Miss Riddler just wants to level up in peace.

She was fooled once before in New Zealand.

And they were incredibly arrogant, actually saying they didn't care what the other people did.

Cocolia pondered how to probe Ziyao's true intentions.

[Ding! You have obtained 355 crystals.....]

[Ding! You have obtained 177 crystals.....]

【….】

The system space kept popping up notifications that a crystal had been obtained.

Ziyao opened the affection indicator that she hadn't used in a long time and found that the other person didn't really like her.

Cocolia is always on your guard, affection level 4

[You are Bronya's important friend and trustworthy older sister, with a favorability rating of 86.]

[Grey Snake thinks you're an imposter and very suspicious; favorability rating: 12]

?

I scanned something strange.

Ziyao didn't know what she had done to offend Cocolia. They had been talking a good time, so why was her expression getting worse?

Is it because he brought Bronya here?

After all, the cameras that Cocolia had installed had been discovered, and bringing the person in question here might make the atmosphere awkward.

"Bronya, come here for a second."

After thinking for a moment, Ziyao decided to let the two of them talk first to ease the tension.

She harbored no ill intentions; she came specifically to explain this point.

"Bronya... I have so much to say, it's been so long since we last saw each other..."

"No."

Bronya said coldly, clearly resistant to communicating with Cocolia.

With no chair available, in order to maintain distance and feel safer, she sat directly on Ziyao's lap, and the girl helplessly hugged her waist from behind.

Are you deliberately trying to annoy me?

Cocolia is about to break down.

She'd heard rumors that Ziyao had affairs with other girls, but she never expected Bronya to do it too...

No, this might also be part of her scheme.

Cocolia held her breath, still not daring to relax too much, after all, the gray snake was watching from the side.

"Ahem, how about having a cup of tea first?"

To change the subject, Ziyao picked up the teacup next to her.

"Grey Snake, would you like a drink?"

Following her train of thought, Ziyao looked at the gray snake hiding beside her.

Snap————

The pen was broken.

[Ding! Cocolia considers you an extremely dangerous enemy. Affection level increased by 1]

Volume 1: Chapter 173 Snake's Call

The gray snake came out and took the teacup.

He stared silently at the reflection in the teacup.

Cocolia, standing nearby, was dumbfounded. How did Ziyao discover the gray snake, and how did the two of them not even fight?

Previously, Gray Snake had specifically warned her to be wary of Ziyao, but now she was behaving quietly, as if the two were on the same side.

"Grey Snake, you're not going to pour it into your eyes, are you?"

Seeing that the gray snake hadn't made a move, the girl teased.

After all, if you don't take off your mask, the tea can only be poured in through this kind of place.

"..."

The girl was composed and unhurried, holding Bronya in her arms.

The gray snake sensed a sense of pressure.

Under Mebius's orders, he could do nothing until the Lord came out to confirm, or until some living hero confirmed the girl's identity.

"You know everything?"

Looking at the ripples in the tea in the cup, Gray Snake asked.

By uniting with anti-entropy and investing the Gem of Desire, they can assist the Lord in escaping the Quantum Sea...

"Give my regards to Kevin, and also tell him that an old friend is waiting for him at World Snake."

"As ordered."

Gray Snake nodded, it seemed their whereabouts were no secret to the girl.

"If I may be so bold, will your goals affect the Lord's return?"

And... why choose this particular time to enter the Quantum Sea?

Or, to put it more deeply, who exactly is she?

Hero? Valkyrie? Or perhaps the Honkai?

"Grey Snake, you're too curious."

"It's natural for you to be wary and cautious of me; one should always be cautious, and that's commendable."

Ziyao lowered her voice, which grew colder, "But there are some things you shouldn't know."

"Don't worry, I won't interfere with Kevin. I need him to do something for me."

That's about all for now.

Bronya's legs were a little numb. Although she was very light, she was the type of person who was carried and didn't have much strength.

Ziyao turned to her and asked, "Cocolia, what's your opinion?"

Cocolia was completely bewildered and had no idea what the two were talking about.

Ziyao took the initiative to bring up the conflict, but Gray Snake not only didn't make a move, but also told her to handle it properly.

What should we do?

Thinking this, Cocolia glanced at the gray snake.

The man holding the umbrella remained silent, his skull mask concealing all his emotions, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking.

"Do as she says."

After a moment of contemplation, the gray snake's gaze sharpened even more.

If he had a choice, he wouldn't want to become an enemy of a young girl.

The feeling that every step you take is predictable is really unpleasant.

Now that the other party is aware of their underhanded tactics, they should stop for the time being.

There is no need to test or observe any further.

Anyway, once the Lord comes out, everything will be settled.

At that time, the girl under Ying Jie's protection will reveal her true form.

"Why are you talking for so long? Weren't you being threatened?"

Amidst the tense atmosphere, Ziyao and her companion left the monitoring room unharmed.

On her way back to the lounge, Tesla walked with a limp. Her legs were numb and weak, and the ground felt like cotton candy to her.

The two had a falling out in New Zealand, and she was worried that Cocolia would make things difficult for Ziyao.

In fact, she was overthinking it.

Through the dim light filtering through the slightly ajar door, Tesla caught a glimpse of the defeated Cocolia.

"You did a good job."

Tesla happily came over, patted Ziyao on the back, and almost sent her away.

"Cough cough... cough..."

"Hey, is your body so fragile?"

"Sister Ziyao, your clothes are dirty."

"Haha, sorry, I got welding grease all over my hands while adjusting the equipment."

Tesla scratched his head sheepishly.

Back in the lounge, Ziyao changed her clothes; Kiana and the others were not there.

Bronya sat quietly on the bed, feeling somewhat unhappy after seeing Cocolia.

"Want to shower together?"

"Thank you, Bronya is alright. Seeing Cocolia's mother reminded me of many things."

Ziyao didn't insist. Being alone was a good time to sort out her thoughts and think things through slowly.

“Gurgle…”

A person is soaking in the bathtub.

The long-lost tranquility is reassuring, and the warm water seems to heal all fatigue.

Opening the inventory window reveals all her items.

[Items held: Plague Gem*1, Moonflower*1 (Miko Outfit - Blue), Headless Senior Sister Sword]