Chapter 414

Looking at the road that had converged into one in front of her, Mei twitched the corner of her mouth. The intention was really obvious. It was clear that she was being forced to take this path, with no other choice. Was it really okay to go in like this?

"Pardofelis, what do you say about the current situation?"

Wanting to hear the opinions of the locals, the cat-like girl scratched her head. In this situation, even if she were to speak, she really had no clue. The girl looked up at Mei and gave her a cute smile, "Ah... this... should... uh... maybe... who knows... perhaps?"

What a chatterbox! Pardofelis had been struggling to come up with a proper answer for a long time. Mei took a deep breath and gestured for Pardofelis to shut up. Okay, she knew the situation. It seemed that she had no choice but to go in. But she was going to explore this place anyway, and whatever danger she encountered was something she should deal with and face.

"Alright, that's enough... From now on, you two stay close behind me. Shen Gonglin, you're in charge of protecting Pardofelis. Since it's this kind of trial, I'll leave it to you alone."

Mei decisively stepped forward, and with her steps, everyone was instantly transported to another place. That loud, theatrical voice rang out again. Shen Gonglin was truly traumatized by the Domination Theater; this feeling was just too similar.

[This enthusiastic audience member chose to go on stage herself! So, for her to participate in this magnificent performance, let's first ask her to put on her costume!]

They arrived at a dimly lit courtyard. As the voice faded, a familiar mascot costume landed in front of them. Holding the comical mascot head, Mei looked uncertainly at Shen Gonglin and Pardofelis, who were now encouraging Mei to do something so shameful.

"Mei, put it on. Didn't Vill-V- nee say that you have to wear the performance outfit? I know Vill-V- nee. If you don't do as she says, she definitely won't continue. So there's nothing we can do about it. After all, you're the one she invited. Come on, put it on."

Pardofelis smiled and held up the mascot costume, wanting Mei to wear it. Someone as cool as Mei would look incredibly cute in this kind of outfit. No, I really want to see Mei wearing this! Vill-V so clever, as expected of her.

"Yes, yes, Mei, hurry up and put it on. Anyway, someone has already touched your horns, so what's there to be afraid of when you wear this kind of clothes? Come on, let me help you put it on."

Shen Gonglin, always eager for chaos, was reminded of the clothes when they worked at St. Freya. Back then, Bronya insisted on wearing them, Mei didn't even have a chance to wear them.

"... You're really good at giving advice, I understand."

Mei hesitated for a long time before finally squeezing out these words: "Really, does he think he can be so arrogant just because I like him? If it weren't for the fact that I like him, I would have stabbed him long ago. This guy is really... Well, I'll just wear it myself. It's ridiculous, but it's not an embarrassing outfit anyway."

With the help of Shen Gonglin and Pardofelis, Mei put on the HOMU mascot costume. Once the mascot's head covered Mei's head, all the heroic spirit of the girl disappeared. After all, no one can look cool while wearing such a ridiculous mascot costume, not even Kevin.

[Great, the performers are all in place. Let's start with the warm-up act. Remember the order of each flower, then run over and light them up again with a cheerful laugh. Remember, run over there with a cheerful laugh!]

Sure enough, the voice would reappear after Mei changed into the mascot costume. She wanted Mei to change into this outfit. Following the voice's guidance, Mei also saw the flowers that kept lighting up in the courtyard. She never thought she would have such a day with this ridiculous game.

Calm down, calm down. Who made me do this?

Mei, dressed in a mascot costume, had some difficulty moving around. The girl walked to the flowers in the order she had memorized, while Pardofelis behind her was still shouting, "Mei, this isn't the right order. Uh... well, I didn't remember the correct order either."

Pardofelis's nonsensical chatter disturbed Mei. The girl in the mascot costume turned her head and glared angrily at Pardofelis. Although the girl's sharp temperament was completely hidden by the mascot costume, she was no longer afraid of Pardofelis. The girl stuck out her tongue. Mei seemed even cuter like this.

"Stop arguing, my order is correct... Why isn't it working?"

Mei was very confident in her eyesight and memory, and she was absolutely certain that she had followed the correct order. However, after going through the circle in order, there was no effect. The girl looked at Shen Gonglin for help. What was going on? It was Mei's habit to ask Shen Gonglin for help when there was a problem.

"Hmm... Could it be because Mei's running style isn't very lively? I think that's the only possibility."

Shen Gonglin stroked his chin and thought seriously. Finally, he came up with this possibility: Didn't that voice just now say that it was going to run over happily? But Mei walked like she was going to kill someone. That must be where the problem is.

Chapter Forty-Six: Plain and Unremarkable?

The cheerful running posture... could it really be the problem?

Shen Gonglin's answer silenced Mei. She really couldn't understand what this so-called cheerful running posture was, and this behavior was really inconsistent with her usual style. Think about it, it's like asking the Herrscher of the Void to perform acrobatics on the spot. After all, she is now the cool type. Mei really can't do a cheerful running posture.

"I... I don't know what to do..."

Even through the mascot costume, Mei could feel her face burning. What does it mean to run with a cheerful posture? Mei had never been taught this in her upbringing. You could say Mei is dignified and elegant, but how do you do it with a cheerful posture?

"Simple, Pardofelis, just run a lap first. Don't do anything special, just do it like you normally do... Mei, do you see this? Like this."

A slap landed on Pardofelis's pert little bottom, startling the cat-like girl who reflexively ran away. Realizing what was happening, she turned and bared her teeth at Shen Gonglin. What did this mean? Why did the cheerful running style have to be judged by her? Pardofelis admitted that she did run very cheerfully, but this was clearly an insult, not a compliment!

And isn't Shen Gonglin a bit too arrogant? Doesn't she know you can't touch a cat's butt?

"Yes, is that so... You two remember this, neither of you is allowed to tell anyone about this!"

Following Pardofelis's posture, Mei awkwardly ran again. This embarrassing scene made Mei's face burn. The girl said in a fierce but inwardly stern tone, while Pardofelis's lips twitched. At this moment, she was really confused. Could it be that her running posture was actually embarrassing in Mei's eyes?

It's so cheerful and elegant!

[Pfft! Very well, then... let's take on an even more challenging task!]

It really was a problem with her running posture. After Mei abandoned her sense of shame, that voice finally rang out again. Mei ignored it and silently continued to move forward in the same way as before. After finding the right method, this kind of thing was no longer a problem for Mei, but like this... Mei wanted to curse.

I feel like a monkey in a circus.

"Pardofelis, can she hear what we're saying?"

The girl took a deep breath. Despite her excellent upbringing, she couldn't help but feel like swearing. This idiotic behavior made Mei feel like a donkey with a carrot hanging on its head.

"Hmm... It should be fine, but Sister Vill-V never cares what others say. Sister Mei, just bear with it, just bear with it a little longer, it feels like we're about to be over."

Pardofelis was also holding back her laughter. Just imagine, it was so funny to see the cool and dashing Mei running around in a ridiculous mascot costume, all sweaty. But she couldn't laugh out loud, or Mei would definitely get angry.

Endure... Yes, endure. Mei was seething with anger. After running through the last flower, the mascot costume on the girl's body instantly disappeared. Mei wiped the sweat from her forehead. It was finally over.

"Phew... Pardofelis, is the performance over?"

If that were all, Mei felt she could accept it, but upon hearing this, Pardofelis's expression turned somewhat strange. "Uh... Mei, from what I understand, this should just be the beginning..."

[The lights come on, and now... the performance officially begins! Given that this is a newcomer, the warm-up for the first act will be both safe and simple. But this doesn't detract from the performance's classic quality. Now, let's welcome the next act!]

Vill-V's voice rang out again, and several dolls appeared around Mei and the others. The moment Pardofelis saw these things, she was so frightened that she immediately climbed onto Shen Gonglin's back. She couldn't help it; these were what she was most afraid of. Mobius, so many Mobius!

"Look! Shen Gonglin, look! I told you there were lots of Mobius flying in the sky! This time it's definitely not an illusion!"

Several Mobius dolls flew into the air, a terrifying and bizarre scene that terrified Pardofelis. Even the tabby cat, Canned Food, cowered at Shen Gonglin's feet. Those dolls... oh dear, they can even attack?

Seeing the sharp blade at her feet, Shen Gonglin helped Pardofelis to quickly dodge. Was this the warm-up that Vill-V had mentioned?

[Are you all tired of escape magic tricks that involve inserting a sword into a box? Today, let's break the mold and, without using a box to obstruct the view, let this rising star escape from the blade right before everyone's eyes!]

Perhaps people with histrionic personality disorder have some serious illness. Mei has never encountered this kind of hospitality from normal people before. However, there aren't many normal people in the Elysian Realm either, so Mei has gotten used to it.

"Aaaaaah! Wait for us, Mei!"

Amid Pardofelis's shouts, Mei began to dodge the blades. It seemed that these Mobius dolls could not be destroyed by brute force; it appeared that the only way to destroy them was by using the blades they emitted. To play such tricks in the form of Mobius, it seemed that this Vill-V was also a reckless person.

"Phew, what kind of magic show is this? Pardofelis, are you sure she doesn't mean any harm?"

Using the blades emitted by the puppets, Mei destroyed all the Mobius puppets. Looking at the broken Mobius puppets around her, Mei felt a chill run down her spine. Was this the harmless Vill-V that Pardofelis had mentioned? It felt like they weren't talking about the same person.

"Ha... ha... Mei... Vill-V- nee is just like that... or rather, compared to before, her style this time is so bland..."

Without Mei's fighting prowess, Pardofelis had already exhausted herself just from dodging. The cat-like girl knelt on the ground, panting heavily. After hearing Mei's question, Pardofelis waved her hand weakly. This was nothing. The old Vill-V was much more exciting than this... In other words, this was just the beginning, and there was still more to come.

Is this all considered ordinary? It seems we still can't let our guard down. Mei took a deep breath and stepped forward again. She was already familiar with this way of greeting people.

Chapter Forty-Seven: Vill-V

[Oh ho? Ladies and gentlemen, the most anticipated development has occurred. This rising star seems quite disdainful of the script. So let's begin Act Two, and enjoy another classic magic trick: finding the Queen from three cards! Of course, on this stage, ordinary cards are unlikely to attract much attention, right?]

As if hearing Pardofelis's complaint, Vill-V's voice became even louder, which meant that the welcome to come would be even more grand. Pardofelis nodded in agreement. That's exactly how it is. That's what Vill-V wanted.

"Oh! Mei, that's the feeling. If I'm not mistaken, the big event is about to begin. As expected of Vill-V -nee, she's much better than me."

As the cat-girl spoke, she also grabbed Shen Gonglin's arm. What was about to happen was not something people with low combat power should be involved in. This performance was entirely prepared for Mei, and she should be able to handle it.

"The more you say that, the more troublesome the situation seems to me... Pardofelis, hide behind me."

Mei let out a soft breath, Mei eyes filled with focus. What followed was probably an even more outrageous performance. To obtain something, one had to go through some kind of trial, which Mei was already used to. However, this was still within her tolerance.

"We've hidden ourselves well! Mei, don't worry! I'll take care of Shen Gonglin, so don't fret."

When the enemy appeared, Pardofelis pulled Shen Gonglin to hide. The girl cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted loudly in that direction. Although she couldn't be of much help in the battle, she would definitely not hold Mei back.

Why do I get this feeling of "I'll take care of your wife"? Also, Shen Gonglin, you don't need to hide... never mind.

Mei had countless complaints she wanted to vent, but she didn't have the chance. So, the girl could only unleash all her emotions on the "Empress" in front of her. That Vill-V definitely had a problem with her aesthetic sense, or rather, it was her own problem that she had expectations of the "Empress" before. How could this kind of thing be called an empress!

Holding the Key of Punishment and having completely mastered the power of the Herrscher of Thunder, Mei utterly defeated the obstacle in her path. The fragments turned into light and disappeared. Mei flicked her longsword and put them away. Was this the final welcoming ceremony?

"Come out, Pardofelis. Were her performances always this long before?"

Mei was already getting tired of this welcoming ceremony. She couldn't appreciate this so-called magic show anymore. Now, all she felt was annoyance. Could it be that Vill-V hadn't had enough fun yet? Pardofelis must know something. She didn't have much time to waste here.

"Mei, you're amazing... But, Vill-V- nee's performances are always different, I can't say for sure, but it'll be soon, it should be soon... Hey, Mei, Mei... It seems like she hasn't stopped yet, Pardofelis, I'd better hide first... Shen Gonglin, don't hug me, let's not cause Mei any trouble!"

Pardofelis had just run out of her hiding place, but before she could finish speaking, a large group of enemies appeared in front of her again. "I'm not good at fighting," Pardofelis said, and tried to hide again. Shen Gonglin pulled her back. He was getting annoyed with hiding and dodging. "Why don't we just push through and build up the Hyperion's main cannon and bombard them?"

This idea should be feasible.

"Is the so-called performance still going? What exactly is going on...?"

Mei prepared to draw her sword again, but this time the enemies before her seemed different from before. Looking at their postures... it was as if they were playing some kind of music. Mei was on guard and did not make a move. At this moment, a clapping sound suddenly rang out. The group looked in the direction of the sound and saw a woman with flaxen hair clapping as she walked out. This person should be the last of the Flame-Chasers.

"Welcome, guests from afar. This magic show... are you satisfied? Hmm, Pardofelis? What are you doing here? Didn't I not give you an invitation?"

The Great Magician Vill-V walked up to Mei, and she also noticed Pardofelis next to her. Vill-V was very curious. Didn't she only invite Mei? She thought that Mei might bring Shen Gonglin, but Pardofelis... what did that have to do with her?

"Uh... hehe, I'm just accompanying Sister Vill-V's distinguished guest. Klein so busy and doesn't have time to give the invitation to Mei, so I'm just helping out."

Pardofelis offered a half-hearted explanation, but anyone with a discerning eye could see what was going on. It turned out she was the one who hadn't been invited in. Mei had thought she was asked to show the way. If the invitation was originally for her, then she should have just passed it on... But this girl had managed to steal an IOU from her. Was this the legendary scheme of getting something for nothing?

However, the person in front of her... Mei looked at Vill-V, and the Great Magician also noticed Mei's rather concerned gaze. Oh, I almost forgot, Pardofelis's matter is not important right now.

"How embarrassing! I almost forgot about the real audience. Please allow me to reintroduce myself... The greatest magician of the Twilight Era, the creator of all escape magic, Vill-V! Welcome to my magic theater!"

He was giving an exaggerated self-introduction, which gave Shen Gonglin and Mei a strange sense of déjà vu. He was becoming more and more like Domination Theater. His tone was just like those puppets they had seen before. Thinking about these things, Shen Gonglin and Mei couldn't help but want to punch him. This posture and tone were really annoying.

Mei and Shen Gonglin remained silent, creating a slightly awkward atmosphere. Pardofelis then trotted over to Vill-V, seemingly wanting to whisper something to her. Had Vill-V forgotten something? It seemed she would have to remind her.

"Sister Vill-V, imprint... imprint... quickly give the imprint to Mei."

As the most beloved item in the Elysian Realm, everyone has already given their imprints to Mei, leaving only Vill-V.

"I know, Pardofelis, don't be so impatient. We need to follow the script step by step. Here, I am in charge of the Spiral's Inscription, and... all miracles!"

As she spoke, Vill-V's emotions rose again. This performative personality was really troublesome.

Chapter Forty-Eight

The atmosphere in the room was very quiet. Vill-V smiled and looked at Mei. Mei didn't say anything, so there was nothing more to say. Seeing that she didn't acknowledge her performance, this woman wouldn't continue. So, in the Elysian Realm... there are hardly any normal people.

"Yes, that was wonderful. So, is the performance over?"

Speechless, but when you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head. Mei clapped her Mei lightly and said perfunctorily. After getting the answer she wanted, Vill-V was also happy. But this girl is so impatient. Is she thinking the performance is over so soon?

"Ah, there's still a grand finale, but... it's alright to wait a little while. That level of excitement is a bit too early. Also, Pardofelis, stay away from me for now. I don't have anything valuable on me. I'm sorry to disappoint you."

Vill-V pointed at Pardofelis, and at that moment the girl had unknowingly moved closer to Vill-V. At first, they thought it was Pardofelis's habitual closeness, but after seeing her awkward appearance, Mei and Shen Gonglin understood what Pardofelis was trying to do. After all, Shen Gonglin had been a victim of this kind of behavior before. This girl really targets everyone. They wondered if she would steal Kevin's things.

"Why are you saying this... I just haven't seen Vill-V in a long time, so I wanted to say hello. And you, Sister Vill-V, Canned Food miss you too."

Pardofelis was extremely embarrassed when her true colors were exposed. She tried to cover it up by hugging the cat, but everyone present already knew this guy's habits. You really can't carry too many valuables around her. To put it bluntly, if Pardofelis gets close, your things might be gone.

"Thank you, but please don't let the cat get too close. A great magician doesn't want cat hair rubbing against him. Now I need to attend to my guest... Oh, this guest seems a little nervous. It's alright, that's how people react when they first meet me. People are always silent for a long time before they scream, a phenomenon that is rarely noticed. And I, as people know, am quite an expert in creating screams."

Vill-V generously introduced herself to Shen Gonglin and Mei, while Shen Gonglin was deeply attracted by her front armor. This level of attraction felt even better Aponia's, especially the exposed chest design. Shen Gonglin felt almost ready to pounce. This was even better than Mei's. In addition, Vill-V's gear-like steampunk decorations made it clear that she was actually in Shen Gonglin's good zone.

What is this guy peeking at again? Noticing Shen Gonglin's gaze, Mei stood in front of him, blocking his view. Just keep your eyes on Pardofelis; this woman in front of you is still dangerous. She clearly noticed Shen Gonglin's gaze, but he didn't try to look away, which made Mei very concerned.

"I've heard about this before, Vill-V. In fact, I've been planning to come to you for a while now."

With Shen Gonglin's view blocked, Mei finally felt relieved. She had long been prepared to meet the last of the Mei Flame-Chasers, whether it was the stamp-like collection of imprints or the truth about the Elysian Realm. She knew she would have to meet Thirteen Flame-Chasers.

"Oh my... What a coincidence. Ms. Raiden Mei, I've been wanting to meet you for a long time. The one who defeated two Flame-Chasers... When I heard you left, I thought I had missed out on a great audience member, and Shen Gonglin, what a pity. I didn't expect you to come, so I only prepared a welcome banquet for Ms. Raiden Mei alone. As for you, I'll have to wait until next time."

Defeating two Flame-Chasers, that must be Mobius and Elysia, although Mei doesn't really think she defeated Elysia. That battle... both sides released a whole sea.

Vill-V and Mei began to talk. Seeing is believing, and this Raiden Mei is indeed very special. After greeting her, she looked at Shen Gonglin, who had also defeated Flame-Chasers and fought against Boss Kevin. He deserved a unique welcome as well.

Mei didn't say anything, but simply shielded Shen Gonglin even more behind her. She didn't care what tricks Jingu Rin used against her, but they couldn't be used against Shen Gonglin.

"You're right, Sister Vill-V still has such a good eye! Mei is skilled and easy to fool... she's a perfect fat sheep!"

Pardofelis praised Mei quite frankly, although such praise didn't really make Mei happy. "Big fat sheep, Pardofelis, "Raiden Mei remembered that phrase. Her true nature was revealed, wasn't it...? Although she had signed so many IOUs, Mei never intended to pay for them herself. If she was so capable, she could go ask Kevin for insurance. After all, she was still a cadre under World Serpent, and when she went on business trips, of course, the organization would reimburse her.

"Hoo... So all of this was prepared for me? Your so-called show began with the chaos in the Elysian Realm region."

Taking a deep breath and suppressing her resentment towards Pardofelis, Mei looked directly at Vill-V and asked, and the Great Magician readily admitted it. However, she seemed a little puzzled by the second half of Mei's statement.

"Of course it's prepared for you—something befitting a Herrscher... Huh? Disorder? What's that? Is that a page in the script?"

Vill-V's puzzled expression seemed genuine. Mei frowned. Didn't she know about this? That shouldn't be the case. According to her calculations, this matter should be related to Vill-V. After a moment of contemplation, the girl said, "The layout of the Elysian Realm area has changed. Someone told me that it was a magic performance by Flame-Chasers. I think it must be the work of you, the Great Magician."

Mei explained her statement, but the two's subsequent responses were rather perplexing.

"Ah... no, no, no, this has nothing to do with me at all... no, I can't say that... it's not wrong to say it was done by me... never mind, none of that matters. In short, that phenomenon wasn't a performance, but a weapon, or perhaps some kind of experiment."

Vill-V's words were somewhat incoherent. What did she mean by saying it had nothing to do with her yet came from her? The people in the Elysian Realm were all a bit strange, so Mei didn't delve into it. But what did she mean by preparing a weapon?