Chapter 212

Realizing her sister was making fun of her again, Rosaria flew into a rage and pounced on her. The two little girls, one pink and one blue, started wrestling on the beach. Bronya just sighed slightly. She didn't think about stopping them. After all, this was proof of their good relationship. As long as they didn't cause any major arguments, it was fine. And they should know their limits.

Bronya turned her gaze to the quiet girl beside her, a hint of tenderness flashing in her eyes. Seele had always been so quiet, always by everyone's side. She must enjoy this routine. Bronya reached out and took Seele's hand. "Then Seele, from now on, Seele 'll stay by Bronya's side."

"Yes! Sister Bronya, Seele will also be going to the Hyperion. Dr. Einstein seems to care a lot about the Stigmata on Seele's body, and she also wants to know about her experience in the Sea of Quantum. She wants to observe her for a while longer. That's good, so Seele can travel with Sister Bronya in the future... And Shen Gonglin, Seele hasn't thanked him yet."

Speaking of this, Seele was overjoyed. She could finally be with Sister Bronya, something she had dreamed of for so many years. Moreover, Seele wanted to help find Shen Gonglin, who was not only a very important person to Sister Bronya, but also someone else she cared about. So she had to help.

[Tch, you talk like you don't care about him. Ugh, so boring, I really want to sleep with Shen Gonglin...]

Another version of myself is saying those strange things again.

Seele blushed and turned her gaze away. Her other self was always saying strange things, and she didn't know how to respond to her anymore.

"Yes, Bronya will help you get used to the new environment."

Bronya nodded vigorously. Everything was moving in a positive direction. The children from the orphanage had also been taken in by Einstein, and she heard that they would be transferred to the Anti-Entropy Salt Lake Base, a safe place. They would all help with this. That was good. This was already the best possible outcome.

Bronya gazed out at the horizon. The rising sun cast its light upon the still sea, as if the previous turbulent waves were all a dream. Yet, Bronya remembered how much had happened that night. Everything had changed.

Chapter 197 Destruction and Rebirth

In that past night, many things happened on this sea: reunions, farewells, departures, and returns. Everything was so sudden, and then vanished without a trace like fleeting clouds. Indeed, a lot happened.

"A lot has happened. During this time, both Anti-Entropy and Hyperion will probably be very busy. We can't just rely on the adults; we have to work hard too."

Looking into the distance with Bronya, Seele then turned her gaze to everyone around her. They had all grown up now. Although Theresa and the Doctor were reliable, they still had to do their part. Past experiences had taught Seele that waiting passively was not a long-term solution. Some things really had to be done by herself. Only through her own efforts could the things she had been waiting for come true.

"What will the future be like? It's still a long way off, but it also feels so close."

Liliya's tone became somewhat heavy. She had never thought about such things before, but the future was inevitable, and they had to think about it too. What would her future be like? Liliya didn't know, but she would probably still be with these people— Rosaria, Bronya, Seele ... and Shen Gonglin. She wanted to know more about Shen Gonglin. When he returned, Liliya would definitely understand him as well as she understood Rosaria.

The girl understood that everything she was enjoying now was because of Shen Gonglin. He had saved her mother, saved her, and even rescued Bronya and Seele. She hadn't thanked him in person yet, but there would be other opportunities. When that time came, Liliya would definitely thank Shen Gonglin properly. She should start preparing now. What kind of way would he like to express his gratitude?

"Theresa said that the future belongs to the children. If even they don't believe that tomorrow will be better, then there will never be the future that everyone expects. This is also the reason why she founded St. Freya Academy."

Bronya wanted to pass on Theresa's beliefs to Rosaria and the others. Theresa was a very reliable person and an excellent headmistress. Bronya agreed with everything Theresa said and shared the same beliefs as her.

"Theresa always seems to say things that are hard to understand. Is she really the same age as us?"

Rosaria scratched her head, somewhat puzzled. They were all children, but Theresa seemed different. She always spoke to her mother as an equal, which Rosaria found impressive. Moreover, Theresa often said things that were hard to understand. Rosaria couldn't help but wonder if Theresa was really the same age as them. They were all little girls, so why was Theresa so outstanding? Even Bronya respected her so much. It was so strange.

"... They shouldn't be the same age..."

Bronya turned her head away with a subtle look in her eyes. As far as she knew... it didn't matter. Theresa was only a few decades older than them. However, the headmistress seemed to care a lot about this, so Bronya felt that it was best to keep it a secret for her. If she found out that she had accidentally revealed her secret, she would definitely cry. In order to protect the headmistress's little bit of pride, Bronya knew what she had to do.

"But this time I understand what she means. The future depends on our efforts, right?"

Rosaria stood with her hands on her hips, beaming with pride. This time, she truly understood Theresa's meaning. The future was both distant and near, and no matter what the future held, they had to work hard.

"Um."

Bronya and the others nodded. It wasn't easy to get this silly Rosaria to understand. Just based on her performance today, Bronya felt that they should have a proper celebration. Rosaria had actually become sensible.

"Let's have fun today first, and start working hard tomorrow! It's not easy for everyone to get together, so we must do our best to have a good time!"

"Rosaria..."

"I knew it."

"Hehe."

Seele, Liliya, and Rosaria shook their heads as expected. Rosaria was definitely not someone to be serious. She had finally managed to be a little normal, but she reverted to her old ways in less than a minute. The three of them gave each other helpless smiles. But, well, she was right. Let's start trying from tomorrow. We've all managed to get together today, so it would be a shame not to have some fun.

"But what should we play today? There are four of us now... Bronya, you decide!"

"Hmm... let's continue playing hide-and-seek then."

As always, the four of them held hands and laughed on the beach, just like when they were children in the orphanage. After many years, this scene appeared again. Cocolia, who was allowed to go out for a while, saw this scene and her eyes sparkled. This was truly the most perfect picture she had seen in all these years.

In a distant, dark place, the Gray Serpent, blending seamlessly with the blackness, moved straight ahead. The pitch-black road could not hinder his progress, for he knew his destination. There were no lights, no map, yet the Gray Serpent knew exactly how to proceed. In fact, this was his first time in this sanctuary, but whenever he encountered a fork in the road, a voice in his head would guide him, as if he were walking a path he had trod hundreds and thousands of times before. Fifteen hundred years ago, this was the place where the Lord first returned to the mortal world, once considered a sacred site by his followers. But after he was sealed on the other side, this place fell into silence. And today, the Lord summoned him here to fulfill his duty.

Like a fervent pilgrim, Gray Serpent strode through the darkness. After a short while, he stopped. At the end of the Gray Serpent, a massive, wall-like metal gate blocked his path. He stood silently before the gate, as if waiting for something. He knew that the Lord was on the other side of the gate, and all he needed to do was follow orders.

Immediately afterwards, the password shone into the Gray Serpent's brain like a ray of light, and he obediently read it out.

"Destruction and rebirth".

As the command was given, the heavy doors opened to both sides, and the Gray Serpent went inside, while the Lord sat there.

Chapter 198 Long Time No See

In Gray Serpent's eyes, a white-haired man leaned quietly on the throne. Fifteen hundred years had passed, power had changed hands among humans, and fire and sword had baptized the earth time and time again. On this planet, history unfolded and vanished in the blink of an eye. But in Gray Serpent's eyes, compared to the last time he saw this man, he seemed to have not changed in the slightest, not only in appearance but also in his will. This man transcended time and was not subject to reincarnation. Only someone who transcended time could defeat the destruction hidden behind history that transcended time.

Today is another day for Gray Serpent as a great writer.

Kevin, the leader of the World Serpent, awoke from his reverie. He turned to look at the Gray Serpent who had entered, and those eyes sent a shiver down the Gray Serpent's spine. What kind of eyes were these? These eyes had witnessed miracles that mortals could only dream of, and had also endured the sorrow of the destruction of all things. But all of that, everything that these eyes had seen, had been forged by an extraordinary will into two pieces of cold, indifferent ice.

"Please forgive me for not being able to personally welcome your return."

The Gray Serpent bowed respectfully to the lord he served, showing his truest respect. He had been planning for so long to welcome the lord back from the Sea of Quantum, and now that man had returned, World Serpent, it was time to show the world its sharpest fangs.

"How are the plans and preparations going?"

Kevin looked at his followers, his icy eyes showing no emotion whatsoever, while Gray Serpent bowed even lower upon hearing his voice.

"Progress is going well. The world now has all the necessary conditions to implement the plan. Even if the Herrscher of Reason can hinder your progress for a while, he cannot stop the march of history. The Jackal's research is nearing completion and only needs one final verification."

Gray Serpent respectfully reported the progress of his mission to his lord, his voice brimming with barely suppressed excitement. Kevin, upon hearing the unfamiliar name, remained completely unfazed. He must be one of his subordinates, but these were all insignificant matters, as long as the plan could be carried out.

"Let's get started."

Kevin gave the order, but Gray Serpent had more to say. He had prepared a gift to welcome the Lord's return, and only someone like the Lord was worthy of such a gift. He would eventually lead the World Serpent to victory, and only this weapon was worthy of humanity's pioneers.

"Yes, to celebrate your return, I have a gift to present. Only this legendary weapon is worthy of you, the future pioneer of humanity!"

The Gray Serpent held up a giant sword with both hands. The flames that once burned everything on the dim blade had disappeared, but its form could still evoke Kevin's memories. He had once held this sword to slay all the monsters that threatened humanity and faced the divine punishment of the gods.

"Old friend, we meet again."

As if conversing with the greatsword, Kevin reached out and grasped the hilt. In this moment, it was as if he were grasping his past. He stared at the dim blade, just as he had done before countless battles in the past. The blade, made of Soul Steel, trembled slightly, its shape constantly extending and changing, as if responding to the warrior's soaring fighting spirit. At this moment, it was not just a sword, but more like something alive. A ray of light shone from the core of the sword, rekindling its soul upon reuniting with its former master. The flaming sword that guarded Eden, the heavenly fire that burned Sodom... Those who had witnessed the glory of this greatsword sang its praises with such legends. Now, a thousand years later, the legend has become reality once again.

"Fight alongside me again."

Kevin uttered this command in a low voice, a voice that not only resounded throughout the hall but also echoed in the hearts of all his followers around the world. At this moment, the Lord of the World Serpent had returned in full force!

I have a feeling that something has happened, and it probably isn't anything good. This feeling is really unsettling...

As consciousness slowly returned, Shen Gonglin felt as if she were riding a pony that kept bouncing up and down. Where was she...? She remembered returning from the Sea of Quantum, but the spatial teleportation had a slight problem due to interference from the Sea of Quantum, and she was randomly teleported to a certain place. Then she seemed to see Kiana, and the girl seemed to be preparing to commit suicide... Right, Kiana, she didn't commit suicide, did she?

Consciousness quickly returned to her body, Shen Gonglin suddenly opened her eyes. When she saw the snow-white hair in front of her, Shen Gonglin realized that this color belonged to Kiana.

"Huh? You're awake? You scared me to death, Shen Gonglin. It's been a long time."

Sensing the commotion behind her, Kiana's voice rang out, sounding somewhat different from usual. It lacked her usual liveliness, but possessed a steady, burdened composure. The only thing that remained unchanged was her positive and sunny fighting spirit. It seemed that Kiana had also undergone a slight change without her knowledge.

At this moment, she no longer seemed to have the same attitude of constantly seeking atonement that she had when the two of them were wandering together. The Kiana of today was indeed somewhat different.

Kiana carried Shen Gonglin on her back as the Honkai of the city continued. Now was not the time to stop. To prevent a series of unpleasant events, Kiana decided to take Shen Gonglin with her, even though it was a bit of a hassle. She wanted as much of this sweet burden as she could ever want.

The girl stopped atop the high-rise building. She put Shen Gonglin down and carefully checked his condition. He had been unconscious the whole time, and if Fu Hua hadn't said he was just suffering from mental exhaustion, Kiana would have risked taking him to the hospital. Now that Shen Gonglin had finally woken up, Kiana could finally relax. She placed all her hopes on Shen Gonglin, which was why she had the courage to keep going. If something had happened to Shen Gonglin, Kiana probably wouldn't have been able to continue.

If things really turn out that way, I'll just give my body to the Herrscher. I suppose she would... No, no, how could I think about something like that? Shen Gonglin has to keep living.

"I... I'm fine... This is Sky City?"

He quickly dodged Kiana, who was groping him all over while he was still in a daze. Shen Gonglin rubbed his head and looked around. It wasn't the Sea of Quantum or the Sea Abyss City. There were tall buildings all around. Was this Sky City?

I'm back again?

Chapter 199 Complaint

"Yes, this is Sky City. Shen Gonglin, what happened to you? Why did you suddenly appear here and faint? Did something happen to you?"

She dodged Kiana but couldn't escape another person. A flash of white light, which had been accumulating power within Kiana's consciousness, emerged from Kiana consciousness after Shen Gonglin awakened. Fu Hua, with her white hair, appeared from within the light and hugged Rin Shen Gonglin. During this time, not only Kiana but she had also been under a lot of pressure. She not only had to fight against the Herrscher consciousness within Kiana but also take care of Kiana's feelings. However, the girl wasn't very appreciative. Fu Hua had also suffered a lot of grievances recently.

For some reason, this feeling shouldn't exist in Fu Hua's heart. After all, her mind has been tempered to be incredibly strong over thousands of years. But she just couldn't help feeling this way in front of Shen Gonglin. She felt so tired and wronged. In front of Shen Gonglin, Fu Hua felt that she could say these things, and as long as she said them, there would definitely be a response.

Of course, you have to wait until Kiana doesn't know before you can secretly tell Shen Gonglin, otherwise if she hears it, you'll lose all face as her and Shen Gonglin's teacher.

This woman... does she really consider herself Shen Gonglin's master? And isn't it too much of a drain on her power if she doesn't solidify into a physical form? She's been communicating with herself through her consciousness the whole time, but as soon as Shen Gonglin returned, she couldn't wait to solidify into a physical form to hug her... Kiana squinted at Fu Hua, and all she wanted to do right now was chuckle.

So, does that mean she and Shen Gonglin are master and apprentice? Probably the kind of master and apprentice relationship that's just for fun.

"It's nothing, just a super long-distance space travel, from one world to another, and the distance isn't short... How have you two been lately? Have you missed me?"

Shen Gonglin carried Fu Hua in one arm. Perhaps it was because they hadn't seen each other for so long, but he had never seen his Class President like this before. He rubbed his head. The use of the Herrscher of the Void's power had been too taxing, but fortunately, they hadn't encountered any danger. He had also successfully sent Seele and Bronya out of the Sea of Quantum. Overall, this mission could be considered a perfect ending. It was just a bit of a shame that he hadn't been able to say goodbye to Bronya and the others properly... But it didn't matter. They would all see each other again anyway. Kiana needed him more now.

"It's nothing, it's just that the power of the feathers is getting weaker and weaker, and my help to Kiana is becoming negligible. Also... this girl didn't listen to me at all before. She ignored everything I said. I know I made a mistake before, but I've already tried to apologize to her properly. I talked to her for a long time before she reluctantly listened to me. It was very hard."

As she spoke, Fu Hua quietly pulled Shen Gonglin aside to complain to her. It wasn't that Shen Gonglin's senses were wrong, but rather that this immortal lady had indeed undergone a slight change. Perhaps she herself hadn't realized it. Her previous aloof and otherworldly demeanor was entirely because she could only rely on herself and had to face whatever came her way alone. But now it was different. Fu Hua was now willing to share things with Shen Gonglin. She trusted Shen Gonglin, so this previously high and mighty immortal lady now seemed to have a bit of a human touch.

Like right now, she's like a newlywed wife complaining to her returning husband about her disobedient daughter. Anyway, I can't control this girl anymore. She bullies me when you're not here. Get revenge for her and give her a good scolding... Although there might be a slight difference, that's the gist of it.

Is the Class President reporting me? Probably not. The Class President isn't that kind of person, and I haven't done anything wrong lately. I must be mistaken. But what are those two whispering about? Isn't the Class President her master? Shen Gonglin is her eldest disciple, and I'm her second disciple. What is it that I can't listen to? She comes back and is whispering with Shen Gonglin. Does she think I'm dead? I haven't even had a chance to get close to Shen Gonglin yet!

"Hey, what are you two talking about? Shen Gonglin, look me in the eye. The Class President said I've already gained initial control over the power of the Herrscher of the Void. I did this entirely on my own. Aren't I amazing?"

Just as her previous mature demeanor was all an illusion, Kiana seemed to revert to her old self. She squeezed between Shen Gonglin and Fu Hua, clearly unhappy. First, she left without saying goodbye, and now she's back only talking to the Class President. Kiana was very displeased. She squeezed in front of Shen Gonglin, pointing to her eyes and seeking praise. This time, it wasn't Shen Gonglin who helped her; she did it entirely on her own. Kiana felt that just for that, he should sleep with her.

"That's it? You're satisfied with that? You've only just begun to master the power of Herrscher. You should learn from me. You still need to follow the Class President and learn properly. You'll only be able to show off after you've completely mastered the power of that pufferfish. You must listen to the Class President, or I'll have to teach you a lesson. I heard you haven't been very well-behaved while I was away?"

Reaching out, Shen Gonglin nudged Kiana's head. Knowing whose side to take, she immediately made her choice. Kiana was relatively easier to appease; it was rare for the Class President to complain and act cute. Also, to get Kiana to listen to Class President, Shen Gonglin clenched her fist and nudged Kiana's head. Looking into those orange eyes, Shen Gonglin knew Kiana was trying, but well, sweetie, she'd appease her later. Who's ever seen Class President acting cute? Anyway, Shen Gonglin couldn't resist.

"No way... it hurts! I'm perfectly well-behaved. Look, even the Herrscher couldn't take me. Don't compare me to you. Who can be as monstrous as you? Why is it that you can get away with the Herrscher's power without any hindrance, while I have to be on guard against her taking over my body? It's so unfair... And Shen Gonglin, aren't you being too arrogant? Don't you dare try to crawl into my head again!"

Kiana was quickly angered by Shen Gonglin. The girl bared her teeth and punched back. Shen Gonglin was too arrogant. Didn't she know that you can't touch a tiger's backside? Although she wasn't a tiger, she should know that tigers are still felines!

Chapter 200 The Tradition of the Taixu Sword School

It's been so long since I've seen a scene like this... Seeing it now really brings back memories. Kiana can only truly relax when she's by his side, and of course, I feel the same way.

Watching the two playfully bickering, Fu Hua couldn't help but let a faint smile appear on her beautiful, serene face. It was like spring water melting ice and snow. The fairy lady, who always treated others with a cold and calm demeanor, showing such an expression was something that could be collected as a CG. Shen Gonglin and Kiana, who were busy fighting, didn't see Fu Hua like this. Before, they thought Kiana had become a little more mature, but now that they saw her like this, Fu Hua realized that the Kiana of that time was just a protective color. Perhaps she had matured in other things, but when she was with Shen Gonglin, she would unconsciously become the Kiana of the past.

This is good. Perhaps some people think that the mature Kiana is strong and reliable, but Fu Hua would rather she still be the same Kiana who sprawls on the sofa. This is Kiana we know.

Can you two stop showing off? You're just watching, and things have gone wrong. Kiana, you should be more careful. You're a girl, you know. If you keep fighting like this, you'll be the one who suffers. I've already seen it myself. Shen Gonglin pretended to be surprised and touched Kiana's chest several times. He's not fighting, he's groping her!

"Alright, alright, you two stop fighting. You're not going to kill anyone like this. What kind of fight is it if you haven't even drawn your guns? Calm down and stop this nonsense."

Sensing that her white hair was turning green, Fu Hua used the imposing manner of the Taixu Sword School Sect leader to separate her eldest and second disciples, who were rolling on the ground fighting without any dignity. The senior and junior disciples should be friendly to each other, and of course, they should only be friendly. Don't try to do anything funny to her, or she would expel them from the sect.

This kind of trick can only be done by the master. It's acceptable for superiors to overthrow subordinates, but it's not acceptable for subordinates to overthrow superiors.

"Ugh... You bastard, can't you even give me a break! You come back and start bullying me, Shen Gonglin, you'd better sleep with one eye open and one eye closed from now on!"

After tidying her messy long hair, Kiana puffed out her cheeks and bared her teeth at Shen Gonglin. Kiana looked like a kitten ready to pounce. Shen Gonglin was just too much. They had been separated for so long, and she had thought about him every day. But when he came back, instead of saying anything nice to her, he sided with the Class President and bullied her. Shen Gonglin was heartless and deserved to be bullied. Kiana felt like all her sincerity had been wasted. This bastard, she wanted to strangle him.

Shen Gonglin snorted coldly without replying. At this moment, he was secretly enjoying the sensation of taking advantage of the chaos to grope her. This silly girl seemed completely unaware of what he was doing. It seemed that Kiana's physical development hadn't lagged behind during this time. Her beautiful figure was still something that even someone as worldly as Shen Gonglin could enjoy. Lately, Shen Gonglin felt like he was living in a flat-chested hell. Bronya, Theresa, Rosaria, Liliya, and even Einstein and Seele... there wasn't a single one of them who could fight him.

After thinking about their despairingly poor figures, it's astonishing that Einstein is the most outstanding among them. Isn't that terrifying? Now that there's finally a Kiana's above average, how could Shen Gonglin not take the opportunity to enjoy herself? As expected, these young girls are more in line with human biomechanics. What are Einstein and the others compared to them?

It's so nice to be able to stay by Kiana's side.

Shen Gonglin stared at Kiana with a strangely moved look, but his passionate eyes made Kiana feel uneasy. What was wrong with this guy? Had she bitten him on the head and made him sick? Why was he looking at her like that? Shen Gonglin was such a lunatic.

Why does this suddenly feel like I've been caught in the crossfire? Fu Hua's mood was also quite complicated. Why did he look at Kiana and then shift his gaze to her? And after looking at her, he shook his head helplessly. This pitying look almost broke Fu Hua's well-trained warrior's heart. Why did she need Shen Gonglin's pity? Didn't this guy know that look was very annoying? Although she didn't know why, the immortal lady still couldn't help but clench her fist. This little rascal, he made people angry as soon as he came back. In terms of making people angry, he was definitely number one.

On the rooftop, the three were caught in a very strange atmosphere. Just then, the sound of explosions from below broke the strange aura between them. Just as Fu Hua was about to go up and give Shen Gonglin a head-crushing blow, the continuous explosions finally attracted their attention. They had almost forgotten that the Honkai was still happening in this city.

Temporarily putting these matters aside, Shen Gonglin and the others looked down from the rooftop. The dizziness from the height almost made Shen Gonglin fall headfirst. Just then, two fair hands reached out from the left and right and grabbed his shoulders. Kiana and Fu Hua reacted as if they had foreseen this. They both knew about Shen Gonglin's fear of heights. After reaching out, they realized that he had reacted in the same way. Their heterochromatic eyes, one orange and one blue, met his red eyes, and an even more eerie aura began to spread.

It seems that the internal strife within the Taixu Sword School is inevitable. At this moment, neither Fu Hua nor Kiana let go of each other's hands, as if letting go would mean defeat. Meanwhile, Shen Gonglin remains as carefree as ever. He finds this quite enjoyable; the thrill of being perched on the edge of a high-rise building, combined with the sense of security provided by two small, white hands behind him, is quite addictive. Kiana and Fu Hua exchange defiant stares, while he watches what's happening downstairs. Although Shen Gonglin lacks emotional intelligence, he still has a survival instinct.

If she were to get involved in the conflict between the Class President and Kiana at this time, the flames of war might spread to her. Shen Gonglin felt that it was better to protect herself in this situation. The events below also piqued Shen Gonglin's interest. It wasn't just them who were fighting against the Honkai.

Chapter 201

Below Shen Gonglin and the others, a battle was taking place between humans and Honkai Beast. It was likely the city's garrison fighting the Honkai Beast, with a small squad of mechs holding off their attacks. For these ordinary people, the mechs they piloted were their only hope, but against the endless swarms of Honkai Beast, like locusts, the humans' resistance seemed futile.

Even so, these people had no intention of backing down or giving up.

[Captain! The Honkai Beast has broken through the defenses and is about to break out of the encirclement!]

In the squad's voice chat, the mech acting as the vanguard emitted this anxious sound. To cover the evacuation of civilians in this area, they were assigned here to resist the Honkai Beast's attack. However, these unreasonable creatures were something they could hardly withstand. The defensive line was being breached continuously, but the retreat was not yet complete. What could they do?