Chapter 260

For some reason, thinking about what happened when Shen Gonglin and Anna met before, Chen Tianwu felt a little happy. He was happy that he hadn't made Anna return to normal. Undoubtedly, Chen Tianwu did want Anna to become a normal person, but he hoped that it was he, not someone else, who would make her a normal person. Anna, your choice was wrong. Only I can make her a normal person.

"Chen Tianwu..."

Lying on the ground, Chen Tianwu continued to adjust his state. Just then, a soft voice suddenly sounded behind him. He turned around in surprise and saw a cool hand gently patting his back. In Chen Tianwu's eyes, Anna's deep blue eyes were no longer filled with disorder but with tenderness. Anna, had she regained consciousness?

"Anna, did you win! You must have won, you defeated the Herrscher, yes, that's right, it must be so, Anna, let's go back, let's go back and tell them that you are still human, that you defeated the Herrscher, just like Raiden Mei... that way, they will have no reason to continue hunting you down!"

As if he had witnessed the most beautiful thing in the world, Chen Tianwu's heart was filled with joy. Perhaps his own life would soon come to an end, but Anna could live on, she definitely could live on.

"That's not how it is... This is the last bit of time I've bought. Thank you... for giving me this much-needed time so that I can die as a human being..."

Anna smiled gently. She had been fighting against the Herrscher's personality and was unwilling to admit defeat, but there was nothing she could do. She was no match for the Herrscher because she lacked the tenacity and determination. She was even unqualified to be a Valkyrie. When she heard someone calling for help, she didn't even have the courage to go and check the situation. Given this, it was only natural that she lost to the Herrscher.

But I still have to thank him. If he hadn't taken me this far, I probably wouldn't have had this opportunity. I materialized those memories into ice crystals and left them on the way here. I believe they saw them, but I still really want to talk to Shen Gonglin in person and say my last words as a human.

What does this mean? This... how is this possible!

Chen Tianwu's eyes trembled violently. How could things have turned out like this? It must be fake! He couldn't accept this fact!

"That's enough... I can feel my memories as a human being being peeled away bit by bit. Please let me die... But before I die, there is one last thing I want to do."

Anna turned to look in the other direction, and through the wind and snow, two figures were slowly appearing. Anna's blue eyes were filled with longing. She never expected that seeing him again would be like this. As a human being, she decided to say what she most wanted to say to him.

—

From this day forward, I am willing to become one of the Valkyrie of Schicksal's Glory...

Mei removed her hand from the ice crystal, and the Valkyrie's oath seemed to still echo in Mei mind. As Mei's hand left, the ice crystal quickly dissipated. On their chase, she and Shen Gonglin encountered many such ice crystals, and hidden within them was the past of a Valkyrie named Anna. Mei could hear the girl's ideals in her heart at that time in those solemn vows, and it must not have been what she wanted to become like this.

Now, Mei finally understands what Anna's emptiness is. So that's what her relationship with Chen Tianwu is like. He was her savior... but she was too afraid to save his sister, and she didn't even dare to check on her condition herself. This made her doubt her duty Valkyrie. This girl has been carrying this psychological pressure all along, and then... until she became Herrscher.

"Shen Gonglin, let's go... I think I understand why she left these ice crystals. As a former Valkyrie, it is my responsibility to see her off on her final journey."

Mei took a deep breath. After such a long rest, her power had been restored. Red lightning raged, and in the lightning, the girl regained her form Herrscher of Thunder. She had also been Valkyrie and had also become Herrscher. However, the only difference was that she could control the power of the Herrscher, while Anna could not... Mei knew what she had to do, and this was also what Anna wanted her to do.

Shen Gonglin nodded and followed Mei out of the tunnel. There, in the icy world, Anna, like a snow sprite, was waiting for them.

Chapter 109 Don't Make Decisions for Me

"Shen Gonglin, you've finally arrived."

Snowflakes danced in the air as the Herrscher of Ice slowly landed in front of Shen Gonglin and Mei. The girl took a gentle step, her movements calm and peaceful, as if she had been waiting for them. With each step she took, ice flowers grew and bloomed beneath her feet, emitting a faint glow before vanishing in an instant. Mei, however, remained silent as she gazed at the beautiful girl, who resembled a snow fairy from a fairy tale.

Raiden Mei knew why she was here, and this peaceful and gentle demeanor was just like a candle flame flickering before its dying breath. Who knows when this warm flame would go out and turn into a blizzard of cold? But it seemed that she no longer wanted to escape.

"Um... wait a minute, I have something else to say."

Noticing Mei's gaze, Anna winked at her adorably. The girl waved her hand gently, indicating that it was better not to fight now. She had finally met Shen Gonglin, and it would be such a pity to die without telling him what she wanted to say.

"Shen Gonglin, it's been so long! We haven't seen each other since we parted ways in New Zealand... Actually, I did send you a message, but you never replied. Come to think of it, you'd already left Schicksal by then, so my messages probably wouldn't have reached you. That's such a shame. It would be wonderful if you could receive my message and reply..."

Oblivious to everyone else, Anna quietly walked to Shen Gonglin's side. The girl spoke these words with a relieved expression, but despite her efforts to express this feeling, both Shen Gonglin and Mei could see the deep reluctance in her eyes. It was a reluctance to leave life and this world. If she could, Anna really didn't want to leave.

This world is so beautiful, so wonderful. There's warm sunshine and companions to keep me company, and most importantly, there's Shen Gonglin. I really don't want to leave.

"...Sorry, I think I mistook it for a spam text... Why didn't you just call me?"

Shen Gonglin hesitated for a moment before saying those words, and even Mei couldn't stand this extremely low emotional intelligence. The Herrscher of Thunder glanced at Shen Gonglin and thought he was just sending a spam message. This guy was really going too far. And why did he just blurt it out like that? Didn't he realize that Anna was interested in him? Shen Gonglin's emotional intelligence is really questionable.

Mei shook her head. She really didn't know how Shen Gonglin could get involved with so many girls.

"That's really going too far. You know, texting and calling are two completely different things... But it's a real shame. If I had known it would turn out like this, I definitely should have called you."

Anna glared reproachfully at Shen Gonglin, her eyes filled with regret and resentment. In her mind, she and Shen Gonglin had a long future ahead of them, no need to rush. They could slowly get to know each other and eventually fall in love. But who could have imagined that life would deliver such a heavy blow in the next second?

If I had known it would turn out like this, maybe I should have expressed my feelings from the beginning... But, I already gave such an important thing to Shen Gonglin, he should know what I meant, right? That shape, that meaning, anyone with a normal IQ should understand, but why didn't he respond at all?

"Let's not talk about this anymore, Shen Gonglin. Can I ask you for a favor... my teammates, those teammates I killed with my own hands... can you help me take good care of them? They were my best teammates, people I would entrust my life to, but I... I will atone for my sins, it is my responsibility, but... please help me, help me bury them on Coral Island, in a sunny place."

This was something Anna had always kept in mind. She remembered that when she first became Herrscher, all her innocent teammates became victims of the Herrscher's energy burst. The thought of having her hands stained with her comrades' blood made Anna's emotions uncontrollable. No, she couldn't lose control. Her time was running out. She had to tell Shen Gonglin everything she wanted to say...

"This matter of yours... is a bit difficult to handle."

Shen Gonglin bared his teeth and frowned. This was indeed a difficult situation, because the Snow Lotus Squad members weren't dead at all. How could he persuade them to obediently bury him? Although he had buried Raven, it was because she was unconscious and Shen Gonglin thought she was dead. Shen Gonglin didn't have a hobby of burying people, and he wasn't familiar with the Snow Lotus Squad members. What if they didn't want to be buried? Should he force them? If they woke up, the situation would change.

"It's alright, I'll take care of it."

How could Mei Shen Gonglin be like this? She wouldn't even help with something like this. Mei gave Shen Gonglin a reproachful look. Even if you really don't have any feelings for Anna, you can't be so heartless. You won't even grant her this wish. You're so despicable. I guess I have to do it myself. Putting herself in the role of a good wife, Mei agreed to Anna's request. Anna smiled with relief. That's good. This is my final act of atonement for them.

"Why did you agree to that? When did you develop this hobby? I shouldn't have let you go to World Serpent. It's only been a short time, and you've already developed this bad habit."

However, something unexpected happened. Shen Gonglin suddenly spoke up and then casually slapped Mei's buttocks. Even through her clothes, it made a crisp sound, which was particularly noticeable on the snowy plain. Just by hearing the sound, you could tell how bouncy Mei was. But now, probably no one cared about such things. The Herrscher of Thunder had been spanked, and in front of everyone!

Realizing what had happened, a blush spread across Mei's face faster than lightning, turning her face as red as a crab in an instant. What the Shen Gonglin done? Mei's hand trembled as she gripped the hilt of her sword, her delicate fingers moving uncontrollably. Although she wanted to tell herself it was all an illusion, her still slightly numb buttocks told her it was real. What was Shen Gonglin trying to do? She had only agreed to do something for him, why was he hitting her like this?!

Suddenly, she felt a surge of anger and wanted to stab Shen Gonglin. Did she not even have this much power anymore? Couldn't she give her some face in front of outsiders? Even if she really didn't want to do this, they could have lied to Anna. Couldn't they have let her leave without any regrets? Did Shen Gonglin really think she was easy to bully?

Although he was indeed a bit easy to bully in front of Shen Gonglin.

But you can't bully me like this just because I'm easy to bully and I like you. Even a rabbit will bite when cornered. Mei Shen Gonglin disregarded her, a Herrscher. She was Herrscher, a walking humanoid calamity, an incredibly powerful being. She was a formidable character no matter where she was. How could she be so easily spanked?

And the worst part is that you did it in front of other people! No way, it seems like it's going to be hard to end this without a fight. It wouldn't matter if it were just the two of us; if Shen Gonglin really wanted to do it, I would have just gone along with it. But now that we're in front of outsiders, shouldn't you give me some face?

Is this my fault? And can you two please respect me, a dying man? Please don't fight.

Anna wants to meow, after all, she should be the main character, right?

Chapter 110 The Dying Man

"Don't worry, I will take responsibility for what you asked me to do... It's settled then, I said it!"

Desperately suppressing her emotions, Mei resisted the urge to draw her sword and kill Shen Gonglin. "Don't be angry, don't be angry," she thought, "Who told me to spoil this guy like that?" Even after suffering such unfair treatment, Mei refrained from punishing Shen Gonglin. Her face flushed crimson, the girl pressed down hard on Shen Gonglin's head. Who knew what was wrong with him? It was just a dying man's wish; what was wrong with helping him?

"Ah, Mei, are you really going to bury them alive...? I mean, maybe we should just forget about it. They're all teenage girls, burying them alive is too cruel. Please listen to me, okay? Can we not bury them?"

Rin could feel the pressure on Mei's fingers, but Shen Gonglin was still in a dilemma. If he could, he would want the Snow Lotus Squad to live. Mei was about to bury them alive... This was not something a well-behaved girl should do; it was too cruel.

"No, I want to be buried alive... Wait, you said bury alive, Shen Gonglin, what do you mean by that?"

Mei felt that Mei Shen Gonglin n't give her any face in front of outsiders, which gave her a real headache. On one hand, she had to be wary of the Herrscher of Ice, and on the other hand, she had to deal with Shen Gonglin's problem. This girl had made Mei's head spin, and her reactions were not as good as before. After she finished speaking, she finally realized what was going on and why it was a live burial.

Shouldn't all those Valkyrie have been killed by Anna when she was in her Herrscherization?

"It means exactly what it says. Anna didn't completely lose her human consciousness until the very end when Herrscherization. Those Valkyrie didn't die on the spot; they were just in a state of extreme cold. If left unattended, they would have died quickly. But with me here, how could such a thing happen... Mei, if you insist on burying them, that's fine too. I'll go back and discuss it with them. I think they should give me that kind of face."

Shen Gonglin tried to bargain with Mei. After all, she had always spoiled Mei, and if Mei insisted on doing it, she had to find a way to make it happen. She thought that if she created an underground space, it wouldn't be a problem for the Snow Lotus Squad to be buried for a while. She could bury them in the morning and dig them out in the afternoon. That should be fine.

"They didn't die! Shen Gonglin, you're really useful!"

To her unexpected delight, Mei hugged Shen Gonglin tightly. Ultimately, she was a kind-hearted girl. Upon learning that the Valkyrie had all survived, Mei's heart was filled with excitement. She was right after all; Shen Gonglin truly lived up to his reputation as the greatest Shen Gonglin in the world. Indeed, she loved him the most.

"Eagle... Are they alright? That's really... that's wonderful... Now I can face death with equanimity. Please."

Similarly, upon hearing the news, Anna's face showed a relieved smile. The fact that her hands were not stained with the blood of her companions was undoubtedly the best news for Anna. However, seeing Mei Shen Gonglin, a look of disappointment involuntarily appeared on the girl's face. But she quickly suppressed this emotion and calmly stretched out her hands to prepare for death.

Although it wasn't her, there was no doubt that someone loved him. Even without her, he could certainly manage to live on. To be able to see Shen Gonglin one last time before dying was already the greatest blessing God had given her. Anna looked at the necklace around Shen Gonglin's neck, and a sense of relief filled the girl's deep blue eyes. She couldn't ask for too much. To be able to see him before dying and to convey her feelings to him was already the best outcome.

She could feel her consciousness fading. If she completely lost consciousness, the Herrscher would truly descend upon this world. She was Valkyrie, Anna Saniyat, a name of honor carrying a glorious mission. She had already betrayed the title of Valkyrie, fleeing the ruins where there might still be survivors out of fear. But now, let her die as Valkyrie.

Of course, before she died, Anna wanted to convey her feelings completely.

"Sister, can you give me a little time?"

Knowing her time was running out, Anna smiled gently at Shen Gonglin as she looked at Mei, who was being held in Mei's arms. After learning that her teammates were all safe and sound, the pressure in the girl's heart immediately eased. At this moment, Anna also returned to her usual style a little. Even if death was imminent, she would still do what she wanted to do. This was also the family motto of the Schariac family.

"Hmm? Oh..."

Suddenly being called "older sister" made Mei feel strange. This "older sister" probably didn't have any special meaning, right? She was a kind girl, Mei knew that the girl's life was coming to an end, and she was willing to fulfill the child's wishes in her final moments.

Putting aside everything else, just for her face, which is so similar to Kiana's, Mei is willing to do this.

"Thank you, sister!"

Seeing Mei release Shen Gonglin, Anna called out in a clear voice and then rushed towards Shen Gonglin. The girl hugged Shen Gonglin. Under the shadow of death, she finally broke free from her usual reserve. She was about to die, and if she remained reserved, she would never have another chance. The usually gentle girl did something that was out of character for her. She really regretted it. If she had known that this would be her fate, Anna would definitely have told Shen Gonglin loudly the moment she realized her feelings.

Instead of serving as one's dying words as they are now.

"I like you so much, I like you so much. I've liked you from the very beginning, from headquarters, from New Zealand, from that time on, I've always been thinking about you, always caring about you... Maybe it might cause you trouble, but I still like you very much... I'm sorry, I lost the battle with the Herrscher, really... I'm so sorry."

Burying her face in Shen Gonglin's shoulder, the girl loudly told Shen Gonglin what had happened, while Mei's expression turned unnatural. This feeling... was really unpleasant. However, the girl didn't make any other moves. Let's leave this time to the girl.

If I can fulfill my wish and face death, this is the last thing I can do for her.

Chapter 111 A Sudden Confession

What? She likes me? That can't be right. Why would she like me? I don't know her very well.

Shen Gonglin by Anna's embrace, was somewhat flustered. He hadn't expected Anna to say such a thing to him, and he suddenly became flustered. To be confessed to... Kiana's playful words didn't count. In Shen Gonglin's memory, no one had ever confessed to him before. Hearing Anna's words now, Shen Gonglin's mind was in turmoil. Although he had good relationships with all those girls, and others probably thought they were already couples, in his eyes, that wasn't the case at all.

So-called couples should confess their feelings and then accept, so that they can have a proper relationship. So for Shen Gonglin, Anna is probably the first time someone has so clearly expressed their feelings for him... No, that's not right. This doesn't seem to be the first time someone has confessed to him. Shen Gonglin's heart suddenly ached. Anna's behavior made him react instinctively.

For Shen Gonglin, being confessed to was not a happy memory.

Shen Gonglin himself didn't understand why he was so sad. His nose tingled and he almost cried. No, he had already cried. Tears streamed down his wide, deep purple eyes. What was wrong with him? Why was he crying? It was as if he had remembered something that was extremely painful.

[Tsk, it's okay not to recall those useless memories. Hey, you watermelon idiot, why don't you give him some advice?]

Master, don't cry.

[... It was my mistake to expect you to be my friend; you really are an idiot!]

A certain elf's voice echoed in her mind. Shen Gonglin didn't understand what she was talking about. She seemed to know a lot about her past, but no matter how she asked, she wouldn't say anything. Shen Gonglin was too lazy to delve into these matters. But now, Shen Gonglin was very curious about her past.

Was he crying for himself? Although he shouldn't, he's really happy.

The Herrscher of Ice released Shen Gonglin, and seeing the tears on his face, the girl gave a final smile. Then she looked at Mei, grateful that she was willing to give her this opportunity. However, she couldn't delay any longer. While she was still conscious, she could weaken the body's resistance as much as possible. This was the best opportunity.

"Please... do it... I... have already..."

Suppressing her body's urge to resist, Anna looked at Mei in front of her and opened her arms. Anna was ready to face death calmly, while Mei's hand was already on the hilt of the knife. She took a long breath and allowed another woman to confess to the person she cared about in front of her... This was like buying a hat for herself, but considering that she didn't have long to live, Mei endured it this time.

"Feel sorry."

The black longsword radiated unparalleled power. As the blade flashed, the Herrscher of Ice fell into Abyss Flower. The Herrscher almost no resistance, or rather, she was struggling to stop herself from resisting. All her wishes had been fulfilled, and facing death in this way was not a bad choice. The outcome was decided. Mei raised the sword in her hand, and Anna closed her eyes and looked up. She was ready.

"Mei ...wait a minute, I think I might still have a way, like how I saved Wendy. If we could extract her Herrscher Core, maybe..."

At this moment, Shen Gonglin finally came to her senses, banishing all the inexplicable thoughts from her mind. Shen Gonglin wiped away the tears on her face. How embarrassing, why did she cry like this for no reason? Looking at the girl preparing to accept death in the cold flower garden, Shen Gonglin tried to dissuade Mei. Things hadn't come to that yet. Wendy was a successful example. If she could do it, Anna might be able to as well.

Perhaps Anna's confession had changed Shen Gonglin's feelings. He couldn't bear to just watch the girl die. At least, Shen Gonglin wanted to try.

"No... Wendy couldn't use much Herrscher power back then; even a few Titan Mech could subdue her. But Anna's situation is different now. The Herrscher Core has completely fused with her. Even you can't... Shen Gonglin, be careful!"

Mei shook her head. Anna's situation was completely different from Wendy's back then. She didn't want Shen Gonglin to be in danger. Mei had already done more than enough before. After all, in Mei's heart, even if a dozen Anna were tied together, they wouldn't be as important Shen Gonglin.

She wasn't the kind of hero who wanted to save the world; Mei only wanted to protect what she could hold onto. She was preparing to stop Shen Gonglin's idea, but the Herrscher's premonition made Mei tense up instantly. Danger! Where was it... Anna? No, it was on the other side!

Bang.

A gunshot rang out, and the bullet fired from the Divine Key was far more powerful than that of a regular sniper rifle. A snowflake suddenly bloomed on Shen Gonglin's shoulder, and Shen Gonglin fell to the ground. On the other side, dragging his soon-to-be-destroyed body, Night Owl slowly walked out, his dark circles and ominous light flashing in his eyes.

"No one, don't even think about... hurting Anna!"

Night Owl gritted his teeth and forced out these words. Previously, Anna had frozen Chen Tianwu to restrict his movements in order to prevent him from interfering with her decisions. However, she underestimated the man's determination. His body was almost completely destroyed. In order to break free from the ice, he even destroyed parts of his body. Now, he could hardly even stand up. As soon as he arrived, he heard that Shen Gonglin was going to strip Anna of her Herrscher Core. How could Night Owl, who had been in World Serpent, not know what this meant?

If Anna's core is removed, death will be all that awaits her!

The thought that Anna insisted on seeing Shen Gonglin one last time even under these circumstances, while Shen Gonglin was preparing to do such a thing, made one wonder if he didn't know what kind of feelings Anna had for him. She had already given him her most cherished pendant, yet he... so easily decided to give up Anna's life. Without a doubt, Anna, you misjudged him.

Since that's the case, then I'll protect Anna myself. Anyone who wants to harm her will be eliminated by me. The sniper rifle, carrying the Night Owl's conviction, struck Shen Gonglin. Die!

Chapter 112 Mutual Backstabbing

The bullet struck his shoulder. Lacking the formidable physique of Valkyrie or Herrscher, the attack unleashed by the Divine Key nearly cost Shen Gonglin his life. Although Shen Gonglin had suffered numerous injuries, he had never experienced anything like having his shoulder shattered by a bullet before. Only after the bullet passed through did Shen Gonglin realize what had happened. The blond boy lay supine amidst the Abyss Flowers, his face blank with confusion.

What's going on? Why would this guy suddenly shoot himself?

"Shen Gonglin!"

Ignoring everything else, Mei rushed towards Shen Gonglin. The girl stumbled and staggered. If it were an ordinary sniper rifle, Mei would be confident that she could tackle Shen Gonglin before the attack arrived. However, the attack launched by the Divine Key was so powerful that even Herrscher couldn't react in time. Mei could only stare blankly as blood began to spread on Shen Gonglin's body. How could this happen? How could this happen!

"Night Owl!"

Never before had Mei been so enraged. She gripped the hilt of her sword so tightly it almost shattered. The Herrscher of Thunder glared at the staggering man. Kill him, kill him... This thought surged within Mei. At this moment, any pity she had felt for the man's plight had vanished. Regardless of her state of mind, hurting Shen Gonglin was something Mei could not tolerate. No matter what, this man had to die!

Mei usually has a gentle demeanor, but she had already come to her senses when she regained her Herrscher identity. Now, seeing Shen Gonglin so badly injured in front of her has completely broken the string in Mei's heart. Whether as Valkyrie or Herrscher, Mei is prepared to kill her enemies.

"I said...no one can hurt her unless I am killed first!"

Ignoring Mei's ferocious gaze, Night Owl stood in front of the Herrscher of Ice. Night Owl's body flashed red light, like a bomb about to explode. Although his body was on the verge of collapse, Night Owl felt that he was in an unusually good state, as if he had never been Honkai by the Honkai... or rather, he had completely accepted the corruption of the Honkai.