I've already said this isn't a life simulator!

As for why some people want to "smuggle" themselves in... it's obvious that they can't survive outside, or even in the places managed by those "leaders," and want to find a place to live in Twilight Street. After all, everyone's basic living needs are guaranteed inside Twilight Street.

[The "leader," having noticed the potential benefits, began to further promote the peace and happiness of life within Twilight Street, while simultaneously increasing investment in infrastructure and security, with a particular focus on the construction of residential buildings.]

On the other hand, they began to implement something called a "residence permit" in their own "territory." As long as you worked hard, you could get a limited-time "residence permit" and be assigned to live in a building they built, obtaining the right to temporarily live in a room in that building, thus obtaining a temporary "residence"—simply put, it can be seen as a hotel-like model.

At the same time, if you achieve excellent grades or earn enough money, you can exchange it for a permanent "residence permit," obtain a house on Twilight Street, and thus acquire permanent residency rights within Twilight Street.

[Under the persistent promotion and propaganda of this "leader," many people actually believed it and regarded Twilight Street as a safe and happy "Garden of Eden," and began to work hard for the "residence permit."]

After that, people will be awakened by the harsh reality and heavy workload, but... in order to reach that "Garden of Eden," people are willing to endure it.

In the words of this "leader": "What does it matter if you suffer a little hardship and toil as long as you can live on Twilight Street? As long as you can stay there, your future will be secure, and under the priest's protection, you don't need to worry about disasters. The priest is protected by God; he is God's messenger walking in the world. Living by his side will surely bring happiness!"

Clearly, after gaining the power called knowledge, each "leader" underwent corresponding enhancements and "evolutions." They also learned how to exploit loopholes in the "rules" and understood that as long as their bottom line wasn't crossed and all their "sins" were kept to the level that only warranted "punishment," they wouldn't face "judgment" or die directly. And as long as they didn't die directly, they still had a chance to continue.

However... some people may be nostalgic for the old models and industries, or... may be too eager for quick success and instant benefits, thus incurring your "judgment".

For example, this time was one such instance.

This move to summon all the "leaders" indicates that this is a "trial," and everyone else must also be "punished" for their recent "sins." Simply put... there will inevitably be suffering, only the duration will vary for each person.

And... this time someone will definitely be "judged," someone will definitely die.

The "leader," who possesses a well-connected intelligence network, already knows who it is.

That guy recently discovered a "loophole," which is to use people with "difficult circumstances" to do certain things, so that he can embezzle resources and money through some "accidents." Because those who commit these crimes all have "difficult circumstances," you often only impose "punishment" rather than "judgment."

But this guy is clearly a newbie; he doesn't fully understand how you measure "guilt" and has no idea just how outrageous you've gone.

No matter how subtle he did it, he still led those people to do "wrong things." Simply put, he used a method that wasn't entirely coercion to force others to do things they didn't want to do but had to... In a sense, this has already violated the "rules."

Moreover, the resources and money he obtained in this way cannot be considered "legitimate," thus violating yet another "rule."

[Furthermore, he's been quite greedy lately, using this method far too often, making it hard for others to miss.]

Of course, what truly crosses your bottom line is when he starts "creating a pretext." If the other person genuinely has a "pretext," then it is indeed worthy of understanding and tolerance, and "punishment" will be less necessary. However... if it is artificially created, the nature of the situation is completely different.

Therefore, after the other "leaders" had each received their respective "punishments," some long and some short, they endured the pain while waiting to watch the "fireworks"—they had all restrained themselves well, not crossing your bottom line, and now that there was a rare "greedy fool," why not enjoy the show?

Then that guy died, burned to ashes by the "judgment" you summoned. As you pronounced his "guilt," he, like everyone else, angrily defended himself, shouting things like "We deserve some credit for the changes in Twilight Street," trying to drag the other "leaders" down with him... Then, he howled and begged under the flames, finally losing his life.

Honestly, it's pretty boring.

As for the other surviving "leaders," they were already seasoned veterans. Although they might have committed some "crimes" in the process of gaining benefits, none of them were serious. They knew very well what they could and could not do.

So, as usual, they endured the pain and staggered away—they'd need to rest for a while, so they might as well treat the people in their "territory" well; necessary goodwill needed to be shown, even if it was just for show.

After all... they provided shelter for those displaced refugees, they're incredibly kind and good people~ (laughs)

After this "trial" ended, your life returned to normal. Twilight Street was unusually peaceful, with people moving in from time to time... Most of them were "patients," and they all suffered from the same "disease"—Honkai disease.

[Logically speaking, it would be difficult for people like this to get the chance to move in, after all, there are various "leaders" outside, but... thanks to Aponia's kindness and your tacit approval, the "leader" is willing to pay some price to bring these "patients" in and settle them in.]

They're just giving you face and conveniently labeling themselves as "merciful," it's nothing to worry about... Well, it's just that Qianjie is causing a bit of a commotion.

[There was one night in the middle when a man who had been chased and was in a pretty bad state was lucky enough to enter the church and receive your protection... Although his pursuers were disappointed, they didn't dare to break the "rules" in front of you and could only leave dejectedly—after all, the protection offered by the church is only for a maximum of seven days, there will always be time.]

You treated his injuries, prepared some food for him, and made a place for him to rest... but he didn't thank you, nor did he treat you with respect; instead, he showed strong disgust. However, he didn't mind talking to you.

Through conversation, you learn that his name is "Li," and he is the son of a gang leader from the outside world...you could say he's a "young master."

[Li told you many things and asked you many questions. He asked if you knew that people outside were suffering from a disaster called Collapse, and were also oppressed by the people of the expanding Twilight Street; he asked if you knew that people who are polite during the day can reveal their ugliest and most ferocious forms at night.]

[They ask if you are aware that someone is shaping you into a "messenger of God"; they ask if you are aware that someone sees you as a savior... but you were completely exploited by those "leaders" on your way here.]

You answered each of these questions, but all your answers were denied by Li.

"You are not a priest who brings love to the people, nor can you bring hope as your name suggests. You are merely a puppet of the god you speak of, nothing more than a toy," said Li.

You were speechless for a moment, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, because from that day on, most of your actions were indeed in accordance with "His" guidance, because you believed that "He" would bring love to the world.

You are aware of what has happened to you, but you cannot change anything, because all you asked of "Her" was to "change this place."

You've already discovered the problem with your initial request, but... there's nothing you can change now.

A few days later, you looked at the murdered body of Li, remained silent, and simply took it to the cemetery for burial.

After a period of uneventful days, you suddenly received guidance from "He" and, following "He"'s instructions, sent Padofelis to a secluded place to retrieve "something."

However, when Padofelis arrived there, she discovered that it wasn't "some," but "many."

Even so, thanks to Padofelis's diligent efforts, she managed to bring everything back.

[And you now know what these things are—they are all weapons, all kinds of extremely advanced weapons.]

["He" tells you that, for some reason, an organization is sending people to Twilight Street to investigate, and they are carrying a considerable amount of malice.]

However, as before, as long as enough "strength" is demonstrated and a certain degree of goodwill is shown, I believe they will be willing to let go of their original ideas.

Of course, none of these are the most important things. What is important is that "He" tells you that because that organization sent people here, the balance here will be broken, and a disaster will befall this place—a "catastrophe" that will destroy the entire Twilight Street.

The source... is those "patients" you took in.

Chapter Twelve: Meeting Again, Everything is Different (4641)

Because of His message, you became somewhat worried, but fortunately, He is benevolent and provided you with a solution.

[You sent Padophilia to inform the "leaders" that a disaster would follow Twilight Street, and therefore they needed to prepare to receive the people of Twilight Street in batches.]

They asked you why you didn't join them in fighting the disaster, and you truthfully repeated "His" answer—this was an inevitable disaster that would destroy Twilight Street, and all you could do was minimize casualties and save lives.

[Then they understood, and they no longer had doubts, returning to their respective "territories" to begin preparations.]

You told Aponia about this, and together with her and Padofelis, you visited the families of the "patients" one by one, telling them about the inevitable "disaster" and its true cause.

Those whose illnesses are not serious are better off; they can leave in batches with the others, scattered among different "leaders," thus allowing them to continue living.

But those with severe illnesses cannot leave, and you don't want them to leave.

They were puzzled by this, and even subconsciously forgot their respect for you, questioning you with considerable surprise and anger.

And you simply answered truthfully... If those with serious illnesses leave this place, leave this twilight street protected by "He", the balance will be broken in an instant, and they will die in an instant, turning into monsters. If they continue to stay here, they can live a little longer.

The words were exceptionally cold and realistic, making them difficult to accept. Many people suffered emotional breakdowns and became extremely agitated, forcing you to spend time calming them down...

But in the end, they all quieted down, accepting reality calmly and helplessly... because they knew there must be a reason behind what you said.

After resolving the problems of the people in Twilight Street, you went to see Qianjie alone.

This mysterious and volatile, powerful yet restrained man—even "He" is unwilling to say much about him, only telling you that Qianjie is a "non-human" being, similar to you yet different.

[Perhaps for this reason, Qianjie's attitude towards you is slightly better than Aponia's, though not by much... and you don't seem to mind.]

"What? Father, you came to see me alone, ultimately wanting to fight me? I can feel the disgusting wetness and dryness buried beneath your hypocritical facade... Come! Liberate yourself! Take off that boring mask! Tear off the chains! Come and fight me!"—These were the first words he said to you when you met Qianjie alone.

You ignored his words and simply repeated "His" instructions, telling him to wait at a specific place at a specific time.

"Oh? Why do you think...you can command me?!"—Qianjie asked.

"There, you will find a battle that will satisfy you." — That's what you told him.

Immediately following was his maniacal laughter and mockery, seemingly disdainful of your suggestion.

However, he eventually agreed.

[Then came Aponia and Padofelis... You asked them to guide those who were leaving and to follow the last group away.]

Upon hearing this arrangement, Padofelis appeared extremely panicked, thinking that you had abandoned her... Her anxious and heartbroken appearance was pitiful, but you simply didn't want them to step into danger, so you could only offer her some words of comfort.

Fortunately, Padofelis was a very smart girl. She quickly realized what had happened and felt ashamed of her behavior.

As for Aponia, she didn't say anything, but her gaze towards you was full of worry and concern... She seemed to have some other thoughts.

As for you, you must follow "His" will and face the one who is about to arrive.

Everything proceeded smoothly until that day arrived, and you, following "His" guidance, came to the path that person was destined to take and waited.

--------

clatter--

Light and faint footsteps sounded quietly; one might not even notice them if they weren't listening carefully.

A cherry blossom-colored girl walked slowly, carrying a long, cloth-wrapped bundle on her shoulder. She carried a faint floral fragrance, and with her reserved demeanor and beautiful face, she was undoubtedly a very attractive girl.

It was her pair of slender, upright, cherry-colored ears that were particularly eye-catching, making it surprising that this girl would like to wear such a peculiar headdress.

However, if you touch it, you'll find that the slender ear... is real.

Clearly, this girl is no longer considered "inhuman".

Yes, the one who has come here is Sakura, the Fusion Warrior dispatched by the Moth of Fire to investigate Twilight Street.

To be honest, getting into Twilight Street is quite troublesome. Not only did the Fire Moth itself take a lot of effort, but Sakura also had the [Poisonous Pupa] quest, so the preparations in the early stages took a lot of effort and time.

Not to mention that finding a hidden, safe area that wouldn't be cleared out much took too much time to place the equipment in advance, just getting Sakura in a reasonable way took a lot of effort... As for why they didn't just sneak in, Sakura's main task was still to investigate the Fire Moth, and the task of clearing out the Poison Pupae was a slightly lower priority.

However, after entering Twilight Street, all Sakura saw along the way was tranquility and peace. Almost everyone would smile and nod when they met as a sign of courtesy. Even though she was obviously an outsider, they would greet her warmly. Apart from being a bit deserted, it was just like an ordinary town with simple and honest folk.

However, Sakura, who had obtained detailed information from the Fire-Chasing Moth, knew that all of this was an illusion, a falsehood, and that all evil would be revealed at night.

But... the tranquility during the day is real. Although the time spent here is short, you can feel that everyone here is happy, and the smiles on their faces are genuine.

So... why did this place turn out like this?

Upon encountering this place, Sakura also had the same doubts as the Fire-Chasing Moth.

It's worth noting that Twilight Street used to be known for its "chaos" and "xenophobia," but now it's behaving in a completely different way... Sure enough, someone must have forcibly changed this place. After all, the data shows that this change was achieved in a very short time, and the key figure is someone known as "Father."

It is said that he also has the bizarre ability to judge the guilt of others and summon flames, which has increased the Fire Moth's attention to him. In addition, the recent large-scale incubation of "Honkai disease patients" in Twilight Street has further deepened the Fire Moth's suspicions... Therefore, Sakura's mission here is roughly as follows: [Investigate the overall situation of Twilight Street → Investigate the identity of the "priest" and negotiate with him → Bring the "priest" back or eliminate him as appropriate → Clean up everyone in Twilight Street].

This sounds like a very cruel task, because no matter what, Sakura will inevitably have to "clean up Twilight Street" in the end, but... it's something that can't be avoided.

Because there are too many "Honkai patients" inside Twilight Street, Moth Chaser is convinced that a Honkai outbreak will definitely occur here. The reason it hasn't happened yet is simply because the time hasn't come yet... Therefore, the source of Honkai energy must be eliminated before the Honkai outbreak causes even greater destruction.

As for those who might not be infected with the Honkai here... they must also be eliminated, but that's the task of the Poison Chrysalis. Although in a sense, this task was still given by the Fire Moth, after all, the relationship between the Fire Moth and the Poison Chrysalis... can be considered as the two sides of an organization, one in the light and one in the dark.

As for the reason for issuing this task, Sakura didn't care, nor was it something she should care about.

She... is just a [knife].

Her thoughts had drifted a bit too far; she should focus on the task at hand. With that thought, Sakura casually tossed the long bundle she was carrying into her hand and placed it at her waist. The cloth at the front fell down, revealing the knife inside.

Sakura placed her hand lightly on the hilt of the sword and looked ahead with considerable vigilance.

There, a priest sat on a box, silently looking at a scripture... Logically speaking, there should be no one here, and the thing placed here is definitely not an ordinary box.