Life is always accompanied by all kinds of unexpected accidents.
These accidents, whether they happen naturally or—
Today was an extremely unexpected day for Kevin, for May, and for Raiden Mei.
At this moment, outside Changkong City International Airport.
"Eh?"
After May notices the teenage girl who looks too much like her, the other person clearly notices her presence too.
For a moment.
"."
"."
Both sides stopped.
Both sides remained silent.
Obviously, Mei might have unconsciously asked: "Who are you?"
But now, upon realizing the other party had noticed her, she looked at the other person, yet didn't know what to say.
Same.
She never imagined that Raiden Mei would suddenly encounter such a special situation at this moment, and it also surprised her greatly.
There's no other way. Who caused the previous civilization era not to die off completely? During her time with World Snake, she had no means of learning relevant information about "Dr. Mei."
These things weren't detailed in The Elysian Realm... At least not a single photo could be found of the "last leader of human civilization."
And Kevin, the gunner, obviously wouldn't have taken the initiative to bring up such sorrowful topics while focusing all his energy on the "Stigma Project."
In short, Raiden Mei never knew that she actually looked exactly like Mei from the previous civilization era.
Well, reality is like this: even though she had already met the person in question, she hadn't realized the true identity of the bespectacled girl in front of her.
Otherwise, Raiden Mei would have acted primarily like Kevin Kaslana's return — trying not to reveal her true appearance while outside.
Because that would have saved her and the other Mei a lot of trouble.
Now.
"Is it you?"
Both sides stood facing each other, several meters apart.
It was obvious that getting closer would make conversation easier, but neither side took the initiative to step forward.
Everyone was being "cautious."
Fortunately, Raiden Mei also knew that she and the other person couldn't maintain a stalemate like this forever, so after remaining silent for a while, she finally spoke first after weighing the pros and cons.
And upon hearing the words.
"Could you tell me your name before answering that question?"
Obviously, Mei was not yet the final human leader who would be absolutely rational and possess that so-called romantic sensitivity in the future, acting decisively and with deep foresight.
But even so, she showed some potential or signs of it.
Instead of following Raiden Mei's lead, she—
Faced her like this.
"."
Raiden Mei fell silent again.
At that moment, her mind was racing.
After a few reflective twists—
"My name is Beichen."
She gave her answer, "a man traveling alone through the world."
At the same time, not far away.
"."
Wearing a hoodie and mask, Kevin Kaslana looked at the two purple-haired teenage girls who had already encountered each other in his field of view, fists unconsciously clenched and his emotional changes clearly intense.
Still late.
No, it was just that coincidental.
"Ling Ke, what exactly are you trying to do?"
Kevin looked bitter, an endless chill flickering in his eyes.
Just around then—
"That's fun, isn't it?"
A female voice with a mischievous smile rang in his ears.
Kevin's body instantly tensed, but then could only slowly relax.
No actual involvement here.
Let alone anything else, Meko was not far away.
He, a "returnee," should not attract attention.
And he must not involve Mei because of his reckless behavior.
At that moment, he turned his head coldly and saw exactly a "Dominator Doll Hanabi."
She seemed to anticipate his question. The petite figure narrowed her eyes slightly and began to answer directly. "You and I both know well that since the 'Cocoon of the End,' the so-called human civilization on Earth has been the same from beginning to end. It's all the 'same group.'"
"Humans living on this planet, like experimental sequences in the hands of higher-intelligence beings, have been 'reset' repeatedly."
"He (Cocoon of the End) won't ask for your opinion. As long as He's dissatisfied, everything returns to its original state."
At that moment, she raised her hand and pointed toward the two standing not far apart. "Now, because I (the main body) allowed a certain part of the designated group to transcend time and return to the past (present), so... this rare and special scene can only appear at this moment."
"Look, the same far east, the same Changkong City, is also slowly approaching the Third Eruption."
"And... MEI (Mei) and MEI (Mei) in twin form."
"Dominator Doll·Fireworks" spread her arms, spun casually in front of Kevin, then placed her hands behind her and asked with a smile: "Aren't you curious? They call each other 'identical' — what kinds of topics will they talk about after meeting?"
"Especially when the two sides are truly in 'opposing' positions."
Hearing her speak—
"Not interested."
Kevin replied.
But what he really felt inside remains unknown.
Regardless, though—
"You shouldn't involve Mei."
Kevin said coldly.
The two stared at each other, a clear warning.
Unfortunately, for that—
"Are you~angry?"
"Dominator Doll·Hanabi" tilted her head, deliberately exaggerating her mischievous personality. "It's strange. Didn't you know from the start that the reason 'we' 'rescue' this era is never the main starting point? Is it because of so-called goodwill and your longing for so-called beauty?"
"'We' are giving this era a 'second chance,' but that doesn't mean we won't take advantage of it."
Hearing those words—
"I also said I would protect this era this time."
"No matter who wants to destroy it—even if you give it a 'second chance'—I will never stand idly by."
Kevin was cold.
Looking at him like that—
"Oh~ So that's how it is."
"Dominator Doll·Hanabi" deliberately dragged her tone, then clasped her hands with mock sincerity, nodding to herself. "You're beginning to feel dissatisfied with 'us'!"
"That's normal and understandable, but... very interesting."
She narrowed her eyes and looked at Kevin with mocking intent. "Looks like you're making some mistakes."
"In the end, you'll always resent the 'Cocoon of the End' for mercilessly erasing everything and resetting human civilization on Earth over and over again, right?"
"No, you haven't held onto that emotion until today."
"Even if you once hated it, the passage of time and life's changes have reduced what's left of your emotions to nothing but — helplessness."
"So you blame yourself, not resent."
"Then you suffer internally, with no outlet for release."
"That's why you implemented the 'Stigma Project,' which is basically skipping class."
"Because after repeated failures and frustrations, you and everyone around you have accepted a reality—"
"In the Cocoon of the End... even before the Tree of Imaginary Numbers, the mere billions of people on Earth are so insignificant."
"They won't be enemies."
"So... you became obsessed."
"Rather than thinking of destroying the 'Cocoon of the End,' you humbly cooperate with Him."
"Yes, you... including the future Dr. Mei, all consider the 'Cocoon of the End' as a trial... like a professor who sets questions but doesn't need to enter the 'exam hall.'"
"In this mode of thinking, even if He commits the most cruel and inhumane acts, the dominant emotion you show toward Him is not hatred or hostility, but... reverence and fear."
"Isn't that ridiculous?"
"Always saying you want to resist fate and transcend everything, yet turning a blind eye to the source of everything."
"Dominator Doll·Hanabi" shook her head and sighed, "Oops~ How ironic."
"It's clear that He (Cocoon of the End) has used this planet for a long time as His test site and toyed with it without cause. 'We' are simply doing the same thing now, and we're using the 'second chance' we earned ourselves—with much softer methods."
"Kevin Kevin..."
"Dominator Doll·Hanabi" said something chilling: "After witnessing the moment of 'Zhezhi' with your own eyes, you should've changed your past view of 'us' long ago."
"Consider this a kind reminder..."
"From now on, it's best to treat us as if you were looking at the Cocoon of the End (a god), or even the Tree of Imaginary Numbers (the supreme god)."
"Don't think that just because 'we' appear human and can talk like them, that we're the same."
"You're standing in front of me now, not because you're allowed to see me, but because I have time to see you."
"Don't mistake the difference."
At that moment, she raised her hand and pointed at him, the intent clear.
Immediately, the corners of her mouth curved slightly.
"You've also seen that 'nonexistent memory.'"
"When the past 'me' first arrived, I still foolishly and naively thought that even if we came from different places and looked alike, we were still the same kind."
"But now... the newly born me (God) has clearly understood my nature, no longer confused, and no longer deceived by those misleading illusions."
"No, I no longer care about your (ant's) feelings."
"After all, people (high-dimension) and people (low-dimension) cannot be lumped together."
Upon hearing this, Kevin was already frowning.
But what "Dominator Doll·Hanabi" said... the real warning wasn't over yet.
She raised her right hand, squinting between her fingers as she looked at the sun, as if following her own path...
"Today, it's I (God) who takes the 'world' as a stage to do what I want to do, what I like to do, and what I find interesting."
"I can, on a whim, let those people and things I like and enjoy receive all the grace and preferential treatment."
"And those who feel wronged, jealous, or even want to accuse me, can overestimate themselves, try to make me angry, and then experience firsthand what it means to be as elegant as the sea and as powerful as hell."
"Control Doll·Hanabi" lowered her right hand slightly, lifted her index finger and waved it. "That's also why it's so interesting."
"After all, it's just another form of violent entertainment."
"But—"
She changed the subject. "An ignorant human who thinks he's brave, even if he stands atop the Tower of Babel and fires arrows at the sky—"
"Will never harm the true God."
The smile vanished from her face, leaving only indifference. "But don't be too arrogant, 'savior' Ying Jie."
"If you (White) are on the chessboard and can't even recognize who your enemy (Black) is..."
At the same time, I dominated the theater, sat alone on the throne, stroking the swaying branches of the "Tree of Small Imaginary Numbers" by my side, eyes slightly narrowed and voice cold:
"Then I don't mind flipping this boring 'chessboard' again, or even countless times, until the 'game' I've been waiting for finally appears."
"Just like... the methods of the 'Cocoon of the End.'"
At the same time, in the outside world.
Kevin, who had just warned "Dominator Doll Hanabi," after hearing what the latter said — obviously synchronized with Ling Ke's main body... once again felt the same kind of malice he had experienced during close contact with him on the floating island of Destiny Headquarters.
He remained silent.
Yes.
Previously, with the successful completion of the "Zhezhi" plan, Ling Ke, who had succeeded in his revenge, was also warned by Kevin.
But the former's indifference made Kevin misjudge.
Now thinking back—
That night, the reason Ling Ke ignored his warning was probably because at that moment... he had just let go of his past obsession, regained a new life, and was in a good mood.
In hindsight, you'll see he behaved arrogantly from beginning to end.
That was true when negotiating terms at Destiny HQ, and it was true when going to the Elysian Realm for "coordinates."
Even in that "nonexistent memory," the "him" who was kind to others acted similarly.
However, the latter radiated "good-natured arrogance."
Obviously, Kevin hadn't understood one truth until just a moment ago.
Whether you walk the path of "salvation" or take the route of "world destruction"—
Whichever choice Ling Ke makes—
He is the only "great player."
And—
About that "nonexistent memory"—
Kevin is a close friend who knows himself and Su.
The latter are not the kind of people who like to rub salt in the wound.
So, looking back at the current situation, it's clear that Su wasn't helping Ling intentionally but...
But he, who also received a "one-way ticket against time" as a subtle reminder and warning...
Don't overstep! Don't overstep!! DON'T OVERSTEP!!!
Now—
"All right, don't be upset."
The voice of "Dominator Doll·Fireworks" echoed again in his ears. "It's not bad to understand things earlier."
"However—"
There was a sly smile on her face again. "Doesn't everyone know that 'we' like to make noise in the east and attack from the west?"
"Why did you let your guard down at this moment?"
"Seems like what I just said really had a big impact on you~"
After saying that, she raised a finger not far away.
"!!!"
Kevin's pupils contracted, as if reacting to something. He suddenly turned around and returned.
In the field of vision, a third person appeared where the two purple-haired maidens were standing.
That was the young Kevin of this era.
Meeting the two "MEI."
At that moment—
"."
Kevin's real body arrives — the helplessness just mentioned by "Dominator Doll Hanabi."
Before this moment, he wanted to prevent his present-day self, and this era's Mei, from meeting Raiden Mei.
However, after all the setups, nothing worked.
And most importantly, throughout the entire process, Ling Ke didn't use any outrageous or supernatural powers.
He simply forged a passport and had "Dominator Doll Hanabi" use voice mimicry and acting skills to imitate the tone and demeanor of young Kevin, and found the right moment to make a phone call.
Everything just fell into place.
This was not the embodiment of "omnipotence."
Thanks to this series of moves, even ordinary people could do it.
What appeared before their eyes today was "omniscience."
Against such an enemy—
The old days of disappearance (now the Civilization Era) are bloody examples.
Flying companion, sending the same signal.
Thinking to this point—
"Thank you for the warning."
In an emotionless tone, Kevin uttered that brief word of gratitude.
Then—
"I will win this 'game.'"
He made a new vow: "do everything I can, whatever it takes."