Tide.
Wave after wave crashed against the shore, making soft, foamy sounds.
A sea breeze blew in from afar, carrying a faint salty tang.
When Zhao Yingkong opened her eyes, this was the world laid out before her.
It was very real.
Too real.
Because her last memory had stopped in the middle of the team battle against the India Team.
She had fallen into a berserk state, and then, it seemed, fought Zheng Zha.
After that, there had only been darkness. Nothing at all.
So—was this the world after death?
Zhao Yingkong stretched out her hand, her fingertips sinking into the warm sand.
The grains were fine, still holding a trace of warmth from the sun.
She could even feel the ticklish sensation of her hair being gently stirred as the sea breeze brushed across her face.
If this was the world after death, it was far too extravagant—
"Big Sister Yingkong!"
Just then, a clear voice shattered the tranquility.
A tiny figure ran over from the coconut trees like a pink cannonball, crashing straight into Zhao Yingkong's arms.
Zhao Yingkong's body stiffened slightly, instinctively about to assume a defensive stance.
Yet for some reason, another feeling told her that she did not need to guard against this little girl—
The little girl's embrace was so soft, so warm, so deeply familiar.
Zhao Yingkong could not sense even a trace of hostility. Instead, something hard deep within her heart seemed to have been lightly touched.
"Big Sister Yingkong, what's wrong?"
The little girl looked up, her large eyes filled with worry.
"I'm fine—"
Zhao Yingkong froze at her words, but her mouth moved on its own.
"That's good, then."
The little girl let out a sigh of relief, then took Zhao Yingkong's hand. "Since you're fine, let's hurry up!