Chapter 28: The Mentor’s New Ally and a Glimpse of Despair

“Wait!”

The moment Gu Qianqian prepared to act, Hua Mu’ai’s voice cut through the air.

Within her mind, a battle instinct delivered its ultimate verdict.

[Target analyzed.]

[Species confirmed: Fairy.]

Hua Mu’ai’s breath hitched, her heart hammering in her chest.

‘A fairy? How could this be possible? Weren’t they mere creatures of legend?’

****

Simultaneously, in a realm shrouded in eerie mystery.

This was a domain belonging neither to the Azure Realm nor the Emerald Dream, but rather to the world’s shadowed underbelly.

At the heart of this desolate expanse, a Gothic spired cathedral stood sentinel.

Beneath the cathedral’s vaulted dome, a pristine white table, meticulously carved from the colossal spine of a beast, stretched forth. At its far end, an empty throne, forged from gleaming obsidian, stood in silent vigil.

The throne was empty.

Yet, everyone present understood that ‘The Mentor’ was undeniably there.

As the undisputed leader of the Heirs of Dawn, Their will, akin to the very abyss, permeated every single inch of the vast space.

Yue Xi stood at the opposite end of the elongated table, her diminutive fairy form appearing strikingly out of place within the grandeur and oppressive silence of the hall.

Yet, she exhibited not a hint of timidity, instead radiating an air of profound satisfaction with her surroundings.

Her defection from the royal court, her flight from her sister Yuena, had all been in pursuit of realizing her dreams within these very walls.

“The supreme will of the Abyssal Void has guided your arrival, lost fairy.”

A voice, impossible to discern as either male or female, yet sounding like a symphony of countless human voices layered one upon another, reverberated throughout the grand hall.

“‘They’ have acknowledged the ‘truth’ you glimpsed.”

“Here, your hatred is not a sin, but rather a key to unlocking ultimate truth.

“Your knowledge is not heresy, but the very gospel for composing a new world.”

Yue Xi lifted her chin, her scarlet vertical pupils fixed unflinchingly upon the vacant throne.

“I require no guidance; our relationship, from its inception, will remain purely a collaboration.”

Her voice, clear and melodious, continued, “It merely happens that your beliefs serendipitously align with my objectives, nothing more.”

“Hmph.”

A dismissive scoff emanated from one side of the long table.

A tall woman with vibrant red hair, her gaze fiercely scrutinizing Yue Xi, spoke.

“She’s nothing but a glib little runt. Mentor, may I engage her in combat?”

“Fenrir, do try to be polite.”

The silver-haired maiden seated opposite the fiery-haired woman spoke in a soft tone.

Her voice, gentle and mellow, nonetheless caused Fenrir’s aggressive demeanor to noticeably recede.

“Our new colleague, a princess hailing from the Emerald Dream, is a distinguished guest of the Mentor. Her wisdom, I assure you, is a weapon far sharper than your battle-axe.”

Having spoken, Jormungandr offered Yue Xi a slight nod, a gesture of acknowledgment.

Immediately thereafter, an excited voice pierced the air.

“I am terribly curious to ascertain if there are any peculiar characteristics within fairy genes. Should you be able to provide me with some samples, I would be immensely grateful!”

A woman clad in a white lab coat adjusted her spectacles, her gaze fixed upon Yue Xi with an almost feverish excitement, as though the fairy before her were a rare specimen for experimentation.

“Nidhogg, you remain as utterly repulsive as ever.”

Unconcealed disgust contorted Fenrir’s features.

“Silence.”

The Mentor’s voice resonated once more, imbued with an undeniable and absolute authority.

“Today marks the auspicious occasion of our family welcoming a new member—a moment truly worthy of celebration. Let there be no pointless squabbles.”

“It is regrettable, however, that two of my other children are currently engaged in crucial missions within the Azure Realm and are thus unable to return for this celebration.”

The Mentor’s voice lingered for a moment.

“Yue Xi, as per our prior agreement, you do indeed possess the capability to resurrect deceased magical girls, do you not?”

This singular question caused all three apostles present to pivot their gazes, fixing them intently upon the diminutive fairy.

To resurrect the dead—this was an feat even the Mentor themselves had yet to achieve.

Yue Xi offered a faint smile.

“I never deceive my collaborators.

However, the technique is not yet entirely perfected, and there remains a certain possibility of failure.”

She wiggled her small, delicate paw.

“A perfect work of art demands meticulous refinement. Grant me some time for research, and I assure you, I will not disappoint.”

“Very good.”

The Mentor expressed profound satisfaction with this response.

“We possess an abundance of suitable subjects. To demonstrate our sincerity, let our first experimental specimen be one of considerable significance.”

“You shall hone your skills upon the magical girl Sunflower, who similarly perished under the Skyfire.”

“As for Scorching Sun Star…”

The Mentor’s voice deepened, taking on a grave tone.

“She represents a pivotal component of our grand design. Only when you possess absolute certainty of success shall you report back to me.”

Yue Xi’s scarlet vertical pupils flared with intense excitement.

As one intimately familiar with the annals of the Azure Realm, she naturally recognized Scorching Sun Star Su Wanning, a magical girl whose prowess was surpassed only by that of Azure Star.

To resurrect such an existence from the clutches of death, only to personally twist her into a witch consumed by despair.

‘Indeed, what art in this world could possibly be more intoxicating, more utterly captivating, than this?’

“I understand.”

Yue Xi readily assented.

“Then, Nidhogg.”

The Mentor addressed the bespectacled woman.

“From this day forward, you shall provide your full cooperation to Yue Xi’s research. Every resource she requires is to be met unconditionally. I anticipate witnessing the genesis of our first creation as swiftly as possible.”

Nidhogg’s spectacles glinted with a cold, reflective light.

“As you command, Mentor.”

The woman then turned her gaze to Yue Xi, her eyes alight with fervent fanaticism.

“I sincerely hope our collaboration shall give birth to miracles.”

Yue Xi reciprocated with a smile.

“Of course. I intend to make this utterly tedious world a considerably more entertaining place.”

****

The conference concluded.

Yue Xi was subsequently led to Nidhogg’s laboratory.

Within, countless colossal cultivation tanks stood in precise rows, each containing a bizarre assortment of creatures suspended in liquid.

Some still clung to life, their forms subtly convulsing within the verdant nutrient solution.

“These are all my… failures,” Nidhogg explained.

“Abyssal Void fusion demands an exceptionally stringent mental fortitude from its subjects. The vast majority of organisms simply cannot withstand such a profound erosion. During the fusion process, their minds inevitably collapse, ultimately devolving into these mindless, low-grade Abyssal Void beasts.”

“Truly hideous,” Yue Xi pronounced.

“A crude infusion of energy, seeking only the raw amalgamation of power, completely disregards the inherent beauty of the soul. Your technique, it is far too primitive.”

Far from being offended by such blunt criticism, Nidhogg’s excitement only intensified.

“Oh?”

“Then, Princess, I implore you, allow me to marvel at your aesthetically profound artistry.”

“First, introduce the subject material for this endeavor.”

“Of course, it would be my utmost pleasure.”

Nidhogg smiled, then activated the projector.

The image of a smiling young girl materialized, her personal data arrayed beneath.

[Magical Girl Sunflower]

[Rank: Celestial Star-tier]

[Primary Ability: Healing Light]

[Primary Information: Magical Girl of Sky Dome City, perished due to the Skyfire (TL Note: A destructive phenomenon often associated with Abyssal Void Beasts) of an Abyssal Void Beast. Her remains, after recovery by the GSA, were intercepted by our forces and are currently maintained in a state of deep cryogenic suspension.]

[Heart Stone: 92% intact, all remaining fragments recovered]

Yue Xi perused the girl’s profile, a subtle curl forming on her lips.

‘A hero who, amidst a calamitous despair, witnessed everything she strove to protect crumble into ruin, only to ultimately perish in utter powerlessness?’

“I can barely contain myself. Take me to her, now.”

Yue Xi’s tongue darted out, tracing a path across her lips.

“For the mere thought of it sends shivers of exquisite excitement through me.”