day in May, the founder of Theosophy.

One of them is Sherlock Holmes, the detective who is supposed to meet his death at a waterfall somewhere in Switzerland on a certain day in April.

"To pursue the evil left behind by Moriarty...?"

Under the clear and azure sky, Helena, who at first glance appears to be only about fifteen years old but is actually over sixty, uses magic to make herself look like a young girl, yet her eyes reveal the composure of a sage who has experienced many years.

"Indeed, the scenery seen from the Himalayas, which can be described as the end of the world, is so beautiful that Watson might be quite envious. However, he might also complain that the scene is too much like a fantasy story and lacks a sense of reality."

"That's what the detective, who should have died, said," his eyes, brimming with reason and wisdom, followed the Himalayas with unwavering gentleness.

However, he clearly changed the subject and didn't deliberately talk about Moriarty.

Helena naturally noticed this, and then asked, seemingly casually:

What kind of person was Moriarty?

It is evil, the Napoleon of the criminal world, an undeniable sin.

Originally, if Holmes hadn't yet had his final showdown with that criminal genius at the Rheinbach Falls, he would have said exactly that.

However, on that day in Reinbach, Holmes felt as if he were meeting this 'Napoleon of the criminal world' for the first time.

"At this age, I still can't escape the delusion that 'only I am special.' This confidence is actually unfounded; it's just the lingering influence of past glories. Even now, ignoring my current insurmountable disadvantage, I just keep deceiving myself:"

One day I will succeed and be able to break free from my previous meaningless life.

As people get older, their dreams of success become increasingly inflated, and those who are driven to the brink of despair are more likely to fall into the pursuit of turning adversity into victory.

However, this is precisely where the incurable nature of humanity lies….

Moriarty, who tricked Watson into leaving Holmes' side, boasted so much to the detective.

"I thought you would give a detailed account of how you evaded the British police and learned our whereabouts."

Holmes said calmly.

"Well, of course I've had that thought, but that kind of thing isn't really important, at least not now, is it?"

The old man bowed gracefully and said.

"Yes, the thought of being able to eliminate all the harm caused by your existence excites me greatly, James Moriarty."

"I am deeply honored to be driven to the brink of defeat and to engage in a final battle with you, Sherlock Holmes."

Thus, "The Final Case" came to an end, with the two combatants ultimately falling down the waterfall together.

"It looks like it's over."

As he fell down the waterfall, Holmes calmly addressed Moriarty, showing little panic, for it was merely a necessary tactic.

What truly ended was the evil known as James Moriarty.

However, to his surprise, Moriarty showed a rather indifferent expression, not explaining what he had done, but rather reminiscing about the past.

"Yes, it would be much easier if we could let go of it. I've always known that."

If you don't force yourself to let go, you'll only encounter all sorts of bitterness and hardship, which I've already experienced firsthand.

I was unable to help Babbage complete his research, and he passed away with regrets.

However, the thought of 'thankfully not giving up' has flashed through my mind more than once or twice.

It is because of our perseverance that others will succeed over us.

Yes, I think it's fine this way, I'm already very satisfied... Nevertheless, I still have to shout something—"

This was the first time Holmes had ever seen Moriarty with this expression.

Next, Moriarty suddenly gritted his teeth:

"Faria! You bastard! What an evil plan that's been going on for decades! You knew all along that things would turn out exactly as you planned, didn't you? And yes, it's quite pleasant, and the failure to get what you wanted is also quite pleasant..."

But this wasn't my design! If I ever get the chance, I'll make sure you witness my truly evil plan!

This was the last time Charlotte saw the criminal underworld's Napoleon.

It is evil, yet it also resembles a child searching for something.

Therefore, to Helena's question, he answered as follows—

"It's very interesting. I guess this is what fate is all about, him and me."

The two came to the Himalayas because there are still many unknown secret places there, and it was also purely by chance.

This was actually very good for Helena, who was trying to escape the association's pursuit. However, the association's influence was everywhere, and Helena, who had faked her death and escaped, had already been targeted. So, not long after, somewhere in the Himalayas, seven magicians dressed in all-black winter suits blocked their way.

For Holmes, breaking through this encirclement would not be difficult; as long as the two of them put in their full effort, they could undoubtedly solve the problem easily.

However, Helena didn't want to do that; she didn't want to kill anyone.

“I’m already an old woman. Although I have no children or grandchildren, if I did, I would be about the same age as them now, wouldn’t I? I don’t think it’s right for me to take their lives. Because I’m already dead.”

"I respect your opinion. Please stay there and don't move."

Holmes agreed, allowing Helena to cover her body, and then he defeated the seven men, who fled one after another in a panic.

However, in that very moment when the last person escaped, the instant Helena opened her eyes, something entered the corner of her vision.

Pink...

"What is it?"

Unconsciously, she uttered words, and her focused attention, which she had been maintaining to remain invisible, was interrupted, revealing her figure.

Helena Blavatsky!

Six people had already escaped from the cave, and the black-clad assassin appearing at the edge of her sight must be the seventh. In other words, this assassin had bypassed Holmes and come to her. However, no matter how much Helena didn't want to kill, she had no choice now, or she would die.

Then, Helena saw the assassin's eyes—eyes as beautiful as polished obsidian.

"I will never forget Lady Helena's teachings."

Helena could almost hear the voice of the young assassin.

The child he once taught has come to kill him.

She immediately understood the spells and all the amulets he was using: physical enhancement, magic to calm the mind, and the drug Hashish used by the assassination order in "The Travels of the Condor Heroes" and "The Count of Monte Cristo" to keep the assassins' minds calm. So that's how it is.

Helena, having given up resistance, was about to die, as she should have.

"Oh my, I never expected to meet such a lovely lady. I have no choice but to make my move. But don't fall in love with me at first sight!"

"Oh, Dad, really, you're so old, don't you feel ashamed? It wouldn't be good if Grandpa saw this."

When Helena opened her eyes again, the assassin had been knocked to the ground, and in front of her were an old man with silver hair and a girl with pink hair.

The reason she exclaimed in surprise and thus gave away her location was because of this pink-haired girl.

"Are you alright... Hai—"

When Holmes arrived and saw the two men's faces clearly, even the usually composed Holmes was slightly taken aback.

"...You're not dead?"

"Of course! You're fine, so how could I be? Don't you agree, Great Detective?"

Moriarty twisted his waist and said with a smug look on his face.

"...Then it seems I was presumptuous."

Helena then learned the identities of the two men through Holmes's introduction: James Moriarty and his daughter Frankenstein.

"Because Grandpa said that if Dad suddenly wanted to go out and do something by himself, I had to secretly follow him, otherwise something might happen. So that day at the Rheinbach Falls, after Dad and Holmes fell in together, I watched Holmes disappear in a flash, leaving Dad struggling desperately in the water. To teach him a lesson, I made him stay with me for a few minutes."

"Don't say that, Fran, or I'm going to cry!"

"I see. So why did you come to the Himalayas?"

Ignoring Moriarty's antics, Holmes continued his questioning.

“Dad said he wanted to see what you were up to by faking your death, Holmes, so he came,” Fran replied with utmost seriousness, then bowed in apology. “But don’t worry, from today onwards, Dad and I will leave here; we’re going to Antarctica.”

"Yeah, it's not like we're the ones who will die, so it's okay!"

"Moriarty said, stroking his chin."

"Okay, may I ask one last question?"

"Please say."

"Miss Frankenstein, who is this... grandfather you're talking about?"

This topic greatly intrigued Holmes, especially considering Moriarty's previous remarks, which made him even more concerned.

After all, he really couldn't imagine that the Napoleon of the criminal world would show such an expression.

"Grandpa is Grandpa."

“That’s Fran’s grandfather. I don’t know him.”

Unlike Fran's joy, Moriarty also suddenly pouted.

“If my dad doesn’t recognize me, then he’s not my dad. I recognize my grandpa.”

"No, Fran, I was wrong! Don't abandon your father!" Moriarty suddenly grabbed Fran's hand, looking as if he was about to cry at any moment. "I'll acknowledge him, I'll acknowledge him, okay? I was a terrible person before. Fran is the most adorable. My daughter is my most precious treasure. Please, little Fran, don't disown your father!"

Helena couldn't help but laugh when she saw Moriarty's expression.

"Just as Holmes said, Mr. Moriarty, you are quite interesting."

"Oh, really? I never expected that taciturn Sherlock Holmes to say that about me." Moriarty suddenly stood up and said with a smile, "This gives me a new perspective on you."

...What I find interesting is not what he is like now.

However, Holmes did not speak, but simply shook his head helplessly.