Chapter 433

"It's inevitable. Don't worry too much about it; everyone goes through it."

It was rare to hear any comfort in Kosma's voice. Mei's lips twitched, and she left with Shen Gonglin. So everyone has been through this. That made her feel much better.

"Mei, what were you and Kosma talking about just now? I don't understand at all. Everyone has experienced this, what does that mean?"

Strolling through this dreamy countryside, Shen Gonglin couldn't help but ask curiously, "The two of them were talking in riddles earlier, and I couldn't understand what they were saying at all. Could they explain it to me too? Otherwise, I always feel like a bystander."

"Regarding this... Shen Gonglin, let me ask you something. You seem to really like touching my horns, is that true?"

She didn't answer Shen Gonglin's question, or rather, her answer already counted as an answer. Elysia liked to touch her horns, and so did Shen Gonglin. She just wanted to ask him what it felt like, because she didn't find it comfortable at all.

"Of course, it feels really nice to the touch, and it's much easier to pull than hair. It feels especially stable... Hmm?"

Shen Gonglin was casually sharing his feelings, but Mei quickly reached out and covered his mouth. Okay, okay, Mei knew Shen Gonglin was good with words, but she shouldn't say anything more now. Shen Gonglin was saying, but Mei didn't intend to delve any deeper. If she did, she would be the one blushing. Please, shut up.

"Trust me, I'll touch it again in the future. Although it doesn't have horns, its elf ears definitely feel nice to the touch. I'll return it."

Stopping Shen Gonglin from speaking further, Mei looked into the distance and said this. Although her tone was calm, everyone could hear the determination in her words. This was a certainty.

"Mmm, I believe you. I'll help you hold her down... Hmm? Mei, look, isn't that a small island? It seems to be shrouded in mist, and we can't see anything clearly. Do you want to go up and take a look? I can use my Herrscher of the Void ability to teleport anywhere that you can see."

Following Mei Shen Gonglin a small island-like building in the sky and felt a surge of excitement. Eternal Elysium was a place she had never been before.

"It does seem so... It feels a bit out of place here. Is there something there? Maybe we shouldn't make any rash moves. It wouldn't be good to go over there. Maybe there's a path leading over there. Let's look for an entrance later... Hmm? Isn't that Sakura?"

Mei didn't let Shen Gonglin teleport there on her own. Their understanding of this place wasn't deep enough, and acting rashly wouldn't be a good choice. Just as the two of them were observing the island, the fox-eared girl waved and ran towards them. This Mei could communicate normally with in the Elysian Realm.

"Miss Mei, I'm looking for you. I just ran into Elysia, and she said you don't have any friends to play with here. She hopes that as someone from the same hometown, I can take this opportunity to chat with you more."

She ran over to Mei and Shen Gonglin. Mei was a little concerned about the girl's pink fox ears. Given Elysia's personality, Sakura's ears might have already been harmed. However, it seemed a bit impolite to ask such a question, so Mei didn't say anything. Was she asked to come by Elysia?

"I can already picture her saying these things to you. Where is she?"

"After telling me all this, she hurriedly ran away without even telling me where this place was. She said, 'You know the basic information, I just need to ask you. So, where is this place?'"

It seems that Sakura doesn't know anything either, not even where this place is. Is it because she came here that this place has become open to other Flame-Chasers? Mei can only make this guess.

"Well, as expected of her. As far as I know, this Eternal Elysium is Elysia's own memory space, and the scenery here is based on her memories."

Mei sighed and explained, "She clearly doesn't know anything, yet she's being asked to act as a tour guide for others. That's so typical of Elysia." Fortunately, Sakura obviously knew Elysia's style and didn't delve into it.

Clearly, she's gotten used to it.

Chapter 115

Sakura nodded upon hearing this. Many people in the Elysian Realm have special locations constructed from their own memories, and this place seems to be Elysia's private space. The girl nodded, and her big pink ears swayed back and forth. Just looking at them, Shen Gonglin felt an urge to go up and pet them. Shen Gonglin knew that those ears felt wonderful.

"Is this the world as Elysia sees it...? Indeed, it makes sense when you put it that way. It's colorful, isn't it? Just like the amusement park that my sister and I used to go to."

Looking at this colorful world, Sakura's eyes involuntarily flickered with a sense of reminiscence. She would surely like such scenery too. Mei didn't speak. After learning some information, she felt a little more sympathy for the fox-eared warrior in front of her. She didn't want to disturb her at this time. If such a thing hadn't happened to her, she would definitely be living a very happy life now.

"Ah, I'm sorry. For Miss Mei, this is actually a rather sad topic. After all... in your eyes, everything that belonged to that era has ultimately returned to dust. Alright, let's not talk about this. Since we have this rare opportunity, let's do what Elysia likes and take a walk aimlessly, enjoying the scenery along the way?"

Soon, Flame-Chasers, who had been acting strangely, composed himself and gave Mei and Shen Gonglin an embarrassed smile. Sakura changed the subject, explaining that Elysia hadn't called them all here to make her reminisce about the past; if it were her, she should have wanted her to appreciate the beautiful scenery.

"I would be delighted."

Mei nodded. Sakura and Hua were probably among the few normal people in the Elysian Realm. Mei was happy to get along with them. The three of them strolled slowly in the dreamlike courtyard. Sakura looked at the castle-like building in the distance and sighed. She didn't know why, but she often thought of her sister now.

"I remember when I was little, there weren't any buildings this tall in my hometown. My sister and I used to play under the cherry blossom trees in the courtyard."

When Mei, she can't help but relax. Perhaps it's because the scenery around her is too dreamy. Sakura can't help but start talking about her past. She has a good impression of this Flame-Chasers. Mei also whispers her past to her. Shen Gonglin is unusually quiet this time, which is not easy for someone as active as him.

"There is also a cherry blossom tree in my family. When I was a child, I often practiced swordsmanship under the tree. Sometimes I would fall asleep in the shade of the tree when I was tired."

In return, Mei told Sakura about her childhood. Looking back now, it really was many years ago. At that time, her father was still very busy with work, and her mother had passed away long ago. Mei could only pass the time with swordsmanship. However, there was someone named Homu Sword Saint who practiced with her. Now that she thinks about it, that Homu Sword Saint was actually her father.

"Miss Mei, it seems we really do have a lot in common."

Sakura couldn't help but smile as she imagined Mei practicing swordsmanship under the cherry blossom tree when she was little, having had a similar experience herself. The two of them had so much in common; if they had lived in the same era, they would definitely have become great friends.

"Indeed... Hmm? There are enemies here too. According to Elysia, these are also her memories. I can handle cleaning them up."

Mei felt the same way. Just as the three of them passed a platform, Mei discovered the Suicide Squad there. This was not the first time she had seen these things in Elysia's world. In Elysia's memories, these things also existed. The girl drew her sword and walked forward, deciding to be a cleaner.

"Don't say that, Miss Mei. This isn't a trial now, you don't have to go alone anymore. It's rare that we find ourselves on the same page, so consider this a return gift from me. Let's fight side by side... It seems he doesn't intend to interfere, Miss Mei, you've had a tough time."

Seeing that Mei wanted to fight alone, Sakura also drew her sword and joined the battle. She originally thought that Shen Gonglin would also help, but after seeing Mei prepare to fight, he consciously ran to the back and quietly watched the battle. It was just like with Pardofelis. However, Sakura knew that he was much stronger than Pardofelis.

"It's alright, he'll get used to it. If possible, I hope he never has to get involved in combat."

There was no hardship involved. If she had to rely on Shen Gonglin for everything, she would never be able to improve. Mei just wanted Shen Gonglin to be there for her.

"Yes, that's what I thought back then too... Never mind, let's not talk about the past. Miss Mei, let's deal with these things as soon as possible. These things are really not a good match for this Eternal Elysium."

With the combined efforts of the two highly skilled female swordsmen, the Suicide Squad and Honkai Beast blocking their path were all eliminated. It seems that whether in the Previous Era or now, the form of Honkai is similar: Suicide Squad and Honkai Beast.

"Thank you, Sakura."

Sheathing her sword, Mei was still very grateful for her help. After all, in this Elysian Realm, she was the only one who fought alongside her and helped her like this.

"It was just a small favor. If you ever encounter any difficulties in the future, Miss Mei, please don't hesitate to speak up. I will do my best to help you."

What a polite girl! Sakura has a good impression of Mei, and she hopes that Mei can help her in some way. This is not only a way of caring for the successor, but also Sakura's true wish.

"More than help... I want some information. I have some questions for you."

Sakura probably doesn't know much about the Thirteenth Herrscher, but even so, Mei has many things she wants to ask her. Sakura doesn't have many Riddler attributes, so maybe Mei can find out some things she wants to know.

"Please feel free to speak."

"Sakura... In your opinion, what kind of person is Elysia?"

With her cherry lips slightly parted, Mei asked the question: In the eyes of others, or rather, in the eyes of other Flame-Chasers, what kind of image does Elysia have?

"Elysia? She's probably the most innocent person among the Flame-Chasers ..."

No one questioned why Mei asked the question, because she said she could speak freely about her impression of Elysia, and without a doubt, that was it; Alicia was probably the most innocent of all the Flame-Chasers.

Chapter 116

Naïve? Elysia? Did she hear that right? Sakura was actually saying Elysia was naïve? Perhaps the most complicated and not-so-naïve person would be more fitting for Elysia. Not understanding why Sakura would give such an evaluation, Mei took a deep breath.

"I meant Elysia, not Griseo ..."

"I understand what you mean, Miss Mei. Her actions are always unpredictable, and her thoughts are unfathomable... Her whimsical ideas have caused me a lot of trouble. But one thing I am sure of is that she has always been sincere to everyone around her."

After reaffirming her opinion of Elysia, Mei, you heard me right. In Sakura's heart, Elysia has always been the purest being, treating everyone around her with sincerity and loving everyone. This is the Elysia Sakura knows. You can always trust Elysia; this is not just empty talk.

"But... I've heard more than one person call her a traitor."

Mei hesitated slightly before saying this, "The most innocent being, then why call her a traitor?" This title made Mei want to delve deeper.

"I remember you brought up this topic before, so it seems I didn't mishear. However, I still have to say that the truth is not necessarily what others say, or even what you see with your own eyes. This is a lesson I have learned deeply from living in the shadows. No matter what the truth is, what matters is your own thoughts."

After thinking for a moment about how to respond, Sakura realized that if she could, she wouldn't want to answer Mei's question in such a riddle-like manner. However, this matter was so obscure and difficult to understand that only Mei, having experienced it firsthand, would know that what she said was true.

"Miss Mei, sometimes... the truth itself isn't important; what you try to believe from the truth has more weight... Ouch, that hurts... Jingu? What are you doing?"

After giving Mei her advice, before Sakura could say anything more, Shen Gonglin approached and grabbed her ear. The fox-eared girl squatted down and looked at Shen Gonglin in confusion. What was wrong? Why was she suddenly being pulled on the ear like that? Although she had agreed that Shen Gonglin could touch her ears, that was all in the past.

"I'm afraid you'll go too far down the path of being a riddle teller. You were a good kid before, but you can't narrow your path. Riddle tellers are sentenced to prison these days."

Shen Gonglin warned Sakura that she and Hana were the only good children in the Elysian Realm, and Shen Gonglin couldn't just watch her go astray. At first, Shen Gonglin heard her clearly, but who knew that even Sakura was starting to become a riddle teller? This was unacceptable!

"... I've tried my best to speak clearly, Miss Mei..."

With her hands covering her head, Sakura tried to break free from Shen Gonglin's grip, but with her ears held in his hands, she dared not move. So the girl could only look to Mei for help, for only Mei could help her now.

"Alright, Shen Gonglin, let Sakura go. It's not her fault, it's just that we have unequal access to information right now... Thank you for your suggestion, Sakura. But speaking of which... Sakura, if you accidentally discovered some... truths that are absolutely unacceptable by common sense, what would you do?"

Mei hesitated for a moment before saying these words after rescuing the poor rabbit... uh, no, fox-eared girl from Shen Gonglin's body. In her opinion, Sakura probably didn't know that Elysia the Thirteenth Herrscher. If she did know, she would probably find it hard to accept.

"Why ask that? Flame-Chasers is already gone, and nothing can be changed. It's hard to accept... For us, that's more like the norm. But no matter what one faces, the truly meaningful thought is probably always what can still be done. For this era, for the future, or for oneself now, whatever the reason, people only have one choice: to act."

Rubbing her still slightly aching ears, Sakura glanced at Shen Gonglin with a hint of displeasure. But when he looked over, she quickly turned her head away. Although she hadn't had much contact with Shen Gonglin, she had heard that he was incredibly petty. If he thought she was still dissatisfied or plotting revenge, she would probably suffer. So it was better to be careful. Mei was much easier to talk to. Look at her.

This level of acceptance is on a completely different level than Shen Gonglin's.

However, at this moment, even Mei was usually very receptive in Sakura's eyes, fell silent. She knew what Sakura was trying to say, but if she wanted to be recognized and understood...

"I'm sorry... I don't have this kind of experience, so I can only give a general answer. Perhaps you should ask someone else?"

It seems Mei doesn't quite understand what I mean either. Was I speaking too obscurely? After all, I haven't experienced anything like this myself, so I can't help Mei with this. In the end, I'm not good at talking therapy. Maybe someone else can help Mei better.

"No, please don't be modest. Your ideas have given me a lot of inspiration, thank you."

Mei shook her head. Sakura's words were very helpful to her. The girl was good at thinking. Just now, she was just pondering the deeper meaning of Sakura's words. Speaking of which, she and Sakura were really similar. This was probably why Elysia asked her to come to her.

"Really? Maybe this is what they call 'the speaker doesn't mean anything by it, but the listener takes it to heart.' Anyway, I'm glad I was able to help you... I'll be going now then. Feel free to come find me anytime if you need anything."

Mei was easy to get along with, but Sakura was a little timid about Shen Gonglin Rin. Well, not exactly timid... she just felt uncomfortable. For example, his gaze was constantly fixed on her ears, making Sakura feel like she was sitting on pins and needles. No, she had to slip away. This guy was just like Elysia; they both seemed to have a peculiar interest in their ears. Feeling that it was dangerous for her to stay here any longer, Sakura said goodbye and hopped away. Sakura really did look like a little rabbit.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to touch her ears again before she left; I'll have to wait until next time.

Watching Sakura's departing figure, Shen Gonglin could only sigh with slight disappointment, while Mei was thinking about other things. Sakura's choice to leave now was indeed the right choice that couldn't be more correct.

Chapter 117 It's obvious at a glance

She's gone... Looks like I'll have to wait until next time. Once I touched her, I couldn't stop. The feeling of that fine downy fur rubbing against my palm was truly irresistible. If Sakura had a fox tail, she would probably be even prettier. She truly is a fox spirit. Right now, all I can think about is Sakura's whimpering. I wonder what a fox's cry sounds like.

Next time I see Sakura, I'll give her a good scare; maybe I'll make her scream like a fox.

"What's on your mind?"

As Shen Gonglin pondered her inhuman thoughts, Mei, standing beside her, suddenly felt a chill. It wasn't directed at her, but this guy was definitely not thinking anything good. Or rather, Shen Gonglin, this guy with no conscience, basically never thought of anything good. Who knows who was in his scheme?

"What are you thinking about... nothing? I was just thinking that there are posters in a place like this. I always thought that the Previous Era was something ancient, but now it seems that it's not that different from now. Look, that should be Eden. I didn't know she had this kind of time. Endorsing cosmetics, it seems to suit her quite well."

Of course, I can't tell Mei about this wicked idea, otherwise she'll definitely control me like the Class President. I can do this kind of bad thing secretly. To change the subject, Shen Gonglin pointed to the huge poster on the wall. The dignified and beautiful Eden is right there. In the Previous Era, did Eden do such a thing?

"Indeed, she truly deserves to be a national superstar... Speaking of which, Eden should have arrived here by now. Let's go see if we can find her; there seems to be no one here anymore."

After Sakura left, it seemed that only Mei and Shen Gonglin were left here. In order to continue to understand this Eternal Elysium and Elysia, she needed to find other Flame-Chasers. Mei looked down from the poster and walked to the other side of the road. This should be the residential area. In this dreamlike place, there are also such ruins.

Looking at everything before her, Mei strolled gently. She truly didn't know how to describe Elysia's mental world.

As luck would have it, Mei had just seen Eden's poster, and not far away, she spotted that figure in the distance. She didn't seem to notice them; the gentle woman stood there quietly, gazing into the distance, seemingly lost in thought. It was unusual for this drunkard not to be holding a wine glass. Eden and Elysia seemed to have a good relationship, and perhaps she could get more from her. So Mei wanted to approach her, but before that, she had to deal with these obstacles first.

"Here we go again... These memories are really elusive, just like their owner."

Somewhat helplessly, Mei drew her sword, looking at the enemy with a speechless expression. As expected of Elysia's mental world, these elusive things, while not particularly troublesome, were still quite a nuisance. And Shen Gonglin was unwilling to help, so she could only rely on herself... However, Eden seemed to be in a daze, not even noticing the sounds of the battle on her side.

The battle ended quickly, and Eden seemed oblivious from beginning to end. Mei straightened her clothes; she always maintained a formal demeanor when facing Eden. The girl stepped forward and spoke softly. Even though he didn't look much older than Eden, she always felt a sense of respect for him, as if he were an elder.

"Hello, Eden."

Mei's voice finally woke Eden from her daze. The girl snapped out of her reverie and turned her gaze from the distance to Mei beside her. Her eyes finally focused, and it seemed that she was indeed lost in thought.

"Hmm? Mei- san... and Jingu, excuse me, I was a little distracted just now. Is there anything I can help you with?"

He showed a hint of apology. Eden, who wasn't holding the golden goblet, gave off a warm and generous feeling. He was really distracted. He didn't even realize that the two of them had come to his side. After all, this scene was indeed something he longed for.

"Nothing much. But... I saw your poster on my way here."

Mei compared the Eden on the poster with the Eden in front of her. Although there was no difference in appearance, for some reason, Mei felt that the Eden in front of her was much more mature. Why was that? Or was it that Eden had looked like this before? It was really hard to imagine.

"I saw it too. It really brings back memories of those innocent and naive days..."

Flame-Chasers, who possessed the Golden Sigil, narrowed her eyes slightly. Seeing this thing reminded her of her past, a time when she was naive and innocent, but also happy.

"I also saw a lot of other things, including a wanted poster for Pardofelis and recruitment flyers from the Mobius Laboratory..."

At this point, Mei was speechless. She had every reason to doubt Mobius's recruitment flyer. Was this a legitimate recruitment? Or was it recruiting test subjects to be studied?

"Hmm... This must be Elysia. She records down every detail of things that she finds interesting. All of it is so nostalgic."

Listening to Mei's story, Eden smiled gently. Just as she had thought, as expected of Elysia, these were all things she found interesting, and she remembered them all.

"Eden... did you already know about this place... did you know about the existence of Eternal Elysium?"

After a moment of contemplation, Mei raised this question. Eden and Elysia had a good relationship, so she wondered if Eden might have known about the existence of this place called Eternal Elysium all along. If so, she must know much more than Mei herself.

"Hmm? No, that's not it, Mei. How should I put it? This is my first time here too, but the moment I saw it, I knew it belonged to Elysia. Just like a composer has their own style, everything here is as cheerful and pure as Elysia."

Eden knew what Mei meant, but Eden gave Mei an answer she couldn't have imagined. It turned out that this was the first time she had heard of the existence of Eternal Elysium. However, she immediately recognized that this was Elysia's space... That's right, everything around her was dreamlike and matched the feeling Elysia gave off. Only she could have such a mental world. Although there were battles, it must be said that...

Even Mei herself felt relaxed and carefree.

Chapter 118