Chapter 473: 2.2 Main·Pinokangni (144)

This space is not any corner of Pinokangni; it is his inner world. He forced everyone to understand his straightforward thoughts in this way.

Immediately afterward, Xingqiri's figure vanished.

"Have you imprisoned us?" Xing said coldly.

Jizi clenched anger: "You… did the same thing to Walter too?"

Xingqiri's voice remained calm and unhurried as he said: "This is a kind of 【tuning】; its effect is stronger, but it also consumes more mental energy. Xing has experienced this before; she should understand. Through tuning, you can more intuitively grasp my emotions, which also means I will be completely open with you."

Next, Xingqiri shared via the big screen the story of how he and his sister once raised a Harmony Dove together; the little Harmony Dove's death is now certain, but what Xingqiri wants to ask everyone is: should they adopt their original plan, using soft padding on the spot to build a nest for the little Harmony Dove, or build a cage for it and carefully raise it in a warm house?

Although the other three chose to build a cage, after careful consideration Xing still chose the former.

Xingqiri told her that there were three kinds of wild beasts in the courtyard that feed on birds; if it stayed where it was, only one awaited it—a painful death.

Next is the second choice: he will share the story from when he was once a "Bell Sound," especially that of the stowaway being pursued by the Hound Family; he wants to know whether everyone will make the same choice as he did back then, or remain silent, letting him linger in misery under the hounds' pursuit until the inevitable judgment arrives.

On this question, several people began to diverge.

Xiao San Yue declared that he must be arrested! This person even sold his children; such people must be severely punished!

Jizi also took a more benevolent stance; although she realized this matter might lead to bad consequences, she wanted to know whether Xingqiri had come to understand the limits of "aiding the weak with strength" because of this.

Finally, Liuying, who was also a stowaway, made the same decision as Jizi; she believed this issue was the breakthrough Xingqiri wanted to use to persuade them.

——

Absolute Zero.

"Ahhh, this scum obviously deserves to be kicked out of Pinokangni with all my might! We must unconditionally support San Yue Qi!"

Inside the Clever Rabbit House, Nicole's fists clenched with a crackling sound, veins bulging on her forehead: "…Or maybe Xingqiri is too kind; if it were me, I'd definitely have the Hound Family viciously kick his butt until it swells, then throw him out! This kind of bastard who sells his children should be classified as space trash."

"But… but, Boss Nicole," Billy said nervously from the side, "What if we kick the guy out—what happens to his child? He's already sold them… wouldn't that mean there's no chance left to buy them back?"

"So we should kick him ten thousand times harder." Nicole crossed her arms and gave a cold snort: "This kind of person… if he truly cherished his family, he could never sell his own child. In short, he's merely a selfish man so infuriating it makes your hair stand on end. Even if such a person rises to prominence, he's nothing more than a beast wearing human skin."

"Beast…" Billy had never heard such a sharp word from Boss Nicole's mouth before; for a moment he wasn't quite used to it.

Nicole tossed the thick stack of recent bills from the Clever Rabbit House into the air, and like heavenly maidens scattering flowers, a flurry of snow fell, burying Nicole's already gradually irritable expression.

"If this kind of scum can thrive in Pinokangni…… ahhh!! I won't be able to sleep!!"

——

Xing's choice was to remain silent, letting him linger in misery under the hounds' pursuit.

"It seems you and I are alike, also wondering whether another choice could bring a better outcome. But sadly, his fate would likely be even more miserable."

"Suppose he was never caught from start to finish; he would surely die from mental breakdown. The stowaways' dream‑entering methods are mostly far from ordinary, unlike hotels that are well‑equipped. Trying to live in a dream is pure fantasy."

"If he were caught, would the hounds turn a blind eye? The answer is impossible. They couldn't bear the corresponding consequences, nor would they naturally risk offering help. For this choice, I feel deep regret."

Next comes the third choice——

This happened to Xingqiri when he became the head of the Oak Family; the Dream Master once sought him out to discuss a letter sent by her sister. The letter's content was originally unremarkable, but the Dream Master shifted the topic to Zhigengniao's circumstances when she wrote the letter.

Zhigengniao reports good news, not bad; the letter made no mention of her being hit by a stray bullet, but war had erupted on her planet. To spread harmony and save lives, she went to the front lines herself, providing cover for the company's relief supplies—alas, the bullet showed no mercy.

Xingqiri panicked at once: "How is she now?!"

"If the surgery succeeds, she should now be resting in a field hospital. May the Star God watch over— that bullet went straight into her neck… but it didn't hit any vital point. Once you finish the trivial matters, please reply to her as soon as you can."

"Because of this, Zhigengniao often has to wear elaborate neckpieces, and Xingqiri therefore firmly believes that 【Harmony】 has its own limits and predicaments. No matter how grand the vision of 'aiding the weak with strength' may be, most of the time it is merely wishful thinking."

——

Is seeking an encounter in the dungeon a mistake?

"Miss Zhigengniao is truly amazing……"

Hestia sighed softly, "This girl who disregards her own safety to help others— to the wounded soldiers on the front lines she might as well be a goddess descending to earth. Moreover, even after suffering such an injury, she still insists on the idea of 'aiding the weak with strength' in front of her brother…… truly amazing."

Oulali probably thinks no deity would do something like this, right?

Hestia felt she could somewhat understand Xingqiri's thinking. If she were in his place, and Beir were in the dungeon risking danger to aid other adventurers…… she would also hope Beir prioritized protecting himself……

"No, no, I'm being too willful like this…… Beir would never agree." Hestia then shook her head, knowing Beir's dream was to become a hero, and realizing that even if imprisoned, he would surely choose to help others…… because that's the Beir she loves deeply.

"Beir! Although helping others is good, you must absolutely not recklessly show off! If you get hurt, I'll surely get angry!" Hestia suddenly grabbed Beir's arm and spoke solemnly with a straight face.

"Eh? Ah… okay, okay!" Beir, suddenly confronted by the deity's earnestness, felt a bit nervous and confused: "Why did the High God suddenly say these things?"