Following Dr. MEI's instructions, the pair arrived at a secluded location.
"This is the quietest place where we won't be disturbed."
"So, Big Sister Mei, what's the method?"
"Listen carefully. Hold each other's hands, interlace your fingers, immerse your consciousness in your Herrscher cores as conduits, then enter the consciousness space. Mei will guide you from there."
Dr. MEI's lips curled as she watched them, unable to hide her amusement.
Hearing this method made Kiana flustered and hesitant.
"This is the simplest and most effective way. I understand your embarrassment, but Kevin won't wait. Any delay could be disastrous."
Her ominous tone successfully pressured Kiana, who immediately turned to Mei and offered her hands.
"Mei, let's hurry. Every second counts now."
"...Mm."
Though outwardly calm, Mei's heart was racing.
When their hands met, they both felt the warmth and firm grip. In the silence, they could hear each other's breathing.
"Stay focused. If this isn't enough, you can move closer."
Without responding, they instinctively leaned in. Their height difference forced Mei to bend slightly while Kiana tilted her head up, creating what looked like a kissing pose.
Watching this, Dr. MEI recalled her own youthful romance and smiled nostalgically.
"Mei's hands are so warm... Her breath feels so strong against my face... Wait, focus!"
"...Kiana, we're mentally connected now. I can hear your thoughts."
Despite trying to sound normal, Mei's voice trembled slightly with embarrassment.
"Ah! Sorry Mei! But since we're connected, does that mean we're almost there?"
Blushing furiously, Kiana remembered their goal.
"Yes. So relax completely, like when you napped during class."
Gradually, their consciousness faded, awakening in their shared memory of St. Freya.
"Our first stop is here? But... everyone's gone."
The empty campus made Kiana feel hollow.
"Thinking about Himeko-sensei?"
"...Mm."
After a long silence, Kiana finally responded.
"Don't be sad. Himeko-sensei might still be watching over you. We can't disappoint her - we must keep moving forward."
Sensing Kiana's mood, Mei suddenly grabbed and interlaced their fingers, pulling her along for a walk.
"During our separation, I went somewhere called the Elysian Realm. There were many heroes from the Previous Era there. And I discovered something - our classmate Elysia was one of them."
"Wait! She's from Fu Hua's era? Does that mean we'll have to fight her later?"
Having not seen Elysia, Kiana assumed she was with Kevin's faction. Strangely, Kiana felt strongly against fighting her.
"No... that Elysia wasn't the real one. The true Elysia died in the Previous Era."
"...How terrible."
Kiana grieved for Elysia as they walked and talked. Learning about Fu Hua's former social anxiety and low self-esteem made her laugh.
"Hearing this, I can't imagine our monitor being like that at all."
"Time changes people. The Fu Hua we know now is what matters."
"You're right."
As their emotions synchronized, the environment shifted to that fateful rooftop.
"So we can't avoid this moment after all. It was one of the most important days of my life."
Looking at the familiar scene, Kiana suddenly had an idea. Releasing Mei's hand, she turned with a mischievous smile.
"Mei, I remember you said something really cool here."
Mei's heart dropped as she tried to stop Kiana, who quickly stepped back.
Facing away, Kiana dramatically recited: "If saving you is a sin, then I'll gladly become a sinner!"
Turning back, she beamed at Mei, whose face had turned completely red.