Chapter 415

"Weapons? What does that mean?"

Upon hearing a term that intrigued her, Mei took the initiative to ask about it, and Vill-V made no attempt to hide it. With a hint of boastfulness, she spoke up, raising her hands as if she were introducing her ring of fire to a beast tamer.

"That's right! Elysian Realm Special Type. Anti-Kevin armament Type 92, can effectively delay anyone's journey to a certain area, unless he is extremely lucky."

After listening to Vill-V's explanation, Mei felt a mix of emotions. What kind of divine law had Kevin broken? Why did it feel like everyone in the Elysian Realm was preparing to deal with him? They'd even developed weapons specifically designed to target him. Shouldn't they just voice their opinions if they had any...?

"So, you can control the changes in the region now?"

I tried to understand what Vill-V said. Delaying anyone's journey to a certain area means that it's possible to arbitrarily change the location of an area and make people go in circles. It's a really simple and unadorned weapon, but it is indeed useful. At least against Shen Gonglin, it should be considered a major weapon.

"That's clever, you could say, but its arrangement is completely random, which is why I said... if someone is too lucky, then this device won't work at all."

Vill-V snapped her fingers and praised Mei, saying that Mei's comprehension was very strong and that she could indeed change the area's movements. However, even she couldn't control the process. There was always someone with incredible luck who could just walk out of there. Therefore, this method for anti-Kevin armament was not yet perfect and needed further improvement.

"So... does the random range also include areas that shouldn't exist in the first place? The last time you operated this device, one of my companions accidentally wandered into a space that had never existed before... and the place we are in now is one I have never been to either."

That was the situation with Raven. She was exploring Elysian Realm when she accidentally entered Vill-V's magical space, and then she ended up in Aponia. The entry seemed to be completely random. For example, the place she was in now looked like a theater, but it was much brighter than the Domination Theater she had been in before.

"I'm just as baffled as you are. It's been 50,000 years, and there are countless abandoned areas. Perhaps they were also programmed into the core program to increase the complexity of the device."

"Vill-V said irresponsibly, as the girl took off her magic hat and started fiddling with it. Mei even felt that she might be able to pull out a cherry blossom... a rabbit from the hat later. In her opinion, there wouldn't be any better answer. However, knowing the characteristics of this space, this was a direction. Maybe she could find Aponia like Raven crashing into the Deepest Place."

She said she would kill me in ten days... I'll kill her right now and see if she dares to say such strange things again!

"I understand. It seems you can't help me. But... it seems I can still try my luck. Pardofelis, Shen Gonglin, let's go."

Not getting the answer she wanted, Mei didn't want to waste any more time there. The main reason was that this Vill-V gave Mei a great sense of threat. Like Pardofelis, Shen Gonglin was more interested in Pardofelis because of her ears and tail, like a pet. But Vill-V... why was she dressed so provocatively? Was she planning to seduce someone else's man?

In front of her, Mei, who had always been confident about her figure, could no longer maintain her confidence.

"Please wait a moment. Have you forgotten something? The grand finale... hasn't started yet."

Seeing that Mei was about to leave, the Great Magician Vill-V quickly stopped her. The grand finale hadn't even started yet, and it would be disrespectful for Mei to run away like this. This was something he had carefully prepared for her, and he couldn't refuse her.

"Sorry, I'm very busy and don't have much time, so I won't play with you."

Mei politely declined. She was very efficient these days. Since she couldn't get an answer from Vill-V, she had to use her limited time on more important things. Besides, Mei had no interest in magic at all. She'd rather spend that time exploring and trying her luck.

"Ah... no, no, you'll be interested, although I think this format is really outdated. But there's no way around it, after all, it's part of my... duty?"

After saying that, Vill-V snapped her fingers, and everything around Mei immediately went dark, leaving only Vill-V's voice echoing everywhere. How could she give Mei the mark if she didn't do that? She's really naughty.

"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, open your eyes! The climax of the performance is about to begin!"

With these pronouncements, Vill-V reverses meaning, subverts common sense, creates illusion with reality, and forges miracles with the unknown. The curtain has been drawn; listen to the cheers of the meshing gears... and behold this contradictory and inverted spiral! Welcome to Vill-V's theater of performances!

"I always feel that it would be a waste of her talent if she didn't become a Herrscher of Herrscher of Domination."

Watching the spiral mark disappear into Mei's body, and listening to Vill-V's speech that sounded like a stage host, Shen Gonglin finally blurted out after holding back for a long time, "This guy seems to be the Herrscher of Domination, and these gears... As expected, we still have to fight." Looking at the enemy that appeared in front of them, both Mei and Shen Gonglin showed their usual expressions.

If you take someone else's things, of course you have to pass their test. Although Mei doesn't know what the purpose of these markings is, she'll just collect them like stamps. If all thirteen markings are gathered on her body, maybe she can summon a dragon.

Pardofelis had already retreated to the side before the battle even began. Shen Gonglin and Mei exchanged a glance; these enemies weren't particularly noteworthy. Mei had been clearing the way the whole time, and Shen Gonglin occasionally felt a bit itchy to fight. Since that was the case...

"This is the time of judgment."

With a snap of her fingers, Shen Gonglin created countless Spear of the Void in the Imaginary Space behind her. Mei was very familiar with this scene. Seeing Shen Gonglin's attack method reminded her of that girl, Kiana. She wondered how Kiana was doing now, but she had a feeling that they would be reunited soon. When she saw Kiana with her own eyes, what should she say to her?

I feel a little nervous.

Chapter Fifty: Losing Temper

"It's really beautiful... but this is practically unfair! This was prepared for Miss Mei... Oh well, consider it a special gift for this performance. I never skimp on my audience. Also, based on what I know, you shouldn't mind having one more person with you, right?"

After the magic show ended, Vill-V adjusted her hat and volunteered to come over. She roughly knew what Mei others wanted to do, so she wanted to get involved. After all, although this chaos wasn't strictly her doing, she had been with them day and night, so she would know more than the others. Whatever the other personalities did could probably be linked to her.

Mei and Shen Gonglin hadn't spoken yet, but another person coughed twice and spoke up. Well, isn't this like Vill-V taking away her job? This won't do, Pardofelis has to stand up for herself.

"Ahem... Um... Sister Vill-V, Mei already has an experienced guide, so there's no need to trouble you."

Pardofelis raised her hand timidly and kept winking at Shen Gonglin and Mei. After all, she had been guiding them for so long, and they must have developed feelings for each other. They certainly wouldn't want to replace her. Where else could they find such a reliable guide besides her?

"Oh... I see, Pardofelis, you're still as shrewd as ever... you sold an invitation that originally belonged to someone else, and then made a profit on security fees?"

Having discerned Pardofelis's meaning, Vill-V looked at the catgirl with amusement. Sure enough, she was still that cunning merchant from the Elysian Realm. Was she trying to squeeze every last drop out of someone? No wonder she had called Raiden Mei a big fat sheep earlier. Was she trying to catch someone and make her retirement money off them?

"Sister Vill-V! You... cough cough, keep your voice down... Mei heard me clearly... Also, Sister Vill-V, after all, I'm the guide. If you're coming along, wouldn't it be unfair not to charge you? So, how about you take a little as a token?"

While whispering to Vill-V, Mei had already heard everything Pardofelis said clearly. She realized she didn't need to feel guilty. Empty promises were perfect for Pardofelis. Did she really think she was some kind of fat sheep waiting to be slaughtered? And she actually charged her fellow Flame-Chasers? Where was this girl's bottom line?

Shen Gonglin nodded repeatedly as he listened. Pardofelis's personality suited his taste perfectly. If he had that kind of business acumen, he would definitely be able to make a lot of money. Now that he was the Bishop of Schicksal, he had too many expenses, so he should indeed find a way to generate income for himself.

"Pardofelis, it seems you're not the same as before... you've become even more greedy..."

Even Vill-V was speechless. Pardofelis had really changed a lot in the time she hadn't seen her. She had never been so greedy before, and now she even wanted to make money off her. She was really not hiding it at all. But she didn't want to let her have her way so easily. What should she do?

"Hehe, Sister Vill-V, keeping up with the times, huh? Mei is so generous... Hmm? Mei!"

As they were talking, Pardofelis suddenly heard an unusual sound coming from behind. When she turned around, she saw Mei lying unconscious in Shen Gonglin's arms. It was the same old problem again. It seemed that Mei had been taken away by that Aponia again. If this problem wasn't solved, things would probably get much worse.

I've come here again... Is it because I received Vill-V's mark?

Looking at the pitch-black surroundings, Mei sighed. This wasn't her first time here, and she really didn't want this sense of familiarity, but it seemed she couldn't help it? The girl roused herself and walked forward, and that familiar voice rang in her ears once again.

[Mei ...this is something that can't be changed.]

Aponia's voice echoed in her mind. Sometimes Mei really couldn't tell whether she heard it with her ears or in her mind. This kind of communication with Aponia had made Mei impatient. It seemed that the other party just didn't want to explain things clearly. She really hated the Riddler!

"It really was you... The time isn't up yet, what are you going to do...?"

Mei, I saw the impending rain a day before you did. Fate has swept us into a torrent, and the more we struggle... the more we will be swallowed up.

"Alright, stop talking. I don't want to hear your ambiguous words anymore. Either we fight, or you let me out now and you'll kill me in ten days? How about I kill you now?"

Mei had been holding back her temper, but this time she didn't want to endure it anymore. She didn't need to get along with everyone. If she got impatient, Mei would even hit Kiana, let alone Flame-Chasers, whose purpose was unclear. She said she would kill her in ten days, and Mei wouldn't wait for her to kill her peacefully. She had worked hard to get to where she was now, not to be killed by her.

[Mei, don't worry...]

"I'm in a hurry, I'm in a hurry right now. How can I not be anxious when I leave Shen Gonglin alone in front of Vill-V? You don't need to say anything now, I have my own things to do!"

Being dragged here for no reason so many times, even a good-tempered girl like Mei is getting a little fed up. She's not helpless about being dragged here. You have to know that Mei is Herrscher, and Herrscher are never a synonym for weakness!

Crimson lightning flashed as Mei drew the Key of Punishment from her waist. The Herrscher of Thunder unleashed her own lightning in the darkness. Every space has its limits, and Mei didn't want to listen to Aponia's nonsense anymore. If she didn't want this space to collapse, she should release Mei right now!

[...well.]

With a long sigh, Mei felt her consciousness falter, followed by a feeling of being in Mei. This was a common understanding among those who had ever fallen into a coma. While consciousness would return to the body in an instant, the perception of time would be quite dulled. Some people would hear the sound of blood rushing through their tubes at this time, a bell tolling for the living in the mortal world.

But for a certain purpose, this girl, whose eyes were not yet open, did not need to wait until this moment to hear that within her body, the roaring thunder never ceased, and that she was... back?

Chapter Fifty-One Buried

Mei's consciousness had returned to her body, but the brief discomfort made Mei reluctant to open her eyes so soon. This time, the feeling of returning was different from before. Was it because she was carrying the Spiral Mark? And what about Vill-V, her invitation...? After meeting her, she was pulled into Aponia's trap. So, was there any connection between them?

Honestly, there are just too many fragmented clues; they can't be pieced together into anything useful. Mei closed her eyes in thought, while she could hear the voices of others around her. Had she returned to the Elysian Realm Hall?

"...Mei, Mei, please don't blame me, I don't know what happened either!"

The voice was anxious and tinged with a sob. It was Pardofelis's voice. Honestly, why was the first voice she heard after waking up Pardofelis? Mei would have preferred to hear Shen Gonglin's voice. He wasn't even by her side when she was unconscious. She liked him so much. What a heartless idiot.

"Pardofelis, are you sure you don't want to think of anything else? We have plenty of doctors here... If you're so proactive in this kind of thing, aren't you afraid that Shen Gonglin will come back and kill you?"

That voice... it's Vill-V. What are they saying? Not understanding why, Mei kept her eyes closed. Did they think something was wrong with her? Looking for a doctor? The doctor in the Elysian Realm —was she referring to Mobius?

"But this time is different from last time... And, Sister Vill-V, wasn't it you who made the judgment? I trusted you completely... I'm sorry... Mei, I'm sorry... I promised to be your guide, but I... Never mind, this is the last thing I can do for you. Take this sword as payment. Canned Food ... Canned Food! Bring me the shovel..."

The conversation was cryptic, and Mei had no idea what Pardofelis wanted to do. Her conversation with Vill-V was interspersed with a few meows, unlike Pardofelis who seemed to have the ability to talk to cats. Mei was now full of questions. What did Pado need the shovel for? She felt there was no point in pretending to be asleep any longer, and she should wake up by now.

"I really can't count on you... I'll do it myself!"

She ran over and grabbed the shovel. Pardofelis immediately started digging a hole in the Elysian Realm Hall. Her heart had Mei beating; there was no hope. Shen Gonglin's return would only cause more grief. She decided to dig the hole first, and then just put her in. Considering she helped dig the hole, she thought it wouldn't be a problem for Mei to give her the sword. With that thought, Pardofelis felt a surge of strength. However, at that moment, she met a pair of purple eyes.

Their eyes met, and seeing Mei's open eyes, Pardofelis felt a cold sweat pour down her body. The fur on her ears and tail stood on end in shock at the sight before her. The cat-girl stammered and took a half-step back. What was happening? Hadn't her heart stopped beating? What was this...?

"It's... it's... it's... it's a zombie!"

The girl screamed in fright, while Mei rubbed her head and sat up. Beside her was a large, inexplicable pit; it was what Pardofelis had been digging. Vill-V stood to the side, smiling, showing no surprise whatsoever. So it really was her...

"Phew... Calm down, Pardofelis, I'm still alive... I've just passed out. This isn't the first time. Where's Shen Gonglin?"

I really don't know why Pardofelis is making such a fuss. I've been unconscious for a while and I'm almost used to it. Why is she so surprised? I looked around and didn't see Shen Gonglin. What was she doing while I was unconscious? Did she go and put a hat on me?

"He went to find someone else to help... But, Mei, Mei, you... are you really okay? Just now, for a moment, your heart stopped completely! Are you really okay?"

Still seemingly in disbelief, Pardofelis cautiously approached Mei. The cat-like girl reached out and touched Mei's arm; it was warm and cozy. This was definitely a living person! Thank goodness, Mei is still alive, and I can continue making money.

"It's just that my heart stopped beating... I'm fine."

Mei shook her head. She wasn't really clear on what had just happened; she only remembered lashing out at Aponia, and then releasing herself from that the Deepest Place herself. As for other feelings...

"Look, Pardofelis... a case of coming back from the dead has appeared. This spectator, I think you'd better be careful, lest you get captured by Mobius for research again..."

Vill-V's voice rang out, and the Great Magician watched everything before her with great interest. But just then, her voice stopped abruptly, and a sharp blade was suddenly placed across her neck. The hand holding the weapon belonged to Raiden Mei, who was standing before her. Although her voice had stopped, the smile on Vill-V's face remained unchanged. This performance was also part of her plan.

"What, what... Mei, what are you doing?!"

Seeing this, Pardofelis panicked. Why did Mei suddenly attack Vill-V? She wasn't like that. What happened to make her like this? She hoped everyone would be harmonious and not quarrel, because that's what's good for doing business. Pardofelis wasn't used to fighting like this at all.

Why did you invite me?

Ignoring Pardofelis, Mei stared directly at Vill-V. Vervie's actions made her involuntarily connect her with Aponia. Inviting her at this sensitive time, and then having come into contact with Aponia again, all of this made Mei think deeply.

"Hmm? Didn't I already say that I'd be curious about a Herrscher defeated two Flame-Chasers? Is that reason really that hard to believe?"

Without moving, it was as if the blade at her neck didn't exist. Putting aside whether Mei would actually slash down, even if she did, as Flame-Chasers and Great Magician skilled in escape magic, Vill-V would still have her own lingering influence.

"Is it unrelated to that Aponia?"

Mei didn't believe Vill-V's words and stared coldly at Vill-V. Everything Velvi had done before made Mei, and she always felt that everything about her was inexplicably connected to Aponia. But was her current reaction just her imagination?

Chapter 52 A Useful Cat

"Aponia? How is that possible... Oh! I really didn't realize that you were another person who hated her to this extent? Don't worry, in this respect, I'm no different from you."

Vill-V shrugged. It seemed Mei wasn't feeling too good about Aponia right now. That was normal; those who knew, knew. She was in the same boat.

Mei didn't speak, and the sharp blade was still held in front of Vill-V's neck. Seeing this, Pardofelis quickly stepped forward to smooth things over. They couldn't just watch the two of them remain like this forever. Peace and harmony bring wealth.

"Mei- nee... put the knife down, please put it down."

After hesitating for a moment, out of respect for Pardofelis, Mei paused briefly to sheath her sword. However, at that moment, she discovered that a special force field seemed to have formed around her. No matter how hard she tried, her weapon remained suspended in mid-air, unable to move an inch. It seemed that Flame-Chasers was indeed worthy of her name; even if she hadn't stopped at this crucial moment, she probably wouldn't have been able to hurt her.

"Oh... I'm sorry, I'll turn it off right away. After all, I can't just sit here and wait to die, can I?"

Vill-V snapped her fingers, and the invisible force vanished instantly. Mei took a half-step back due to some kind of inertia, but the heavy pressure that had been on her weapon earlier had dissipated. Mei sheathed her longsword without saying a word. When dealing with Flame-Chasers, there was indeed no room for relaxation.

Seeing the tense atmosphere, Pardofelis coughed twice and stepped forward to lighten the mood. "Ahem, so Mei, what exactly is going on? You're the Herrscher of Thunder, so... you can perform electric shock resuscitation on your own heart?"

Pardofelis has a knack for lightening the mood. Her words immediately eased the tense atmosphere. Vill-V couldn't help but laugh. How could it be for that reason? Didn't they just mention Aponia? It seems that's what I was thinking.

"Hahaha... Stop playing dumb, Pardofelis. After all these years, you still haven't gotten rid of this bad habit? She just mentioned Aponia... She must have received some kind of prophecy."

Mei seemed quite used to this, indicating that this wasn't the first time. Mei turned to look at Vill-V, whose words were quite intriguing. Receiving a prophecy meant she wasn't an isolated case.

"What do you know?"

Mei looked at Vill-V. If she remembered correctly, she had fallen into a coma after Velvi had prepared the so-called grand finale, and then she arrived in Aponia. These two things cannot be confused. What did Vill-V mean by "grand finale" before Aponia?

"Aha... That's not hard to guess, everyone's had similar experiences. But maybe Aponia didn't mean to hurt you just now, but saved your life. Remember our grand finale? The Spiral Imprint, it was quite thrilling."

Vill-V said these words with a smile, but her attitude immediately made Mei's face turn cold. She guessed right. It was indeed related to her so-called grand finale performance. If Aponia saved her life... then before that, it was this Vill-V who wanted her dead?

Who exactly are the people in the Elysian Realm? Are they all connected through Elysia after all?

"It really was you."

Mei placed her hand on the sword hilt once again. No one could remain calm after hearing such words, but Vill-V waved her hand at Mei, telling her not to worry too much, after all, it was just a magic trick.

"Oh dear, I know you're in a hurry, but don't rush, let her finish speaking first. I was supposed to be the one to resurrect you, but it seems... this time, Aponia is particularly concerned about her prophecy."

While comforting Mei, Vill-V said something Mei had never thought of before. According to her, Mei was able to wake up because of Aponia, but this was different from her previous prophecy about her. Didn't she say that Mei would die at her hands? Why did she save her? Could it be... because of time?

Aponia said she would kill him in ten days, so he would absolutely not die for any reason before those ten days arrived.

"That's right, it seems you've already figured it out. As long as the time hasn't come, she won't allow anything to happen ahead of time. In a sense, as someone who can see the future, she values the script even more than I do..."

Exit confirmed Mei's conjecture: people who can see the future are more likely to want the future to happen as she sees it, and Aponia is such a person.