Chapter 451

"Hey... little follower, you've finally stepped forward. I thought you'd be at a loss without anyone to follow you, just playing dead like a gopher."

Mobius said with a smile, but her words had nothing to do with a smile. This girl was extremely aggressive. In the Elysian Realm, she was like a honey badger, and she even dared to mock Kevin like that.

She's so brave! Her mouth is probably tougher than the Greatsword of Heavenly Fire. Even Shen Gonglin couldn't help but take notice. It's only because Kevin has a good temper. If it were Chakravartin, she would probably be stringing the Mobius together by now.

"... This is a matter of great importance, and I will only say it once. It would be detrimental to let everyone know about this before our investigation makes any progress. Therefore, unless I speak up, no seventh person in the Elysian Realm is allowed to know this. If anyone is unwilling to cooperate... I don't mind finding another way to shut them up."

Kevin said this, deliberately glancing at Mobius and Shen Gonglin. Yes, he was speaking to them. If they dared to tell the other Flame-Chasers about this without his permission, they shouldn't blame him for turning against them.

"Oh, look, he seems a bit anxious... Shen Gonglin, should we tell the others? You and Pardofelis are close, right? And Griseo too, how about we tell them later?"

If it weren't for Mobius's sneaky approach, Shen Gonglin would have really thought this girl wasn't afraid of Kevin. But even so, she still wanted to cause trouble... Although she didn't want to listen to Kevin, what he was saying now made a lot of sense. Shen Gonglin refused Mobius's invitation to cause trouble, deciding to wait until she had investigated Elysia's situation before making any decisions.

"But... now that all the data has already been retrieved once, where can we expect to make any progress?"

Mei raised this question: blocking information is not a problem, but what should be done next is very important.

"I need to first ascertain the true nature of this matter."

Kevin spoke in riddles as always, but Mei also realized the meaning behind his words. Mei also realized that this might be the only breakthrough point now.

"That typewriter that absolutely never leaves any error messages?"

Kevin nodded in agreement with Mei's guess. "That's right, but before that... Mobius, is there anything else you want to say?"

Kevin already knew that the team was difficult to manage 50,000 years ago. If Mobius still wanted to cause trouble, he wouldn't mind finding another way to shut her up. So, he had to make her behave herself now.

"... Alright, alright, I understand. I'll play along for now. But how long I'll play along depends on my mood. In the end... I have absolutely no interest in staying here and mourning a traitor with you. You... humans are like this, resisting the right path... until it's too late to reverse the situation, then you regret it. That's why you seem... utterly boring."

Without being able to recruit Shen Gonglin as an ally, the Mobius girl couldn't continue being stubborn. If Shen Gonglin were willing to help her and act as her shield, Mobius wouldn't mind fighting Kevin here. However, Kevin didn't intend to listen to her, so Mobius could only leave with her head held high after uttering these harsh words. She didn't look back until her figure disappeared.

Is this girl chickening out? She's too scared to stand up to Kevin without anyone helping her? That Mobius is such a loser.

"Alright, it looks like she'll keep quiet. Next... Aponia, what about you?"

Having dealt with Mobius's matter, Kevin then turned his attention to Aponia. Needless to say, Sue was now the only uncertain factor. He was quite surprised that Shen Gonglin was willing to cooperate so readily; it turned out that he could be serious after all.

"Kevin. We've been exactly the same special person ever since. If I were someone who couldn't keep a secret... this wouldn't be the case now. And I'll be leaving for a while."

Aponia spoke softly, essentially saying that she would also respect Kevin's wishes and not tell anyone else about this for the time being. If Shen Gonglin imagined it, it would probably mean...

Brother, you know me, I absolutely won't tell...

Thinking about it this way, it actually feels a little funny, so I'll tell Mei about it as a joke later.

"Aponia, are you going to investigate this matter thoroughly in your own way?"

Judging from Aponia's actions, Sue deduced that she intended to do so. Aponia wouldn't wait; she would investigate in her own way.

"Yes. But it's not that I don't trust you, Sue. I just... want to do my best. Oh, and... Mei... can I ask you for a favor?"

Suddenly remembering something, Aponia looked at Mei, while her gaze also swept over Kevin, Sue, and Shen Gonglin. The nun with faint dark circles under her eyes waved to Mei; there were some things she didn't want others to know.

"Mei, could you please come a little closer? There are some things... that aren't really suitable for boys to hear."

Originally, Shen Gonglin had no interest, but since Aponia had said so, he became interested. Ignoring Aponia's words, he and Mei enthusiastically joined in. Aponia seemed to twitch her eye at this. Oh well, she knew Shen Gonglin a little, so it wouldn't hurt to let him know.

A moment later, after seeing that they had finished talking, Kevin gave the order to disperse. Everyone was to leave now, and there could be no mistakes. Kevin prepared to leave, but the footsteps of Shen Gonglin and Mei were still following him.

"Wait, Kevin, we'll go with you. We're going to the typewriter too... I need to confirm some things. I won't believe any conclusions unless I see them with my own eyes."

Investigating the typewriter was something Mei had in mind. Like the other Flame-Chasers, Mei wanted to do her part in this matter. Mei would only believe information that she obtained herself.

"... Come on, stay close."

Kevin had no objections; he simply left with that one sentence before turning and leaving. At that speed, who could possibly not keep up?

Behind them, Aponia remained standing in the same spot, seemingly lost in thought, but in reality, she was waiting for someone. A wisp of green appeared, and the person she was waiting for had returned.

Chapter 176 Delivering a Letter

"Oh dear. You knew I'd be back?"

Mobius was somewhat displeased that she didn't see the slightest surprise on Aponia's face. To be honest, she was quite looking forward to seeing Aponia's surprised expression, but it seemed that Aponia had sensed her return all along.

"Yes... that's why I'm staying here for now. But, Mobius, you probably didn't leave at all, did you?"

It sounds like a question, but Aponia is quite certain that Mobius does indeed have the attributes of a snake, hiding in the shadows. You think he's gone, but he's still lurking, waiting for a sudden attack.

"Hmph... You're still as annoying as ever."

Mobius snorted coldly. She didn't expect such a small trick to fool Aponia. However, her appearance now didn't mean anything, and such "vicious words" obviously couldn't hurt Aponia in the slightest. She had experienced far more malice than she had now. What was a mere Mobius?

"Is that so? Actually, I think so too... However, for now, I'm not important. What do you think about this situation, Mobius?"

Aponia was being pointed at, after all, she was a famous riddle teller in the Elysian Realm. Fortunately, Mobius also had this trait, so she had no trouble communicating with Aponia.

"... You mean Kevin? Hmph, among those still here, is there anyone who truly sees through him?"

Mobius looked in the direction where Kevin and Mei had left. Kevin's walking posture just now was like that of an old man. Was it because of his uniform? It was quite funny.

"Seeing through... well, perhaps we just overcomplicate things."

"Ah... that's true, maybe it's not that complicated. After all, anyone with eyes can see... this time, he's really anxious."

Mobius smiled sweetly. It's exciting to see how things will unfold.

"Shen Gonglin, what brings you here?"

In a corner of the garden, Griseo looked at Shen Gonglin in front of her with some confusion. She had been painting here, but Mei Shen Gonglin, and Kevin had suddenly come over. Now Kevin and Mei were talking to Kosma, while only Shen Gonglin was beside her. They seemed to be discussing some adult topics.

She has never been able to participate in such matters, nor has she had any interest in them. They have never seen the true colors of their own lives, simply because they are in them. But... is Kosma an adult too?

Why is he able to talk to them?

Griseo couldn't understand it. She could only look at Shen Gonglin, who had come over and taken her paintbrush to scribble on the paper. She thought, "You draw so well."

"Because Aponia had something she wanted Mei to give you, so we came over."

Shen Gonglin told the truth, while Mei tried to explain the matter to Griseo's "guardian".

"If you can't tell me the truth about what Aponia asked you to give to Griseo, I won't let you have any contact with her. I warned you before, don't trust anyone."

Kosma was very wary of Mei's arrival. If possible, he didn't want Mei and Griseo to have too much contact, especially since Aponia had asked her to bring something over, which made him even more suspicious.

"I've explained it so many times, I don't even know it myself... Kevin, say something."

Mei didn't know where Kosma's hostility towards her came from. He should trust Kevin more, so Mei asked Kevin for help. He was always the one in charge and knew the ins and outs of the matter. Although Aponia asked her to bring something to Griseo, she really didn't know what it was.

"Aponia just touched her neck... very lightly."

Kevin crossed his arms and said coolly, according to Elysia, he seemed to be playing the role of a cool and handsome guy. It was this explanation that made Mei start to have a headache. What was all this? Why did he have to add that last sentence?

"In short, Kosma, you should be familiar with Aponia's methods. As it stands, I'm just being used as an unsuspecting vehicle by her."

Mei explained this to Kosma, and it was out of respect. Otherwise, Mei wouldn't have gone through all this trouble to talk to him; she could have just gone to Griseo directly.

What do you think of her saying that?

When he spoke, Kosma was almost facing away from Kevin, but it was still quite clear who he was asking. He didn't want to believe Mei and Aponia; he preferred to believe Kevin.

"In any case, Aponia has never done anything to harm Griseo."

Kevin gave the same answer, but Kosma still refused to let Griseo come into contact with anything related to Aponia. Who knows what she was thinking.

"That's not necessarily true, please go back..."

Kosma still intended to refuse, but then Griseo came over and roughly understood what had happened. Aponia had asked Mei to bring her something.

"It's alright, Kosma. Mei does have a gift for me. Although... it's strange, Aponia- mama, why... is it for me? Purple?"

Griseo scratched her head, puzzled. Of course, she herself was also puzzled by the quirky things she was saying. Mei asked a question, but she didn't notice that Kevin's eyes widened slightly at that moment.

"Yes, it's purple. Give it to me."

Nodding, Griseo reached out her hand to Mei. The girl walked towards Mei, stood on tiptoe and reached up, but because of her height, she still couldn't touch Mei's neck. The girl looked at Mei, her pale purple eyes meeting her deep purple eyes, Mei sighed.

Although unwilling, she still leaned down, letting Griseo place her hand on the right side of her neck. In this position, if Gretchen harbored malicious intentions, she could definitely kill her with one blow... The hazy light and shadow shone through Mei's loose hair. Mei waited silently, hoping it would end soon.

"... Okay, did Aponia only ask you to bring this? Is there anything else, like the chest area?"

Lowering her hand, Griseo looked at Mei with some anticipation. This feeling... Everyone's attention was focused on Shen Gonglin over there.

If I'm not mistaken, Griseo has probably been tainted by Shen Gonglin's colors.

Chapter 177 Griseo's Color Change

Mei has no habit of being touched by others unless that person is Shen Gonglin, and even Griseo, who has been tainted by Shen Gonglin's colors, is not allowed. Mei stood up and shook her head.

"That's all... Speaking of which, is that all there is to what you two exchanged? Did you really exchange anything? I don't seem to feel anything."

Mei didn't quite understand this. In her opinion, Aponia and Griseo had only lightly touched her neck. What could such a simple gesture possibly convey? What was the underlying principle?

"Because it has nothing to do with you."

Griseo's response was unexpected. The girl crossed her arms and gave a very cold reply. After hearing it, Mei and Kosma both turned their gazes to Kevin. First it was Shen Gonglin, and now it's Kevin?

The cool and handsome man remained silent for a moment, then finally chose to ignore the matter. "Let's leave here first; we've already wasted too much time."

"Yes, I think so too. Shen Gonglin, let's go."

Mei called over Rin Jingu, who was still ruining Griseo's Shen Gonglin. Mei agreed with Kevin's point of view; if they stayed any longer, Griseo would probably be tainted with too much color.

"You... are you hiding something from me and Kosma?"

Before they even left, Griseo, with her keen senses, realized that they were hiding something from her that only they knew, while she and Kosma did not.

"Um?"

Griseo was surprised by her keen intuition. To be honest, she felt a pang of conscience about letting Mei deceive such a young girl. The girl instinctively wanted to look at Kevin, since he was the one who had asked for the news to be kept secret. Mei stopped herself in time. What to do? Perhaps they shouldn't have come to see this girl who could absorb other people's colors before they set off.

"Um... we didn't mean to. Kevin has some private matters that he doesn't want too many people to know. You can ask Kosma, boys inevitably have their own little secrets."

Unwilling to deceive Griseo, Mei could only use this tactic to change the subject. After all, it was Kevin who demanded the information be kept secret, so he had to take the blame.

"...indeed."

Kevin glanced at Mei with a cold look, and in the end, he could only take the blame. What little secret between boys? Why didn't Raiden Mei push Shen Gonglin out as a shield?

It's a lie that's easy to spot.

"I want to go too."

This clearly couldn't fool Griseo. The girl stood with her hands on her hips and made this request. Kosma quickly stopped her. Putting aside Raiden Mei, even Kevin was willing to cooperate with her like this, so there must be something wrong.

"Griseo, maybe not..."

"I will not accept any answers forced upon me; I will find them myself."

The girl interrupted Kosma's speech, and her words, so relatable, made Kevin, Kosma, and Shen Gonglin all turn to look at Mei without hesitation. Undoubtedly, it was her turn to shine.

"... Okay, I know I said those myself. But this time, she was influenced by me way too quickly... Griseo, we have some other things to take care of before that. After we're done, we'll come back here and take you with us, okay?"

She truly embodied the essence of a kindergarten teacher. I used to see Mei like this quite often when she was at St. Freya, but it's incredibly rare to see her like this now.

"Really... never mind."

After a long silence, it was unclear what Griseo was thinking, but in the end, the girl shook her head and uttered only these two words. It goes without saying who this behavior came from. This time, it was finally Kevin and Mei's turn to turn their attention to Kosma. She really is easily influenced by others.

"Fine... okay, let's leave it at that."

Kosma had nothing to say about this. After saying goodbye to the two of them, Mei and the others also hurriedly left. If they didn't hurry, who knew what kind of thing Griseo would do next.

"I have to say... Elysia's way of speaking doesn't seem to be universally applicable."

After leaving Griseo, Mei sighed softly. She had thought that using Elysia's method of coaxing children would work, but it seemed that it wasn't going to work.

"Since you know that, then stop imitating her."

Kevin was as bad at conversation as ever, and Mei didn't care about his response. She just wanted to learn more about the traces that Elysia had left behind.

"In reality, was she the same, leaving behind various impacts on the world before she left?"

She didn't mention a name, but Kevin and Shen Gonglin both knew who she was talking about. However, Kevin seemed unwilling to bring it up. He glanced at Mei and Shen Gonglin, his icy blue eyes seeming to contain an unyielding, ancient ice.

"It's pointless to talk about things far beyond your imagination here, Herrscher of Thunder."

Clearly unwilling to discuss this matter, Mei remained silent and continued walking through the garden maze. Mei held onto Shen Gonglin's hand tightly, as she knew that Shen Gonglin would definitely get lost if she were to venture out alone. However, she felt as if she could hear footsteps behind her, like the sound of bare feet on the grass... Was it just her imagination?

"Okay, but... I really didn't expect you to come in person."