However, the appearance of the gang brutally destroyed this "wonderful place" she had just discovered.
They vandalized and looted, and hurt those who had shown her kindness, especially... the scarred-faced uncle who had first treated her to meat and asked for her help; he even seemed to have been injured.
(Therefore, in her view, these gangs were not simply causing trouble, but destroying the precious happiness she had just gained and hurting those who had shown her kindness!)
For A-Quan, who is simple-minded, logically straightforward, and possesses absolute power, the nature of this behavior is completely different.
This is no longer just "something bad that I can't stand," but an invasion of her personal space and a trampling of what she cherishes!
Therefore, her reaction was no longer ordinary "punishment", but was upgraded to the most extreme and unquestionable "destruction"!
She wants to completely eliminate these culprits who "destroy beauty" and warn any entity that dares to invade again in the most terrifying way!
(This idiot... he's included that night market and all those vendors in his "protected area"...)
Having figured this out, Chiin's gaze towards A-Quan in his arms became even more complicated.
There was helplessness, heartache, and a hint of understanding.
Her actions remain unforgivable, and the consequences and impact they have had are disastrous.
But her motives may not have been purely tyrannical, but rather stemmed from a distorted and overly naive desire to "protect".
(This is... a really big problem.)
(Not only do we need to find a way to appease her, but we also need to consider how to handle the aftermath... AST and Fraxinus are definitely already watching her. No, they're watching Chinatsu. Although we still can't do anything about Chinatsu, but... sigh.)
Qianyuan felt a splitting headache. He gently hugged Aquan in his arms, as if doing so could give her and himself some support.
(Let's wait until she wakes up... At least, we need to figure out her current state, and... how to explain the rules of this world to this "misbehaving" brat.)
The sun shone brightly outside the window, but Chiin's heart was filled with gloom. He knew that finding A-Quan was only the first step; how to guide this "sister" who possessed destructive power but was mentally unstable would be a huge problem facing him.
Chapter 183 Fable
Time flowed quietly in the silence, the sun outside the window gradually set in the west, and the magnificent sunset dyed the sky a warm orange-red.
A few persistent rays of the setting sun slanted in through the gaps in the tightly drawn curtains, like golden ribbons, landing precisely on the two sleeping in each other's arms, gilding them with a soft edge of light.
Qianyuan, unable to resist exhaustion, leaned against the headboard and fell asleep.
But his arms remained in an embracing position, one hand unconsciously and rhythmically patting the girl's back, as if it were a kind of instinctive care.
Like a cat that has finally found a safe haven, A-Quan curled up on his side next to Chiin, his small head resting on Chiin's chest, his silver hair scattered and messy, with a few strands even playfully brushing against Chiin's chin.
The golden light of the setting sun shone on her long eyelashes, casting fine shadows.
Her eyelids trembled slightly a few times, and then slowly, with a dazed look of just waking up, she opened them.
Those golden eyes blinked blankly for a moment, as if trying to figure out where they were.
Immediately, she felt a steady heartbeat and warm body temperature beneath her, as well as the hand that was still gently patting her back.
Memories flooded her mind like a tidal wave—the liveliness and kindness of the night market, the arrogance and destruction of the gangsters, her own uncontrollable rage, the scene of blood and flesh flying everywhere, and finally… the utterly terrified looks in the eyes of the stall owners as they stared at her…
A faint, almost inaudible sob escaped her throat, carrying a heavy nasal tone and a sense of grievance.
She instinctively snuggled closer to Chiin, as if wanting to draw more warmth and a sense of security, burying her face deeper into his chest, her small hands unconsciously clenching the fabric of his shirt.
Her subtle movements and the soft sob startled the lightly sleeping Chiin.
Chiin opened her eyes groggily and looked down to see the fluffy silver head in her arms burrowing nervously into her embrace.
He instantly regained most of his senses, paused for a moment, and then became even gentler.
His voice was hoarse from just waking up, yet unusually gentle.
A-Quan didn't look up, but simply nodded gently in his arms and mumbled an "Mmm".
Chiin could clearly feel the slight trembling in her body, as well as the almost overflowing sadness and unease.
He didn't immediately ask about what happened last night, but continued to gently pat her back, as if comforting a child who had a nightmare.
Silence spread in the afterglow of the setting sun, but it was not awkward; instead, a silent understanding flowed through it.
Like a young animal seeking shelter, A-Quan buried her face deeply in Chiin's chest. After a long while, she spoke haltingly, her voice thick with sobs and barely audible:
"Weak... weak kindness... did I... did I do something wrong...?"
"Why...why did they...look at me like that...?"
"I...I just...want to...get rid of those...bad things...that ruin beauty..."
Senin felt a mix of emotions as he felt the slight trembling in his arms and the helplessness that almost burned him.
He gently rubbed the fluffy silver head on his chest with a helpless gesture.
"My silly A-Quan."
His voice was deep and gentle, as if he were stating an objective fact.
"Your idea itself is not wrong. Wanting to protect those who are good to you and to protect the things you think are beautiful is the most instinctive and the most precious thought."
Ah Quan's body stiffened slightly, as if he hadn't expected to receive such affirmation.
Chiin continued slowly, trying to explain in a way she could understand:
"However, the problem lies in the method. Ah Quan, humans are very complex beings. They can be great, creating countless miracles and beautiful things, like the delicious food and warm smiles in the night market; but they are also very fragile, both physically and mentally."
He paused, organizing his thoughts: "The method you used was too direct, and... too terrifying. The scene exceeded the limits of what most human minds could bear. So, they were frightened; fear overwhelmed everything, including their initial goodwill towards you."
"What they fear is not your desire to protect them, but the overwhelming power and...cruelty you display that they cannot comprehend."
"I...I'm not scary at all!"
A-Quan instinctively retorted, but his voice was clearly guilty and trembling, and he shrank even tighter into Qian Yuan's arms.
"I know that A-Quan is not scary."
Chiin tightened his grip and patted her back reassuringly.
“I know my A-Quan, he just wanted to protect the uncle who treated her to barbecue, the old lady who gave her oden, and everyone in the night market who showed her kindness. I know your heart is good and pure.”
He then changed the subject, using a metaphor:
"But later, when you used your power to... treat those gangsters like a child trying to drive away the bad guys who were bullying his friend, he ended up picking up a gun that could destroy everything."
"The bad guys were eliminated, but everyone around was terrified by the scary guns and the sight. Naturally, they would be afraid of someone with a gun, even if that person's intention was just to protect them."
"Furthermore, even the most heinous criminals should not be dealt with by you or me. Power must be shackled. A-Quan, your power and mine are too great for this society and ordinary people. Therefore, we must impose strict self-discipline on ourselves when using this power."
A-Quan fell silent. His body stopped trembling, but remained tense, as if he was trying to process Qian-Yuan's words.
It's not that she's completely ignorant; it's just that she was born into an environment of absolute power and is used to solving problems in the most direct and effective way, never considering "degree" or "impact."
After a long while, she asked in a thin, fragile voice with a heavy nasal tone:
"Then... what should I do now?"
She raised her head, her golden eyes shimmering with tears, like dusty stars, filled with confusion and helplessness.
"They... must all hate me now... that old lady... and that uncle... will never smile at me again..."
Seeing her looking as if she had been abandoned by the whole world, Chiin felt a pang of tenderness mixed with a sense of helplessness.
He reached out and gently pinched her tear-stained, yet still soft and smooth cheek.
"Since I don't know what to do, and I can't figure it out..."
Chiin's voice carried a guiding tone.
"Then let me tell you a story. It's about a girl who also possesses great power, who was once confused, made mistakes, but ultimately found her own path."
Ah Quan blinked his wet eyes, a curious look on his face.
Chiin adjusted his posture to make it more comfortable for Izumi to lean against him, and then began his narration in a calm tone, as if telling an ancient legend:
"This story is called 'Sky Ranger.' The protagonist is a girl named Kiana Kaslana..."
He began to recount how the white-haired, blue-eyed girl carried a heavy destiny and power, and how she had once been stubborn.
It tells the story of the tragedy and regret she caused by losing control, mentioning the damage she caused to the world due to her uncontrolled power, and the pain in her heart.
It tells the story of how, with the help of her companions, she gradually learns to control her power and understand responsibility through repeated battles and reflections, using that powerful force for true "protection" rather than destruction...
He recounted Kiana's inner struggles and growth, how she went from being "controlled by power" to "controlling power," from confusion to determination, and finally understood that "the meaning of power lies in protecting loved ones, not in wanton venting."
As the sun slowly set, the light in the room gradually became soft and hazy.
Chiin's voice wasn't loud, but it echoed clearly in the room.
Ah Quan listened quietly, his golden eyes sparkling as the story unfolded, sometimes confused, sometimes enlightened, and sometimes pursing his lips as if he were experiencing it himself.
She heard Kiana weep because she had hurt someone important, heard her struggle in loneliness, and heard her finally stand up, carrying the past on her back, and resolutely walking towards the future, using her power to protect everyone who deserves protection.
The story was over, and a brief silence fell over the room.
Ah Quan lowered his head, his long silver eyelashes drooping, as if he was digesting this long story.
Chiin didn't disturb her, but simply stayed by her side, feeling her breathing gradually become steady and her body relax.
After a long while, A-Quan finally raised his head. The confusion in his eyes seemed to have dissipated somewhat, replaced by a kind of bewildered contemplation.
"Kiana...did she...become a hero in the end?" she asked softly.
Chiin smiled slightly and ruffled her hair.
"In many people's hearts, she is. But more importantly, she found her own answer, found a way to use her power, and never gave up on those she wanted to protect, including... forgiving herself and moving forward."
He looked into A-Quan's eyes and said earnestly, "My A-Quan, you possess strength that is no less than hers. And your heart for protecting everyone is as pure as hers at the beginning."
"So don't be afraid of making mistakes, and don't let other people's fears negate you. What's important is what we learn from our mistakes and how to better use our strengths in the future."
A-Quan stared blankly at Qian-Yuan, something seemingly changing subtly in his golden eyes.
It was no longer pure domineering or confusion, but rather infused with a glimmer of light... called "thinking" and "possibility".
As the last rays of the setting sun disappeared below the horizon, the room grew dark, but the story seemed to have lit a faint yet hopeful lamp for the path ahead of a nascent consciousness.
Finally, he reached out and gently wiped away the tears that were about to fall from the corners of her eyes with his fingertips.
"You idiot, Quan, do you know where the problem lies now?"
His tone carried a hint of reproach, but no blame whatsoever.
"From now on, you must learn to control your power and solve problems in a smarter and gentler way. The premise of freedom is that you cannot infringe on the freedom of others. Using force to stop violence will only bring more violence. Power should be used to protect, not to kill, understand?"
Ah Quan nodded vigorously and gave a nasal "hmm".
"As for them..." Chiin looked out the window at the setting sun.
"They may be scared now. But as long as Ah Quan stops using that terrible method in the future and slowly starts treating others with kindness, just like they treated you back then... one day, they will understand."
He lowered his head and gave A-Quan a warm smile: "After all, my A-Quan is essentially a good kid, right?"
Looking at Qianyuan's smile, which was free of gloom and full of trust and tolerance, and feeling the warmth of his embrace, Aquan felt the grievances and unease in his heart being gradually dispelled by the light of the setting sun.
She hugged Chiin tightly, burying her face in his chest, and answered in a muffled but incredibly clear voice:
"Hmm! A-Quan... is a good boy! ~☆"
The last rays of the setting sun disappeared below the horizon, plunging the room into a gentle gloom.
But in this dim light, between the two embracing figures, it was as if a small lamp called "understanding" and "growth" had been lit.
The road ahead may still be full of challenges, but at least for now, they rely on each other and have found the courage and direction to move forward.
Chapter 184 Abnormality
As evening fell, the kitchen of the Itsuka family was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of food.
Shido, wearing an apron, was intently stirring the food in the pan, preparing dinner for the gluttonous spirit who was enjoying a hot bath in the bathroom, where the sound of singing could be faintly heard.
Kotori Itsuka, dressed in casual clothes but with a black ribbon tied around her head that signifies "commander mode," walked into the kitchen with a serious expression.
The usual languor or playfulness was gone from her face; in its place was the seriousness and solemnity befitting Commander Fraxinus.
"Shido." Kotori's voice lacked its usual liveliness, carrying a heavy weight.
Shido paused in his stir-frying, turned around and saw Kotori's expression. He immediately knew something was amiss and, sensing the tense atmosphere, turned down the heat.
"What's wrong, Kotori? Is it... about Tohka, or..."
Kotori cut straight to the point without beating around the bush, keeping her voice low so Tohka in the bathroom wouldn't hear: "Shido, there's been a new discovery regarding Chinatsu—or rather, the [Celestial Judgment]."
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