Esper Harem in the Apocalypse

In this peculiar, colorless realm, Rudy found himself witnessing a conversation between the kid who resembled his younger self and the mysterious girl who identified herself as a guardian of existence.

The kid approached Rudy, his voice filled with a subtle, ethereal familiarity, and he said, "Hey there, Rudy. I'm the other part of you, the one that split from your soul and later merged with the universe."

Rudy's non-moving lips couldn't respond, but his eyes displayed a mix of surprise and confusion.

The kid turned towards the girl, his countenance calm but resolute, and said, "He's still alive, and you bring him to a graveyard and show him all these graves. I understand that you're not driven by emotions, but common sense dictates that certain actions are inappropriate at certain times."

The girl's response was tinged with nonchalance. "Oh, look who's suddenly showing concern. You've never been this outspoken before. What's so different now?"

The kid replied firmly, "The difference is that he's conscious. He can still hear and see. It's not about emotions, it's about what's respectful and appropriate."

Undeterred, the girl offered a dubious reassurance. "Relax. He'll die soon, and I was merely preparing his grave."

The kid's tone was adamant. "You can do that after he dies. Until then, please refrain from such actions. This place is beyond the constraints of time; we have infinite time."

The girl seemed to ponder for a moment before explaining, "What else was I supposed to do? I introduced myself and provided him with the necessary knowledge. I'm simply doing my job, as I've done since the beginning of existence. I don't need you teaching me how to do it."

The kid, maintaining his composure, offered a shrug and a chuckle. "And she claims not to have emotions."

"Did you tell him how many years have passed and what's going on in the universe?" the kid inquired.

The girl nodded in acknowledgment. "I provided a summary."

With a sigh, the kid expressed his understanding. "I can guess what you did. I possess the power of the overlord too. Let me read his thoughts and enable a proper conversation between the three of us."

The kid gently placed his hand on Rudy's stone-like shoulder, and in doing so, established an unspoken connection. He conveyed to Rudy, "I don't think I need to explain. Go ahead and converse with me through your thoughts."

Internally, Rudy began to question, 'How many years have passed, and what is the status of the world? How is my harem doing?' The kid was privy to Rudy's thoughts through his unique abilities and effortlessly transmitted these queries to the girl without uttering a word.

"Seven years have passed," the girl responded matter-of-factly. "And everyone in your harem is doing well."

Rudy's concerns delved deeper. 'What about Maria? How did everything transpire with her pregnancy?'

The girl replied reassuringly, "Maria successfully gave birth to twins. She named the boy Reed and the girl Mary. They're currently six years and three months old, fit and healthy, just like the rest of your harem."

With a touch of trepidation, Rudy's thoughts moved on. 'How are Eric and Erika faring?'

The girl's response was unequivocal. "Eric and Erika have become the human world's strongest heroes, and this isn't because they're your children. They achieved their status through their dedication and hard work."

Concerned about others, Rudy inquired further. 'How's Joe and Anthony?'

The girl shared the somber news, "Joe lost his life during a monster attack two years ago, while Anthony met an accidental end at the hands of another hero."

Rudy accepted this information with a simple, 'I see.'

Reflecting on the reality of mortality, the girl imparted a universal truth. "Everyone will meet their end someday."

As Rudy's thoughts delved into the overall state of the world, he wondered, 'Is the world in a better state now than when I... became like this?'

With a detached demeanor, the girl responded, "I couldn't provide an answer to that question. I am an overseer, while you once held the role of judge." Her eyes, devoid of emotion, remained fixed on Rudy, conveying the profound complexity of the situation they now found themselves in.

Rudy couldn't help but voice his bewildered and disheartened thoughts. 'What are we doing here, and what will become of me?' he inquired, searching for answers in the enigmatic space.

The girl remained unyielding in her demeanor. "I believe I've already explained the reason for your presence here. We are waiting for your death. I can't bury someone who is still alive, can I?" Her words carried a dispassionate tone.

Disappointment and disbelief colored Rudy's voice as he probed further. 'So... that's it? I don't receive any reward for carrying out the Lord's duty? Not even the chance to make a final wish or something?'

The girl's response held a measure of finality. "You were chosen as the overlord, and that's the greatest reward any living being can hope for. You wielded incredible powers and could have pursued any path you desired, whether for good or evil. Nothing would have stopped you. You possessed the freedom to wield your abilities as you saw fit, although engaging in evil deeds would have accelerated your transformation into shadow.'

And as for your last wish... you had countless wishes at your disposal when you were alive. What could one final wish achieve when the world's end is imminent?"

Embracing the harsh reality of his predicament, Rudy pressed on. 'So, until the end, we Lords – or should I say, Overlords – were mere pawns of the mother universe? Tools used to achieve certain ends, only to be disposed of once our purpose was served?'

The girl maintained her silence, unwilling to provide a direct response.

"Hey, you have to answer that," the kid asserted to the girl, compelling her to break her silence.

With a steely glare, the girl countered, "You're aware of the answers as well. Why don't 'you' answer his questions?" Her gaze did not waver as she inquired.

The kid held his ground. "He has his reasons for not believing me, but he will accept your words."