"What on earth are you talking about?"
Tohka frowned in displeasure.
Lingmeng did not answer. She merely signaled to Kurumi with her eyes that she could shoot.
Kurumi wasted no words. She pulled the trigger without hesitation.
A black bullet shot from the barrel and struck Lingmeng in the chest. At once, Lingmeng felt her consciousness begin to separate from her body.
... A change of scene ...
"..."
Lingmeng slowly opened her eyes and found herself somewhere both familiar and strange.
This was not the Tengu City she remembered, but a vast expanse of white that stretched beyond sight.
"Where am I...?"
Lingmeng frowned in confusion.
Had her trip through time failed and brought her to some unfamiliar place?
No, perhaps "unfamiliar" was not quite right.
She seemed to have been here before...
As if to confirm her suspicion, a young girl's voice came from behind her.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the Strongest Spirit. It's only been a few days. How did you get so pathetic?"
"—!"
Lingmeng would recognize that voice even if its owner had been reduced to ashes.
She hurriedly turned around.
Standing there was a little girl with long golden hair and blue eyes.
The girl had her hands on her hips and an arrogant look on her face.
Staring at this old acquaintance she had not seen in so long, Lingmeng pointed at her and cried out in surprise.
"Xier Ya!? What are you doing here!?"
That was right. The little brat before her was none other than Xier Ya!
Xier Ya frowned at Lingmeng's reaction.
"What? Aren't you happy to see the wise and beautiful Lady Xier Ya?"
"Oh, please. Have some shame. Why did you drag me here this time? Did I unknowingly crush you in another game?"
"I told