Esper Harem in the Apocalypse

Chapter 1098: The Overlord Returns

Rudy's heart sank as he heard the old woman's words. He had come so far, endured so much, only to be told that there was nothing wrong with him. He couldn't accept it. There had to be more to his sealed memories, to the void he felt within himself. He refused to leave without answers.

"No," Rudy said firmly, his voice echoing in the vast, cosmic space. "I know there's something wrong with me. I can feel it. My memories are sealed, and I need them back. You have to help me."

The old woman sighed, her starry eyes flickering with a mix of frustration and fear. "You don't understand, boy. There are forces at play here that are beyond your comprehension. Your memories are not merely sealed; they are protected. Tampering with them could have consequences far worse than you can imagine."

Rudy's determination didn't waver. He stood up from the throne, his fists clenched at his sides. "I don't care about the consequences. I need to know the truth. I need to remember. Whatever is protecting my memories, I'll face it head-on. But I can't do that if I don't know what I'm up against."

The old woman looked at Rudy, her expression softening slightly. She saw the resolve in his eyes, the desperation that drove him. She knew that he wouldn't leave without getting what he came for. With a resigned nod, she said, "Very well. But remember, you asked for this. Whatever happens, you must face it alone. I cannot interfere."

Rudy nodded, a sense of relief washing over him. "I understand. Let's do this."

The old woman gestured for Rudy to sit back on the throne. As he did, she placed her hands on his temples, her fingers glowing with a soft, ethereal light. "Close your eyes and focus on the void within you. Let it guide you to the memories you seek."

Rudy did as he was told, his mind delving deep into the abyss of his forgotten past. The old woman's voice echoed in his consciousness, guiding him through the darkness. "Follow the path that reveals itself to you. Do not stray, and do not look back. Face whatever comes your way with courage and determination."

As Rudy ventured deeper, he began to see fragments of memories, flickering like distant stars in the night sky. He reached out to them, trying to grasp the elusive pieces of his past. But as he did, a sudden, overwhelming force pushed back against him, threatening to consume him entirely.

"What's happening?" Rudy gasped, his body tensing as he fought against the unseen force.

The old woman's voice remained calm and steady, a beacon in the storm. "This is the protection around your memories. You must break through it if you wish to remember. But be warned, the truth may not be what you expect."

With a deep breath, Rudy steeled himself, pushing against the barrier with all his might. He could feel it beginning to crack, the pressure building to an almost unbearable level. And then, with a final, monumental effort, it shattered.

A flood of memories rushed in, overwhelming Rudy's senses. He saw faces he hadn't seen in lifetimes, heard voices he thought were lost to him forever. The truth of his existence began to unfold, revealing a tapestry of lives lived and lost, of loves found and forgotten.

As the memories settled, Rudy opened his eyes, his vision blurry with unshed tears. He looked at the old woman, a mixture of gratitude and trepidation in his gaze. "I remember," he said softly. "I remember everything."

Rudy's eyes narrowed as he studied the old woman, his gaze piercing through her disguise. He knew better than to be fooled by mere appearances, especially now that his memories had returned. The air in the tent grew thick with tension as Rudy refused to back down.

"You can drop the act, Nyxia," Rudy said, his voice steady and confident. "I remember everything now. I know who you are, and I know what you're capable of. There's no use in hiding anymore."

The old woman's facade began to crumble, her form shimmering like a mirage. Slowly, the wrinkles on her face smoothed out, her white hair darkened to a lustrous blonde, and her eyes transformed into a fiery red. The simple gray robe morphed into an elegant, form-fitting gown that accentuated her curves. She stood taller, her presence commanding and regal.

Nyxia, now revealed, let out a sigh, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Well, well, well. Look who's finally caught up. Took you long enough, Rudy."

Rudy's expression remained serious, unimpressed by her playful tone. "Why the disguise? Why hide from me?"

Nyxia shrugged, a smirk playing on her lips. "I had my reasons. But now that you've seen through it, there's no point in keeping up the charade. Besides, I must admit, it's been quite entertaining to watch you stumble around in the dark."

Rudy's fists clenched at his sides, his frustration barely contained. "This isn't a game, Nyxia. My life, my memories—they're not some plaything for your amusement. I deserve answers. I deserve the truth."

Nyxia's smirk faded, her expression turning solemn. "You're right. You do deserve the truth. But you must understand, Rudy, the truth is never as simple as it seems. There are layers upon layers, secrets within secrets. And sometimes, the truth can be more dangerous than the lie."

"There's something you need to know, Rudy," Nyxia began, her voice steady yet tinged with a hint of regret. "I don't have any memories of you. Whatever happened between us, whatever bond we shared, it occurred in another timeline."

Rudy's brow furrowed as he processed her words. He had expected many things, but this revelation caught him off guard. Yet, deep down, he knew it to be true. The fragments of his memories, now restored, resonated with Nyxia's claim.

"I see," Rudy replied, his voice calm despite the turmoil within him. "That explains a lot. But it doesn't change what I need to do."

Nyxia raised an eyebrow, curious. "And what is that?"

Rudy took a step closer, his resolve unwavering. "I will use my powers to give you the memories of the previous timeline's Nyxia. You deserve to know the truth, just as I do."

Nyxia's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly composed herself. "You have learned to do that? Transfer memories from one timeline to another?"

Rudy nodded. "I can. And I will. I am the Lord. Why are you so surprised? It's the least I can do for everything you've done for me, even if you don't remember it."

Rudy stepped forward and gently placed his hand on Nyxia's forehead. He closed his eyes, focusing his powers. A soft glow emanated from his hand, pulsing with a rhythmic light. The air around them grew charged, the very fabric of reality seeming to bend to Rudy's will.

As the memories began to flow from Rudy to Nyxia, he felt a deep connection forming between them. It was more than just a transfer of knowledge; it was a sharing of experiences, of emotions, of lives lived and lost. Nyxia's eyes fluttered closed, her expression serene as she absorbed the influx of memories.

The process lasted for what felt like an eternity, yet also a fleeting moment. When Rudy finally opened his eyes, he saw Nyxia looking at him with a newfound understanding and gratitude.

"Thank you, Rudy," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "I never thought I'd say this, but... thank you."

Nyxia couldn't hold her emotions and hugged Rudy.

"No need to thank me." Rudy smiled calmly and hugged her back. "The Lord has returned."

But after a short pause, he added. "Oh! That's right… I am not the Lord… but Lord of the Lords! I am the overlord!"