Chapter 424

"It's too late. If you wanted to stop here, you shouldn't have come to me. For me, things always have to end, and there's only one way to do it."

Of course, there was no way he would back down. Once she decided to provoke him, there was only one outcome: no matter what her plans were, he would definitely kill her.

"Phew, my last words... I'll say them someday, but not now."

Suddenly, a scene flashed into Mei's mind: an old woman lying in a hospital bed, surrounded by her children and grandchildren, all of whom were blonde with purple eyes. She was leaving her last words at the last moment of her life. This was Mei's ideal scenario, so she didn't plan to say anything about her last words now.

"Hahahahahaha... Very well, after today, this place will cease to exist along with you. Let's prove who will be sacrificed for whom!"

Further words are useless. The final blow is brewing from Chakravartin, and Mei is ready to show herself the truth that no one survived, and reveal the true face of fate.

The air became scorching hot again, everything was evaporating, burning so intensely that it was hard to breathe. Chakravartin's hand was already raised. If this strike hit, from any angle, she would undoubtedly be destroyed.

Chapter 82 Guanyin and Wukong

This attack was unavoidable; it was a death trap. So... now is the time... I have shattered your destiny, Aponia ...

Looking at the blinding flames filling her vision, Mei prepared to face whatever was to come. If she didn't want to die before her prophecy, then she should show herself. Otherwise, she would have no chance of survival under such an attack. Mei, I'm going to die on the spot today!

However, contrary to Mei's expectations, there was no response from anywhere, not even a few words or a fleeting memory. Anxiety began to spread in Mei's heart. Could it be that she was wrong? Or had she successfully courted disaster? Where did things go wrong?

There were no unexpected events, and no one came to my aid. Had I been deceived by the fortune teller? Had I made the wrong judgment? No... even so, it can't be now. If I can't fight fate with fate, then... I can only start it myself.

Despite thinking this, Mei gripped her weapon tightly again, but Mei had absolutely no confidence in the deadly situation she had created for herself. Who could withstand such an attack? At this moment, the past that she had personally severed began to surface uncontrollably, scene after scene... Damn it, is this some kind of revolving lantern showing the moment someone is about to die?

No, I'm not married yet!

"Shen Gonglin, save me!"

The girl crouched down and shouted loudly, just as Kiana had said. She felt a sense of security when she was with Rin Shen Gonglin, a sense of security that she wouldn't die no matter what she did. In this moment of life flashing by, Mei's body honestly called out Shen Gonglin's name. Just then, Aponia's voice rang in her heart. This guy is here.

[That's right, Mei. Experiencing death is also part of your destiny. Only in this way... can you truly understand how heavy it is.]

Aponia appeared before Mei. Without the cover of darkness, the true face of this Flame-Chasers was finally revealed to Mei. Dressed like a nun, the blonde Flame-Chasers looked at Mei gently. Her appearance replaced the blazing fire in Mei's eyes before. This was Aponia, who possessed the name of the Commandments.

"Finally, we can witness each other's existence with the same feelings. You won't believe it's irreversible without despair. Let's stop here... The time promised by fate is far from coming. Mei, this time, you've tidied your clothes yourself."

The familiar admonition, which in the past could only be heard from the dreamlike depths of the dark prison, was now being heard right before my eyes.

"It's you... As expected, my judgment was correct. Once this situation is brought to a head, you can no longer stand idly by... However, he doesn't seem to have any intention of stopping."

Mei looked at Aponia. Behind her, the towering flames showed no signs of abating. Upon seeing Aponia, the flames of the Chakravartin intensified even more. It seemed that he intended to kill both her and Aponia.

"It's you! Aponia, you've finally gotten out of that place, die!"

Enemies meeting are bound to be furious. Chakravartin's attack descended from the sky, targeting Raiden Mei before she could even use her discipline, and she... was merely an innocent bystander!

"Little evil god... Pshaw! Shen Gonglin Flying Kick!"

At this moment, Shen Gonglin finally arrived. As soon as she arrived, she saw that Chakravartin was trying to kick her Mei. Without thinking about anything else, Shen Gonglin launched a flying kick. Unfortunately, this attack had no effect on Chakravartin. She should not have trusted the useless moves that suddenly appeared in her head.

"Never mind, let's go with... the final arrow, Apollon."

Repelled by the sudden impact, Shen Gonglin completed the switch to the power of the Universal Angel in mid-air. He raised his foot and drew his longbow, a technique Durandal had taught him. The black arrow shot towards Chakravartin, forcing him to change his attack direction to counter his final arrow. Although it hadn't been charged, as one of Shen Gonglin's strongest attacks, this final arrow was not Chakravartin could easily neutralize. This one arrow would be enough to get him out of trouble.

"Shen Gonglin... Aponia, it's you again! Get out of my way!"

Having neutralized Shen Gonglin's attack, Chakravartin landed on the ground. Looking at Aponia before him, he knew he had no chance this time. Although he hated this woman to the core, Chakravartin also understood... a psychic-sensory Flame-Chaser, disgusting.

"Ah... Chakravartin, you're here too. May I... perhaps you could move to another place for a moment? I'd like to speak with Mei alone."

Having given this hint, Chakravartin seemed to struggle greatly. The beast gritted its teeth and made a piercing sound, but under the discipline, Chakravartin had no way to resist.

"Don't even think about it! Aponia, you want to die again too!"

Chakravartin Tribulations struggled to resist the influence of the Commandments, but the power remained unchanged. Aponia looked at Chakravartin as if the power of the Commandments had been amplified.

"Chakravartin".

"..."

Although she wore a mask, Chakravartin's struggle was clearly revealed. It was evident from her heavy breathing and increasingly violent anger. The man suddenly approached Mei, his momentum undiminished, with flames still burning between his arms. At the same time he closed in, another jet-black arrow was already aimed at his head at close range. Mei, truly worthy of being the darling of the entire Elysian Realm.

"... There will never be a next time, Herrscher."

The man slowly retreated, glancing at Aponia and then at Shen Gonglin, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he only let out a cold snort and then slowly left. Just as he had thought, both being Herrscher, Shen Gonglin's abilities were undoubtedly superior to Raiden Mei's. That arrow just now, was it really... a bow and arrow, the same fighting style as Elysia?

"It feels like the relationship between Guanyin Bodhisattva and Sun Wukong. You are indeed quite amazing, Aponia."

After Chakravartin left, Shen Gonglin did not release the last arrow in his hand. He looked at Aponia. It was this girl who caused Mei to often fall into a coma, right? Although she was very beautiful, Shen Gonglin did not approve of this behavior at all. Didn't she know how much she worried him?

Chapter 83 Fate Cannot Be Defied

"Shen Gonglin, it's been a long time... As expected, the rules have no effect on you."

She looked at Shen Gonglin with tenderness. She had met Shen Gonglin when Mei first entered the Deepest Place. At that time, after developing her abilities had no effect on him, Aponia closed Shen Gonglin's access to the Deepest Place. After all, with him around, she couldn't communicate with Mei. And now, they had finally met again.

"It's been a while since I last saw Chakravartin, and he's become more and more obedient. It's okay, don't worry about what he said earlier, don't be afraid. He's said things like that many times before. We can continue. But, wherever he is, it will still be this hot... Is that alright?"

Then they turned their attention to Mei. Although Chakravartin had left, the temperature around them was still scorching. After hearing her words, Shen Gonglin and Mei looked at each other. Chakravartin was becoming more and more obedient. Aponia could actually say such things. She really was Guanyin Bodhisattva.

Why does it feel like this guy is staring at my collar again? Sensing Aponia's gaze, Mei remembered his habit and quickly took a half step back, hiding behind Shen Gonglin.

"No need to trouble yourself... I don't feel very hot. Besides... adapting to this temperature is a skill I must possess... Shen Gonglin, are you alright?"

Mei's Herrscher constitution gives Mei a high level of resistance to the environment, but her only worry is Shen Gonglin. Although he also has Herrscher abilities, it seems he didn't inherit that resistance to the environment. In just a short while, Mei noticed that his lips were a little dry.

If Aponia hadn't been there, Mei would have liked to give him Raiden Mei brand lip balm.

"Is that so... But this isn't good for your health, and Shen Gonglin isn't used to it either... Let's find a more suitable place to talk. Close your eyes, okay?"

Aponia's voice was so gentle, but Mei dared not agree. She was always wary of Aponia, which was understandable, since this guy had said he would kill her in ten days. How could Mei remain indifferent to such a thing?

Seeing Mei's hesitation, Aponia continued, "It's alright. As long as I'm here, no one can hurt you."

"But..."

The look of doubt hadn't faded from Mei's face, but as usual, she soon felt the touch of slender fingers on her eyelids. Sigh... It's like this again. The power of Aponia is something she can't resist. No one can hurt her... including herself.

"Shen Gonglin, please close your eyes too... Alright, I'm begging you, please close your eyes. It might feel a little uncomfortable the first time, but just bear with it, it'll be over soon."

The suggestion had no effect on Shen Gonglin; she still kept those beautiful purple eyes open. Aponia was quite helpless about this, but it was indeed time to give Mei what she deserved, so she had no choice but to do so.

Within the confines of walls, we gain civilization; only in pausing do we see the future. Come, come, extend your hand; the precepts are within, and their meaning is self-evident.

The Mark of Discipline was given to Mei, and before Mei could even feel it, Aponia's voice echoed in her ears again. Before the girl even opened her eyes, she heard Shen Gonglin's strange voice. Mei quickly looked in the direction from which Shen Gonglin's voice came, and saw that guy lying on the ground, gagging, in a dejected posture.

What happened?

"... I told you to close your eyes because of this, but we're back in a safe place now."

Aponia was also somewhat helpless. Shen Gonglin was really disobedient. She had told him to close his eyes, but this rebellious guy insisted on keeping his eyes wide open. Now that he had suddenly returned from the Deepest Place to the Elysian Realm Hall, he probably couldn't handle it.

"... What did you just do to me?"

Shen Gonglin really was capable of doing something like that, so Mei was speechless. She gently patted Shen Gonglin's back to make him feel better, while the girl also looked at Aponia, wondering what that was just now.

"Do not be afraid. What you have just received is a precept as an inscription. It is not the same as the precepts they mentioned."

Aponia explained softly, but these words could not dispel Mei's doubts. At this moment, the sense of loss that came from nowhere within Mei's body could not be easily ignored, and the woman in front of her was obviously aware of it.

"It's alright, Mei. No matter what you become, I will take care of you, just as I take care of everyone else. That's how the precepts are; the way to gain them is to lose them. It's not special; you... you did it on your own before, and I can feel it."

Mei spoke as if she were a riddle, but this Mei she understood. The way to gain is to lose. The girl remembered when she parted ways with Kiana in Changkong City. She had obtained the power of the Herrscher of Thunder to save Kiana, but she could no longer be with them. Was this what it meant?

"...Enough, Aponia, I have proven that your language is not without flaws."

Not wanting to talk about these things anymore, Mei looked at Aponia and told her her purpose: she had provoked Chakravartin for this very reason, and that's why she appeared.

"But... what if my presence there is also part of fate?"

Aponia said gently, while Shen Gonglin retching, rolled her eyes. So the final interpretation is in your hands, huh? Everything is part of fate, and everything is the choice of Steins; Gate.

"... This is sophistry."

Mei also couldn't accept this answer. She was deliberately maintaining the truth of her prophecy, so that she wouldn't die for any reason within these ten days, because of her prophecy.

"Mei, would you mind if I told you a story? It was one that Vill-V once told me, and I've kept it in my heart for many years."

Irrelevant to the question, Aponia suddenly said this. Mei responded in silence, quietly patting Shen Gonglin's back to make him more comfortable. This silence did not affect Aponia, the valiant Flame-Chasers of the Insignia of Discipline, who began his story in a gentle voice.

I hope that Mei can learn something from my story that I want to tell her.

Chapter 84 Is this a staged accident?

"It's the story of an astrologer who was famous for her ability to predict the future. One day, she calculated her own death many years in the future and made it public. Then... on that day, nothing happened to her. To avoid damaging her reputation, she... climbed a tall building at midnight and ended her life. So, did her prophecy come true... or not?"

Aponia slowly recounted the story, Mei remained silent. She knew what Aponia wanted to express, but she didn't want to discuss such philosophical questions with her. What she wanted was something more direct.

"I don't want to waste time on questions that can't be proven."

Mei shook her head, refusing to answer the question. She had heard similar stories before, but the protagonist of those stories was a mathematician. Couldn't this riddle teller be more direct? Was he trying to make himself seem knowledgeable by saying such ambiguous things?

"But this is what we all hate, fate. Believe me, in this respect, I am indeed more experienced than ordinary people. Through some means, I can see every moment of the future in detail. I see your struggle now, I see my own arrival. All my actions are just following the instructions of the puppeteer... dancing hastily."

Shen Gonglin didn't quite understand what Aponia was saying, so he remained quiet and didn't interrupt Mei's conversation with her. At this point, Shen Gonglin also wanted Aponia to tell her fortune. Of course, she didn't believe in it, but why not just treat it as a joke when she was bored?

"... Are you saying that you do something not out of your own motives, but because it should happen?"

Having roughly grasped what Aponia was trying to say, she was implying that everything, including her own actions to provoke the Chakravartin and then her appearance, was within her observation.

"You understand very quickly, Mei. Unfortunately, I was forced to acquire this new perspective on time, and as a result, I lost my expectation of causality."

At this point, Mei felt a sense of Aponia, though she wasn't sure if it was just her imagination. But that didn't make sense; it didn't quite match the information Mei had received about what Aponia was saying.

"But... according to Elysia, you can completely change the process."

Mei voiced her question, while Aponia revealed a mischievous smile. It was quite surprising to see such a dignified woman making such an expression. "She can do that too?" Mei couldn't help but think.

"Since you're asking this, does that mean, Mei, you've started to believe what I've seen?"

"I didn't say that; I'm just taking it as a premise in this hypothetical scenario."

Mei emphasized her position, stating that she did not believe Aponia's words, but only made a hypothesis. If the price issue was true, then there was a possibility that it could change.

"It's alright, Mei. Being stubborn is also the first sign of believing... This kind of persistence is so similar to what I was like back then. You're right, but... how could I bear to do that? Just as freedom, in the beginning, inevitably leads to evil intentions. Things... don't always turn in a good direction. I once tried to personally change the inevitable deaths of some people... but it only made them suffer more when the end came."

Aponia's voice grew softer and softer, as if saying such words was a burden for her. She had once been like Mei, unwilling to believe in fate and fighting against it. But now, she finally understood that everything was fate's arrangement, unchangeable, and could only be accepted.

"At least for now... now that I know your death was peaceful and serene, why should I try to change it?"

It sounds like she's doing it for her own good? Mei was almost moved by what Aponia said. Sure enough, there was no point in communicating with her like this. Aponia stuck to her opinion, and Mei stuck to her choice. Only in the end would we be able to see who was right and who was wrong.

"You know I can't possibly believe that story."

Mei expressed her beliefs, and Aponia was not surprised at all. She understood that Mei's words would not change her beliefs.

"It's alright. The time I've spent waiting... has been far too long. I'm well aware of the weakness and futility of our ideals. Moreover, there is indeed a vague and unclear fog surrounding us. I also hope... that you can always stay true to yourself. So... Mei, please prepare well for it. I... am looking forward to that day."

Aponia looked at Mei tenderly, but such words made Mei very unhappy. There was no point in saying more, so Mei prepared to turn around and leave. After the two of them finished speaking, Shen Gonglin moved closer to Aponia. The woman in front of her gave Shen Gonglin a strange feeling. She was dressed like a nun, but a dignified nun wouldn't wear such a short skirt that exposed her thighs, right? But she did look quite pretty.

"Aponia, right? Since you can see Mei's future, can you see mine? Please give me the best possible outcome."

Shen Gonglin clasped her hands together as if in worship, while Aponia looked at Shen Gonglin with hesitation. He could ignore her hints, and her abilities had no effect on him. Originally, she thought this was due to interference from the Herrscher of Consciousness's abilities, but now it seemed that the Herrscher of Consciousness's abilities were only one of the reasons.

"In Shen Gonglin Jingu's future... um? Mei will take the Jingu surname? And her friends... and... me?"

She had never seen such a complex future before. It was as if the future was unfolding all around him. Aponia even saw him suffer a heart attack from shock due to his fear of heights. It would have been better if she hadn't investigated. But once she did, even Aponia couldn't bear the thousands of futures. She couldn't see through the direction of this person's future.

"What are you talking about? Can't you speak plainly... Sigh, what's wrong? Mei, you saw it, I didn't even touch her."

Shen Gonglin didn't understand what Aponia was talking about, but just as he was about to investigate further, the girl suddenly went weak in the knees and fell over. Shen Gonglin instinctively caught her and then panicked a little. Was this some kind of staged accident? He hadn't even touched her; Mei could vouch for him.

Chapter Eighty-Five Execution

Being given the surname Jingu means that she will marry Shen Gonglin. At this moment, Mei felt that Aponia's prophecy was very reliable, and she believed it... But she also said that she would be killed by her in ten days, so isn't this a contradiction? Mei held her chin and thought seriously. It was only after hearing Shen Gonglin's cry for help that she realized what was going on.

What's with this long-legged girl suddenly collapsing into someone else's boyfriend's arms? How can she faint so easily? It's just like me. She doesn't have this problem of fainting so easily. What's she pretending for?

"It's probably because she's too burdened. We can just put her on the sofa. Let's go find Elysia."

Although she felt a little jealous, Mei was ultimately suited to be a kind-hearted person, and she couldn't let Shen Gonglin leave Aponia on the ground like that. It would be more appropriate to put her on the sofa so she could rest properly.

Too much burden? Mei's words were quite possible. Looking at Aponia's ample bust resting on her arm, Shen Gonglin nodded knowingly. When chatting with Himeko in the Plague Gem Shen Gonglin had heard her complain about how her center of gravity always leaned forward because of her figure. Aponia must feel the same way.

The Class President never had this problem.

After placing Aponia on the sofa, Shen Gonglin casually removed her headscarf and set it aside. Then he reached out and grabbed Mei, who was trying to leave. Mei's heart sank at his pull. The girl didn't turn around, but the strength she used to break free increased significantly.

"What's wrong? Rin, now is not the time to dawdle. Don't waste time, our time is very limited."