A Certain Multiverse's Holy Right

Kabbalah, the mystical philosophy of Judaism, theorizes that the universe is divided into four parts. According to Aiwass, A Certain Magical Index world operates under this framework. However, the current reality in which Roy finds himself exists entirely outside of this theory.

Why does this reality have novels, anime, and manga about other worlds?

Are those other worlds real? Why was I able to cross over?

These questions bombarded Roy's mind, leaving him nearly breathless.

"Never mind," he muttered, shaking his head and pushing the questions aside. He turned toward Aiwass. "These are things I can't figure out right now. Aiwass, can you still use your powers in this world?"

Aiwass, casually observing the current world, paused for a moment before answering.

"… My power has been greatly limited and suppressed in this world."

Roy noticed something peculiar. Aiwass's voice, which had previously sounded muffled, as if filtered through a veil, was now crystal clear, carrying a distinctly feminine tone. This shift made Roy wonder if the unique properties of this world had narrowed the "positional gap" between them, allowing her expressions to appear more human.

He furrowed his brow, grabbed paper and pen, and began sketching out magical diagrams and symbols.

"Magic still works," he noted, testing a few basic spells. "But as you said, the power here is heavily restricted. Simple suggestion magic, however, is still effective. If this world lacks any other supernatural forces, I could, theoretically, climb to the top using just this ability."

He shrugged, speaking with indifference. Clearly, this idea didn't excite him. Compared to the vibrant, dynamic worlds of "2D," the real world was far too dull.

"But Aiwass is different," Roy thought to himself. "She's pursuing the unknown, exploring reality with curiosity. I'm not like her. What I need now is to focus on growing stronger."

He compared himself to a character in an RPG.

"Most RPG protagonists grind levels steadily before facing the final boss. Me? I met the final boss right at the start and got wiped out. This game's difficulty is on par with a FromSoftware title."

He chuckled at his self-deprecating joke and shifted his thoughts to the night of his crossing.

"That night…" he murmured, "I remember seeing a strange incantation. Out of curiosity, I memorized it. Later, while dreaming, I unconsciously recited it…"

As his memories became clearer, a deep impression emerged from his soul. It was a short spell, written in simple Chinese characters. While he could recognize each individual word, their combined meaning was incomprehensible.

"What is this…" he muttered, silently reciting the incantation.

Aiwass immediately noticed something unusual. Her gaze sharpened as she locked onto him. When Roy uttered the final word of the spell, Aiwass's expression changed drastically.

"Ah…" she murmured softly.

In the next instant, both Roy and Aiwass vanished from the room.

…

Roy's vision blacked out, and when it cleared, he found himself in a strange, otherworldly space.

Beneath his feet was a surface resembling transparent glass. Through it, he could see an endless starry sky, vivid and vibrant like a painted canvas. One look, and Roy immediately recognized it—this was the A Certain Magical Index world he had once inhabited.

In front of him stood a long staircase, leading skyward toward a white, misty expanse. The "sky" above was surprisingly low, barely a hundred meters away. The white fog churned like primordial chaos, exuding an aura of endless mystery.

"I've been here before," Roy muttered. "Back then, I thought it was just a dream. Everything was covered in white fog, and there was no staircase. I tried to imagine myself going to a '2D' world, and the next thing I knew, I woke up in A Certain Magical Index..."

…

"Aiwass, do you recognize this place?"

Roy turned toward the Holy Guardian Angel behind him. Aiwass, usually calm and composed, appeared frozen in stunned disbelief, her glowing form radiating a sense of wonder and confusion.

After a long silence, she finally responded:

"...I must admit, Roy, this place exceeds the boundaries of my knowledge. My very presence here is dependent on you—without your existence, I would not have manifested in this form."

"So even you don't understand this place…" Roy murmured. If even Aiwass, with all her knowledge and insights, was at a loss, there was no point in him overthinking things.

He took a deep breath and gazed at the long staircase before him. "Still, I feel like I can return to the A Certain Magical Index world anytime through this place. But if I go back now, it'll be with nothing in my hands—just a powerless body. I need to explore this place first."

Roy cast a final glance at the oil-paint-like starry sky beneath him, then turned his attention back to the staircase. The steps seemed to beckon him toward the heavens.

He stepped onto the stairs, ascending slowly toward the white fog. Aiwass followed closely, her radiant form hovering just behind him.

"Aiwass," Roy said, his tone half-joking. "If this place really lets me travel between worlds, I could go back to my reality and force those authors to rewrite their stories. What do you think would happen then?"

"That would be pointless," Aiwass replied calmly. "The world is a complex system made up of infinite variables. It follows fundamental logic—contradicting that logic excessively would only lead to disaster."

She paused briefly before continuing, "You must also understand this: the existence of these 'fictional worlds' you speak of is not the cause but the effect. Their stories exist because the worlds themselves exist, not the other way around. What you're describing is akin to reversing the flow of causality—a dangerous path."

Her words carried a weight of authority, leaving no room for doubt.

Roy stopped at the final step, just before crossing into the misty expanse. He turned to Aiwass, his expression contemplative.

"I understand now. I should know only what's necessary—'the essentials within the essentials,' as you said. It's enough to grasp the major plotlines and key figures without obsessing over every detail."

He smirked, his tone light yet resolute. "In the A Certain Magical Index world, I only remembered the overarching story and a few main characters. That ignorance gave me the freedom to act without being tied down by fate. It's better this way."

"That's precisely what I mean," Aiwass confirmed with a nod.

Roy glanced toward the fog above, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Alright, let's see what's on the other side."

Taking a firm step forward, he crossed the threshold into the unknown.

…

The second layer of the space revealed itself, bathed in white fog. In the distance, Roy could see another staircase ascending toward yet another sealed realm.

"It seems there are more levels above," he murmured. "How far does this ladder go?"

Aiwass remained silent, her expression unreadable.

Looking around the formless fog, Roy made a declaration.

"If these stairs truly lead somewhere divine, let's call them the Ladder to Godhood—the Stairway to Heaven."

Turning back to the vast emptiness, he uttered his wish aloud.

"Take me to a world where I can grow stronger—quickly."

As soon as the words left his lips, the fog began to swirl and condense, as though responding to his command.

The figure of Roy vanished from the ethereal realm, stepping boldly into his next journey.