Chapter 566
However, a 5-meter range is too small, and a 1-second activation time is too long, making it somewhat troublesome even for surprise attacks.
This is Yuki's strange way of thinking. When others get this thing, they will only gather elites and focus on completing a follow-up quest related to the 'Lost Ones'. But when he gets it, he thinks about how to scheme against people.
Never mind, I'll think about it another time.
After the minor incident, Yuki didn't rush to advance the plan. Instead, he lived a leisurely daily life, finding pleasure in watching the Judge fall into the 007 Abyss Grade like headless flies.
Go ahead and search, I'm hiding in my lair, practically invincible. I'll jump out and give you a good whack to get you on edge.
If it weren't for the unpredictable consequences of dragging things out too long, Yuki would have driven the Judge insane.
Time passed day by day, and with authority in Yuki's hands, the frequency of tasks assigned to the senior students and others became extremely high.
But everyone was busy, either familiarizing themselves with skills or calling on friends. However, Yuki was focused on being a shut-in and didn't seem like the mortal enemy of the Reincarnation Game at all.
The Valhalla was handling the search for allies, and suitable test subjects were being found; there was no need for him to rush. But this wasn't a single-player game, and about ten days later, things began to change.
"Hey, this is the intelligence Mom asked me to bring over."
Mona the sweat from her forehead and placed a stack of documents written with Chaos Item on the table. She had recently gone back to her parents' home to rest and was running errands for them.
"Thank you for your hard work." Yuki casually picked up a card. He wasn't just idling; he was still controlling everything from behind the scenes.
[Mebius is looking for me? How many times has this happened? Let her wait.]
Yuki glanced at it and tossed it aside. Mebius was too troublesome, and besides, things were going on right now. He'd be asking for trouble if he had nothing better to do.
[Judge of the Aether Particles retreating?]
Naturally, they couldn't find a single hair on the pile and were almost driven to PTSD by the disgust. There were plenty of places that needed manpower, so why put all their eggs in one basket?
Yuki thought for a while, then tossed it aside. Now was not the time for Frieren to meet with his teacher. After being tricked by that incredible skill, he was now being extra careful.
Let's wait a bit longer. They're no match for me in a battle of patience. Before long, the once-powerful 'Aether Particles' faction will be forgotten.
[War Orphans, Hunters, and Mechanical Believers have come into contact with the second phase?]
He thought about it for a while. The second stage was to find out what the Valhalla wanted to do and that they were potential partners, but he didn't know how to do it.
All three factions have had dealings with Yuki. Shiki Ryougi, considering her own life, would also choose her targets, and after deciding on the strategy of an early decisive battle, she became even more selective.
Absolutely reliable, never expanding its scope, and possessing absolute power.
"Suspend recruitment. If even the slightest bit of this information leaks out, the trouble it causes will be far greater than gaining a few more epic-level players."
"What are you writing?" Mona was idly swinging his legs nearby, craned his neck but couldn't see anything; the special paper had its intended reader predetermined.
"I'll let your mother rest for a bit. It's not good to always be dancing on the edge of a knife." Yuki put down his pen and said seriously, "The work of Lady Ryougi Shiki and the other Heroic Spirits is not simple either. It's extremely dangerous to cause trouble under the Judge's nose. If you're not careful, you can lose everything."
Yuki never felt that he should take all the credit for his bravery in the fight; in fact, he couldn't have completed this complex plan by himself.
With his vast network of connections and intelligence, and through countless tests and counter-tracking maneuvers, King Hassan dealt with countless tails and used countless precious items like the 'Golden Book'.
"You... you wouldn't happen to have feelings for my mom, would you?"
Smack
"Bullshit, I'm the God of War Pure Love."
Yuki gave her a sharp flick on the forehead. This brat's head was full of lewd thoughts. "Am I really that indiscriminate?" he thought.
Mona rubbed her head, indignantly saying, "Two pure love God of War, and they're partying every night."
"I didn't have any nights, don't talk nonsense." Yuki glared at her and continued scrolling down. "Also, my relationship with Hayasaka and Senpai was consensual, absolutely pure love."
"Yes, yes, yes, the God of War Pure Love is really amazing." Mona read aloud, her eyes darting around, "I forgot to mention, my mom asked me about it when I went back this time."
"What do you want to ask you?" Yuki immediately raised his head. The main reason he didn't attack Mona was because of Shiki Ryougi, his indispensable ally. Without her, he would have no chance against the Judge.
So he's been avoiding the topic. They handed their daughter over to you as a hostage, and you, instead, have taken care of her in bed, haven't you?
"Hey, you're nervous."
"No, it's just that there are certain things I can't ask her directly. Given our deeply intertwined relationship now, it doesn't matter whether you're a hostage or not."
Who is the hostage?!
Mona was very unhappy, but she also knew that this was her most essential identity, the price she had to pay to get close to 'Taiyi'. Yuki was also certain of the girl's preciousness before he dared to expose his secret.
"Mom just asked if I wanted to go home, since things have come to this point." The girl swung her bare feet, secretly glancing to the side. The man was writing furiously, which made her wrinkle her nose.
"Oh, what did you say?"
"Of course I want to go home. I don't know how many years I've worked Borderlands for this dream."
Yuki paused slightly with his pen, then continued writing.
"Don't worry, I can't guarantee anything from the other factions, but I will definitely send you back."
He hesitated!
A detail barely noticeable to the naked eye almost made Mona scream with excitement. Then, looking at that expressionless face, she quietly jumped off the chair.
"But I told her that I didn't have to go home. Anyway, I'm an adult now, and I can go wherever I want."
The man, who had his back to her, paused again, raised an eyebrow, and turned around. "Don't you want to see Dad?"
"The confusion of time and cause and effect means we might not even see each other again. My mother and I have different personalities; she can handle any outcome, but I'd probably cry myself to death." Mona's eyes were filled with fear. Returning because of someone was the most troublesome thing.
"When we return, will we still be on the original timeline? Will the memories related to the Reincarnation Game be erased? Everyone will go back to their own homes, and we definitely won't see Rin and Illya anymore. Was this friendship all for nothing?"
As Mona spoke, Yuki gently shook his head. This was the biggest difference between the other factions and 'Thorny Rose'.
Both the Thorny Rose come from the same Earth and can communicate one-way. Only a year has passed on Earth so far. No matter how they return, the fact that a few thousand more people have inexplicably appeared in the world won't cause any problems.
As for whether to erase memories related to the Reincarnation Game? Wouldn't that be double happiness, and I'd never have to worry about nightmares again?
But the 'Valhalla' is different from other factions. They have lived in the Reincarnation Game for too long, and their memories of their homeland have long been blurred. Instead, their comrades-in-arms are closer. But players ultimately come from different worlds.
Valhalla and other worlds have very similar lore, but wouldn't mixing them together create chaos?
"I'm sorry, I forgot that your situation and Frieren's are special; simply escaping this nightmare isn't enough." Yuki put down his pen, reached out and gently stroked Mona's head, and whispered, "So, what did you finally decide?"
"I just said, if allowed, I don't have to go back. My older brother and new friends are here." Mona rubbed against Yuki's hand with the ease of a kitten.
"But what about your mother?"
"Don't underestimate her. She'd rather I be happy than have to stay with her. After all, my friends are here, and—"
With a light step, she nestled into Yuki's arms, tilting her head and blinking her bright eyes.
Where is the person I like?
Chapter Thirteen: I'm Fighting Taiyi, Really?
Unlike Mai Sakurajima's coyness, Mena Ryougi always launched straightforward attacks, sometimes even resorting to ruthless methods.
That little brat is setting me up again.
Yuki wasn't stupid. When the soft, petite body nestled into his arms, he knew it was all planned, but he wouldn't resist.
This delicate little girl is being so direct; only a lunatic would resist.
"Wait, are you messing with me again?"
"Hmm, you pure love God of War really don't appeal to girls. Is this how you play pranks?" Mona wrinkled her nose and shook her finger seriously. "I'm not like Frieren, whose affection level isn't full, not like that stupid young lady who's too proud to admit it, and not like Hiyori -chan who's afraid of messing up everyone's relationship. I fell in love with you in the Nighttime Murder."
This direct approach was so blunt that Yuki started to doubt himself. It was just a normal trip, unlike his interactions with his senior, where he immediately started planning a trip after just one glance.
"Don't overthink it, I'm just a 'older man' type. It's because you're so capable, like a hero, that you're very attractive in the Reincarnation Game."
Wow, your flattery makes me so happy!
"To be honest, don't you always talk about '50 points for a doll'? In this godforsaken place, strong people are already incredibly attractive. If they also have principles, a gentle personality, and keep their promises, then they're practically perfect." Mona praised the person she liked without restraint, snuggling into his arms and listening to his strong heartbeat.
"Haven't you realized you're very popular with women?"
That's true.
Men need to be praised, Yuki immediately puffed out his chest. With Yomi Isayama in front and Mebius behind, based on his experience as a seasoned driver, he felt that conquering them wouldn't be difficult. It's just that there are too many secrets, so he doesn't dare to act recklessly.
"Hehe, getting proud. My elder brother is already extremely outstanding. Do you know how Mother will answer?"
What did she say?
"He didn't say anything, just asked me to deliver documents, and before leaving, he warned me not to make things difficult for you." Mona reached out, cupped Yuki's face, and said playfully, "I'm lying in your arms right now, brother, are you in a difficult position?"
Yuki gazed at the bright, beautiful face. She was a little devil with a long tail; you never knew when she would play a trick on you. But in his memory, Mena Ryougi had always stood behind him, never retreating.
"Since you've said it so plainly, I'll just be a beast then." Yuki tightened his grip on the petite body, only to find his arms suddenly empty as Mona slipped out like a fish.
"You... you... you're messing with my mind again?!"
Damn, to be able to fool even 'Taiyi' is no small feat.
"Don't rush, big brother. There are still 3 minutes and 17 seconds left. Senpai should be back soon and will come looking for you immediately. Then Ai-chan will track you down like she has radar. You're not going to be brave enough to do something reckless in front of both of them, are you?" Mona was still joking, her gaze slowly moving downwards. "Or are you saying you can finish the battle in 3 minutes?"
I'm so fast! And how did you get the exact time?!
Yuki gritted his teeth and decided to ignore the brat, only to have a document handed directly to him.
[Is Sukuna beginning its counterattack against the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons?]
He was taken aback, then frowned and looked up in confusion.
"I can't see the contents, but my mother told me this information is the most important."
Okay, so you've singled out the most important part, and you still dare to say there wasn't careful planning?
Yuki immediately understood everything. If he had seen this information from the beginning, he wouldn't have been in the mood to chat and joke with Mona. The timing of revealing it was even better, at least he avoided getting a couple of slaps on the head.
Knowing he had fallen into a trap, Yuki chose to swallow his anger, because this information was too important.
"The Judge finally couldn't resist taking the initiative; he'd go crazy if I kept messing with him."
The Judge weren't fools; they had been keeping a close eye on several key targets. Valhalla was a formidable fortress, and the only opportunity they could find was the 'Night Parade of One Hundred Demons'.
However, Yuki was a master of hiding his true intentions and had not contacted Satoru Gojo at all these days. Finally, he forced the other side to give up and use this piece on their own initiative.
Sukuna and the remaining evil spirits belong to ****, so it is only natural for them to launch a counterattack and settle scores. The Judge only needs to write the script and keep a close eye on every participant.
"This hook is too straight, you wouldn't be stupid enough to bite it, would you?" Mona sat up straight, looking obedient and serious.
Click.
Mai Sakurajima pushed open the door at exactly 3 minutes and 17 seconds. She peeked in and saw the two serious-looking people, clearly discussing something important. Her wary gaze instantly relaxed.
Two seconds later, Hayasaka Ai, dressed in a black and white maid outfit, indeed followed. She silently placed the coffee on the table, and seeing Yuki deep in thought, she grabbed her senior's sleeve and dragged her away.
Click.
The door closed again, Yuki saw Mona winking at him, and was momentarily dazed.
I feel like I've become part of some kind of game?
He had just felt a slight thrill and quickly wiped his face. This person's ability to turn a person into a little devil was truly amazing, but let's get back to the main point.
"Even if they don't bite, it's still quite troublesome. After all, the 'Night Parade of One Hundred Demons' is special, and this whole scheme has been planned for a long time."
Yuki turned a page; the page contained a long-term surveillance report from Valhalla. It stated that countless players throughout the Borderlands, calling themselves "Taiyi," were soliciting money and selling all sorts of counterfeit treasure maps. Sukuna was one of them, but it was somewhat different.
"He claims to have been defeated by a disguised 'Taiyi'? The Judge have remained silent on this?" Mona understood instantly upon hearing Yuki read it aloud.
Impersonating 'Taiyi' is a high-risk shady business. You might actually find a fool to give you money, but you'll also be hunted down by the Judge. No one dares to openly say that 'Taiyi' is related to them.
Another thing is 'The Hunter' Li Dan. He did use this pseudonym before, and the investigation by the Judge caused quite a stir.
"The players are observing, observing whether the order is truly shaken, whether 'Taiyi' is an existence that can rival the Reincarnation Game." Yuki bit his pen, having already gone beyond the surface clues.
"Let them see it then, they're not going to help anyway."
"No, 'Taiyi' is a banner, a banner that ambitious people, self-redeemers, and onlookers all need. The reason the waters of the Borderlands are muddied is precisely because 'Taiyi' has given them hope."
Yuki explained the true nature of his life: his current comfortable existence was built on taking advantage of the chaos. Why was the Borderlands so chaotic?
That's Dio Brando's blood, the result of repeatedly outmaneuvering the Judge. Whatever you want to do, as long as 'Taiyi' can still fight against the Reincarnation Game, you'll feel safe.
When the sky falls, the tallest person holds it up.
"No wonder you don't like to show your face in public; having too much fame is a bad thing." Mona finally Yuki why Yuuki had become a couch potato, but she still shook her head. "But that doesn't mean you should take such a risk. The Judge have definitely dug a huge pit; maybe Satoru Gojo and his group have already been turned."
Being forced to do something by circumstances is foolish, and Yuki has never cared about reputation.
"Of course I can't go, but this is also an opportunity. Let me think of a way to turn the tables on him." Yuki stroked his chin, deep in thought.
This is a multi-layered trap. If you stand idly by, will you intervene next time the Valhalla Heroes is attacked? Those allies only dared to bet because you have a way to escape the game and the ability to fight against it. Won't some of them surrender and lose half their money?