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

However, in the end, perhaps because that action suddenly broke through Sakura's shyness threshold, raising her "shyness threshold" considerably, she no longer seemed to mind sitting in your lap. Occasionally, she would even move closer, her face slightly flushed, and rest her head on your lap without interfering with your activities, then close her eyes and relax, enjoying a moment of comfort.

[Especially after Sakura learned from Eden that Eden hadn't actually done it, she became increasingly enthusiastic about it, with a hint of pride in her.]

[Eden also took some action... especially when you're all together, they became even more keen to "target" you... for example, during the lunch break, they would make you lie down, then Sakura would lie on your lap, Eden would rest her head on your stomach, and then they would chat amongst themselves while you looked utterly hopeless, gradually falling asleep.]

[Hiss... I have a feeling that the two of them will team up to bully me in the future... Is it just your imagination?]

Okay, while this sounds enviable, it is actually... quite enviable.

So you don't have any complaints about it, only occasionally the thought of "should I be devoted to one person" pops into your mind, but you quickly dismiss it... Liking and loving are always both chaotic and clear, so just like and love to your heart's content, don't worry about so much.

Thus, a touch of pale pink cherry blossoms is added to your journey. Compared to dazzling stars, she may not be as eye-catching, but... she is beautiful enough to make you prefer and like her.

[You and Eden continue your journey. Since Sakura joined you, you smile even more. The atmosphere is always pleasant and relaxed, occasionally tinged with a hint of ambiguous pale pink or shy crimson, making people smile involuntarily.]

[With Sakura by your side, you've witnessed many more stories together, and in doing so, you've written quite a few new songs... You said you were writing new songs, and here they are!]

During your journey, you unexpectedly run into an old friend... Wright, the "little fan" you had back in church. He once said that when he grew up, he would become a senator and dedicate himself to promoting your songs so that more people could hear your voice... Looking back now, it's somewhat amusing. Even Wright himself smiled sheepishly when the topic came up, clearly realizing how naive and childish his idea was.

However, there is one thing he did achieve... He did become a member of parliament and worked hard towards his initial goal. He garnered a lot of support and helped many welfare homes and orphanages, enabling the children there to live better lives. He also followed you on his personal account, so he's considered a long-time fan of yours. He's practically watched you grow from a blogger with only a few followers to the popular person you are today.

It's a pity that by the time he became a senator, you were already famous and no longer needed his help. He could only silently support you and continue to be your "little fan."

[You two chatted a lot after not seeing each other for so long, but when it came time to part... Wright hesitated. In the end, he reminded you that it would be best to be careful lately if possible. Several strange disasters have been occurring, causing considerable casualties. You, this "bard" who always likes to wander around, should be careful. If anything happens that you can't understand, you can contact him directly, and he will help you.]

You suddenly recall Silver's warning and the strange "disaster" that destroyed Sakura's hometown and Silver's forces... You feel there must be some connection between the two, but unfortunately Wright is unwilling to elaborate.

[You seemed to understand something, then agreed with Wright's statement and accepted his contact information... Afterwards, you contacted Silver and Oak to inquire about some details.]

[As it turned out, Yin wasn't willing to say much, and you also learned that they had gone to a place called "Twilight Street" to develop their business... You'd heard of that place; it's a notoriously chaotic place, so you were quite worried about their safety and asked them if they needed help.]

However, Li said that you, the "record player," have nothing to worry about. Even though the people on "Twilight Street" are xenophobic, Li can give them a little shock of being a "despicable outsider"... Li has even started a factory on "Twilight Street" and is living a very comfortable life. He even said that you can come and visit them when you have time, and they will treat you to candy.

"...Yes, that's right, the factory that Li and his friends run makes candy."

You felt uneasy, like something was off, yet nothing seemed wrong... Finally, after repeatedly confirming that Li and Yin were alright, you were able to temporarily put your worries to rest and said you would definitely visit them when you had the chance.

You and Sakura continue your journey, and you also remember Light's warning, trying your best to avoid those inexplicable disasters.

But... sometimes, it's not enough to simply avoid disaster; disasters often come looking for you.

Chapter Thirty-Four [Raphael] (5507)

Do you still remember that beautiful afternoon, the sun slowly setting in the west, the light shining on you gradually changing from bright to dusky, and people's shadows slowly lengthening?

[You and Sakura just arrived at a hospital after being seen off by medical staff... This isn't anything unusual, since you've often done so since we discovered your singing could soothe the minds of special patients. Also, perhaps because this strange illness is spreading widely recently, many hospitals have received such patients. You see several such patients in almost every city you visit.]

Therefore, with the hospital's permission, you might softly sing a few songs for them... Although this doesn't cure their illness, it at least helps calm their nerves and prevents them from hurting those who care for and support them due to their inexplicable irritability.

Your actions naturally garnered the support of most patients' families, and even the medical staff expressed their gratitude to you... So, coming to the hospital to find special patients and singing them a few comforting songs has become a routine for you.

You and Sakura stroll along the twilight streets, carrying your musical instruments and chatting about various things. You soon begin to talk about the massive storm that struck recently, a kind of storm that happens only once every few centuries, which affected many cities, with coastal areas suffering particularly severe damage.

[It is said that some highly dangerous goods were swept into the ocean by the storm, so all governments ordered no one to go to the open sea. The deep-sea fishing industry collapsed almost instantly, and all cross-sea transport routes were canceled. All transport ships could only transport goods along the coastline, and the rest were transferred to air transport... A series of somewhat strange decrees were forcibly pushed forward by various governments, causing many people to complain.]

[You and Sakura vaguely guess that all of this is because of that strange storm. Then, you remember what Wright warned you about... Could that strange, massive storm be the "strange disaster" Wright spoke of?]

However, you and Sakura quickly gave up on discussing this matter... You know too little, and there's no point in discussing it here. Besides, the country's leaders definitely know more about what happened and are more likely to come up with solutions... So don't worry about it.

So, as usual, you searched for food along the way, ate a little something, and then found a square, chose a spot, and began to play slowly.

[As always, your performance attracted a large crowd, including many of your fans. After recognizing you, they happily took out their devices to film you playing, including Sakura, who was gradually becoming familiar with the guitar. They then excitedly uploaded the footage online.]

Although everyone was excited, they were also very well-behaved and did not deliberately come up to disturb your performance. It is clear that they still remember the "rules" you initially set.

What a beautiful day... The light of the setting sun, like a golden stream, spreads across the entire ground. The gentle breeze carries your beautiful song into the distance. If this continues, we will welcome the night and the silver moon amidst the smiles of everyone.

But...none of this happened.

A sudden and bizarre disaster shattered this beautiful scene. Glass was shattered, buildings were toppled, and trees were trampled. People who were smiling just a moment ago were now gripped by fear. Melodious singing was interrupted, and screams echoed through the sky, along with the noisy and eerie "footsteps" that reverberated through the streets that had suddenly descended into chaos.

[But soon, the screams ceased... They died, their lives abruptly lost... Some were suddenly covered in purple markings, losing consciousness and becoming "monsters," while others were attacked in terror by tall, terrifying "monsters," losing their lives under their relentless attacks.]

Blood splattered, the pungent smell of blood filled the air, and panic permeated the atmosphere. Along with it was a repulsive and nauseating "aura"... the kind of "aura" that made one feel a tightness in the chest and a wave of nausea just by getting close.

Suddenly, you realize that this is what Wright meant by "the strange disaster."

A dull thud snapped you out of your daze. Turning your head, you saw that it was the sound of Sakura using her guitar to repel a monster. Unfortunately, this guitar, which Sakura hadn't used for very long and hadn't been played much, was already being used as a "weapon."

Immediately, Sakura pulled an unsharpened katana from a long bag beside her, holding it in her hand as a weapon for self-defense. Then, disregarding everything else, she grabbed your hand and dragged you away, trying to get as far away from the monsters as possible.

[You reacted quickly, catching up with Sakura and taking out your terminal to contact Wright, hoping he could help... but in the end you only received the reply, "Do your best to survive, support is on its way."]

You gritted your teeth and hurried along with Sakura through the ruins of the streets, using the crumbling walls to evade the monsters...

The chaotic, panicked sounds echoed through the ruins, attracting the monsters. Then, with a sharp scream, the frantic cries ceased... and yet another life was lost.

You feel a strange sense of sadness, but you can't help them, you can't even save them, you can only keep your head down and move forward.

[After an unknown amount of time, in your haste, you encountered several police officers who appeared to be searching for others. When they saw you, they were initially tense for a moment, but quickly calmed down, checked your condition, and after confirming that you were unharmed, told you that there was a shelter in a designated area where you could hide from the monsters.]

Immediately, they separated one person to lead the way, while the rest proceeded as quietly as possible to search for other survivors.

After the police officer led you into the shelter, he solemnly told you that under no circumstances should you open the shelter door, not even if you heard cries for help outside, as this would concern the safety of everyone inside.

As for the police officers... they carry the keys to the shelter and can enter and exit on their own. The support forces will also open the door from the outside, so there's no need to worry... Remember, do not open the door until they return or the support forces open it from the outside.

After saying that, the police officer quickly left, seemingly to search for survivors again. Now that you and Sakura are in a safe place, you can finally... catch your breath.

Here, you see panicked and helpless people, a child sobbing softly... He wanted to cry out loud, but he held back his sobs, only letting out soft whimpers... Clearly, he too had experienced something that would be etched deep into his mind.

You remained silent, nestled close to Sakura, watching everything unfold before you, silent.

After a while, faint cries for help came from outside the shelter. It was unclear which lucky soul had found this place, but they were pounding on the door, hoping you inside would open it and let them in… They didn't want to be outside with those monsters anymore; they were terrified and wanted to be in a safe place.

But... no one moved, and no one paid any attention.

The people outside are begging you again, saying he's injured and can't hold on any longer; if he stays out there, he'll die...

But... no one moved. Even those who were moved by his sincere plea were quickly stopped by others.

No one went to open the door.

Your gaze lingered on the door, you hesitated, almost speaking, and several times you tried to step forward, but ultimately you looked away and stopped... The officer had said that you couldn't open the door, no matter what, because it concerned the safety of everyone in the shelter.

Finally, he discovered your "heartlessness" from outside, and could only curse and blame you, accusing you of abandoning him to his death. In the end, amidst his wails and cries, he lost his original voice, leaving only a few hissing sounds belonging to the monster, and a few ear-piercing scratches on the shelter door.

You all held your breath, staring intently at the shelter's door, terrified that the monster outside would pry it open. A deathly silence fell over the shelter for a short time. Fortunately, the monster seemed to lack any clear consciousness; after several attempts and realizing it couldn't pry open the door, it growled and slowly left.

The people in the shelter breathed a sigh of relief, but soon, a strange sense of guilt welled up in their hearts... Just now, they had personally given up a vibrant life, and even though the facts later proved that the person had turned into a monster, and the consequences of letting him in would have been unimaginable, they still felt a heavy weight in their hearts.

Fear, confusion, guilt... these emotions intertwined, like a boulder pressing down on everyone's chests, making it hard to breathe.

[And what's worse... the officers never returned, and there's no sign of the shelter doors opening again. All that can be faintly heard are the roars of monsters and the sounds of buildings collapsing outside.]

As time passed, the pressure on everyone grew, the panic accumulating in the shelter became increasingly heavy, and a sense of despair began to brew... Some even began to lose control of their emotions and burst into tears... If they hadn't managed to cover their mouths with their last vestiges of consciousness to keep their cries as quiet as possible, their sobs would have filled the entire shelter and even overflowed outside.

Fear tore at everyone's hearts, while despair laughed maniacally, gradually increasing the pressure and reveling in the pathetic yet laughable state they displayed before their collapse.

What do you think you should do?

[She opened her mouth softly, letting her gentle voice flow like water, caressing them like the wind, washing away their fear and dispelling their despair. Gently, she drew their attention to herself, smiling and offering them a glimmer of hope.]

Wait, wait with hope, for salvation will eventually come.

Your voice was soft and gentle, as if it could flow into their hearts through their ears, soothing their anxious souls with its gentle, water-like tenderness, calming their panic.

Some people recognized you, opened their mouths, and showed a surprised expression. You noticed them immediately, raised your hand, put your index finger lightly to your lips, closed one eye slightly, and gestured to them in a cool yet cute manner not to disturb them, which made them pause in surprise.

[You sing softly like this, never stopping, and never wanting to stop... So be it, sing this song for them, so that their eyes are fixed on your smiling face, on your radiant glow, and in this way, panic will not spread, and despair will not proliferate.]

The lights illuminated the surroundings, but everyone felt that none of those lights could compare to your brilliance.

The faint roars of monsters echoed from outside, along with the occasional sounds of collapsing buildings. The cacophony of noises easily conjured up a sense of impending doom... But at this moment, they paid no heed to any of that. They only wanted to listen to your song, only wanted to focus their attention on this tiny, flickering glimmer of "hope."

[A gentle breeze blows softly, carrying your song far away, reaching... its "ears"]

A dull thud rang out, and something resembling a needle or a staff pierced through the ceiling and crashed into the shelter floor, abruptly interrupting your song and everyone's thoughts.

With a teeth-grinding tearing sound, the shelter's ceiling was ripped open, revealing its entirety—a staff coiled with giant snakes, its body surrounded by a vibrant green hue, as if tinged with the breeze. Behind it sprouted six broken wings, and at the top of the staff were two peculiar rings.

[Without a doubt, it is a monster, and this monster has mercilessly torn your refuge to shreds, leaving you nowhere to hide and nowhere to escape.]

[The crowd screamed and panicked, shifting their bodies, some running, some crawling, all huddled behind you, huddled against the wall, trembling, as if being behind you offered them some comfort and a sense of security.]

Sakura pursed her lips, stepped forward, and shielded you behind her.

[However, it didn't seem to intend to harm you. The enormous snake head flicked its tongue and slowly approached, stopping just before touching Sakura's warning line, then slowly retracting... But it didn't seem to want to leave either; its terrifying snake eyes remained fixed on you, as if waiting for something.]

[And you, on the other hand, have a feeling that you've seen it somewhere before, and you can even sense a gentle and warm aura emanating from it, along with a hint of expectation and care...]

You hesitated for a moment, then gently tugged at Sakura's arm, gave her a reassuring smile, and stood in front of her.

["Hiss... Huff..." You adjust your breathing, look up at its enormous and eerie body, and at the sky that has become somewhat gloomy.]

[Tick-tock—]

It was the sound of raindrops falling softly.

[Whether it's your imagination or not, you always feel that the rain carries a certain emotion, full of care and concern, gentle and tender, just like a mother asking her child how they've been lately.]

The rain made the surroundings damp, and the wind made them cool... but you didn't feel any discomfort, and even felt... somewhat enjoying it.

Its enormous snake head slowly lowered, polite and humble, like a quiet and elegant listener, patiently waiting.

[And you, slightly raising your hand, gently press it against your chest, exhale softly to release the last bit of tension, and then gently open your mouth, offering a song to it in the rain and in the breeze.]

It didn't move, it was even very quiet, and even its terrifying snake eyes were narrowed, as if it was enjoying your song. The breeze blew, and the leaves were tinged with a verdant color, which, along with the rain falling from the sky, carried your song into the distance.

The sounds of the monsters around you are gradually fading, but the eerie "footsteps" are slowly approaching, as if the monsters around you have been attracted by your singing and have become obedient, quiet "listeners," silently enjoying the song.

As the song ended, it slowly opened its serpentine eyes, conveying an emotion of boastfulness and admiration to you.

[“■■■…”, you seem to hear it speaking, lovingly and lightly, like a lively and gentle older sister caring for you, but…]

【call out--】

[Amidst the whistling of arrows and the clang of gunfire, its body was blasted and pierced, but it neither resisted nor moved. It merely glanced at you one last time with its snake-like eyes, then silently closed them, accepting its "end."]

"Wow, what a strange scene... Even a Honkai Beast like Raphael is willing to stop and listen to your music? You're really amazing~ As expected of 'Hope'~!" — A light and cute voice jumped into everyone's ears.

[Shifting your gaze, you see a girl with long pink hair similar to Sakura's, and bright blue eyes with a strange pink tinge, somewhat similar to yours... However, you have even more peculiar trichromatic eyes, though the faint crimson ring around the outer edge is rarely noticed.]

"Hello~ 'Hope,' my name is Alicia, and I'm the captain of the second squad of the Firemoth. I've been ordered to come and help you~ I'm so glad to see you're all safe~," Alicia said, extending her hand to you.

"Hello, Miss Alicia... It seems I don't need to introduce myself?" You shook Alicia's hand, nodded politely, and then released her, asking softly.