"Mei, Mei, look over there—it's another version of you!"
Among the figures gradually emerging from the pillars of light, Kiana immediately spotted Dr. MEI.
"That's Dr. MEI, Kiana. Haven't you already seen this in the storyline?"
Gazing at the figure Kiana was pointing at, Mei sighed helplessly and explained.
"Hehe, that was in the story, not reality. Besides, she really does look like you~" Kiana grinned sheepishly.
"How? Dr. MEI is far more capable than I am."
Thinking back to Dr. MEI in the story—her leadership in guiding the Fire Moths against the Honkai, her astonishing intellect across various fields, and her courage to don the Void Archives and fight the Herrschers—every one of her actions and achievements filled Raiden Mei with admiration.
If only I had such courage back then, perhaps...
"She is amazing, sure, but I still like my Mei the best."
Noticing the shift in Mei's expression, Kiana quickly wrapped her arms around her, burying her face in Mei's chest as she comforted and nuzzled her like a spoiled child.
Clenched.
Fist clenched.
Watching the "planarian" squirm all over her dear Mei, Bronya felt her fists itching to act.
...
...
Wu Tong observed the group about to be revived and nodded in satisfaction, but something still felt missing.
He then glanced at the Thirteen Flame-Chasers and realized what it was. With a thought, the dimensional gate materialized once more from the void.
Wu Tong swiped his hand through the air, and the gate split into three parts as if sliced apart.
With a gentle push, the three gates slid backward.
...
Meanwhile, aboard the Ark spaceship...
The newly awakened adult Griseo was swallowed by a suddenly appearing dimensional gate, vanishing from the ship.
All that remained was the ship's AI frantically scanning for Griseo's whereabouts, accompanied by the incessant blare of alarms.
...
At World Serpent headquarters...
Kevin, who had been receiving a detailed report from Gray Serpent, was also engulfed by a dimensional gate.
Initially resisting, Kevin paused upon sensing the familiar energy of the gate, then relented.
His icy gaze fell upon Gray Serpent and the others.
"Wait for my return—"
Before he could finish, he was whisked away, leaving behind a bewildered group.
...
On the Moon's World Bubble...
Dr. MEI's figure was abruptly snatched away.
...
Back in the Elysian Realm's grand hall...
As three figures were spat out, the dimensional gate shattered and dissolved into nothingness.
"Ah, Kevin, you've finally arrived! But... you seem even more like an ice block now."
"You should smile more, Kevin~"
Elysia greeted the familiar figure with exaggerated delight, though her attention quickly shifted to the other two arrivals—Dr. MEI and... little Griseo?
"Is that... little Griseo? Elysia?"
Pardo, eyeing the now-grown Griseo, turned to Elysia, whose eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Hey, isn't that Griseo? Come over here! Your big sister Hua is right here!"
Recognizing the dazed Griseo, "Little" Senti—who held Fu Hua's memories—waved enthusiastically.
"Big sister Hua?"
"And little sister Elysia, Grandma Mobius, Mama Aponia, Kosma, big brother Kevin..."
Hearing Senti's voice, Griseo's gaze swept over the crowd.
Fresh from slumber and still groggy, she quickly snapped awake, reciting each name with growing excitement.
Tears welled up in her eyes, her voice trembling with emotion.
"I've... missed you all so much..."
...
"Little Griseo, don't cry! Reuniting should be a happy occasion!"
"That's right! A pretty girl shouldn't look so sad. Now that we're together again, you should smile!"
"Griseo... you've grown up."
The Elysian Realm residents rushed to comfort her.
To them, Griseo would always be their little girl, no matter how much she'd grown.
"Ah, it seems our little Griseo has grown up, hasn't she?
Now that you're older, no more crying, okay?"
Just as the group consoled Griseo, a familiar voice chimed in from behind.
Everyone glanced at Elysia beside them.
Elysia blinked innocently.
Not her, then...
They turned around.
As expected, the revival pillars had vanished.
Only thirteen figures stood there now.
Among them, a pink-haired girl smiled warmly at them.
Her eyes shimmered with the joy of rebirth... and longing for her old friends.
——Time Skip——
The next day...
Wu Tong boarded a plane bound for the Far East with the revived Thirteen Flame-Chasers and the Herrscher squad.
After learning of Wu Tong's deal with the Elysian Realm heroes, the revived group expressed their understanding.
If possible, they too wished for their Elysian Realm counterparts to live better lives.
After all, those trapped in that cage had toiled for fifty thousand years—long enough.
This was their chance to embrace a new beginning and a brighter future.
Regarding World Serpent's affairs, Kevin—who now stuck to Dr. MEI like glue—assured them he would handle everything, freeing the Elysian Realm heroes from further obligations.
Thus, with no loose ends left, the revived Flame-Chasers prepared to accompany Wu Tong to St. Freya Academy. Once the time came for their interdimensional tickets, they would return with him to the Douluo Continent.
...
Aboard the plane to the Far East...
Elysia tapped away on her phone, exchanging mutual praise with her alternate self in a chat group.
Nearby, the mischievous Elf Elysia—who shared her personality—pestered the Herrscher of Sentience.
Kevin sat beside Dr. MEI, deep in conversation within a World Bubble.
Bronya and Seele played mobile games together.
...
Surveying the lively scene, Wu Tong massaged his temples in exasperation.
He pulled down his "Wisdom" sleep mask (a Delusion-approved accessory, guaranteed to grant you those "wise" eyes. Even Susannah gives it a thumbs-up! (ω)).
Then, donning noise-canceling headphones, he reclined his seat and prepared to sleep.
After all, for someone who disliked noisy environments, this rowdy bunch was nothing short of a headache.
...
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(End of Chapter)