Chapter 252: Interwoven Reincarnations

The girl spoke for a long time, as if performing a solo act, recounting another life that only existed in her dreams.

In front of her was the God Fox, resembling but not being the other girl in her tale, listening quietly without uttering a single word, her silver eyes shimmering with an inner turmoil that was anything but calm.

“That’s how it was. Until that day, when some friends and I went to challenge the newly released dungeon, [Prison of the Inferno Demon]. I entered the dungeon portal but didn’t appear inside it as expected. Instead, for some reason, I found myself here, in this world known as the Primordial Land, even inheriting all the power and assets from the game.”

“Game…”

Xiao Kong nodded, as if contemplating something, before quickly asking, “So, Vilyric, did you find joy in this game called [Illusory World]?”

Her answer came without hesitation.

“Of course, it was like… a long, beautiful dream. Even after waking up, I couldn’t erase the emotions in my heart. It wasn’t just Hen; I made many friends there. That adventure filled the gaps and regrets that came with my life…”

The black-haired girl lifted her head, a knowing and gentle smile revealed.

“How wonderful it is. I often think of them, recalling every little moment I’ve walked through. Even if it’s truly just my own fantasy, this memory is a treasure more precious and irreplaceable than any artifact.”

“Once, I was very lonely, not understanding the meaning and value of my existence. I even despised the world at times. If I hadn’t happened to walk into [Illusory World], I’d probably be a completely different person now.”

Xiao Kong also smiled.

“You always manage to make many friends; sometimes, I really envy you.”

The silver-eyed God Girl’s tone became unusually serious and solemn as their gazes met in the air.

“So, I am Ming Xi, the current incarnation of the Spiritual Fox Priestess, right?”

The girl known as the Fox God shook her head.

“You are no one’s substitute, nor can anyone replace her. Vilyric, beginnings and ends are eternally cyclical. Everything must face extinction one day, and gods are no exception. Even if the second cycle resembles the first, it is no longer her.”

“But that cause and effect still linger on me, guiding me step by step towards the path she left behind, right?”

Xiao Kong nodded, and the God Fox lightly waved her hand. A faint white light seeped from the mural, coalescing into a pure sphere of light.

“Now, it’s time to make a decision. Regardless of what choice you make, I will not force you… Vilyric, accept everything she has, face your destiny, or leave from here. Tell me… what is your answer?”

“……”

Taking a deep breath, Vilyric chose not to ask foolish questions like, “What will happen if I refuse, and what will you do?” Instead, she smiled slightly.

“You see, I actually dislike trouble the most. If I could, I’d love to just not care about anything and continue being a carefree traveler…”

“But what I cannot accept even more is debt and pain. I’ve received too much from her, inherited too much; if I turn my back now, I’d probably spend my life restless.”

She slowly reached out toward the glowing orb in the goddess’s hand, making snarky comments along the way.

“Wait a minute, could that fox have predicted even this bit?! After all, I’m essentially the same as her, and our thought processes might not be too different… that devilish stinky fox, plotting even against my future self; how wicked…”

“Swish~”

As her fingertip touched the white light—condensed with cause and effect, bonds, and everything that once was the [Spiritual Fox Priestess]—it blossomed and enveloped the girl.

When Vilyric opened her eyes, she found herself on a lush green meadow.

The sky was a brilliant blue, with soft sunlight pouring down that was bright yet not glaring. A gentle breeze rustled the treetops and grass, creating a soothing sound, and this serene, beautiful scene felt like it could last into eternity.

As she gazed around, she saw no one, except beneath a particularly tall tree, two girls were softly chatting while looking at the sky.

She walked closer to see them.

One was a striking beauty with long silver hair, tall and slender, clad in a silver-blue gown, with a short shawl draped behind her neck and a dagger hanging at her waist, leaning against the tree as if preparing to depart for a journey.

The other girl, wearing a red and white priestess dress and with cute fox ears atop her head, had her face completely covered by a small fox mask and was sitting on the ground in a relaxed manner. She had kicked off her shoes to reveal her delicate, rosy feet wrapped in white socks, with a tiny bell resting on the grass beside her.

They seemed oblivious to Vilyric, who did not belong to this time and space, or perhaps this was simply a pure preserved memory, as they talked amongst themselves.

“Have you made your decision?”

“Some things need someone to do them, right? The World Guardian stepping up bravely to sacrifice herself for the protection of the world sounds really cool, doesn’t it? Surely, it’ll be passed down for generations~”

“…… You might really die.”

“Yeah, can’t rule out that possibility. But everyone will die one day, even the world is destined for decay someday, it’s just a matter of time. To be honest, I’ve lived long enough; I’m starting to get a bit bored. What was that saying again…? Retire and let others take over? Haha, round and round it goes, cause and effect—this is what life is meant to look like.”

“……”

“Don’t make that face. Ever since we separated, you’ve become so much gloomier. If something’s on your mind, you can say it directly; keeping it inside must be tough, right?”

“Because I am Hen. The Fox God represents the reclusive, rational side. If you want to hear the truth, you can ask [Kong] for her feelings.”

“Ahaha…”

The white fox girl scratched her head awkwardly before quickly lowering her voice as if she were whispering.

“Hen, I actually wanted to apologize to you… Though I left some backup plans, the [Awakening] plan is just a prototype, and there will definitely be many, many challenges ahead, and they’ll all have to rely on you to solve…”

“I’m sorry for not only splitting you into two parts but also for making you and her bear such heavy responsibilities. Once you leave, you might not return home for a long time, or perhaps… forever.”

“Hen… will you hate me?”

“Pat.”

The silver-haired girl suddenly turned around, reaching out to flick the white fox girl’s mask.

“Hey! What was that for? I was being serious!”

Although she used a playful tone to lighten the mood, the silver-eyed girl simply watched her. Her expression remained calm, but her tone was earnest.

“Xī, the Ancient Spirit Realm is not just your home, but also mine and Kong’s. You’ve already paid a price heavier than anyone else’s. By comparison, our sacrifices are nothing.”

“This body is the half-formed guardian [Nine-Tails] of the world since its inception, not the weak one needing your protection. Remember, so-called companions should rely on and protect each other, becoming mutual supports. Merely taking or seeking shelter is akin to being nurtured.”

“Don’t say such things again, or even I… will get angry.”

   

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