A fine rain fell, as if the sky was weeping.
Crystal clear raindrops fell in this fabricated world,
Drenching the flowers, grass, and trees, and also drenching Tao Yao's pink long hair.
She stood quietly before a newly erected grave, her eyes filled with complex emotions.
This grave was not large,
But it exuded a solemn and respectful aura.
The tombstone was inscribed with a simple yet heartfelt epitaph:
Little Snow Rests Here
Dearest friend, most loyal companion
The world is so beautiful, may you never regret having come
...
Tao Yao reached out and gently touched the cold tombstone.
Rainwater slid down her fingertips, like silent tears.
A faint scent of peach blossoms permeated the surrounding air, mixing with the freshness of the rain, creating a peculiar and sorrowful atmosphere.
Hiyakura stood not far away, watching the scene, her heart stirred by ripples.
She hesitated for a moment, then finally mustered her courage and slowly walked to Tao Yao's side.
"Tao Yao..."
Hiyakura called out softly, her voice filled with concern and uncertainty.
Tao Yao turned her head, a gentle yet strong smile appearing on her face.
"Hiyakura, don't worry, I'm fine."
Her voice was soft and firm, "It's a happy thing that Little Snow is free from suffering. I will remain optimistic, and I hope you don't be sad because of this."
Hiyakura looked into Tao Yao's eyes and could feel the sincerity in her words.
Despite losing a dear companion,
Tao Yao still strove to maintain a positive attitude.
This strength brought a warmth to Hiyakura's heart.
Tao Yao's smile became brighter as she continued, "In brief, I'm truly grateful to you this time. If possible, I hope you can continue to accompany me on this journey."
Her gaze became resolute, "I want to find the reason why Little Snow became like that. Gathering enough petals and recovering enough memories might be the only way."
However.
Her tone shifted, and her voice softened:
"Of course, if you are unwilling, I will not force you."
Hearing this, a strong emotion surged in Hiyakura's heart. Almost without thinking, she blurted out, "Of course I'm willing!"
However, Tao Yao gently shook her head, interrupting Hiyakura.
"Don't rush to make a decision."
Her voice became even gentler, yet tinged with worry, "The road ahead will only become more difficult. I hope you can calm down and think carefully over time. It won't be too late to tell me after you've thought it through."
After saying this.
Tao Yao's figure, like a phantom in the rain, slowly dissipated before Hiyakura's eyes.
Leaving only a complexly emotional Hiyakura standing in the rain.
Looking at the solitary grave, she fell into deep thought.
The rain was still falling, but Hiyakura could no longer feel its chill.
Tao Yao's words echoed in her mind, her heart filled with conflict and confusion.
She wanted to promise Tao Yao without hesitation.
Yet, she also understood that Tao Yao's concerns were not baseless.
Just then, a familiar voice suddenly sounded in Hiyakura's ear, interrupting her thoughts.
"Hey, hey, hey, can you hear me?!"
Hiyakura was taken aback, then reacted, "Little Principal?"
"Hoo..."
A heavy sigh of relief came from the other end of the phone, "Finally, I got through..."
However, before Hiyakura could say anything, Little White Lotus seemed to remember something, and her tone suddenly became complain-like, "Also, I've told you to remove the 'little' part!! Your way of calling me makes people think I'm the principal of a primary school!!"
Hiyakura couldn't help but chuckle, and the gloom in her heart seemed to slightly dissipate with this familiar conversation.
She let out a light laugh and then asked,
"Principal, what happened before? Why couldn't I exit no matter how hard I tried that method you told me to..."
Little White Lotus's voice held a hint of apology:
"I don't know why, but the equipment malfunctioned just now, and I accidentally trapped you inside... How are things inside?"
Just then.
Another voice suddenly rang out.
It was Violet, her voice carrying obvious worry:
"Principal, why don't you let Hiyakura out first..."
Little White Lotus seemed to realize the urgency of the situation and quickly said,
"That's right. I'll figure out a way to get you out first."
Under Little White Lotus's guidance, Hiyakura felt the surrounding scenery begin to blur.
Rain, tombstones, petals...
Everything gradually faded away like reflections in water.
She closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, she had returned to the real world.
As soon as she opened her eyes, Hiyakura saw Jasmine, Violet, and Little White Lotus looking at her with concern.
"We're relieved to see you've returned safely," Violet said with relief, her worry finally turning into a smile.
Little White Lotus eagerly leaned over, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, "Little Hiyakura, what exactly did you see in there?"
Jasmine and Violet also looked at Hiyakura seriously, awaiting her answer.
Hiyakura took a deep breath, recalling everything she had experienced in that virtual world.
Tao Yao's smile, Little Fox's wail, that painful yet beautiful farewell...
All the scenes rushed in like a tide, leaving her unsure where to begin.
Hiyakura stood there, her heart churning like turbulent waves.
Her gaze flickered over the faces of Little White Lotus, Violet, and Jasmine, her heart filled with conflict and hesitation.
On one hand, she didn't really want to tell others about her experiences with Tao Yao in the memory crystal.
Those precious memories and emotions felt like secrets belonging only to her.
But on the other hand, when she thought of how many people misunderstood Tao Yao, a strong urge welled up within her to express everything she had seen and experienced.
She remembered Tao Yao's gentle and strong smile, those eyes filled with hope and kindness.
Tao Yao deserved to be understood, to be treated correctly.
She was a very beautiful girl.
She shouldn't hoard this beauty to herself.
Hiyakura took a deep breath and looked at the three people in front of her again.
Whether it was Little White Lotus, Violet, or Jasmine, they were all very, very good people.
During this time, although there had been misunderstandings and disagreements,
They had always cared for and helped her.
If it were them, they should be able to understand Tao Yao, right? They should be able to see Tao Yao's true side, right?
Thinking of this, Hiyakura finally mustered her courage and softly asked,
"Can I... trust you all?"
Her voice was soft, almost like she was talking to herself.
But it still reached the ears of the three clearly.
Hearing this, Little White Lotus immediately showed dissatisfaction.
She frowned, her voice clearly accusatory, "Little Hiyakura! Do you even consider us family?!"
Her voice involuntarily rose a notch, her eyes flashing with complex emotions, "I've been worried about you, caring for you. And you don't trust me!!"
Little White Lotus's words were filled with disappointment and confusion.
But more than anything, it was a deep concern.
She hoped Hiyakura would understand.
They had already regarded her as family.
And the most important thing between family members is trust.
However, just then, Violet suddenly stepped forward, standing in front of Hiyakura.
She turned her head and seriously said to Little White Lotus, "Principal, don't scold her!"
Violet's voice was firm yet gentle, her eyes filled with understanding and sympathy.
She continued, "Back in the Twin Cities of Star and Moon, Hiyakura was out of control. She was already feeling terrible, and Jasmine was so hostile towards her, Hiyakura must have been very disappointed!"
Hearing Violet's words, Jasmine's expression became a little dejected.
She lowered her head, her voice carrying a hint of regret:
"I admit, I was a bit extreme back then..."
She looked up, her gaze shifting between Hiyakura and the others, as if searching for the right words to express her thoughts.
Finally, she sighed softly and continued, "But… she's a fairy after all! I think my reaction then was the most normal, right? After all… who would have thought Hiyakura could suppress her loss of control..."
Jasmine's voice gradually became smaller, eventually turning into a murmur.
She was silent for a moment, seemingly engaged in a fierce internal struggle.
Finally, she looked up, met Hiyakura's eyes directly, and said with sincerity and firmness,
"Alright, I apologize again for my actions back then."
After speaking, Jasmine bowed deeply and remained in that position, saying, "Hiyakura, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have treated you like that. I hope you can forgive me."
Seeing Jasmine's sincere apology, Hiyakura felt a bit embarrassed.
"No… no need to apologize, I've never blamed you…"
Just then, Little White Lotus walked forward, standing between Hiyakura and Jasmine.
Her expression softened, her eyes filled with warmth and determination.
She looked at Hiyakura and said earnestly,
"Hiyakura, don't mind it! Jasmine is just like that. But hasn't she always cared about everyone's safety?"
"Manju Academy is a very, very big family. Since you've chosen to join us, no matter who you are, you are our family. No matter what, we will never give up on you!"
Little White Lotus's words were like a warm current, flowing directly into Hiyakura's heart.
She suddenly remembered Tao Yao, remembered that gentle figure.
If it were Tao Yao.
She would probably want her to get along well with her friends, right?
Thinking of this, Hiyakura made a decision.
She took a deep breath and said softly, "I met Tao Yao..."
Subsequently, Hiyakura, in the most concise way possible, briefly told everyone about her experiences in the memory crystal.
She described that fabricated world.
Described the adventures she undertook with Tao Yao to retrieve Tao Yao's memories.
She also described Little Snow's departure.
When Hiyakura finished speaking, a brief silence fell over the room.
Little White Lotus frowned, deep in thought.
She murmured,
"So... that apostle from the cult might be different from what we thought? Not only did she help Little Hiyakura in the world within the rift, but she also now appears in the memory crystals left by the previous civilization..."
"Don't these signs indicate that her existence is more complex than we imagined?"
Not long ago.
After Hiyakura left the rift realm,
She was in a daze.
And finally kept muttering about Tao Yao.
It was from that time that Little White Lotus and the others also became aware of Tao Yao's help to Hiyakura.
Only, it was difficult for them to imagine.
And difficult to understand, Tao Yao's purpose in doing so...
At this time, Violet also added,
"The previous civilization was so long ago, the Apostle Cult probably didn't exist then, right? If Hiyakura met the real Tao Yao, wouldn't Tao Yao be a survivor of the previous civilization..."
Little White Lotus frowned and pondered for a moment, her expression becoming unusually serious. She slowly said, "This possibility cannot be ruled out. If Tao Yao is indeed a survivor of the previous civilization, then she is definitely not an ordinary apostle. We might need to re-examine her from a completely new perspective."
Little White Lotus was silent for a long time, as if weighing various possibilities. Finally, she took a deep breath, turned to Hiyakura, and said with a gentle but firm tone:
"Hiyakura, I understand everything. You've been through too much lately, you must be very tired. Rest well for a while first."
However, Hiyakura seemed a little anxious.
She looked up, her eyes shining with anticipation, and eagerly asked,
"Then when can I go in again?"
Hiyakura's tone was full of longing.
The adventure was not over yet.
She had not yet responded to Tao Yao.
Now, she not only wanted to continue the unfinished adventure but also hoped to gain a deeper understanding of Tao Yao through this opportunity.
That mysterious and gentle girl had left a deep impression on her heart, and she was eager to uncover more secrets about Tao Yao.
Hearing Hiyakura's words, Little White Lotus's face showed a hint of helplessness and worry. She gently shook her head, her voice becoming unusually serious, "Hiyakura, I understand how you feel, but the current situation does not allow it."
She paused, as if organizing her words, then continued,
"The memory crystal is currently unstable, otherwise, you wouldn't have been trapped inside."
"For your safety, until I find a way to repair it and fix it, I cannot let you explore it for the time being."
A hint of apology flashed in Little White Lotus's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination. She added,
"Besides, this is a treasure I worked hard to collect, containing so much valuable information and wealth from the previous civilization. Even if you don't worry about yourself breaking, I worry about it breaking."
Hiyakura's face showed disappointment at these words.
But she also understood Little White Lotus's concerns were reasonable.
She lowered her head and nodded gently, indicating her understanding.
Just then, the previously silent Jasmine weakly spoke up, "Principal, the treasure you brought back seems to have a problem..."
Her voice carried a hint of uncertainty and worry.
All eyes followed Jasmine's direction.
Not far away, the fragment of the memory crystal embedded in the instrument was flashing with unstable light.
Even more surprisingly, several obvious cracks had appeared on the crystal's surface, and these cracks were expanding at a visible rate.
Little White Lotus's face instantly turned pale. She quickly walked towards the instrument, wanting to check the situation.
However, just as she got close, a crisp "bang" resounded throughout the room.
That precious memory crystal fragment.
In the eyes of everyone, it turned into a pile of small fragments shimmering with a dim light...
"Ah!! My treasure?!?!"