Chapter 461

"Griseo, this time, I might... still want to be a hero. But it's definitely not to die. It's to ignite the hope of life. We step into the darkness precisely for that Morning Light."

Kosma rarely smiled, a gentle smile intended to comfort the girl, but as she looked at him, the girl's expression grew even more sorrowful.

"Kosma, do you know? Every time you try to hide something from me and go do something alone, you have that look on your face. But I don't want to be like that. I don't want to be protected by everyone, I don't want to be left behind, I want to be like everyone else... to have my own color."

The girl crossed her arms over her chest, looking at Kosma with longing. This time, she didn't want to be left alone; she wanted to be protected by everyone.

"So... tell me, okay... Kosma, what are you planning to do?"

Unwilling to continue like this, Griseo revealed her true colors—not colors tainted by others, but colors that belonged to her alone.

Chapter 206 The Mastermind

"Hmm, I still haven't found that faded Honkai Beast from before. Where did it go? Even I, a magician, can't find it. It really knows how to hide. And where are the poisonous mushrooms?"

Vill-V muttered to herself as she opened a trash can, searching for the Honkai Beast that was adept at hiding. Mei, overhearing what she was muttering, became somewhat concerned. Poisonous mushroom?

"I don't think that thing would hide in a trash can. Also, why call it a poisonous mushroom?"

Mei stood behind Vill-V with her arms crossed. After saying goodbye to Griseo and Kosma, they embarked on their search once again. Mei Honkai Beast was very important; perhaps it was the clue.

"After all, it needs a name. Don't you think the name 'poisonous mushroom' is quite fitting?"

After closing the trash can, Vill-V seemed quite surprised that she hadn't found the creature there. She then explained to Mei the meaning behind her name: Poison Mushroom. Vill-V thought the name was quite fitting, as it might be acting like a poisonous mushroom right now. If she didn't get rid of it quickly, who knew who it might harm next?

"Poisonous mushrooms... that's quite fitting. Those monsters should also be part of the Elysian Realm Anomaly, and the fading monsters seem to be affected by them. Where did they come from, and why do they possess such power?"

These questions kept swirling in Mei's mind. There were just too many things she couldn't understand. Mei tried to find something useful from this fragmented data, but she just couldn't figure it out.

Unable to understand, Mei tried to ask Shen Gonglin for help, but after seeing the look in his Shen Gonglin, she gave up immediately. He was even more confused than she was. Mei could tell at a glance what that clear yet foolish look meant. Asking him would only cause her more trouble. Maybe he was thinking about what to have for dinner... For some reason, she thought of Kiana.

"Don't panic. As long as we catch the lone poisonous mushroom, I believe all the problems will be solved."

Vill-V was enthusiastically comforting Mei, seemingly enjoying herself immensely. Mei, however, didn't relax because of her words. Even so, she knew that catching the "poisonous mushroom" was the key to the problem, but since earlier, they seemed to have been going in circles... Was this the result of Vill-V leading the way?

Realizing this, Mei silently looked at Vill-V, wondering if there wasn't a single person who could properly guide her.

"Don't look at me with such eager eyes. Sometimes, excessive enthusiasm can be difficult for performers."

Vill-V waved her hand, and Mei was starting to doubt her, feeling that she was just playing around and wondering if she was really putting in any effort.

"Didn't you say you would do your best to assist and prove your innocence? Don't you have any special way to trap those monsters? Use your weird magic props, or the ones you're most familiar with, like the ones used to 'tease Kevin's Armor'?"

The only way to catch those lone monsters is to try and get them from Vill-V, Mei said. Vill-V has many strange things on her, and maybe there's something useful in them.

"It's about anti-Kevin armament! Not teasing Kevin Armor! Really... It seems you have high hopes for my magic, which I'm honored by. But unfortunately, it's a bit much to ask. I can only set up the stage here; when the performers take the stage is not up to me..."

First, Vill-V defended her meticulously crafted anti-Kevin armament, clarifying that it wasn't just something to tease Kevin, but a genuine murder weapon. As for Mei's problem, she admitted that her magical props were useless against the Honkai Beast had mutated in the Elysian Realm.

"Does this mean we can only rely on luck...? Wait, what's that?"

At this point, Mei suddenly noticed a different color, and the girl couldn't help but lower her voice, "It's that strange Honkai Beast."

"See? As long as you're an actor, you're bound to be on stage. Look, it's come uninvited."

Vill-V also discovered the Honkai Beast's trail. Mei didn't say much and immediately followed it. Shen Gonglin and Vill-V followed closely behind. The three of them moved very quickly, but after catching up, they disappeared again. Had it escaped again?

"As an actor, it's really restless. Its traces disappeared completely here. It seems that this time it was all in vain again."

She crouched down, trying to find any trace, but as expected, she found nothing again. Vill-V shrugged and sighed helplessly, but Mei didn't reply. The girl put her hand on her chin and thought seriously, feeling that something was wrong.

"What, has something come to mind?"

"Hmm. Every time, even when we spot its trail, it always manages to escape in an unexpected way. It's as if it can predict our pursuit. Monsters in the Elysian Realm shouldn't have this kind of intelligence; it's practically like..."

Mei offered her own conjecture: since it escaped every time, this kind of intelligence shouldn't be something Honkai Beast could possess. Vill-V then picked up where Mei left off, finishing what she hadn't said.

"It's like someone is manipulating it from behind?"

Mei nodded; it was the only possibility she could think of.

"Yes, that's a reasonable guess, but you'll find that you can't even find a suspect. Are you still doubting Griseo? If I were her, I would be so upset that I'd be showing it."

Vill-V was putting on an exaggerated performance; surely this Ms. Mei shouldn't still be doubting Griseo.

"Judging from her behavior just now, Griseo really doesn't recognize these monsters. But that's all. Griseo doesn't lie... but conversely, she's also easily manipulated. Therefore, everyone, including her, is a suspect. This series of events happened in such a short time that it's impossible not to suspect that someone is secretly pushing all of this behind the scenes."

Mei didn't immediately rule out Griseo. Although she believed Griseo wouldn't lie, the child was too naive and easily manipulated, so she was also a suspect. Everyone in the Elysian Realm was a suspect.

"In that case, I must say that, according to Ms. Mei's deduction, the mastermind behind this is already quite obvious."

Vill-V's expression remained unchanged. Like a magician preparing to reveal the answer to a mystery, she began her announcement: she already had a target.

Chapter 207 Another Clue

"Who?"

Mei hadn't expected Vill-V to say that. Did that mean she already had someone in mind? Mei had only thought everyone was a possibility, but Vill-V said it was obvious...

"Time, which had stood still for fifty thousand years, has only recently begun to flow again. The slumbering stories have been unearthed, the conflicts have been reignited, and every Flame-Chasers in the Elysian Realm has been involved to some extent. And all these changes are because of one... oh, oh, there should be two, and one of them is her follower, such a special successor, the Herrscher! It was she who brought about the opportunity for change! It was she who drew the attention of Flame-Chasers! It was she who brought about the transformation of the Elysian Realm! How about that, isn't that convincing enough?"

After a lengthy opening, Vill-V turned her attention to Mei. Shen Gonglin didn't even realize that he was being referred to as a follower again. From Vill-V's words, he understood that she was questioning Mei.

"Are you doubting me?"

Mei never expected Vill-V to say that. Did she think it was her?

"Ah, of course, I have complete trust in Miss Mei, I'm just kindly pointing out the possible consequences of your reasoning."

"Vill-V smiled and said, 'Your reasoning led to this result?' Mei crossed her arms and waited for Vill-V's insight. Since she put it that way, she would wait for her opinion."

"So, what brilliant idea do you have, you quick-witted Great Magician?"

"Me? Of course I wholeheartedly trust my companions. Having spent so much time together, I know them best. As I said, I conducted the investigation to prove the innocence of each memory. I will not doubt any of Flame-Chasers's members. That's my answer."

The two girls were bickering, one saying that everyone in Flame-Chasers was suspicious, and the other saying that she believed everyone in Flame-Chasers. Both girls were the quick-witted type, and Shen Gonglin wanted to grab a bag of sunflower seeds and watch them.

"If your assumption is correct, then there is only one possibility left. Someone else has invaded Elysian Realm and created the current chaos."

Following the line of reasoning from Vill-V's statement, it's impossible that the Flame-Chasers would do such a thing, so there must be other outsiders involved.

"Unfortunately, such a conjecture is impossible. As you know, part of the Elysian Realm was created by another version of myself. Although I don't quite agree with her serious demeanor... I have absolute confidence in my abilities. The barrier system I constructed can intercept all intruders. It's not a loophole that can be easily broken into; it's an absolute rule. Apart from those who are executors of the Stigmata Plan and the successor who was granted qualifications by Kevin outside, no one can step into this place. I can guarantee with my reputation as an expert that the only remaining portion of the Elysian Realm today belongs to Ms. Mei... oh, and your attendant as well."

Vill-V straightened Mei chest and assured Mei of this. As one of the builders of this Elysian Realm, Vill-V had such confidence. If the place she created was so easily invaded, then her title as an expert could be thrown in the trash. When it came to her expertise, Vill-V was very serious.

But... she had returned to the Elysian Realm last time using the coordinates left by the Herrscher of the Void, so she hadn't paid attention to the attendant's title this time. Shen Gonglin frowned slightly. Was it because of the special nature of this method?

Moreover, outsiders... can't the successors themselves become vessels that unintentionally bring about or cause the appearance of invaders? Or rather, the conditions within the Elysian Realm Shen Gonglin... are too many to understand for the time being.

"You mean, the mastermind behind this is neither among us nor someone outside of us... How is that possible?"

That's probably what Vill-V meant, but Mei couldn't accept it. What did she mean by that? It wasn't them, and it couldn't be anyone other than them. It was as if she hadn't said anything at all. Listening to her words was like listening to a lecture.

"Then it will depend on your judgment. I can only tell you everything I have seen. Deduction is just deduction. To clear everyone of suspicion, we still need solid evidence."

Vill-V shrugged. She could only tell Mei everything she knew, and Mei would have to make the final judgment herself. The investigation had once again reached a dead end.

"Alright, there's no point in lingering here any longer. Let's look for other clues."

She didn't say much, but Mei's performance this time surprised even Vill-V. She thought Mei would question her opinion again.

"Don't look at me like that. My suspicions about you haven't disappeared, but now is not the time to pursue those matters. As you said, suspecting any one of us without any evidence is the worst choice. Perhaps the mastermind's real purpose is to incite conflict between us. More important than suspicion is that we must stop this turmoil before it gets out of control."

She had a point, so why should she question it? It was as if she wanted to argue with everything she said. You should know that she used to be known for her beauty and kindness at St. Freya. Mei rolled her eyes. Forget it, she didn't want to dwell on these things. The important thing was to get down to business.

"That's right, but you're planning to investigate society next? Since it's to clear your name, my suggestion is to start with the person who is least suspicious."

The choice has been given to Mei. Who should she start with? The least suspicious ones should be Hua or Pardofelis.

"Just to be on the safe side, let's go back to the amusement park and ask that Fairy Administrator. Maybe she can provide some clues about the damaged typewriter... Wait a minute."

Halfway through her sentence, Mei suddenly sensed that something was off about the atmosphere around her. The girl immediately became alert, but when she looked around, she couldn't find anything. Could it be her imagination?

"Hmm? What's wrong?"

Seeing Mei suddenly stop talking and cautiously look around, Vill-V asked curiously. Mei, who didn't find anything, breathed a sigh of relief.

"It's nothing, probably just my imagination. But I suddenly realized that I might have missed an important clue at the spot where the monster disappeared. Let's go back and check."

With a quick glance, Mei spoke, and the girl turned to go back. Vill-V quickly followed, understanding that some clues did indeed need someone to push things along from behind.

Chapter 208 It Absolutely Couldn't Be Me!

Oh dear, we're back again. I'd better hurry up and catch up. Honestly, Mei is so perceptive, I can't even keep up with her. I don't even know what they're talking about. If only everyone in the world were as amazing yet simple as Shen Gonglin.

Watching Mei, Shen Gonglin, and Vill-V leave from the bushes not far away, Pardofelis, who was hiding there, secretly groaned. Following them would not be an easy task, and she had to be extremely careful.

Pardofelis cautiously prepared to continue her pursuit, but just then, a sharp, cold glint landed on her neck. The icy touch made the fur on Pardofelis's tail stand on end. The girl immediately stood up from the grass, raising her hands high, as if to say, "I surrender! Please don't cut me off!"

"Stalking others is not a good habit... Pardofelis, what are you doing here?"

They had noticed someone following them earlier. The claim that they had forgotten some clues was just an excuse. Mei turned a corner and came back here, only to find a girl hiding in the bushes. When will she ever change this sneaky habit?

"Mei, calm down, calm down, don't point a knife at me."

Pardofelis gave an awkward but polite smile. The girl carefully pushed the blade away with two fingers, her embarrassed smile revealing her embarrassment. Sure enough, she had been discovered.

"As expected, nothing escapes Mei's eyes. So, it seems that the so-called important clue was just a bluff, wasn't it?"

Now that she'd been exposed, Pardofelis stopped trying to hide anything. Mei was such a perceptive girl; she could spot even the smallest animal. The information she'd managed to eavesdrop on was probably just something she'd done to fool her. How embarrassing.

"You've been following us since just now, haven't you? Why are you doing this?"

Mei lowered the blade slightly, unable to understand why Pardofelis would want to follow them. She had been sensing someone spying on them, Mei initially thought it was some culprit, but it turned out to be Pardofelis. Mei couldn't believe that this guy was such a bad guy.

"I've come to join you! I've already checked all the secret passages and alleys as Eden instructed, but I haven't found anything... I'm so frustrated. Just then, I heard that Vill-V, Mei, and Mei attendants are working together to investigate the truth of the matter, so I thought I'd come and join you in the investigation."

Pardofelis gave a proper explanation, but the "attendant" she mentioned in her words infuriated Shen Gonglin. Where did this title of "attendant" come from? How did he become an attendant? He was really angry!

"I've never heard of 'investigating together' meaning hiding in the shadows and secretly following us."

Mei crossed her arms and stared coldly at Pardofelis. What was this talk about joining them? If she hadn't discovered her whereabouts, this cat-like girl would probably have been secretly following her all along. Mei wasn't worried that she had any bad intentions, it's just that this girl... sigh, never mind, it's best to eliminate her first.

"Well... it's because I was worried about being rejected by you. After all, Mei knows all too well how weak I am."

At this point, Pardofelis puffed out her chest and said confidently that she was just a weakling who couldn't beat anyone. If she came to surrender directly, Mei might not agree. Sacrificing her Shen Gonglin to speak on her behalf was the last resort. But who would have thought that she would be caught so soon after following her? She felt like her usefulness was getting smaller and smaller.

"... You really do have self-awareness and a strong sense of self-righteousness."

After she said that, Mei didn't know what to say. Pardofelis's confident admission of her weakness reminded Mei of her past self. She was weak and couldn't do anything, but she didn't seem to be as lazy as Pardofelis.

"Having self-awareness is one of my strengths! But even if I can't help in the battle, I'm sure I can be useful in other ways. I've thought it over seriously. Although I hate seeing everyone doubt each other, just waiting around isn't in my nature. Rather than regretting not doing anything, it's better to do something and then regret it! So I've decided that even if... cough cough, I have to get to the bottom of this."

Pardofelis clenched her little fists and said very seriously that she didn't like the idea of doing nothing and that she wanted to do her part in the current situation.

"So, what are we going to do now? Find that fairy who looks a lot like Sister Elysia, right?"

Pardofelis was eager to try. Although she was weak, she thought that if she followed Mei, she wouldn't be in any danger. Even if there was danger, she wasn't afraid. With so many people, how could they not protect her?

"... Pardofelis, you were secretly following us just because you were afraid of being rejected?"

Although Pardofelis's words were reasonable and well-founded, considering Flame-Chasers's personality, Mei still crossed her arms and looked at Pardofelis with a scrutinizing gaze. She felt that this sneaky behavior suggested something else.

"Of course, in such a tense moment, how could I possibly be thinking about ordering goods? Even if I were... it would only be a thought, I absolutely didn't do anything! Wait a minute, Mei, you don't suspect me, do you?"

Pardofelis quickly waved her hands to clarify that she hadn't even thought about sourcing goods... at most, it was just a thought. Mei's scrutinizing gaze made her feel doubted. It was impossible to even think about such a thing! If she could do something like that, she wouldn't be at the bottom of the list of Flame-Chasers.

"Shen Gonglin, quickly persuade Mei, this joke has gone too far. Even if I had ten lives, I wouldn't dare do anything to Boss Kevin. If I really had that kind of ability, I would definitely get my hands on Eden- nee's Golden Courtyard first, then have Boss Kevin and Brother Jie deliver goods for me, and it wouldn't be bad to have Sister Elysia and Ahua help me watch the shop... As for Sister Nia, how about being her shopkeeper?"

Pardofelis inadvertently revealed her ambition: if she really had such great power, she would definitely open her shop all over the world. That way, she could just sit at home and have countless gold coins coming in. What a wonderful thing that would be!

As she spoke, Pardofelis's eyes sparkled. If that day ever came, it would be perfect.

Chapter 209 Viewing Your Memories

"I can vouch for her, this is the kind of thing that little Pardofelis would do."

Pardofelis's wish left Mei speechless for a long time. She also felt that this was more in line with Pardofelis's personality. Even Vill-V stood up to speak for her and vouched for her. If Pardofelis were the culprit with such a mind and power, she would definitely make the Flame-Chasers do such a thing for her.

"Hehe, Sister Vill-V understands me best. What good does it do me to make such a mess of the Elysian Realm and not be able to do business?"

Pardofelis tried hard to clear her name, thinking that no one should suspect her, since she had no motive to do such a thing.

"...Putting aside motives, you certainly don't seem to have the ability to be the mastermind behind it all."

After listening to Pardofelis's account and Vill-V's guarantee, Mei also came to this conclusion: it's too much of a reversal to say that Pardofelis, who could be chased and beaten by any Honkai Beast, is the culprit. It's too much to be reversed. It's like saying that the extinction of dinosaurs was caused by a baby.

"... You saying that makes me feel a bit conflicted, but that's just how it is, I'm truly innocent. In that case, could I join the investigation? Mei, Vill-V- nee, Rin-nii, please let me go with you?"

With her sweet talk, Pardofelis even called Shen Gonglin" brother," which made Shen Gonglin feel flattered. He tugged at Mei's sleeve, his beautiful purple eyes shining as he looked at Mei. His gaze was like that of a mischievous child who wanted to take a stray cat home as a pet.