Chapter 337: Contact

Perspective shift.

Chang Ye Yue's room is arranged very simply.

Several university textbooks are spread on the desk, and an unknown green plant sits on the windowsill.

Chang Ye Yue sits on the chair and pulls a strangely shaped black device from the drawer.

She presses the button on the side of the device.

After a faint buzzing, a familiar voice rings directly in her mind, accompanied by a bit of electrical interference noise:

【Chang Ye Yue, report the situation.】

"Heimu Lady."

Chang Ye Yue's voice is kept very low, but her gaze turns to the window outside, where she can see the neighboring Weigong family's kitchen window—Ailisi Feier's figure is busy inside, wearing an apron, skillfully stir‑frying the dishes in the pan, "Everything is normal on my side. Or rather, normal within the Illusion Realm."

【Illusion Realm stability?】

"Extremely high."

Chang Ye Yue says, "All the entrapped are deeply immersed, including the Servants and Magus. I've probed a few times, and no one has noticed any irregularity. Even suggestive remarks are automatically rationalized by their Cognition."

She pauses, then adds, "Except for me and A Xing. We retain full Memory. A Xing just entered the Illusion Realm as a 'new friend of San Yue Qi', and is interacting with Xiaosanyue."

【Very good.】

"Lady, what exactly happened? The situation... is somewhat beyond expectations."

Heimu's voice pauses, "... the situation is a bit complicated, mainly due to Huan Long's issue."

Chang Ye Yue's fingers tighten slightly, "What happened to her?"

"She is still alive, but her condition is unusual."

Heimu seems to choose words carefully, "The Black Tower's round magic‑mirror bombardment did injure her, but not fatally. She now... you could think of it as 'turned into an egg', regaining her strength."

"Egg?"

"A Breeding survival mechanism."

Heimu explains succinctly, "However, this might actually be a good thing."

Chang Ye Yue frowns, "A good thing?"

"According to Huan Long's original style, she would directly trigger the seed of Destruction, causing Winterwood City to collapse completely in Despair."

Heimu's voice is calm and rational, "But now the whole city has been pulled into this relatively peaceful Illusion Realm—though its nature remains mental confinement, at least it is not immediate Destruction."

"Someone's will influenced the construction of the Illusion Realm?"

"That is possible."

Heimu says, "But a greater possibility is... the Suppression Force intervened. Though they cannot directly expel an external entity like Huan Long, they can exert influence within the Rule to minimize damage."

Chang Ye Yue remains silent for a few seconds, "So now we... can only wait?"

"Temporarily observe quietly."

Heimu says, "Huan Long's recovery takes time, and maintaining the Illusion Realm also drains her power. We need to locate the key point to break the Illusion Realm, but cannot act rashly—if overstimulated, she may break the shell early, which would be more troublesome."

"Understood."

Chang Ye Yue nods, then remembers something, "By the way, Xiaosanyue—she..."

"Still no response?"

"No matter how I suggest, she doesn't notice any abnormality at all."

There is a barely perceptible worry in Chang Ye Yue's tone, "She treats herself as an ordinary high school student, playing the role of San Yue Qi... with great dedication."

"After all, this is the life she subconsciously longs for."

Heimu's voice is calm, "No amnesia, no complicated identity, just ordinary school, making friends, and living with her sister. It's not hard to let her stay immersed."

"I've already sent A Xing to approach her, hoping to gradually awaken some Cognition."

"That can work, but watch the method."

Heimu reminds, "Do not shock directly; use Suggestion and guidance."

"Yes."

After a brief silence, Heimu suddenly says, "Oh, right. There's another situation you need to know."

Chang Ye Yue lifts her eyes, "What?"

"Ailisi Feier."

Chang Ye Yue's gaze immediately turns to the neighboring kitchen window.

Ailisi Feier lifts the pot, plates the stir‑fried dish, moving naturally and smoothly, a gentle smile on her face; even through the glass one can feel the satisfaction of a housewife.

"What happened to her?"

"She is not Ailisi Feier."

Chang Ye Yue's breath halts for half a beat.

"The real Ailisi Feier never entered this Illusion Realm."

Heimu's voice is clear and certain, "She is now wandering the streets of Winterwood City, bewildered as she watches the people around her trapped in the Illusion Realm. She has no clue about the situation at all."

Chang Ye Yue's pupils contract slightly.

She stares at the busy figure in the kitchen, the silvery long hair, gentle expression, perfect posture—

"So this is..."

"Black Mud, or rather This World's Evil, the thing hidden in the Holy Grail," Heimu says, "I don't know how it happened, but in short, Black Mud, based on Weigong Qiesi's subconscious and the Illusion Realm's integrity, got mixed in."

Chang Ye Yue feels a chill crawl up her spine, "And Ilya..."

"Ilya is real."

Heimu's tone also carries a subtle nuance, "She indeed entered the Illusion Realm, not as a projection, but her actual consciousness was pulled in. This may be a coincidence—her spirit happened to resonate with Weigong Qiesi's deep yearning, thus being woven together into this harmonious family illusion."

Chang Ye Yue takes a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm, "I understand. I will pay special attention to that Ailisi Feier."

Hmm. Keep observing, and don't stir up trouble for now.

Heimu paused, "Maintain contact at all times."

The communication was cut off.

Chang Ye Yue pulled the black device back into the drawer, stood up, and walked to the window.

She watched the busy figure in the kitchen next door; the Ailisi Feier seemed to notice her gaze, turned her head, and through the window gave her a friendly smile and waved.

Chang Ye Yue also smiled and waved back.

But her eyes had become completely cold.

At that moment, the foyer downstairs echoed with a door opening and San Yue Qi's cheerful voice: "Sister! I'm back!"

Chang Ye Yue composed her expression, her crimson eyes softened, and she turned to go downstairs.

In the living room, San Yue Qi was taking off her shoes, her pink hair swaying with the motion.

A gray‑haired girl—A Xing—stood beside her.

Her golden eyes were Calm and dim, her face expressionless, simply standing there quietly like a lifeless doll.

"Sister, this is the new friend I made today!"

San Yue Qi excitedly tugged A Xing's hand, "Her name is Xing! She's a new transfer student at our school!"

Chang Ye Yue's gaze briefly met A Xing's.

A Xing gave a slight nod, a glimmer flashing in the depths of her golden eyes.

"Hello, Xing," Chang Ye Yue smiled, "Welcome to our home."

A Xing nodded, saying nothing.

"Sister, I want to take Xing to the park for a walk!"

San Yue Qi blinked her big eyes, "Is that okay? Is that okay?"

"It's already so late…"

Chang Ye Yue sighed helplessly, but seeing her sister's hopeful eyes, she finally relented, "Fine, but you must be back before nine. Also, bring your phone; call anytime if something comes up."

"Yay! Sister, you're the best!"

San Yue Qi cheered, grabbed A Xing's hand and sprinted toward the door, "Come on, Xing! I know a super—awesome park! At night you can see lots of stars!"

A Xing, being pulled, still showed little expression, merely matching her steps.

Chang Ye Yue stood at the doorway, watching the silhouettes of the two girls run away.

One full of vigor, the other as still as water.