The Sinner of the Elysian Realm.
Aponia used this term to refer to herself.
It was a new phrase.
Ye Feng couldn't help but laugh, "So, what sin has Mother Aponia committed?"
The compassionate nun lifted her gaze towards Ye Feng, her eyes filled with helplessness, but even more so with affection.
"The chains of fate, once loosened, will drag you into an even greater whirlpool. What is destined cannot be resisted."
"Really? I don't believe that."
Aponia softly replied, "Because I cannot resist you."
"I see, so Mother Aponia is blaming me then."
"Please don't say such things. You know I would never blame you, Ye Feng."
There was a look of pain in Aponia's eyes.
Ye Feng had no choice but to carry her back to the bedroom, comforting her until she momentarily forgot her worldly troubles.
...
...
Meanwhile, Mei still hadn't found Mr. Ye Feng.
Back in reality, Kiana had no clue either.
Although Mei could sense something off about Kiana, her refined upbringing as a lady kept her from prying too deeply.
Kiana seemed quite happy, though, so Mei saw no reason to worry.
Kiana had plenty of reasons to be happy.
She had learned news about her father, and after a whole night, the number had only dropped to 97.
This was going well.
Kiana had figured out the key to victory: attack is the best defense.
As long as she stayed on the offensive, Ye Feng wouldn't have time to act.
"Hmph, trying to beat me? Not a chance," Kiana thought confidently. She clenched her fist, already imagining Ye Feng's defeat in six days.
That thought would surely be satisfying.
Even though this was exciting, the events in those blurry dreams... were they really her?
Kiana didn't ask Ye Feng.
Even if she denied it wholeheartedly, deep down, she already knew the answer.
Or rather, because she had an answer, she didn't want to ask.
Kiana looked up at the sky, feeling lost and confused.
"No, no!"
She shook her head vigorously.
"Even that jerk Ye Feng can't beat me. There's nothing left to fear!"
Kiana, full of confidence, clenched her fists.
Her aura was as if she could conquer the world.
"Kiana,"
Bronya appeared from behind.
"Huh? Oh, it's the little one."
Kiana was feeling a bit cocky.
She only used that nickname when they bickered, but today she said it right away.
Bronya: (ᗜ ‸ ᗜ)
"Is something wrong?"
"Never mind. Bronya won't argue with you. Himeko-sensei called us to the office."
"To the office? Why?"
"Probably about the Stigmata Ruins. The exploration mission has been assigned."
Mei approached them, looking cheerful, "Our combat suits are ready too!"
Kiana froze, "Why didn't I know about this?"
Bronya responded expressionlessly, "Because silly Kiana overslept."
"Ah, right, that... eh heh heh."
Kiana scratched the back of her head nervously.
Mei glanced at her, and Kiana lowered her head even more, not daring to meet her gaze.
---
In the Elysian Realm.
A dark green shadow appeared in the sacred church.
Aponia awoke from her dream, staring ahead.
"..."
Silence.
"..."
Regret.
"..."
Then, determination.
"What kind of expression is that?"
A seductive yet dangerous voice drifted from the dark green light.
Soon, a sultry figure emerged, a graceful yet eerie presence—the jade-green eyes of a snake held the secret of "infinity."
"Mobius... I didn't expect you to be the first to arrive."
This was Aponia's "deepest place."
Even for other Flame-Chasers, reaching this place wasn't easy.
Sometimes, it required a price.
In fact, over the past 50,000 years, other Flame-Chasers had almost never arrived.
After all, Aponia in the Elysian Realm was fundamentally different from the others.
"Aponia~~"
Mobius, with her snake-like body, leaned against her armor. Her vertical snake pupils locked onto Aponia as she smiled sweetly, though dangerously.
"Did you leave the Elysian Realm just now?"
"..."
"There's no need to deny it. I know everything that happens here."
"I didn't intend to deny it, nor would I resist. Since it is fate's arrangement, I will embrace it."
"Heh, see? That's why we don't get along. Fate is something to be broken. The meaning of life shouldn't be confined by fate. The 'infinite' possibilities are what I pursue."
Mobius stretched out her alluring body, her snake-like waist twisting as her upper body leaned forward slightly.
"But even if we don't get along, if there's value, we can still cooperate. Aponia, how about we make a deal?"
"A deal with the snake? Mobius, this won't be as simple as you think."
"That's something I'll decide for myself. I only want to know if you're willing."
"Are you sure about the deal? The cost could be high."
"On the path of evolution, I've never cared about any cost."
Mobius smiled seductively, "Now, tell me, how exactly did you leave the Elysian Realm?"
---
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