Chapter 501

He explained to the two what they needed to do next, and from a distance, Shen Gonglin repeated Dr. Mei's words by lip-syncing. He didn't seem to notice anything, but Little Herrscher of Consciousness and Bronya blushed and seemed a little excited.

Could Dr. Mei be making this statement on purpose?

She's quite a wicked person.

Chapter 362 The Head of CP (Couple) Shippers

The idea of entering Kiana's body made Mei feel extremely uncomfortable. She had no experience with this, nor was she prepared for it. She had only prepared to let Shen Gonglin... cough cough, but that was just theoretical knowledge. Although she knew that Dr. Mei definitely didn't mean it that way, Mei couldn't help but think of the wrong thing. She coughed twice to quickly become serious. Now was the time to be busy with important matters.

It must be Elysia's fault, otherwise how could I have made such a connection?

"But even if you say that... how exactly do we do it?"

Asking questions when you don't understand is very important to them. As Dr. Mei said before, time is their most important enemy now, and they must seize the time.

"Hmm... Theoretically, there are many ways, but... let me choose the one with the highest success rate for you. As we all know, to achieve a spiritual connection, the body also needs to make corresponding preparations."

Dr. Mei's face was etched with lines, and her smile sent chills down Kiana and Mei. What was with that domineering auntie smile? But there was no turning back now. Under Dr. Mei's command, Kiana and Mei were forced to move closer, while the onlookers on the distant hillside stared wide-eyed. Little Herrscher of Consciousness had anticipated this, which was why she hadn't wanted to interfere. Bronya had a premonition; for her, the head of Kiana and Mei's pairing, this scene was quite a sight to behold.

Shen Gonglin felt something was off; this feeling of being doubly cheated on was truly... speechless.

"Like this... and then like this... will that work?"

Kiana's voice was full of confusion, and Mei bit her lip, looking a little embarrassed. The two girls held each other's hands, their fingers intertwined, feeling each other's warmth. If it were just holding hands, there would be nothing wrong with it, but with both hands clasped together face to face, they both turned their heads away somewhat awkwardly.

"Hmm, it's not complicated, right?"

Dr. Mei spoke in a light tone; since she wasn't the one who was embarrassed, she was naturally relaxed.

"Hmm... but this is really... something that seems a bit strange."

Mei couldn't help but ask, "Why wasn't it this awkward when I was with Kiana before? What's wrong with me now? Is it because there's still some distance between Kiana, or is it because my mindset is different now?"

"Relax and don't let your mind wander."

Dr. Mei was advising Mei against suicide. She could tell that Mei's mind was not on this matter. She didn't know what Mei was thinking about, but it was definitely unrelated to the current situation.

"Ah... okay. I'm sorry."

"No need to apologize to me. We're all girls, so there's nothing to worry about. Just stay calm and focus on the act of entering and accepting."

Dr. Mei continued to guide them. After opening their hearts, they were about to witness each other in their purest form. The two girls stood facing each other, but this was much more difficult than they had imagined. If it were just the two of them, they might have been able to enter that state, but now, for some reason, no matter how hard they tried, they could not concentrate all their attention on what Dr. Mei called "entering" and "acceptance".

Even though I know in my heart that this is a very important thing, I just can't do it. If it could be done by force, then humans wouldn't be human.

"No, we can't do it..."

After a long while, Mei and Kiana let go of each other's hands. Perhaps, as Bronya said, Kiana and Mei were still one step away from truly reconciling, and it was that one step that prevented them from doing so. Seeing the two of them separate, Shen Gonglin and the others who had been watching the drama from afar rushed over. What happened?

"I don't know why, but I always feel like I can't calm down. Time seems to drag on and on, and I feel very anxious. Then I can't maintain our tacit understanding... That's about it."

Kiana explained helplessly, Mei had the same reaction. They used to have an unparalleled understanding, but now they had been separated for so long. Although they still trusted each other deeply, the long separation had subtly eroded a crucial part of their understanding. Even though their feelings of confidence hadn't changed, they just couldn't do it.

"This is troublesome. I didn't expect things to go so badly."

Dr. Mei felt like biting her fingernails. This was getting complicated. The two of them couldn't get into that tacit understanding right now, which made things incredibly difficult. She needed to find a way to get them to trust each other deeply. For example, she needed to find someone they both trusted completely, someone they could be completely honest with. No... wait a minute, isn't this the perfect candidate?

Bronya and Little Herrscher of Consciousness also thought of this, their eyes fixed on Shen Gonglin. Since Kiana and Mei couldn't regain their chemistry, all they needed was a medium. And the most suitable medium was right in front of them.

"Why are you all looking at me like that?"

Being stared at by everyone, Shen Gonglin felt a little uneasy. What did they want? They should just say it directly. They shouldn't try to convey their intentions with their eyes. Shen Gonglin wasn't buying it.

"Shen Gonglin, now we need you to help Mei and Kiana regain their chemistry, to let their consciousness merge within you... In short, we need you to act as a transit point."

Bronya, determined to do everything in her power to ship the two girls, grabbed Shen Gonglin's hand and led him to them. She needed to get them back to their old, casually affectionate relationship, practically ready to get married. The person they both trusted was Shen Gonglin, and even Bronya wasn't sure if she was the right person for the job.

After all, they were all harboring their own ulterior motives. Kiana even wanted her to be her flower girl, and just thinking about it made Bronya want to bite someone.

"What you're calling a simple transit station is anything but simple for me... What am I supposed to do at this transit station?"

Completely confused, Shen Gonglin admitted that he didn't have their tacit understanding at all. He had absolutely no idea what to do, so why did everyone else look like it was perfectly normal?

Chapter 363 Mutual Understanding

"Indeed, if it were Shen Gonglin, I should be able to."

Kiana nodded seriously, her azure eyes showing her agreement with the arrangement. It was unavoidable that she couldn't regain her rapport with Mei for the time being, but it wouldn't be a problem with Shen Gonglin. She could tell what he wanted to do with just a glance, especially during meals. Kiana could usually sense when Shen Gonglin didn't want to eat anything.

Then she would specifically feed this thing to Shen Gonglin.

Mei nodded in agreement. When it came to teamwork, Mei believed she and Shen Gonglin were second to none. He only needed to pat her head, and she knew she needed to work harder... cough, anyway, that's the gist of it. When did she become this kind of girl? If she shared this thought with Kiana, she wouldn't need to fight the Honkai; she could just say goodbye to this beautiful world.

If Kiana found out, Mei felt she would have no face to stay on Earth any longer.

"Alright then, let's use Shen Gonglin as the transit point."

Dr. Mei made the decision, and Shen Gonglin stood between the two. Kiana and Mei reached out and grabbed Shen Gonglin's hands. They felt much less nervous now. If it was Shen Gonglin, then there would be no problem.

Hearing their soft breathing, Shen Gonglin also closed her eyes. Studies have shown that when people are fully focused on something simple and monotonous, they tend to perceive time as longer, such as going to work. Kiana and Mei were experiencing this.

[After all this time, Mei... entered my mind? Is something wrong?]

Kiana couldn't help but think this to herself. The girl held Shen Gonglin's hand, and these thoughts were transmitted to Shen Gonglin's consciousness through this connection. It was much easier to establish such a tacit connection with him. What he needed to do now was to transmit Kiana's thoughts to Mei. With this guidance, the two of them should soon be able to restore their tacit understanding as before.

Feeling a little anxious, Kiana secretly tightened her grip on Shen Gonglin's fingers to test her theory. The softness remained on her fingertips, but the temperature in her palm had increased considerably. Wasn't Shen Gonglin supposed to have a low body temperature? How could she be so hot?

It's because you're holding on too tightly! Loosen your grip a little, or I'll scratch you.

Shen Gonglin's voice rang in Kiana's consciousness. After the consciousness connection was established, Shen Gonglin could hear Kiana's voice. Shen Gonglin also pulled back with a little force. Mei could feel this feeling now as well. Shen Gonglin's chat room was successfully created.

[Ah! I'm sorry, I... I'm trying my best now to get Mei into my mind space... into my mind space... into my mind space... into Mei... Why hasn't Mei come in yet? Can't she find her?]

Kiana tried to concentrate using a method commonly used by insomniacs, but as she kept repeating it in her mind, Mei's somewhat embarrassed and angry voice finally rang out.

[Alright, alright, I'm in! Stop nagging, Kiana... What are you doing? You're making it even harder for me to concentrate.]

Finally, the connection was established, but as soon as it came in, Mei heard Kiana muttering some inappropriate words. This made Mei subconsciously increase the pressure on her hand, causing Shen Gonglin to squeeze painfully. She then relayed this pain to the other hand she was holding on Kiana's hand, not wanting to suffer alone.

Alright, it seems everyone has entered my thought process. Now, you two, stop arguing.

Shen Gonglin comforted the two girls. This was the first time they had entered this state, and all three of them were a little unaccustomed to it. It didn't matter which of the two girls entered this state with Shen Gonglin, but this time there were three of them, so they had to be a little more careful.

"Ah... I'm sorry, Mei. I... I won't read it again."

With Shen Gonglin's help, the two's consciousnesses were now connected. Mei knew about her hesitation and doubts as well. Mei smiled slightly at this, thinking that it was even. Kiana must have known what she was thinking just now.

[Mei, I can hear your voice... Shen Gonglin, are we almost there?]

The three consciousnesses merged together, and subconsciously, Kiana gripped Shen Gonglin's hand even tighter. This force was also transmitted to Mei's hand. It was definitely not Shen Gonglin who wanted to grip so tightly; it must have been Kiana.

Who knows? But... can you relax a little? Like before, just let things take their course... okay?

Mei gently comforted Kiana, "Like before...?" That's exactly the kind of thing Mei would say.

Kiana completely relaxed, the girl murmured softly, and the Herrscher Core slowly rotated in the sea of consciousness and then tightly joined together. Then, the thoughts of the three touched each other and merged into one point. In that instant, a lightness like a light sleep quietly came. Kiana and Mei felt themselves suddenly rise into the air, as if they had turned into two kites lifted up by a warm breeze and fluttering up and down.

However, this feeling was both long and short, and then, the girls opened their eyes at the same time.

"You're awake. This new recruit seems to be of good quality."

After regaining consciousness, the person standing in front of them was Shen Gonglin. He inexplicably said those words. Shen Gonglin had wanted to say those words for a long time, but he himself didn't know why.

"Shen Gonglin? Where is this...?"

The white light faded, and a familiar scene appeared before Mei and Kiana: elegant European-style architecture, a wide bridge, and that familiar landscape. Without a doubt, this was...

"It's St. Freya. How does it feel? Doesn't it feel like coming home?"

Turning around to show the two the scenery before them, Shen Gonglin hadn't expected their first stop to be here. But thinking about it, it made sense. After all, this place held special significance for all of them. To them, St. Freya would always be like home.

After everything is settled, I'll go back to St. Freya for a visit... No, it's not good to have such thoughts. Usually, those who think like that don't end up going back. I can't think like that, I can't think like that. I should think about something auspicious.

Chapter 364 Mental Image

Wait a minute, if this is St. Freya... then would she be here too?

Realizing this, Kiana looked expectantly towards the other side of the bridge. It was there, when she had bid her final farewell to Himeko while Herrscher of Domination. Teacher Himeko had simply gazed at her tenderly, saying nothing, and Kiana had slowly moved forward under her unwavering gaze. Although she had decided to continue, Kiana had also wondered if, had she stayed there instead of moving forward, she could have remained by Himeko's side forever.

"She... they are all gone."

Kiana said wistfully, "It's not just that red figure; St. Freya Academy is completely silent. Even during holidays, it's never this quiet. So this isn't the real St. Freya Academy. This is just a place deep in the memories of me, Shen Gonglin, and Mei."

However, now that Shen Gonglin and Theresa have become the de facto leaders of Schicksal, and the treacherous Far East Branch has been brought back under Schicksal's leadership, St. Freya, which was sealed off, should be back to normal operation by now.

"Kiana... you met Teacher Himeko when you were in The Domination Theater, right?"

Although Mei didn't experience the Thousand Herrscher incident with Kiana, Mei did help Kiana in her own way. She even "attended" Himeko's funeral. So seeing Kiana like this now, Mei naturally understood what Kiana was thinking.

"Hmm, in the world recorded by the Plague Gem, Mei is quite perceptive. You can guess what I've been through. Back then... it was here that I said goodbye to her. After that, I became the Herrscher of Flamescion."

Composing herself, Shen Gonglin, who was leaning on the railing gazing down, back to her feet. The girl hugged Shen Gonglin like a pillow and recounted what had happened there. Shen Gonglin's brow twitched. He had told Kiana that Himeko Kiana still alive, but every time he mentioned it, whether it was Kiana or anyone else, they would just look at him gently, as if he were a fool who refused to accept reality.

"I see. So, in that case... Kiana, who returned to school today, must have been the class representative that Teacher Himeko was back then, right?"

Seeing Kiana's actions, Mei instinctively wanted to separate the two of them. What are you showing off in front of me? However, considering Kiana's current mood, Mei refrained from speaking. To receive such praise from the teacher, Kiana's current level certainly deserved it. Who would have thought that the biggest problem student would now become the teacher's proudest student.

Therefore, the title of class representative is well-deserved.

"Haha, Mei, please stop teasing me. I never imagined that the word 'class representative' would be used to describe me one day."

A little shy, Kiana scratched her head sheepishly, but she felt the position was truly deserved. Kiana still remembered her promise to Teacher Himeko: she would become the strongest Valkyrie. So, being a class representative seemed like a suitable role, right?

What? Someone wants to take over in front of me? Am I overthinking this? I'm still here. Shen Gonglin thinks the class representative position should definitely be mine, after all, I'm Himeko's best student, and I've even managed to win her over... cough cough, I can't think about it anymore.

Feeling the fiery resonance within her heart, Shen Gonglin quickly gathered her thoughts, realizing she couldn't think too much. It seemed Himeko could sense what she was thinking.

"But isn't that just right? Besides, I'd really like to ask class representative Kiana to help me catch up on my long absences."

Arriving at this place made Mei feel completely relaxed. Her mind and body were both at ease. Back in this academy, she didn't have to worry about how to deal with the Herrscher, nor did she have to awkwardly eat instant noodles during the World Serpent team building event. The only thing she had to think about every day was what to cook when she got home. So, the girl made a rare joke.

I never imagined I'd need Kiana's help with my lessons. It's a strange feeling, but it's true. This Kiana insignificant girl has now become the teacher's proudest student.

"Hehe, at a time like this, shouldn't I answer with an idiom that Mei taught me...? It should be, 'No hesitation'? After all, that's the memory I most want to tell Mei about this past year."

After a moment's thought, Kiana used the perfect idiom in the right place. She rested her chin on Shen Gonglin's head and smiled at Mei. Finally, she had this time. Kiana had a lot to say to Mei. During that time, Shen Gonglin had been acting as their messenger, but some things were better said in person.

"So, I'll have to trouble the class representative?"

Finally unable to bear it any longer, Mei naturally pulled Shen Gonglin over. What's the point of lingering over a brainwashing device like Kiana's? Try your own; it'll definitely be much better than Kiana's.

"Okay. Let me think... where should I begin..."

The girl closed her eyes, and the three of them slowly walked through the St. Freya Academy. The familiar scenery lifted their spirits. Kiana organized her thoughts and then began to narrate in as calm a tone as possible.

"The first thing she said to me that day was... Long time no see, Kiana. Yes, it's been a long time since we last saw each other. But I always feel like the time I spent with Teacher Himeko, Mei, and everyone else was just yesterday. I even think I saw Himeko sneaking food in the refrigerator at the Anti-Entropy Salt Lake Base one night... Come to think of it, that's impossible."

Kiana shook her head and sighed. Hearing this, Shen Gonglin's expression turned a little strange. No wonder Himeko was in such a hurry when Himeko came back that day. It turned out that Kiana almost saw her. Shen Gonglin didn't understand why she was hiding the fact that she was still alive. According to Teacher Himeko, it was shameful for a teacher to be less capable than her student. In order to maintain her dignity as a teacher, she refused to let Shen Gonglin reveal any specific information. Shen Gonglin had no choice but to comply.

Chapter 365 A Life Suitable for Reminiscence

"Then she said to me... 'You've changed so much.' But I thought to myself, if giving up on changing would prevent all those bad things from ever happening, then I'd rather stay the idiot Kiana that Bronya always talked about. Mei, that sounds so childish now, doesn't it?"

If I could, I really want to stay the way I was before. I've seriously thought about these things in the past, imagining many fantastical miracles. Looking back now, perhaps it was just an immature form of self-defense. People tend to avoid talking about life and death. But I can't avoid it, nor can I remain silent. I am the true Herrscher of the Void, and no one can change that.

Even if you have mentally prepared yourself, you still can't let go of it in a short time, or rationally view and accept it.

Kiana had also wondered if so many things wouldn't have happened if she could have easily mastered the power of the Herrscher of the Void like Shen Gonglin. However, the past could not be changed.

"In this respect, we're all the same, Kiana. We all hope that Teacher Himeko is just temporarily unable to contact us, that she's waiting for us somewhere in the world, that she's just asleep in the Imaginary Space..."

Seeing Kiana's dejected expression, Mei tried to comfort her. Everyone felt the same way, even the usually optimistic Shen Gonglin. He still couldn't accept it. Following Kiana's example, Mei hugged Shen Gonglin from behind, resting her chin on his head to give him strength. Shen Gonglin, however, had no such thoughts. He was currently imagining the surprised expressions on Himeko's faces when Himeko appeared before them.

"Yes, that's why Teacher Himeko asked me back then if her appearance was too sudden."

Kiana shook her head, a bitter smile playing on her lips. Wishes are always beautiful, but if they could be easily fulfilled, they wouldn't be wishes at all.

"I think she was afraid you weren't mentally prepared."

"Well, who can truly be prepared to face something like that? That would just become a permanent escape. So later, I shamefully cried in front of Teacher Himeko, and cried quite a lot... I think I even cried snot bubbles out of my nose, and then I laughed in embarrassment... But, isn't that an essential part of growing up?"

Kiana's expression became somewhat emotional as she recalled her embarrassing state back then. She just wanted Himeko to see everything about herself now, that she had grown into a student Himeko could be proud of. But Himeko couldn't see any of that now, and the thought of it made her eyes well up with tears.

"Hmm... yes."

Mei's feelings were complicated. She thought that Kiana must have said those words to Shen Gonglin, Bronya, the Class President, and the headmistress before they reunited. The unspoken meaning behind Kiana's words was, "I'm no longer sad, I've grown, I'm doing well." And that was indeed the case. But Mei couldn't help feeling sorry for Kiana's innocence, which had been lost in the river of time, just like the things that she, Raiden Mei, had once lost.

Not just Kiana, but myself... Perhaps the innocence I still retain is thanks to Shen Gonglin.

Kiana must feel the same way, which is why Kiana sees Shen Gonglin as her anchor and even thinks about marrying her... But that's just wishful thinking. Kiana is nothing to marry.