Miss Hebe is Slaughtering Her Way Out of the Lostbelt!

Hebe and Mordred were heading towards the metal bridge shrouded in thick fog, a bridge that led to the Silent Bookstore.

Previously, the bell of the Silent Bookstore had chimed nine times.

"Could little Hebe be the new administrator of the Silent Bookstore?"

Presis pouted and resentfully pushed the large pot of stew entirely in front of herself.

Training Grounds.

This time, Hebe didn't choose the greatsword, but another slightly smaller, yet equally heavy, greatsword.

Below the weapon rack, the past deeds of the original owner of this training sword were inscribed in calligraphy.

— "Skadi's Training Sword."

"Ys, Atlantis, Agor... All these names refer to the city that once prospered and has now sunk into the sea. It is dangerous and unwise to rashly entertain guests from Atlantis, but at least one visitor from the deep sea has graced this place and left behind a replica of her weapon. Respect to Lady Skadi."

This sword was heavy, its crossguard detached from the plane of the blade, ground separately, extending six serrations on either side.

The entire greatsword could hardly be called sharp; its best use would be to bludgeon, then drag the blade across the opponent to crush them in half.

Mordred casually picked a training sword, then tilted it at an angle, meeting the attack with a posture that was somewhat familiar to Hebe.

Even with her face obscured, even with only a training sword in hand at this moment, without red lightning or fierce flames, Mordred was still enveloped in an aura that could be called "pride."

It was reminiscent of a young lion.

'So it's you.' Hebe thought calmly.

Then she stepped forward, raising her sword to smash down.

Mordred raised her sword to block... but couldn't!

The former Knight of the Round Table's eyes widened.

Such terrifying power!

In that moment, Mordred instantly drew a line between Hebe and "Merlin."

How could that ethereal court mage, so adept at illusions, possibly be the girl wielding monstrous strength before her?

Upon realizing this, Mordred's expression became somewhat solemn. As she retreated to release the force, she flipped her wrist, pressing the training sword she held upside down onto Hebe's greatsword.

With Mordred's wrist strength, coupled with the weight of the training sword itself, she was certain this should exceed Hebe's limit.

But what caused her to lose her composure once more was that Hebe, with just one hand, swung the greatsword, sweeping away the training sword she had pressed upon it.

Then the greatsword swept horizontally once more.

Mordred laughed in anger—could this truly be called swordsmanship?

This was clearly relying on her own monstrous strength to suppress others.

She lifted her leg and kicked the sword Hebe swung, leaning back.

This movement did not cause Mordred to lose her balance; instead, it strangely allowed her to slip under Hebe's sword reach.

She swung her sword, aiming for Hebe's knee.

However, the greatsword defended again—Hebe released her right hand holding it, and at the moment it was about to fly out of her grasp, she gripped the hilt with her left hand and smashed it onto the ground.

The greatsword plunged into the ground, precisely halting Mordred's attack.

The training swords met, emitting a crisp cracking sound.

— Mordred's sword remained intact, but the cracks on the greatsword in Hebe's palm rapidly extended, turning into fragments at an extremely fast pace.

Sobek's Training had taken effect.

The swordsmanship that had once stirred up storms in the deep sea now belonged to Hebe.

She calmly watched Mordred, looking at her face, which was not similar to her memory: "Thank you very much."

Mordred seemed to awaken from a dream.

She felt some regret in her heart, even a sense of inexplicable self-blame—why had she used such a dangerous sword technique on Hebe?

If Hebe hadn't reacted in time, that strike could have broken her leg.

"It's my fault." Mordred even appeared somewhat flustered. She hastily apologized and then fled as if escaping.

Hebe stood in the verdant Training Grounds, silently watching Mordred's receding figure. She had almost reached out to grab Mordred, but ultimately did not.

She simply watched Mordred leave.

Suddenly, Hebe touched her forehead with her hand and chuckled softly.

The original Mordred was not like this; it seemed Morgan had taught her well.

"You've grown up, little Mo."

Author's Note

How should I put this, it's that time again.

We're going on the shelves tomorrow.

To my long-time readers, you know that during my "going premium" announcement, I usually share some of my thoughts and feelings. Well, this time is no exception.

First, let's talk about Hebe's character design.

The current Hebe is someone who is passionate about conquering Lostbelts and curious about the unknown. She never boasts about how many people she's saved, nor does she believe she's always on the side of justice. Objectively, however, she has indeed allowed more people to live better lives.

Hebe isn't insensitive to emotions, but she doesn't believe she deserves to be loved—not out of false modesty, but because she is too self-aware.

She's the type of person who would bet herself on the gambling table without hesitation for a better outcome, let alone gamble "emotions" and "love." However, in Hebe's understanding, emotions are difficult to clearly categorize, and love cannot be gambled.

Yet, Hebe knows the price of doing so and is willing to accept it. As the saying goes, "Better to be eternally damned than seek salvation from all the saints." Hebe made promises to everyone, and the price was herself.

Of course, when she gouged out her heart to gamble with fate, wouldn't those she saved extend a helping hand to her?

They would.

Hebe promised them that everything would be in order, so I must also promise Hebe that everything will be alright, and it will definitely be a happy ending.

Next, let's talk about the "stitching" aspect. I think many people are confused. Haki-qing, how many more worldviews have you stitched together, and how many elements have you fused? Can you truly grasp characters with such diverse personalities?

Well, how should I put it... When I was designing this book, I focused on the world-building first.

The real world is based on the Arknights world, fused with the modern world view of Type-Moon. The so-called "simulated world" is presented in the form of a Lostbelt. When Hebe rewrites history, the results of her changes will also be reflected in the real world.

The power system is my own creation, inspired by Theביל and Type-Moon.

If you're familiar with Type-Moon, you'll easily see it. The "Mark" and "Merits" can be completely substituted for "Skills" and "Noble Phantasms."

Mysticism, Type-Moon, and Arknights are the three pillars of my world-building stage. So what about others like Shoko Toyokawa? Their settings have been re-adapted and integrated into this worldview.

The characters active on the stage mostly possess certain distinct elements, piled up like building blocks. Some building blocks with the same elements can be replaced at any time, but the important thing is to finish stacking the blocks without letting them fall. The appearance of the Toyokawa family is a foreshadowing for the Eastern arc.

Next, let's talk about the update schedule, which is what readers care about most.

Currently, I owe nineteen updates (thanks again to the treasure chests from Usami of the Lotus Pavilion and the Eighth Ruler, Cruel Wolf). Frankly, without those two chests, I would have likely been a one-hit wonder after the recommendation. "May the elders of the land tolerate me, and not let the mortal world create wicked money." Regardless, this book will definitely be finished, and finished beautifully, otherwise, it would be a disservice to those who gave rewards, subscriptions, collections, and votes.

I am, after all, a seasoned failure who has completed all the books I've put up for sale. How could I possibly lose this credibility again?

Oh my, it's precisely for this reason that I still feel like I'm dreaming—this achievement is a bit beyond my expected standard, even a bit unreal.

Thank you, truly, thank you.

My update standard is two chapters per day. As for bursting with updates after going premium... it's mainly because I have to work until the 27th. I'll probably have to wait until New Year's Eve to write a few more chapters. Please bear with me.

Theoretically, I shouldn't be opening bounties in my current state, but this is also a way to put some pressure on myself.

If I get two hundred initial subscriptions, I'll be satisfied. On top of that, if I get another hundred average subscriptions, I'll add one more update—this offer is valid until the end of the book.

One golden chest equals ten updates, this is also valid long-term (I'll temporarily pause this one, I really can't keep up).

During the recommendation period after going premium, two thousand recommendations, two hundred monthly votes, and two hundred "blades" will earn one more update—this is perhaps asking too much, but setting the bar higher gives me some breathing room.

Let me also promote our group number: 667225594. The answer to enter the group is "Wandering Traveler." We discuss settings and exchange plot points in the group. Feel free to join if you're interested.

Other than that... what else can I say?

Besides thanks, there is nothing else.

Sincerely, Qing Sanren.

Volume: Eastern Arc

58 New Lostbelt, Fox Spirit and the Snake Calling Itself a Dragon (Seeking Initial Subscription)

Hebe walked barefoot along a long corridor, carrying her sandals, her feet treading on a path inlaid with colorful stones, accompanied by the sea breeze.

Her flaxen hair fluttered in the wind.

The trees in the courtyard were lush and grew wildly, as if completely unrestrained.

She had sensed before that "Little Mo" seemed to want to approach her but kept her distance, displaying a hesitant uncertainty. It was like a traveler in the cold night spotting a blazing flame.

It wasn't until Hebe saw the familiar, flamboyant swordsmanship, as wild as a young lion, that she confirmed Mordred's identity.

"That's good." Seeing that Mordred was living well now, Hebe finally felt a bit relieved.

She still remembered how she had used rather despicable means to cage the still-unrebellious knight in her palm. At that time, she firmly believed she controlled the course of the future and had foreseen everything.

But Morgan still became the Fallen Empress, Arthur's heart grew harder, and the Battle of Camlann was approaching.

After that, Hebe preserved Mordred's spiritual body. She knew Morgan would inevitably take Mordred away and create a new vessel for her. If everyone she knew had already been resurrected, then the chains woven with lies would surely have long since rotted away, and Mordred would grow freely somewhere in this world.

At that time... even if she encountered someone as wicked as herself again, it would be fine.

—Because Mordred had grown up.

The girl with flaxen hair stood gently in the wind, her eyes soft. She looked at her palms, carefully gazing at the intertwined lines, as if seeing the people she had once held hands with.

Hebe bent down, put on her sandals, clapped her hands, and walked back towards the central courtyard.

"Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening to you all."

"And may you never be bothered by a liar like me again."

In the bedroom facing the sea to the north, on the computer's dark green desktop, a card depicting a full moon and a fox tail was faintly glowing.

Hebe sat at the desk and was silent for a long time before clicking on the card representing the Eastern Lostbelt.

"Secret History Simulator 1.1, welcome, [The Knower]."

"The gate to Lostbelt [Tale of the Far Eastern Fox Spirit: Sword of Divine Progression] has opened. You may choose to enter and conquer it at any time."

"Regardless of the method you choose to conquer it, it will not result in actual death."

"This Lostbelt is divided into three parts: upper, middle, and lower. The progression in each part is independent. Only after completely conquering a part will the next stage be unlocked."

"This Lostbelt is under special observation. Repeated deaths will lower your final score!"

The general is steadfast, the emperor nameless; horns broken, sinews snapped, the dragon kin dies; heaven envies talent, falling before completion... All say the fox has nine tails, its power reaching the heavens. If one can obtain it, their wishes may be granted.

"Please record your story. We will eventually cross the long night where moonlight flows like water."

Once upon a time, there was a mountain, and in the mountain, there was a temple. But it wasn't monks living there.

"Where's the dragon? It's clearly a snake."

A fox stood at the temple entrance, looking at the statue above with a pout.

Dust on the ground gathered, forming text visible only to the fox.

[Hebe Stanton / Tamamo-no-Mae]

[Path: None]

[Tenet: Cup (Lostbelt Exclusive). A tenet representing desire, temptation, and suffering.]

[Rank: Enlightenment (Lostbelt Exclusive). The first rank on the path of sublimation.]

[Current Lostbelt Progression: 0%]

"Civilization is conquering the wilderness, and the violence of order will ultimately triumph over savagery. This is the manifestation of the struggle between Scarred Father and Cruel Wolf. As a 'Fox Spirit,' you may align with either side to advance the conquest of this Lostbelt."