Clapping his hands, Chang Yuan watched Mei intently after finishing his explanation.
Hearing everything, Mei stood frozen in shock.
"You're saying... Himeko-sensei, Wendy, and even the millions in Nagazora—they're all alive?"
"Of course. I have no reason to lie."
With that, Chang Yuan pulled out his communicator and dialed a number.
"Hello? Wasn't my part in the script over? I'm on vacation right now—make it quick. Or is there another Honkai outbreak somewhere?"
"Himeko-sensei, could you help me with sunscreen? The sun's really strong here."
"Hold on, Chang Yuan's calling. Let me see what's up first."
"Fine, I'll wait."
"Nothing urgent. Just someone who wants to see you."
Tossing the communicator to Mei, she fumbled to catch it.
When she saw the screen, her breath hitched.
"Himeko... sensei? And Wendy?"
"Mei?! Wait, the script didn't say you'd visit! Oh no, oh no—I'm hanging up!"
Panicking, Himeko assumed Mei had accidentally called her—completely forgetting Chang Yuan's voice at the start.
This wasn't about intelligence; the stakes were too high for mistakes.
"It's fine, Himeko. I allowed it. Mei can be an actor too."
"Ugh, warn me next time! Do you know how terrifying that is for a young lady?!"
"Friendly reminder—you're not even a fraction of Elysia's age."
THUD!
"Ow—!"
The moment those words left his mouth, two petite fists hammered the back of Chang Yuan's head.
Then, two delicate hands pinched his ears—one on each side.
"Yuan~ A girl's age is forever 18, got it? Right, darling~?" x2
"Yes, yes, my bad. You're 18. I'm the ancient one who's cradle-robbing here."
A wise man knew when to surrender—not out of cowardice, but love.
"Himeko-sensei... they told me everything Kiana endured was scripted. That her suffering was necessary. Is it true?"
"Even you were part of it? But why her? She's suffered so much, yet she still smiles... Why?"
Mei's icy facade crumbled. Tears streaked down her cheeks as her grip threatened to shatter the communicator.
Himeko paused, then sighed.
"Mei, some things aren't about right or wrong. Humanity's greatest enemy is the Honkai."
"The Previous Era sacrificed everything—millions reduced to ashes—just to give us a fighting chance. Compared to them, our pain is nothing."
"As a teacher, yes, it hurts to see Kiana suffer. But none of it was real. We never died. Once she defeats the Honkai, we'll return."
"Her pain was an illusion. Her growth was real."
"The Previous Era truly perished—for her. For us. Chang Yuan designed this script to make up for that."
"So tell me, Mei... do you still think Kiana's life is tragic?"
"..."
Mei had no rebuttal.
She loved Kiana—but she wasn't stupid.
"See? Don't judge by appearances. The Previous Era bled far more than we ever will. And the man who wrote this script... lost..."
Himeko trailed off, watching Mei's silence. The point had been made.
Wordlessly, Mei turned back to Chang Yuan.
"So you understand now? It was all necessary—but temporary. And now, knowing the truth, you must play your part."
"If you don't... when the Final Honkai comes, everyone dies. No second chances. No room for error."
His gaze bore into hers, unyielding.
If Mei refused—if she risked exposing the truth to Kiana—
He'd have no choice but to erase her memories with Fu Hua's Feather of Xuanyuan.
Closing her eyes, Mei took a deep breath. When they reopened—
"...I understand."
A faint smile tugged at Chang Yuan's lips.
"Good. I knew you wouldn't disappoint me, Mei."
"Hehe~ I knew you'd make the right choice, dear Mei~?"
Elysia (Elysian Realm) skipped forward, reaching to pinch Mei's cheeks—
But Mei sidestepped.
"The script never said anything about you touching my face."
"Oh? Are you sure? My Yuan wrote it~ Maybe I'll have him add that in~?"
GLARE
Mei's eyes locked onto Chang Yuan like daggers.
"Don't worry. It won't happen."
"...Good."
"But the script does say Elysia gets to touch your horns."
"What?!"
Mei's composure shattered.