Decompressing Xia Ling.zip / The Elysian Realm Fox-Beating Squad

"Instead of thanking me, you should thank everyone in the Elysian Realm more. After all, I couldn't have rescued you all by myself."

"And..." Xia Ling gave a sly smile and whispered, "Let me tell you a little secret: you'll be able to see your sister soon!"

"Sakura has been preparing for this meeting with you for a long time, so get yourself into the best condition and get ready to welcome her later."

"Sister, older sister?"

Xia Ling's change of topic was very effective; at least, the green gibberish next to Ling had now neatly transformed into exclamation marks.

"I understand, thank you, Sister Xia Ling."

Ling hurriedly checked her data, jumbled and pieced together her own image, trying to recreate the version of herself that Sakura was most familiar with, based on the few memories she had left.

Watching the Corrosion Virus constantly emanating from Ling and transforming into various symbols and emoticons according to her mood, Xia Ling poked Su's doll.

"Su, why do these viruses around Ling look so... uh, cute?"

"..."

"Miss Xia Ling, at least during my lifetime, I was unaware that the Corrosion Virus had this function. It seems that this ability was added later."

"However, based on general reason and my own experience..."

Su looked down at her adorable appearance, which resembled a female version of herself.

"I suspect this was Elysia's doing, but I don't know why Doctor Mobius would cooperate with her."

"If that's the case..."

Xia Ling's lips twitched as she recalled the pink fox-eared figure who "supervised" the lab every day.

"I think I roughly know why..."

While Xia Ling's side was filled with laughter and joy, a certain big fox in the Stigmata Space was anything but happy.

"Where is my clone? Why can't I sense it anymore?"

Hi-maru paced anxiously in the Tenshukaku, turning around in circles. All that was left was to roll around on the ground to complete the Raven set.

"Something must have happened... So much power, just vanished like that? And there shouldn't be anyone else in the world who could absorb so much Corrosion Power, right?"

Unfortunately, because Rin practically devoured Hi-maru, it had absolutely no chance to send back any messages.

At this moment, Hi-maru doesn't even know how many enemies he has, only that he knows his clone has most likely already been sent away.

"Damn it, now is not the time to feel sorry for that part of the power..."

Despite being furious, Hi-maru still managed to gather his power without hesitation.

"I can't show myself in the outside world for a while. I also need to be careful not to let Yae Sakura find out that I've lost most of my power. Although I'll recover soon, what if they come looking for me during this time..."

The more Hi-maru thought about it, the more frightened he became, and even the hair on his head stood on end.

However, Murphy's Law tells us that the more you worry about something happening, the more likely it is to happen.

Just as the Hi-maru was pondering how to bluff for a while, it was astonished to find that the Stigmata Space had opened by itself.

Chapter 18 is being unzipped: Xia Ling

???

Hi-maru was completely bewildered.

I've clearly developed the good habit of closing the door behind me, so why is the door suddenly opening by itself?

After carefully sensing it, Hi-maru's face immediately contorted with rage.

Because it discovered that the door seemed to have been opened by Yae Sakura.

Because in their daily routine, Hi-maru usually tries to open the door to mess with Theresa, while Yae Sakura tries to close it, Hi-maru subconsciously overlooks one thing: that is, Yae Sakura also has the authority to access the Stigmata Space and can open Stigmata Space freely just like him.

Yae Sakura's sudden opening of the door completely baffled Hi-maru.

However, before it could figure out how to close the door, it discovered that the door seemed to have closed automatically.

After a quick assessment, Hi-maru discovered that it seemed only Xia Ling had entered the Stigmata Space?

There's only one... That seems alright. Although I'm not strong enough right now, as long as I defend this little corner of Tenshukaku, with the home advantage, it should be easy for me to save my life.

Hi-maru comforted himself in this way, and then began to seize the last bit of time to completely seal off the Tenshukaku, preparing to build an impregnable defense.

This action caused it to miss its last chance to escape.

Because, on the surface, only Xia Ling entered the Stigmata Space, but in reality...

It should be Xia Ling.

"Ah, it's that familiar ceiling again..."

"Miss Xia Ling, what did you just say?"

"No, it's nothing. I just wanted to complain about how deep my connection with the Yae Shrine really is."

Looking around at the shrine, which was now almost as familiar as her own home, Xia Ling couldn't help but complain.

"Huh?"

Seeing Yae Sakura's confusion, Xia Ling reached out her hand.

"Hello, Ms. Yae Sakura, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm sure Rin has already introduced me to you."

"Although you may not know me very well, I know you quite well."

"After all, once I enter the dream world, I will most likely take your place."

"It seems that Hi-maru has caused you quite a bit of trouble."

Yae Sakura grasped Xia Ling's hand and responded with a smile.

"You said you were involved in my past? Which part?"

"I'm sorry, this might be... the saddest part."

"I see..."

A hint of reminiscence and regret flickered in Yae Sakura's eyes.

"So... what was your final fate?"

"If we don't count the part where Hi-maru caused trouble, I think it would be... a so-so ending."

"After all, if I fail, we won't tell Rin my identity for some other reasons."

"It's okay, it's better than the worst decision I made back then."

Yae Sakura smiled with relief and asked, "This time, are you going to completely resolve the Hi-maru problem?"

"Hmm, I brought it quite a few gifts..."

As she spoke, Xia Ling took out Su, which she had temporarily stored in the system space.

"Hmm? Have we already entered the Stigmata Space?"

"Of course, Su, hurry up and get ready."

"Huh? What's this now...?"

"This is also one of our companions, only he is using a puppet form."

"Perfect timing. I haven't called out the others yet. Su, why don't you give Yae Sakura a buff first?"

"Extremely happy to."

Xia Ling handed Su's doll to Yae Sakura, and then began to call out to the bell that was still residing in her body.

"Ring, wake up! Come out and get ready to see your sister!"

"Okay, okay, I'll be right out..."

The trembling sound of the bell echoed in Xia Ling's mind. This was probably a kind of... homesickness?

"Hmm... don't be nervous. Here's a little more time for you to adjust."

Xia Ling shrugged and didn't urge her any further.

Since Ling didn't appear directly, Xia Ling didn't rush to use the Cipher Plate to summon Sakura. Instead, she started calling out to Elysia in the system channel.

"My dear Elysia, come out quickly~"

"Here I am, here I am! Elysia will always respond to your expectations, okay?"

However, at the same time, bell also appeared, finally making up her mind.

"Sister... I'm here..."

As soon as Ling appeared in the Stigmata Space, she saw a pink figure emerging from the light.

Ling immediately became excited and rushed towards the pink figure.

"Elder sister?"

"Hey, it's Sister Elysia ~ Long time no see, Rin, you've really had a tough time these past few years!"

Before Ling could even react, she was already being held in Elysia's arms by the time she offered herself up.

"Hmm, it seems that Elysia has effectively eased Rin's tension."

Ignoring Ling's pleading look, Xia Ling silently looked away. Only after Ling finally escaped from Elysia did Xia Ling take out the two Cipher Plate.

[Beginning the announcement]

[Triggered the natural Kowald harmony]

Branches and vines grow thick and leaves flourish, providing a haven for all beasts. Ice shatters and rocks crack, hammers are thrown, and even the feathered birds dare not cry.

This time, Xia Ling didn't use any additional items to anchor Sakura, unlike when she summoned Elysia. After all, the Corrosion Virus from Rin that Xia Ling was currently carrying was the best anchor point.

Meanwhile, Sakura, who had been waiting for a long time in the Elysian Realm, also felt the pulling sensation that Elysia had described.

With a flash of light, the person Ling had been longing for finally appeared in the Stigmata Space.

"Elder sister!"

Rin suddenly pounced on Sakura, so hard that Sakura took several steps back.

However, Sakura quickly realized what was happening. Feeling Rin tightly hugging her and the tear stains spreading on her chest, Sakura touched the familiar body in her arms, her voice trembling slightly.

"Ring... you've grown up..."

"How wonderful, this reunion spanning fifty thousand years?"

Elysia watched this touching scene with a smile, while glancing at a small green snake made of green smoke beside her.

"Let's interview our Miss Serpent. When you developed the Corrosion Virus, did you ever imagine that it would one day be used for this?"

"Tch, what a boring relationship..."

Serpent turned its head to the other side. "However, compared to the original plan, using it this way is not a waste."

Beside her, Yae Sakura's eyes couldn't help but show a hint of sadness. At least the other person could reunite with her sister, but she...

However, she quickly concealed this emotion and said softly, "Everyone, let's give them some private space."

"Next, shall we all move to the rooms at the shrine?"

Chapter Nineteen: The Paradise Fox-Fighting Team

Inside a room at the shrine, a group of people began discussing the situation within the Stigmata Space.

However, although they are a group of "people", Xia Ling is probably the only one who is actually human.

"You mean, there's been no movement from Hi-maru's side?"

Xia Ling looked at Yae Sakura.

"That's right. After your operation was completed, Hi-maru seemed to have quieted down a lot."

"It's just a bluff. It threw away so much power; it's no wonder it's unscathed."

The Serpent coiled on the table said disdainfully.