Chapter 1014

"Those who know the most about the Memory Star God should be those Remembrancers, right?" Yuanzǐ Wushi said, "If we let the Black Swan also come to Ouroboros, we might be able to guess this little guy's origin. Look how fast it flips through books—its intelligence is quite high."

Since learning that this pink rabbit had a connection with "Fú lí", no one in the Hero Association dared to regard Mimi as a "pet" anymore. Beneath this harmless creature's appearance, its trajectory on the Path of Remembrance likely surpasses even that of the Black Swan's orthodox Remembrancers— in other words, it might be able to do something even the Black Swan cannot.

——

With Tipao's help, everyone returned to Aohema in the blink of an eye.

"Good, no need to ride the giant beast into the city anymore. Thank you for your hard work, Teacher Tipao."

"At a time like this, don't stand on ceremony. You've found a solution, right?"

Bai'e nodded: "To cut a long story short, Oloonis refuses to help us uncover Xuanfengcheng's past. But for some reason, it has shown interest in Xing. It… in some way… bestowed this pet upon Xing—"

Bai'e pointed at the pink rabbit floating on Xing's shoulder, but this only made Mimi very angry.

"Pet. Mimi—no!"

Bai'e didn't understand anyway, and continued: "—According to Danheng, this creature is related to the gods beyond the heavens. It might be able to solve our troubles."

Tipao fell into thought: "The gods beyond the heavens…"

"Tipao Teacher, next I want to split our forces: I'll head out immediately to reinforce Wandi in Xuanfengcheng. As for the task of finding Nicadoli's weakness… Xing, could you take care of it? This is a sincere request from the bottom of my heart."

Xing didn't decline: "Be careful, you're not immortal."

"Don't worry, what I'm best at is surviving great calamities." Bai'e solemnly looked at Xing, "Wandi and I will be waiting for you on the battlefield."

Danheng volunteered: "Take me too, Bai'e. Instead of waiting in the rear, let me go to the front lines to share your burden."

"…Thank you, I have no reason to refuse." Bai'e said, "Then let's part here—I and Danheng will rush to Xuanfengcheng immediately, Xing, figure out the secret of the Barbarian God's immortal body. Miss Xiedie…"

Xiedie understood: "I will stay by Xing's side to protect her safety."

——

Demon Slayer

Moonlight slipped through the gaps in the bamboo leaves, falling on the six blood-red eyes of Kokushibo.

Just now, when the star in the heavens was glanced at by Fú lí, he too was strongly affected by the power of the Path of Remembrance, and saw a distant past. He had thought he would see those pillars—those who used different breathing techniques, yet he had slain them with the same swordsmanship… seeing them die miserably at his own hands. Or perhaps seeing himself fighting desperately on the battlefield.

However, what he saw was not these.

Sunlight leaked through the bamboo leaves, falling on the shoulders of the two children. The taller one ran ahead, occasionally turning back to complain. The smaller one staggered along behind, like a fawn just learning to stand; although he was constantly complained about by his older brother, his face showed no displeasure, and he always wore an innocent smile.

Yoriichi

Michikatsu Yoriichi

The moment he saw his brother, a killing intent burst from Kokushibo's body. Even though he had been dead for hundreds of years, intense jealousy and hatred still smoldered in his marrow. He was about to draw his sword to slash at the phantom before him, but the next second the two children's silhouettes vanished, and he found himself back in that lonely, quiet bamboo grove.

"Damned 【Remembrance】… why is it Yoriichi that resurfaces, rather than the swordsmanship of Jingliu?"

Kokushibo's emotions surged; he hadn't thought of anything related to Yoriichi in nearly a hundred years. The moment he did, his viscera burned with jealousy and hatred, and even after hundreds of years, that flame has never been extinguished.

If it were Yoriichi, he should be able to learn a move or two of Jingliu's swordsmanship, yet he…

Thinking this, Kokushibo's inner rage intensified; he hated his own talent, hated that he wasn't the sole chosen one. The blade in his hand left its sheath, countless tiny moon-rings exploding from the edge, shrieking as they swept across the sea of bamboo, then falling silent in an instant.

——

Accompanied by Xiedie, Xing went to the Aohema urban district to gather memories of Xuanfengcheng. After visiting the city's bards, artisans, and the released Damianoids, they, with Mimi's help, successfully harvested a collection of memories.

……

Meanwhile, on the other side…

"Remember, Aglaea, whether Golden Descendants or the Senate, our status is granted by the citizens of Aohema." Senator Kaines crossed her arms, gazing contemptuously at Aglaea, "Before you presume to overstep and make judgments beyond your station, recall the Golden War—think about the final fate of those 【Heroes】."

"If you're not familiar with that history, let her give you another lesson." Saying that, she again looked unfavorably at Tipao.

Aglaea's face was expressionless, not even a flicker of emotion: "Rest assured, Senator Kaines, under the guidance of the divine oracle, we will overthrow the gods; and in the new world promised by the prophecy, no god will reign above mortals."

Kaines scoffed: "Hah… I'll tentatively accept your promise. The once pampered maiden has now grown into a shrewd political animal—should we congratulate her, or pity her?"

"The times are in turmoil, and people must adapt; I am not the only one resolved to change, Senator." Aglaea's tone carried a hint of displeasure, "My master and I still have pressing matters to attend to, so please excuse me."

"Hah… I sincerely hope that, at the next Senate council, the one standing trial in the center of the round table won't be you."

Having said that, Kaines turned and left with a cold smile.

——

Fate/Zero

"This woman… just looking at her you can tell she's no good!" Weber crossed his arms and snorted in displeasure.

The Conqueror King sat cross-legged on the ground, likewise observing that elder in the heavens alongside Weber, but his attitude was far more aloof than angry.

"She's certainly not a good person, but there are plenty of her kind in nations with a Senate system." The Conqueror King picked up a can of beer beside him, his voice low, "As for dealing with such people, I happen to have a good method."

"What?"

"Kill."

A single, heavy word. Yet when it comes out of Rider's mouth, it somehow feels light.