Miss Wang Weina, even your cousin won't do!

So what if the supreme monarchy is standing opposite us?

And I absolutely cannot take away her friend in front of her again!

"Let him go! He's my (friend)!"

Chen's crimson eyes seemed to burn with flames as he shouted a loud rebuke at Vina!

At this moment, what flashed above Wayne's head was not SP+1.

Instead, it was a raging flame that seemed to have a physical form, and a symbol indicating that the [volcano] had finished charging up.

Oh my god, the King of Push has learned [Volcano]!

P.S.: Push King already has a volcano, but Eyjafjalla still doesn't have a new skin (sad).

Chapter 49 Chen, we will definitely meet again!

"Let him go, he's my (friend)!"

Chen's crimson eyes seemed to burn with flames as he rebuked Vina in a passionate tone.

Time seemed to stand still for a moment, the air growing increasingly thick and viscous, making it difficult to breathe. The onlookers who had come to watch the spectacle had been dispersed by the guards brought by Mudrock, but there was no doubt that tonight's terrifying battle between two women would likely become an urban legend in the core city for a long time to come.

As the person involved, Wayne should be feeling very happy right now...bullshit.

Using the analogy of a tail ball, what exactly did the silence that came from Vina's side after Chen shouted those words represent?

Danger!

Wayne could feel the scrutinizing gaze from beside him, and the ever-increasing temperature.

Please, Vina, you're not Eyjafjalla, you're not a volcano, and you're not Pompeii. Can you please stop emitting such terrifying heat?

Am I, Wayne, the Prince of Wales, destined to perish here?

After a long silence, just as Wayne was about to say something, Vina suddenly released her grip on Wayne's hand, turned to the side, and asked in a serious tone:

"Wayne, who is he?"

There seemed to be a hint of grievance in his tone?

Wayne wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but Vina's expression was clearly icy, and her manner of speaking was more like an interrogation than a question.

Wayne sighed and replied:

"Chen, Chen Huijie, is my classmate from Longmen, Yan Country. She's currently studying under Professor Rothwald at the Royal Guard Academy, and we're classmates. Tonight's dinner party was hosted by her and her classmate, Beatrice Swire. I was just invited; it was my oversight not to inform you beforehand, Vina..."

Was it a lack of consideration on Wayne's part? Not really. Befriending Swire and Chen was always Wayne's own idea. Vina and these two had no connection whatsoever, neither in the present Terra nor in the game Arknights, so Wayne subconsciously never considered having them meet.

But now that I think about it, it really is impossible.

Although her identity as the Princess of Wales must be kept secret for now, it will undoubtedly be revealed when she strongly intervenes in the Reunion Movement in the future. It's only a matter of time before Chen learns of her identity, and at that time, Vina's existence will naturally also be known to Chen.

At that time, two people who would never have crossed paths before, or who would never have crossed paths now, will inevitably get to know each other because of Wayne, and either become friends or enemies.

This land is truly wondrous; human interaction is never one-way. Subconsciously viewing this ever-changing world through the lens of a game archive is far too superficial and one-sided.

Wayne pondered for a moment, then decided not to hide it from Vina. He gestured for Chen, who was angrily blocked by mudstone, to calm down, then leaned close to Vina's ear and whispered into her furry ear:

"Furthermore, Chen has a very special identity. She is the niece of Wei Yanwu, the governor of Lungmen, and also Wei Yanwu's only heir in the future, as he has no children! Now you understand why I'm befriending Chen and Swire, right?"

Vina paused for a moment, pouted, and finally couldn't hold back, her grievance showing on her face.

"Is a mere governor of Lungmen a suitable match for you?"

Wayne: "?"

I feel like we're not on the same page. I'm talking to you about politics and interests, and what are you talking to me about? Marriage?

Please, I, Wayne, am destined to be a guardian of peace on Terra. Women are just a hindrance!

Just kidding. Whether it's Vina, Chen, or even the sleeping char siu cat, I'm being honest, I like them all. Can you all be my wings? I want to experience what it's like to fly like a lion.

Not the kind of Flying Lion that you ride on Chen's motorcycle!

It wasn't one of those flying corpses that got killed by a woodcutter's axe!

With a helpless smile, Wayne explained:

"No, it's not about whether we're a good match or not. Longmen is one of the few foreign trade windows of Da Yan. Cooperating with Longmen would be very beneficial to Victoria. But Wei Yanwu is an old stubborn man who won't listen to reason. Instead of investing a lot of time in him, wouldn't it be better to make friends with the future governor of Longmen in advance?"

Vina's nostrils twitched slightly, her eyes filled with even more grievance. She curled her tail around Wayne's tail, and said with heartache:

"Even if it's for Victoria's good, you don't need to sell your body!"

What is all this nonsense?!

Wayne slapped his forehead.

What kind of sexuality is he selling? How come he doesn't know?

If we're talking about selling one's looks, he actually benefited from Chen's actions today, albeit at a heavy price. At least he got to experience his college classmate's motorcycle embrace and the limited-edition drunken version—the eccentric, martial arts-themed Chen Huijie. These two forms don't even exist in the Arknights storyline; if word got out, countless players would criticize them as "too pandering to otaku, but I love it!"—these are truly rare finds. Where did Wayne sell any looks?

Vina pouted and muttered, "Then how could she say you're hers?"

Wayne: "......."

Yeah, why is that? I'd love to know too.

Wayne looked at Chen with a puzzled expression. Chen, who had been focusing his attention on Wayne, immediately noticed the "helpless look" Wayne was giving him. Feeling a pang of pain in his heart, he took advantage of Mudrock's inattention and single-handedly broke through Mudrock's defenses, ran up to Wayne, pulled the bewildered prince behind him, and stood in front of him.

"Let go, you oppressors of the royal family! Do you really think this great hero is afraid of you?!"

Letting out a hiccup, Chen stopped Vina from reaching out to grab Wayne back. He slightly turned his head, a slight smile playing on his lips, and with a flourish, tossed his sweat-dampened hair, declaring with a heroic air:

"Girl... no, Bruce, don't be afraid. Even if it costs me my life, I will never let you endure their oppression and humiliation again! You are the one I will protect!"

Wayne: "Huh?"

Bypassing Chen, Wayne looked at Vina, whose brows were furrowed and whose face was gradually showing genuine anger. Wayne quickly pressed down Chen's arm that was blocking his way.

Chen had clearly put a lot of effort into her arms. Although the slender, pale arms blocking Wayne's path looked delicate, they were actually quite strong. Wayne even had to use a bit of his true strength to push her down. It was precisely because she sensed the irresistible force emanating from Wayne's arms that Chen blinked, turned her head in confusion, and looked into those golden eyes that seemed to reflect a galaxy.

“It’s alright, Chen. All good things must come to an end.” Wayne said softly. “I will keep my promise to you. Even if you are brave and chivalrous, you are still too inexperienced to fight against the king. I respect your dream. Keep getting stronger, Chen.”

He paused, his face slightly flushed (awkward from delivering those cringeworthy lines):

"We will definitely meet again, Chen, I promise you, until the end of the earth!"

After saying that, Wayne resolutely let go of Chen's hand, made a goodbye gesture to her, walked back to Vina's side, pulled Vina around, and quickly left the scene, leaving Chen standing there alone.

What did he mean by what he just said?

Chen stared silently at his arm, as if the irresistible force from before was still acting on it.

Does that mean I'm not strong enough, not even able to be a chivalrous hero who saves him from dire straits?

Chen gave a self-deprecating laugh. Indeed, she couldn't even stop the "princess" she wanted to protect, let alone confront the tall, heavily armored bodyguard and the blonde girl who exuded a dangerous aura towards her.

Chen lowered her hand, letting the dizziness and drunkenness in her head subside without her realizing it. The bold words she had just uttered were almost entirely driven by the sheer courage she had accumulated since the Talulah incident.

—If I had grown up back then and hadn't listened to Wei Yanwu and let go, would things have been different?

She had always thought so, but tonight, another friend told her with cold, hard facts how weak and powerless she still was on this earth, even though she had grown up!

She must become stronger! She must rescue Talulah from Koschei, and Bruce from that blonde girl! She must reclaim her precious friend from all her enemies! She must learn from the lessons of the past and tonight, and become stronger!

Gritting his teeth, Chen turned around and resolutely walked back to the hotel. He greeted Bagpipe, who had secretly disguised herself to attend the party, and asked her to take good care of Swire. Then, he walked alone toward the Royal Guard Academy.

This arduous road to salvation begins with a perfect score of straight A's and graduation from the Royal Victoria Guard College!

..........

"So, brother, whose are you?"

Vina pouted, looking dissatisfied, and refused to hold Wayne's hand, but did not let go of their intertwined tails.

Wayne shrugged helplessly: "It's not hers, it's not hers. I don't know why Chen would say that."

While Wayne was confident in his looks and charm, he wasn't so confident that a strong-willed and talented girl like Chen would fall in love with him at first sight. In fact, if that were the case, then it couldn't possibly be Chen.

Terra is not a visual novel or a cheesy manga; there won't be any overpowered, shonen-style developments like a childhood sweetheart appearing out of nowhere. Wayne will strive to win the favor of every girl he likes, through his own efforts—whether it's sweet talk, self-sacrifice, turning the tide, or unwavering devotion. Tonight's events—perhaps Vina's appearance touched a nerve with Chen Mougen?

Wayne guessed it might be related to Talulah. But he couldn't be sure; he'd confirm it with her in person if the opportunity arose in the future.

At this moment, cherish the people in front of you.

Wayne chuckled and ruffled Vina's blond, frizzy hair, which was much like his own, feeling the silky strands flow like water between his fingers. He said:

"I am yours."

Vina trembled almost imperceptibly, raised her head, and stopped speaking.

"Let's go to Elizabeth for another meal, since Vina specially prepared it for me."

"Ah."

Chapter Fifty: The Feast at Hongmen

Kazdel, capital: Veronia, May 1st.

Only when the first rays of dawn illuminate the land of Kazdel does this land, ravaged by war and bloodshed, experience a brief period of peace.

Kazdel, a land of constant conflict, has been repeatedly ravaged by the complex web of interests among the surrounding great powers. Limited by resources, mobile cities cannot relocate over extremely long distances, leaving Kazdel powerless to escape this turbulent place, despite its desire to do so.

Over time, the inhabitants of this land no longer pinned their hopes for survival on farming. They forged plows into swords, took up arms, developed technology, and built large-scale heavy industries. The first lesson children learned from a young age was no longer calling for their parents, but how to protect themselves and kill the enemy amidst gunfire.

"This is an army that has taken control of the country."

Whether it was done voluntarily or out of necessity, this has become an indelible mark and almost traditional way of life in Kazdel—a country where half the population are mercenaries, what could better describe them?

But there is no war in Kazdel today, or rather, the storm still needs time to brew before a war that will sweep across the entire empire breaks out.

Therese, the elder brother of the current Sarkaz Crown Prince, with a gloomy face and light pink hair, was sitting on the main seat of his palace, the Gray Palace, with one hand supporting his cheek and looking expressionlessly at the uninvited guest.

"How strange! A Sarkaz person has come to the Demon Realm all by himself and has the audacity to ask for a so-called cooperative relationship with a Sarkaz royal family member?"

Theresis remained silent, but the black-clad figure wearing a Baphomet demon mask spoke condescendingly from above.

"What gives you such confidence? Or has Lateran been driven to the brink by the lions of Victoria, so desperate that you have no choice but to beg their nemesis for help?"