Hi~ How does it feel? / Xia Ling: Someone's not getting any sleep tonight~

"For us, defeating Herrscher is not difficult. For example, Chijie, who fought against you before, was able to contend with the Herrscher of Ice even before becoming Fusion Warrior."

Although she had just ruthlessly trapped Sirin for half a day, Aponia didn't seem to dislike her and was still gently explaining things to her.

"Then you really aren't human... wait, it seems the Old Fossil was also Fusion Warrior... never mind, never mind..."

Defeated in her opponent's area of expertise, even Sirin was speechless. She stared at Aponia, her eyes darting around, and then asked another question.

"Are you... really just data?"

"Compared to other bosses whose data is composed of, and even compared to your previous state... your mental fluctuations are abnormally high."

"I've only ever felt this kind of fluctuation from Elysia when I first completed the game and got the first ending."

"Sirin... that's how I should address you, right?" Aponia smiled. She was usually very patient with children, and Sirin was naturally considered a child in her eyes.

"Although your skills haven't reached their full potential yet, your observation skills are outstanding."

"Actually, you can call me the great Herrscher of Consciousness... never mind, just call me Sirin." Feeling the teasing gaze beside her, Sirin silently took back what she was about to say.

"So, you're admitting it?"

"Of course, due to some historical events, you... can almost regard me as Elysian Realm itself."

Aponia explained, "Xia Ling borrowed some data from the Elysian Realm, especially data related to me... so I can naturally use this to 'descend' here."

"Don't worry, I didn't interfere with your normal training... except that I slightly lowered the difficulty of the trial just now."

"After all, according to you... your development this round wasn't very good?"

"Well, thank you so much..." Sirin muttered, not enjoying any of the benefits of the reduced difficulty.

"So... you waited until our trial was over before descending to answer our questions?"

Perhaps because Aponia's attitude was completely different from that during the previous battle, Kiana's questions became bolder.

"That's right. After all, you've missed many plot points along the way. If it were the original ending, it might cause some unnecessary misunderstandings for you... So, I've taken the liberty of deciding to personally clear things up for you."

"As a reward for your successful completion of the trial, I can answer two questions for you. Of course, your journey is not over yet, so I can only tell you part of the answer."

"The journey isn't over yet?" Kiana gave her a "there's still a master" look. "So there are more than three endings?"

"Then you'll have to find the answer yourselves."

Aponia gave a subtle smile; after all, Xia Ling's suggestion could sometimes be quite unexpected.

"Since this is a Q&A session..." Mei pondered for a moment and asked a question she had asked before.

"What is the meaning of this Elysian Realm for you?"

"I can answer that question." Aponia nodded slightly and looked at Kiana: "Then, anything else?"

"Since Mei has asked her own question, I'll ask about the common question that we all have."

Kiana thought about it and decided to prioritize addressing the questions that everyone had previously shared.

"Who exactly is the Thirteenth Herrscher?"

Chapter 76 Hi~ How's it going?

"As expected, you guys would ask such a question..."

Aponia didn't seem surprised by Kiana's question.

Meanwhile, Theresa in the reception room also perked up her ears.

"Is Theresa that interested?"

Xia Ling, standing to the side, tried to suppress the upturned corners of her mouth and asked with a smile.

"Of course, after all, we're about to face this mysterious Thirteenth Herrscher, so isn't it normal for me to be curious about its abilities?"

"And even putting that aside, Elysia previously said that you'd find out her crest's name by achieving the Third Ending..."

"So... Theresa is that curious about me?"

"Tch, you're always so secretive, it's hard not to be curious..." Theresa turned her head away sharply. "Don't be so smug. Once I find out what secrets you're hiding and what you're up to with Xia Ling, I'll definitely settle the score with you!"

"Eh... so you don't even want to let the Miss Fairy go~"

Elysia deliberately drew out her words: "Honestly, I don't have any secrets at all... What I told you before was actually the truth, you know?"

"I don't believe you!"

Theresa tugged at Xia Ling's arm and pulled her towards her. "I really don't know how Xia Ling fell for you..."

"Pfft..." Theresa's actions finally made Xia Ling burst out laughing.

"Theresa... well, in a way, you'll soon find out the truth."

"Yes, part of it."

Before answering your questions, may I ask you a question first?

Aponia looked at the two of them and spoke slowly.

"If I were to tell you now that the world is actually bound by a certain destiny, and all outcomes are predetermined... would you still stubbornly step into it, and strive as hard as you do now?"

"..."

Mei and Kiana exchanged a glance, their eyes showing a hint of seriousness.

"Are you referring to your ability to make prophecies?"

During their previous explorations, they had already heard about Aponia's deeds... which naturally included Aponia's prophetic abilities.

Based on current events, Aponia's prophecies have indeed been accurate—a fact that aligns with the records of the Void Archive.

"You can think of it that way."

Aponia did not refute it. In her view, whether the other party took her question as a test or a request for a solution, all she wanted was an answer.

"I think our answers to this question are the same."

Kiana thought for a moment and then spoke.

"After all, we have indeed been in similar situations together... being manipulated and scheming to create a predetermined outcome."

"In fact, I just experienced something like this not long ago."

"So, how did you do it, Miss Kiana?"

"We've done our best, that's all."

Kiana answered without hesitation.

"I don't believe in an unchangeable fate. My experience... is a constant struggle against so-called 'Schicksal' —even though I ultimately fulfilled some bastard's wish, I don't regret it."

"At least, the growth, the emotions, and the stories I gained in this process are all truly imprinted in my heart."

"That's right... Even if the ending of the story cannot be changed, we should decide the path to that ending ourselves."

Mei gave the same answer.

"There are too many outcomes we cannot change, but there are also many things we can do in the process."

"And the ending... will therefore take on a completely different meaning."

"... Oh."

Seeing the two determined girls giving the exact same answer, Aponia couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.

"Do you know what? Someone once said the exact same thing to me."

"At that time... she also resolutely rushed towards an ending that was already destined."

"I couldn't see her fate. I thought things would take a turn for the better... But unfortunately, the ending didn't change. That glorious and splendid Previous Civilization can no longer be found, not even as a grain of sand."

"Just now... you asked me what the meaning of the existence of the Elysian Realm is to me."

"I recorded everything about that person, using the gifts God gave me."

"I recorded every moment of that person's life intertwined with mine, and I've carefully reviewed them over the long years..."

"I saw how she survived, I saw how she fought, I saw her walk through the mud, I saw her crowned with thorns—attending her the Last Banquet in new attire."

"And in her life, I discovered things I had been missing."

Aponia spoke very softly, clearly indicating that Aponia had considerable feelings for this woman.

At this moment, not only the two people in the Deepest Place, but even Theresa in the reception room couldn't help but feel a premonition.

She secretly glanced at Elysia out of the corner of her eye, trying to observe her expression, but unfortunately, her gaze met Elysia's, startling the girl into quickly looking away.

"Oh, it seems Theresa has something she wants to ask me."

Clearly, the mischievous Elysia wouldn't let this opportunity to tease Theresa slip by.

"I... I didn't!"

Theresa denied it somewhat flusteredly.

After all... judging from Aponia's description, her misunderstanding of Elysia seems to be a bit deep.

"Uh-huh?"

Elysia glanced at Xia Ling beside her, who was still struggling with the corners of her mouth turning up in a smile, and then happily looked away.

Although her intention was indeed to give the girls a little test, seeing Theresa's expression wasn't so bad after all.

"What... did you discover?"

"Just like now... That day, she stood before me and told me about her fate of disappearing in ten days."

In the Deepest Place, Aponia's tale continues.

"And fourteen days later, the new clothes Eden prepared for her will be finished, and her eyes will be filled with genuine joy and anticipation. Sixteen days later, Kevin's birthday will arrive, and she will softly sing a lullaby, leaving him with a final gift."

"Then, she said that sentence too."

"Even if the future cannot be changed, I will decide for myself the process of reaching that outcome." How admirable!

So, that 'she' is...

"You already know the answer in your hearts, don't you?"

Aponia's voice was filled with deep sorrow and longing.

"Then, rather than talking to me about things that can't be confirmed..."

"You... should also end this trial and go to see your [kindred spirits]."

As Aponia's voice rang out, the scene in the Deepest Place began to gradually disappear and shatter, a sign that the trial was about to end.

Instead, they found the familiar Elysian Realm Living Room.

And... that girl who had been waiting for a long time.

"A noble and pure soul..."

"You've finally finished your trials, so let me reintroduce myself?"

"The second of the Flame-Chasers, Elysia, the one with the inscription of 'True Self'... and you've probably already guessed her other identity."

"However, when you actually stand before the Thirteenth Herrscher..."

"Hi, how are you feeling?"

Chapter 77 Xia Ling: Someone's going to have trouble sleeping tonight!

"You you you you..."

Leaving aside Kiana and Mei who were stunned, Theresa jumped up from the sofa almost instantly.

She wasn't concerned about the identity of the Thirteenth Herrscher. After all, as the headmistress of the St. Freya Academy, Herrscher were not exactly rare to her, but they were certainly commonplace.

The key issue is Elysia's crest name.

The Insignia of True Self... Theresa hardly needs to think to understand the meaning behind this name.

She glanced at Xia Ling beside her, and unsurprisingly, the wicked girl was already doubled over with laughter in Elysia's arms, looking like she was about to die of laughter.