The Infinite Journey of a Certain Flame

The chaotic battlefield before me looked as if it were dead.

All the tranquil and peaceful elements made this seemingly desolate town exude an eerie atmosphere.

After seeing everything before him, Eden slowly asked:

"Mei, what are your thoughts on this world?"

"Hmm? You're asking about this world? I don't quite understand what you mean."

Mei looked at Eden with a puzzled expression before answering.

"It's not about asking the world, but about your understanding of the world."

My understanding of the world, and the extent to which I know about it. That's my question. And it's what I want to know.

Eden answered calmly.

Upon hearing this, Mei was slightly taken aback.

She hadn't expected that Eden's attitude towards her would suddenly change.

She couldn't help but scrutinize Eden's expression.

Realizing the other person didn't seem to be joking, Mei fell silent.

She knew she couldn't possibly tell the truth.

Moreover, even if you tell the other party, they won't believe what you're saying.

But if I don't tell him, how can I possibly sense that profound feeling in Eden's eyes?

She had never experienced this feeling with anyone else.

Could it be that Eden has a problem with his self-perception?

Thinking about this, Mei suddenly had this idea.

She felt that Eden's intuition might really be wrong.

Why aren't you saying anything?

Seeing that Mei remained silent for a long time, Eden's eyes flickered.

"Now that things have come to this, you suddenly ask me this... To be honest, I don't have much of an opinion about this world. To me, it seems to be just a place similar to a paradise in the afterlife."

"Oh, I see."

Eden nodded in sudden realization.

Mei found her behavior very strange.

This attitude is completely different from Eden's usual personality.

And these weren't the questions they just asked, were they?

Does Eden have a prejudice against this world?

But it doesn't look like it...

Mei shook her head, realizing she might be overthinking things.

"Mei, if I told you that we might be in a dream, would you believe me?"

"How could anyone believe something like that?!"

Mei couldn't believe Eden's claim.

Is this world just a dream?

Okay, while this world is indeed quite bizarre, calling it a dream raises a question.

Whose dream is this?

Mei thought, "It can't possibly be mine, can it?"

Or perhaps it belongs to Kiana?

However, upon closer examination, she dismissed the possibility that this conjecture was true.

After all, according to common sense, people in the dream world do not feel pain.

But the feeling I had during the battle with Kiana was so real, it didn't feel fake at all.

"Eden, are you perhaps... too nervous?"

Mei frankly stated that she believes Eden's view is not advisable.

"Are you too nervous?"

Upon hearing this, Eden stroked his smooth chin.

To be honest, she didn't really expect to persuade Mei with just these words.

After all, the fact that everything I had experienced was a dream was too shocking.

Therefore, Eden did not rush to explain to Mei, but slowly expressed his views on the world:

"Mei, you might think I'm talking nonsense. But think back carefully, haven't a lot of strange things related to paint happened these days?"

"The paint...you mean the ones Kiana gave Gretsch?"

As Mei thought about this, she finally realized the most unbelievable thing about this world.

Why do paint drop after defeating an enemy?

Think about it carefully, would an enemy carry something that only painting would require?

"Could it be, Eden? Is this the universal rule of this world? A causal system built around pigments?"

"Ah, very good."

Eden clapped his hands, pleased with Mei's sudden enlightenment: "So, Mei, who do you think has the highest probability of having paint in their dream?"

At this point in the conversation, it's safe to say that we can be quite frank with each other.

Mei then revealed the person Eden had referred to: "Gresh?"

"Hmm." Eden nodded slowly.

Faced with her accusations, Mei was unable to respond for a moment.

If this world is nothing more than Gretchen's dream, then what would happen if the dreamer woke up right now?

Chapter Sixteen: Tell me, who exactly is your big boss?

The more Mei thought about it, the colder she felt.

The idea that the world one inhabits is merely someone's dream is truly terrifying.

If what Eden said is true, then when Gretchen awakens, the world will be torn apart like a ripped piece of paper.

Will it disappear completely?

Mei didn't know, and didn't know, what would happen to her and her companions if such a thing happened.

"Eden, if your guess is correct, then... what do you think will happen if Gretsch wakes up?"

"My friend, I can't imagine."

Faced with Mei's question, Eden spread his hands, a helpless bitter smile on his face.

Although this answer was not entirely satisfactory, it was not unreasonable.

After all, it was already quite remarkable that Eden was able to perceive this. As for the work of exploring the essence of the world, it should still be done by researchers like Möbius.

Mei sighed, then said, "Eden, why are you telling me all this? Aren't you afraid that I'll clash with Gretchen of this world?"

"Have you explained it clearly?"

"Of course I'm not worried."

Eden's attitude was quite easygoing in the face of Mei's question.

"I believe you won't act rashly. Mei, in my impression you are someone who is very good at thinking and solving problems. Just do what you're good at. I believe you can change all of this."

Eden's tone was full of trust, almost to the point of being completely open.

Mei was slightly surprised by this.

"You... seem to overestimate me. Oh well."

Mei turned and left, glancing sideways at Eden before she went: "Although I don't know your true intentions, since you've told me the truth, I will seek the answer."

"Well, good luck," Eden said calmly, his tone utterly unwavering, revealing no trace of emotion.

"I hope so. Don't take this to heart anymore. After all, it's just your speculation, not reality. I think you should know how harsh reality is. Even if I were Gretchen, I couldn't be perfect."

"I know."

Eden's voice remained calm and unremarkable, as if the words posed no threat to her whatsoever.

Mei ignored the matter and continued walking forward.

All she wanted to know was to leave this world; she had no interest in anything else.

"Perhaps we could try asking that woman?"

A pink figure flashed through Mei's mind.

Although the woman claimed she knew nothing, she could still believe it.

This woman definitely knows something, she just hasn't said it yet.

With these thoughts in mind, Mei returned to the camp.

At this moment, Gretchen was still painting, and Black Symbol was still playing cards with Bronya.

She clutched the cards with a worried expression, seemingly driven to the brink of despair once again.

It's so obvious that it's almost instantly recognizable.

This clearly demonstrates that she is still far too inexperienced when it comes to playing cards.

In contrast, Bronya's expression is textbook perfect for a card player.

Her expression was so blank that it was impossible to guess what kind of cards she was holding.

Based on this alone, Black Talisman is already far inferior, so it may only be a matter of time before he loses everything again.