Chapter 195

"Ah?"

Seemingly startled by Ai Yue's dismissive tone, Elysia snapped back to her senses and looked at the man in front of her.

"I said, is that all there is to it?"

Ai Yue looked at Elysia with an expression that said, "What's the big deal?" "Just for something like this, you'd abandon everyone who cares about you and go looking for death?"

At first, he thought Elysia was terminally ill and just waiting for her death notice, but after hearing this, he realized that it wasn't even early-stage cancer.

Giving up on treatment so quickly means they don't take me seriously at all.

"No, um... this is a very serious matter, okay?"

Elysia, somewhat flustered, tried to explain, "I asked May, Aponia, and Mobius, but none of them found anything unusual about me. Isn't that serious enough?"

Problems that cannot be discovered by human technology mean that human technology cannot solve them either.

"Of all the people you've found, only Aponia might be of some use,"

Ai Yue shook his head. "But even if she's helpless, isn't there still me? Why don't you come to me?"

Ai Yue looked at Elysia with a very subtle gaze. "You don't mean to look down on me, do you?"

"No, how could that be!"

Elysia quickly shook her head. "It's just because... I suddenly realized that this is the best solution."

Ai Yue remained silent, simply waiting for Elysia to continue.

"No matter what, I can't deny that I am a Herrscher."

Elysia said slowly, "I used to think that maybe I could live as a human forever, fighting hard to protect the people I love."

"But now, I am also becoming a threat to human civilization."

The Twelfth Herrscher was able to enter human civilization silently and cause such a huge disaster through her connection with the Cocoon of Finality. This was a huge blow to Elysia. Although she never revealed this to anyone, it made her question herself in her heart.

The subsequent loss of control made her realize that she was no longer reliable. Given that she could potentially harm others at any time, there was clearly only one way to solve this problem.

"Of course I believe you, Ai Yue. I'm sure you have a way to solve this problem."

Elysia looked at Ai Yue one last time, a slight smile finally appearing on her face. "But what if humanity has to step over my corpse to truly defeat the Honkai?"

"That means you're out of your mind."

Ai Yue said mercilessly, "I became the savior precisely to solve such stupid problems. Now, throw away all your nonsense ideas!"

During their conversation, Ai Yue realized the key point— Elysia didn't distrust him; on the contrary, it was precisely because she trusted him that she chose to avoid him when making this decision.

Perhaps what the other party said makes some sense, because in the original story, the real opportunity to defeat the Honkai and change fate did only appear after Elysia sacrificed herself. But as Ai Yue said, if he can't solve such a ridiculous problem, then what right does he have to call himself a savior?

Ai Yue would not choose to sacrifice human civilization to save Elysia; he would choose to have both.

Seeing that Elysia was about to say something more, Ai Yue decisively stopped her. "Alright, now I'm going to use the last condition you promised me."

Elysia paused for a moment, then gave a helpless smile, "How do you still remember this?"

Elysia had promised to grant Ai Yue's three requests. The first time, he used it to obtain research materials; the second time, Ai Yue used it to keep the Artificial Herrscher project secret; and the third time, is now.

"Give me two... no, three months. During these three months, stay by my side and do whatever I say."

Ai Yue said bluntly, "If this problem cannot be solved in three months, then I will no longer stop you."

"It sounds like they're not even leaving any room for negotiation."

Elysia looked at Ai Yue and said helplessly, "But after all, it was a condition I agreed to, so I can't go back on my word."

"In that case, it's decided. I'll transfer you to Star of Light. There aren't many people here, so you don't have to worry about accidentally hurting anyone if things get out of control."

Ai Yue said decisively, not giving Elysia any chance to regret it, "Don't worry, before this matter is resolved, no third person will know the specifics."

"Yes, sir!"

Elysia immediately bowed, then smiled, "So what do we do next?"

"Let's go to the party first."

Ai Yue put away the shielding device on the ground, glanced at the time, and said, "Don't make everyone worry too much."

Tense nerves will only make Elysia's mental state worse and worse. Necessary relaxation is also essential. Besides, she has been busy for so long preparing for today's party. How can she not participate?

Half an hour before the party officially started, Ai Yue finally appeared at the venue of the Moth to Fire Shenzhou branch with Elysia. Hua, who had been waiting there, immediately greeted them upon seeing them, "Doctor Ai Yue, Elysia, you're finally back! Everyone's been waiting!"

Although she didn't know what had happened in between, Hua wisely didn't mention it to avoid putting Elysia in a difficult position.

Ai Yue nodded to Hua, then prepared to leave.

Although there are still no clues about Elysia's situation, it obviously cannot be delayed. So he has already collected samples from Elysia and plans to go back and study them to see if he can make a device that can shield against the Cocoon of Finality.

As soon as he turned around, a hand grabbed his arm.

Ai Yue turned around and saw Elysia smiling at him, silently mouthing, "Didn't you want me to follow you?"

Ai Yue was stunned for a moment, and in the end, he could only helplessly follow behind Elysia into the party venue.

Since the scale of Moth to Fire has expanded many times over, many veteran members have been dispersed to various branches to take charge of their work. Therefore, when the official party is held, it is difficult for everyone to gather together as before. They can only celebrate together at the branch and the members stationed locally.

However, once the network is restored, people can at least "gather" together through online chat rooms.

As soon as Elysia entered the venue, she became the focus of everyone's attention. After all, such a cute, charming, and very friendly girl would never lack a crowd of admirers wherever she went. However, today no one came up to greet her warmly. Instead, they all deliberately avoided her.

"What's going on?"

Ai Yue looked at the scene before him with some surprise. "Could it be that you're actually not very popular in the Shenzhou branch?"

"How could that be! I'm a super beautiful girl loved by everyone, okay?"

Hearing this, Elysia looked at Ai Yue helplessly, "The real culprit who caused all this still doesn't realize it at all."

Ai Yue blinked, then pointed to himself. "Is it my fault?"

"That's right, even a beautiful girl like me can only exist as a foil in front of the Savior."

Elysia nodded and said pitifully, "Everyone is so respectful of you, so naturally they don't dare to get close easily."

"It seems that's indeed the case,"

Ai Yue stroked his chin, unable to find a reason to refute, "Then I'll leave?"

"Trying to escape? No way!"

Elysia smiled and took Ai Yue's arm, holding him tightly to her side. "The best way to eliminate barriers is to integrate into everyone—let's go dance!"

"Wait a minute!"

Upon hearing that he had to dance, Ai Yue immediately struggled desperately—he knew nothing about dancing, and this Elysia was determined to embarrass him!

Although Ai Yue does dislike the atmosphere where others keep their distance from him, he can't try to close the gap in this way!

Unfortunately, his current strength is still no match for Elysia's, and he can only watch as the dance floor gets closer and closer to him.

"Don't worry, dancing is very simple, really,"

Elysia whispered affectionately in Ai Yue's ear, "But if you keep struggling like this, everyone will see that you're scared, okay?"

"I shouldn't have stepped through that door."

Ai Yue sighed, then gave up resisting. "You'll teach me, right?"

"Of course,"

Elysia smiled brightly, "I will pass on all the knowledge I have gained in my life to you!"

"That's really unnecessary..."

Chapter 73 Will you dance too?

As it turns out, Ai Yue's concerns were not unfounded.

As someone who enjoys playing pranks on others, Elysia naturally wouldn't let such a great opportunity pass her by.

It should be noted that although those familiar with Ai Yue know that he is a casual and easy-going guy who occasionally likes to show off, he has always presented a rigorous and reliable image to the outside world, and he rarely appears in public. This style of behavior is destined to be looked up to by everyone with awe.

So Elysia always wanted to break through this disguise and let everyone see Ai Yue's true self, but unfortunately Ai Yue was very well guarded and no one could find a flaw.

Now that she has finally seized this opportunity, which is probably the only chance she has in her life, how could Elysia possibly let Ai Yue go so easily?

So as soon as they stepped onto the dance floor, Elysia pulled Ai Yue directly to the center of the most brightly lit area, took his arms, and started dancing.

Under the dual debuffs of being watched by everyone and having no dance background, Ai Yue became incredibly stiff. Even a marionette can at least react to the movements of its controller, but he was completely like a wooden stake, being dragged along by Elysia.

Seeing Ai Yue's embarrassed appearance, Elysia tried her best to purse her lips, not wanting to laugh too gleefully, but happiness still overflowed from her curved eyes and was reflected on Ai Yue's retina.

Although he was the one being pranked this time, Ai Yue couldn't help but smile.

"So you're right, you look best when you smile."

"Hmph, I look good no matter what~"

Upon hearing this, Elysia paused slightly, then smiled and leaned closer to Ai Yue. "Okay, relax—step back with your left foot!"

Seeing Elysia suddenly lean in, Ai Yue subconsciously took a step back, specifically with his left foot. The gap he stepped back was filled by Elysia's right foot, which moved forward, making it look as if the two had finally achieved a fairly harmonious collaboration.

"Hey, not bad at all."

Elysia paused briefly before speaking again, "This time, we'll take a step to the right."

Under her guidance, the two of them moved in a fairly coordinated manner.

Then came the changes of direction, turns, advances and retreats... Elysia was a very patient teacher, and Ai Yue was a student who was good at observing. In addition, the dance steps were indeed simple and easy to understand, so after just a few rounds, Ai Yue became relaxed and at ease.

It seems dancing is nothing special after all.

Having already learned to judge the next move by the rhythm of the music and Elysia's details, Ai Yue couldn't help but have this thought flash through his mind.

However, the next second, Elysia saw through his thoughts. The pink-clad beauty revealed a subtle smile, and just as Ai Yue relaxed his guard, she suddenly said, "It seems you've already learned the simple dance steps, so... it's time to increase the difficulty~"

As if echoing her thoughts, the originally soothing music suddenly paused, and then became exciting.

Wait a minute!

Before Ai Yue could react, he was pulled forward by Elysia's sudden backward movement and almost fell into her arms. He frantically tried to regain his balance, but Elysia took another step forward, and the tip of her delicate high heel stepped directly on Ai Yue's foot before he could retreat.

So Ai Yue stiffened up again—fortunately, he didn't retreat to the point of degenerating into a wooden stake; at least he was half a marionette.

While the two were getting very close, everyone's attention remained fixed on them.

Ai Yue was unaware that before the party even started, news of "Elysia being looking for a dance partner" had already spread like wildfire. After learning of this rumor, most members of the Shenzhou branch, regardless of gender, secretly hoped and fantasized about whether they would get such an opportunity.

Even this baseless rumor sparked a fierce competition among many people, demonstrating the undeniable allure of pink-clad beauties.

Unfortunately, no one was able to dominate the world and get such an opportunity. However, just as everyone was guessing with mixed feelings who was so lucky to become Elysia's dance partner, the person who appeared in front of everyone made the atmosphere of the party subtly change.

"As expected of Lady Elysia,"

Looking at the two most eye-catching figures on the dance floor, a woman in a corner of the audience sighed, "To be able to become Doctor Ai Yue's dance partner, how lucky I am!"

Everyone who heard this couldn't help but nod in agreement—clearly, compared to the pink-clad beauties who frequently appeared in public, Ai Yue, who was always elusive, was the true idol of the Moth to Fire.

Some even exclaimed dramatically, "If I could dance with Doctor Ai Yue, it would be worth the ticket price even if I died on the spot!"

These words immediately drew strange looks from those around them. "Dude, could you please be mindful of your gender?"

"What's wrong with gender? Don't you girls also want to dance with Lady Elysia!"

Hua walked through the chaotic, revelrying crowd, listening to everyone's rambling arguments and discussions, and couldn't help but reveal a subtle smile.

She was now dressed in a white suit, looking every bit the dashing butler—of course, even if she could only wear casual clothes, she would never choose the other pink mini-dress that Elysia had given her.

Although she didn't know what had happened before today, she was content to see the two of them dancing so intimately together.

Although...

"Hello, Hua, would you like to dance with me?"

The girl's thoughts were interrupted by the sudden invitation. She was about to politely decline as before when she suddenly recognized the person's identity from the voice. "Miss Eden?"

She turned her head and saw the Golden Songstress in an elegant long dress.

"I just came to see her, but it seems she doesn't need to worry anymore."

Eden glanced at the two people on the dance floor and couldn't help but smile. "On the contrary, I'm in a bit of trouble... Can you help me?"

Hua glanced around and noticed that many eyes were being cast in this direction—clearly, more and more people were taking notice of Eden's arrival and were eager to extend invitations.

The polite way to decline an invitation from a stranger is to find a dance partner beforehand.