Chapter 353

The clear, bright sky and the sunlight streaming into the second-floor classroom silently proclaimed the arrival of spring.

Hey! I'll knock!

"It hurts!"

Taiga walked to the back row and gently choked Ilya was fast asleep on the table.

"Don't openly doze off in class!"

"Feel sorry..."

After being caught sleeping in class by Taiga and causing laughter among her classmates, Ilya turned her head slightly, lowered her voice, and asked Ivia behind her.

"Hey, why didn't you wake me up?"

The girl's tone was matter-of-fact, as if she were someone who didn't pay attention in class, was reading extracurricular Book, and happened to be called on by the Teacher to answer a question, but her classmate, whom she had high hopes for, didn't say anything, or like now, she was caught dozing off and then confronted her classmate afterwards.

To this, Ivia gave a very common answer, as expected:

"Because I didn't see it, and don't talk in class, Ilya."

"... That's truly an irrefutable reason."

However, Ilya seemed quite dissatisfied with this perfunctory answer.

After all, in her eyes, Ivia, who sat behind her, was a well-behaved, model student. How could she possibly be daydreaming in class? It was obvious she was deliberately trying to embarrass her. She had even thought that Ivia, who had run away from home, might be malnourished, so she specially brought milk to the cupboard...

If I hadn't drunk two bottles and accidentally stayed up late yesterday, I wouldn't have been able to doze off.

Feeling quite down, Ilya said something and then turned back to her lesson.

"What were you looking at just now?"

"Ilya often appears in my sight."

Ivia spoke as if it were nothing out of the ordinary, but it was a different story for Ilya, who had turned around; at least her mood improved considerably.

"... Of course, you and I sit in front of and behind each other, so it's normal that we're often in each other's sight..."

Ilya is so easily embarrassed. A short sweet talk turned into this. Hehe, the poor girl is being played like this. Will she become obedient if Ivia 'm a little forceful? If I make a dark deal with her, wouldn't I be able to dress up as Ilya pleases? Right, I'll tell her that in exchange I'll play Slide Projector of my secret sleeping photos of Ilya...

Although Ruby knew that Ivia was no ordinary person, she couldn't help but mutter to herself. As Ruby had expected, Ivia, who was hiding in the gap of the backpack, glanced at her as if she had already heard what she was saying.

However, Ruby had no intention of stopping her inner monologue or giving up halfway through, despite this seemingly discouraging gaze.

Oh my gosh, mysterious young man, you've seen me, haven't you? How about I forcefully pin her against the wall and demand that the adorable Ilya wear either a classic or seductive wedding outfit? This is an absolute forbidden temptation for elementary school students! As her childhood friend, if you don't act quickly, what if someone unexpectedly steals Ilya away later? Don't cry your eyes out! I'm a childhood friend true love now!

Naturally, just as Ruby thought, Ivia had already discovered it the moment she found Ilya's bag. In fact, Ivia had clearly sensed the strange things that had happened in Ivia Fuyuki due to the Holy Grail War in the Parallel World, as well as Rin Tohsaka and Luvia's every move in the sky last night.

Of course, there's also Miyu Satsuki, who just arrived in this world last night.

However, Ruby was a little mistaken. Ivia wasn't looking at her because of her nagging, but because she was too noisy, especially in class. But Ivia thought Ruby meant no harm; it was just an unconscious habit caused by her severely damaged brain.

Therefore, in Ruby's eyes, Ivia smiled slightly and humbly shook her head.

Then, Ruby suddenly lost consciousness.

When Ruby regained consciousness, she peeked out from Ilya's schoolbag and realized it was already evening, and that Ivia and Ilya were by the shoe cabinet on the first floor of the elementary school.

Well, generally speaking, when you encounter someone who can get you into such a state, your first feeling upon waking up is most likely fear or worry...

But Ruby knew none of that; she had only one thought at that moment.

Ah, ah, if Ivia were to make Ilya, dressed as Magical Girl, fall into a coma like this, and then grope her all over, making Ilya only able to moan softly out of her body's instincts, and then after Ilya wakes up muttering curses, she'd probably end up rubbing her legs shyly and saying something like, "It's not like I can't just ask directly!" It would undoubtedly be blatant flirting, this, this is just too amazing!

Of course, besides Ruby's own personality, this is also because she completely fails to sense any malice from Ivia. In addition, Ilya's murmurs in her sleep, such as "Although he is expressionless most of the time and it is difficult to see what he is thinking from the depths of his pupils, I feel very relaxed when I am with him" and "And he plays such childish games with me, using True Magic," etc., make Ruby still so unreliable.

At this moment, Ivia and Ilya had finished their daily task 'Returning the Love Letter to Its Owner' and were preparing to open the shoe cabinet, take out the shoes, and go home.

However, an unexpected thing happened today, because as soon as Ilya opened the shoe cabinet, she found a letter on her shoes.

"This, this--"

Feeling incredulous, Ilya gasped softly and immediately closed the shoe cabinet, worried that Ivia might see it. However, when Ilya turned her head, she noticed that Ivia seemed completely unresponsive and didn't ask what had happened.

Then a static sound rang out from the girl's chest.

What do you mean it's not okay? My voice was so loud just now, how could it not have been heard? Why didn't they turn around and ask me...?

In short, Ilya suddenly felt anxious.

The next second, as if nothing had happened, she deftly opened the shoe cabinet, took out the letter that looked like a love letter, waved it in front of Ivia, and said casually.

"Ah, this is the letter in my cabinet. As for the letter after school, Ivia, you should know what it is."

"The ones outside are different from mine."

Ivia spoke so calmly, as if she understood everything.

Ilya was even more annoyed by his indifference, so she decided to read it aloud to his face, letting him know that she had a certain level of charm and that he could leave whenever he wanted if he didn't appreciate it!

"Now--"

After opening the letter, Ilya only managed to utter one word before pausing, because upon reading its contents, she felt as if the sky had fallen.

This letter wasn't a love letter, but rather written by Rin Tohsaka, the former owner of the Ruby: "Come to the High School grounds at midnight tonight, or I'll kill you... and come find you directly." The word "kill" was probably crossed out because Rin Tohsaka felt it wasn't appropriate to say it to a child.

"Good day, Ilya, you look beautiful..."

Perhaps due to nervousness, her cheeks flushed, like a flower bud about to bloom.

However, when a person lies, if they haven't received professional training, their body will definitely show symptoms, such as unconscious eye movements and irregular breathing. In short, these reactions truthfully indicate that the person speaking is wavering.

"At this age, when confessing one's feelings, people usually quote classic lines from TV dramas or something similar."

Ivia seemed completely unconcerned about Ilya's change, and said calmly, "Let me guess, Ilya, you wrote this in your letter, didn't you?"

I don't know what will happen in the distant future, but my feelings right now are 100% genuine, and I can say that with absolute certainty.

I will listen carefully to whatever you say, no matter how slowly. If a letter cannot express myself clearly, I will come to see you directly like this. If you leave, I will go with you, no matter how slowly.

I'll listen to you no matter how slowly you speak; I'll walk with you no matter how slowly you walk. Right now, I might not be very reliable, but one day I'll become useful to you. Even if I can't be like before, I want to convey this feeling to you. I don't think we're from two different worlds. I... I might... like you... maybe... maybe I like you... perhaps...

There should be this sentence.

Ilya didn't answer immediately... she just desperately tried to control her pounding heart.

Then he glanced around slightly, and nodded gently, saying:

"... Um."

A voice as soft as if whispering.

It was a light and soft voice that made people think, "How lovely!" That was Ruby's first thought.

"Why nod at this moment? Just pounce on her! But this is too much! Giving the tsundere Ilya a way out while saying such powerful love lines that will be remembered for a lifetime? Could it be that my words worked? I guess I'm the one who's got the best for her!"

However, the scene Ruby had imagined did not occur, and the two parted ways at the school gate after this little incident.

Just as Ruby was about to rush out and berate Ilya for her lack of further action, Ilya's pupils gleamed, and she struck a victory pose, probably remembering Ivia's words before she opened the letter.

"As expected of Ivia, she's truly amazing!"

Well, it seems like things aren't so bad as they are now.

Ruby sighed inwardly.

And little Ilya, aren't you incredibly oblivious? Couldn't you even spot such an obvious step...?

In early April, just as the biting north winds begin to warm up, pink cherry blossoms are blooming throughout Fuyuki.

Even the Small Park where Ivia lived for four months was no exception.

Amidst the lush green vegetation, a triangular object suddenly appears—a tent. However, compared to the tents of the homeless, this tent is a neater yellow. Under a mysterious aura, it is difficult for ordinary people to perceive, and even those who know Magecraft can sense an atmosphere of extraterritoriality.

At this moment, Ivia, upon returning to the area, did not go directly into the tent as usual, but instead stood by the Fountain, quietly gazing at the tent.

His eyes were neither closed nor deliberately widened; they simply stared unblinkingly, devoid of any emotion.

"What brings you here, Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg?"

"My apologies, I didn't realize you noticed. I was going to give you a little surprise, haha..."

The moment the words fell, a wooden chair appeared behind Ivia, as if it had been prepared for her. However, Ivia remained standing, and the Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg, who had walked out of the tent with a smile, became increasingly less confident.

Putting aside the fact that she's shrunk in size, there's something strange about the Novia in front of me. Could it be that she's angry because I, during the Human Order Incineration, came here to slack off? Could Human Order Incineration? That shouldn't be the case... But this appearance, I don't know if it's just my imagination, somewhat resembles the Teacher.

"So what brings you here? If you just want to have tea and chat, let's do it another day. I'm busy undergoing tribulation right now."

"... Tribulation?"

Upon hearing Ivia's words, the Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg intriguedly produced a book out of thin air and made it flip through the pages rapidly on its own.

The book reflects the states of Parallel World on its pages, along with current intelligence parameters. The race, gender, age, physique, clothing, personality, occupation, and other factors of the people who are key figures are constantly changing, and the book turns its pages with astonishing force.

"You're still moving the Planet the same way."

"After all, the road to the Future is like Labyrinth, and this is my area of expertise."

"Yes, that's right, 'Future' is undergoing tribulation."

Ivia nodded. "So it's impossible for that to be reflected in your intelligence."

Upon hearing Ivia's words, Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg couldn't help but frown slightly. Although he couldn't find any information about 'Calamity', the most troublesome thing right now was the Human Order Incineration, but it seemed that it wasn't the 'Calamity' that Ivia was talking about.

This put the Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg in a dilemma. He had only sensed a familiar aura from the Ruby and thought that even though it hadn't come to greet him, he should at least greet it, since it wasn't a troublesome matter.

However, upon meeting her, Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg felt that Novia had not only shrunk but also changed considerably. If he hadn't been certain it was the same person, he would have thought it was some kind of disguise or imitation... Human Order Incineration shouldn't have such an effect; it could only be caused by that so-called 'calamity'.

After thinking for a while, the Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg still couldn't figure out what kind of calamity it was. It couldn't be the Book of Revelation, could it?

Perhaps sensing the Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg's confusion, Ivia stated bluntly:

"The Three Paths Are Forever Severed Here, and in the future, all will attain the one Dharmakaya."

What he was referring to was a passage from the Maitreya Praise written by Xuanzang of the Tang Dynasty. Upon instantly reviewing the relevant information, Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg immediately understood that he was referring to 'Maitreya,' the Future Buddha who is also the 'Messiah.'

Legend has it that when Xuanzang was sailing on the Ganges, he was chased by pirates who intended to offer him to Durga. Xuanzang asked for a moment of silence to Meditation Maitreya Buddha and pray that he could be reborn in the Trāyastriṃśa Heaven together with him.

Subsequently, Xuanzang saw Maitreya Buddha sitting on a shining throne in the Trāyastriṃśa Heaven, surrounded by many gods. Then, a storm came, and the pirates were terrified and knelt down at Xuanzang's feet, thus saving Xuanzang life.

Therefore, the Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg asked incredulously:

"... To help Buddhism overcome its tribulations?!"

Then, Ivia nodded slightly, confirming his guess.

In that instant, the Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg felt as if the sky had fallen. What was this? Betrayal...? That's not how you put it, but how else could you put it?

For example, the company's third boss was demoted to the head of a branch office because he went against the first boss. Then, not long after, he jumped ship (was poached) to a rival company and became the third boss. Moreover, this third boss was publicly designated as the next successor... Wow, that's impressive!

The Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg was completely baffled by what seemed to be the situation, but also felt that it wasn't something he should get involved in.

"However, I remember that if Maitreya were to undergo a tribulation, shouldn't it be something like the Dharma’s End Age? This world doesn't seem to fit that description at all."

Although he was already considering leaving, the Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg still asked, somewhat confused, "If we have to say, the world that fits the description now should be the one where that box was never opened, right?"

What the Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg was referring to was the world of Miyu. Because the Pandora's Box created by the Gods of Greece was not opened, the 'hope' within could not be released, and thus, after six thousand years, the world's Greater Source dried up.

"Because the Dragon Flower Bodhi does not grow in that world."

Ivia looked up at the sky, which had already darkened.

It's like when you pass by a park you used to play in as an adult, and you stop unexpectedly and stare at that park with that look in your eyes.

"No matter which world will face the Dharma’s End in the Future, the ending will be the same. Whether I go now or long after destruction, the place where Dragon Flower is now is where I will undergo my tribulation."

"So, the Dragon Flower Three Assemblies...?"

"Right."

As Twilight fell in spring, the sound of cicadas, a sound that should have been heard in summer, filled the park with a loud, powerful, buzzing chorus.

"May I, in my next life, be reborn with Maitreya, and descend with Maitreya. May I be with Maitreya in every lifetime, forever freed from the cycle of birth and death, and ultimately attain the supreme enlightenment."

This is Bai Juyi's "Record of the Maitreya Ascension Portrait".

Then, Ivia said with a smile.

"If you, Kishua, were still in this world after the Dragon Flower Three Assemblies ended, then you would be the same."

At Dragon Flower, all sentient beings are saved. If a single thought of joy arises, all past sins will be erased, and all sentient beings will receive the prediction of Buddhahood.