Chapter 458

Eden suddenly began to doubt himself. And then there was Griseo. Yes, yes, it was better if he and Griseo were on the same level, but he couldn't be like Aponia.

"No, I don't think you're that kind of person... This is a judgment I've made based on spending so much time with you. I believe it."

Mei gave Eden the answer he had in mind. Her expression finally softened. What a wonderful girl! Completely different from some of the people around her. No wonder Elysia liked Mei so much. This girl was good in every way... It's just that her taste seemed a bit off. How could she have fallen for Shen Gonglin? Look at her, she's met him quite a few times, and Mei trusts him so much. Why shouldn't Shen Gonglin trust her?

Did I steal his rice or was I eyeing his girlfriend? It's infuriating.

"That's my answer too, Mei. The truth is as rare as the stars in the sky, but falsehoods are as plentiful as rain. Be careful, you must learn how to discern them."

Mei accepted the advice offered, and nodded in agreement. The Flame-Chasers Mei, was indeed a man worthy of her trust.

"I understand, Eden. Thank you for your advice. Although your style is completely different from Kevin's and Elysia's, I think... you are also an excellent leader."

Mei expressed such a positive impression of Flame-Chasers in front of her. With Elysia and Kevin not around, Eden was undoubtedly the most suitable person to take on the leadership role. Through her renewed conversation with him, Mei once again agreed with this.

"Hmm... Hehe, thank you, my friend. It's just the same old story, I did my best. But, Miss Mei, how I wished that the day I would be the leader would never come, but I think... this is probably just a case of things not going as planned."

Eden sighed. If she could, she really wouldn't want to take on the leadership role. She just wanted to be a drunkard. Kevin or Elysia should be doing that. She shook her head, gestured to Shen Gonglin and Mei, and then left on her own. The chat was over, and everyone should go about their business.

Watching Eden leave, Mei cheered herself up. Now it was time for them to set off too. It seemed that Vill-V had mentioned that she was going to the tower in the center of the island. In this urgent situation, it seemed that they couldn't follow the normal route now. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line.

"Shen Gonglin, hold on tight, we should get going."

After giving her instructions, Mei scooped up Mei Shen Gonglin in her arms. She had been pondering the possibility that Eden was the ultimate mastermind, but suddenly her feet left the ground. Mei, with Mei Shen Gonglin waist, charged forward, leaping over low walls and quickly heading towards the central tower. The magician loved heights; it must be there.

Soon, with Mei accelerating at full speed, the two arrived at the tower. Shen Gonglin was very well-behaved and didn't make a sound. Mei's body was soft and had a very good shock absorption effect. However, although it was very comfortable, Shen Gonglin had a strange feeling that she was being transported as cargo. This feeling of being treated as cargo was quite peculiar.

"We should arrive once we go through that door... Speaking of which, Rin, you and Sakura were together before, you must have come here to find Vill-V, right? Have they seen her?"

Looking at the gate in front of her, Mei stepped forward. After receiving a positive answer from Shen Gonglin, she felt that it was more likely to obtain valuable information. Perhaps she could ask Vill-V about Sakura's whereabouts after that.

However, when Mei got closer, she saw a note on the door. What did it say?

Chapter 197 The Tomb of the Burnt Fire

[To my lovely audience, the Great Magician awaits your arrival at the amusement park—just on the other side, past the tower!]

The note contained this information, and the style of it was undoubtedly Vill-V. But what kind of place was the amusement park she mentioned?

"Oh! Mei, look! That's the amusement park! Amazing! I never thought there was actually an amusement park. How did they do that?"

Looking up at the tower, what should have been a courtyard had somehow transformed into an amusement park, complete with a pirate ship, a Ferris wheel, and other things that Shen Gonglin couldn't immediately name. Was this all the work of Shen Gonglin Vill-V? Truly worthy of being called Great Magician.

"... Only she could make these things. Let's go, be careful, after all, this magician's gift is quite generous."

Mei was speechless. She could only push open the door and walk in to pass through the tower. As soon as she approached the amusement park area, Vill-V's voice came from somewhere. This performative personality is truly worthy of a magician.

Welcome, my lovely audience! What awaits you is Porsche's most spectacular live magic show! Performed by a once-in-a-century genius, a great magician...

Before Vill-V could finish her welcome, Mei had already placed her hand on the hilt of the knife. The noisy environment was making Mei feel like she was having a nervous breakdown. She had no intention of arguing with Vill-V any longer. Mei threatened that if she didn't come out and talk things out properly, she would just tear this place down.

"Come out, before I draw my sword."

Such a threat was clearly effective. Suddenly, a plume of white smoke burst out, and Vill-V's figure appeared in the smoke. As expected of a magician, even her entrance was so ingenious. Shen Gonglin even started to applaud.

"Thank you, thank you for the applause... Oh dear, not only did he run backstage in the middle of the performance, but he also threatened the magician. This audience member is really something..."

She gave a slight bow to Shen Gonglin, a magician's way of thanking the audience for their applause, then turned to Mei and became somewhat sarcastic, thinking, "This audience member is really acting strangely."

"Enough, Vill-V... This is not the time for lighthearted banter."

Mei's expression was very serious. How should she communicate with someone with such an unpredictable personality? She wanted to let Vill-V know the seriousness of the situation, but for a moment, she didn't know where to begin.

"Why? Because Kevin is dead?"

Just as Mei was organizing her thoughts, Vill-V casually uttered those words, which greatly surprised Mei. Seeing the other woman's knowing and unsurprised expression, Mei became somewhat suspicious.

"You found out?"

"Ah, don't look at me like that. I'm not responsible. Those pieces of paper falling from the sky were everywhere; it's hard not to notice. I never thought that after Eternal Elysium, I'd be robbed of my front-page news position again, and by that Kevin again... I feel like a failure now."

Vill-V sighed. Was it really that hard for her to make the headlines? Everyone was trying to stop her. She clearly wasn't wearing leather pants.

"Vill-V, you don't seem surprised at all, or even... indifferent."

Mei was surprised by Vill-V's reaction; she was so calm and indifferent. Mei really didn't know what to say about this reaction.

"Maybe I'm just too easygoing. My dear audience, perhaps my brilliant performance made you forget a simple fact... Memory bodies are people who have already passed away. For us, death is not such a foreign word... Oh, I know what you're trying to say, not everyone is dead, right?"

With a smile on her face, Vill-V knew that some Flame-Chasers had survived, and some had even lived in the same era as Shen Gonglin and Mei. But even so, it did not affect their feelings when they left their memories in the Elysian Realm.

"Some people are alive, but that's only true for you. When the Flame-Chasers left behind their memories, without exception, they were prepared to die and make sacrifices. We... I mean, the Thirteen Flame-Chasers standing before you now are the epitaphs they wrote for themselves. As for the rest of us outside... we're not that important. Rather than the Elysian Realm, I prefer to call this the Tomb of the Burnt Fire. The disappearance of memories... was bound to happen sooner or later."

Vill-V waved her hand dismissively and said, "This Great Magician's soberly insightful remarks left Mei speechless. How could she see things so clearly? It makes it seem like I'm completely absorbed in it. Although that's true, but... this reaction isn't quite right, is it?"

The name "Tomb of the Burnt Fire" is indeed fitting.

"... That's not the point."

Mei paused for a moment before finally organizing her thoughts and speaking again. She couldn't let Vill-V lead her astray; she still knew the purpose of her trip.

"You're wondering why Kevin disappeared, right? Okay, don't be nervous. I just don't want to pretend to be surprised, but I'm probably more curious about the truth than you are. Even though memories are just data, they also grant the possibility of a second life, and might even make up for regrets that can't be fulfilled in reality... Thinking about it that way, isn't it quite interesting?"

Vill-V smiled and took over the conversation. For magicians, keeping their emotions in check is an important professional quality. She was also curious about these things, but she was mentally prepared.

"This is also what Elysia said. She was the one who first came to convey Sakura's request from outside. Sakura didn't want her Memory self to know about that matter, so she asked Mobius and Elysia to do something. There are some truths in this world that are better left unknown. If you don't know, you don't have to make a difficult choice. You can continue to trust the Flame-Chasers and stay by your companion's side as Flame-Chasers."

Vill-V casually mentioned this information, which was quite substantial, and the name she mentioned caught Mei's attention. The girl took a deep breath to process what Vill-V had just said.

"Sakura...perfect timing, I'd also like to talk to you about her."

Mei looked at Vill-V seriously. "The last time I saw Sakura, she mentioned you to me. She came to see you with Shen Gonglin, do you remember?"

Chapter 198 Arrogant Persuasion

"The last time... you mean?"

Having grasped the key point Mei was making, and seeing Sakura for the last time, Vill-V also showed a surprised expression. Could things not be as she thought? Was it not just Kevin was in trouble, but Sakura as well?

"She has also disappeared."

Mei told Vill-V the truth, and seeing the genuine surprise on the magician's face, Mei couldn't tell if she was faking it or being serious. Did Vill-V herself not know that Sakura had disappeared?

"Oh... that's a bit scary. She came to me to retrieve the Seven Thunder of Absolution, which had been repaired. Shen Gonglin knew about it; her expression was really serious then, and she even drew her sword, something she hadn't done in a long time. At the time, I wondered if someone had said something they shouldn't have."

Vill-V patted her chest, her ample bosom suddenly heaving. Sakura had indeed come to see her, but only to retrieve the knife she had been asked to repair. That knife was specifically used to clean house, and the meaning behind drawing that knife was quite obvious.

"Seven Thunder of Absolution?"

I didn't expect to hear this name. In the past, I only heard this name when Raven was around. The Divine Key she used was the Seven Thunder of Absolution. It seems that this thing changes depending on the user. Raven always used it in the form of a sniper rifle, but Sakura used it as a sword.

"Yes, that's Sakura's other sword, specifically used to clean house and kill traitors. And drawing that sword means... Sakura is about to take action. Although I don't know what other missions she has."

Mei was given an explanation of the specific purpose of Sakura's other sword. Come to think of it, Sakura did look rather strange at the time. Was the reason she took the initiative to draw that sword because a traitor had appeared?

"So, you noticed her unusual behavior but didn't stop her?"

Well, how should I put it, Vill-V's behavior is very Vill-V- like, but that doesn't stop Mei from singled out her behavior. She knew something was wrong, but she didn't do anything to stop it. This kind of behavior is indeed very Vill-V.

"Don't say that. What do you think I could do? Stand in front of her and get cleaved Vill-V two? My dear audience, you should know that even having the thought of persuading Flame-Chasers is arrogant, and... everyone has their own ulterior motives. If you delve too deeply, you might end up in trouble yourself."

Understanding Mei's thoughts, Vill-V flicked her finger. To have such thoughts of persuasion is nothing more than believing that the other person is wrong and that one is right. Such thoughts are very arrogant to Flame-Chasers. They both know what they are going to do, and with their own strength, they are not capable of stopping Sakura. Who told Shen Gonglin to run back at that time?

If he were there, he might be able to distract Sakura.

"Why are you suddenly so concerned about Sakura? Could it be... that you suspect Sakura killed Kevin?"

Vill-V curiously raised this conjecture. Not to say it, but this conjecture was really a bit... how could Sakura possibly be Kevin's match? It definitely had nothing to do with Sakura.

"I just want to know where she went."

Mei, of course, didn't think that way. If Sakura could defeat Kevin all by herself, then the number one spot would be far too undeserved. After all, he was a warrior bearing the Signet of Deliverance.

"Just to be on the safe side, I'd better give up that idea. Trying to take down Kevin all by yourself without alerting anyone? Impossible. I'm the undisputed expert in this area. I've probably made dozens of times more attempts than the clothes that Chakravartin burned."

At this point, Vill-V put her hands on her hips, looking very proud. She often planned to kill Kevin, but without exception, they all failed.

"The total number of weapons developed by Vill-V against anti-Kevin armament exceeds four figures, yet none have achieved this goal, neither in reality nor in the Elysian Realm. Nobody can do it. I'm racking my brains every day trying to figure out how to take him down,"

Vill-V proudly declared, leaving Shen Gonglin and Mei speechless. They had wanted to ask before: what heinous thing had Kevin done? Their anti-Kevin armament had reached four digits, and they were constantly plotting how to kill him. What deep-seated hatred could drive them to do this? Was it possible that Kevin was their Flame-Chasers, not their enemy?

"Wait a minute, judging from your rebuttal just now, could it be that I'm... the most suspicious person? Are you all doubting me? Is my suspicion finally taking effect on anti-Kevin armament?"

The more she talked, the more suspicious she became, especially with Mei's complicated look in her eyes. Vill-V was very excited about this. Finally, someone suspected that she had killed Kevin? But this time, she really didn't do it. A magician doesn't want to plagiarize other people's work.

"... That's hard to say."

Mei gave this answer: given her intense hostility towards Kevin and the numerous anti-Kevin armament, she's probably capable of doing something like this.

"Ah, it seems necessary to show you my selection of anti-Kevin armament. Although I'm not used to showing my failed attempts, I still need to prove my innocence. So, dear viewers, which one would you like to see first?"

While Vill-V said those words, Mei clearly saw the expectant look in her eyes. This girl seemed eager to show off her anti-Kevin armament others. Seeing this, Mei couldn't bring herself to refuse. Moreover, anti-Kevin armament... well, Mei and Shen Gonglin exchanged a glance. Well, they were also quite interested in that thing.

"Then... this one."

He pointed to one of the pile of things that Vill-V had taken out. This girl carries so much stuff with her; is she ready to give Kevin a good whack at any moment?

"Wow, this viewer has a good eye. This is anti-Kevin armament Model 7. It's really fun."

Upon opening the box, Mei was immediately transported to a special space. Looking at the spinning magic hat, Mei was speechless. She had encountered this kind of mechanism before. With something like this, trying to kill Kevin was absurd; no wonder the anti-Kevin armament failed.

[How about it? Aren't you impressed by my brilliant ideas? Aren't you becoming more and more interested in these inventions?]

Vill-V's voice rang out, and Mei could only sigh as the girl reluctantly drew her sword.

"Sigh, not at all."

Chapter 199 Teasing Kevin's Armor

These kinds of mechanisms simply couldn't pique Mei's interest at all, and neither could Shen Gonglin Rin. The girl drew her sword and slashed off the attacking magician's hat. Kevin must have felt just as helpless when faced with these weapons.

Don't be so stingy with your praise! How about giving the greatest magician of all time a fairer evaluation?

Ignoring Vill-V's words, Mei dealt with the traps. She called these things "anti-Kevin armament"? How powerful must Kevin be to be taken down by something like this, or does she think these might be Kevin's weaknesses? These flamboyant magic props... her aesthetic sense is really worrying.

This is also part of the strategy: to catch the enemy off guard and then strike decisively.

A single, decisive blow? Kevin would probably laugh out loud at that.

So that's how it is. Laughing him to death was Vill-V's plan.

Mei quickly experienced Vill-V's anti-Kevin armament. Mei pointed to the last box, but this time Vill-V didn't open it. Why did she take this out?

"Oh, sorry, this one is no longer usable. Model number 666, official name is Letu Data Undifferentiated Irreversible Big Surprise Cleanup Tool. It's just a series of commands that can delete the entire Elysian Realm with one click."

This last surprise box surprised Mei far more than the previous ones. Looking at it, Mei frowned. What had she just heard? Such a long string of names, a single click to delete the entire Elysian Realm?

"You mean... delete the entire Elysian Realm?"

Isn't this anti-Kevin armament? Does such a thing really exist?

"Yes, that would ensure the erasure of Kevin's memory, but unfortunately, I would also be deleted, so this invention was abandoned. Moreover, its activation conditions no longer exist, so in short... it's unusable."

After putting away all the boxes, Vill-V straightened her back and waited for Mei's evaluation of her invention. Judging from Mei's expression, if she didn't give her a satisfactory answer, Mei wouldn't continue to communicate with her.

"Your inventions... are quite creative."

That's the only way to describe it, but Vill-V was quite satisfied; her idea was indeed very creative.

"Now you can be sure that killing Kevin is a very difficult thing, right? Then you don't need to continue to suspect me and my companions without any reason."

Vill-V shrugged. Now she should finally believe that she was not the kind of person who would do such a thing. Anti-Kevin armament for so long, Vill-V still hadn't figured out a truly effective way to anti-Kevin armament.

"Companions? I didn't realize you were such a comrade-like person."

"After all, including myself, there are quite a few among the Flame-Chasers who are easily misunderstood. The Thirteen Flame-Chasers are just ordinary people, each with their own hidden side, and even their own motives for leaving this place. I think that's not hard to understand. Let me think... Besides Sakura, Mobius, Chakravartin, Aponia... I don't need to say more, they should all be on your suspect list, right?"

With a smile, Vill-V uttered these sharp words, but in truth, she suspected more than just these people.

"There are others... like Elysia. You've been going back and forth between doubting her and trusting her Schicksal, haven't you? Kevin, on the other hand, always has a stern face and won't say anything. He only cares about fighting for humanity. Maybe one day he'll run out and fight the Honkai himself. Eden always says she belongs to the old era, but she actually seems quite interested in the new world. After all, she's an artist. Who doesn't crave new inspiration?"

Vill-V started counting on her fingers to calculate Flame-Chasers's personality, and she had to admit, it made a lot of sense.

"Su... I don't know what he saw with the Thousand Worlds, but after that, he paid extra attention to Kevin and Mobius. Nobody can say for sure what the Awakener is thinking. Kosma must really want to go out and see the outcome of the Project Ark, Griseo is obviously hiding something from the others. As for Hua... she's an honest person, but who can be sure that the Hua here is still the same Hua? Similarly, the same goes for Pardofelis. So you see, the murderer obviously can't be any of us."

She shared her impressions of the people in the Elysian Realm, but after expressing such a long string of doubts, she came to a completely opposite conclusion. This person speaks very strangely.

"This conclusion... seems to contradict your previous claims."

Mei asked the question directly, but the Great Magician's answer was, as always, a riddle.

"In your opinion, does a person believe something because they have something to believe in, or because they have something to believe in? I want to believe in my companions; this is my will, the foundation of everything. But now there are things that conflict with this. In this situation, what do you think I should do?"