LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 67: Twilight Street
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TL/C: I'm throwing two Chapters today as Christmas gift... *Yawn* *sleepy*
Marry Elystmas. *Zzzz*
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As Mei's hazy consciousness returned, she overheard Vill-V discussing her resurrection magic, while Pardo cried out in distress, commanding her pet to bring her a shovel.
Mei had a vague inkling of what was going on.
Upon awakening fully, she silently stared at Vill-V. Before the magician could say anything, a blade was already at her neck—white and sharp, almost enticing with the thought of spilling blood.
"Why did you invite me here?" Mei asked coldly, her gaze icy and piercing.
"Oh my, how could I not be curious about the Herrscher who defeated two of my peers?" Vill-V raised her hands in mock surrender, smiling as she explained.
The blade froze mid-air, immobilized by some invisible force. Vill-V didn't seem to mind, calmly revealing a piece of information: the earlier incident had been a side effect of the Helix signet. Initially, she had planned to use "resurrection magic" to awaken Mei, but Aponia had intervened first, saving her instead.
Vill-V blinked, her curiosity toward Mei growing.
So she had already crossed paths with Aponia, too.
Of course, that also meant she now carried Aponia's prophecy.
"...A prophecy?" Mei muttered.
"Exactly. It seems she's unusually attached to this one. Until the appointed time, she won't let anything happen ahead of schedule," Vill-V murmured meaningfully. Even death itself had to follow Aponia's script.
Perhaps this was the gentle pride Aponia exuded—a quiet yet undeniable dominance.
Mei stood in place, watching as Vill-V and Pardo walked away into the distance.
Once again, she gained a deeper understanding of the unique nature of Aponia's prophecies.
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In the villa,
"She never mentioned that receiving a signet could be life-threatening! And that Vill-V, ugh… She's so unreliable, even though she brought all those fun little gadgets…"
Kiana stared at the screen, visibly displeased with the gray-haired woman in her fluffy curls.
Why did it seem like everything in the Elysian Realm either wanted Mei's body or her life? This was way too dangerous!
"Vill-V… She's never been a conventional person," Fu Hua remarked with a slight nod. "According to Mobius's statements, Vill-V might be even more dangerous than her. Of course, this isn't about right or wrong. However, Vill-V's capabilities are undeniable."
Pre-Civilization didn't just restrict Mobius as a scientist, Vill-Vstood alongside her in reputation. Vill-V's funding wasn't reduced merely because of her 'useless' inventions. Rather, it was her blatant display of danger that led to such actions.
For instance, compared to how others joined the Fire Moth, Vill-Vs entry stood out as the most unconventional.
"Vill-V.…"
Bronya repeated the name, observing the screen where Vill-V's carefree figure moved about. She recalled seeing the name in some records about Pre-Civilization from Anti-Entropy. It was difficult to connect that self-proclaimed "master magician" with someone who created numerous extraordinary weapons.
Those weapons were the gems of Pre-Civilization, and many bore her signature.
"The greatest genius of the century—Vill-V" she muttered.
"So, are you saying… she was never fully dedicated to weapon development? Her true goal was always to be a magician?" Bronya asked, puzzled.
It was as if the headmaster of a thriving academy neglected their duties daily, hiding away to read comic books instead. Despite her divided focus, Vill-V still managed to outclass everyone in the world.
"...Not exactly," Fu Hua explained. "Vill-V is exceptionally unique. I wonder if you've noticed in the footage where she cleans her workspace—there were moments where she seemingly split into multiple identical versions of herself?"
"Shadow clone jutsu?" Kiana's eyes lit up, her excitement evident.
Mei sighed and gently tapped Kiana's hand. She winced, retreating while casting Mei a pitiful glance.
"Kiana, your imagination truly knows no bounds," Fu Hua said with a faint smile. "Vill-V doesn't use shadow clones. Instead, she has divided herself into multiple distinct personas. Each persona specializes in a particular field, magic being one of them, while another persona excels as an inventor."
"Each of her personas is a master in their field. Calling her a genius doesn't even do her justice," Fu Hua added solemnly.
"...Uh, wow," Kiana murmured, her brain lagging behind.
Some people had so much brainpower they needed to split it into parts, while others struggled with even one mind. The world really wasn't fair.
Kiana sulked, feeling indignant.
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During the following days, Mei continued seeking out other Flame-Chasers, indirectly inquiring about Aponia's prophecy. Each time, without exception, they expressed unwavering trust in Aponia's words.
While some reacted with concern, anger, or sarcasm, none doubted the prophecy. It seemed that whatever would occur in ten days was inevitable.
Yet, even now, Mei refused to believe it marked her demise. She wouldn't entrust her fate to anyone else.
Still, every voice around her, and Aponia's repeated attempts to pull her into the black cage, affirmed the gravity of the prophecy.
Prophecy... prophecy. Mei's eyes glinted with determination. She needed more information.
But as she delved deeper into understanding Aponia, she uncovered a shocking connection,
Kalpas, Pardo, and Aponia all originated from the same place—Twilight Street. (Or Sundown Ally)
Considering that only thirteen Flame-Chasers existed, the concentration from this small area was astonishingly high.
And that wasn't all. Su's mention of a certain "Boss," unexplained thefts of weapons before crucial battles, and more added to the mystery surrounding Twilight Street. Mei's curiosity grew.
What kind of place could produce such extraordinary individuals?
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As for other secrets, Griseo, though small in stature, stood out. Elysia once remarked that Griseo was like both an angel and a demon—a blank slate lacking innate morality, easily influenced by others.
Vill-V's multifaceted personality warranted respect, as her behavior depended on which persona awakened. The current Vill-V might not even know what the previous one did.
Compared to all this, Mei found the most useful information from Kalpas, despite his open disdain for Aponia.
"Discipline," a power even Kalpas feared.
Whenever the topic of Aponia arose, Kalpas would grow agitated, roaring about breaking her control and tearing her apart.
Yet even Kalpas seemed unable to resist Aponia's Discipline.
Mei frowned slightly at this revelation, and before long, she was once again drawn into the pitch-black cage where Aponia awaited her.
Regarding Mei's recent investigations, Aponia offered no evasions. Instead, she softly affirmed,
"The number of people who hate me far exceeds those who don't... Perhaps fewer than one in ten bear no resentment toward me."
"Kalpas is a beast by nature, so he wouldn't enjoy being caged. But, Mei, you've visited zoos before, haven't you? Most cages are not designed to protect the humans outside—they exist to protect the animals within."
"..."
Mei remained silent, not because she had nothing to say, but because she had no room to speak.
Before the person in front of her, all her thoughts were laid bare, as if read in their entirety.
She hated it, just as Kalpas hated it. And like him, she found herself powerless to resist.
Every single Flame-Chaser had told her the same thing, Aponia's prophecies were absolute.
So what choice did Mei have?
She recalled certain words, The time is not yet right... No accidents must occur.
She bit her lip, hesitating for the first time as her hand gripped her blade's hilt.
Is it truly a prophecy? Does every Flame-Chaser believe without doubt?
Seeing the future… Discipline… Aponia's abilities are ridiculously overpowered.
If Kalpas hears this, he'll probably blow a fuse. Mei can already picture him raging and storming off to confront her.
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"Twilight Street… It doesn't even sound like that fancy of a name, but it produced three Flame-Chasers," Theresa muttered in shock, staring at the intelligence Mei had gathered.
"Don't belittle yourself, Headmaster," Luo Mo said, fixing Theresa with a serious gaze.
"Be…little myself?"
A string of question marks appeared above Theresa's head as she stared blankly at Luo Mo. Observing this, Kongming and Luna also turned to look.
"Yes," Luo Mo said with an air of confidence. "Twilight Street may be strong, but Saint Freya Academy isn't inferior! Sure, Twilight Street produced some Flame-Chasers, but how many Herrschers have we cultivated here?"
"Hmm… Maybe it's the difference between nurturing talent and being born with it? But it doesn't matter. Headmaster, there's no need for self-doubt!"
"Wh-who asked you about that?!" Theresa shouted, glaring at Luo Mo.
He always managed to steer the conversation into strange directions. Who said she was jealous of Twilight Street?!
"Pfft—Captain, you don't need to keep reminding everyone that Saint Freya is a hellhole of its own. Twilight Street can't even compare," Bronie quipped with a smirk, delivering another blow to Theresa's pride.
Theresa staggered, collapsing onto the ground with a serene smile, as though finally finding peace.
Indeed… Compared to Twilight Street, this place truly had its own kind of greatness.
"A beast… and cages exist to protect the beasts themselves?"
Delta, unaffected by the commotion around her, flicked her tail while mulling over the statement, rubbing her chin in contemplation.
The more she understood, the more her anticipation and fear grew. Perhaps this place really did hold the hope of saving her sister.
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In the Golden Courtyard
"Only one in ten? Well, I'm lucky to be that one, then," Elysia said cheerfully, offering comforting words to the slightly disheartened Aponia. She gazed at her with a wink and a smile.
"Elysia… Thank you for your trust," Aponia replied softly.
"Hmm? What are you talking about?" Elysia tilted her head, curious.
Aponia fell silent but shook her head gently, her serene smile returning. Her sacred aura radiated once more.
Elysia was undoubtedly special, someone who never lost her trust in Aponia. At the final moment, Elysia severed the threads of fate, choosing to preserve a hidden truth.
The first to stray from the Apex's will wasn't Eden; it was her.
"Hmph—'animals,' huh? You sure know how to choose your words, Aponia!"
Rage burned behind Kalpas's eyes as he turned sharply to glare at the composed woman.
From an outsider's perspective, Aponia seemed to be at a disadvantage, but reality often told a different story.
"...Apologies, Kalpas. Perhaps I chose the wrong words at the time, but the outcome would not have changed," Aponia said calmly.
"Hah—As a so-called beast, I actually think your analogy fits quite well," Mobius interjected with a sly smile, stretching languidly in midair.
"Besides… this might not even be your most humiliating moment yet. Look—Mei has come to see you~."
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Back in the game,
Mei had questioned many people, and the answers were unanimous, Aponia truly possessed this power.
But this only made her wonder, What if, before then, she found herself in an unavoidable life-or-death scenario?
In the hall, Kalpas stared at Mei, who blocked his path, momentarily at a loss. Since when had anyone dared to stand in his way?
"Oh, Herrscher, you—"
"Kalpas."
Mei's voice cut through his words. After a moment of contemplation, she let out a small sigh through her nose. Though reluctant, she had already made up her mind.
She closed her eyes briefly and then said, "...Please get over here"
(TL: LoL, it's like she is talking to a dog. "Come here")
The scene froze. Kalpas was baffled.
Surprisingly, he didn't erupt in fury. Instead, he lifted his head slowly and studied her intently. "Huh? Herrscher… Did you mistake me for someone else?"
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Elysia couldn't help but admit that she might have misjudged Mei. Perhaps Mei wasn't the gentle type after all, she was bold.
Watching the fiery rage swelling around Kalpas and the confused blinking of Aponia, Elysia pondered aloud, "Mei is… unexpectedly brave, isn't she? Ahaha… She always manages to do things I could never predict."
She touched her cheek and let out an awkward laugh.