Chapter 525

If it were just that, Alexandra could accept something so simple. But after everything that had just happened, when Misterin calmly walked into the campfire and let the flames consume her, things had already spiraled far beyond her imagination. She knew Misterin was quite peculiar, but something like this...

However, at this moment, Alexandra did not need any form of comfort, but rather to say some words that had already been prepared beforehand.

"Misterin ..."

"... Yes, I'm here. No one will hurt you anymore, I promise."

The girl who emerged from the flames solemnly promised that she would not allow anything to harm the person in front of her.

"Ah... thank you. But do you remember? Before the sudden knock on the door, I had something to tell you. I was thinking that... in a couple of days, a group of people would be coming to see us. This was actually decided a week ago, when the public phones here were still barely working."

Hearing this, Misterin fell silent. If someone else came... she couldn't guarantee that the miracle would happen again. Alexandra's situation was special, and she couldn't expect everyone to be in the same situation. So if someone really came and she was still here, there would probably only be one outcome.

"I wonder what Misterin is thinking right now, "Alexandra continued.

"At that time, I called Maxim... Ah, he's Alexei's friend. I asked him to arrange my travel so I could move to a better place. I've mentioned before, haven't I? I'm about to become a mother. A person's birth is no small matter, and I wanted her to see the world for the first time without the desolation it presents now. Because I hate leaving without saying goodbye, that's why I thought about naming you. I hope that in the future, when I recall this extraordinary experience, I can call you by a name that belongs only to you in my heart."

Gently stroking her lower abdomen, Alexandra's face already radiated maternal glow even though she hadn't truly become a mother yet. She explained why she had named her daughter, while Misterin, whose heart was filled with complex emotions, didn't know what to say.

"Ah... I see."

This expectant mother already had her own life to live. If she, and "Misterin" continued to stay here, then even if someone wanted to help Alexandra, they would surely die because of the curse. And if that happened... she herself would definitely no longer be able to maintain any normal relationship with Alexandra.

"Maxim ...he should be a reliable person, right?"

Speaking softly, Misterin wanted to know about the person she was about to entrust Alexandra to.

"Yes, he is my husband's best friend. And... to be honest, he might be even more honest than Alexei. However, by some twist of fate, I met you before he and his men arrived."

Alexandra looked tenderly at Misterin, but this gaze made her feel uneasy, as if she were unworthy...

"It's okay. No matter what you've done to others... I know that these past few days, you've genuinely been good to me. Just like... Alexei. To others, you are indeed bad people, aren't you?"

Yu Tu fell silent. She wanted to ask how much she understood, but ultimately she didn't ask, because both of them knew the truth.

"Although everyone else here... I was able to escape unharmed, and that was indeed because of you, wasn't it? So, Misterin ... can you tell me who you really are? I want to hear it from you yourself."

After speaking, Alexandra quietly looked at Yuto, while the girl found it somewhat amusing. The other person addressed her by name, but in fact knew nothing about her. Did other humans interact in the same way? She didn't know, and who exactly was she... Yuto pondered for a moment, searching for the most suitable words to describe herself.

"In conclusion, you can consider me to be the embodiment of death."

In the simplest possible way, Yu Tu began to explain her story to the other party. And once again, she hated the accuracy of her own memory. She also hated the conclusion that this series of memories ultimately led to.

"I see... Don't rush, just tell me slowly."

The more Alexandra learned, the more astonished she became. As the girl in front of her continued her story, she became somewhat incoherent. Alexandra comforted the girl, saying, "So this is what she is."

At this moment, one side seemed somewhat confused, while the other appeared to be in great pain. Several long minutes passed. Finally, she spoke.

"... I'm sorry, Alexandra. The child you envisioned has no chance of being born."

The moment those words left her lips, Alexandra's expression completely changed. She stared at the girl in front of her in disbelief. What did she mean by saying that?

"For that child... I... gave you too much power."

Knowing this answer was too heavy a burden for Alexandra, who was special, while Misterin dared not guarantee that such a miracle would happen a second time. Therefore, this outcome seemed to have been predetermined.

"Is it... the kind of Stigmata you mentioned? You gave me a second life because of it, but what does that have to do with my child?"

Her tone became urgent; Alexandra couldn't imagine what would happen if this were to actually happen—she had never even considered such a situation.

Chapter 425 Is it not worth it?

"Because what I gave you was merely an extension of myself... therefore..."

Like a child who had made a mistake, Misterin lowered her head and whispered the truth: because of the way she saved her, that little life might not be able to be born. No matter how she tried to organize her thoughts, she could never bring herself to say such a thing.

"In other words, those mysterious forces that can save your life... are, unsurprisingly, attacking the child in your womb every moment through your blood, just like they attack other people."

Finally speaking, Misterin closed her eyes, bracing herself for the storm that was about to break. The girl was somewhat incoherent, but it wasn't intentional; she had only just learned of this situation.

"I'm sorry... I didn't mean to tell you until now. I've never seen anyone like you before, and some details... have only gradually come to light in the last few days. I... didn't even know..."

Even with all her knowledge, the Stigmata Crystal was utterly speechless at this moment. This being, like the Grim Reaper, stood silently like a schoolchild who had made a mistake, awaiting the other party's accusations. At least in her own view, once she realized the whole story, the other party would not let her off easily.

She wanted to take on this responsibility, no matter how Alexandra treated her, but... how could she, someone who couldn't even commit suicide, possibly shoulder this responsibility?

"... Based on your knowledge, is there any way to remedy this?"

The result was beyond Misterin's expectations. There was no hysteria, no resentment or anger. The woman in front of her, radiating feminine brilliance, remained gentle and smiled at Misterin. Now, all that needed to be done was to try her best to find a solution.

"You are my savior, and that hasn't changed at all. So, let's work together to figure out a solution... that's more important than anything else, isn't it?"

Like an angel, Alexandra comforted Misterin, telling her that she couldn't bring herself to glare at her savior, and that it would be pointless anyway. What she needed to do now was figure out a solution and find a way to resolve the situation.

"Any method is fine, it doesn't matter... Even if I become the price for that child to live, I can accept it."

She smiled as she uttered incredibly cruel words to herself, but Yutu couldn't accept such a thing—using herself as the price? No, this wouldn't do.

"No... no! It's not worth it at all!"

As she said, for someone like her... it was clearly more important to preserve the stories that had already happened than to ensure the future remained unborn. She had to preserve them, even if it meant there would be no future. Which life was more important: the life of an embryo whose thoughts were still trapped in chaos, or the life of a tangible being who had already left behind laughter and stories in the world? This wasn't just a question posed by someone with a naturally different perspective... even humans themselves often debated this, finding themselves in a dilemma.

It is indeed a problem. Shen Gonglin is just stating the facts. It's just like the common dilemma in hospitals of whether to save the mother or the baby. Shen Gonglin herself can't figure it out.

However, everything in her memory continued, and after hearing Yuto's words, the usually gentle Alexandra suddenly seemed to have her fur standing on end.

"Worth it? No... is this something that can be evaluated as worth it?"

The person before me, her thoughts were far simpler than any so-called ideal type. After a brief moment of calm, she began to weep uncontrollably, pouring out all her emotions in words laced with thorns.

"Just to avoid my own fate, am I supposed to take away the future she deserves? I originally thought you were a pitiful person who was cursed for no reason because of the injustice of fate... But you don't feel remorse from the bottom of your heart. In the end, you still regard yourself as a god. What right do you have to decide the fate of any life at will? You... no, I... I'm sorry."

Calm and collected, Alexandra suppressed her emotions, refraining from uttering her sharp words. Despite her many flaws, this woman never harmed others unnecessarily.

"I'd give my life for my child's. Judging from your reaction... at this point, it's the only way, isn't it? I know that if it weren't for you... my child might have died with me long ago. Lately... everyone has gone through so much. One thing after another... I don't even dare to think about it. I know these are all fate's arrangements; I can't refuse them, nor can I change them. I will convince myself not to delve into them... but now... if I have a chance to change the situation... I still want to seize it, so that what I cherish most can continue to exist in this world."

Alexandra spoke quietly, and Misterin did not utter a word of objection. Alexandra's attitude towards the child, and Mistelin's attitude towards Alexandra... were completely consistent from her perspective.

So, she's been through something like that too.

Looking at the silent Yuto beside her, and seeing Rin Shen Gonglin seemingly absent-minded as she rewatched this memory with her, this woman was undoubtedly Bronya's mother. And since Bronya was still by her side fighting alongside her, it meant... Although Shen Gonglin wasn't very emotionally intelligent, with a little effort, he could still understand people's hearts. To Yuto's astonishment, he walked up to his past self in the memory. Although he couldn't see her or feel her, Shen Gonglin still reached out and gently touched the head of the Misterin in the memory.

Don't be sad, don't be sad, you've already tried your best.

Suddenly seeing Shen Gonglin's actions, Hato felt an urge to cry, to be comforted by someone... Although she hadn't reacted in her memories, she now felt the same way.

"The Stigmata... since you can awaken it, you can also make it fall asleep again, right?"

Having voiced her thoughts, Alexandra gazed at Misterin, a look that made it impossible for her to utter a word of deception. But if she did, and the Stigmata fell into slumber, then she...

"Do you... know what you're saying?"

Chapter 426 Who Would Want to Die?

Misterin was incredulous. Did Alexandra even know what she was saying? Her words were undoubtedly a declaration of preparedness to die, but saving her life was something she had worked so hard for, and now it was all being wasted...

"Of course. Since it was thanks to it that my body was able to gradually recover... After that, I'm afraid I won't be able to have this kind of luck again, right? I'll have to go back to... that state where I can't find the medicine."

Alexandra was perfectly clear about her choice. Her health was improving day by day because Misterin had awakened the Stigmata within her. However, this very thing that saved her was also endangering her child's life. So, in order to give her child a chance to be born into this world, Alexandra asked Misterin to shut down her Stigmata, even if it meant putting herself in danger again.

Misterin fell silent. Having personally pushed countless lives to their deaths, she would not easily relinquish this sole hope before her... To her, to Misterin, Alexandra was like a lifeline for a drowning person. She could not allow her to embark on the path to death, even though she had already bestowed death upon countless others.

"... Alexandra Pavlovna Zaychek. Our ways of seeing the world are quite different, so I am not going to refute your ideas. Therefore, I will use a human perspective to clarify the pros and cons for you."

She addressed Alexandra by her name with utmost formality—a truly long name, much longer than Misterin. Saniyat Misterin herself, determined to persuade Alexandra.

"The current problems are all my fault, and I won't deny that. But at least in this situation, your decision was irresponsible. Giving life is just the most insignificant beginning for a mother. You don't seem to have considered what will happen afterward..."

Judging from Alexandra's somewhat puzzled look, it seemed she really hadn't thought about the future, so Misterin decided to lay everything out in front of her.

"Her father has passed away, and you are just as careless with your own life... What if, without any family, that child becomes a problem? You may not have paid much attention to the outside world... The rampant Honkai and the unfathomable human heart, can you guess what she will become? I don't want to make such a cruel assumption, but I want you to know that the world around you is not beautiful."

The attempt was to use this "reality" to make Alexandra understand that for a young and ignorant life, what she needs most is not just to be brought into this world, but also to have someone to shelter her from the wind and rain when she is able to face the storms on her own. In the current environment, she will not have a good childhood.

Shen Gonglin glanced at the image of Hato from her memories and had to admit that what she described had actually happened.

"That child might fall into the hands of some gang and be trained to be a heartless killer. After completing only one or two missions, she would have to die in a hail of bullets. Or, she might accidentally come into contact with Honkai, and although she might escape her fate, she would be left with permanent disabilities and pain, and spend the rest of her life in despair. If the life you give her is only endless suffering, what will she think then? Will she ever think that it would have been better if she had never been born?"

Misterin felt she had tried her best to persuade Alexandra, but apart from her initial surprise, she now had a smile on her face. This idiot, did she even understand what she was saying?

"... You're right, no one wants to live only for suffering. But perhaps... when I finally can't take it anymore, someone will treat her like family. Or perhaps, when she grows up, she'll meet a few friends who are willing to give their hearts, guiding her onto the right path and helping her find what she loves... Misterin, from what you've said, you seem certain she's a girl? If that's the case, she should be able to find someone she truly loves, and who loves her in return. If all goes well... she'll find her passion and make it her life's work."

They gently described their child's future. It has to be said, what they said has actually happened. Are they two prophets? Shen Gonglin rested her chin on her hand and thought seriously. Other things have happened, but who is the person Bronya can truly entrust herself to? She needs to figure that out.

Could it be Seele?

As if realizing what Shen Gonglin was thinking, Yuto, standing next to him, gave Shen Gonglin a speechless look. This is what they call being naturally dense, isn't it?

Wasn't he supposed to be arrogant?

"Misterin, I know that arguing now is pointless, and no one can predict this child's future. But at least I know that it should be her life, even if it's just a vague and uncertain future, it will still have its own meaning. Yes, it's true, as you said... I can't do more for her, that's my fault. But... how can I not even give her a chance to have a future?"

Alexandra spoke softly, but the will within her was unwavering. This was something she had already decided, so she would do it this way.

"Alright... let's begin. Misterin, you haven't denied that you can indeed restore everything. If we keep delaying like this, I might regret it too."

Hearing Alexandra's words, Misterin raised her head. Would she regret it? Having made this decision with unwavering resolve, would she regret it?

"Regret?"

"Of course! Don't let my appearance fool you. Do you think I'm some old person who's lived a life without regrets? Of course, there are many things I want to do but haven't done, many things I want to own but haven't owned... a nursery where I can pick flowers all year round... a trip halfway around the world to Machu Picchu, a diamond necklace, a different dress every day... and many more things like that. I'm not the kind of person who's lost all hope in the world. I know its beauty, and I want to continue living. But..."

At this point, Alexandra's voice was already filled with sobs. If one could live, who would want to die? But... life is just so imperfect.

Chapter 427 The Most Precious and Unique Thing

Composing herself, Alexandra forced a smile as she looked at her last friend. Everything depended on her now, even though she knew this choice was cruel, both for herself and for her.

"Misterin, hurry up. If we keep creating more regrets with one regret, we'll all end up being killed by regret. I'm just like you... I hate being worse than dead more than death."

...This conclusion makes sense. But Misterin is still confused; is this choice really...right?

"Do you remember what you told me when we first met? Only by surviving can things turn around. In the end, you want to use a principle that you yourself are unwilling to practice to convince others? This is the principle I gave you and this child, and of course, I can't take it back."

Alexandra continued speaking, Misterin still did not reply. This conclusion was reasonable, but she still felt a deeper sense of confusion.

Just then, the other person gently called her name, pulling her thoughts back to reality.

"Misterin, let me tell you another story about Alexei. Before we were married, he took me to a cemetery to pay respects to soldiers who had died for their country... What a boring man, isn't he? I really don't understand how I ended up falling in love with him... But that's not really what I'm going to talk about. A soldiers' cemetery... can you imagine?"

Describing the things that person had shown her, Alexandra tried her best to give Misterin a vivid image, a scene she truly remembered.

"Thousands upon thousands are buried together, each with a small marker, sharing only one huge monument to inscribe their names... We lie here because we did not choose to live. That would have shamed and violated the land that nurtured us. Life, indeed, should not be taken lightly. But young people have no such concerns, and we happen to be young."

Alexandra finished speaking, and Misterin understood the meaning of her words. Ultimately, life and death are often nothing more than a momentary impulse. Life struggles to find its own meaning... just like those lives she had stripped of everything from.

But precisely because of this, she also believes that speaking lightly of life and death is nothing more than a foolish act of wasting resources.

"Alexandra, perhaps saying this will remind you of something and make you blame me even more. But... you should know what a miracle it is that you have survived. Your life... it is of extraordinary significance."

Misterin was organizing her thoughts, but before she could finish speaking, Alexandra quickly corrected her.

"Ordinary? Please don't say that. Life is a unique and precious thing for each person. But... even the most precious things have their uses. Otherwise, they would lose all their value."

Its uses are...

"Alexandra, what do you think... like this?"

"Yes. Human life is constantly slipping away. Whether for something more precious or simply idly wasting time... we are all burning it to ashes, aren't we?"

Misterin was speechless. The Crystallization of the Stigmata had nothing more to say, as persuading her was clearly impossible. Forced to push others to death...actively pushing others to death...surrendering to death by transcribing the deceased...watching others willingly step into death.

Step by step, she has arrived at her current situation. If she were an ordinary human being with more selfish motives, if her mode of existence were not based on ideas... Unfortunately, that is just a hypothetical scenario. If that were the case, she wouldn't have been troubled in the first place.

Even burdened by a curse and transformed into a demon... Saniyat could not refuse the yearning for beauty.

In Misterin's eyes, the Stigmata she had personally awakened, the only hope she had seen in hell... gradually lost its luster, becoming a silent redundancy within her genes. At this moment, how she wished her hands could tremble like those of an ordinary person.

Killing people unrelated to her, killing people who would have died because of her... Now, she is forced to send those born because of her on a near-death journey. Misterin yearns to express her resentment in a way that transcends conventional wisdom, but...

"It's over."

The Stigmata extinguished, and she looked at the woman lying on the bed and said quietly. Alexandra tilted her head and said, "That's it? Is that all?"

"Huh? But... it doesn't seem like anything has changed..."

"The effects the Stigmata have had on your body won't disappear so quickly. I'm sorry, but I must take my leave before Maxim and his men come to take you away. Otherwise... regardless of how many people he brings, they will all die because of me. As for those monsters outside... I will do my best to drive them away, and the rest..."

Having arranged everything she could for Alexandra, Misterin prepared to leave. If she stayed any longer, it wouldn't be good if Maxim came. Alexandra's unaffected state was an exception, and Misterin didn't want to try for others, because the cost of failure was too high.

"Thank you."