Kallen smiled and let go of her hand. She neither refuted nor agreed.
The answer to this question was not important to begin with, nor did she expect to instill in Ming Yu some grand ideal of protecting humanity with just a few words. That was unrealistic and unnecessary.
Even she, who had once vowed to save the world, only realized in the end that the most important thing in her life was the person by her side right now.
Ming Yu was still very young and naive. She would not try to impose the burden of saving the world on him just because of a Divine Key, nor did she have the ability to do so.
Ming Yu's path was ultimately his own to choose.
All she could do was tell him the weight of a Divine Key.
As for what to do, that was something only he could decide for himself.
Looking at Jizo Mitama in his hands, Ming Yu's heart still couldn't help but stir with excitement. This Divine Key was truly his.
Tapping his finger on Jizo Mitama's black scabbard, the Divine Key gradually emitted an obscure fluctuation, which quickly resonated with the aura on Ming Yu's body.
The next moment, the Divine Key shone with a brilliant red light, dyeing the entire Stigmata Space red, beautiful and splendid. But soon, the red light subsided, as if everything just now had been an illusion. The fluctuation on Jizo Mitama also completely disappeared, as if it had turned back into an ordinary tachi. But what no one noticed was that a red light had also flashed in the depths of Ming Yu's eyes a moment ago.
"What was that just now?" Theresa rubbed her eyes and murmured softly.
Ming Yu glanced thoughtfully at the still somewhat bewildered Principal but did not answer. He had just completed the binding with Jizo Mitama, truly becoming the first user of the Key of Corruption.
Now, even if he handed Jizo Mitama to Theresa, she wouldn't be able to find a second person who could unsheathe it. Unless Ming Yu died, Jizo Mitama would not acknowledge a second person. Of course, people like Otto, who mastered core technology and could forcibly crack it, were an exception.
At this moment, Ming Yu could be said to truly possess this Divine Key.
Yae Sakura stepped forward and said to Ming Yu, "Now that all is settled, let us meet again if fate allows. Yu."
Looking at the gentle smile on Yae Sakura's face, Ming Yu was in a bit of a daze. With the Herrscher core turned into a Divine Key and taken by him, it could be said that this Stigmata Space had completely lost its support. As long as he left with the Divine Key, this Stigmata Space wouldn't exist for much longer and would soon completely collapse.
Yae Sakura certainly knew all this, but she didn't say it. Kallen might have known some of it, but she didn't mention it either.
Noticing Ming Yu's hesitation, Yae Sakura held up the hand she was holding Kallen's with and said with a smile, "We are all people who have already died. To be able to see each other again is already a great fortune. This is enough, you don't need to worry about it."
Kallen looked at the person beside her, also revealing a happy smile. Although she didn't speak, it was clear she meant the same as Yae Sakura.
Stroking the black scabbard of Jizo Mitama and feeling the faint coolness coming from the Divine Key, Ming Yu took a deep breath and finally made up his mind, saying, "Although that's the case, before we part, please allow me to give you a gift. Consider it a congratulatory gift for your reunion."
With that, Ming Yu revealed a smile and gently swung Jizo Mitama in his hand.
At some point, this Divine Key had been unsheathed. Its glazed body flowed with a blood-like crimson, and a faint red light surrounded it, making the entire blade look beautiful and demonic.
Ming Yu held Jizo Mitama inverted in front of him, his mind focused on the Divine Key. As the Divine Key's power was activated, specks of red light emanated from the red blade and landed in various places throughout the Stigmata Space.
More and more red motes of light overflowed from the Divine Key, and Jizo Mitama began to tremble, as if struggling, or perhaps in fear.
Finally, after the Stigmata Space absorbed enough motes of light, a loud rumbling sound erupted. A village rose directly from the ground in the distance, and a shrine appeared under the feet of the group. The remaining hills and plains were densely covered with blooming cherry blossom trees.
"Barely three days have passed, and the world is full of cherry blossoms." Panting slightly, Ming Yu smiled and continued, "This is my gift to you."
A brand new Yae Village, a forest of cherry blossoms that never wither, plus a stable space—this was Ming Yu's gift.
As the space stabilized, the luster on Jizo Mitama also dimmed considerably. Everything that had just been consumed was the most fundamental power from the Herrscher core within the Divine Key. This caused the already weakened Jizo Mitama to drop directly from five stars to four stars, to the point where it was questionable whether it could even activate its Zeroth Power.
Glancing at the (Four-star: 4444/10000) behind Jizo Mitama on his panel, Ming Yu felt a pang of heartache. Defeating Jizo Mitama in the Tenshukaku had only given him 600 points. He still had a long way to go to repair this Divine Key.
But, looking at Yae Sakura and Kallen before him, Ming Yu did not regret it.
"Yu, you..." Yae Sakura's mouth fell open in surprise, not knowing what to say. Feeling the Stigmata Space become stable again, she naturally guessed what Ming Yu had just done. And to achieve this, the price Ming Yu paid would not be small.
"It's alright, this is the only thing I can do for you," Ming Yu shook his head and smiled nonchalantly. "Go and take a look, this is a token of my sincerity."
Seeing the seriousness in Ming Yu's eyes, Yae Sakura said no more, only tightening her grip on the hand of the person beside her. She could not repay Ming Yu's gift; all she could do was cherish the person beside her even more.
Giving Ming Yu a slight bow, Yae Sakura then enthusiastically led Kallen to explore the new Yae Village.
"Was it worth it?" Theresa walked to Ming Yu's side, looked at the incredibly dim Jizo Mitama, and asked with some confusion. As a user of Judah, she had a faint idea of the price Ming Yu had paid.
To obtain this Divine Key, Ming Yu had paid a great price, going through life and death situations.
In Theresa's view, Ming Yu should have valued the Divine Key greatly. But why did he not seem to cherish it at all, so quickly allowing it to consume so much energy, even causing irreparable damage?
Looking at the happy figures of Yae Sakura and Kallen in the distance, a slight smile appeared on Ming Yu's lips, and he answered without a second thought, "It's not about whether it's worth it or not. I just feel at ease doing this."
Just "at ease"? Theresa looked at the boy's still somewhat childish face, her confusion growing, but she did not speak again.
Hiyokumaru saw the three happy people in the distance and felt a strange pang of bitterness. It wanted to join them, but it didn't know how.
After all, no matter what, it could not deny what Higokumaru had done. Although it was due to the Herrscher personality, it was still a part of it. Whether it was willing or not, this was its karma.
If it were the kind Yae Sakura, she would surely forgive it. After all, during their time of symbiosis, they could feel each other's hearts and understand each other's feelings. Moreover, Yae Sakura had personally witnessed its transformation from Higokumaru to Hiyokumaru, so she would surely understand.
But, what would Yae Rin and Kallen think? Could they treat it without any reservations?
No matter what, Higokumaru and Hiyokumaru were the same person. Could Yae Rin completely forgive someone who had tortured her sister so much? Could Kallen also completely let go of her prejudices?
Even so, what would its status be in Yae Sakura's heart? After all, Yae Sakura's younger sister was Yae Rin, not it.
At this thought, Hiyokumaru was suddenly overcome with a feeling of being abandoned by the world, as if the whole world no longer needed it. In this era, it was ultimately just a superfluous person!
Perhaps, dying with that person fifty thousand years ago, disappearing into the long river of history, was the fate it should have had.
Noticing Hiyokumaru standing alone by the side, Ming Yu was a little puzzled. The little fox wasn't clinging to Yae Sakura.
But seeing Yae Rin next to Yae Sakura, Ming Yu seemed to understand something. Has the little fox fallen out of favor? Or, is it worried that Yae Sakura won't forgive it?
Stroking Hiyokumaru's little head, Ming Yu comforted it, "Why don't you go join Sakura? She won't mind the things that happened before."
The little fox shook its head, saying with a somewhat disheartened tone, "I'm not worried about that, it's just..."
Pausing for a moment, it then looked directly into Ming Yu's eyes and asked with utmost seriousness, "Big Bro Yu. Big Sis, will she still need me?"
Seeing the loneliness in Hiyokumaru's eyes, Ming Yu's heart couldn't help but jolt.
As a remnant of the Previous Era, what was it that sustained Hiyokumaru through these long years?
For the past fifty thousand years, it had been sealed in the Black Box. No light, no heat, nothing existed. Only the ever-growing hatred in its heart could prove that it was still alive.
And in the recent five hundred years, it had spent a not-so-short time with Yae Sakura in a love-hate relationship. Although the process was not pleasant, it was ultimately no longer lonely.
Now, both it and Yae Sakura were free from the curse of the Honkai. Yae Sakura had also found her sister and Kallen again, but it had become the most superfluous one.
It had been given a new life, but there was no one left to share this joy with. What was the meaning of such a new life?
Feeling the loneliness in Hiyokumaru's heart, Ming Yu couldn't help but think of his days in Nagazora. He had inexplicably come to this world full of dangers, cut off from everything before.
At that time, was his own loneliness and confusion any different from Hiyokumaru's?
Standing alone in the world, no one knew him, and no one needed him. The world was so vast and complex, and he was just the most superfluous one.
The only thing that supported him to walk out of that room was the girls he was familiar with in this world. It was precisely because he wanted to see the girls who were fighting in this world that he had walked step by step to St. Freya High School, to where he was now.
Otherwise, he would have chosen to end his life alone in that room.
He could find something to hold onto, but what about Hiyokumaru?
Taking a deep breath to calm the thoughts in his mind, Ming Yu placed his palm on Hiyokumaru's head and said seriously, "Then, are you willing to follow me, to go to the world outside, and start a new life?"
After saying this, Ming Yu also felt uneasy. Although he felt sorry for the little fox, the little fox might not be willing to leave Yae Sakura, nor might it be willing to go out with him.
After all, not everyone had the courage to start everything anew. Moreover, he was not sure if he had such a high level of trust in the little fox's heart to make it let go of everything in this Stigmata Space.
Looking at Ming Yu's nervous yet incredibly serious face, Hiyokumaru couldn't help but think of the boy's promise in the illusion.
Taking one last look at Yae Sakura in the distance, Hiyokumaru gave up that wisp of illusory fantasy and nodded with a slight blush.
"Really?" Ming Yu asked in pleasant surprise, still in disbelief. He unconsciously squeezed the small, soft fox ear with his right hand.
"Mmm~" the little fox responded in a voice as soft as a mosquito's hum, its cheeks crimson.
Using his head-patting skill again, Ming Yu was overjoyed. Although this Yae Village would no longer have the little fox in the future, with three people here, it probably wouldn't be too deserted.
Yae Sakura could project her power to the outside world through Jizo Mitama, achieving a form of resurrection. Hiyokumaru should be able to do the same; this method might be feasible.
Thinking of this, Ming Yu held the Divine Key in one hand and took Hiyokumaru's small hand with the other, placing it on the black scabbard of Jizo Mitama. An obscure fluctuation transmitted from the scabbard to Hiyokumaru's hand, and some of the Divine Key's barriers were also broken.
"This is..." Hiyokumaru's eyes widened. It could feel that it had established some connection with Jizo Mitama, and could even manipulate this Divine Key to a certain extent.
"Since you've decided to go to the outside world, this form won't do," Ming Yu said with a smile.
Just now, he had given Hiyokumaru secondary authority over the Divine Key, allowing it to freely use Jizo Mitama to project itself into the outside world and achieve "resurrection."
Although Ming Yu could also use Jizo Mitama to do this, that would make Hiyokumaru appear as an accessory to the Divine Key, only able to exist in the vicinity of Jizo Mitama, and everything would be controlled by Ming Yu.
But after opening up the authority, Hiyokumaru could draw energy from Jizo Mitama on its own, without being limited by Ming Yu, and could even exist to a large extent independently of Jizo Mitama.
"But, Big Bro Yu, aren't you afraid that I'll lose control again?" Hiyokumaru said with its head down. Even now, it was still terrified of being controlled by Jizo Mitama.
It could manipulate and influence Jizo Mitama, so Jizo Mitama could naturally influence it in return. It was a double-edged sword!
"If you lose control again, I will become your prison. As long as you are the Hiyokumaru you are now, I will be your shield." Ming Yu held the little fox up to his face, staring into those sky-clear eyes, and said word by word, "I promised that I wouldn't let anyone hurt you!"
Hiyokumaru looked up at the boy's dark eyes. His gaze was cold, but it was very reassuring.
...
Under the largest cherry blossom tree in the shrine, the time for parting had come. Everyone gathered together again for a final farewell.
Smiles appeared on the faces of Yae Sakura and the other two. Although they hadn't explored the entire space, all three were very satisfied with this Yae Village and were full of gratitude towards Ming Yu.
"All good things must come to an end. We'll meet again if fate allows," Ming Yu said with a smile. He didn't feel any sadness. He had done what he could, and he was very satisfied with this ending. If he stayed any longer, he would only be a third wheel. Even now, he could feel Kallen's disdainful gaze.
Pointing to the little fox on his shoulder, Ming Yu explained to Yae Sakura, "Hiyokumaru will be leaving with me too."
After all, Yae Sakura was the person closest to the little fox. He had to explain it one way or another, as a matter of courtesy.
Yae Sakura was a little surprised, but seeing the expression on Hiyokumaru's face—seven parts sadness and three parts calm—she did not object. Although she and this little one had coexisted for five hundred years, and had a love-hate relationship for five hundred years, she didn't know this little one very well.
Hiyokumaru had led to her meeting with Kallen, and also to her separation from Kallen. But that was all in the past. She had no resentment, nor was there any need for it. In the end, she also bore an undeniable responsibility.
"Then I'll leave Hiyokumaru in your care," Yae Sakura said with a smile, stroking the little fox's head. Although Hiyokumaru wasn't exactly her junior, the little one was very lovable, making people want to protect it.
Feeling Yae Sakura's touch, Hiyokumaru's mood also improved a little, and the sadness on its face lessened slightly.
Glancing at the Jizo Mitama at Ming Yu's waist, Yae Sakura remembered Kallen's explanation to her earlier. After a moment's hesitation, she drew Sakura Fubuki from her side and handed it to Ming Yu, saying, "This spirit blade has been with our Yae clan for generations. But now that the Yae clan is no more, this blade has also lost its meaning.
I know that you will embark on the path of fighting the Honkai and will encounter many powerful enemies. So, I am giving it to you, hoping that this blade can help you."
Seeing that Ming Yu intended to refuse, Yae Sakura hurriedly said in a sterner tone, "This is a token of my sincerity as well, you are not allowed to refuse!"
Sensing the seriousness in Yae Sakura's words, and thinking of his own Divine Key that had already lost a star, Ming Yu pondered for a moment and did not refuse.
Solemnly accepting the spirit blade encased in its wooden scabbard, Ming Yu said, "Great kindness needs no thanks. I will definitely cherish it."
Taking a few steps back, Ming Yu drew Jizo Mitama and swung it, scabbard and all, cutting open a wide red portal. He took half a step into it and called out to Theresa, "Principal, it's time to go."
"I know~" Theresa replied with some impatience, but she still followed Ming Yu's steps and entered the portal.
Just as Ming Yu was about to step through the portal, the little fox on his shoulder suddenly jumped down, transforming into a pink-haired human girl of about fifteen. She took a few steps forward and hugged Yae Sakura, burying her head deep into the shrine maiden's chest.
"Hiyokumaru..." Yae Sakura called out softly, wanting to step back, but her body was held tightly.
"Big Sis, can you let me hug you one last time? Just for a little while is enough," Hiyokumaru did not look up, greedily breathing in Yae Sakura's scent as it pleaded softly.
Hearing Hiyokumaru's plea, Yae Sakura's heart softened. She stopped struggling and gently embraced the girl before her. While stroking that smooth pink hair, she comforted her softly, "It's alright, you can stay as long as you like. If you ever get homesick out there, you're always welcome back here."
At that moment, she had a strange illusion, as if she was facing not the little fox Hiyokumaru, but her own younger sister, Yae Rin.
And behind the two of them, Yae Rin pouted, watching the two hugging, feeling that her own position was being seriously challenged.
Ming Yu looked at the transformed Hiyokumaru, then at Yae Rin a little further away, and couldn't help but marvel at how similar the two were. If Yae Rin were a little older, she would probably look exactly like Hiyokumaru.
After a short while, Hiyokumaru released Yae Sakura as promised and ran towards the boy who was waiting for her with a smile in front of the portal.
She was no longer Rin, and Yae Sakura was no longer Sakura. What awaited her was a brand new life as Hiyokumaru.
The cherry blossoms drifted by, and the boy and girl disappeared from this space...