I'm Not a Flame-Chaser - Chapter 589

It seems we can't avoid this issue.

He showed the two the wristwatch on his wrist to let them know that he was also a contestant, and then spoke in a gentle tone as much as possible, "Do you know any other Herrscher?"

"I know him," Bronya glanced at the boy and answered coldly.

"Are all the Herrscher your enemies?"

Lin asked this question because not only him, but also Yue was Herrscher. She was indeed an enemy of humanity at first, but later she stopped harming humans.

Therefore, not all Herrscher are enemies of humanity.

This statement essentially revealed her identity, so after exchanging glances with the boy, Bronya did not have the mechanical android behind her lower its weapons, but she did lower the cannon muzzle slightly to maintain a relatively safe distance while talking to him.

Before this, Bronya had already witnessed many strange and unusual phenomena in the Quantum Sea, and had also met some people whose faces were familiar but whose inner selves were different, so her ability to accept things had improved considerably.

"Let me explain."

The boy stepped out of the mechanical shield and met Lin's gaze without fear. His voice was childish, but his tone was mature.

"Sir, how should I address you?"

"Forest."

"Mr. Lin, you can call me Joachim. This is Bronya Zaychek. We are not natives of this World Bubble, and you probably don't belong to this world either. We've observed the other participants for two days, and none of them, including the competition staff, belong to this World Bubble."

Joachim communicated with Lin with the maturity he had already shown. He looked at the city called Changkong City and said solemnly, "You may not believe it, but this World Bubble was not originally like this. It was originally a world that I created to store important things and to test other life forms."

Lin didn't interrupt Joachim; he crossed his arms and remained calm.

Joachim observed all of this and formed a preliminary impression of Lin's composure. He then continued to explain, "Bronya was the one who was to complete my test. She was supposed to find what I had stored in this third world that I had set up, but an accident occurred. The inside of the World Bubble underwent a tremendous change, and I lost control of it."

"Stop." Lin called out, asking, "Did the change in this World Bubble occur before the start of the competition?"

He asked this because he wanted to know if Joachim was the organizer of the Grand Prix, and whether he had met him when he entered the World Bubble.

"I didn't originally set up this Great Elf Tournament in the World Bubble, so I didn't organize the Grand Prix." Joachim gave Lin's probing answer frankly, his expression not very pleasant. "As for the reason for this change, and the organizer of this competition, I have a guess."

At that moment, Bronya suddenly asked, "A snake?"

Joachim nodded with a deep expression.

Snake?

This was an unfamiliar word. Lin searched his mind but couldn't find any related elements about the Quantum Sea. There was no record of any snake-like creatures in the database that could change the World Bubble. Could it be that this "snake" was just a metaphor?

"So, the 'snake' is the organizer? What is that?"

"He is a 'phenomenon' that wants to invade the reality of our world; he is our enemy." Joachim said, a hint of fear flashing in his eyes as he spoke of the "serpent." "In my battle with him, I lost my original body and could only use my remaining strength to isolate reality from the Quantum Sea and prevent the 'serpent' from obtaining that item."

"I can sense that the thing is in a building in the center of the city, and that building can only be opened with seven Poké Ball, so we decided to collect all seven Poké Ball."

After they finished speaking, the two looked at Lin, waiting for his response.

The black-haired man coldly swept his gaze across the two faces, pondering and recalling.

About thirty seconds later, Lin lowered his hand.

"First of all, I cannot verify the truth of what you say. In this World Bubble, there are other companions of mine who may also know some inside information. In exchange, I must give them the Poké Ball. So whether or not to give you the Poké Ball will need to be discussed with my companions before a decision can be made." Lin Yan succinctly told the two his thoughts without any concealment. "Secondly, you did not specify what 'that item' is."

"..."

Lin's last words made the atmosphere tense again.

Lin understood Joachim's thoughts and was worried that Lin coveted "that item," since they didn't need "a wish," which meant it was an item more precious than a wish.

"Hmph, 'that kind of item', could it be an extraterrestrial object even more precious than the wish-granting machine that can turn back time and grant infinite lifespan? No wonder you two remained inactive after joining the tournament. It turns out you didn't give up on the Poké Ball competition, but were waiting for the right opportunity."

At this moment, another girl's voice, which also sounded young, broke the stiff atmosphere.

But this voice startled Lin. He turned around blankly and saw...

"Theresa?"

The New Testament: Afterword of the Dirac Sea 105: Lin Qing

Without a doubt, the person standing in front of Lin was the vampire girl, Theresa, with whom he had a deep relationship in the previous World Bubble... Really?

The silver-haired girl before them truly looked exactly like Theresa, with flawless skin, Xiao Ke figure, and emerald green eyes...

Wait, turquoise?

Of course, eye color was not the basis for Lin to deduce her identity. The key was that the girl was dressed elegantly and in an antique style. A blue cloak with tassels was draped over her slender body, and her hair was tied up with a hairpin. On her pretty face, which was covered by a feather fan, her blue eyes reflected the man's figure.

Her appearance not only stunned Lin, but also caused the two otherworldly visitors not far away to react to her elegant face.

"Ah, this gentleman actually knows the name we have long since abandoned, which makes us feel somewhat nostalgic." The girl, who looked just like Theresa but exuded the ancient charm of China, lightly tapped her feather fan and smiled politely. "But I suppose the 'Theresa' you know is not me."

Lin was momentarily lost in the illusion created by the striking resemblance in appearance. The girl's soft laughter brought him back to reality. However, he did not notice that when the gentle girl uttered her last sentence, a hint of ambiguous expectation flickered in her clear eyes.

What is she expecting?

She stared calmly at Lin, the kite fluttering in the air swirling in her eyes.

"...Yes."

As expected, Lin gave the answer, and Joachim and Bronya nodded slightly in agreement, indicating that the girl was not the one they knew.

A fleeting look of dismay crossed the girl's cool and aloof eyes, but it vanished in the blink of an eye. She smiled and nodded in greeting, "You may address me as 'Stargazer' or 'Sir.' I have lived through many years, and I have been addressed in more than ten different ways. There is no need to dwell on it."

Stargazer.

It seems these are the members of the last team.

"Having listened to your conversation, we have a general understanding of the matter. We never expected that the most precious thing in this strange world is not the wishing machine, but something else entirely." After the Stargazer's opening remarks, he continued the previous conversation, "What you are saying is quite interesting, isn't it, Mr. Assassin?"

"?"

"..."

Mr. Assassin, who is he?

Lin, Bronya, and Joachim exchanged bewildered glances, their eyes all asking each other, "Are you Mr. Assassin?"

But the bewilderment they all conveyed expressed one thing in the most straightforward way—

"I don't know."

After smiling with her eyes closed for two seconds, and receiving no response, Guan Stargazer paused and remained silent for a few seconds before letting out a soft chuckle, "Sorry, I misspoke. Don't worry about it. Mr. Lin, you also find their talk of 'snake' and 'that kind of thing' quite interesting, don't you?"

So, were you asking Lin just now?

"... Whether there's a second thought or not is another matter." Lin (holding his hands in his pockets), his cold eyes hidden behind Liu Sihai's bar, said coldly, "I'd like to know more about what 'that item' actually is. Your answers will determine whether I choose to help you."

"No, we can't fully trust you." Bronya coldly rejected Lin as well. The information they had just given them was all they could tell them.

A complete stranger they had just met... or even whether he was human or not, a man exuding danger made Bronya and Joachim begin to wonder if he might be "Snake".

"Even old friends with white hair still draw their swords, let alone in this Great Elf Tournament where everyone is vying for 'wishes'. Isn't it a bit insincere for you two to try to get Poké Ball from someone else?" As the situation was about to enter a third stalemate, Lin Qing Stargazer intervened again. She murmured, "However, if one Poké Ball isn't enough to sway you two, then I'm also interested in the treasure you've mentioned. I'll add another Poké Ball. Will that be enough to pry open your mouths?"

With a deft flick of her wrist, a Poké Ball appeared in her palm. She gently patted her feather fan and smiled calmly.

This puzzled Lin, who looked at her a few times. Was it really okay to give away Poké Ball just because she was interested? Wouldn't it have been better for her to find a way to get the remaining Poké Ball and go see for herself?

"Heh, Lin Qing's eyes seem to be asking why we are willing to offer up our precious Poké Ball?" Stargazer chuckled and shook his head. "I was once a king; what is a single wish to me?"

It's hard to believe that this girl, who is about the same age as Theresa, was once a queen of a country. No wonder her way of speaking is a bit strange.

It's not clear what she's really thinking yet, but having the Stargazer Poké Ball, giving them a total of two Poké Ball, has indeed shaken Bronya and Joachim's resolve. After all, getting two Poké Ball at once is undoubtedly a huge step forward. If they wanted to collect Poké Ball themselves, they would have to snatch them from Lin, who is suspected to Herrscher, not to mention the other four teams.

"Can we discuss this?" Bronya hesitated for a moment before asking the two who each held a Poké Ball.

Lin nodded, and Stargazer did not object.

Lin is now somewhat worried. If the delay goes on for too long, Rita might come knocking on his door at any time, and then the situation will change again.

Fortunately, Bronya and her group didn't have much time to discuss things, and they quickly came up with a plan.

Joachim stepped forward to negotiate. Facing the two men, who had different yet equally intimidating demeanors, he said without backing down, "We promise to tell you what 'that thing' is, but in exchange, we hope to receive your help."

"... I said it depends on the situation."

Lin wouldn't agree to an unrealistic promise based on empty talk before the truth has even been revealed.

"We don't need you to collect the Poké Ball for us; we just hope you won't interfere while we're collecting them."

"..."

Neither Stargazer nor Lin responded. Lin remained calm and focused on Joachim, while Stargazer gave a cold, light laugh, looking down at Joachim like a king. Joachim couldn't help but sigh.

"The essence of 'that thing' is... my Herrscher Core."

"..."

There were not many surprises.

When Lin saw Joachim, he immediately recognized Joachim's identity as Herrscher and refused to tell Lin the truth. Lin had already made a hunch about this, and now, the truth is that his guess was correct.

Bronya carefully observed Lin's expression, making sure he didn't show any strange reaction to the Herrscher Core.

"Herrscher Core..."

Stargazer shook her head in disappointment, then gave Lin beside her a meaningful look.

"For us, it's better to have 'a wish'."

New Testament: Afterword of the Dirac Sea: Chapter 106 The Dream of the Stone and Fire

Time flies, and the Huang Kingdom has stood for a thousand years, its lights shining brightly.

Heavy snowflakes fluttered down, turning the night white. The cold wind howled through the night, and in the royal palace of the Huang Kingdom, under the bright lamps, documents flew about.

The silver-haired Empress sat quietly by the window, his bright eyes sweeping over the heavy documents on his desk. He lingered for a moment on the stunning and unique portrait in the room, then tugged at his pale blue cloak and looked out towards the bustling imperial city beyond the bright night sky.

"Call..."

The white mist melted into the falling snow and rain.

When the Great Cold arrived, the people of the Huang Kingdom raised their heads high. The warm sun rose slowly outside Huangyue City, illuminating the weariness on the beautiful, ageless face of the Sage King toiled for everything, just to bring peace and prosperity to his people and to ensure their families could be reunited. He also blessed Huang Kingdom to pass through the next millennium.

The snow fell silently at night, and the clamor outside the palace seemed far away.

However, the silence was short-lived. Someone pushed open the door and entered the room without any etiquette befitting Empress.

Such rude people, if not assassins, are either ignorant servants. The former should be caught, dragged out and beheaded, and the latter should also be scolded.

But the silver-haired girl pursed her lips slightly, lifted her long hair, and her brows lacked the majesty of an emperor, but had more of a girlish gentleness. Her youthful curves were dreamlike and ethereal under the snowy night, like a person who had stepped out of a portrait.

What came into view was a black-haired man in a blue robe, resembling a wandering swordsman. He was cold and silent, completely out of place in the imperial palace with its jade lamps, pearl curtains, and gold pillars. He had a flawless face befitting a Huang Kingdom, yet he carried a hint of the coldness of a foreigner from the east.

The Empress chuckled, closed the thin book, and looked at the approaching man, extending his flawless white hand. "Heh, why is Lin Qing seeking me out instead of celebrating with the people?"

The man naturally took her hand and helped the young Empress down from the windswept windowsill. He casually brushed the downy feathers off her cloak and said calmly, "Your Majesty doesn't share the joy with the people. Even on this chilly day, you're still burdened with official duties. So I think you might catch a cold. I don't want the palace maids to be serving tea, medicine, and water to wipe your body every day from now on. It's best to avoid doing things that can be avoided."

"Oh? So Lin Qing doesn't like me being taken care of?"

The Empress wasn't angry; she simply smiled.

"Does Your Majesty really have to act like a child, needing to be served tea and water and have your body wiped?" the man retorted.

"Many officials in the court say that I have a childlike temperament. Very well, I will appoint Lin Qing to serve me tea and water and wipe my body from today onwards. What do you say?" The Empress smiled easily, indeed as those criticisms suggested, full of childlike temperament.

"... Your Majesty, I don't want to hear rumors tomorrow that the king and prime minister who have ruled Huang Kingdom for a thousand years are indulging in debauchery in the palace."

"Haha, Lin Qing is really good at joking. Who dares to talk about me? And who dares to talk about Lin Qing?" The Empress's eyes flashed with cold light, and his smile turned cold. "A thousand years ago, Lin Qing and I slew the giant serpent, controlled the floods, and built the natural barrier, expanding the Loess Plateau to the west to the barbarians and to the far east. Five hundred years ago, we quelled the chaos, cured the stubborn diseases, and executed the criminal officials, protecting the army and the people and bringing peace to the world."

"For a thousand years, I have ruled the Sacred Huang without harming a single sage or commoner, ensuring its continued prosperity. Lin Qing has eradicated all evil and protected the peace and well-being of the nation. It is as if the saint worshipped by thousands in the high hall has been resurrected. I shall be called the only king in the world, and Lin Qing is a hero descended from the heavens!"

A cold, imposing aura emanated from his sharp blue eyes. No one in the court dared to look him in the eye. Even though this divinely gifted wise king had maintained his youthful appearance for a thousand years, no one dared to treat him as a young, mischievous child.

"As for those arrogant, extravagant, and lewd fools who devour the nation's lifeblood, I spared their lives only to prolong the peace of the past century. If I ever entertain such thoughts again, I will cut off their heads and display them throughout the city!"

A few words cannot fully express the hardships and tribulations of the past thousand years.

Between the lines of the history books in the library lies a history built upon countless corpses and blood, where ghosts and monsters wreaked havoc on the land, causing immense suffering; foreign tribes invaded the Central Plains, devouring flesh and drinking blood; treacherous officials abused their power, making life unbearable for the people. The ink on the brush was ground from the blood of the people of the Huang Kingdom, each word written with profound weight.

And at the very beginning of that history was the name of this emperor who reigned only once every thousand years.

"Hmph, talking about rotten meat on such a fine day is such a downer."

With eyes closed and eyes open, the emperor dispersed the faint anger in his phosphorescent eyes, calmly standing before the five windows, his hands placed behind him, his bright starry eyes gazing at the lush lights under the heavy snow, and he couldn't help but reveal a faint smile.

The man placed his hands on her shoulders, and she looked into his deep eyes. Even though her mind was as calm as a still pond, she was still stirred by his gaze.

This golden age was created by her, and it will continue through her.

The Empress was born lonely, but fortunately, on that day when frost and snow were falling outside the city, he encountered a commoner with black hair, and thus yin and yang were harmonized, one black and one white, for eternal peace.

Lin Qing was not interested in women or wine, like a Daoist priest outside the mortal world. It was said that he would stand in the courtyard with a scroll in his hand and be seen by palace maids. In their youth, they would secretly fall in love with him. Now, a thousand years later, there are tens of thousands of such women.