HLS VOL 3. 1-10 (Patreon)

Chapter One: The Saintess? No, It’s the Phantom Thief Kallen!

“Cat Cat: I gasped. This really is a scene of domestic violence! Kiana got beaten up so badly by Mei. I can’t bear to watch.”

“Dr. Lobsterhead: If I told Kiana the truth, she’d feel guilty for the rest of her life. So Mei personally beat Kiana up so Kiana wouldn’t overthink things.”

“Don’t Want to Go to Work: Eh, is that what Mei was thinking?”

“Drunken Warrior: The family dynamics are obvious. Poor Kiana.”

“Miss Elf: You can tell Mei initially just wanted to talk things out, but seeing Kiana use the Herrscher of the Void’s ability again made her angry. Kiana stepped on a landmine.”

“Nun: Sigh. Kiana is for the world, but Mei only has eyes for Kiana. Without Kiana, this world has no meaning.”

“The Number One Cutest in the World: Sigh, Kiana.”

Theresa wanted to say something, but ultimately said nothing.

In reality, Mei watched herself brutally beating Kiana, her mouth agape, but her purple eyes shone brightly, radiating an inexplicable light. It was as if this short animation had opened up a whole new world for her.

Kiana, watching herself being beaten by Mei in the scene, knew Mei had no choice, but she was still filled with lingering fear, clinging tightly to herself.

She decided, she decided, she couldn’t anger Mei again.

Otherwise, the consequences would be too severe.

Mei, Mei wilñ really hit her!

Xiyue, watching the comments, peered out and saw Kiana’s weak and helpless appearance, a gloating smile on her face.

This is just an appetizer; tonight you’ll get the full immersive experience.

Thinking this, Xiyue smiled even more happily.

Checking the livestream time, she realized there were still over two hours left. After a moment’s thought, Xiyue decided to stream the event storyline, Sakura Samsara.

Although she haven’t seen Yae Sakura’s livestream lately, she can still feel her relationship with Kallen rapidly warming up.

It’s probably not far off that Yae Sakura will be affected by Himeko’s magic.

15th century, Yae Village, Yae Shrine.

In the past week, after that frank conversation, the relationship between Yae Sakura and the nun has rapidly deepened. The warm feeling is so captivating that Yae Sakura doesn’t want to leave the Yae Shrine, wanting only to stay with Kallen and watch her recover.

“Sakura, what’s wrong?”

Kallen looked at Yae Sakura, who had stopped feeding her medicine and was staring at her, and called out in confusion.

Hearing Kallen’s words, Yae Sakura snapped out of her reverie. Looking at Kallen’s face, she realized she had been lost in thought and quickly apologized, speaking gently to her.

“I’m sorry, I was thinking about something else.”

“Ah.”

After saying that, Yae gently held the cooled medicine to Kallen’s lips.

Kallen opened her mouth and drank it, then frowned.

“Sakura, it’s so bitter!!!”

Seeing this, Yae quickly handed Kallen some sweet water.

Kallen stuck out her tongue, looked at Yae, and said coquettishly.

“Sakura, can I not drink the medicine anymore? I feel better already!”

“No, you still need to drink it!”

Yae looked at Kallen, who was being coquettish, and shook her head with a smile.

“No, just one more sip and it’ll be fine.”

“Good girl, listen to me.”

After saying that, she continued to gently feed Kallen the medicine, and Kallen could only frown, close her eyes, and drink the bitter medicine.

After a while, Kallen finally finished the medicine.

The moment she finished drinking it, Kallen immediately reached out and hugged Sakura’s slender waist, burying her head in her arms, enjoying the comforting scent.

Sakura looked at Kallen, who was resting with her eyes closed in her arms, and a slight smile appeared on her lips.

“If only life could continue like this!”

Those cherry-colored eyes sparkled.

Meanwhile, in the livestream, Xiyue spoke slowly to the viewers who were gradually recovering from the domestic violence incident.

“Does everyone remember the story of the Eastern fox spirit, Kallen Kaslana, and Otto from the previous episodes?”

“It’s about Kiana and Cecilia’s adventures, and it’s mentioned in Otto’s Bubble World!”

The audience was slightly taken aback by Xiyue’s words.

“Cook: Ah, that game you mentioned? I remember Kiana’s mom was number one.”

“Don’t Want to Take the Exam: I remember now. That bastard Otto banned her because he couldn’t beat Cecilia!”

“Miss Elf: I remember. The game was something like Kallen Fantasy, where you control the Valkyrie Kallen and fight alongside Otto against some Eastern fox spirit that rules the continent. I think Kallen was Otto’s lover or something?”

“Dr. Lobsterhead: Huh? I don’t recall Otto having any lover.”

“Want to Buy An Island: Kallen Fantasy? Could it really be a fantasy?”

“Drunken Warrior: I think it’s very possible.”

“Dudu: Kallen Kaslana is the greatest saint of Schicksal.”

“Don’t Want to Go to Work: Kaslana? Is she Kiana’s ancestor again?”

“Don’t Want to Take the Exam: Huh?”

“Nun: And what about the Eastern fox spirit?”

Xiyue looked at the comments with great interest.

“It’s definitely fantasy.”

“We’ll temporarily stop streaming the main storyline. For the rest of the story, let’s look at the story of Kallen Kaslana, the saint of Schicksal, and the Eastern fox spirit Yae Sakura over the past 500 years, and also the story of the blonde loser, Green Otto!”

As soon as she finished speaking, the comment section erupted in excitement.

“Dr. Lobsterhead: Golden-haired loser, Green Otto? I can smell the gossip. Hurry up and broadcast!”

“Miss Elf: Hurry, hurry. I didn’t know Otto had such a nickname! So, does that mean Kallen is Otto’s lover, or is it just Otto’s fantasy?”

“Drunken Warrior: Hahahaha, hurry, hurry. I can’t wait for the plot.”

“Dudu: Looking forward to it!”

“Driver’s License Revoked: Zaychik is really looking forward to it.”

“Don’t Want to Take the Exam: Wow, I knew it! How could anyone from the Kaslana family possibly be interested in Otto? Impossible! The Kaslana family only likes women, not men!”

“Cook: Then who is this so-called Eastern fox spirit?”

Xiyue saw that everyone in the livestream was interested, so she also prepared to start her own livestream.

She wouldn’t tell everyone that Sakura Samsara was also a master swordswoman specialized with handing knives.

Hehe.

Meanwhile, an announcement appeared in the livestream.

【Welcome to the Phantom Thief Nun’s Live Stream】

Xiyue was stunned.

The Phantom Thief Nun?

“Wait, could this be Kallen herself?”

Seeing the ID was enough to confirm.

System, you’re really something.

Kallen wondered what she would think after seeing Otto’s crazy antics, especially who Apocalypse was.

She decided to hold off for now.

At the same time, Kallen, who had just fallen asleep, was startled when this strange livestream appeared in her mind.

She opened her eyes and found that Hachi was already asleep.

She didn’t make a sound and looked at the livestream with great confusion.

However, she then received the content of the livestream’s previous broadcasts.

A moment later, Kallen opened her eyes.

She couldn’t believe that Otto, five hundred years later, had become like this; this was completely different from the Otto she remembered.

What happened to Otto that made him like this?

Kallen was filled with confusion and doubt.

But her confusion didn’t last long, as Xiyue’s voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Before the main plot begins, I’ll show you a short clip!”

“Let me show you what kind of person Kallen is~”

After saying this, Xiyue found the scene where the phantom thief Kallen flirts with Yae Sakura.

Rhythmic music started playing, cherry blossoms bloomed, and the screen showed Yae Sakura’s back, along with a tall, curvaceous, silver-haired girl wearing a mask.

A beautiful, magnetic, and slightly seductive mature voice rang out.

“Beautiful shrine maiden, please don’t hesitate. If you want to love, do it while your lips are still red and rosy, or your love will be stolen by me, just like this secret treasure~”

The masked girl, holding a box, quickly walked past the stunned Yae Sakura.

As she passed, she glanced at Yae Sakura’s pretty and gentle face.

“Huh? Miss, you give me a familiar feeling too. I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere before~”

She raised her hand to her lips, smiling as she continued.

“This might be what they call love at first sight~”

The scene shifted again. The masked girl, one hand caressing the Oath of Judah, looked at Yae Sakura before her and chuckled.

“You’re really persistent, aren’t you, Shrine Maiden?”

“Don’t you know how dangerous the power within this sword is?”

“Please forgive me, but to stop you, I had to use brutal methods.”

Golden chains flew toward Yae Sakura, quickly binding the shrine maiden in a strange position. Caught off guard, the shrine maiden instinctively groaned.

“Ah~”

Looking at the bound shrine maiden, the phantom thief was somewhat puzzled.

“Why didn’t you fight back?”

Hearing the phantom thief’s words, the shrine maiden’s eyes were filled with sorrow and affection as she softly spoke.

“You’ve got it wrong. What I’m truly relentlessly pursuing isn’t that knife, but you!”

Hearing the shrine maiden’s words, the phantom thief paused, then quickly approached her, slowly moving her face closer. She reached out and lifted the shrine maiden’s chin, speaking with tender affection.

“Is that so? I see~”

“But allow me to take my leave first. I understand your deep affection for me, but you must also forgive my rudeness~”

A hand grasped the shrine maiden’s delicate hand, and lips lightly touched it.

Then it vanished.

...

“Cat Cat: This... this is Kallen Kaslana? Ahhh, she’s so charming! This beautiful lady~ Waaaa, I love her so much. And the shrine maiden is so pretty and gentle!”

“Want to Buy An Island: This is the Schicksal saintess from 500 years ago. She seems completely different from what I remember! Such a likable personality~”

“Don’t Want to Go to Work: She’s so good at flirting! I can’t take it anymore. She’s flirting with me!”

“Driver’s License Revoked: The shrine maiden looks so much like Previous Era Flamechaser Sakura.”

“Dr. Lobsterhead: If it’s this couple, I can understand Otto’s feelings now, hahaha. The Eastern fox spirit, so that’s how it is, hahaha. Golden-haired loser!”

“Miss Elf: She’s so good at this, I really want to learn from her! She’s a senior.”

Elysia’s eyes sparkled.

“Cook: Is this also Kiana’s ancestor?”

“Don’t Want to Take the Exam: Wow, so cool, so handsome, so beautiful, I want to learn too! I want to learn too!”

“Cat Cat: Looks like a sweet storyline, hehe. This event storyline definitely won’t have any angst. I want to see Kallen and the shrine maiden all lovey-dovey~”

“Lady Phantom Thief: Hehe~”

Kallen felt strange seeing her own first meeting with Yae Sakura in the storyline.

However, she liked her character in the storyline.

If she had met Yae Sakura for the first time, she probably would have done the same.

“Beautiful lady~”

Then, her gaze fell upon the sleeping Sakura, a sweet smile playing on her lips.

...

Reading Pardofelis’s comment and recalling the plot of Sakura Samsara, Xiyue nodded.

“Yes, so sweet!”

“It’s just that Sakura was personally sealed away by Kallen.”

Thinking of this, her enthusiasm for the livestream surged again, and she found the starting chapter.

Open World - 01 Sakura Samsara - Prologue - Side Story: Kallen’s Escape Memories.

The livestream screen displayed three-colored magatama, and a narrator’s voice slowly began to play.

“Stigmata are power passed down through bloodlines, the spark of civilization’s inheritance.”

“Hidden within this spark are still many unknown secrets.”

The scene shifted again, and Kiana found herself in an unfamiliar space, facing a girl dressed as a shrine maiden with two long ears on her head.

Kiana, seeing this, asked in confusion.

“Huh, where is this...”

Yae Sakura looked at Kiana, noticed her puzzled expression, and spoke slowly.

“Hello, this is Yae Village. I don’t think I’ve seen you before. May I ask who you are?”

A gentle voice reached Kiana’s ears, startling her.

“Eh, me?”

Kiana was trying to figure out how to answer when Yae Sakura’s voice rang out.

“Are you a new traveler?”

Hearing this, Kiana quickly nodded.

“Ah, yes, that’s me!”

Hearing Kiana’s words, Yae Sakura didn’t suspect anything, but gently asked.

“Then, if I may ask, what is your name, traveler?”

Hearing this, Kiana scratched her head and said crisply.

“Name? Just call me Kiana!”

Sakura nodded.

“Oh, Kiana, I’m going to the river now. Do you want to come with me?”

Kiana was puzzled by Yae Sakura’s words.

“To the river? What’s going on? Never mind, let’s go see what’s happening!”

Kiana followed Yae Sakura to the riverbank. Kiana tried to talk to Yae Sakura along the way, but Yae Sakura ignored her.

This added to Kiana’s confusion.

Soon, the two arrived at the riverbank.

They found a person floating near the riverbank. Yae Sakura rushed over and pulled the unconscious girl out. Looking at the unconscious girl, Yae Sakura’s face was full of worry.

“Why did this person float down the river?”

“Could she already be...”

But before she could finish, Sakura felt the unconscious nun’s breathing and exclaimed in surprise.

“No, she’s alive! She’s still breathing!”

---

Chapter Two: Green Living, Greener and Healthier

Feeling that the unconscious nun was still breathing, Yae Sakura immediately asked Kiana for help.

"Excuse me, the situation is a bit urgent. Could you please help me?"

"Kiana, this young lady is seriously injured. She's been in the river for too long, and her life could be in danger if she's not treated soon. Could you help me take her back to the shrine?"

Kiana looked at the nun in Yae Sakura's arms, finding her increasingly familiar but unable to place her.

However, she didn't think too much about it and quickly agreed.

"No problem! Leave the physical labor to me!"

The two of them then worked together to bring Kallen back to the shrine.

Back at the shrine, Yae Sakura quickly began treating Kallen. Kiana, watching Yae Sakura's efforts, gently inquired.

"How is she?"

Hearing Kiana's words, Sakura looked at the unconscious nun and softly replied.

"Her injuries have stabilized. Her body temperature is gradually returning, and she's no longer in mortal danger."

Hearing Sakura's words, Kiana's face lit up with surprise, and she said happily.

"It means she's been given a second chance at life!"

Sakura nodded, then thanked Kiana.

"Yes, I also want to thank Kiana for bringing her back to the shrine so quickly."

Hearing Sakura's thanks, Kiana scratched her head with one hand, looking a little embarrassed.

"Hehe, it's nothing. I often do this kind of physical work; I'm used to it!"

Hearing Kiana's energetic voice, Yae Sakura looked at her and said softly.

"Ah, right, I haven't been able to introduce myself yet."

"My name is Yae Sakura, and I'm the shrine maiden of this shrine."

Hearing Yae Sakura's self-introduction, Kiana's eyes widened in surprise.

"A real shrine maiden? Wow, I've heard of them before, but they're rare in our time!"

Yae Sakura listened to Kiana's words, noticed the key phrase, and asked with great confusion.

"Time?"

Kiana's expression panicked upon hearing this, and she said nervously.

"Uh, our village is called Time. It's like the existence of times, right!"

Kiana panicked after saying this, realizing she had let something slip. She remembered her aunt's repeated warnings not to reveal her true identity when she entered.

Just as Kiana was feeling nervous, Yae Sakura said softly.

"A village I've never heard of."

Hearing this, Kiana felt relieved that the shrine maiden didn't seem to think much of it, and continued speaking to her.

"Ahahaha, maybe it's because it's far from here."

Yae Sakura didn't dwell on this topic, but instead wondered about Kiana's identity.

"But I haven't seen you before. Did you just arrive in Yae Village today?"

Kiana hesitated for a moment, then quickly replied.

"Ah, yes."

Hearing Kiana's reply, Yae Sakura didn't ask any further questions.

"I see. Thank you for your hard work."

Then, looking at the unconscious Kallen, she sensed something and her expression tightened.

"Ah, what happened?"

Seeing Yae Sakura's expression, Kiana quickly asked.

"What's wrong, Yae Sakura? You look so worried."

Kiana's question reached Yae Sakura's ears, but Yae Sakura's gaze remained fixed on the sleeping nun, and she said softly.

"It's that injured lady. Her wounds have started to heal, and her condition is improving, but she still hasn't woken up."

Hearing this, Kiana's gaze also fell on Kallen, and she murmured.

"Still hasn't woken up?"

Yae Sakura stood up and said softly to Kiana.

"It might be that her body needs some internal conditioning. Hmm, okay, let's go gather some herbs."

Hearing Yae Sakura's words, Kiana's face lit up with curiosity, and she said cheerfully.

"Gathering herbs? That sounds like a lot of fun! I want to come too!"

Then, the two quietly closed the door and went to gather herbs together.

"Want to Buy An Island: Did Kiana travel to the 15th century? When did Schicksal have this technology?"

"Miss Elf: It doesn't seem like time travel. This world feels strange, and Yae Sakura is a bit odd too. Something I can't quite put my finger on."

"The Number One Cutest in the World: This is probably Stigmata Space."

"Cat Cat: Stigmata Space? What's that, meow?"

"Dr. Lobsterhead: Simply put, it's a place in the Stigmata that holds the memories of past Stigmata inheritors."

"Don't Want to Go to Work: So Kiana is currently in Stigmata Space, and the scene she's seeing might be Yae Sakura's memory space. Oh no, it could also be Kallen's."

"Dr. Lobsterhead: You could interpret it that way."

"Phantom Thief Nun: A memory space, huh?"

Kallen was looking forward to her and Yae Sakura's story; she must be happy in Yae Village.

"Don't Want to Take the Exam: I don't understand, this is giving me a headache."

"Cook: After what just happened, looking at Kiana now, it's strangely poignant. At this point, Kiana was still at St. Freya Academy, so adorably naive."

"The Number One Cutest in the World: Definitely. After all, who else but Kiana could come up with such a lame reason?"

"Driver's License Revoked: That's idiot Kiana!"

"Don't Want to Take the Exam: Damn it, Kiana isn't an idiot! I'm angry!"

Back to the story.

Kiana and Yae Sakura quickly gathered the herbs and put them away. Kiana breathed a sigh of relief.

"Alright! We've gathered such a big basket of herbs! That'll definitely be enough!"

However, Yae Sakura seemed lost in thought and didn't hear Kiana's words.

Kiana looked at Yae Sakura, who was lost in thought and somewhat dazed, and called out.

"Yae Sakura?"

Yae Sakura, called by name, came back to her senses and looked at the large bag of herbs at her feet, still somewhat dazed, and said.

"Ah! You've gathered so many herbs already. You've worked so hard, Kiana."

"Without your help, I don't know how long I would have taken to gather them all by myself."

Yae Sakura, gradually coming back to her senses, thanked Kiana.

However, Kiana looked at Yae Sakura, whose face had suddenly turned pale, and asked worriedly.

"Yae Sakura, are you alright?"

Hearing Kiana's concern, Yae Sakura smiled and explained.

"I'm fine, just a little strange. Those guys wandering the mountain today didn't seem like ordinary wild beasts. I don't know for sure, but I have a feeling something bad has happened."

Listening to Yae Sakura's words, Kiana also seemed thoughtful.

"Indeed, I could sense a trace of Honkai's aura."

Yae Sakura thought for a moment, then continued to Kiana.

"Never mind that for now, let's brew the herbs!"

Kiana nodded and helped Yae Sakura brew the medicine.

However, while brewing the medicine, Yae Sakura picked up the purple box next to the nun and asked, puzzled.

"What's in this purple box?"

At this moment, a voice from the side sounded.

"At that moment, no one realized that the box shimmering with purple light in the girl's hand was the beginning of all tragedy."

In reality, Kallen, upon seeing this scene, paled.

Her eyes were filled with panic.

Looking down at the sleeping Yae Sakura, Kallen's expression darkened.

"I remember, that box wasn't touched. That means Sakura didn't touch it, it should be, right?"

Kallen tried to reassure herself.

But the more she thought about it, the more uneasy she felt.

She desperately wanted to wake Yae Sakura now, but she was afraid of getting an answer from Sakura that she didn't want to face.

Kallen was torn.

Her heart was racing.

"Cat Cat: Huh? Another tragedy? Another heartbreak. I'm not watching anymore! Can't you give me a break?! I'm so angry!"

"Cook: Another tragedy?"

"Miss Elf: Sigh, I see now. If this is really a game, then the game designers don't treat players like human beings. Sigh."

"Driver's License Revoked: Will anyone actually play a game like this?"

"Don't Want to Take the Exam: I don't want to watch anymore! Damn it. Such a gentle Yae Sakura, I'm going to get tortured again!"

"Drunken Warrior: Tragic, sigh."

"Don't Want to Go to Work: What's that purple box?"

"Dr. Lobsterhead: It's definitely not a good thing."

"Dudu: Let's keep watching."

......

Back to the story.

Just as Yae Sakura was looking at the purple box with a puzzled expression, Kiana, who was brewing medicine in the kitchen, ran over and spoke to Yae Sakura.

"Yae Sakura! The medicine is brewing, sigh, it smells so bitter."

Kiana said, wrinkling her nose.

Seeing Kiana like this, Yae Sakura smiled.

"Good medicine tastes bitter. There’s nothing we can do about it."

Hearing Yae Sakura's words, Kiana had a new question.

"But how can we get her to drink the medicine?"

Looking at the unconscious Kallen and then at her tightly closed lips, Yae Sakura thought for a moment and said seriously.

"Hmm, there's no other way. We'll have to use her mouth..."

As soon as Yae Sakura finished speaking, Kiana's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Ah, with... with her mouth?"

Ignoring Kiana's incredulity and shock, Yae Sakura chuckled at her.

"Alright, Kiana, the medicine is ready. Leave the rest to me."

"You've been running around all day. You must be exhausted."

Hearing this, Kiana understood, a meaningful smile appearing on her lips as she spoke.

"Then feed her slowly, I'm going to rest now! Hehe."

Seeing Kiana's smile, Yae Sakura blushed, feeling embarrassed for a moment. Suppressing her shyness, she nodded.

"Hmm... cough cough cough..."

Then Kiana laughed and ran away, leaving Yae Sakura alone in the room.

Yae Sakura picked up the medicine, gently scooped up a spoonful, blew on it a few times, put it in her mouth, and then lowered her head, leaning toward the unconscious nun.

Soon, she kissed the nun's lips.

The soft touch stirred Yae Sakura's heart.

However, Yae Sakura quickly pried open the nun's mouth and fed her the bitter medicine.

Making sure the nun had drunk the medicine, she removed her lips.

Then she repeated the same action.

And so it went.

Soon, the entire bowl of medicine had been fed to the nun in this way, and she drank it.

Cat Cat: Meow, is this kind of scene suitable for children? Meow. I'll just glance at it, just one glance, hehe~

"Don't Want to Go to Work: I remember the streamer saying that Kallen was someone Otto liked, right?"

"Dr. Lobsterhead: That's right, Otto definitely liked her. You know, Kaslana is Schicksal's only saint! Wow, I don't know why, but seeing Yae Sakura kiss Kallen felt strangely satisfying. I can already imagine Otto's furious reaction, hahaha."

"Don't Want to Take the Exam: So, does Kallen like Otto?"

"Miss Elf: Didn't the plot just say that Kallen and Yae Sakura are a couple? Otto is just a third wheel. It seems only girls being affectionate is the most beautiful thing, hehe~"

"Driver's License Revoked: So, does that mean the Kallen Fantasy Kiana and her mom were playing with... Zaychik knew it, it was just Otto's fantasy!"

"Want to Buy An Island: Tsk tsk tsk, I didn't know Otto had this side to him. No wonder Yuexi calls Otto 'Green Otto.' It actually sounds quite nice!"

"Drunken Warrior: Green Otto, hahaha. I really want to know the scene where Otto sees Yae Sakura kissing Kallen."

"Phantom Thief Nun: Hahahaha."

Kallen saw the teasing comments but didn't care. She knew, of course, that Otto liked her; after all, he hadn't hidden his feelings.

If that incident hadn't happened, she would most likely have followed her family's arrangement and married Otto into the Apocalypse family.

This was something she'd known for a long time.

Being born into the Kaslana family, it wasn't something she could avoid.

As for whether she liked Otto or not, that was hard to say, but she knew very well that her feelings for Otto were more like a sister's affection for a brother, or perhaps the kind of deep friendship, rather than romantic love.

However, her friendship with Otto had ended after that incident.

Recalling what had happened not long ago, Kallen's face was filled with complex emotions.

However, she didn't regret her decision.

If she could do it all over again, she would still do the same!

Shaking her head, she cleared her mind of these thoughts. Her only concern now was whether Sakura had touched the box.

This made her very anxious and uneasy.

.....

Back to the story.

Watching the nun's complexion gradually regain its color, Yae Sakura gently pursed her lips and said softly.

"She should wake up soon."

At this moment, Yae Sakura's gaze was once again drawn to the purple box beside Kallen.

"Huh, this box?"

Then she reached out to touch the box.

However, just as her hand reached out, it was grabbed.

Yae Sakura was puzzled, then saw the unconscious nun awaken, open her eyes, and say with an exaggerated expression:

"Uh, wait! What are you doing?!"

-:::

Chapter Three: The Human Heart Is More Terrifying Than Monsters!

Looking at the hand that had been grabbed, Yae Sakura smiled gently and turned her gaze back to Kallen. Unconcerned by her expression, she softly asked,

"Are you awake?"

Kallen looked at the pretty shrine maiden before her, feeling the moisture on her lips and remembering the touch when she regained consciousness.

Looking at the shrine maiden again, she asked with a mixture of shyness and confusion,

"This... what? Why are you using your mouth on me..."

Kallen could not bring herself to say the rest.

Seeing Kallen's expression, Yae Sakura continued to explain softly.

"Because you're injured, you need medicine, so I have to feed it to you mouth-to-mouth."

As she spoke, she subconsciously held the last bit of medicine in the bowl in midair and continued to move closer to Kallen.

Kallen, watching Yae Sakura get closer, widened her eyes and cried out.

"Ugh, it tastes so bitter... You, you mustn't come any closer!"

Seeing Kallen's violent resistance, Yae Sakura, fearing she would aggravate her wound, quickly fed her the medicine and said worriedly.

"Don't move around. The wound hasn't fully healed yet..."

After a while, Kallen gradually understood and thanked Yae Sakura.

"Thank you..."

But before she could finish, she suddenly remembered something and said in a panic.

"Ah! That box! Where's that box?!"

Seeing Kallen's reaction, Yae Sakura was puzzled and took out the purple box that was lying to the side, handing it to Kallen.

"You mean this?"

Kallen immediately took the box, looked at the untouched box, and then relaxed.

"The box is still here. That's good!"

Yae Sakura was very puzzled by Kallen's expression and asked softly.

"What? Is this box important to you?"

Hearing Yae Sakura's question, Kallen looked up and gently shook her head.

"No, it's just an ordinary box."

"Wait, where am I?"

Kallen realized she was in unfamiliar surroundings, especially the buildings, which puzzled her as she had never seen them before.

Seeing this, Yae Sakura slowly introduced herself.

"This is the shrine of Yae Village. I am the shrine maiden, Yae Sakura..."

"When I saw you, you were seriously injured and collapsed by the river, so I brought you to the shrine."

Hearing this, Kallen continued to look at Yae Sakura with gratitude.

"Thank you. My name is Kallen Kaslana. Just call me Kallen."

Hearing Kallen's self-introduction, Yae Sakura nodded. Looking at her still pale face, she said to Kallen,

"Kallen, well then, please continue to rest."

At that moment, Kiana walked in, looking at the awakened Kallen with a face full of curiosity.

"Oh, sister, you're awake. No, this isn't the time for that."

Kiana finished speaking and quickly looked at Yae Sakura, saying anxiously.

"Yae Sakura! The villagers are rushing in, saying a monster is attacking the village!"

Hearing this, Yae Sakura's expression changed in surprise.

"What!"

Seeing Yae Sakura's cautious expression, Kiana seemed to understand something and asked Yae Sakura.

"The situation seems serious. Do you need my help?"

Yae Sakura looked at Kiana gratefully but shook her head.

"No need. Protecting the village is a shrine maiden's duty."

Hearing this, Kiana immediately refused.

"No! It's too dangerous for you to go alone."

Kallen, who had been listening nearby, also spoke up, sensing her own physical condition.

"Yes, I'll go too, as a way of repaying your kindness!"

Yae Sakura looked at the two girls, remained silent for a moment, and finally agreed.

"Sigh, all right, let's go take a look together then."

Then, the three headed toward the place the villagers had mentioned.

Soon, Kiana brought Yae Sakura and Kallen to the person who had requested help.

"That's right, it's her. She said she saw a monster in the village last night."

The girl looked at the three of them, her gaze fixed on Yae Sakura. The panicked girl, as if finding her anchor, instantly threw herself into Yae Sakura's arms, sobbing.

"Miko-sama..."

Sensing the girl's fear, Yae Sakura reached out and patted the girl's head, comforting her.

"Don't panic. Tell me slowly, what happened?"

The girl calmed down under Yae Sakura's touch and spoke loudly to Yae Sakura.

"A monster has come to the village. It's over there on the other side of the road."

Hearing the girl's words, Yae Sakura frowned, realizing the seriousness of the situation, and hurriedly said to the two of them,

"There's no time to dawdle. I'll go over there first. Kallen, you take her to a safe place..."

Kiana, standing beside her, immediately added.

"Okay, then Yae Sakura and I will deal with the monster together."

Hearing their words, Kallen sighed softly and said to them.

"Ha, so you still left me behind..."

The girl, holding Yae Sakura, looked at Kallen and Kiana, asking curiously.

"Sister, are you a friend of the shrine maiden?"

Hearing the girl's question, Kallen was slightly taken aback; she wasn't sure about her relationship with Yae Sakura for a moment and answered softly.

"Friends... I guess I wouldn't call us friends."

The girl wasn't disappointed. She glanced at Kiana, then at Kallen, and finally fixed her gaze on Yae Sakura's departing back, saying joyfully,

"The priestess seems to have been very happy these past two days. She hasn't been this happy in a long time."

"Ever since Rin... ah, that is, the priestess's sister, went to the side of the gods... the priestess has become very quiet."

The girl's face suddenly darkened as she spoke.

Kallen noticed the change in the girl's expression and asked in confusion,

"To the side of the gods?!"

Before Kallen could ask any questions, the girl's face suddenly turned panicked and frightened. She crossed her arms and asked worriedly,

"Sister, the priestess won't be in danger, will she...?"

Looking at the girl, Kallen reached out and gently stroked her head, saying softly,

"No! After I get you to a safe place, I'll go to her."

"With me here, no one can hurt her!"

...

"Don't Want to Go to Work: Sorry, I'm totally shipping them! Waaaaah, shipping is so much fun! No wonder my sister always ships them on TV and in real life; she ships Doctor and Assistant."

"Beautiful Snake: ?"

"Don't Want to Take the Exam: Go to the side of the gods? What does that mean?"

"Cat Cat: Oh no, oh no, oh no, could it be that Sakura's sister died here too? Just like Sakura and Rin in the Previous Era. Please don't do that!~"

"The Number One Cutest in the World: I remember Sakura's sister is Rin, who is a Herrscher. Could it be that Yae Sakura's sister in the Current Era is also a Herrscher? Another cycle?"

"Miss Elf: The two look exactly alike, their voices are the same, and they both have a sister. Looks like she's a siscon too?"

"Driver's License Revoked: Shrine, gods, Zaychik... something feels very unusual."

"Drunken Warrior: At this time, Honkai hadn't awakened on a large scale, and a Herrscher hadn't been born yet. It shouldn't be a Herrscher. Otherwise, given the situation at the time, if it really was a Herrscher, the people in this small village wouldn't have survived."

"Don't Want to Take the Exam: What on earth is going on? I have a feeling something's up!"

Kallen in real life was also puzzled by this plot development.

In the past few days, aside from rescuing Yae Sakura once, she had hardly left the shrine, and Yae Sakura hadn't mentioned it to her.

She didn't know the specifics either.

But a sense of unease welled up within her.

...

While the discussion was taking place in the comments section, the plot continued.

After settling the girl in a safe place, Kallen headed toward Yae Sakura and Kiana, but found only Kiana, not Yae Sakura.

After they had eliminated the lingering monsters in the village together, Kiana stood there, puzzled.

"These monsters... They're clearly affected by Honkai energy. What's going on?"

At that moment, Yae Sakura joined them. Looking at the monsters that hadn't yet dissipated, Yae Sakura's eyes were filled with confusion.

"How could this be? It wasn't long ago since the last festival..."

Mentioning the festival, Yae Sakura's cherry-red eyes dimmed.

Kallen noticed the change in Yae Sakura's expression and asked,

"Yae Sakura, that girl said your sister went to the gods. What does that mean?"

Hearing Kallen's question, Yae Sakura lowered her head in silence. After a long while, looking at the village, she slowly spoke.

"My sister, Yae Rin, she's dead. Four years ago... she died for this village."

After saying this, a dark light flashed deep within Yae Sakura's eyes, but neither of them noticed.

Kallen was utterly shocked upon hearing this.

"Died for the village? What does that mean?"

But Yae Sakura didn't want to talk about it and changed the subject to Kallen.

"We'll talk about that later."

"The village chief seems to have encountered a monster today, Kiana. Could you please help him clear it out?"

Kiana, who had been listening to their conversation, was somewhat surprised by Yae Sakura's request.

"Eh, why suddenly..."

But before she could finish speaking, Yae Sakura interrupted her, continuing her request.

"Could you please help me?"

Seeing this, Kiana had many questions she wanted to ask, but she nodded and agreed.

"Okay, all right..."

Then, Kiana quickly headed in the direction Yae Sakura had given her.

Soon, she saw an old man being chased by several monsters.

Seeing this, Kiana rushed over and swiftly eliminated the monsters. Looking at the old man whose face still showed signs of panic, Kiana asked,

"Are you the village chief of Yae Village?"

The old man, whom she had rescued, looked at Kiana with obvious unfamiliarity.

"Hmm? Who are you?"

Kiana answered softly.

"I heard you encountered monsters, and Yae Sakura asked me to help clear them out."

Hearing Kiana say this, the old man's expression changed, becoming cold and mocking.

"Hmph, since when has the shrine maiden of Yae Village had to rely on others?"

Hearing this, Kiana quickly said,

"That's because Yae Sakura has other, more important things to do."

Hearing this, the old man's expression grew even colder, and he said disdainfully.

"More important things! What could be more important than saving the life of this village chief!"

"Heh, important things, that's just her excuse!"

"She just doesn't want to help me, that cold-hearted shrine maiden! She still remembers what happened back then..."

The old man's words were full of annoyance and accusation.

But Kallen, standing nearby, still caught the key phrase.

"Back then?"

The old man, oblivious to Kallen's confusion, continued his accusations and anger.

"She still holds a grudge about what happened back then. Just a girl; what does a girl's life matter for the village?"

Hearing the old man's cynical words, Kiana pondered.

"A girl? Are you talking about Yae Rin?"

The old man continued.

"And now you're asking strangers like you for help? Tch."

Hearing the old man's words and seeing his repulsive attitude, Kallen couldn't hold back any longer and said,

"You, how could you..."

But the words didn't come out, because Kiana reached out and grabbed her, speaking to Kallen.

"Forget it, Kallen. Don't bother with this old man. Let's hurry up and eliminate the monsters around us."

"We can ask Yae Sakura about what happened back then."

...

"Don't Want to Take the Exam: This old man is so annoying! I really want to punch him!"

"Cat Cat: People kindly came to save him, and he complains about this and that. Speechless! I hate this village chief, really!"

"Miss Elf: This old man seems to take people's rescue for granted. He's really annoying. Hearing this, Yae Sakura's sister's death is definitely related to him!"

"Dudu: Someone who can say something like 'just a girl'... you can imagine what kind of person he is."

"Want to Buy an Island: If I were him, I'd make sure he doesn't see the sun rise tomorrow!"

"The Number One Cutest in the World: How despicable! I feel so sorry for Yae Sakura, protecting someone like that!"

"Dr. Lobsterhead: Medieval times, village, shrine, gods, could it be..."

Tesla seems to have guessed something, but isn't sure yet.

"Nun: This kind of person should go to hell!"

"Lady Thief: You shouldn't save this kind of person!"

...

Back to the plot.

Kiana and Kallen returned to the shrine, where Yae Sakura was waiting for them at the entrance. She smiled gently at their return.

"Did you deal with the monster at the village chief's place?"

Kiana nodded and then recounted what had just happened.

"Yes, but because you didn't go, the village chief's attitude has become very strange."

Hearing Kiana's words, Yae Sakura wasn't surprised and calmly replied,

"Is that so?"

Kiana continued.

"He also mentioned back then... Back then was four years ago, right? What exactly happened four years ago?"

---

Chapter Four: Kallen's Confession, a Mysterious Space

Sakura did not want to tell Kallen or Kiana the truth, especially since Sakura's expression made Kallen uneasy.

She hurriedly asked Sakura,

"Sakura... where are you going?"

Hearing Kallen's question, Sakura thought for a moment and answered truthfully.

"There's a dangerous aura in the woods. I'm a little worried."

As soon as she finished speaking, the scene in the live stream changed.

After a while, Kallen rushed to Kiana's room. Thinking of the missing Sakura, Kallen anxiously asked Kiana,

"Sakura is gone?"

Kiana looked puzzled, but seeing Kallen's anxious expression...

"How could this be? Did she go to kill monsters alone again?"

Hearing Kiana's words, Kallen's unease grew stronger, and she became restless, saying to Kiana,

"No, this is too dangerous. We have to go find her."

The two then went outside to search for Yae Sakura.

The scene then shifts.

In Yae Sakura's room, a young girl with pink hair, drinking medicine, looked at Yae Sakura with a pale face and softly asked,

"Sister, will my illness get better?"

Hearing Yae Rin's words, sadness and despair flashed deep in Yae Sakura's eyes, but her expression remained gentle as she smiled at Yae Rin.

"You'll definitely get better, Rin. Don't think like that."

"You're a good child. The gods will surely protect you."

After saying this, Yae Sakura blew on the medicine and then fed it to Yae Rin.

Yae Rin drank it, a hint of doubt flashing in her cherry-blossom eyes, and continued speaking to Yae Sakura.

"But Father told me this morning that this festival..."

Before Yae Rin could finish, the scene shifted again.

Yae Sakura was kneeling on the ground, her eyes empty and lifeless, staring at the scene in disbelief.

"Sister, it seems..."

"The promise to see the cherry blossoms together..."

"It can't be fulfilled."

"Sister, you must become an excellent shrine maiden."

"Protect... everyone..."

A weak voice echoed in Yae Sakura's ears, and Yae Sakura could only stare at Yae Rin's corpse with a lifeless expression, unable to believe it, suffocating with disbelief.

The scene shifted again.

Under a gloomy sky, only a tombstone stood upright. Yae Sakura, dressed in a shrine maiden's robes, stood with her back to the sky, gazing at the gray expanse and murmuring softly.

"Rin, my sister has gained the power to kill everyone."

"I will take my revenge on him. I will kill everyone. I will make them all pay with their lives!"

"And then... then I will come to you. Whether it's heaven or hell, whether the path is strewn with gods or demons, I will come to your side, okay?"

...

"Don't Want to Take the Exam: Yae Sakura's expression, her movements... exactly the same as when Sakura found out her sister was dead! It's so heartbreaking."

"Cat Cat: Is this a cycle? Don't do this! It's making me so sad."

"Want to Buy an Island: It's clearly a tragedy. Sigh, Yae Sakura here, because of Rin's death, is just like Flamechaser Sakura."

"The World's Cutest: This kind of plot is really painful."

"Miss Elf: But I feel like Kallen is a variable. But what exactly is in that black box?"

"Dr. Lobsterhead: I don't know. I can't tell anything yet. But it seems that this village killed Yae Sakura's sister because of some festival. Is Yae Sakura seeking revenge?"

"Drunken Warrior: In the Middle Ages, most people were superstitious, and human sacrifice was prevalent. It seems Yae Village is a place like that."

"Dudu: Feudal superstition kills people."

"Nun: This world is full of too much sorrow, alas. God loves humanity, yet God does not love humanity."

In reality, Kallen said nothing, simply watching this scene silently.

...

Back to the story.

The two quickly found Yae Sakura in the distance. Seeing Yae Sakura, Kiana rushed over and anxiously asked her questions.

"Yae Sakura! Why didn't you say anything before running out!"

Kallen stood before Yae Sakura, her face flushed with anger, and snapped at her.

"That's right! Are you an idiot? Why did you face such danger alone?"

Yae Sakura looked at the two before her, seeing the worry and concern on their faces. A warm feeling welled up inside her. But thinking of what she had to do next, she still answered them.

"I can't drag you two into this anymore. After all, protecting the village is my mission alone..."

Hearing this, Kallen's anger and worry intensified, and she continued.

"A mission alone? What if you get injured? What if you encounter danger?"

Yae Sakura's self-reproach deepened, but she still said,

"It's just a normal injury. Nothing to worry about."

Seeing Yae Sakura's attitude, Kallen's feelings were also very complicated, especially seeing the wounds on Yae Sakura's body. Her emotions intensified.

"What nonsense are you spouting? When someone else gets a minor injury, you're all over them, offering comfort and gathering herbs to make soup."

"You're being so perfunctory when you're injured? Do you want to die and end it all?"

Kallen's stern yet concerned words echoed in Kiana and Yae Sakura's ears.

Kiana opened her eyes and looked at Kallen, completely taken aback by her words.

Hearing Kallen's words, Yae Sakura stared intently at her, and Kallen's gaze returned to hers. Their eyes met.

For a long, long time.

Finally, Yae Sakura looked away, her eyes darting upward, and said somewhat evasively,

"Because, Kallen, you are different. You and I... are different."

Hearing Yae Sakura say such things, Kallen grew even angrier, shouting louder.

"Yes, I'm different from you. No one cared about you before, so I will!"

"Before, you were alone, but from now on, you are not!"

"From now on, I will fight alongside you!"

These almost confessional words left Yae Sakura slightly stunned.

This was a feeling she had not experienced since her sister's passing, and for a moment, she did not know how to react.

Kallen, staring intently, remained silent for a long time.

"Kallen..."

She wanted to say something, but could not find the words.

She could only gaze at Kallen with her crimson eyes.

After a while, Sakura finally lowered her head and tried to walk away.

Kiana, who had been a third wheel for a while, saw this.

She called out hurriedly.

"Yae Sakura!"

Yae Sakura, stopped by her call, did not turn around but lowered her head and said softly,

"Thank you, Kallen... but... I'm a little tired today. I'll go back to the shrine first."

With that, Yae Sakura walked forward.

Kallen and Kiana exchanged a glance and followed.

"Want to Buy an Island: This plot feels a bit abrupt. Did Kallen's feelings for Yae Sakura change too quickly? It feels rushed."

"Miss Elf: There must be a lot of plot points that haven't been revealed yet. Otherwise, it's too fast."

"Cat Cat: This confession was a bit rushed. But their feelings, hehe. I like it."

"Don't Want to Go to Work: As expected, the Kaslana family all like women."

"Dr. Lobsterhead: Otto likes Kallen, Kallen likes Yae Sakura, and Yae Sakura likes Kallen too. Hmm, Otto is the third wheel, hahaha."

"Dudu: ......."

"The Number One Cutest in the World: ......."

"Cook: Isn't this Stigmata Space? Maybe she's just showing an important event."

"Driver's License Revoked: Zaychik, I think so too."

"Don't Want to Take the Exam: Hehe, really impressive, as expected of me... hehe."

Seeing everyone's confusion, Xiyue smiled and said,

"Oh, just keep watching and you'll see."

"The truth will all come out."

Then, she turned her attention back to the live stream.

When Kiana and Kallen returned to the shrine, they found Yae Sakura pacing back and forth in the middle of the shrine, her expression grave, seemingly lost in thought.

Seeing this, Kallen realized something and rushed over.

Just as she approached, she heard Yae Sakura cry out in anguish.

"No, I absolutely won't allow anyone to take Rin away from me. Why, why Rin..."

Kallen quickly hugged Yae Sakura, her voice filled with worry.

"Wake up, Sakura!"

But Yae Sakura seemed oblivious, continuing to speak sadly to thin air.

"I'm going to take Rin away. I'll cut the ropes binding her hands and feet with my knife."

"But her hands and feet have been severed..."

"She's kneeling there, kneeling there, raising her bright eyes to me and saying: Sister, kill me. I'm willing to die for the village."

Hearing Yae Sakura's words, Kiana cried out in surprise.

"How could this be!"

But Yae Sakura still ignored Kiana, as if she had encountered someone or witnessed some tragic ending.

Her brows were furrowed, her eyes filled with self-blame and pain.

"I can't save her, I can't save her! What can I do? What can I do!"

"Her hands and feet were severed. She must have been in so much pain."

"She was in so much pain, yet she still smiled and told me, 'You must protect everyone.'"

"What could I do? I couldn't save her... I could only end her suffering with my own hands..."

Hearing Yae Sakura's words, feeling her pain, and sensing that Yae Sakura's aura was becoming increasingly strange, Kallen said excitedly,

"It's not too late to turn back, Sakura!"

Kallen's words reached Yae Sakura's ears, and she finally reacted. She raised her lifeless eyes, looked at Kallen, and asked in confusion,

"It's not too late? It's too late. My Rin, my dearest little sister, she's dead!"

Her voice was hoarse.

Suddenly, a strange voice rang out from within Yae Sakura's body.

"You've come, Kallen."

Hearing the mysterious voice within Yae Sakura, Kallen was slightly taken aback, but quickly recovered.

This was not surprising.

After all, Yae Sakura's personality had changed too quickly.

She knew Yae Sakura harbored hatred and resentment.

But Yae Sakura was kind, kind to the core.

Even if she harbored resentment toward the people in this village, she would not say such things.

Kallen said angrily,

"As expected, Sakura has indeed been bewitched by you!... Evil in the Box, give Sakura back!"

Hearing Kallen's words, the mysterious voice laughed loudly.

"Give her back? Hahahaha, how do you know that Yae Sakura's current state isn't the result she herself desired?"

Hearing this, Kallen denied it.

"Impossible. Even though it was a short time, I could feel the strength and gentleness in Sakura's heart."

"Sakura is definitely not that kind of person!"

Kallen's words were firm; she had complete trust in Yae Sakura.

But the demon, hearing Kallen's words, laughed again, sneering.

"Hmph, forget it. Words are useless. Kallen Kaslana, if you want to take back Yae Sakura, then let your strength speak for itself!"

With that, Kallen attacked Yae Sakura, trying to expel the demon from her body.

But with the demon's blessing, Yae Sakura was incredibly powerful.

Finally, Kallen invoked the Oath of Judah.

Finally, finding Yae Sakura's weakness, she plunged the cross formed from the Oath of Judah into Yae Sakura's chest.

Yae Sakura lay on the ground, but her eyes were no longer the original crimson cherry-blossom color; instead, they were a purplish-red.

She looked at Kallen, who stood before her with her head bowed.

Her eyes were filled with hatred.

"You're going to... seal me again! Damn it!"

Suddenly, the demonic voice within Yae Sakura changed, filled with surprise and terror.

"Why... why can't I move?"

"Is it you? Are you interfering with me, Yae Sakura!"

Kallen knelt beside her, her hands tightly gripping the cross, her head bowed, a mixture of sorrow and relief in her voice as she whispered,

"Sealing you away is the last thing I can do for you."

"I'm sorry, Sakura."

Then, the screen turned black.

Just as the audience was about to be surprised, a line of text appeared on the black screen.

"The fluctuations of the will within the Stigmata have not yet subsided. In the path of infinite possibilities, this is still not the path to the end—let us rewind time, back to when the two of you first met."

The story continued.

Kiana returned to the little river, the one where she and Yae Sakura had gone to save Kallen.

Looking at the familiar surroundings, Kiana exclaimed in surprise.

"Eh, how did I get back again?"

At that moment, Bronya's voice reached her ears.

"Because the memory space activated by this Stigmata's will is constantly looping. Without a third party's intervention, this memory space will endlessly repeat this tragedy. Those trapped within this Stigmata's will will be unable to escape."

Listening to Bronya's explanation, Kiana looked puzzled.

"I see?"

Bronya's voice continued.

"Now, through Bronya's analysis of the Stigmata, your will has been able to intervene, Kiana, so you can change the memories within the space."

---

Chapter 5: Sakura Samsara - The Second Cycle

“However, there’s some danger involved. It’s not too late to back out now.”

Hearing Bronya’s words, Kiana recalled the scene of Kallen stabbing the cross into Yae Sakura’s heart and the look in their eyes. Kiana quickly spoke.

“No! I must find out the whole story and prevent this tragedy from happening!”

Bronya wasn’t surprised by Kiana’s answer and continued speaking.

“Alright. Begin loading the memory space. Kiana, make sure you remember the key points from the last loop.”

Bronya finished speaking and continued loading the Stigmata memories.

However, instead of the previous scene reappearing, a scene that hadn't appeared before unfolded.

Yae Sakura looked at the defeated monsters around her, her eyes filled with confusion, and asked,

“At night, these monsters seem to become even stronger. What’s going on...?”

Seeing this, Kiana seemed thoughtful. Remembering Bronya’s words, she nodded to Yae Sakura and quickly spoke.

“No matter what, let’s deal with this monster first!”

Hearing Kiana’s words, Yae Sakura was a little surprised, but she nodded in agreement.

“Yes... we absolutely cannot repeat that mistake.”

With that, the two joined forces to fight the surrounding Honkai Beasts.

Soon, working together, they eliminated all the monsters.

This time, Kiana followed Yae Sakura back to the shrine.

She wanted to find out why Yae Sakura had changed so much.

Kiana quickly arrived at the shrine. As soon as she entered, she saw Yae Sakura and the mysterious box resting on the table beside her.

Looking at the box, Kiana exclaimed in surprise.

“Huh, isn’t this Kallen’s box?”

Hearing Kiana’s words, Yae Sakura also looked at the box beside her in confusion.

“How did this box end up here?”

Just as Yae Sakura finished speaking, a mysterious voice came from inside the box.

“I thought it was someone else, but it’s you, Yae Sakura.”

Hearing the voice from the box, Yae Sakura gripped the long sword at her waist and warily eyed it before speaking coldly.

“How do you know my name?”

Before Yae Sakura could finish speaking, the mysterious voice replied again in a seductive tone.

“Of course I know your name, Yae Sakura, because I am you!”

After the mysterious voice finished speaking, the box emitted an incomparably dazzling purple light that looked both alluring and eerie.

Yae Sakura stared intently at the mysterious box, gazing at the dazzling purple light. A thought suddenly struck her, and her eyes turned icy once again.

“This purple light? Could it be that all those monsters that suddenly appeared these past few days are because of you?”

The mysterious box didn’t deny Yae Sakura’s accusation. Instead, it countered with a question.

“Hmph. How could it be because of me? The appearance of those monsters was in accordance with your will.”

“It was you who wanted to destroy this village.”

After the mysterious voice finished speaking, Yae Sakura’s expression changed drastically, and she instinctively retorted.

“No, my duty is... to protect this village, to protect everyone...”

However, when Yae Sakura uttered those words, her voice wasn’t as firm as she had imagined.

The demon inside the box listened to Yae Sakura’s words and sneered.

Its voice was full of sarcasm and mockery.

“Protect this village. Protect everyone. Ha? How adorable, Yae Sakura.”

“Is this your true wish? To protect this village that sacrifices children’s lives?”

Hearing the box demon’s words, Yae Sakura wanted to refute it, but the words wouldn’t come out.

Instead of denying it again, she shouted at the box demon.

“Anyway, I’ve already answered...”

Yae Sakura’s words were interrupted by the box demon.

It continued speaking in a seductive voice.

“You promised your sister? Don’t forget. Yae Rin was forced to her death by those you swore to protect.”

Hearing these words, Yae Sakura could no longer hold back and shouted at the box demon.

“No! That’s not it!”

Yae Sakura knelt on the ground again, clutching her arms, her face filled with despair.

Seeing Yae Sakura’s abnormal state and remembering what had happened in the previous loop, Kiana hurriedly called out.

“Yae Sakura! No! We can’t listen to it! Damn it, why can’t I move?!”

At that moment, Bronya’s voice entered her ears, explaining the situation.

“Kiana, the analysis space has been corrupted by residual Honkai energy. Your intervention has been blocked.”

“Bronya is fixing this error... Now... be careful...”

Kiana nearly collapsed upon hearing this.

“How could this happen!”

She could only watch the scene unfold in despair.

Meanwhile, Yae Sakura’s bright eyes gradually dimmed as she repeatedly murmured,

“The ones who killed Rin... were they?”

The box demon echoed,

“The ones who killed Rin were indeed them.”

“Poor Yae Sakura. They shifted the blame onto you just to alleviate their guilt.”

Yae Sakura, still clinging to a sliver of will, instinctively resisted.

“No! That’s not how it is...”

Sensing her resistance, the box demon remained unhurried and continued speaking.

“Since you think it’s not like that, then look before you!”

With that, a gigantic fox-like monster appeared before Yae Sakura. Its jaws were agape as it stared at her menacingly.

Seeing this, Yae Sakura was filled with confusion.

“This is... the monster outside the village this morning!”

Ignoring her surprise, the box demon smiled.

“So, you want to protect the village. But do you have enough power?”

Hearing this, Yae Sakura remained silent for a moment before softly replying,

“I... can only do my best...”

The box demon smiled disdainfully.

“And then? You die. The monsters rampage through the village and slaughter the villagers. That’s probably the ending you wanted, isn’t it?”

Yae Sakura stared intently at the box, panic appearing on her face.

“What exactly are you trying to say?!”

Her question only fueled the box demon’s arrogance as it continued to bewitch her.

“I have what you want here. I can grant you immense power.”

“Power strong enough to protect anyone.”

Yae Sakura hesitated. Her resistance quickly crumbled, her eyes dimming once more as she murmured,

“Power strong enough to protect anyone... If I had such power, I could kill all the monsters...”

The box demon laughed again.

“Hahahaha. This power is yours now, Yae Sakura. Kill to your heart’s content...”

Yae Sakura’s defenses finally collapsed. She stared blankly at the box as its light flashed ever brighter, her eyes becoming increasingly vacant.

“I will kill... I will kill those monsters... I will kill them all... everything that stands in my way!”

Hearing this, the box demon nodded in satisfaction.

“That’s right, Yae Sakura.”

At the same time, Bronya gradually repaired the space around Kiana, allowing her to move freely again.

“The space is temporarily repaired. You can move now.”

“Ah! No! Yae Sakura!”

Kiana immediately rushed toward Yae Sakura, shouting anxiously.

“Yae Sakura! Listen to me! Don’t listen to the box demon!”

However, when Kiana reached her, she noticed a drastic change. Yae Sakura’s once-crimson eyes were now completely purple.

Looking at Kiana blocking her path, Yae Sakura said coldly,

“Don’t stand in my way, Kiana. I’m going to kill all those monsters...”

Hearing those words, Kiana panicked.

Even so, she still shouted,

“Yae Sakura! You absolutely cannot accept this power!”

But Yae Sakura refused, looking at Kiana with sorrowful eyes.

“If I had possessed this power sooner, this tragedy wouldn’t have happened. Only by accepting this power can I prevent this tragedy.”

“Only by accepting this power can I stop all of this.”

“Kiana, get out of my way! You don’t understand anything!”

With that, she ignored Kiana’s attempts to stop her, walked past her, and continued forward.

Kiana tried to stop Yae Sakura again.

But this time, her body refused to move.

“Wait, why is the space unstable again?!”

Kiana could only watch helplessly as Yae Sakura left the shrine and disappeared without a trace.

When Kiana regained her mobility, the scene before her changed, returning to the first scene.

Yae Sakura was shouting into the air in refusal.

“No! I absolutely will not allow anyone to take Rin away from me. Why? Why Rin...”

Kallen remained standing before Yae Sakura, trying to wake her.

“Wake up, Sakura!”

But Yae Sakura didn’t hear her, continuing to speak to the air, or perhaps to Kallen.

“I’m taking Rin away,” she said as she cut the ropes binding Rin’s hands and feet with her sword.

“But... her hands and feet have been severed.”

...

Then Kiana and the audience witnessed the previous scene repeat itself, once again seeing Yae Sakura’s despair and helplessness.

Finally, Kallen fought against Yae Sakura, who was controlled by the box demon.

But then the story took a new turn.

Yae Sakura, who should have been killed by Kallen...

This time, she turned the tables on Kallen and pierced her body with the long sword.

At the moment Kallen breathed her last, she heard the box demon’s joyful words.

“Kallen Kaslana is dead. Hahahaha! No one can stop me now.”

“This girl’s soul belongs to me forever!”

“Hahahaha.”

The rampaging, maddening laughter echoed before slowly fading away.

“Don't Want to Take the Exam: Damn it, Kiana still couldn't stop anything the second time. I'm so angry! That box demon! I really want to smash it to pieces!”

“Cat Cat: What exactly is this box demon? It keeps tempting Yae Sakura. Otherwise, given Yae Sakura's personality, she would never do such a thing!”

“Lady Phantom Thief: This is a box containing a demon that Schicksal sealed in ancient ruins.”

“Dr. Lobsterhead: From the ruins of the Previous Era? Could it be a Herrscher?”

“Want to Buy An Island: You know, the scene and dialogue where the box demon tempts Yae Sakura really resemble Sirin's manipulation of Kiana before. Only the words are different, but the methods are exactly the same.”

“The Number One Cutest in the World: Could it be that this box seals a Herrscher?”

“Don't Want to Go to Work: Only a Herrscher seems capable of something like this. It's most likely a Herrscher, but we don't know which one.”

“Cook: A Herrscher? But these villagers are truly detestable and repulsive. Using children as sacrifices... in some ways, they're more terrifying than the Honkai. They're more like the monsters Yae Sakura described.”

“Drunken Warrior: This ritual has existed for a long time, and countless innocent children have died because of it. These villagers deserve to die!”

“Dudu: Protecting her sister's killers... you can imagine how deeply Yae Sakura suffered...”

“Driver's License Revoked: Superstition kills people.”

“Don't Want to Take the Exam: Will there be a third loop? I believe Kiana will definitely be able to change the story!”

...

As they spoke, everyone in the live stream turned their attention back to the broadcast.

Kiana returned to the previous space. Looking at the familiar surroundings and recalling the previous events, she asked in confusion,

“Bronya, what exactly is going on here?!”

Bronya explained,

“According to Bronya’s tests, the Stigmata’s will still retains a trace of Honkai energy. This caused an error during the previous analysis of the Stigmata Space, which is why it rejects all actions taken by intruders...”

Kiana listened to Bronya’s explanation, although she didn’t fully understand it.

But when she thought of Yae Sakura and Kallen, her eyes filled with worry.

“Then what about this problem?”

---

Chapter Six: Kiana, the Big Light Bulb

Bronya continued.

“There’s still a glimmer of hope, but it requires your guidance, Kiana.”

Hearing Bronya’s words, Kiana’s eyes lit up, and she made up her mind.

“Alright! Let’s do it again! This time, I’m going to smash that box demon’s head!”

Seeing Kiana’s determined expression, Bronya continued.

“However, as an intruder, Kiana’s influence on the memory space is never as great as the influence of the memories that already exist within it.”

“Kiana, borrow more of Kallen’s power!”

Hearing Bronya’s words, Kiana understood.

She quickly replied to Bronya.

“I understand! This time, I definitely won’t let Yae Sakura go astray again!”

Then, the third loop began.

However, this time, Kiana didn’t go looking for Yae Sakura as she had in the previous two loops. Instead, she returned to the shrine and found Kallen still asleep. She called out to Kallen.

“Kallen, Kallen, wake up!”

Kallen, who had been sleeping, slowly woke up to Kiana’s calls.

She opened her eyes groggily and saw Kiana’s anxious expression.

“Ugh... what happened?”

Seeing Kallen awake, Kiana immediately asked her.

“It’s Yae Sakura! I just saw Yae Sakura walking out of the shrine alone!”

Gradually regaining consciousness, Kallen looked at Kiana with a puzzled expression and asked in confusion.

“Kiana, isn’t this normal?”

Seeing Kallen’s confused expression and recalling the previous two incidents, Kiana grew even more anxious.

“No, this is the third time. I have to think of a way to get Kallen to come along.”

Thinking of this, Kiana suddenly had an idea.

She said to Kallen,

“By the way, Kallen, Yae Sakura seems to be planning to go off alone again!”

Hearing Kiana’s words, Kallen’s previously calm expression instantly changed.

She looked anxious and worried as she hurriedly asked Kiana,

“What? Are you sure, Kiana?”

Seeing Kallen’s reaction, Kiana knew this method would work.

Then she continued.

“She’s carrying a knife and looks very troubled. It’s most likely her!”

Kiana confirmed it once again.

Kallen’s expression grew even more serious, and she hurriedly said to Kiana,

“No, we absolutely can’t let her go to those dangerous places alone.”

Kiana immediately replied,

“So, let’s go check it out!”

Immediately, Kiana and Kallen rushed toward the back of the shrine. Based on their previous two experiences, Kiana quickly led Kallen to Yae Sakura.

Seeing Yae Sakura, Kallen ran over and called out to her.

“Yae Sakura!”

Her gaze fell upon Yae Sakura, and after seeing no new wounds on her body, she relaxed.

Seeing the worry in Kallen’s eyes, Yae Sakura quickly explained.

“I was just going to leave the village alone to take a look, but I didn’t expect to wake you two...”

Hearing Yae Sakura’s words, Kallen stared at her, about to say something, when she noticed the tombstone behind Yae Sakura. Looking at it, Kallen swallowed her words and softly asked,

“What’s this?”

Seeing Kallen’s gaze fall on the tombstone, Yae Sakura looked back at it. Her expression softened as she gently reached out and stroked it.

She spoke softly.

“As I mentioned before, this is the grave of my sister, Yae Rin.”

“She died four years ago.”

Hearing Yae Sakura’s words, Kallen sensed something was wrong. Looking at the unconcealed sorrow in Yae Sakura’s eyes, her heart ached.

She asked softly,

“Four years ago?”

“By the way, that little girl also mentioned it... What exactly happened in this village four years ago?”

Hearing Kallen’s question, Yae Sakura fell silent once more. She pursed her lips, shook her head, and softly replied,

“I don’t want you to get involved in these things.”

But Kallen refused to give up.

She stepped closer to Yae Sakura, looked directly into her eyes, and continued,

“The village chief also said you held a grudge because of what happened back then. He was referring to what happened four years ago, wasn’t he?”

Looking at Kallen standing so close, Yae Sakura averted her gaze and quietly replied,

“This matter will be handled by me alone...”

Before Yae Sakura could finish, Kallen abruptly interrupted her.

Kallen stepped forward again, gripped Yae Sakura’s shoulders, looked into her eyes, and said with unwavering seriousness,

“Don’t say things like that anymore! We’re all here for you now. You don’t have to bear this alone anymore.”

“Tell us the truth, Sakura!”

With that, she pulled Yae Sakura tightly into her arms, and the two embraced.

Kiana, standing to the side, watched the scene with wide eyes.

She once again felt like a third wheel.

And indeed, she truly was an outsider.

Suddenly, she missed Mei a little.

Held in Kallen’s arms, Yae Sakura inhaled her familiar scent while listening to her words.

After a long silence, Yae Sakura sighed and slowly began recounting what had happened four years ago.

“Four years ago... Wait, that aura... Is that the monster from earlier today?”

Before Yae Sakura could continue, they saw a giant fox-like monster charging toward them from the distance.

Kiana also noticed the approaching monster.

An annoyed expression appeared on her face.

“Ugh! Damn it! I was just about to explain!”

Yae Sakura stepped out of Kallen’s embrace, watched the monster approach, rested her hand on the hilt of her sword, and said softly,

“Let’s deal with that monster first.”

Kallen grabbed Yae Sakura’s arm and spoke firmly.

“No problem. We’ll fight alongside you, right, Kiana?”

Kiana quickly replied,

“Yes, that’s right!”

Then, through the combined efforts of the three, they drove the monster away once again.

Kallen lowered her dual pistols and panted heavily.

“Finally, the monster is gone.”

Looking at Yae Sakura with anticipation, Kiana impatiently asked,

“Yae Sakura, about what you wanted to say earlier...”

Hearing Kiana’s words, Yae Sakura subconsciously looked up at the sky. After thinking for a moment, she replied,

“It’s getting late. Let’s go back and rest.”

Seeing Yae Sakura’s reluctance, Kallen quickly reached out, grabbed her hand, looked at her intently, and asked,

“Yae Sakura, what are you hiding?”

Yae Sakura paused, startled by Kallen’s question. Then she looked toward the village, her tone complicated.

“This isn’t the time to talk about that. Lots of monsters have appeared outside the village again...”

Hearing this and seeing Yae Sakura’s expression, Kallen couldn’t help but raise her voice.

“Are you going to deal with them alone again?”

Yae Sakura remained silent and repeated the same words as before.

“I’ve already troubled you all so much.”

Kallen grew increasingly frustrated. She gripped Yae Sakura’s hand tightly and declared in a tone that allowed no refusal,

“If you’re going, then I’m going with you.”

Hearing this, Yae Sakura looked back at Kallen and quietly said,

“Kallen, your injuries haven’t healed yet...”

Kallen replied immediately,

“What about your injury from yesterday? It still hasn’t healed!”

Kiana, who had been acting as a third wheel, spoke up.

“Besides! If any dangerous monsters appear again, we need to fight together!”

Kallen looked directly into Yae Sakura’s eyes, her tone leaving no room for argument.

“Yesterday I let you go alone, but not today!”

Yae Sakura looked at Kallen, then at Kiana. She knew that anything she said now would be futile.

A warm feeling filled her heart.

It was a feeling she hadn’t experienced since her sister left.

She cherished that warmth.

However, thinking of the danger ahead, Yae Sakura hesitated for a moment before slowly saying to Kallen,

“I... once the battle begins, I won’t be able to protect you. You must be careful.”

After saying that, Yae Sakura led the two of them toward the edge of the village to eliminate the monsters that had appeared.

After defeating the monster before her, a sharp pain shot through Yae Sakura’s body, causing her to groan involuntarily.

“Ah... I...”

Hearing Yae Sakura’s pained groan, Kallen panicked and quickly killed the monster in front of her.

She immediately ran over, supported Yae Sakura, and looked at her with concern.

“How are you?”

Yae Sakura shook her head.

“It’s nothing. Just a minor injury. It’ll heal quickly even if it’s left untreated.”

“When I was alone before, this kind of injury...”

Kallen interrupted before she could finish.

“I already told you, Yae Sakura. You’re not alone anymore!”

Hearing this, Yae Sakura didn’t know how to respond. She lowered her head, looked at her wounds, and softly said,

“It’s alright...”

Seeing Yae Sakura lower her head, Kallen half-knelt and embraced her.

Her azure eyes glistened.

“No! If Yae Sakura gets hurt in any way, I’ll be heartbroken.”

Hearing those words, Yae Sakura trembled. Looking at the girl holding her, a thousand emotions finally became a single sentence.

“Kallen, why did you...”

Kallen interrupted once again as she held Yae Sakura tightly.

After a long while, she finally let go.

Then she looked at Yae Sakura and glared at her.

“So don’t get hurt so easily... Alright! Let’s go back to the shrine. I’ll bandage your wounds!”

Then she knelt down once more and bandaged Yae Sakura’s wounds.

Kiana, having dealt with the monster in front of her, walked over to them and looked at Yae Sakura’s wounds.

“How are Yae Sakura’s injuries?”

Hearing Kiana’s question, Kallen gently shook her head and replied,

“They aren’t serious, but leaving them untreated would have caused problems. However, I’ve already taken care of them.”

Hearing Kallen’s words, Kiana relaxed.

Suddenly, Kiana realized something was wrong.

She looked around and exclaimed in surprise,

“Eh? Where is Yae Sakura now?”

Seeing Kiana’s panicked expression, Kallen quickly reassured her.

“Yae Sakura is at Rin’s grave right now. She said she has something to tell us. That’s why she asked me to wait for you here. Let’s go together.”

Kiana answered without hesitation.

“Has Yae Sakura changed this time?”

With that question in mind, the two went to the cemetery to meet Yae Sakura.

Soon, they arrived and saw Yae Sakura standing before the tombstone, murmuring softly.

“On the occasion of this maiden’s fourth year, I offer my prayers at the worship ceremony. A cool breeze blew when I left, and I return weary. My heart is weary; can it find its way...?”

Kiana looked at Yae Sakura and asked Kallen,

“Eh, what is Yae Sakura doing?”

Kallen looked at Yae Sakura with gentle compassion and softly explained,

“Yae Sakura is praying for her deceased sister.”

At that moment, Yae Sakura finished her final prayer.

“Please pass, please pass...”

“That’s fine.”

She then turned around, saw Kallen and Kiana, and said,

“Kallen, Kiana, you’ve come.”

Kiana nodded.

“Yes, we’ve been here for a while.”

Hearing this, Yae Sakura looked at Kallen before slowly saying,

“Alright. Now I’ll tell you everything.”

“This village has been sacrificing children to please the gods. The villagers believe that by sacrificing children to the gods, they will receive the gods’ protection.”

Hearing this, Kiana’s face filled with anger.

“How absurd.”

As a nun, Kallen was equally furious.

“How could such a god exist in this world? That is nothing but an evil god!”

Seeing the anger on both of their faces, Yae Sakura continued,

“Perhaps. But at first, like the villagers, I thought it was perfectly natural.”

“However, it wasn’t until four years ago that I realized how absurd it all was.”

As she spoke, despair and sorrow filled Yae Sakura’s face, and her voice trembled with emotion.

At that moment, the two finally understood how Yae Rin had died.

Kallen embraced Yae Sakura once more and comforted her.

“I’m sorry, Sakura. I came too late. Although I couldn’t stop Rin from leaving, it’s not too late now. I can still stand by your side, and from now on, I will protect you!”

---

Chapter Seven: Pampered Eden, My Delicious Eden

“Dr. Lobsterhead: LOL, I already know exactly where Otto lost! Hahahaha. Well done!”

“Cat Cat: This couple is so sweet.”

“Don't Want to Go to Work: Kallen is so proactive. I can't imagine how Yae Sakura can resist Kallen's offensive. It feels like Yae Sakura is completely won over now.”

“Don't Want to Take the Exam: Yeah, sticking together is great!”

“Cook: So, can this loop change the ending?”

“Miss Elf: Most likely it can!”

“The Number One Cutest in the World: After three loops, all the truth will come out.”

Then, back to the plot.

Listening to Kallen's words, which sounded like a confession, Yae Sakura gazed at Kallen with a complex expression.

This was the second time Kallen had said this to her.

But Yae Sakura's eyes dimmed again as she thought of everything she had been through, and she said to Kallen:

“But...”

Before she could finish, Kallen interrupted her once more.

“There are no ‘buts.’ Sakura, from now on, you're no longer alone.”

Hearing these words, Yae Sakura couldn't help but call out Kallen's name.

“Kallen!”

Kallen gripped Yae Sakura's hand tightly, stopping her from continuing, and looked at Kiana, saying:

“It seems Kiana is ready. I'll go to the shrine now, hurry up and follow!”

Then, Kallen and Yae Sakura went to the shrine together.

At the shrine entrance, Yae Sakura looked at Kallen beside her, at her hand tightly gripping hers, and once again remembered what Kallen had said to her.

Then, she took a deep breath and confessed to Kallen.

“In my dream, I came to the altar.”

“Rin knelt there. She knelt there, then raised her head and said to me: ‘Sister, you must protect everyone and become an outstanding priestess!’”

The scene of her last meeting with Rin flashed through her mind again, and Yae Sakura was filled with sorrow.

Seeing this, Kallen reached out and embraced her tightly.

Feeling the warmth from Kallen, Yae Sakura continued to speak to her.

“I couldn't save her. I could only watch her die.”

“But I will fulfill Rin's wish. I will sing to protect everyone. I will become a true, outstanding priestess.”

“Because I am no longer alone. I am no longer lonely!”

Having said this, Yae Sakura's gaze was fixed on Kallen's eyes, and she reached out to embrace her slender waist.

Immediately, the two embraced tightly.

In an instant, the rage and darkness within Yae Sakura gradually dissipated.

The demon within her, sensing the change in Yae Sakura, was horrified.

“What's happening?! She was so close! This girl was just one step away from falling!”

Her voice was filled with resentment.

Yae Sakura felt a pang of unease and looked up at Kallen, calling her name.

“Kallen!”

Kallen sensed Yae Sakura's emotional shift and gripped her hand tightly, comforting her.

“Sakura, it's alright. I'm right here with you.”

As soon as Kallen finished speaking, the demon within Yae Sakura could no longer contain itself and roared at Kallen.

“Damn it! It's you again! Kallen!”

Yae Sakura looked at the purple light gradually emerging from her body, somewhat surprised. But remembering Kiana's words, she spoke slowly.

“That thing... could it be the will of Honkai?”

Kallen pulled Yae Sakura back, staring intently at the purple light, and nodded.

“Yes! That thing can no longer reside within you. It's just a lingering resentment now.”

“Come on, Sakura. Let's crush it together!”

With that, a gigantic crimson fox appeared from the purple light, emanating a terrifying aura.

Seeing this, Yae Sakura and Kallen exchanged a glance, their hands clasped tightly.

Then, they each drew their weapons and attacked the fox.

Soon, with their increasingly coordinated efforts, the fox was finally defeated.

The Honkai that had corrupted this land was purified, and from then on, Kallen and Yae lived happily and peacefully in the smiling Yae Village.

The final scene freezes on the lawn: Kallen and Yae Sakura lie on the lush green grass, gazing at the azure sky, their hands clasped together.

Their faces were filled with warmth and happiness.

The narrator's voice continued to play.

Although this was only within the dream world created by the Stigmata, the girls had indeed ushered in their best time.

The gentle narration ended, and a message appeared in the azure sky:

【Through countless paths, the long-cherished wish of the Stigmata's will has finally been fulfilled—this hard-won warmth will be passed down forever along with this will.】

Seeing this ending, the comment section fell silent for a few seconds.

Those who had been stunned by the main storyline were quite surprised by this happy ending and didn't react for a moment.

Until the narrator finished speaking.

Gradually, everyone came to their senses.

“Cat Cat: Ahhhhh, is this real? Is this real? This cat actually saw a sweet, happy ending! This isn't a dream, is it?!”

Pardo, who had been sleeping on the harbor deck, immediately stood up.

She stared at the live stream with a terrified look, quickly rubbing her eyes.

“This can't be real, can it?”

She asked again, sounding doubtful.

“Don't Want to Go to Work: I need to pinch myself, ouch, ouch, ouch! This isn't a dream. It really has a sweet ending, not a tragedy!”

“Miss Elf: Yae Sakura and Kallen will be together forever, living happily ever after. Is this a dream?”

“Don't Want to Take the Exam: I just bit myself, this isn't a dream! This is real!!!”

“Dr. Lobsterhead: Stop, stop, this is just a change in Stigmata Space. As for the real-world plot, it might be the first...”

“Cat Cat: I don't care, this is the real ending! I don't care about the real-world ending!”

“Phantom Thief Girl: Maybe the real-world plot will be just like the live stream? Yae Sakura and Kallen will live happily ever after in Yae Village.”

“Sakura: Yes...”

Kallen saw the comments in the live stream, then her gaze fell on Yae Sakura, who was sleeping in her arms.

Seeing Yae Sakura wake up, Kallen said in surprise:

“Sakura, you're awake!”

Yae Sakura didn't answer Kallen's question but stared intently at her for a long time without saying a word.

Kallen felt a little embarrassed by Yae Sakura's gaze.

She reached out and touched Yae Sakura's pretty face, a playful smile on her face, and said softly:

“I get shy looking at me like that~”

“But since Sakura likes to look, then look a little longer, because I'm so beautiful~”

Hearing Kallen's words, Yae Sakura smiled gently in return.

Then, she took the initiative to hug Kallen.

Looking at Kallen, she couldn't help but say:

“Kallen... I...”

But before she could finish, her lips were enveloped by a warm, moist touch.

The soft touch made Yae Sakura's eyes widen as she stared intently at the nun before her, who parted her lips.

Seeing her open her mouth as if to say something, Kallen quickly reached out and pressed her hand to Yae Sakura's red lips, whispering:

“Sakura, I'll tell you about that box and me!”

Hearing Kallen's words, Yae Sakura gazed at her tenderly and nodded gently.

“Mm.”

Then, the two snuggled together in the small bedroom, the live stream on, with Kallen recounting her stories from Schicksal.

Meanwhile, at Fire Moth headquarters, in Elysia's room.

Elysia watched Kallen and Yae Sakura's intimate moment, a strange itch stirring within her.

She shook her head slightly and murmured...

“I haven't gotten to kiss a pretty girl yet today~”

“I really want to kiss one too~”

She said, resting her chin on her hands, watching the live stream and thinking to herself.

“Should I go to Mobius, or find Himiko, or find Hua~”

“Himiko and Himeko really seem similar to each other. I like that, hehe.”

“Or maybe I should go find Himiko and have some tea~”

Thinking of this, Elysia's eyes lit up.

She was the kind of person who would act on her thoughts, and was just about to get up, get dressed, and go out when her contacts beeped.

Elysia glanced at them.

Oh wow.

It's Eden!

Thinking of this, Elysia quickly answered and spoke first.

“Is that Eden~”

“It's me, Ellie.”

“What's up? Missing the beautiful and innocent Elysia?”

“Yes, missing the beautiful and innocent Elysia!”

“Hehe, Eden, my dear Eden, I miss you so much too When are you coming to visit me?”

“You miss me so much Then I'll come find you”

“Okay, okay, hehe.”

“Ellie, I've brought lots and lots of gifts you like. Aren't you excited~”

“Wow, of course I'm excited! Eden, my Eden, come quickly~”

“Okay, see you later~”

...

Elysia, clutching her contacts, smiled sweetly.

Then, looking in the vanity mirror, her eyes lit up, and she quickly sat up and began to get ready.

Her favorite Eden had arrived.

She was determined to greet Eden in her most perfect form, hehe~

What a happy day~

.......

Back to the story.

When Stigmata Space ended, Kiana returned to reality.

Back in reality, Kiana looked at Bronya with a surprised expression.

“I never expected that the Stigmata could create such a memory space...”

Bronya hugged her computer, floating in midair, and explained calmly to Kiana.

“There are many mysteries within the Stigmata, which Schicksal's current technology hasn't fully unraveled.”

Hearing Bronya's words, Kiana shook her head, then, as if remembering something, proudly said to Bronya:

“Hehe, not to brag, but without my intervention, it would have been impossible to solve the problem so quickly!”

Looking at Kiana's proud expression, Bronya replied calmly.

“Ha. It must be because Kiana is ‘very sincere,’ so they weren't wary of you.”

Bronya's words had a hidden meaning, but Paramecium didn't catch it and instead asked Bronya directly.

“But what will happen to them?”

She was still very concerned about Yae Sakura and Kallen.

Hearing Kiana's question, Bronya was silent for a moment before answering.

“Nothing will change. Kiana, the will of the Stigmata only activates a space constructed of memories.”

Hearing Bronya's words, Kiana's eyes didn't show disappointment, but rather a sense of relief as she answered.

“I know! But even though we can't change history, just the fact that they can be here in this illusion is enough comfort!”

The Sakura Samsara storyline ends, but it doesn't.

Xiyue ignored the cheers in the comments section and clicked on the next chapter.

Open World - 05 Sakura Samsara Epilogue.

The scene shifts again, and Yae Sakura and Mei appear on the screen.

Yae Sakura gazes tenderly at Mei and softly says:

“I still have an unfulfilled wish. Can I borrow your body for a short while?”

Mei agrees.

Mei slowly transforms into another form, becoming Yae Sakura.

Then, the scene shifts again.

Under the azure sky, Yae Sakura's gentle voice echoes.

“I know all of this—this grass beneath me, this sky, and the girl beside me—is all an illusion.”

“But I'm willing to immerse myself in this illusion, praying it can last forever.”

But as her words fell, Kallen gazed at Yae Sakura with sorrowful, reluctant eyes, and apologized to her.

“I'm sorry, Sakura.”

“I feel like I can't stay with you any longer.”

Yae Sakura looked at her, utterly confused.

“Why?”

But Kallen didn't answer. Instead, she released her hands, leaving behind her last words.

“Take care.”

Then, Kallen instantly transformed into a masked girl and vanished before her eyes.

Watching Kallen disappear, Yae Sakura cried out anxiously.

“Kallen is gone! No! It can't be!”

“She won't leave me. I must find her!”

Then, Yae Sakura immediately ran back to Yae Village, but as she entered the village, she was filled with confusion.

“Isn't this space constructed from the memories of the Stigmata? How can there be people here?”

“Never mind. Let's go ask them if they've seen Kallen.”

She then turned to the villagers, whose figures appeared as shadowy silhouettes.

“Excuse me, have you seen a girl dressed in black?”

But the woman, her face filled with pessimism, seemed not to hear Yae Sakura's words and continued to speak to herself.

“How could that be? Such a young child being a demon. However, we can't be soft-hearted towards demons.”

Yae Sakura listened, filled with doubt.

She continued to ask a few more questions, but received the same few sentences as before, making Yae Sakura realize that she couldn't communicate with the woman before her.

She had no choice but to go and ask the next villager.

“Excuse me, have you seen a girl dressed in black?”

----

Chapter 8: Higyokumaru: An Unconcealable Tragedy

“Cat Cat: Huh? Why is there a sequel?! It would be so much better if they just stayed together forever!”

“Don’t Want to Go to Work: Yeah, yeah. They just had to make a different storyline, really.”

“Want to Buy an Island: The previous storyline was Kallen searching for Yae Sakura. Now it’s Yae Sakura searching for Kallen. Ugh, so frustrating!”

“Don’t Want to Take the Exam: Ugh, so much drama! Wouldn’t it be better if it just ended perfectly like this?”

“Dr. Lobsterhead: This Stigmata Space looks different from the previous one. It looks like another storyline.”

“The Number One Cutest in the World: Hurry up and play it! After it finishes, I want to see the storyline after the main plot. What will happen to Mei and Kiana after joining World Serpent?”

Xiyue smiled as she watched the scene and replied to Theresa.

“Don’t rush, don’t rush. It’s playing!”

“This scene will be over soon.”

After saying that, she continued to focus on the storyline.

This scene, combined with Sakura's storyline, was undeniably heartbreaking.

I truly hope that Yae Sakura and Kallen can change their future through this livestream and live happily ever after with Sakura's sister, Rin.

As for Green Ottō?

After this scene ends, she'll tell Kallen about incident. I wonder what Kallen will think.

However, I'm really looking forward to seeing Green Ottō watch Yae Sakura and Kallen being so affectionate.

She thought to herself.

Getting back to the main point, let's continue focusing on the story.

Yae Sakura continued asking the next villager, but this villager, like the previous one, seemed not to hear her and continued talking to himself.

“Although I haven’t seen that child use magic, since those scholars say she’s a demon, they can’t be wrong. Yes, they can’t be wrong…”

Hearing these strange words, Yae Sakura’s doubts deepened.

This didn’t seem like the Yae Village she remembered.

She tried to communicate with the villagers again, but to no avail.

Seeing this, Yae Sakura could only walk toward the center of the village, hoping someone deeper inside could answer her questions.

Soon, she approached another villager.

“Excuse me, have you seen a girl dressed in black?”

But this villager, just like the previous two, ignored Yae Sakura and continued speaking strangely, as though recalling something.

“Taking advantage of that demon’s carelessness, we finally caught her in a cage. Although the child didn’t do anything bad…”

Hearing the three villagers’ stories about a demon, a child who had harmed no one, and imprisonment, she felt a growing sense of unease.

This made Yae Sakura realize something was wrong, but she had no clue what was going on.

Just as she was pondering, the large sake barrel in front of her made a strange noise.

Startled, Yae Sakura quickly went to investigate. She saw a piece of paper stuck to the barrel, which was still shaking violently.

Without hesitation, Yae Sakura drew her longsword and smashed the barrel.

The instant it shattered, a two-eared figure appeared in the air. She had red eyeshadow and wore a sleeveless shrine maiden outfit consisting of a white outer robe and a red inner robe. Small sleeve sashes hung from her arms, with a ring adorning each sleeve. A red tassel was pinned to her head and left chest, while black-and-red shimenawa ropes were tied around her waist and right leg.

Four pink fox tails with red tips swayed behind her.

She wore black shorts.

Her appearance was so cute that anyone would want to hug her.

The girl floated in the air and let out a sigh of relief, her face filled with gratitude at surviving a near-death experience.

“Wow~ I’m finally saved! I don’t know what those villagers were going to do to me, locking me in a wine barrel!”

The girl's voice was as clear and melodious as a ringing bell, full of energy.

“Were they going to turn me into roast meat?”

At that thought, her expression became panicked, and she cried out in terror.

Yae Sakura looked at the girl before her, her eyes full of surprise. Hearing the girl's cute voice, she felt a strange surge of joy. Even so, she calmly asked,

“What are you? A monster?”

Hearing Yae Sakura's words, the girl came to her senses. Her large blue eyes stared at Yae Sakura as she protested loudly,

“A monster? How rude! I’m human.”

“No, this isn’t the time to chat.”

The girl had just said this when she suddenly realized something. Fear returned to her face as she pleaded,

“Hey, you! Take me away quickly! If those villagers catch us, we’ll be roasted!”

With that, she floated in front of Yae Sakura, grabbed her hand, and ran as fast as she could.

Yae Sakura remained silent, allowing the girl to lead her.

As they ran, Honkai Beasts appeared.

At the same time, a strange children's song drifted into their ears.

One, two, three little friends.

Four, five little friends.

Together, hand in hand, playing with snowballs.

One children's song, four songs sung.

Three little friends left.

One slipper, one lost.

“Little friends, all gone!”

Accompanied by the eerie nursery rhyme, Yae Sakura quickly eliminated the enemies before her. She then stopped with the girl in a secluded corner.

The girl panted heavily, though relief was evident on her face.

She smiled at Yae Sakura and asked,

“Phew~ We finally escaped.”

“Hey, by the way, what’s your name, pretty big sister?”

Hearing the girl's form of address, Yae Sakura froze for a moment. She had never been called "big sister" before.

“Big... sister?”

“Oh, my name is Yae Sakura. What’s your name?”

Seeing the girl's sincere expression, Yae Sakura answered truthfully.

The girl's eyes widened as she tried to answer, but she hesitated. Confusion filled her large eyes.

“My name is... uh... why can’t I remember? Who am I?”

She frowned and thought for a while but still couldn't remember.

Then she shook her head and said simply,

“Ah, I’ve forgotten my name. I can’t remember anything from before I was locked in the wine barrel.”

“However, I don’t remember doing anything bad, yet I was caught for no reason…”

At this point, the girl spoke with utmost seriousness.

Her words were full of grievance.

After lowering her head sadly for a moment, she looked up at Yae Sakura again with hopeful eyes.

“It’s quite inconvenient not having a name. How about this, big sister? Just give me any name you like.”

As the girl continued talking, Yae Sakura kept observing her. Especially when she noticed the four short tails behind the girl, a sense of familiarity washed over her.

“Her appearance... I feel like I’ve seen her somewhere before.”

She said to the girl,

“You remind me of an old friend. But that name is too fierce, so I’ll give you a gentler one.”

“Your name will be Higyokumaru.”

Hearing Yae Sakura's words, Higyokumaru's face lit up with a radiant smile.

“Hey, that’s a nice name! By the way, big sister, can you do me a favor?”

“I need to go to the Heavenly Guard Pavilion for something important. Could you please protect me? What if I run into those villagers again...”

At this point, Higyokumaru floated back to Yae Sakura, looking at her with pleading eyes.

Especially when she mentioned the villagers, Higyokumaru placed her small hands on her chest with a frightened expression.

Hearing Higyokumaru's request, Yae Sakura didn't answer immediately.

Instead, she looked toward the Heavenly Guard Pavilion with a puzzled expression.

“Heavenly Guard Pavilion?”

She had never heard of such a place in Yae Village.

She shook her head and then thought of Kallen.

A conflicted expression crossed her face for a moment.

Yae Sakura looked at Higyokumaru apologetically and said,

“I’m sorry. I’m looking for my friend and don’t have time to help you.”

Hearing Yae Sakura’s reply, Higyokumaru looked disappointed and said sadly,

“Eh! She actually abandoned someone as cute as me.”

Before Higyokumaru could finish speaking, she saw Yae Sakura walk ahead.

Seeing this, Higyokumaru panicked and hurried after her, calling out as she ran,

“Hey, big sister! Wait a minute! Helping me has lots of benefits!”

Hearing Higyokumaru's words, Yae Sakura stopped and looked at her with interest.

“Hmm? Tell me.”

Higyokumaru was delighted to see Yae Sakura stop.

A cute expression appeared on her face as she happily said,

“I know the surrounding area very well. I can definitely help you.”

Hearing this, Yae Sakura shook her head and replied softly,

“I’ve lived in Yae Village for almost five hundred years. I know it very well too.”

Hearing this, Higyokumaru paused for a moment but quickly recovered.

“Well, I can help you ask around. No villager would refuse a question from a cute child like me.”

Suppressing a laugh, Yae Sakura replied gently,

“But if you see any villagers, you’ll be roasted first, right?”

Speechless, Higyokumaru burst into tears and pleaded pitifully.

“Waaah! Big sister, please help me! Can you bear to see me roasted by the villagers?”

Seeing Higyokumaru's pitiful appearance, Yae Sakura stopped teasing her.

“She really wants to go to the Heavenly Guard Pavilion. Whatever is there must be very important to her.”

Thinking this, Yae Sakura agreed.

“Alright. Hurry along. I’ll help you.”

Hearing Yae Sakura's reply, Higyokumaru was overjoyed.

She flew around Yae Sakura happily.

“Big sister~~ Thank you!”

“Big sister, you’re so kind~”

“Big sister, you’re the best human I’ve ever met!”

Then, amid Higyokumaru's cheerful praise, they headed toward the Heavenly Guard Pavilion.

......

“Don’t Want to Go to Work: Wow, is Higyokumaru made of cuteness? She’s so adorable!”

“Nun: Cute child, but why is she so small?”

“Cat Cat: So cute~ Just looking at her makes me happy.”

“Cook: Yae Sakura seems very familiar with Higyokumaru. Could it be that she already suspects Higyokumaru’s identity?”

“Driver’s License Revoked: According to Zaychik’s theory, a suddenly appearing cute character will definitely be killed off later.”

“Don’t Want to Take the Exam: I think so too.”

“Drunken Warrior: It seems this plot is closely related to Higyokumaru.”

“Dudu: For some reason, I feel a strange sense of familiarity with Higyokumaru and the villagers’ words.”

“The Number One Cutest in the World: Me too.”

“Dr. Lobsterhead: Let’s see how the plot unfolds.”

Back to the plot.

Guided by Higyokumaru, Yae Sakura arrived at the Heavenly Guard Pavilion. Looking at the unfamiliar building, she couldn't help but feel puzzled.

She had never seen such a structure in Yae Village.

She continued walking forward.

Finally, she arrived at the foot of the Heavenly Guard Pavilion.

Higyokumaru looked at the tall building and let out a long sigh.

“Phew—we’re finally here.”

Looking at the Heavenly Guard Pavilion before her, Yae Sakura asked,

“Was there a building like this before, Higyokumaru? Why did you come to the Heavenly Guard Pavilion?”

Higyokumaru looked up at Yae Sakura, equally confused.

“Phew, I don’t know either. I’ve lost most of my memories.”

“I only remember wanting to come to the Heavenly Guard Pavilion. There should be something very important to me here. If I get it back, I should be able to remember who I am.”

Hearing Higyokumaru’s words, Yae Sakura was deeply surprised.

“Could it be that she really is…”

But Higyokumaru didn’t notice Yae Sakura’s unusual reaction and continued happily,

“Alright, big sister! Let’s hurry into the Heavenly Guard Pavilion.”

“Huh? The door’s locked.”

Just then, the villagers’ voices came from behind them.

“Hmph, finally caught up. Kill that monster!”

“Kill her!”

Seeing the villagers wielding weapons, Higyokumaru’s face turned pale. She hid behind Yae Sakura, trembling with fear.

Faced with the zombie-like villagers, Yae Sakura had no choice but to draw her weapon and fight.

After a fierce battle, she defeated the last zombie.

A strange purple light emerged from its body, shot toward Higyokumaru, and pierced her.

Higyokumaru immediately felt an intense burning sensation throughout her body, followed by a sharp pain in her head.

She clutched her head and cried out in agony.

“It’s... so hot!”

Gradually, an image flashed through Higyokumaru’s mind.

A terrifying figure, with only a single eye glowing like a light bulb, pointed at her and spoke in a voice filled with utter disgust.

“Confirmed. That child is showing signs of a Herrscher reaction. We must eliminate her as soon as possible!”

“Although that child has never done anything wrong.”

The cold female voice paused for a moment before becoming even more frigid.

“No! I can’t be soft-hearted. I can’t let all of humanity be destroyed!”

---

Chapter Nine: The Truth About Reincarnation - Higokumaru Is Rin!

The cold female voice paused for a moment, then became icy once again.

"No! I can't be soft-hearted. I can't let all of humanity be destroyed!"

Then, the enormous hand, like an abyss, reached out to grab Higyokumaru.

Higyokumaru watched the hand approach, her panic and unease reaching their peak.

But at the final moment, Higyokumaru's will to survive overwhelmed her fear. She closed her eyes, gathered all her strength, and thrust both hands forward. Incredibly powerful energy emanated from her hands.

A violent wave of light slammed into the tightly closed doors of the Heavenly Guard Pavilion.

"No! Don't kill me!"

The terrifying power shattered the doors into pieces.

At the same time, Kallen, wearing the Raven Mask, swiftly dodged past.

“Cat Cat: Hey, this scene looks so familiar! I feel like I've seen it somewhere before. No, it's very familiar, even though I've never seen it before.”

“Want to Buy An Island: So familiar, really familiar. I just can't remember the plot.”

“Dr. Lobsterhead: Is it an awakened Herrscher? But the first Herrscher in modern times was from the 20th century. There shouldn't have been any Herrscher activity in ancient times. What's going on?”

“Driver's License Revoked: Judging from what that person said, what they know doesn't seem like something someone from the 15th century would know.”

“Dudu: Higyokumaru looks really familiar, but I just can't remember.”

“Don't Want to Take the Exam: Me too. Especially when Higyokumaru panicked and that old woman's voice. It sounds like a scene from a certain storyline.”

Meanwhile, in the real-world Yae Village,

Yae Sakura and Kallen snuggled together while watching the live stream.

Kallen held Yae Sakura's slender waist, rested his head against her chest, and looked up at her as he asked,

"Sakura, do you know Higyokumaru's identity?"

Kallen's eyes flickered as he spoke.

Yae Sakura heard Kallen's question and noticed the flicker in his eyes. She knew what he wanted to say and answered softly.

"Kallen, didn't you already know? Why are you asking me?"

She gave Kallen a reproachful look which, combined with her pretty and gentle face, created a unique charm.

Back to the story.

Gradually recovering from her panic, Higyokumaru looked at the shattered door in surprise.

"Eh, how did the door open? Did I break it open?"

After saying that, Higyokumaru's face lit up with pride. Hands on her hips, she exclaimed joyfully,

"Hahaha, as expected of me!"

Yae Sakura, standing nearby, looked at the gate. Recalling Higyokumaru's immense power, she couldn't help but marvel.

"This kind of power!?"

Yae Sakura herself didn't realize that her cherry-blossom eyes had suddenly sharpened.

Higyokumaru also noticed this, shrinking back slightly as she spoke cautiously.

"Huh? Big Sister, why are your eyes so sharp?"

Hearing Higyokumaru's clear voice, Yae Sakura came to her senses and realized her expression had changed. She quickly returned to her usual gentle gaze and explained,

"That power just now reminded me of an enemy from the past."

Hearing Yae Sakura's words, Higyokumaru circled around her several times, beaming.

“Big Sister, this can only be a coincidence. I haven’t done anything wrong! Big Sister, you have to believe me.”

Hearing Higyokumaru’s words, Yae Sakura noticed her hesitant expression and felt a slight pang of doubt.

“Hmm?”

Higyokumaru couldn’t help but continue.

“I just vaguely remembered. I was arrested before, and they seemed to have done some very cruel things to an innocent person like me.”

“But even so, I didn’t hurt them. I... I would never do anything wrong.”

Higyokumaru’s aggrieved voice became firm and sincere by the end.

Looking into Higyokumaru’s clear blue eyes, Yae Sakura sensed her sincerity.

Looking into those blue eyes, she was always reminded of her younger sister.

Thinking of this, Yae Sakura’s eyes softened as she spoke gently.

“I understand.”

“I misspoke before. I'm sorry.”

Hearing Yae Sakura’s words, Higyokumaru’s smile widened, completely unconcerned.

“Hmm, it’s nothing. Let’s hurry into the Heavenly Guard Pavilion.”

The two entered the Heavenly Guard Pavilion. Upon entering, they found another large locked door.

Higyokumaru looked at the locked door with eager anticipation and said excitedly,

“Another locked door. Ha, watch my power~”

With that, Higyokumaru hurled another fireball at the door.

But the fireball struck the door without causing any damage.

Seeing this, Higyokumaru was puzzled.

“Huh? My fireball didn’t work?”

“Hmm~ Does that mean we need even greater power?”

Seeing Higyokumaru's disappointed expression, Yae Sakura said,

“Those villagers seemed to be connected to your power. If we can find the other villagers, maybe we can...”

Hearing Yae Sakura's words, Higyokumaru looked panicked and said fearfully,

“Find the villagers? Won’t they turn me into barbecue...?”

Looking at Higyokumaru's cute expression and hearing her voice, Yae Sakura smiled gently. She reached out to pat Higyokumaru's little head and softly comforted her.

“Don't worry. I'm here.”

Hearing Yae Sakura's words, Higyokumaru's anxiety eased considerably. She flew onto Yae Sakura's shoulder and said sweetly,

“Thank you, Big Sister.”

“My safety depends on you, Big Sister~”

Yae Sakura nodded, then led Higyokumaru outside.

Soon, they found a villager. Looking at the villager, Higyokumaru said to Yae Sakura,

“We found the villager. What do we do now? After the villager disappeared, the will-o'-the-wisp appeared and attached itself to me.”

Higyokumaru paused, then seemed to realize something.

She exclaimed in surprise.

“No way, could it be...”

Sensing Higyokumaru's anxious expression, Yae Sakura comforted her.

“Don't worry. She seems to be able to communicate with us.”

Yae Sakura walked toward the melancholy old woman, who murmured sadly,

“That child is about to be taken away. How could this happen? That child hasn't done anything wrong.”

“I... there's nothing I can do. Tonight is the last night. Let's prepare a decent dinner for that child.”

After saying this, the melancholy old woman looked up at Yae Sakura and Higyokumaru and spoke softly.

“By the way, could you help me find some ingredients?”

Hearing the old woman's request, Yae Sakura immediately agreed.

“Understood. Please leave it to us.”

Higyokumaru, standing beside her, also said happily,

“Finding food is my forte. I can find it by following the aroma.”

Soon, Yae Sakura and Higyokumaru found the ingredients the old woman needed in the village. They returned to the Heavenly Guard Pavilion and handed the ingredients to her.

The old woman accepted them excitedly.

“Great! With these ingredients, we can make that child a delicious meal.”

“It must include fried tofu. Hmm...”

Then, the old woman turned around, seemingly preparing something.

Listening to the old woman's words, Higyokumaru closed her eyes, touched her mouth with one hand, and murmured,

“Fried tofu... it reminds me of something.”

Soon, the old woman finished preparing everything and turned back.

She handed something to Yae Sakura and said,

“Thank you for your help. Oh, and this is for you.”

Yae Sakura accepted the item from the old woman. It was a key.

After receiving the key, Yae Sakura understood what was happening and apologized to the old woman.

She then continued toward the Heavenly Guard Pavilion with Higyokumaru.

Soon, they arrived at the tightly closed gate again. Higyokumaru said excitedly,

“Hmm, let’s try opening the door again.”

Watching the door gradually open, Yae Sakura said without surprise,

“As expected. After Higyokumaru’s power increased, she could open the door to the upper level.”

Higyokumaru nodded after hearing Yae Sakura’s words but wore an aggrieved expression.

“But what were those memories that flooded my mind when my power increased?”

“I didn’t do anything wrong, yet they treated me like that.”

Yae Sakura noticed Higyokumaru’s expression and asked with concern,

“What’s wrong, Higyokumaru?”

Higyokumaru snapped out of her reverie, looked into Yae Sakura's concerned eyes, and shook her head.

“No, it's nothing. Let's hurry to the next level.”

Then the two entered.

Upon entering, Yae Sakura saw the villagers wearing strange expressions.

“I didn't expect there to be villagers inside the Heavenly Guard Pavilion.”

As soon as Yae Sakura finished speaking, one of the villagers said,

“We hid in the Heavenly Guard Pavilion to escape the monsters. It's all that little monster's fault. She must have brought all these disasters upon us.”

Yae Sakura ignored the villager's dissatisfaction and resentment.

Instead, she politely asked,

“We want to go to the top floor of the Heavenly Guard Pavilion, but the path to the upper level is blocked. Do you know anything about it?”

The villager's face turned pale with terror upon hearing this.

“The Heavenly Guard Pavilion is now full of yokai. Unless it's absolutely safe, we must not open the path to the upper level.”

Hearing the villager's words, Yae Sakura nodded.

“Understood. I'll go and get rid of the yokai.”

Then, with Higyokumaru's help, Yae Sakura began eliminating the yokai in the pavilion one by one.

Meanwhile, as Yae Sakura eliminated the yokai one after another, Higyokumaru's expression became increasingly panicked.

Another image flashed through Higyokumaru's mind.

The terrifying figure held a dagger while a slender arm lay on the ground, stained with crimson blood.

A chillingly cold voice rang out once more.

“In this way, humanity is saved.”

But after saying this, the cold voice continued.

“Although this child hasn’t done anything wrong.”

“But since she’s become a Herrscher, she can’t be allowed to live.”

“Using my authority, I finally sneaked in and killed her!”

Suddenly, alarms and red warning lights blared, casting a crimson glow across the entire mortal realm.

A fragile, confused voice rang out.

“I... I haven’t done anything wrong...”

Hearing this voice, her face filled with confusion and terror. Holding the dagger, she stared blankly at the fallen corpse.

“How is this possible? Isn’t the Herrscher already dead?”

Only then did she notice the dramatic change occurring in the fallen little girl. Her figure gradually grew larger before becoming blurred.

She exuded a terrifying aura.

“Why! Why did you hurt me!”

Confused and furious words echoed throughout the laboratory.

...

“Cat Cat: I know, I know. She's Rin! It's Rin! Sakura's sister!”

“Want to Buy An Island: That's her! I remember now. Sakura's sister was killed by the researchers, which triggered the Herrscher's awakening. Then Sakura died around that time.”

“Don't Want to Take the Exam: I remember now too. Damn it, why is it always like this? Rin is so cute.”

“Dr. Lobsterhead: If it's the Herrscher from the Previous Era, then that explains it. I didn't expect the Herrscher from the Previous Era to still be alive in the Current Era.”

“I Don't Want to Go to Work: No wonder these villagers keep repeating those words. She didn't do anything wrong, so why are they treating her like this? Isn't this almost the same experience as Yae Sakura's sister Rin? Damn it, this plot twist is so cruel. It's infuriating!”

“Sakura: Higyokumaru is the Box Demon. But compared to the Box Demon, the current Higyokumaru is more like Rin from the Previous Era.”

In reality, Yae Sakura tightly gripped Kallen's hand, her face filled with sorrow and pity.

No wonder she had felt a strange sense of familiarity when she first saw Higyokumaru, even though she wasn't in the story.

Now she remembered.

She looked exactly like the Previous Era Flame-Chaser Sakura, and her sister Rin looked exactly like her own sister, Rin.

How could she not recognize her?

Kallen grasped Yae Sakura's hand, comforting her.

“Sakura, it's alright. It's alright.”

“Now that we know the truth beforehand, we can definitely change the so-called future.”

“Believe me, Sakura!”

Yae Sakura nodded as she listened to Kallen's words.

Looking into Kallen's eyes, she said earnestly,

“Kallen, we will succeed!”

“Beautiful Snake: It's ironic, but also realistic.”

“The Number One Cutest in the World: What's the deal with the twelve Herrschers of the Previous Era? I really want to know.”

“Drunken Warrior: Wait for the streamer to broadcast the Elysian Realm storyline. Then we'll know everything.”

“Don't Want to Take the Exam: Yuexi, hurry up and finish the storyline!”

Xiyue smiled but didn't reply.

Once she streamed the Elysian Realm, Kiana wouldn't think that way anymore.

Then, she continued focusing on the live stream.

Returning to the story,

Yae Sakura remained oblivious to Higyokumaru's unusual behavior. With Higyokumaru's assistance, she quickly eliminated the monsters.

As another monster in the attic was defeated, another image appeared in Higyokumaru's mind.

A purple box appeared at the center of the screen.

The cold voice continued to echo.

“Finally... finally, this demon is sealed away...”

---

Chapter Ten: The Beloved Will Eventually Reunite

"How could this happen? Awakening power after death?"

"And not only can she control Honkai Beasts, but she can even control machines and other life forms... Even if this box isolates her consciousness, the Herrscher's consciousness isn't truly dead."

"So many people died because of her. Let her slowly repent for her sins throughout endless years."

The scene abruptly ended.

Higyokumaru slowly came to her senses. She could feel the memories flooding her mind as her power grew stronger, a feeling that became increasingly intense.

"A long, long time ago, I hurt many people. Tens of thousands... no, millions."

Then Higyokumaru said to herself with despair and sorrow.

Yae Sakura, who was beside her, noticed Higyokumaru's unusual state and hurriedly asked with concern,

"What's wrong? You look terrible."

Hearing Yae Sakura's words, Higyokumaru slowly came to her senses. Then she looked at Yae Sakura and asked with despair in her eyes,

"Big Sister, if I really were a bad person, what would you do?"

"As my power grows stronger, so does my fear. I'll use this power to hurt others."

Higyokumaru grew increasingly frightened as she spoke.

Seeing Higyokumaru's expression, Yae Sakura stepped forward, placed her hand on Higyokumaru's head, and said solemnly,

"Higyokumaru, remember, power is a double-edged sword. The important thing is not to be controlled by power but to control it."

"If one day you truly fall into evil, I promise you, I will kill you before you harm others."

Hearing Yae Sakura's words, Higyokumaru, who had been terrified, inexplicably felt calmer. Looking at Yae Sakura before her, Higyokumaru said firmly,

"Hmph, Big Sister, I won't give you a chance."

"Controlling the power that's rightfully mine will be as easy as eating fried tofu."

"But, Big Sister, hearing your words makes me feel much more at ease. Thank you."

Yae Sakura smiled gently, then led Higyokumaru further into the Heavenly Guard Pavilion.

They cleared out the monsters along the way as they climbed higher.

As they approached the top floor of the Heavenly Guard Pavilion, Higyokumaru's sealed memories gradually replayed in her mind.

"Sealed inside the box, I didn't know what was happening outside, nor could I feel the passage of time."

"All that accumulated in my heart was hatred for humans."

A cold laugh escaped her lips. Unlike Higyokumaru's clear, childlike voice, it was replaced by a suppressed, girlish voice.

"And so, I lived in darkness for thousands... tens of thousands of years."

"Then, one day, a priestess opened the box. In that priestess's heart, I also found the hatred that resonated with mine."

"The hatred of having my loved ones taken away!"

"Then, I found the tool for my revenge."

The scene paused, and Higyokumaru was lost in deep confusion.

"How could this be? Could it be? I already knew my elder sister? And I seem to have done something terrible to her before."

"How could things have turned out this way? What should I do?"

Higyokumaru thought, bewildered.

But Yae Sakura was unaware of Higyokumaru's inner turmoil.

A man from the village spoke to Yae Sakura and Higyokumaru.

"That's the top floor of the Heavenly Guard Pavilion. They say something very dangerous is imprisoned there. We won't go any further. If you insist on going, good luck."

Hearing the villager's words, Yae Sakura and Higyokumaru exchanged a glance.

Then they continued upward.

Finally, they reached the top floor.

Their eyes were fixed on the door before them. Higyokumaru thought to herself,

"This shrine seals the final part, doesn't it?"

"If I open this door, I can find my true self again."

"But if I really..."

Higyokumaru's heart was filled with conflict and hesitation.

Yae Sakura seemed to sense Higyokumaru's emotions and looked at her softly.

"Go, Higyokumaru, I believe in you."

"Besides, like we agreed before, if anything goes wrong, I will definitely stop you."

Yae Sakura's words were like a gentle breeze, soothing Higyokumaru's anxious heart.

Higyokumaru nodded firmly at Yae Sakura.

"Yes, thank you, Big Sister!"

Then, looking at the door, Higyokumaru took a deep breath, her expression resolute.

"In any case, everything in the past is in the past."

"This power, which was meant for revenge, I no longer need."

"Big Sister, let this power be used for you!"

Then Higyokumaru entered the top floor and flew toward a long sword with a crimson hilt, a long blade, and a terrifying aura.

Looking at the long sword before her, Higyokumaru realized something and nervously approached it.

Finally, she reached out her small hand and slowly touched it.

The moment she touched it, endless darkness engulfed her.

Higyokumaru couldn't believe it.

"What?"

The next second, Higyokumaru's small body vanished.

Then a gigantic samurai in armor and a demon mask appeared in the center of the hall, and that familiar voice rang out again.

"How laughable, Yae Sakura."

"After being defeated by you, my power was scattered throughout the entire Stigmata Space, and my body became like that."

"But now... it's all thanks to your stupidity."

The mocking voice reached Yae Sakura's ears.

But Yae Sakura's expression remained unchanged. She simply closed her eyes, her hands gripping the hilt of her sword tightly.

She spoke expressionlessly.

"Stupidity? I knew from the beginning that Higyokumaru was you."

"But I saw in her that even you have a kind side."

"So, are you still planning revenge?"

Higyokumaru, transformed into a crimson samurai—no, she should be called the Herrscher of Corruption—looked down at Yae Sakura and spoke slowly.

"Hmm, maybe giving up revenge and being a good person isn't so bad."

"I'll try it later."

Her voice was flat, tinged with sarcasm.

Then, as if remembering something, she raised her long sword and shouted loudly at Yae Sakura,

"But I remember you used to really enjoy beating me up!"

...

"Don't Want to Take the Exam: I don't know why, but ever since watching Higyokumaru, watching the Herrscher of Corruption feels a bit strange."

"Cat Cat: Isn't it strangely cute?"

"Drunken Warrior: There's a kind of clear-eyed stupidity about it."

"Miss Elf: You can tell from this that Yae Rin is such a gentle child. What a pity."

"Dr. Lobsterhead: Didn't the Herrschers of the Previous Era have any humanity?"

"Beautiful Snake: That seems to be the case. Only the Current Era has a Herrscher with humanity. I wonder what changes caused this."

"Dudu: The mystery will eventually be solved."

...

Back to the story.

Seeing the Herrscher of Corruption like this, Yae Sakura knew what to do.

"Hmm, it seems it's time to keep my promise."

Yae Sakura and Jizo Mitama began fighting, with Yae Sakura shouting at Jizo Mitama as they battled.

"Higyokumaru, don't give up!"

"Don't succumb to the darkness within."

"Higyokumaru, it's time to wake up, or I'll get serious."

...

As Yae Sakura continued to call out, Jizo Mitama indeed changed. As time passed, Yae Sakura could feel her power weakening.

Seeing this, Yae Sakura knew that Higyokumaru would not disappoint her.

Finally, under Higyokumaru's interference, Jizo Mitama revealed an opening, which Yae Sakura seized, delivering a powerful blow.

In the end, Jizo Mitama collapsed.

The enormous figure slowly disappeared, and Higyokumaru's small, adorable body sat on the ground, scratching her head sheepishly at Yae Sakura.

Yae Sakura was delighted to see this.

She crouched down, looked at Higyokumaru before her, and said gently,

"Welcome back, Higyokumaru."

Higyokumaru scratched her little head and said shyly,

"Hehehe, Big Sister, I'm sorry."

"I was controlled just now. It had nothing to do with me... it wasn't my true nature."

Hearing Higyokumaru's words, Yae Sakura nodded gently.

"Yes, I know."

Hearing Yae Sakura's words, Higyokumaru was overjoyed.

However, she remembered something, lowered her head, and said with immense self-reproach,

"But I remember everything."

"I hurt many people before, and I did some very terrible things to Big Sister."

Sensing Higyokumaru's emotions, Yae Sakura shook her head, still gently comforting her.

"Five hundred years have passed. I don't care about it anymore."

"The only thing I worry about now is the missing Kallen..."

She patted Higyokumaru's head and then stood up.

Just as she uttered the name Kallen, neither of them noticed that a deep purple raven mask radiated light not far away.

Higyokumaru looked up at Yae Sakura and asked weakly,

"From now on, will you call me the original Hellmaru, Elder Sister?"

Yae Sakura shook her head.

"No, I think the name I gave myself, Higyokumaru, sounds better."

Hearing Yae Sakura's words, Higyokumaru became happy.

"Thank you, Elder Sister. I have regained my power and understand everything that happened in this space."

"Kallen was merely a manifestation of your longing. Before, due to the weakening of my power, the Stigmata Space became unstable."

"Kallen's memories... disappeared within those unstable memories..."

Hearing Higyokumaru's words, Yae Sakura wasn't too surprised because she had already guessed it.

But she was still very disappointed.

"So that's how it is? What a pity..."

Sensing Yae Sakura's disappointment, Higyokumaru quickly said,

"However, perhaps I can help you, Elder Sister. My core from when I was a Herrscher is embedded in that sword, Jizo Mitama."

"Fifty thousand years ago, in the previous civilization, I was known as the Twelfth Herrscher, the Herrscher of Corruption."

"My power allows me to project my consciousness onto any object and manipulate it."

"If you can control this power, perhaps you can project your consciousness into the real world."

Hearing Higyokumaru's words, Yae Sakura understood what she meant.

She was initially delighted, but then, remembering something, she shook her head at Higyokumaru.

"We can't find Kallen in the outside world either."

However, Higyokumaru still flew to Yae Sakura and continued,

"Anyway, let's hurry and get Jizo Mitama."

Just as the two were about to grab the sword, Yae Sakura suddenly noticed the mask on the ground. Seeing it, a sense of familiarity washed over her, and she asked Higyokumaru with a puzzled expression,

"But you said you understood everything about this space. Then what's with that mask?"

Following Yae Sakura's gaze, Higyokumaru also saw the mask on the ground. Upon seeing it, Higyokumaru was utterly shocked.

"Ah, that mask, she is!"

But before she could finish speaking, a tall, curvaceous, silver-haired girl wearing a mask appeared before Yae Sakura.

A pleasant, magnetic, and slightly seductive mature voice rang out.

"Beautiful shrine maiden, please don't hesitate. Love should be given while your lips are still red and rosy, or your love will be stolen by me, just like this treasure."

"A gift should be given to the shrine maiden as proper etiquette for a first meeting."

"However, please forgive me. The power within this sword is too dangerous. Please allow me to steal it and hide it in a safe place."

Kallen, holding Jizo Mitama, finished speaking and quickly walked past the stunned Yae Sakura.

Looking at the masked girl before her, Yae Sakura hurriedly called out,

"That voice? Wait, who are you?!"

As she passed by and heard Yae Sakura's words, Kallen stopped and turned to look at Yae Sakura's pretty, gentle face.

"Eh? Miss, you also give me a familiar feeling. I seem to have seen you somewhere before~"

After saying this, she raised her hand to her lips, smiling as she continued,

"This must be what they call love at first sight~"

"But please allow me to go first. I understand your deep feelings for me. Please forgive my rudeness."

As soon as she finished speaking, Kallen's figure transformed into flower petals and vanished before Yae Sakura's eyes. Seeing this, Yae Sakura hurriedly reached out and shouted,

"Don't go!"

But it was too late.

Higyokumaru, seeing this, quickly called out to Yae Sakura,

"Quickly, chase after her!"

Hearing this, Yae Sakura hurriedly gave chase, silently pleading as she ran.

"Kallen, wait for me!"

Soon, the two caught up with Kallen. Kallen, with one hand gently stroking the Oath of Judah beside her, looked at Yae Sakura and chuckled softly.

"You're really relentless, Miss Shrine Maiden."

"Don't you know how dangerous the power within this sword is?"

"Please forgive me, but to stop you, I had to use brutal methods."

Golden chains flew toward Yae Sakura, quickly binding the shrine maiden in a strange position. Caught off guard, the shrine maiden instinctively groaned.

"Ah~"

Looking at the bound Yae Sakura, Kallen seemed somewhat puzzled.

"Why didn't you fight back?"

Hearing the phantom thief's words, the shrine maiden's eyes were filled with sorrow and affection as she softly spoke,

"You're mistaken. What I'm truly pursuing relentlessly isn't that sword, but you!"

Hearing the shrine maiden's words, the phantom thief paused, then quickly approached the shrine maiden, slowly moved her face closer, reached out to lift the shrine maiden's chin, and spoke tenderly.

"Is that so? I see~"

"But please allow me to go first. I understand your deep affection for me, but please forgive my rudeness~"

A hand grasped the shrine maiden's delicate hand, and lips lightly touched it.

"Although I've forgotten everything now, you must have been someone very important to me in the past."

Looking at the masked girl before her, Yae Sakura recalled every moment she had spent with Kallen and looked at her tenderly.

"Please remember me, Kallen."

As she spoke, she reached out and gently stroked Kallen's face, as if touching the most precious thing in time.

The moment she touched Kallen, the mask slowly disappeared, revealing a pair of azure eyes.

The azure eyes met the cherry blossom-colored eyes.

"I am Kallen. What happened to my memories?"

"No, Sakura... Sakura!"

Looking at Yae Sakura, Kallen kept calling out, afraid that the Yae Sakura before her was an imposter and that she would disappear the next second.

Hearing Kallen call her name, Yae Sakura immediately answered,

"I'm here, Kallen!"

"Thank goodness... thank goodness. I finally... I finally found you."

With a sob in her voice and filled with joy, Yae Sakura gazed intently at the girl before her, the one she cherished most.

---