Quadruple split.

Chapter 2618 Crossing
Game time AM06:29
Anka Market, outside the main market, in front of a food stall

"Whoosh~ Hah~!"

Xueyin stretched comfortably, basking in the golden-red morning light, and said with a smile to her companions, "I had so much fun! Xueyin will treat you to breakfast!"

"Um... let's just skip breakfast?"

Chris, the supervisory bureau's contracted guide who had been dragged around eating and drinking by Xueyin all night, turned pale at the mere mention of the word "food." He instinctively clutched his stomach and gave a polite but not very appropriate smile that was hardly more like a grimace: "I have to go to work at the Adventurers' Guild at noon. I need to go back and catch up on some sleep now, um."

In fact, when Chris first realized that Miss Xueyin really intended to pay for everyone's meal, she was enjoying her food very much. However, since she was not from another world, although her appetite was not small, it was at most about 60% of Ya Ya's. In addition, she usually couldn't eat as much as she wanted because of her figure management. She couldn't eat anymore after fighting for less than an hour.

But Xueyin didn't care about her complaints and continued eating and drinking as usual. Not only did she eat, but she also coaxed and tricked others into eating with her. Mo Tan, Ji Xiaoge, and Jiali were alright; although they ate normally outside the game, they had the same bottomless pit of appetite as other players online. But the others suffered...

As for Ya Ya, although she can eat, loves to eat, and enjoys eating, there is a limit to how much she can eat. Fortunately, after realizing that Ya Ya couldn't eat much, Xue Yin almost stopped coaxing her. However, Chris and the bodyguard sent by the regulatory bureau were not so lucky.

Although they were also struggling, when Xueyin looked at them with her pitiful, bright, aggrieved, and hesitant eyes—like those of a small animal abandoned in a cardboard box, exposed to wind, sun, and rain for days—and timidly took out what she thought was a delicious treat, wanting to share it with them—

It's really hard to refuse!!!

But now that they had left the black market, the two knew that if they didn't insist on refusing, they might really be stuffed to death by this girl. So when Xueyin offered to treat everyone to breakfast, Chris immediately took the initiative and said that he couldn't eat any. Then he took his leave with the orc bodyguard next to him who was nodding his head like a woodpecker.

They've almost left afterimages as they run.

"What? We've been out all night, a little bit more won't make a difference."

Xueyin muttered something with a hint of regret, then asked the stall owner for breakfast for one hundred people.

That's right, it's enough for one hundred people.

However, no one was surprised by this, since Mo Tan and the others knew very well that Xue Yin intended to take this breakfast back to improve the meals of the girls.

After all, although the food provided by the regulatory bureau is nutritionally balanced and tastes good, it is a relatively formal portable food. Even if the price is much higher than that of roadside breakfast stalls, girls who have been eating the same food for several days should be happy to change their taste a little.

"Have a heart."

Looking at Xueyin, who was slurping some kind of bean dessert, Mo Tan, in his current persona, gave her a rare, heartfelt compliment.

"hey-hey."

Xueyin simply smiled reservedly and didn't say anything more.

"I've made you spend quite a bit today."

As Ji Xiaoge fiddled with the brick-sized [Ascension Fire Steel] in her hand, its surface crackling with red sparks like electricity yet maintaining a constant temperature, she winked at Xue Yin: "If there's a chance next time, how about I take you to Tianzhu Mountain?"

"Okay, okay!"

Xueyin immediately agreed and said with a smile, "But as I said before, all the expenses today were covered by the head of the household. Xueyin didn't spend any money herself!"

Ji Xiaoge shook her head, and just as she was about to say something, she felt a weight on her shoulder. Turning her head, she saw that Ya Ya, who had just had a great time all night, was already asleep leaning against her, and her beautiful animal ears were pressed tightly against her hair, as if she had turned on silent mode.

"Woof~ Woof ha~"

The drowsy dog ​​mumbled a couple of times, flicked its tail, and then skillfully raised its little hand to grab one of Ji Xiaoge's wings and drape it over itself, as if it were covered with a warm down comforter.

At first, she would get cramps, but now she can adjust the angle of her wings to match Ya Ya's. Ji Xiaoge chuckled and rubbed the dog's head on her shoulder with a helpless sigh: "This girl..."

"Then we'll head straight back to the [Destruction King Mercenary Group] to rest in a bit."

Mo Tan couldn't help but raise his hand and rub the dog girl's head, then said to the two people sitting opposite him, "Thanks to you, I've learned a lot tonight. I hope we can get together again in the future."

Driven by some inexplicable competitive spirit, Jiali also gave her idol a playful rub on the head, then smiled politely and warmly, saying, "Our troublemaker has caused everyone some trouble today."

"Woo!"

Because her mouth was full of desserts, Xueyin couldn't speak, so she could only glare angrily at her childhood friend, trying her best to look fierce.

Then--

"Also, I'd like to know how far things have progressed regarding the resettlement of those victims."

Mo Tan turned to look at the spider that had appeared at the table at some point, almost perfectly concealing its presence, and asked calmly, "If there's anything we can do to help, please let us know."

Spider, who felt increasingly unfathomable about the 'uncrowned king' before her, yet felt no resistance, smiled and sat gracefully next to Carrie, saying in a light tone, "First, there are the laborers at the [Hill Excavation Site]. We have contacted the Pharmacist Association through relevant channels and commissioned them to analyze and research drugs that can interfere with the victims' minds. Given that the ingredients are not very complex, we should be able to draw conclusions within half a month and begin preparing for treatment."

"Ah."

Although it was clear that it would be more appropriate for 'Tanmo' to ask, Mo Tan was certain that he would not spare even half a second to care about such matters while in a state of 'chaotic neutrality', so he could only inquire about the progress himself. He nodded slightly and continued to ask, "And then?"

"After completing treatment, if anyone wants to return to their original life, we will provide a portion of the expenses from the [Soot Bug] fund to ensure they do not immediately fall into a difficult situation after regaining their freedom."

Spider took the Hellish Sour Bamboo Shoot Drink that Xueyin handed her, which she had brought back from the black market. After taking a sip of this drink that was so sour it could make your teeth itch (physically), she said calmly, "As for those who are homeless, or who feel lost or desperate about life and are at a loss, the Clown Card will provide them with a job."

Knowing full well that she hadn't participated in the specific steps, Mo Tan wasn't nervous. She simply asked calmly, "What kind of work?"

“A proper and respectable job.” Spider smiled and said in a light tone, “Like washing dishes in a bar, and I can guarantee they’ll always be free.”

"A very good arrangement."

Mo Tan cast an admiring glance at the spider, then asked, "So, what are your plans regarding the girl we rescued from the [music venue]?"

"Thanks to Her Highness the Princess, their psychological trauma has almost completely healed. As for their resettlement..."

Spider frowned slightly and remained silent for about two seconds before continuing, "Considering that they currently lack the ability to protect themselves and that most of their past memories are hazy, most people feel somewhat lost about the future, except for a small number who clearly express their desire to go home and are clear about their destiny."

Mo Tan nodded: "So?"

"While I was still weighing the options, I received a call from another superior."

Spider rubbed his temples, looking somewhat troubled, and said with a subtle expression, "That person is currently overseeing everything at our headquarters. He recently sent a message to me, saying that he can guarantee the safety of the female victims and make proper arrangements for them. However, considering that you may not be familiar with the other 'trump card,' I haven't given immediate feedback..."

Mo revealed a barely perceptible smile and asked calmly, "So, do you think that ace is reliable? Just in this matter."

“If we’re talking specifically about this, I think she can be trusted.”

Having been shared a great deal of information about Futaba by someone, Spider, who had already made a judgment in his heart, gave his answer without hesitation, saying seriously, "Moreover, compared to me personally, that lady who is under the leadership of the organization like my direct superior can obviously mobilize more resources. According to my calculations, she will most likely place them in the properties of the Free City, Academy City, and the Violet Empire respectively."

Knowing that Shuangye still had some principles in certain aspects, Mo Tan nodded slightly. Although she was completely relieved, she still asked rather formally, "Then, can you promise to continue to pay attention to those who have been 'properly resettled' and ensure that they are not mistreated?"

“I will make this request to another ace. If that person cannot meet it, even if she holds a superb position in the organization, she will not be able to take anyone away from me.”

Spider's expression turned solemn as he said to Mo Tan, "This is my personal promise to you."

"I believe you, Lady Spider."

Mo Tan nodded and smiled, "In that case, let's do it your way. You can add Ye Ge as a friend and update her on the girls' recent situation every now and then."

While holding Ya Ya in her arms and listening attentively to Mo Tan talking about serious matters, Ji Xiaoge immediately nodded her head like a little dove pecking at rice: "Yes, yes, add me, add me!"

So Ji Xiaoge happily added Spider as a friend, and after exchanging pleasantries for a while, they disbanded on the spot with less than fifteen minutes left before the server shutdown, and went their separate ways.

Spider, Carrie, and Xueyin naturally returned to the temporary base of the [Clown Card] in the Missy Villa area, while Mo Tan, Ji Xiaoge, and Ya Ya went straight to the headquarters of the [Destruction King Mercenary Group] in Burning Bear Street. At the hospitality of their Highland friends, the Paw Patrol would stay there before leaving Anka.

Like two parallel lines, the [Woof Woof Adventurer Team] and [Clown Card] glanced at each other briefly before naturally crossing paths and continuing on their own steadfast ways, without waving goodbye or taking anything away.

Perhaps, in the not-too-distant or far-off future, they will cross paths again, sparking unknown flames that may burn someone, but at least for now, this little connection has already run its course.

The pitch-black dagger will once again lie dormant in the darkness, awaiting its opportune moment; the dazzling sword will also cut through obstacles on the right path, just as always.

Until at a sudden intersection, they were stopped by stubborn rocks on each other's roads.

The black mud that could freeze the sword's edge would be devoured by an even more unpredictable madness.

The barrier that can cleave through a dagger will be shattered by a judgment that can cut through the long night.

……

"Different road non-phase plan."

On the way back, bathed in the morning light, Xueyin smiled radiantly. She turned meaningfully to look at the street, now devoid of any trace of Mo Tan and the others, and gradually bustling with activity. Her eyes, which had been clear and bright just a moment ago, instantly dimmed, yet seemed to flicker with a glimmer of starlight: "But the road is so long, how can we be destined to be forever separated, never to meet again?"

Carrie lazily draped her butler's coat over her shoulders, fully enjoying the dawn that was essentially bathed in starlight, ignoring her restless best friend beside her, who was clearly used to her fickle nature.

Spider, walking beside Xueyin, smiled and asked this idol, who was as enigmatic as a kaleidoscope, "How was the harvest, Your Highness?"

"It was a failed concert, darling."

Despite her best efforts to hold on, she couldn't stop a certain 'point of doubt' that she had repeatedly emphasized she should remember from slipping through her fingers. As she stretched her delicate and slender body with her hands raised high, Xueyin said leisurely, "Also, there are methods in this world that are very terrifying to us players, methods that can break through 'restrictions' and 'rules' and thus affect us. It's a pity, but that's all I remember."

"I see. I will report this to you, sir."

Spider nodded slightly, about to say something more, when suddenly he heard a beautiful melody coming from a jewelry store that had just opened for business not far away. He couldn't help but exclaim softly, "What a beautiful tune."

"To be precise, it should be the most beautiful piece of music in the game [The Realm of Innocence], composed by the famous music master of the Griffin Empire in the year 9352 of the Holy Calendar, the beautiful Duchess Flor Red Branch. It is a masterpiece that can be called the most brilliant gem in the art world, and in my opinion, it has reached the 'limit of mortals'."

Xueyin narrowed her eyes, and unusually, expressed her artistic insights with a serious attitude—

"And in the hands of that legendary songstress, Corliss Clotilde, this piece even transcends the shackles of the mortal world, becoming a 'true art' that even someone as proud as myself cannot help but be captivated by, something that the more famous Duchess Flore could never, ever, ever achieve."

"You seem to have a very high opinion of that Ms. Corliss Clotilde."

"Of course, as the singer who left the deepest impression on Xueyin in this world, if she were still alive, she would very likely become my soulmate."

"Your kindred spirit?"

"She's a genius who can realize just how terrifying Xueyin is when she starts singing seriously~"

Chapter 2609: The End
(End of this chapter)