Chapter 502

"Mei, Shen Gonglin, do you know? Before she left, Teacher Himeko told me a lot of things she wanted to do but never had the chance to do. It was at that moment that I realized... that some seemingly insignificant things actually occupy such an important part of our lives."

Just like before, Kiana nimbly darted through the paths of St. Freya. Back then, she learned about many things Himeko wanted to do but hadn't had the chance to. She thought that after everything was over, she would go with Shen Gonglin to complete all the things her teacher wanted to do: go to the places she wanted to go, drink the things she wanted to drink, read the books she wanted to read... and let Shen Gonglin read them for her. Those seemingly insignificant things all contained Kiana's most sincere longing for her teacher whom she could no longer see.

"Perhaps those seemingly insignificant things are the most valuable part of life."

Mei spoke up, and Kiana's expression also darkened. It was those seemingly insignificant things that pieced together Murata Himeko's brilliant life.

"Teacher Himeko said she wanted to go back to the real St. Freya, to write on the blackboard again, and to have a drink in her room. She wanted to wear her new red dress one last time, to eat Mei's cooking and the Class President's egg and luncheon meat noodles... She also wanted to... watch us graduate and grow up..."

As Himeko recounted what Kiana had told her, her voice involuntarily became heavy with sobs. She blinked her large blue eyes, trying to hold back her tears. Seeing the girl's current state, Mei was also very worried. She let go of Shen Gonglin and reached out to take Kiana's hand. She knew that Kiana must have been carrying a lot of burdens in her heart during this time.

"It's a little melancholic, but also incredibly motivating, isn't it?"

However, Kiana didn't linger in this state for long. She winked at Mei, flashed her signature smile, and then pulled Shen Gonglin over as usual. Just as Teacher Himeko said, Kiana has grown a lot.

"Smiles are definitely better for reminiscing than tears. Just like the teacher said... When you cry for the sun you missed, you'll also miss the stars."

Kiana pulled Shen Gonglin to her side. Even though she and Mei were best friends, there were still some things that needed to be clarified. Why did Shen Gonglin end up sidling up to Mei just now? Although it was a long-awaited reunion, Kiana thought that Shen Gonglin should at least have some self-awareness and not let Kiana correct her too much.

"This is... a poem by Tagore?"

It's hard to imagine hearing such cultured remarks from Kiana. This girl is truly different from before.

Chapter 366

As a girl who frequently reads foreign classics and has a wealth of knowledge, Mei naturally knew where Kiana's words came from. However, it was precisely because she knew where the words came from that Mei was surprised. She unconsciously glanced at Shen Gonglin, who was now puffing out her chest in a very arrogant manner, like a stupid parent showing off their child's intelligence to others.

Seriously, isn't this character a bit off?

"Well, at first I thought it was Himeko said it, but after I found out, I found the original work and read it. It really touched me. If Mei likes it, I'll lend it to you when we get back."

Thinking of those words, Kiana couldn't help but feel a little sad. They were the words Himeko had said to her when she said goodbye, and Kiana still remembered them vividly. Even though some people are no longer around, their actions and words continue to have an impact on you. These things have benefited Kiana greatly to this day.

Unfortunately, Shen Gonglin doesn't like to read, which means Kiana has many things she wants to discuss with him but can't talk to him about them.

"Of course. Come to think of it, someone else has said something similar to me before, telling me to keep smiling when saying goodbye to the past. Kiana, would you be interested in hearing about what I've been through?"

Shen Gonglin walked in front, with Kiana and Mei following behind him. Since they had no destination in mind, they let Shen Gonglin explore aimlessly. It was this aimless stroll that gave the two girls a chance to talk. Shen Gonglin must have told Kiana about what happened in the World Serpent, but Mei wanted to tell Kiana some of her feelings in person.

Kiana nodded, pretending to listen attentively, while Mei took a deep breath and recounted what had happened in the past—memories she cherished and considered her best memories.

"Elysian Realm is the testing ground for the World Serpent's executives, a world constructed from memories and memory entities. Thirteen heroes from the Previous Era slumber there, including Kevin, the Class President, and the Herrscher who first fought for humanity. They call themselves the Thirteen Flame-Chasers."

The images of those thirteen people floated into her mind: the timid Pardofelis, the painter Griseo, the ever-hopeful and sunny Elysia, and... Every time Mei thought of this experience, Mei heart was filled with indescribable emotions.

"Over the past few months, I've been searching for the secrets of the Honkai, for the meaning of being Herrscher. And at the end of that journey, I got the answers I wanted, but I had to face an unbearable farewell. To defeat the Herrscher of Corruption... Oh, it was when you were in Kolosten last time, after I helped you, the Herrscher of Corruption came to the Elysian Realm through some connection, and then, to defeat it, the Flame-Chasers who were the Memory Bodies sacrificed themselves. They left us humanity in the past, and today they infuse my life with even more confidence."

Mei Shen Gonglin her heart pounding. Undoubtedly, Elysia was reacting to Mei's words. This girl probably wanted to jump out and hug Mei tightly right now. To Rin Jingu, Mei's words were almost like a confession. This definitely hit Elysia's sweet spot. If Shen Gonglin knew that Elysia could hear what she was saying, she would definitely be so embarrassed that she would Mei.

Hmm, I'll have to talk to Mei about it after we get out. Seeing how clueless she is, Shen Gonglin is quite interested too.

Kiana looked at Mei with some concern. Although she hadn't personally experienced what Mei was talking about, she could sense that the experience must have left a deep impression on Mei. A farewell was definitely not a positive or uplifting feeling.

"It's alright, don't worry about me. As I said before, it's in a positive sense. More than sadness, what remains in my mind now is gratitude. Someone once said, 'As long as you remember us, this story will never disappear.' This is what Elysia, the most beloved of the Thirteen Flame-Chasers, told me. Although this story is full of regrets, it is precisely because of these regrets that I cannot forget it and everything it brought me."

Mei smiled gently at Kiana, assuring her that there was no need to worry. Just like Kiana, who had grown up, Mei was now a mature young woman. Moreover, if she couldn't even accept something like this after experiencing so much, then even Elysia would probably be disappointed.

"Unswayed by fate, unburdened by time, unafraid of separation, and undeterred by death, they steadfastly marched toward the future they believed in. When they reached their destination, the will they left behind and the beauty they protected were ultimately passed down to us, their successors. I think this must be what is called... the romance of history."

Kiana summarized her own story and carefully wrote down everything Mei said. The Thirteen Flame-Chasers seemed to be a group with quite a story.

"Kiana, as long as you want to hear their story... let me tell it for as long as I want."

Each of those thirteen people has a story worth telling. If possible, Mei wants to tell everyone their stories, to tell everyone the stories of these "seniors." As long as someone remembers them, their stories will not end, and this is also her responsibility as their successor.

Once you've cried, it'll be over. They are a group of people who deserve to be said goodbye with a smile.

"Of course, I want to hear these stories, and I think Shen Gonglin feels the same way, right?"

Kiana nodded solemnly. Suddenly, Shen Gonglin, whose name had been mentioned, instinctively turned her head. "Isn't that unnecessary?" she thought. "Elysia has been telling me about things she finds interesting every day recently. The key is that this girl finds everything fascinating, so she's been talking non-stop like a chatterbox. Mei were to repeat it all now..."

"Yes, there are some interesting stories, like the one about Mei. That's a really special thing..."

Shen Gonglin tilted her head and brought up the matter, and Mei rushed over in a panic to cover Shen Gonglin's mouth. Why did she have to bring this up? Didn't she say she would keep it a secret for me?!

Chapter 367 Past Events

What's wrong with Mei? Is there something she can't tell me? Being touched on the horn... what does that mean? I have a feeling there's something they're hiding from me. Mei, has someone touched your horn?

Even I haven't done this to her.

"Ahem... Come to think of it, we seem to have been talking for quite a while now, but we haven't noticed anything unusual here."

Sensing that Mei didn't want to talk about it, Kiana was now very tactful, took the initiative to change the subject. If she wanted to know, she could ask Shen Gonglin later. This guy had never been very good at keeping secrets, but if she gave him a little advantage, he would definitely tell her. Kiana was very confident in this. She had to find out what was going on with this horn touching.

The three of them had already walked quite a distance, but so far, it seemed that the place was still peaceful. Kiana was a little surprised by this, and it made her feel much more relaxed.

"Yes, that's true... And Kiana, you seem relieved?"

Seeing that Kiana had no intention of pressing the matter further, Mei glared at Shen Gonglin before finally letting go of his mouth. Honestly, didn't he promise not to tell anyone? It seems you can't always trust Shen Gonglin's words. Just like when he said he just wanted to experience it, but... tsk tsk, the reasons behind it are best left unsaid.

"Yes, after all, none of us know what the real mental shackles are. If we start a war with some random enemy here, the surrounding environment will inevitably be affected. Just consider it a little selfish of mine... I want St. Freya to remain as we remember her."

Kiana spoke with a hint of relief. If a battle were to break out in the academy, it would inevitably cause damage to the surrounding area. Kiana would feel heartbroken at the loss of even a single brick or tile, because this was where all her dreams began. Once she embarked on this path, she would remember many things from the past. Therefore, Kiana did not want to destroy anything here.

"Yeah. It reminds me of so many things from the past. Back then, as soon as school was over, you were always the first to rush out of the classroom... and the second was usually me, whom you wouldn't even tell me what to do. The third was Shen Gonglin, whom I would drag along, and the fourth was Bronya, whom he would drag along..."

Recalling the past, Mei gently shook her head; those were truly carefree years.

"Sigh, it's all because Mei's cooking is just too delicious. During the first few classes, all I could think about was getting out of class and going home to eat, so I couldn't concentrate on the lessons."

Kiana shrugged helplessly, because she simply couldn't concentrate on class because of these things. Every time, after about ten minutes of class, she couldn't help but think about what to eat when she got home, and then she would count down the seconds until the class was over. There was nothing she could do about it.

"So, Kiana, are you planning to blame me for your daydreaming in class?"

Mei crossed her arms and looked at Kiana with a scrutinizing expression. She didn't want to take the blame for this. No wonder Kiana and Shen Gonglin started counting down when class was about to end. So that's what they were thinking. It's her fault the food was good? Kiana is such an idiot. Bronya was absolutely right.

"No! I, of course I'm blaming myself... my stomach! It's all its fault for making so much noise, that's why I'm like this."

Kiana turned her head away guiltily. Unable to shift the blame, Kiana could only place all the blame on her stomach. The girl gently rubbed her belly. Yes, it was all her stomach's fault, so she had already punished it by feeding it a lot of strange things... Mei's Book said it could beautify and nourish the skin, Kiana was highly skeptical of this.

"Speaking of which, Bronya seemed indifferent on the surface back then, and at first glance, she didn't seem enthusiastic about going back to the dorm at all. But now that I think about it, she would always deliberately find an excuse to get information out of me the day before, to find out what delicious food her Mei had prepared for the next day. What a scheming and wicked little girl."

She set aside those blush-inducing and strange pieces of knowledge, realizing that she was naturally beautiful and didn't need to work hard in strange ways. Now was the time to reminisce about the past. Thinking back, it seemed that all the responsibility was on her shoulders. Bronya seemed indifferent and uninterested, but she was always there for Bronya. What a scheming, silly little girl!

Mei chuckled to herself, realizing that's how it was; she really hadn't expected that.

It seems Bronya has deliberately stopped calling herself Mei. Is she trying to prove she's grown up? But if she changed her way of speaking, using the third person, that would be a real change.

"By the way, Shen Gonglin Jingu, Mei, do you two still remember the food street behind that wall?"

Every corner of the academy is filled with memories. Kiana pointed to the wall over there, a place also full of memories. She and Shen Gonglin had climbed over the wall to eat there, and she had also dragged Mei along. She still remembered the delicious snacks and their mouthwatering taste.

"I remember when I was struggling to master my swordsmanship and spent all day locked in my room practicing, you would always find a way to take me there for ice cream and desserts. If I have the chance, I'd like to try the white peach pudding again."

She has memories of herself in her memories, and she has memories of her in her memories. Their shared memories always easily evoke resonance. When talking about the snacks they ate together, the white peach pudding is always the first thing that comes to Mei's mind. She still remembers the scene. It was bought by Shen Gonglin. He took a bite and then wanted to eat something else, so he gave the pudding to Kiana. She took a bite and thought it tasted good, so she let herself try it too. That experience is truly memorable for Mei.

"Huh? Why did Mei skip over caramel pudding and crepes? Don't they taste good?"

Why did Mei only mention the white peach flavor? Kiana felt that the other flavors were also quite good. Why does Mei particularly love the white peach flavor?

"No, everything you picked was delicious. As for why I mentioned white peach flavor first, it's because... well, never mind, let's not talk about that."

Thinking about it now still makes me a little embarrassed. I wasn't as mature as I am now back then. Just an indirect kiss with Shen Gonglin was enough to make Mei's heart race and her face turn red. Even though Kiana bit me too, rounding it up... did I still indirectly kiss Shen Gonglin?

I was so excited all day back then, it would be so embarrassing to say it now.

Chapter 368 Pulling Ears

"Huh? Mei, why are you keeping me in suspense? Tell me quickly! Why did you only mention the white peach flavor? I feel uncomfortable if you don't tell me."

Kiana persisted, wanting to press for more information. The feeling of being left hanging in the middle was the most unbearable. How did Mei become such a riddle-teller? Shen Gonglin said that everyone in the Elysian Realm was a riddle-teller, and now Mei was like that too. Was it because the environment could change a person?

This... I can't exactly say that was my first indirect kiss with Shen Gonglin, can I? I feel like I'd make myself look pathetic if I said it, since Kiana was also part of that indirect kiss. But looking at Kiana, she's clearly determined to get dressed up. I need to come up with a reason to appease her. Let me think, what's a suitable reason?

"Because... unlike you, Kiana, that was the first time I ever shared snacks with a friend."

Mei sighed and thought about it carefully. It was indeed the first time she had ever exchanged snacks with a friend. Back when she was still the young lady Raiden Mei, such a thing would never have happened because it involved etiquette and other things. So what was very ordinary in the eyes of other girls was something that Mei could only dream of. That experience was indeed unforgettable for Mei.

"Oh, I see..."

Kiana nodded her head to show that she understood. That's how it is. What you consider commonplace might be something that others can only dream of. She smiled at Mei, and the three of them strolled around St. Freya. However, there didn't seem to be any shackles in the quiet academy. Kiana breathed a sigh of relief.

Knowing that the shackles wouldn't be so easy to find, it was best that they weren't in the St. Freya Academy. Kiana desperately didn't want a fight to break out and damage St. Freya.

"Alright, Shen Gonglin, don't go any further. That's the restaurant over there. We've been there twice already... We've unknowingly arrived at the training ground. If the mental shackles can stay here obediently, it's not a bad choice."

If you let Shen Gonglin lead the way, you have to be prepared to get lost. Maybe it's because she knows the restaurant's layout best. Just as Shen Gonglin was about to lead them back to the restaurant, Kiana quickly stopped her. For some reason, Mei didn't say a word in protest. So, the villain had to do it herself.

"...I know, I just wanted to go over there to see if there was anything I had missed. Did you think I didn't know that was a restaurant?"

Shen Gonglin, who was pointed out, was a little embarrassed and angry. He stubbornly insisted that he was not lost. He just wanted to go and take a look. Kiana, that idiot, doesn't understand anything. Look at Mei, she must understand what he means, that's why she didn't say anything. Does that make Kiana seem smarter?

Seeing that not saying anything was the right choice, Mei realized how angry she had made this petty guy. When it comes to being considerate, she was definitely better. Looking at Shen Gonglin's embarrassed and angry expression, Mei felt quite happy. It's only through comparison that one feels hurt; she was definitely more sensible.

"Huh? But we've already been there twice..."

Kiana muttered to herself, "What did I forget? It's obvious that Shen Gonglin is lost. Mei must have noticed too, but she just spoils Shen Gonglin." Kiana sighed inwardly. Mei was like that, and so was the Class President. They both spoiled Shen Gonglin too much, which is why she went further and further down the path of misbehaving.

"Alright, it seems that mental shackles, like someone else, are not exactly well-behaved students."

In that instant Mei felt as if she had returned to the past, back to when she was still a kindergarten teacher. Back then, when Mei and Bronya or Shen Gonglin were arguing, Mei would always act as the peacemaker. It was still the same now. Seeing this old shadow in the now mature Kiana made Mei feel incredibly comfortable. And this preserved shadow must be inseparable from Shen Gonglin.

During the period of wandering after Kiana's War of Schicksal, it was Shen Gonglin who stayed by her side the whole time.

"Mei!"

As if her past embarrassing moments had been exposed, Kiana glared at Mei reproachfully. Why bring up her past shameful experiences? The past is past, we should focus on the present.

"I remember, you always wanted to show off in front of me back then, constantly talking about becoming the strongest Valkyrie. But you always dozed off in class, never bothered to study for your academic exams, and you especially loved bringing your game console to play with Shen Gonglin and Bronya, who always got perfect scores..."

Looking back at Kiana's past embarrassing moments, this girl used to keep saying she wanted to become the strongest Valkyrie, but judging from her actions, Mei really couldn't see the day when her wish would come true. But now, without realizing it, Kiana has surpassed most people in this world. She has become one of the pillars of humanity's victory over the Honkai. Time really does fly.

"Stop, stop, Mei, why are you suddenly bringing this up? If you keep going, you'll start pulling my ear. Besides, it's not my fault. It's just that Shen Gonglin and Bronya were so arrogant when they were playing games, so I had to put an end to their arrogance."

She quickly stopped Mei from continuing to talk about her embarrassing past. Did she really think she had no self-respect? Kiana would feel embarrassed too. She was a mature girl now, so let those embarrassing pasts just drift away with the wind.

"Really? I didn't expect you to be shy, Kiana."

As she spoke, Mei stepped forward and gently tugged at Kiana's ear. Her slightly cold fingertips touched Kiana's ear, a familiar yet strange sensation that sent a shiver down the spines of both girls. Shen Gonglin nearby, looked at her with growing suspicion. He remembered what Bronya had told him earlier. Indeed, it seemed difficult to avoid marriage between the two of them now. Perhaps...

Am I the third party?

Realizing the possible truth, Shen Gonglin was immediately flustered. Perhaps she had indeed interfered with them. Looking at the two girls in front of her, Shen Gonglin felt for the first time that she should be under the car instead of inside it.

Where is Bronya? Right now Shen Gonglin suddenly wants to throw herself into her arms and cry her heart out.

Chapter 369

Ignoring the melancholy Shen Gonglin, Kiana felt embarrassed. Mei had actually pulled Mei ear. Although she missed it, she was genuinely embarrassed. She was a mature woman preparing for marriage, and being treated like this made her seem like a child.

"Mei... I'm not a child anymore."

Kiana didn't break free. She emphasized this fact in a low voice. Why did Mei still treat her like a child? It was necessary to make Mei understand that she was now an adult who could stand on her own.

"Of course, now you don't need me to pull your ear, Bronya to goad you, or Shen Gonglin to coerce or entice you, you'll do what you're supposed to do. In fact... you might even find yourself a little scary?"

Releasing Kiana's ear, Mei gently rubbed the spot where she had just pinched it. Her skin was smooth and white, just like the captivating face of the girl before her. Kiana was so different now. Of course, she herself was also different now. Growth really does happen in an instant.

"Haha, not at all, it's not that bad. Compared to Durandal, I'm usually pretty lazy."

Kiana said with a smile, but despite her words, Mei's words easily stirred up the web of thoughts that Mei had woven together, and when the "web" stopped swaying, the threads of her thoughts naturally stopped there as well.

Kiana's expression gradually calmed down, because she knew that after the wonderful time at St. Freya, what she and Mei were going to talk about next would most likely still revolve around that day, the day that caused a rift in Mei relationship that has yet to be fully healed.

Just as Bronya had said before, they were only one step away from a true reconciliation.

After having this thought, Kiana's mental space fell into an unconscious silence, as if a computer had been restarted. At the same time, everything in that space, including St. Freya before the three of them, was being reconstructed at an extremely fast pace. Shen Gonglin pulled Mei and Kiana back. This was Kiana's four-dimensional space, the place where they would appear next. The three of them, along with Mei, were already prepared.

"Hmm... where am I?"

Kiana rubbed her temples and opened her eyes. The brightness and beauty of St. Freya that Kiana had just experienced had vanished, replaced by a scene she was reluctant to recall: the rooftop, the iron fence, and the dim sky. Every time she thought of this place, Kiana felt a dull ache all over her body. It was here that she had been severely beaten.

"Kiana, are you alright? Just now, you suddenly stopped responding like a wooden doll. After that, St. Freya disappeared into darkness, and in her place is this place... Senba Academy."

Seeing that Kiana was alright, Mei was relieved. However, being in this place made Mei feel a little awkward. This was the place that Shen Gonglin Mei the scene of domestic violence. It was here that she became the Herrscher of Thunder and gave Kiana a good beating. It was here that she and Kiana parted ways and she went to teach at World Serpent.

As for the difference from that day... that is, there is no thunder in the sky now.

"I never expected it to be like this. I originally thought there would at least be a process to prepare us, such as a door or a ball of light appearing out of thin air, and we would only be able to enter other spaces after touching it..."