Chapter 420

"Ah... you already know quite a bit about what happened on Twilight Town?"

Through this touch, Aponia seemed to read Mei's memories. Upon hearing this, Mei's pupils contracted sharply. Sensing this trait, the other's hand suddenly became like a branding iron, causing her to quickly flinch away. Could she read her memories through that kind of contact? What about the contact between Mei and Shen Gonglin...?

Mei's expression turned extremely serious. This ability was indeed very annoying.

"You've only seen a part of it, please don't be afraid."

He comforted Mei with these words, and although she was reluctant, Mei's anger lessened considerably. However, the girl's tone was still very unhappy. No one would like to experience something like this.

"You should at least ask for my consent first."

The Herrscher of Thunder said this, and Aponia seemed to have known this attitude all along; they were the same.

"Mei, when you investigated my past, didn't you also investigate without asking for my consent...? Is there really a difference between the two? Ah... I'm not blaming you. You're so interested in me... I also hope you can know more about the essential things. Unfortunately, one's own judgment is often distorted, so I'd better not mislead you with my own words. Besides... Mei doesn't trust me enough, does she?"

Aponia's words made Mei fall silent for a moment. What she said seemed to make a lot of sense, and the girl didn't know how to respond for a moment. Aponia's words made Mei feel very complicated. However, there was one thing she was right about: she did not trust her enough. Or rather, it was hard for anyone to really trust Aponia, who had such abilities.

"Alright, before I leave, let me straighten Mei one last time. Visiting time is coming to an end."

Aponia reached out and carefully straightened Mei's slightly disheveled collar, while Mei grew anxious. Leave? She hadn't even figured out what she wanted to understand yet; how could she leave now?

However, no matter how much the girl resisted, the feeling was irresistible. The visiting time was over. Was this a prison visit? And she said the cage was to protect animals. So, was this prison protecting the people outside or Aponia herself? Mei still didn't understand any of these things.

Sigh, as expected, they're back again.

When Mei opened her eyes, she saw an Elysian Realm- style ceiling. Mei rubbed her head and sat up. Beside her, Shen Gonglin, Raven, and Elysia were engaged in a childish activity called drawing Jokers. She was unconscious, and they were just playing around. Really, they didn't care about her at all!

"Hmm, looks like we're about to lose... Hey! Mei, you're awake! You can't pretend you can't see me. Ah, your complexion... it looks terrible!"

Elysia stared at the cards in her hand with a conflicted expression. The clever mind of the Pink Elf girl made her realize that her defeat seemed to be only a matter of time. However, just then, she saw Mei. So the girl threw down the cards in her hand and ran to Mei's side, looking at her with concern. She pretended to be concerned, but actually she just wanted to renege on her bet when she was about to lose!

That guy is really cunning.

They were about to win, but Elysia cheated! Shen Gonglin and Raven exchanged a helpless glance. They had stolen the cards so well and were about to win, but then Alicia started cheating. Shen Gonglin had no choice but to throw away the cards. The cards turned into blue light spots and disappeared. It was clear that Shen Gonglin had used the Herrscher of Reason's abilities to create them. The Herrscher of Reason's abilities are really useful.

"Mei, you don't look too good. Let's go rest for a bit and then do something fun, okay?"

Having successfully cheated, Elysia leaned close to Mei and said, "Playing cards is no fun at all. It's much more fun to do something fun with Mei."

Chapter Sixty-Eight

Happy things? I'm afraid I can't be happy right now. I understand Elysia's personality quite well now. Mei ignored Alicia's cute winking expression. Even if I were to do something happy, it wouldn't be with her. Seriously, what's this girl's orientation? She keeps flirting with me while also flirting with Shen Gonglin, or is she actually open to both?

That's absolutely terrifying.

"Forget it, if I don't hurry now... I'm afraid I'll never be able to leave here again."

The matter of Aponia remained a thorn in Mei's side. Mei couldn't concentrate on anything else until she resolved it. It felt like a mysterious enigma. Damn it, if only there were fewer riddle-makers in the world.

"Oh! Mei, do you mean you're worried that if you stay here too long, you'll become more and more reluctant to leave me?"

Elysia said this with a smile. She had felt that Mei was very bold before, but now Mei was even hinting at it to her without hiding it from others. This really made her feel a little helpless. Should she agree, agree, or agree?

"...Okay, being with you really makes it hard to feel sad, Elysia. I do have something I want to talk to you about, and it's urgent."

Mei took a deep breath. If she hadn't adjusted her mindset like this, Mei was really afraid that she would have pulled out the Key of Punishment and stabbed her. Did she really think she had no temper? And that she couldn't bear to part with her? Who did she think she was? Was she Shen Gonglin? How could she possibly not bear to part with her? This shameless behavior was quite similar to Shen Gonglin's.

"Hmm? So serious, are you planning to propose? But no, we're both beautiful girls, and girls can't marry each other, so I'm really sorry, I have to refuse you, Mei."

For some reason, Elysia couldn't understand what was going on in that pink head of hers. Mei was so angry that a cross was practically forming on her forehead. How self-important was this girl? Marriage? Was there any possibility that she would marry her? Calm down, calm down, she couldn't go along with her.

"It's about Aponia."

Mei spoke calmly, and Elysia finally stopped trying to mislead people.

"You're asking about other people's business again... What's wrong?"

It seemed that asking about that kind of thing didn't disappoint Elysia, but this negative feeling quickly disappeared. The girl became enthusiastic again and asked Mei about Elysia, saying Aponia she was also very interested in her.

"She told me that I would die at her hands in ten days, and now, there are only about four days left."

I didn't want to tell Elysia about this, but now it seems I can't hide it anymore. Elysia is the first person I've met in the Elysian Realm, and she knows a lot about the remaining Flame-Chasers. Maybe I can get some information from her. I have no choice but to admit it.

"Ah! Mei, you should have told me sooner! This is so important!"

Elysia looked very surprised, her beautiful eyes wide open. Shen Gonglin was standing next to Mei, also became serious. After all, this was a very serious matter, and he knew that he shouldn't be fooling around at this time.

"Well, how should I put it... something strange has happened, otherwise I wouldn't care about such absurd talk, but judging from your current reaction... should I believe it without a doubt?"

Mei was surprised by Elysia's reaction. She did know something about Aponia. But even so, Mei didn't feel any fear. If she were worried about something like this, she wouldn't be herself. Aponia, if you want to kill me, then come on if you dare.

"Well, I don't know why this happened... but it's Aponia prophecy."

Elysia quietly approached and whispered these words. From her attitude, it was clear that the girl was very serious. How could Mei have encountered such a thing? She should have come to me sooner to think of a solution together.

"... Prophecy? Yes, someone told me she could see the future."

It seems that Aponia does indeed possess this ability—to see the future? In the future she sees, will she be killed by her? Mei finds this absurdity hard to accept. Does knowing such a thing mean she has to bravely face death?

Impossible. I went through so much hardship to get here, it's impossible that I would just be killed by Aponia.

"The future that Aponia saw... is probably an unchangeable fact. Even Aponia herself can only see it, but is powerless to change it. She has tried more than anyone else to address it..."

She did seem a little flustered. Elysia tapped her lips with her finger, deep in thought. Could it be that Aponia said something because of Mei...?

"Mei, are you planning to do something extremely dangerous...? Hmm... no, since she's already made her judgment, what you're planning to do isn't that important anymore... This is the outcome she foresaw, so even if you do nothing, Mei, it will probably be the same..."

Elysia was in a real bind. Mei was the girl she liked, and she didn't want to see this kind of ending.

"... So, Aponia's words weren't a metaphor, or an exaggeration? That's impossible. I don't believe in fate. Unless... that's a special case that only happens in the Elysian Realm."

Mei's attitude was very resolute. Having spent a long time with Shen Gonglin, Mei had also been influenced by Shen Gonglin's personality. So-called fate only exists when you want to believe in it; any fate that you don't want is just nonsense.

"But... that's just how it is, Mei. When she first told me about her predicament, she looked even more tired than you do now... We've known each other for a long time, and she's only ever shown that helpless side to me."

Elysia's expression was very serious, a look that seemed particularly out of place on the face of this Pink Elf girl, who always wore a smile. This made Mei realize the seriousness of the matter. Taking a deep breath, Elysia recounted what had happened to Mei, hoping that she would also take it seriously.

Chapter Sixty-Nine: Hug

"At that time... a member imprisoned in the Deepest Place was about to be incorporated into the Poison Cocoon, and Aponia saw that he would perish in his first mission. So, she used her methods to force that person to remain in the Deepest Place."

Speaking of this past event, it was on that occasion that Elysia realized just how unsolvable Aponia's power truly was, and that even she herself was helpless against it.

"And then what happened?"

This is Aponia's prophecy, and it seems she is trying to make changes, so Mei is eager to know what happened next. Shen Gonglin and Raven are also listening attentively to what happened to that Flame-Chasers and how it developed into what she is now.

"Hmm... you can probably guess what kind of people are taking a nap there, right? Just as the prophesied death was about to arrive, a riot broke out in the Deepest Place. That person couldn't protect themselves. As a result, the prophecy came true in another way. This is just one example; it's happened many times. No matter how meticulous the methods, if Aponia has already foreseen something, it will definitely happen. So far, her prophecies have never gone astray. So... Mei, you really have to be careful."

Elysia was deeply worried. She didn't want this to happen, but even someone as clever as her couldn't figure out how to avoid it.

"If things are really as you say... it seems that this is no longer a situation that I can handle by being careful enough. However, even if it is an unavoidable situation, I cannot just sit and wait to die."

Mei took a deep breath. Now she knew how terrible the Aponia prophecy was, but even so, it was impossible for her to sit and wait for death. Moreover, with Rin Shen Gonglin by her side, Mei really couldn't imagine how such a thing could happen.

"Hmm... It's good to have confidence... Okay, I'll ask Aponia for you too. Although she would never do this, but... I hope she's just joking with her successor. After all, she rarely tells someone the exact time... Also, Mei, if you can, stay with me a little longer, okay? I'm serious."

Elysia looked very troubled. She really liked Mei's disbelief in fate, but this was Aponia's prophecy, and even Elysia herself couldn't do anything about it. Although she said this, she still couldn't help but hold Mei's hand. If what Aponia said was true, wouldn't she not be able to see Mei again in four days? Such a future was hard to accept.

"... You're just saying that you believe I'll definitely die in four days. I'm not going to give up my life so easily... Also, we'll probably be spending a lot of time together in the future, so don't worry."

It was rare for Elysia to smile at Mei could tell that Alicia was genuinely worried about her and wanted her to spend more time with her. In any case, Elysia had been showing her kindness, and Mei wasn't ungrateful. How could Mei?

"Wow! Mei, you're so good at this. I feel like I'll be completely won over by you in less than 24 hours. No, no, Mei, I like boys... Hey, you guys, why did you leave?"

Ignoring Elysia's calls from behind, Mei, with a dark face, dragged Shen Gonglin away. As expected, she couldn't give this girl a kind look. She knew she was still thinking about her pig. This idiot, does she really think she has no temper?

"Mei? Are you worried about Aponia? Don't worry, we've been staying together all this time. If she tries anything to you, I'll beat her up first. Don't worry, I'll protect you."

Seeing Mei's gloomy face, Shen Gonglin thought she was still worried about the prophecy, so he solemnly assured Mei that he would never let such a thing happen and that Mei didn't need to worry at all.

"I'm not worried about that kind of thing. Don't worry, I'm not the kind of girl who would worry about something that isn't true. What I'm worried about is... Sigh, never mind, Shen Gonglin, promise me you won't be alone with Elysia. That girl is definitely up to no good. I mean you. She's definitely up to no good."

Mei's expression was complicated. Compared to worrying about Aponia, Mei Shen Gonglin. It was too dangerous for him to stay in the Elysian Realm. Mei knew his ability to get along with girls, so she couldn't help but worry.

Elysia? Why is Mei worried about Elysia? Mei Shen Gonglin that Elysia is a pretty good person. She is beautiful and speaks nicely. She is a very good person to get along with. Why does it seem that Mei is more wary of her than of Aponia?

"In short, just listen to me. I won't hurt you. Listening to me is the right thing to do. I'm doing this for your own good..."

Mei started her nostalgic chatter. Back in St. Freya, this girl was like a kindergarten teacher who loved to nag. But after so many things happened, Mei changed and matured. So seeing Mei like this now, Shen Gonglin felt a lot of nostalgia. She loved both the kindergarten teacher version of Mei and the Herrscher of Thunder Mei!

"Okay, okay."

The feeling of nostalgia led Mei Shen Gonglin to do something Mei hadn't expected. He suddenly reached out and hugged Mei, his nose filled with the girl's fragrance, and his arms filled with the soft touch of her body. This tangible feeling made Shen Gonglin feel very comfortable. Just holding Mei gave him a sense of security. It was so comfortable. Girls are truly peculiar Shen Gonglin. Every one of them felt comfortable to hold, and each one gave Shen Gonglin a different feeling.

"Why, why did you suddenly hug me..."

Mei was a little nervous at being treated like this all of a sudden. Of course, she couldn't possibly push Mei Shen Gonglin. She was just a little at a loss. Was it her birthday today? Why was such a good thing happening?

"I just suddenly wanted to hug you, is that not allowed?"

"Yes, yes, it's fine... anytime you want..."

How could Mei possibly refuse? The girl slowly hugged him back. "How about we change my birthday to today? It really feels like it's worth commemorating."

Chapter Seventy: Aponia, Born with Knowledge

Stare...

Mei was enjoying a tender embrace with Shen Gonglin Mei two unsettling gazes ruined her mood. A girl in this state is very sensitive to others' opinions, and this feeling... Mei turned her head and saw Kosma and Su looking in her direction. The atmosphere instantly became awkward.

"Please continue, I didn't expect we would interrupt you."

The four of them stared at each other blankly, and finally it was the autistic boy Kosma who spoke first. He was talking to Su here, and then he suddenly saw Shen Gonglin and Mei hugging each other over there. He didn't know who had disturbed whom.

"Likewise."

Mei let go of Shen Gonglin. In the past, she would have blushed and felt shy, but Mei was different now. She wouldn't be moved by such a small thing. Shen Gonglin finally wanted to act cute with her, so why was she interrupted?

"Don't worry about it, we still have plenty of time to reflect on the past."

Sue spoke with her eyes closed. Although her eyes were closed, Flame-Chasers, who controlled the Heavenly Wisdom Inscription, gave people the feeling that he could see everything. Kosma didn't speak, so the conversation with Mei could only fall on him. Compared with the last time they met, the visitor's confusion seemed to have increased rather than decreased.

"The confusion in your heart seems to be getting heavier and heavier, visitor."

Su sighed, which was exactly why Mei had come to find him. Mei had previously talked to him about psychic-sensory Flame-Chaser, and at that time, Su said that he was just one of them.

"You've come at the right time, Sue. I was just about to look for you. You said you're one of the psychic-sensory Flame-Chaser, and that some of them will develop near-mutant abilities. Is that true?"

Holding Shen Gonglin's hand, Mei walked up to the Flame-Chasers. Although he also had some of the Riddler's traits, he was far better than others. She thought she could find some answers from him.

"Indeed... those abilities that can be noticed by others are just isolated cases. The changes in most people are so subtle that they are difficult to classify individually, and... becoming a mental perception-type Flame-Chaser often causes immeasurable distortions in the person's cognition. Many people could have shone on the battlefield, but their mental state... makes it difficult for them to perform this kind of task, and they even stand on the opposite side of humanity."

Su spoke so many words in a gentle tone. Well... how to put it, although Shen Gonglin, he didn't quite understand them when they were put together. So Shen Gonglin simply gave up thinking about it. Mei, however, listened very attentively, and at this moment, she also asked her own question.

"So... Su, among these people, are there any who can foresee the future?"

Mei tentatively asked the question, and as soon as Su heard her ask it, she understood why Mei had asked it that way.

"Visitor, it seems you have already met Aponia."

Su said firmly, Mei shook her head. Could that really be considered seeing? Strictly speaking, it couldn't be called seeing, but rather more like a continuous dream.

"Visitor, I understand. I myself also have the habit of communicating with people and using the environment. Perhaps this is a common characteristic of those with a spiritual and perceptive mindset. Has she... explained what she has seen to you?"

It seems these Flame-Chasers all know about Aponia's abilities. Explaining what she saw to her is telling her about the future she envisioned. Mei has indeed received it, although it's hardly a good future.

"What she saw...? Yes, but I don't know if I should believe her. You've mentioned your own premonitions several times. Can I use that as an analogy?"

Su, who is standing before us, is also Flame-Chaser with a mental perception ability. Is his vision the same as Aponia's? Mei wants to get a different future from Su. What would happen if the futures foreseen by the two Flame-Chasers contradict each other?

"My foresight... is based on past events and the character of those involved, just as what has happened will happen again... When the components of an event are fixed, in my eyes, its outcome is already predetermined, but Aponia's vision is different... She is able to see beyond reality by interacting with others."

This time, Shen Gonglin seemed to understand. Despite the obscure language, it simply meant that Sue was doing big data analysis and drawing conclusions, while Aponia was a charlatan. Their predictions were completely different. That should be the gist of it... Shen Gonglin felt that she had finally caught up with their conversation.

"I'm sorry, I can't summarize this, but I hope this analogy helps you understand: the silence in conversation conveys the speaker's heart better than words, and the breath of the skin understands your life better than consciousness. The sound of joints, the flow of breath, the expression of every gene... Through them, you can easily read a person's past and understand their future, as long as you can understand their language."

Su spoke in a calm tone, saying something that made Shen Gonglin's eyes sleepy. Although this guy had a good learning ability, he couldn't do this kind of listening in class.

"We all have some understanding of reading between the lines, but Aponia ... she was born with a third eye. What she states is not judgment, but the facts that emerge from her eyes. She learned to apply it before she even understood the principles. And becoming Flame-Chaser only amplified this talent of hers... or rather, her curse."

Is it an ability bestowed upon her by heaven? Su felt that it was more of a curse. After all, even if you can see the future, you can't change it and can only be a bystander. In a sense, this is the cruelest punishment.

"Even so... the things she can predict are far too extensive. If someone truly possesses this ability, it's tantamount to declaring that humanity has never had free will. Is it possible... that it's merely an illusion?"

Mei, the Mei student, listened intently to everything Su said. Her comprehension was even stronger than that of the seemingly clueless genius next to her. But precisely because of this, she found it even more unacceptable that Aponia's ability was tantamount to denying all of humanity. Did all efforts and free will have predetermined answers in her eyes...?

Chapter Seventy-One: Mother

"Since psychic-sensory Flame-Chaser all possess the ability to influence the perceptions of others, perhaps... the future she saw was merely an artificially created event after suggestion was applied. Even an ordinary person could potentially achieve this to some extent through meticulous planning."