Chapter 474

"If you don't want to, then there's no point in you staying here any longer."

As if knowing what answer Mei would give, Kevin was fully aware of the current situation. She would definitely not agree to this plan, so now, World Serpent would have to lay off employees.

"Kevin, you know I've never approved of this plan."

"That's not important. After all, you already understand."

"Understanding..." Mei pondered for a moment. Perhaps. After witnessing the entirety of that era, Mei was even more certain that she understood why the man before her had become the way he was now than ever before. She truly understood what Kevin had to bear.

"But... understanding doesn't mean agreement. Kevin, everyone has the potential to become a hero. But you... shouldn't demand that everyone become the hero you choose; that's not the outcome she wants to see."

Mei spoke her mind, and perhaps that's why Kevin was unwilling to see his companions for the "last time," afraid of seeing their disappointed eyes.

Chapter 257 The Result She Wanted to See

"Raiden Mei ... there will never be another Elysia. The outcome she wanted was never here... but with you."

It was that ambiguous statement again, but this time Mei understood. She understood why Elysia was so happy when she first saw her and Shen Gonglin. It was because Elysia saw in her that her hopes had not been in vain. The power of the Herrscher of the Human —after that banquet, Elysia finally transcended time and space to see that her efforts had blossomed into the most beautiful flower.

She wanted to give the Herrscher born in this era "humanity" and the possibility of evolving for the better.

"It seems... I have lost the last reason to remain in the World Serpent."

Having made her decision, Mei took a deep breath and looked at Kevin. She wanted to go back. She wanted to return to Shen Gonglin, to Kiana's side. She wanted to tell him everything that had happened in the Elysian Realm after Shen Gonglin left. This story shouldn't be known only to her.

"Your true purpose in recruiting a Herrscher into World Serpent... I've already accomplished it, haven't I?"

Having understood Kevin's original intention in inviting him to World Serpent, he realized that he truly wanted to fulfill Elysia's wish and let Elysia see the Herrscher of this era who were willing to fight for humanity, all to satisfy Elysia's... last wish.

"Um."

Surprisingly, Kevin gave a positive response this time, but the extremely soft voice made Mei unsure if it was even a real voice.

"Well then... Raiden Mei. As the Lord, I grant you permission to leave World Serpent."

And just like that, Mei was fired by Kevin. Watching Kevin leave, Mei became unemployed once again. Now that she no longer needed to stay at World Serpent to teach, she should return to Schicksal Anti-Entropy, right? Thinking about this, Mei felt a pang of urge to put on her Pain Mask. What should she do? She had given Kiana a good beating when she left; it would be really awkward to go back and see her now. Maybe she should let Kiana beat her up?

Mei couldn't bear to do it otherwise.

Under the cover of night, Raven, the mercenary, Raven through the woods. She was still some distance from the agreed-upon location. She felt a little relieved now, never expecting to become such a double agent. She had already gathered the information, but how should she deliver it to Shen Gonglin? Sending a text message was definitely out of the question; Gray Serpent, that "mechanical life form," would surely know. It would be more convenient to have someone deliver the message, but who should she send?

Unable to think of a suitable candidate, Raven looked up at the sky and gazed at the starry expanse. Suddenly, Raven recalled a feeling he had experienced one night. On that night, he had casually walked to his bedside and looked up at the starry sky when he suddenly had a strange feeling, as if he was not looking up at the starry sky, but rather the starry sky was looking down at him.

Today, just like the thousands and tens of thousands of nights before, the cold starry sky looked down upon the equally cold man. The Raven saw the Lord ahead. The starry sky was unfathomable, as was the man. He was without sorrow or joy, and did not enter the cycle of reincarnation. In the eyes of his followers, he was like a consciousness directly constructed from the vacuum.

"Lord... Lord?"

When Raven saw this man, she couldn't help but feel nervous. She had been nervous before, but that was just out of respect for the Lord. But now... she had become a double agent, and she was indeed flustered in front of the boss. It was all Shen Gonglin's fault. If it weren't for him, she wouldn't have this experience. Raven cawed, but Kevin didn't seem to react. Was he hard of hearing and didn't hear her?

"I'm listening."

The man looked at the Raven. His conversation with Mei had reminded him of things from the past, things that had always been remembered and never forgotten.

"Jackal asked me to report to you that the Feathered Rabbit project has passed the verification experiment. Please give instructions."

The mercenary reported this to Kevin in a serious tone, but Kevin did not respond immediately. He simply stared at the mercenary in front of him in silence, as if they were meeting for the first time. This look made Raven feel uneasy. Did the mercenary know that he wanted to be a traitor? This feeling was truly unsettling.

"Are the children all well?"

Unexpectedly, after a long silence, Kevin suddenly asked such a question. Raven even doubted her ears. She had never imagined that this lord would talk to her about this topic. Even if he were holding a bowl of noodles and slurping them while telling her that the noodles were chewy, it would be easier to accept than this topic.

"I arranged a camping trip for them. Everyone is looking forward to the starry sky there."

Although surprised, Raven answered honestly. After all, he was the Lord, and it didn't matter if he said these things.

"It's definitely something to look forward to."

The man's words were as usual, devoid of any emotion. The mercenary suddenly realized that he might have been presumptuous; the man didn't seem to be concerned about the children at all. This was the normal way a lord should act.

"Raven, in your opinion, why do birds fly?"

Raven was already feeling uncomfortable staying there any longer. The hooting of the owl in the distance sent chills down his spine. Being with the Lord always made him feel a bit cold. But just then, Kevin asked this seemingly nonsensical question.

How can birds fly? Why don't you ask why the island was bombed?

A seemingly nonsensical question, yet Raven overheard that this lord never spoke nonsense. Even if she didn't understand, she had to answer honestly.

This World Serpent organization is so weird, I really want to join Schicksal and become Valkyrie.

"Well... if you're asking for my personal opinion... I think birds are naturally able to fly, so there's no question of why."

Raven answered honestly, while Kevin responded with silence. Perhaps the answer didn't satisfy Kevin, but Raven's intention wasn't to satisfy him either. Having suddenly asked such a question, what kind of philosophical answer could he expect?

With her educational background already established, and having spent so many years as a mercenary, she simply didn't have time to pursue a philosophy degree.

"You didn't say anything wrong, but Raven, would you answer the same way in front of the children?"

After a long while, Kevin asked another question: What's wrong with him today?

Chapter 258 How old are you to still compare yourself to a child?

Oh my god... How old are you? You're still comparing yourself to kids. How can that be the same?

Raven inwardly grumbled, "Heaven knows what's wrong with this Lord today, asking me such a question!" Raven was speechless, but there was nothing he could do; since the Lord had already spoken...

"No. That's not the answer they want. In front of them... I think... I would tell them that birds fly because they want to. It's the destiny they created for themselves."

Of course, we can't answer those children the same way we answered Kevin. Raven are quite experienced in taking care of children now, and they would probably prefer this answer, which would also help them survive better in this world.

"I hope so too."

Kevin responded in this way, and Raven noticed his gaze. Clearly, this wasn't just a remark directed at her. The same was true of their seemingly impulsive conversation. Kevin's gaze passed over her, casting it into the deeper distance, but there was nothing there except the endless starry sky.

"Get ready, Red Dragon is about to leave World Serpent. From this moment on, she is no longer a member of World Serpent. Raven, you will be in charge of sending her out."

The topic shifted abruptly, leaving Kevin with those words before turning and Raven. Kevin was momentarily stunned, not quite understanding. Red Dragon? Was he talking about Mei? Mei was leaving World Serpent? Raven wanted to ask something, but Kevin had already vanished. Raven could only sigh. Mei had left World Serpent so easily? Come to think of it, World Serpent was indeed quite lenient when it came to personnel retention and turnover. There wasn't that rule of vertical entry and horizontal exit. Raven herself had left once before, though she had rejoined and returned.

However, if we let her go back, wouldn't that be the best messenger, bringing back what I've recently learned? That would be my way of supporting Shen Gonglin.

Having devised a plan, Raven left the forest. Under the moonlight, the red and black figure stood alone, seemingly untouched by the world. Raven had seen Mei not long ago, but for some reason, she felt as if she were in another world. She must have experienced a lot. The mercenary girl strode forward, and the sound of her footsteps made the silent Mei realize what was happening.

"You've come..."

"I'm here... Stop communicating like this. I heard you're planning to leave World Serpent? Is that true?"

They're practically acquaintances now, and talking to Mei is much more relaxing than talking to Kevin. After all, they're like sisters who share a bed... cough cough, they'll be colleagues on the same boat from now on, so their relationship is naturally going to be better.

"Well, I no longer need to stay in the World Serpent. My mission is complete."

It was only then that Mei understood what Kevin had wanted to do when he absorbed her into the World Serpent. He just wanted Elysia to see her achievements back then. The fact that this world had Herrscher willing to fight for humanity was all thanks to Elysia's hard work.

"... How did you become like this too? Believe me, if you keep talking nonsense like this, you'll definitely get beaten up by Shen Gonglin when you get back. I advise you to be more obedient. That guy won't give you any special treatment just because you're Raiden Mei."

After a moment of silence, Raven decided to speak up and advise Mei. After all, Mei had also been disciplined by the Jingu family. Mei's reckless behavior was definitely suspicious. Was it because she had stayed in the Elysian Realm for too long? She had become a riddle teller now. Didn't she know that Shen Gonglin hated riddle tellers the most? She would get beaten up sooner or later for doing this.

"...Thank you, I'll get back on track as soon as possible. What's wrong?"

Raven almost didn't realize it until she was reminded. Maybe she really was influenced by those Flame-Chasers. She would probably get beaten up for speaking like this. Raven was right. If she continued like this, there would definitely be problems. It would be bad if she offended Shen Gonglin. It would be too embarrassing if she was lectured by him in front of so many people when she got back.

After carefully considering her own problems, Mei suddenly looked at Raven. What was this girl doing here? It would be nice to see her before leaving World Serpent. After all, she was the person she was closest to and most familiar with here. It would be good to say goodbye before leaving.

"The Lord says you want to leave the World Serpent. I'll take care of sending you out. Go."

Waving to Mei, Raven walked ahead, trusting her quite a bit. Mei followed in Raven's footsteps. Finally, she was about to leave World Serpent. Mei glanced back at the building hidden in the darkness. That experience felt like a dream, but it was forever etched in her heart. What would it be like if she could see her again, see them again?

Such things can only be hoped for in dreams.

In the silence, the two traveled from the underground base to the surface wasteland, and then followed the shepherd's path into the ruined city. After a long silence, the Herrscher of Thunder, who was no longer a member of the World Serpent, suddenly spoke.

"Raven, is there something you want to tell me?"

Although Raven remained silent the entire way, Mei could clearly sense that Raven wanted to say something to her. Perhaps it was because Raven was no longer a member of World Serpent, so there were some things she couldn't say openly. She was quite professional, but if she didn't speak up soon, this farewell trip might come to an end.

"Who knows? Further ahead lies the realm of Schicksal. If I had truly decided what to say, I should have made it clear much earlier,"

Raven shrugged, neither confirming nor denying Mei's words. She finally asked, huh? That way, she might accidentally let slip some things, which should be of some help to Shen Gonglin others. This was the only thing she could do right now.

After all, he was still a member of the World Serpent. He was paid to do what the World Serpent paid him, so he had to be worthy of the salary the World Serpent paid him.

"Xiao Kong and the others alright?"

"Of course, or rather, after surviving all this time, they've all become a bit overexerted, you know? The last time I went back, I saw that the wallpaper of the villa was covered with all sorts of graffiti, including a stick figure rolling on the ground. They actually said that was me, it's infuriating."

Speaking of the children, Raven had something to say, "Honestly, are they going through a rebellious phase? How dare they talk about their teacher like that? That's enough!"

Chapter 259 Tracking

Mei couldn't help but chuckle as she thought of the scene Raven described. She could imagine it must have been a very interesting thing, and it seemed that they were indeed living a very comfortable life.

"If you have the chance in the future, remember to visit them again. Xiao Kong likes you very much."

With a helpless smile on her lips, Raven was genuinely happy to see the children so lively. She looked at Mei and said, "I don't know when we'll see each other again after this parting, but we definitely will. Raven has no doubt about that."

"Okay, it's a deal."

Mei also made such a promise. During her time with World Serpent, she learned that this mercenary girl had similarities to herself, and the two of them got along quite well.

"Speaking of which, have you contacted anyone from Schicksal or Anti-Entropy?"

Bringing the conversation back on track, Raven asked curiously, "Mei should have gone back after leaving World Serpent, but why hasn't anyone come to pick her up yet? Raven was hoping to see Shen Gonglin here, but it seems she hasn't told anyone."

"Not yet. If it weren't face-to-face, I wouldn't even know what to say."

This brings us to Mei's predicament. In battle, she is the valiant Herrscher of Thunder, but now, Mei feels like a spoiled little girl who has run away from home. How is she supposed to go back now? She doesn't even know what to say to them. And most importantly, the beating Kiana gave her when she left was probably more than even her father could have given her. It's so embarrassing and gives her a real headache.

Although Mei had communicated with Kiana through the Herrscher space when they fought Otto in Kolosten, Mei felt like she could carve out a three-bedroom apartment for herself if they were to face each other now.

"Oh dear. It's only at times like this that you turn back into the old Mei- sama... Alright, alright, enough joking. Even the best-laid plans must come to an end... You'll have to walk the rest of the way on your own."

Raven wanted to tease Mei a little more, but after seeing the girl's unfriendly look, Raven wisely swallowed back what he hadn't finished saying. After empathizing with Mei's situation, Raven himself felt a little embarrassed, but with Shen Gonglin around, it shouldn't be a big problem.

After bidding farewell to Mei, Raven still had her own mission to complete.

"Excuse me for now? I still have a bunch of tasks personally assigned by the Lord to complete..."

Raven said this on purpose, and sure enough, Mei immediately became alert after hearing it. The task personally assigned by Kevin sounded quite important.

"Wait... you mean Kevin personally assigned you the mission?"

"Unbelievable, isn't it? Me too, but I can't belittle myself in front of the Lord. In short, I have a lot of dirty work to do right now, and I can't let Gray Serpent do it."

Raven shrugged and continued to "unintentionally" reveal information to Mei, and a certain word she used really bothered Mei. This shouldn't be what she was thinking, right?

"Dirty work?"

"Ah, it's not what you think. How should I put it... it's more like physical labor."

Mei's eyes grew increasingly suspicious. This sounded even more dubious. Kevin personally assigning a mission was something worth investigating. She was about to return to Schicksal and Anti-Entropy, and she needed to bring back some useful gifts to make her return seem more legitimate.

I came back because I had something important to tell them, not because I was laid off by World Serpent!

"What, even though she's no longer a member of the organization, is our Mei still concerned about World Serpent's business plans?"

Raven smiled and said, "Very good, Mei understands what I mean. This young lady is quite clever."

"I'm not kidding you, Raven. I've always felt that Kevin's actions were a bit hasty and strange. You know, if I go back like this without knowing the reason, it won't help me at all."

She was deliberately telling me this, leaving everything unsaid. Mei didn't bring it up either, since Raven was still a member of World Serpent, and it would be awkward to make it clear.

"Oh? So, what do you plan to do now, Miss?"

Raven asked knowingly. Consider it a small favor to Mei. He should at least bring her a small gift when he goes back, otherwise it would be too awkward. Mei is the only girl he is familiar with there. He has never interacted with the others. Oh, he seems to have a grudge against a certain maid. He bullied her quite a bit back in Sky City.

Consider it preparation for my future. Now that Mei owes me a favor, she should be able to help me in the future.

"I'm going to follow you, Raven, openly and honestly."

They both knew what the other was thinking, but couldn't say it outright. It was best to keep it to themselves. By following Raven's words, they would know what Kevin wanted them to do. After all, they were just following him, not letting Raven tell them on her own. This way, the World Serpent couldn't cause trouble for Raven. It was a win-win situation.

"Oh? There's really nothing I can do about that. Even though I'm a seasoned mercenary, being followed by a Herrscher is something even I can't handle."

It seemed Mei understood what she meant. Raven smiled and then the mercenary girl headed off in another direction. Mei followed nimbly. On the edge of the Sahara Desert, Mei's tracking plan was proceeding smoothly. It was just that the environment here was not very good. Wearing these shoes... it was a little difficult to walk.

"Wait a minute, wait for me."

Mei's heels got stuck in the sand again, and as she struggled to clean them, she made sure to ask the person she was following ahead to wait a moment. She was wearing high heels too, so why didn't Raven have this problem? It was really puzzling.

"My dear lady, get this straight, you're stalking me... Can't you even wear high heels properly? You're not acting like a proper girl. Look at me, you're no good."

The Raven had no choice but to stop and wait for Mei. This kind of stalking was truly something else! The mercenary girl swung her legs, wondering why she was fine despite wearing high heels. She was clearly not up to the task; this was an essential skill for any girl.