Even if you're a corrupted magical girl, you still have to try to redeem yourself.

"So, you put that birdman to trial?"

“No, I blew her up until there were no ashes left,” Ba Qi replied earnestly.

What is Helica supposed to say about this?

It's amazing that Inuyama Tomoe could say such a terrible thing with such an innocent look on her face.

But since it wasn't because of the trial that she couldn't fight back, but instead directly blasted Kuroba Reisei into fireworks in the sky, it shows that Baqi was indeed acting in self-defense.

Moreover, he himself had said that between reducing personnel and disrupting normal development, he would rather the dream world change than see personnel reduction, and Baqi simply did as he was told.

But I only gave Baqi a heads-up beforehand; I didn't say that she really had to do it!

In short, what's done is done, and Helica felt that nothing she could say would change anything.

"Sigh, forget it, forget it, forget it." Helica said "forget it" four times in a row, but even that couldn't salvage her heart which was on the verge of collapse: "What's done is done, let's talk about how to solve it."

“Oh, speaking of which, I have an idea.” Baqi shook her finger: “If nothing unexpected happens, the ultimate challenge that the owner of this nightmare will face is either the reincarnation of Black Feather or something hidden in that Grand Cathedral, right?”

“That’s true,” Helica reluctantly admitted. “But now that Black Feather’s reincarnation is gone, what kind of butterfly effect will that cause? We have no idea, right?”

“That’s true, but what’s done is done. Maybe I’ve already solved the problem without even realizing it?” Baqi blinked.

"Dream on. If it were that easy, then Sumireko Yumehara's attacks would be far too rudimentary!" Helica thumped the sofa repeatedly.

“We received your message halfway through our game, which is why I rushed out to find you. Fortunately, Yuuki Yuki and Nishio Reki didn’t seem to notice anything unusual before I left. Let’s take this opportunity to come up with a more plausible explanation.”

"That's easy, just say that Kuroba Reisen and Seishine had a falling out." Inuyama Tomoe casually threw out a completely unreliable explanation that Heracles couldn't possibly come up with.

"Huh? Do you think I'm an idiot, or do you think they're the idiots?" Helica was even more agitated.

“There’s nothing wrong with it, right? Think about it, how did Kuroba Reincarnation lose before? It wasn’t because of Kaname, it wasn’t because of me, it was because of Saint Shion.” Baqi spread out her palms.

"Moreover, when I just told Kuroba Reise that Seishin might be using her, Kuroba Reise was extremely anxious, right? This shows that Kuroba Reise and Seishin never trusted each other."

"Kuroba's goal in the afterlife is to be the leader of the villains in Moonsea City, and Saint Shion's goal is to temporarily stabilize Saint Yuu Academy. There are also some reasons we don't know. They have been at odds from the beginning, no problem."

"Also, Kuroba Laisei said she knew nothing about the large, hollow sanctuary underground, which doesn't seem like she's lying. If she did know, I guess she would say, 'Then let me let you die knowing the truth. Actually, it's like this and that.' I think she's the kind of person who would do something so stupid."

"It's not over yet. I think Kuroba Reincarnation was tricked by Seishin into becoming the Sanctuary's watchdog, and his plan is to kill everyone who gets close to the Sanctuary."

"Isn't that simple? At least with a little maneuvering, I can say I saw the two of them fighting, and you cover for me, and the problem will be solved, right?"

"And most importantly, the dead can't testify. Hei Yu Lai Sheng is no longer here, so whatever I say is the truth. Through this opportunity, we can also directly tell Xiao Yuan and Xiao Li the enemy's identity. It's killing two birds with one stone, right?"

"Anyway, this has already been a nightmare, and we need to fix it, so we definitely have to come up with a solution, right?"

Inuyama Tomoe's series of remarks actually managed to persuade Tenrai Herika for a while.

Although it sounds far-fetched, Inuyama Tomoe is not without purpose. Having been by Yuuki Yuuki's side for so long, Inuyama Tomoe has learned to think of a very outlandish but feasible answer using very imaginative thinking, just like Yuuki Yuuki.

"It sounds good, but if we say that, won't we both be exposed if we run into Saint Shiyin?" Helica's mind still hadn't quite grasped the situation.

"You blond dwarf, are you stupid? There's no way to verify anything with Kuroba Laishi. Regardless of whether Sheng Shiyin really did such a thing or not, she can't possibly admit it. So, does her reaction really matter?"

Inuyama Tomoe really wanted to give Helica a few taps on her dull head, but she only made a few gestures in the air before withdrawing her hand when she saw Helica shrink back.

"Think about it, our goal is to solve the problem, not to lie. If a lie can make the problem much easier, then lying is no big deal."

Helica was speechless after what Baki said, and then fell silent again.

"You've been corrupted by Yuuki Yuuki."

"Each each other."

Chapter 160 No Solution

Were you happy during the six months you experienced in this dream?

The answer is yes.

At least that's what Helica thought.

Being able to fight alongside everyone, enjoy daily life together, and spend every ordinary yet extraordinary day together—this is the life that Helica the Thunder God dreams of.

Although most of her memories were hazy and unclear, after talking with Inuyama Baki, Herika concluded that this was a very natural time jump in the dream, and that such a situation was unavoidable as long as they existed in the dream.

If she hadn't just experienced a nightmare, she would have suspected that this was a trick by Sumireko Yumehara to lower her guard, give her the life she most wanted to experience, and then deliver a fatal blow when she was at her happiest.

Even if it's not directed at them personally, for Yuuki Yuki or Nishio Reki, not having to worry about how to break free from their corruption, or constantly plotting how to end their tragic fate, is enough happiness.

Whether it's Yuuki Yuki or Nishio Reki, this dream is incredibly blissful.

This must be the life they've been hoping for, right?

But the happier Helica was, the more uneasy she became, and the more worried she was that at some point this beautiful dream might turn into an irrecoverable nightmare.

However, before more problems arise, Helica, the Thunder Goddess, is unable to take any useful action or obtain more information. She can only conceal her power and live as a part of this beautiful dream.

Of course, she also considered whether she was overthinking things, and whether it was Yumehara Sumireko's attack that had plunged them into an eternal slumber. Although everything now was a beautiful dream, no one could escape it.

It's possible, but not that likely. Nishio Reki has confirmed that death doesn't exist in dreams; if you die in a dream, you can wake up in reality.

Was this a trap left by Sumireko Yumehara? Even Helica Tenrai didn't know.

The more she thought about it, the more troublesome it seemed. Helica had to admit that she was never good at this kind of thing.

If you can clear the game by simply fighting your way through, that would be the most advantageous thing for Helica the Thunder.

Therefore, she could only continue with her life.

After Christmas Day, just as she and her partner had agreed, Inuyama Tomoe told Yuuki and her party the false lies they had concocted together.

Fortunately, Yuuki Yui didn't suspect anything. She just had a brief discussion with everyone, saying that Seishin was indeed very suspicious. In the end, she just decided to wait and see.

And so the matter was left unresolved.

While feeling anxious about the unknown dangers, Helica also enjoyed her current life, and time passed by day by day.

After Christmas comes the New Year.

It should have been late at night when everyone was resting, but Yuuki Yuki's house was brightly lit, and the girls had already gathered around the table, which was covered with various foods that had been prepared in advance.

The food on this table has never been so plentiful, with sushi, potato chips, juice, dried anchovies, and squid strips delivered, as well as several dishes made by Yuki Yuki herself. A small coffee table was needed to fit everything.

It wasn't just Yuki Emi's home that was brightly lit; the entire building and the whole city were brimming with an unprecedented vitality that night.

After all, it's the New Year, the day that should be celebrated the most in the year.

Happy New Year! Cheers!

As the New Year's bells rang, Yuuki Yukino was the first to raise her glass, the juice inside reflecting the faces of the girls sitting in a circle.

"Cheers!" The girls followed Yuuki Yuki and raised their glasses, the clinking of glasses filling the air, followed by the sound of the girls breathing heavily as they drank their beverages.

"It's a bit late to say this now, but is it really okay for you to invite me too?" Dressed impeccably, Inuyama Tomoe put down her empty cup and lowered her head shyly.

Among a group of students from Moonsea Middle School, the presence of a visitor from St. Eternal Academy was indeed somewhat awkward.

Although Baqi was also dressed casually, she was, after all, the eldest daughter of the Inuyama family, so she always dressed a little more elegantly.

Perhaps it was this sense of alienation that made Inuyama Baki somewhat hesitant, lacking energy whether chatting or eating—most girls thought so.

It's normal for Inuyama Tomoe to be a little down, so making this down-and-out area a place where everyone can have fun together became the girls' top priority, without any prior discussion.

The first to speak was Nishio Reki, who was so angry that he patted Inuyama Tomoe's shoulder in the air, using this non-physical gesture to comfort her:

"What are you saying? Inuyama-kun risked his life to provide us with such important information. He is our greatest contributor, and we haven't been able to properly thank him yet."

Sakura Hanako followed suit, sincerely addressing the girl from another academy, with whom she had almost no contact, as her senior.

"Yes, Inuyama-senpai really helped us a lot. We don't know how to thank Inuyama-san for his efforts. Before this... the senpai were worried that Inuyama-senpai wouldn't want to come."

“Sakura doesn’t call people ‘senpai’ casually. We are all sincerely grateful for Inuyama’s help to us. So don’t feel awkward. Let’s all be happy and have a meaningful New Year,” Mizuno Yuya added.

“Exactly, what are you being shy about? It’s great that everyone is getting together and happily welcoming the New Year.” Herica’s words were much simpler and more direct.

If other people's words don't matter, then what about me? Helica thought to herself, and the unspoken meaning in her words was quite clear.

You, who spend all day with Yuuki Yukino and has done all sorts of naughty things in this room, why are you suddenly shy when you're with everyone else?

Inuyama Tomoe, who always greeted everyone with a polite and reserved smile, glared back fiercely when she heard Tenrai Herika's words, as if to say, "Don't you know why I'm embarrassed?"

Inuyama Tomoe was overjoyed to be able to spend the New Year with Yuuki Yuuki, and she didn't want to appear so downcast.

But the premise is that she and Herika did not fabricate a lie about Saint Hymn betraying Kuroba Reisei to cover up the fact that she killed Kuroba Reisei in a fit of rage.

Both suspects are present at the scene, and they could easily slip up and give themselves away.

Meanwhile, the other magical girls were still treating Inuyama Hatchie as a great hero who had accomplished something extraordinary, constantly praising her "outstanding" contributions. It would be strange if Hatchie didn't feel awkward about it.

Ah, at this point, we have to admire Yui. She took the initiative to mingle with the magical girls. Yui's level is still far ahead of ours!

Baqi thought for a moment, then glared at Helica again, her eyes conveying a plea for help.

Herika also noticed Baqi's gaze. Being glared at so fiercely must have made her feel extremely uncomfortable.

Herika was about to get angry when she heard Yuuki Yukino add a belated question about safety.

"Yeah, Inuyama-kun, don't be so reserved. When you're with us, don't worry about whether we're magical girls or not. Look, Reki is just a normal person, isn't she? There's no need to be so unhappy about this. Just treat us like you did when you helped us at St. Yuu Academy!"

Nishio Reki is no ordinary person. If it weren't for the dream, probably no one present could defeat him.

Inuyama Tomoe is no ordinary person either; she is a fallen magical girl and won't be reserved just because everyone else is a magical girl.

No, it seems like it might feel a bit awkward?

It's impossible for a corrupted magical girl not to be nervous when she's dragged into a gathering of magical girls. It seems I've misunderstood Inuyama Tomoe.

Although Helica had misunderstood, she believed she could understand why Bachi was behaving so reservedly.

It has to be Yuuki Yukino. As a fallen magical girl, she actively joins the magical girl group. Otherwise, how could she be so charming?

Thinking that she couldn't complain to anyone about these things, Helica took the opportunity to change the subject.

"Alright, alright! If you keep saying that, won't Inuyama Tomoe get even more nervous? But speaking of which, Yuuki Yukino, isn't your sister coming back tonight?"

Yuuki Yui didn't seem to intend to dwell on the previous topic. Continuing to discuss Inuyama Tomoe would only backfire, so she naturally followed the topic that Tenrai Helica had shifted the conversation to.

"Sister Huan told me before that she was going out for drinks with her colleagues to celebrate New Year's Eve, and told me to have fun with my friends. Otherwise, I wouldn't have spent it at my house with everyone."

Nishio Reki picked up his cup, took a sip, and, after hearing Yuki Yuki mention Yuki Tamaki's situation, couldn't help but express his feelings.

"Drinking? That's very much like Huan-jie's personality. Although Huan-jie is a good sister, sometimes she's like most office workers, she really likes to go out drinking."

Sakura Hanako picked up a small dried fish with both hands and crunched on it: "We haven't met Yuuki-senpai's older sister yet."

“Oh, I have seen her before.” Helica puffed out her chest proudly. “You didn’t know, did you? Yuuki Yukino’s older sister used to be a member of a band.”