Miss Riddler just wants to level up in peace.

"Yes, but not entirely."

Ziyao took the bag from the girl's hand. It felt very light and contained a few pieces of clothing.

"They are a group of people who will stop at nothing to fight the Honkai, but at least I still have some bottom line."

They are currently being monitored, and it wouldn't be appropriate to reveal their secrets in front of others, so Ziyao chose to keep it to herself.

"All you need to know is that I stand on the opposite side of the collapse, just like you."

“Bronya is very concerned. World Serpent has rarely done anything to fight against the Honkai. What are these so-called 'methods'?”

I don't see how they'll fight against the Honkai, it's good enough if they don't cause trouble.

Sounds can travel far on the open snow, and the conversation between the two was overheard by someone in the shadows.

"Many people will die. This plan will cost everyone dearly. It's not a good plan."

Although it was only for a moment, Ziyao felt her gaze become slightly heavier.

"While I don't agree with this approach, it's a last resort as a safety net."

"Sacrifice is inevitable in order to achieve a goal, as sages throughout history have shown us through their actions."

"From this point of view, I agree with the actions of the World Serpent."

Another gust of cold wind blew in, lifting her soft, light gray hair.

"To establish a moral compass for Heaven and Earth, to secure a destiny for the people, to carry on the lost teachings of the sages, and to usher in an era of peace for all generations..."

The girl looked up at the vast sky and said softly.

Someone has to bear this burden.

Reality is not a game; there is no perfect happy ending.

Sooner or later, the time will come when we have to make a choice.

...[Ding! Congratulations! You have obtained 647 Crystals!]

Volume 1: Chapter 193 Win, Win, Win (Part 2)

Alone, hiding in a dark corner.

His appearance can change at will, and his true identity is unknown. A pair of light bulbs emitting a faint red glow are embedded in his cold mask.

Among the ever-changing things, there are always things that remain unchanged, and that is the essence of things.

Who in their right mind would carry an umbrella indoors? It was this very fact that made Ziyao recognize Gray Snake at a glance.

"My Lord, the situation outside has changed, and the World Serpent urgently needs your return."

The inorganic eyes were fixed on the backs of the two people in the distance, with a snowman doll sitting on its shoulder.

Upon hearing this, he trembled slightly.

"The Fourteenth Hero..."

Grey Serpent nodded, his eyes deep. "Lady Alicia herself admitted that I consulted you about this matter."

"Some changes have occurred in Paradise; you'd better go back and check it out yourself."

Gray Serpent knew that Ziyao had a problem, but forced by the endorsement of Ellie and Mebius in Paradise, he had no choice but to entrust the task to Void Serpent.

If this matter is not resolved, the World Serpent's upper echelons will continue to be filled with unstable factors, especially regarding secrecy, which is the World Serpent's most important advantage in the power struggle.

The key to solving the problem lies with the Lord. As long as He returns to the world, everything will be resolved.

Gray Serpent believed this, and therefore he was eager to see if the girl could maintain her relaxed and carefree demeanor when the two faced off.

but....

"My lord, please forgive my presumption..."

Gray Snake hesitated, then asked the same question he had asked before.

Whether the Fourteenth Hero existed or not is unknown; throughout the entire history of pre-civilization, there is no mention of him.

Just like last time, he received the same answer.

"Whether she's an enemy or a friend, we'll see what she chooses next."

The snowman made a deep sound, and the gray snake was slightly surprised. The lord's attitude towards Ziyao was more attentive than he had imagined.

"You may be disappointed. As far as I know, she is also searching for the Gem of Desire and intends to rescue the leader of the Reverse Merchant Alliance who has trapped you in the Quantum Sea."

"Your scattered pieces haven't found any gems yet, I'm afraid..."

Before the gray snake could finish speaking, the snowman doll interrupted his train of thought.

"It doesn't matter."

"No matter how clever and resourceful she is, she can't stop us."

The doll displayed a nonchalant disdain, or rather, complete indifference.

Not long ago, the girl said something very interesting about the topic of fighting against the Honkai, which coincided with their initial thoughts.

He initially dismissed him as a conman, but now he's curious to see how this fourteenth hero will prove his identity.

Moreover, obtaining the Desire Gem is not the only way to leave the Quantum Sea.

The other girl is the most important—the one recognized by the Herrscher of Reason.

Starting with her is undoubtedly a good idea.

"Grey Snake, tomorrow is a good time, don't make any mistakes."

"clear."

More and more white fluff fell, covering the marks on the snow-white cotton.

The two girls disappeared at the end of the road, and in the blink of an eye, the gray snake hiding on the rooftop was also gone.

When Ziyao returned to the apartment, Xier was already waiting for her at the door.

They kindly helped me take the shopping bags and even took out some cute cotton slippers from the shoe cabinet.

The air conditioner temperature was just right; you could feel the warmth as soon as you entered the room.

Bronya was clearly pleased with Seele's gentle words and was half-heartedly pushed onto the bed, a steaming cup of fragrant tea unconsciously appearing in her hand.

"Thanks for your hard work."

“If only the two older sisters are busy with Seele’s affairs while Seele remains indifferent, then Seele will not dare to look the two older sisters in the eye.”

Because of the mark on her neck, Seele can only stay in the apartment.

Although the scarf Ziyao gave could cover it up, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Once the Honkai energy on the mark is discovered, she will be taken away by Schicksal.

"óé??òao?o??§?°ìììì?....."

The doll in Bronya's pocket made a strange sound.

"It was found during today's patrol. Fortunately, it was discovered in time, and the girl who was bewitched by it is safe and sound."

“That wasn’t yesterday…?!” Seele recognized the doll as well.

Yesterday, when Ziyao and I went to the outskirts to look for gems, the girl who wanted to commit suicide was holding one of these things in her arms.

"It is leading the misled to search for something."

"According to investigations by other Valkyries of Destiny, it seems that only those who have been bewitched can understand what it is saying."

Bronya analyzed, then looked up and met Ziyao's gaze.

"Do you have any idea?"

Ziyao picked up the doll, which struggled symbolically for a moment, chattering incessantly.

This reaction was much stronger than in the former case; it seemed to be mocking Ziyao.

"!!"

It regretted it the next second.

Ziyao picked up a pair of scissors and snipped off its hand, revealing the cotton inside.

The doll struggled wildly in pain, but soon returned to normal.

Just as he opened the scissors, about to cut off the head, Bronya stopped him.

"The plush toy is poisonous. I suggest launching it into the sky using a heavy-duty bunny."

Unfortunately, the girl didn't take her advice. She cut off her head with a snap and then burned it to ashes.

Just when they thought the little incident was over, the doll mysteriously reappeared on the bedside table while the girls were chatting.

"Looks like we can't get rid of them."

What kind of trouble is Gray Snake up to now?

Ziyao sealed the doll's mouth with tape and locked it in the drawer.

"Could it be Sister Ziyao...?"

Bronya murmured to herself, "Of all the people I know, she's the only one with similar abilities."

Xi'er huddled under the covers, watching the two women with concern.

"It's okay, Bronya will always be by your side."

Noticing Seele's slightly pale face, Bronya comforted her.

Honkai Beasts are manageable, but Seele is worst at dealing with monsters and the like.

"Really?" Seele smiled.

"Of course, I specifically took the day off today."

"Ask for leave?"

Ziyao had a bit of a headache. Tomorrow was a crucial inspection day for Destiny, and Durandal had already begun to suspect her. Bronya taking leave at this critical juncture was tantamount to confirming that there was something shady going on in the apartment.