Chapter 473

Who would have thought that Rita, who always appeared so composed and elegant, would have such a day? Shen Gonglin was worried so much; how little trust does he have in Rita? Actually, Shen Gonglin should be the one who's most worried, but now it's his turn to worry about others. Rita must be speechless with frustration right now. What is he even explaining? It's like a worried parent telling their unruly child to go on a school trip.

Laugh, laugh, what are you laughing at? This is Rin-sama caring about you. This is the sweetest burden. Just look at whether Shen Gonglin cares about you or not, that's all.

Rita squinted at Durandal, who was suppressing a laugh. She knew that the fact that Shen Gonglin was so concerned about her was due to her own abilities, which showed how much Shen Gonglin valued her. Durandal, that silly deer, didn't understand at all. Sometimes, it was a strategy for girls to act unreliable. The saying "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" really meant that.

"Don't worry, Lady Rin, I've remembered everything. Now, shouldn't we go to bed?"

Rita accepted all of Shen Gonglin's worries. It felt quite nice to be worried about by Shen Gonglin. Although Rita thought she was unlikely to have any problems, it was still a good experience to accept someone's kindness. Shen Gonglin's concern made Rita feel very comfortable. As soon as she felt comfortable, Rita wanted to sleep. And now that it was getting late, shouldn't she go to sleep?

"Oh, then I'll sleep in your room tonight, Rita, and the three of you can squeeze in here with Durandal?"

Shen Gonglin had no suspicions. He had been exhausted from scrubbing Elysia other's backs in the bathroom earlier. Elysia had excitedly run out to play, saying she wanted to see the organization that was fighting against Schicksal in this era, but Shen Gonglin didn't have that much energy. Right now, he just wanted to sleep. Given his relationship with Rita, it didn't matter if he slept in her room.

"Alright, then Lady Rin, please come with me. Durandal, goodnight as well."

The maid was very pleased that Shen Gonglin had subconsciously chosen to do what was right in front of her. She was all smiles as she prepared to take Shen Gonglin back to her room. However, at this moment, Durandal couldn't sit still. Did the two of them think she was dead? They wanted to do this right in front of her. Did they not respect her at all?

"Wait a minute, Rita, have you forgotten? Your room is currently being used by Li Sushang and Seele. We brought them back, and they should be asleep by now."

They both thought they were dead, Durandal couldn't think she was dead. The Valkyrie stopped Rita from taking Shen Gonglin away. Only then did Rita remember, oh right, Li Sushang and Seele were still staying in her room. She had been too happy and forgot about it. Now what was she going to do?

"Hiccup... Well then, why don't we just sleep here? Rin can sleep on the floor, and the three of us can sleep on the bed."

The bathroom door opened, and Yukari Yakumo emerged, her skin rosy and her whole body steaming. As she spoke, the girl let out a small burp. She couldn't help it; she had drunk a little too much. She felt that the bathwater this time wasn't pure enough. Was it because she hadn't tasted these things in a long time? It didn't taste quite right. If the quality wasn't good enough, she could only make up for it with quantity. Yukari Yakumo was full.

As soon as I came out, I heard them talking about this. In front of others, I am still the older sister, so I definitely have no chance to get close to Shen Gonglin. Since I have to get rained on, Yukari Yakumo will definitely tear other people's umbrellas to shreds. If I can't get close to you two, then don't even think about it. Letting Shen Gonglin sleep on the floor is the best option.

"Oh, that's not a good idea. Letting him sleep on the floor, or I'll sleep with him... What kind of looks are those two giving me?"

Durandal was somewhat reluctant. She felt she should sacrifice herself and stay with Shen Gonglin, since Shen Gonglin was pampered and shouldn't be allowed to sleep on the floor. Durandal's conscience wouldn't allow it. So she decided to stay with Shen Gonglin and leave the bed to Sister Purple and Rita. This young woman possessed some chivalrous virtues, but after she made such a self-sacrifice, the two women gave her a look that said, "You're dreaming."

What is this woman thinking? She's pretty, but all she thinks about are unrealistic dreams. She's dreaming.

Three monks have no water to drink. Rita, Yukari Yakumo, Durandal were all wary of each other, so this choice was destined to fail. In the end, they still made that decision: Shen Gonglin would sleep on the floor while the three of them slept on the bed. Yukari Yakumo made the decision, and only she could make the pampered Shen Gonglin do this.

"As a maid, I feel that I should not let my master sleep on the floor while I sleep on the bed, so I strongly insist that I share the hardships with Lady Rin. It is a maid's duty."

Rita wanted to try again, but this time Durandal and Yukari Yakumo were united against a common enemy. The female knight nodded in agreement with Rita's choice. "Yes, yes, Rita, you are the most perfect maid. How about this, you sleep on the floor and Jingu will sleep upstairs, what do you think?"

Her suggestion was rejected, and now she wants to reap the benefits? Durandal may be a bit serious, but she's not stupid at all. Since Rita is so eager to fulfill her maid duties, then you sleep on the floor and let Shen Gonglin sleep on the bed.

"I think this is acceptable."

Yukari Yakumo raised her hand in agreement. In any case, she would support whoever wanted to replace Shen Gonglin. As for wanting to be alone with Shen Gonglin, that was not allowed.

"I'm sorry, Lady Rin, I suddenly have this urge to stay in bed, so I can't help you this time."

Are those two just dreaming? Seriously, they're sleeping on the floor while Shen Gonglin sleeps with them? Rita didn't think she was that noble. The maid rolled her eyes and could only make this decision. Sorry, Rin-sama, blame them.

And so, with none of the three girls trusting the others, Shen Gonglin ended up staying on the living room floor for the night. The maid thoughtfully made up a bed for Shen Gonglin, and then the three girls returned to their rooms and began watching each other closely. Shen Gonglin, however, was completely unconcerned. After they returned to their rooms, he resolutely pushed open Rita's door. How could he, the dignified Shen Gonglin, the incomparably Archbishop of Schicksal, possibly sleep on the floor?

There's still room in Rita's room. It would be such a waste if Li Sushang and Seele were sleeping there. It wouldn't be a problem for me to squeeze in. After climbing onto the bed, Shen Gonglin squeezed between the sleeping Li Sushang and Seele. It's definitely more comfortable to sleep in a bed.

Chapter 254 Getting Stronger

He's gone. I hope Rita is alright this time. Her reckless personality is really worrying.

At dawn, at the Schicksal Airport, watching the black warship streak across the sky and fly away, Shen Gonglin felt a little worried. Rita had been cold and silent all the way there, and Shen Gonglin knew why. It was because she woke up in the morning to find herself sleeping with Li Sushang and Seele, in her room, on her bed, with other girls. The maid was a little distraught when she saw that.

No wonder Shen Gonglin obediently agreed to sleep on the floor. I should have known. Given Shen Gonglin's personality, how could she possibly sleep on the floor willingly? This girl has long harbored those wolfish ambitions.

More importantly, she also had to help Shen Gonglin keep it a secret from Durandal and Yukari Yakumo. It was infuriating. Rita was still extremely unhappy when she set off to carry out the mission. None of the Valkyrie of the Immortal Blade who were on the mission with her dared to speak to her.

"Miss Rita is very capable, Bishop, you don't need to worry."

Seeing Shen Gonglin's gaze fixed on the sky, the Valkyrie beside her assumed Shen Gonglin was worried about Rita's safety. The girl reassured Shen Gonglin, "Rita is S-rank Valkyrie! She's just out investigating; how could anything happen to her? Shen Gonglin is just too concerned about Rita. She's even more powerful than me!"

"I didn't... Why are you calling me that? It's not like we don't know each other."

Turning her gaze away, Shen Gonglin looked at the girl beside her. Her long, milky-white hair reached her waist, and a blue earring adorned her delicate little ear. Bathed in the morning sunlight, the girl looked radiant. The Valkyrie standing next to Shen Gonglin was none other than Anna. Saniyat, Shen Gonglin had come alone to see Rita off, but she hadn't expected to run into Anna on the way, so they came together.

They were practically acquaintances, so Shen Gonglin was still a little unaccustomed to being addressed like that by her.

"It is precisely because she is familiar with them that Anna has to follow the rules. Otherwise, what if the bishop gets upset and removes the Saniyat from the Schicksal? There are even rumors that the bishop plans to use the Schariac family as a scapegoat."

Speaking of this, Anna couldn't help but secretly roll her eyes at Shen Gonglin. Yesterday, she had clearly wanted to help Shen Gonglin boost his morale, but he caught her and gave her a good scolding. Anna almost lost her temper at the time, and now it seems that she still harbors a little resentment.

Originally, because of her past status as Herrscher, Anna was always under surveillance at headquarters and could not continue to serve as Valkyrie. Her situation only changed after Shen Gonglin took over. Not only was she restored to normal treatment, but she can now become Valkyrie again. Yesterday, Anna wanted to have a proper talk with Shen Gonglin to thank her, but she was treated like that. She even cried a little after leaving the banquet hall.

"How could there be such a bizarre rumor? Who spread it?"

Shen Gonglin was speechless. The Schicksal is composed of the three founding families, among which the Schariac family, representing the Saintess, is extremely important. How could she possibly target the Schariac family? Besides, the Schariac family has not done anything wrong, so how could there be such rumors? Isn't this just smearing Shen Gonglin's reputation?

"Of course it's the Schariac family."

Anna responded confidently, while Shen Gonglin slowly typed a question mark. Was there something wrong with the Schariac family? Why were they spreading such news? Were they just too full?

"I understand. You want to establish your authority. After all, you've only just become a bishop. Even with the support of Durandal and the others, the higher-ups will inevitably look down on you. That's when you need a powerful family to come to your door and make an example of them. I get it."

Anna nodded, indicating that she understood everything. She might have felt a little wronged yesterday because she hadn't figured things out, but after Rita found out and explained the situation to her, Anna wasn't sad at all. No wonder Shen Gonglin treated her that way. After that, Anna understood everything. These kinds of things can only be entrusted to the closest people. Anna suddenly felt a heavy burden on her shoulders, and then she went back to the Schariac family that night to convey Shen Gonglin's hint. The entire Schariac family expressed their willingness to cooperate.

"Ah... that's right, that's exactly what I was thinking. I'm so glad you understand, Anna."

Shen Gonglin had no idea what to do. Was that what he was thinking? Actually, he just didn't recognize Anna. Plus, Durandal and Rita wanted him to act strong and arrogant, so Shen Gonglin did it. Did he have such intentions after all? As expected of him, he was really amazing.

"Actually, I didn't understand at first either. It's thanks to Miss Rita that she came out and explained it to me. Miss Rita is really amazing. I wonder what kind of weather I will have to become as strong as Miss Rita."

I really admire Rita. After Durandal seems a bit too far away, and I can't even come close to that feeling. But Rita is an idol that I feel I can get closer to if I work hard.

Before being infected by the Honkai and becoming Herrscher, Anna was the captain of the Snow Lotus Squad and an A-rank Valkyrie. Now that she has finally returned to the combat unit, it's time for her to continue to work hard.

"Hmm, I feel there's still a slight difference. You need to eat more."

Shen Gonglin stared at Anna seriously. This level was indeed a bit different from Rita's, but he had a lot of confidence in the Schariac family's genes. Once Anna grew up a bit more, she should be able to become very powerful.

"Huh? Eating more will make you stronger? No wonder Durandal is eating several at a time now... Wait a minute! What are you looking at? This isn't the kind of strengthening I'm talking about!"

Anna had never tried such a way to become stronger before. Could eating more really make her stronger? Anna hesitated for a moment, but after noticing the gaze that Shen Gonglin was giving her, the Valkyrie immediately realized what Shen Gonglin was talking about. She crossed her arms over her chest, took a half step back, and blushed as she emphasized, "What is this guy talking about? This isn't the kind of strengthening I'm talking about!"

And she's not weak in this area at all, okay? This is exactly the level a girl her age should have, or rather, she's much stronger than the average size. This guy really doesn't understand at all.

Chapter 255

Anna felt that Shen Gonglin was completely blinded by greed. Just because he had met a few powerful girls, he assumed that all girls in the world were that powerful. Yes, she admitted that whether it was Durandal, Rita, or even that Sister Purple, plus Li Sushang... they were indeed powerful, but that only proved their exceptional talent. Anna had done her research, and among the girls Shen Gonglin knew well, there were many who were not as good as her. For example, the Herrscher of Reason, Fu Hua, Seele, and the Idol Sisters—weren't they all much weaker than her? Why did he only see those powerful girls and not consider the average at all?

"So what? Don't you want to become even more powerful?"

Shen Gonglin raised an eyebrow. Since there was nothing else to do, chatting and teasing Anna here was obviously a good idea. He had originally planned to go find Elysia, who had gone out to play after taking a bath with him yesterday. Shen Gonglin wanted to find her and bring her back to the Salt Lake Base to meet the Class President, but talking to Anna was obviously a good choice now.

"... Actually, I still want to, but no matter what I do, it doesn't seem to make much of a difference. Besides, I feel that if it gets any bigger, it might actually have a negative impact on the battle."

Anna thought to herself that she must have lost her mind to be discussing such crazy things with Shen Gonglin. But since it was Shen Gonglin, it should be fine, right? Anna said with a slightly flushed face. She was also very troubled. She felt that the size was just right, and it did not affect either aesthetics or combat. But Shen Gonglin clearly meant that she preferred bigger sizes. What should she do?

She couldn't imagine how Durandal and Rita managed to do it. Didn't it affect her during battle? Anna had never experienced this kind of sweet dilemma.

"No, no, look how amazing they are! They have no problem at all. I have a way to make you even more amazing. Just get a card from me, and all your problems will be solved."

Shen Gonglin continued to bewitch Anna, even though he was just making things up. Anna was completely confused by what he said. How could Shen Gonglin possibly help her with this kind of problem? And what did it mean to get a card?

"Of course it's a massage card. Otherwise, how do you think Durandal and Rita would become so powerful? Think about it, isn't it worth it? You only need to spend a little money, and then I can help you become as powerful Durandal and Rita. My massage is super legitimate. Want to try it? It's free to experience it."

They were practically waving the money-making abacus at Anna's face. At first, Anna didn't understand, but as soon as she heard about the massage, this silly little lamb suddenly realized that it was all because of Rin Shen Gonglin who helped Durandal and Rita become like that. Anna's eyes widened. Although she didn't understand, she was greatly shocked. The girl's mind was in turmoil. This kind of news was hard for her to accept.

Although Durandal and Rita's relationship with Shen Gonglin was almost common knowledge in Schicksal, she never expected that Shen Gonglin could help with something like this. Was the rumor true? That Shen Gonglin could do anything except give birth?

"I... I'll think about it... Oh right, I still have to do some volunteer work, goodbye!"

Suddenly struck by this shock, Anna turned and ran. Watching the girl's disheveled figure, Shen Gonglin felt refreshed. This guy always liked to cause trouble, and teasing Anna like this made him feel energetic for the whole day. Also, although he was shy, Anna said she would think about it and didn't refuse.

If she really comes, I must recommend she get an annual membership. It's a great way to make money. Shouldn't we expand our business and have Durandal and Rita act as live advertisements while we handle the actual operations? Then we can split the profits 90/10 with them and charge them a management fee... Tsk tsk, that sounds very feasible.

"Wow! I didn't expect you to be so amazing. Could you help me? I want to become even more amazing too."

Anna hadn't run far when a familiar voice rang out behind Shen Gonglin. Before Shen Gonglin could turn around, a strange sensation appeared behind Shen Gonglin. This feeling...

"Sister Purple?"

"You guessed wrong, it's Elysia! Honestly, you recognized my voice, why are you teasing me like this? I'm going to get angry if you do this."

Flame-Chasers was behind her, circled around to face Shen Gonglin. Elysia puffed out her cheeks and glared angrily at Shen Gonglin. This guy definitely recognized her voice, but he still mistook her for another girl. This was really infuriating. For a girl, being mistaken for someone else is a mistake that takes a long time to make up for.

After releasing Shen Gonglin, Elysia stood in front of him with her arms crossed and her head turned to the side. At this moment, the girl exuded an aura of "come and coax me." She was beautiful, had a good personality, and a great figure. Just standing there, she radiated a wonderful feeling. I doubt anyone could dislike someone like her.

"So how long are you going to stay angry?"

After finding a seat at the airport, the girl, who was still angry, sat obediently next to Shen Gonglin. The scenery at the Schicksal Headquarters was quite nice, and the blue sky and white clouds made people feel very comfortable. So, looking at such a view, Elysia did not intend to argue with Shen Gonglin any further.

"I estimate I'll be angry for about five more minutes, but if someone can pat my head and pinch my ears, I might be able to shorten it to one minute."

Looking at everything before her with great interest, whether it was the scenery or the busy Valkyrie in the distance, Alicia was interested in everything. Everything here felt new and exciting to Elysia. Even though she had been wandering around all night last night, Elysia still hadn't had enough. Hearing what Shen Gonglin said, the fairy girl responded in a pretentious manner, but this method seemed to be no different from flirting.

But it's okay to act cute; girls should learn to act cute.

"Then you can stay angry for a while longer. I'm too lazy to move. I didn't sleep well yesterday."

Shen Gonglin yawned. Seele had been restless all night, so he hadn't slept well at all. Now he just wanted to sit still, but Elysia didn't want Shen Gonglin to have any peace and quiet. It was just a pat on the head, why was this guy being so reserved?

"Just touch it, it feels great. I'm just as confident as Mei. If you didn't sleep well, I'll sleep with you tonight. Just a touch, okay? Elysia is a very good girl."

Chapter 256 Mei in the World Serpent

"I don't want to... By the way, now that Elysian Realm is over, what about Mei? Is Mei still in World Serpent? So much time has passed, I think Mei should be back by now. Staying in World Serpent will definitely not end well."

Shen Gonglin refused with great pride, but at the same time he thought of Mei's current problem. According to Elysia, after attending that "banquet", Elysian Realm World collapsed and disappeared. What is Mei's situation?

"Hmm, I don't know. I had already decided to accept this ending, but I didn't expect the core of the Herrscher of the Human to condense in your body, and I will be resurrected in the core because of this. As for Mei, when we separated, she should have already returned to reality."

Elysia touched her lips. She really didn't know about this. After all, she was just data back then, unlike now when she had a real body. She hadn't known Mei's whereabouts since Mei left Elysian Realm. But she figured it was probably alright, since Mei was very powerful.

"We're back in reality now. Mei should be back at the Salt Lake Base by now." Thinking this, Shen Gonglin wanted to hurry back as well. After all, he couldn't miss the iconic scene of Kiana and Mei's reunion. With that in mind, Shen Gonglin immediately decided to return to the Salt Lake Base. Li Sushang and Seele would naturally accompany him, while Durandal and Yukari Yakumo would stay at headquarters to coordinate Schicksal's plans. Shen Gonglin could sense that the final battle was about to begin.

Deep underground at the World Serpent Base, Mei walked through the dark tunnel. The environment was a stark contrast to her previous experiences. This was a long-lost reality. The damp air filled her nostrils, and a chilling coldness ran through her skin... Had she really returned?

Mei looked back. Although there was darkness behind her, Mei felt it was the past that had vanished, heavy and long. Ahead lay the future she was about to step into. The story of those thirteen people was etched in Mei's heart. This experience was destined to be something Mei would never forget. Elysia, Pardofelis, Eden, Aponia... those thirteen names intertwined in Mei's heart, true heroes.

Chasing the hopes of humanity, chasing the burning flame, leaving the spark in this era, the story of those thirteen people deserves to be sung.

Taking a deep breath, Mei continued walking forward, and the person she expected appeared before Mei coat, it was exactly as Mei had anticipated. Unlike the Kevin she had seen before, this Kevin was the current Kevin.

"It seems you're the last line of defense here."

Mei understood why he was there. If they failed in the Elysian Realm and the Herrscher of Corruption escaped, Kevin would eliminate it here. However, Kevin ultimately did not make a move, showing that he had great confidence in his former comrades.

"It seems you have a lot of confidence in them."

Believing that those in the Elysian Realm could defeat the Herrscher of Corruption, they were placed here as a last line of defense, which truly reflected Kevin's trust.

"The same as you."

This way of speaking gave Mei a strange sense of nostalgia. They both loved being riddle tellers. For a moment, Mei couldn't figure out what the other person meant. Mei sighed and wanted to say something.

Even so... you still won't go to see them one last time?

The people in the Elysian Realm have all vanished. They exemplified the meaning of Flame-Chasers in their own way. Mei felt that if it were her, she would want to see her companions one last time. But this man... Mei felt that she could already predict his answer. It would be meaningless. Mei thought Kevin would say that, but this time Kevin did not give the answer she expected.

"... I don't want to disappoint her."

Kevin spoke calmly, as always. Upon hearing Kevin reply, Mei immediately understood. This man, always a symbol of strength, wasn't complaining to anyone... he was simply stating his weakness. Kevin, standing here, wasn't merely there to act as a last line of defense. He was there to remember, to... say goodbye.

It wasn't that he didn't want to see them, but that he dared not. He was afraid to see the disappointment in their eyes. He also knew that this was not the development the Flame-Chasers wanted to see. The Stigmata Plan... but it was the only plan he could think of that could truly defeat the Honkai.

"Let's go."

Kevin's voice remained calm; he no longer revealed any more emotion, or perhaps he had already revealed enough. Kevin was lonely, simply because no one had ever truly noticed his loneliness.

"... What are you going to do?"

He always spoke so incoherently. He said, "Let's go." Looking at his back, Mei didn't know what he wanted her to do.

"Stigmata Plan".

Kevin's words were concise and to the point, and Mei understood now. Of course she knew that the Twelfth Herrscher had been destroyed, and the Thirteenth Herrscher was just a lie. The so-called thirteenth Herrscher, Elysia, was actually the original Herrscher, and now, the destined moment had arrived.

"This day has finally come, hasn't it?"

Mei didn't follow in Kevin's footsteps and learned some things, but that doesn't mean Mei agrees with Kevin's Stigmata Plan. It's a project that shouldn't be carried out, Mei believes from the bottom of her heart.