Girl in the Box: Please tell me why I was reincarnated as a mimic monster!

After the other three factions had left, Li slumped back into her seat, feeling utterly exhausted. She was truly not good at handling meetings that discussed important matters; even in regular small meetings, she would feel somewhat nervous. She was just thankful nothing went wrong. Li put her feet up on the chair, hugged her legs, and recalled the looks she had just received.

Xuanze's look meant "whatever." Saiwei's look meant "trust." Alice's look meant "thank you."

"Ugh..." Li said, his head aching. "I really hope this is the last time I do something this headache-inducing..."

“So,” Ning asked, “aren’t you going to explain this to the people here? Especially those three.”

Ning gestured with his eyes to Seria, Wu Ke, and East, who had immediately surrounded him after the meeting. All three wore worried expressions, eagerly hoping for a reliable answer. These three had close ties with Xia Quehaoer, and Seria's words were entirely based on her own emotions; she also represented the other two, hoping for leniency for Haoer.

Just now, Li's words gave the impression that even she had sided with the Demon King, creating a one-sided situation at the meeting and making the outcome irreversible. Even knowing this, the three of them still came over to confirm it, unwilling to give up. Accompanying them were four other Dragon Kings: Olito and Kuroba.

Everyone in the meeting was waiting for Li's answer, and even Ning couldn't figure out why Li would give that answer.

According to Ning's estimation, Li should be on the side of not executing him, but she really didn't expect Li to suddenly give such an unbelievable answer. Not to mention others, even she herself was a little curious about how Li planned to explain it now.

“Uh… well, that’s how it is, right?” Li’s words lacked persuasiveness. “I’ll go find Haul in a bit and then end all this.”

As for Li, she would never explain this in detail, because it concerned whether the matter could be accomplished, so the fewer people who knew the details, the better. Although she felt very sorry for those who hoped to let Hao Er go, this way there wouldn't be any problems.

"This is..." Seria's body trembled slightly, "...your decision?"

"Mm." Li nodded.

“Alright then…” Celia didn’t show any expression, just shrugged helplessly. “I’m sorry for saying those things. Although I know that everyone’s decision was correct, I still…”

“I understand,” Li said helplessly. “You can talk to Xia Que later… but not now… I’ll explain the details to you later. Ning, let’s go. Everyone can go back to your posts now. Thank you for coming to the meeting.”

"Ah."

After explaining the necessary matters, Li led Ning away. Li activated the search function of the Magic Eye to locate Haul. On the way, Ning still asked about it.

"What exactly are you up to this time?" Ning asked. "I'm a little confused by what you're saying. I remember you were thinking about how to save Hao'er, right? Why are you suddenly saying this now?"

“Ha…the situation has changed…” Li said with a wry smile, “Only in this way can it be resolved smoothly.”

“…Never mind,” Ning decided not to ask any further. “Anyway, asking any further won’t get any results. I’ll just see what you plan to do.”

Hao'er wasn't far away, and he still frequently roamed around the Little Garden, obediently awaiting his punishment. In contrast, Xia Que was missing. Yes, literally, she disappeared. After that period of strange behavior, Xia Que vanished without a trace; no one knew where she went, and even her magic eye couldn't find her.

Ning initially judged that Xia Que might have severed her connection with this world using the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow, thus concealing her whereabouts in this peculiar way. Because she didn't know what Xia Que was trying to do, Ning had arranged for members of the guard team to keep a close eye on Xia Que's movements; there must be a reason why that girl had suddenly become so intelligent.

The two women quickly located Hao'er, who was walking down the street. Li happened to meet his gaze and gestured for him to follow them to a less crowded area. Hao'er nodded and began walking towards a less crowded spot. Li and Ning followed him out to a quieter place.

"Good afternoon, both of you," Hao'er greeted them politely.

"Yes, good afternoon to you too." Riya greeted him, but hesitated, unsure how to begin the conversation.

"That meeting about my case has already ended, right?" Hale asked calmly.

"...It's all over." Li nodded, stating the facts. "The decision regarding your fate has also been made."

"That's it."

Hao Er remained remarkably calm. He had long anticipated this outcome, and it was only a matter of time before it came to pass. He was prepared for it all along.

“So,” Hale continued, “what have you decided to do with me?”

"Execute him," Li said expressionlessly. "Come with us for a moment."

Hao Er nodded. He knew that Li meant to take him somewhere else for a final farewell. He readily followed Li and Ning away, a perfectly reasonable request to avoid any commotion, and Hao Er had no reason to refuse. Hao Er followed behind Li and Ning, leaving the busier main street and heading to a more secluded spot.

There would be no one here. Li even used her powers to create a spatial barrier that could disperse crowds. Now, there was no one around except the three of them. It was time to end things here.

Li looked at Hao'er and asked, "Is there anything else you want to say?"

Li Zi never imagined she would be doing something like this. She followed the standard sequence in the story, figuring that as long as she followed the process, there shouldn't be any major problems. She asked Hao Er for his last words, following the textbook procedure, while Ning watched from the side without saying anything.

“…Then please do me a favor,” Hao’er said. “Could you please escort Xia Que back safely?”

"Of course." Li nodded, then asked again to confirm, "Is there anything else?"

“That’s all,” a calm smile appeared on Hale’s face. “That’s enough. Thank you.”

"Well... I'm sorry."

This was the first time Li had ever seen Hao Er make such an expression; perhaps Hao Er had no more wishes left. Now, it was time to get down to business.

Over the past few days, Li and Ning have thoroughly figured out the matter of time travel. Li has also practiced many times in private, and has basically mastered this ability. She has even traveled back and forth to Earth once, so it will not be difficult for her and is within an acceptable range.

As Li reached out her hand, palm facing Hao Er, preparing to make her next move, she suddenly felt a chill on her back. She instinctively jumped away, and as she did, Ning's magic threads wrapped around her waist and pulled her back quickly. A sharp sword aura swept across the spot where she had just been standing. Li recognized this unstoppable sword aura.

Sure enough, it came!

The sword energy dissipated, revealing a girl with long black hair. This girl was none other than Xia Que, who had suddenly disappeared during this time. Li had a premonition that Xia Que was still active around Hao Er, and that she would definitely appear once they had delivered their final judgment on Hao Er. Li had also anticipated this situation, so bringing Ning along wasn't without reason.

The reason Xia Que appeared here is probably because she usually watches over Hao Er. Although she was blocked by Li's barrier this time, with the power of the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow, Li's barrier could not stop her.

"Xia Que!?"

Hale's voice was more surprised than anyone else's.

"Well... I reckon she'll come out too." Ning, holding Li in her arms, looked at Xia Que and asked coldly, "What do you want to do?"

"I..." Xia Que gripped the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow, her gaze darting away, "I don't know..."

"So what are you doing?"

Ning was fully in battle mode. She silently walked up to Li, released her magic, and immediately entered a state of magic burning. The raging seven-colored magic flames were full of pressure. With such a commotion, Akihabara must have already noticed that something was wrong. The guards should be on their way now. It's a headache. The worst-case scenario has still occurred.

"I'm really... so sorry..."

Xia Que gripped the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow tightly in her hand, a pained and complicated expression on her face. She was now desperate and had no choice but to do this. Although Li could understand, her arrival at this time had disrupted Li's original plan, and this battle was now unavoidable.

"Xia Que, what are you doing!"

Hao'er's voice carried a hint of sorrow. Xia Que did not turn around to look at him; she herself felt that she had no right to look at Hao'er.

Sorry... Hale, please let me be willful just this once...

Xia Que gripped the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow tightly, channeling her will into the blade. The Great Xia Dragon Sparrow then erupted with intense azure flames, clashing against Ning's seven-colored flames. Now, she could only rely on herself, on the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow in her hand, to protect Hao Er, just as Hao Er had done before… to escape with him.

She still remembered how Hale had taken her away from the kingdom's surveillance during the chaos, but she had done something that made all of Hale's efforts futile, and in the end, she was captured by Lycia, causing such a huge incident. So she still felt guilty towards Hale because of that. However, this time, it was her turn to take Hale away.

Li was eager to say something, but the words were already in her throat and she couldn't utter a sound. At that moment, the Akihabara security forces arrived.

"I'm sorry!" Celia apologized as soon as she arrived. "We noticed Xia Que's movements, but we didn't expect her to act so quickly!"

"Xia Que! Don't do anything foolish!!" Ister cried out sadly.

"I'm sorry..." Xia Que held up the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow, "This time I really have no choice... Dragon Sparrow—Gale!"

bite----!

The azure flames suddenly converged on the blade. Rin instinctively released a spatial wall to block their path. Xia Que unleashed a powerful slash, sweeping out the flame-like energy that struck the spatial wall Rin had created. The spatial wall shattered with a deafening roar, and the energy dispersed, obscuring everyone's view. Taking advantage of this moment, Xia Que turned and grabbed Hao Er's hand, then, without a word, pulled him away.

"Tsk——!"

Ning Qian waved her hand to construct a spell, and the seven-colored flames instantly transformed into a blue light, forming a magical circle. A storm of wind blades swept away all the sharpness. Seria and Ister chased after them with mixed feelings. It really was the worst situation they had encountered.

"Haa..." Li was troubled by this. "Ning, be careful when you make a move."

“There’s no need for that,” Ning said coldly. “Since Xia Que made that decision, she has to bear the consequences. Besides, she actually came through with such a half-hearted will…”

Ning could accept Xia Que's sudden behavior, but for her to come with such a half-hearted attitude was a gross underestimation of her.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"This way!"

Xia Que immediately led Hao Er into the maze. She had lived in the miniature garden for a while and knew that the maze was the best place for her to hide from the pursuers with Hao Er. As long as she was quick-witted once inside, she could lead Hao Er away from the miniature garden.

"Why would you do this?!" Hale demanded. "Don't you really know what you're doing?!"

"I know!!" Xia Que shouted as she pulled him along, "I'm doing the same thing you're doing!!"

"—!"

"Didn't you lead me to escape from the Kingdom's army in the same way back then!?"

"You...you're just being sophistical! What I did last time and what you did this time are completely different things, do you understand?!"

Hao Er never expected that Xia Que would still remember what happened back then. At that time, he had indeed tried to take Xia Que away from that place of trouble amidst the chaos, but he ultimately failed. Now, Xia Que did the same thing as he had back then, but the nature of it was completely different. The strangest thing was that Hao Er wanted to stand still, but was dragged away by Xia Que, who inexplicably used superhuman strength.

This was the first time he had ever seen Xia Que do something like this.

"Xia Que!!!" Hao Er shouted, "Stop struggling! I know how you feel!! But you need to think this through! This is something I have to bear!"

"You don't know!! You have absolutely no idea!!!" Xia Que screamed hysterically, "Please!! I beg you, please run—! I really don't want to end up like that!!"

“It’s no use, Xia Que.” Hao’er tried to break free from Xia Que’s grasp. “Don’t you understand? Neither you nor I can avoid this ending.”

No matter where Hao'er goes, they will eventually find him. Even if they don't come looking for him, he will go back to atone for his sins on his own. Xia Que's attempt to forcibly take Hao'er away is useless. Apart from the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow, she is just an ordinary girl. How could she possibly outrun the people in this world who can use magic?

"Xia Que! Hao Er! Don't run away!"

While the two were arguing, Seria and Ister had already caught up. Both of them were already in battle mode, although they really didn't want to fight Xia Que, but it was truly a last resort. Xia Que immediately released her grip on Hao Er's hand, turned around and used the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow to unleash a four-hit combo of sword slashes, four unstoppable sword energies sweeping out horizontally.

"Get out of the way!"

boom--!

Ning, who arrived later, directly used magic to disperse the four sword energies. Xia Que was definitely no match for Ning now; she couldn't even properly confirm her own will, and the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow was not as sharp as before. She must be very hesitant and conflicted right now. Even so, Ning had no intention of holding back. It wasn't appropriate for her to just stand by and watch, so she could only quietly wait for the end.

Ning unleashed her signature magical bombardment, and all sorts of magical circles were now scattered throughout the maze's passageways. In this narrow space, there was nowhere to hide. Helpless, Li used his power to stabilize the space and prevent Ning from directly blasting it apart. Xia Que and Hao Er had nowhere to go.

"Did you really think this through before you did it?" Ning's voice carried a hint of anger. "You're just wasting your time."

“Hmm…” Xia Que nodded. “I’ve thought it through. Even so, I still want to save him.”

“Is that so…” Ning nodded calmly. “Then you should give it a try first.”

The control of the magic was broken, and countless magical bombardments were about to begin. Xia Que was also prepared to fight with all her might here. She poured her will into the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow and then plunged it deep into the ground. Azure flames spread out from the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow as the center, and cold air instantly filled the space. Countless blades emerged from the ground to form a natural barrier, blocking Ning's magical bombardment.

Ning wasn't in a hurry, continuously replenishing her magic to maintain the offensive; breaking through Xia Que's defenses was only a matter of time. Listening to the sound of the blades shattering, Li felt a headache coming on at the sight.

Let's find an opportunity to sneak in...

Rin began to unleash her magic, and silver magical light adhered to her hands, transforming into magnificent patterns. Only Rin herself knew what kind of magic was on them.

Da da--

Xia Que suddenly burst out from the magical bombardment. She desperately used Dragon Sparrow - Gale to neutralize the magic attacking her, and then used this to slowly approach Ning. Ning had already discovered her little trick and was prepared. She formed a hand blade with magic and was about to fight Xia Que when, for some reason, she suddenly stopped.

"—!" Xia Que showed an incredulous expression.

Because the blade of the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow was stopped in mid-air.

Ning's magic blade didn't clash with the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow, nor did Ning use magic to interfere with it. The blade simply stopped there, as if an invisible hand was blocking it. No, Ning knew; in fact, there was someone there.

"It took me a little while to remember who I am..."

A figure gradually emerged from beneath the blade of the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow.

That figure couldn't possibly be forgotten...

“Zhou Dong…?” Li said his name in disbelief.

The figure was fully revealed. He caught the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow with just one hand. After sensing his presence, even the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow's blade began to tremble.

"I'm sorry, please return it to me," he said to the girl before him. "It's no longer suitable for you."

A cry like that of a phoenix rang out from the blade of the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow. The azure straight blade transformed into an azure bird, which flew through the air and landed on Zhou Dong, affectionately nuzzling his face. Xia Que was stunned; she hadn't expected such a sudden turn of events. Li and Ning didn't let the opportunity slip by either. Ning took a step forward and rushed into Xia Que's arms, knocking her unconscious with a hand chop.

At the same time, Rin unleashed her magic in front of everyone.

Sky-Severing Slash.

Silver magical light transformed into a blade, which was swung from his hand. The silver light flashed and severed spacetime. The chaotic spacetime turbulence swallowed Haul and finally closed.

Chapter 14 The Returners

"Huh?!"

Xia Que was startled awake from her dream. Startled, she instinctively gathered her power, only to find that the thing didn't respond to her, meaning…

"It's over..."

She wasn't particularly desperate or disappointed, but felt a void in her heart, her mind completely blank. Xia Que sat huddled on the bed, staring blankly in some direction. A hand reached out and grasped hers. Xia Que looked up and saw Seria sitting on the edge of the bed, her expression complex.

"Feel sorry……"

Besides these words, Seria couldn't find anything else to say, and those words were enough to crush Xia Que right now.

"------!"

Upon hearing this, the thread that had held Xia Que's emotions snapped, and tears streamed down her face like a burst dam. She finally broke down. She had thought she could accept this fact without any emotional reaction, but she couldn't accept it.

This doesn't refer to her losing the power of the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow, but rather losing her master, Hao'er—no, it should be called her lover, even if it was just wishful thinking on her part. In fact, she wasn't the only one who was heartbroken; the others who had spent some time with Hao'er were also deeply saddened. Besides Celia, who was by the bedside, Ister and Wu Ke were also guarding outside the room.