The moment the Fatal Blow sound effect rang out, purple-flame-like energy ignited on Lin Xin's armored right foot.
The flames shimmered with a heart-pounding glow, casting flickers of light across the battlefield.
Her body sank slightly, gathering the last reserves of her strength.
A suffocating tension filled the air—as if even time itself had frozen.
Just then, Akesi's Shadow Blade slashed out. A dark, abyssal blade-light tore through the sky, its force capable of rending reality itself.
The blade-light roared like a scream from the void; wherever it passed, even the air split apart with a piercing shriek.
But Lin Xin did not flinch.
Her body surged upward, soaring like a bolt of violet lightning.
Her right foot, wreathed in burning purple flames, launched toward Akesi with unstoppable momentum.
The flames trailed a dazzling arc behind her—like a meteor streaking across the night sky.
Boom!
The purple flames collided with the blade-light mid-air, erupting in a deafening roar.
The dark blade shattered instantly, disintegrating into countless black fragments that vanished into the ether.
But Lin Xin's kick didn't stop.
It pressed forward, relentless and destructive.
Akesi's eyes widened in horror. He tried to dodge—but it was too late.
Her foot struck his chest with brutal force, and the purple flames exploded outward, engulfing him in a searing sphere of energy.
Bang!
The explosion rocked the sacrificial hall, scattering firelight and debris in every direction.
A massive crater formed beneath them, rubble and dust filling the air.
Akesi's body was hurled across the room, crashing to the ground. His chest was charred black—his strength utterly spent.
–1854!
The damage number floated slowly upward, declaring the end of the battle.
As the smoke cleared, Lin Xin's purplish-black figure stood tall in the center of the ruins.
Her armor's energy patterns still glowed faintly.
Most of the sacrificial hall lay in ruins. Through the shattered roof, warm morning light poured in, illuminating the admiring gaze of the Fox-eared Little Girl hiding behind the door.
Yet Lin Xin felt no joy.
Her mind blurred. Her vision flickered.
Suddenly, she found herself in a dark, empty space.
"Where is this…?" she murmured, her voice echoing in the void.
"This is your mind space. No matter how long you stay here, only one second will pass outside."
A gentle voice reached her ears.
She turned quickly.
Standing before her was a silver-haired girl in a sleek, pilot-style suit—delicate features, soft smile, and eyes filled with quiet warmth.
Her silver hair glowed faintly in the dimness.
"You are… Firefly!" Lin Xin gasped, then looked down at herself—realizing she had returned to her original form from her previous life.
"What's going on…?" she asked, her thoughts tangled in confusion.
Firefly tilted her head, surprised.
"You… actually know me?" she said softly, then paused in thought. "It seems that in your original world, I must have become a character in one of your films or games. But that's fine—no need for introductions."
Her tone was calm, almost casual.
"During a mission, I encountered something strange. A fragment of my consciousness drifted into this world. But it wasn't enough to wake me from my coma. I could only watch as the Black Robed Men took me and a little girl away."
"Then you appeared."
"Coincidentally, your soul filled the void in mine."
Her voice was gentle, like someone recounting a distant memory.
"I observed you quietly. Your calmness, wisdom, courage, and kindness proved you weren't evil. Though I couldn't fight you for control, I was prepared to perish with you if you were."
Lin Xin's heart surged.
So it was all a coincidence…
She suddenly asked, voice tinged with worry:
"If this fragment of your consciousness dies… will you disappear?"
Firefly smiled.
"Don't worry. I won't. This part of me isn't essential. Maybe it's the nature of this world…"
Lin Xin fell silent, then explained how she had transmigrated from her world into this game.
Firefly listened quietly, showing no signs of disbelief.
Even though Lin Xin's story sounded absurd, she never interrupted.
Lin Xin hesitated, then whispered:
"Sorry… maybe I sound crazy."
Firefly responded gently:
"It's okay. I believe you. You say we're in a virtual game created by your world? That's perfectly normal. After all, life itself is a game. Even the world we perceive as real—couldn't it be a game created by another?"
Lin Xin was speechless.
"Alright. Time is running out."
Firefly stepped forward and embraced her.
Her body began to dissolve into shimmering particles, merging with Lin Xin.
"Though our meeting was brief… I'm glad I met you, Lin Xin."
As Firefly faded, Lin Xin's heart sank.
She knew Firefly wasn't truly gone—but the moment still felt heavy.
"So… who am I now?" she whispered, staring at her hands.
Then, a voice echoed within her—Firefly's and her own, overlapping:
"You are yourself… Don't be lost or doubt. Strive forward."
Her vision returned to the dim sacrificial hall.
She had returned from the mind space.
The Fox-eared Little Girl cautiously stepped out and approached the purple figure.
"Sister… what should I call you?"
The armor shimmered, dissolving into ethereal purple light.
Revealed beneath it was the beautiful silver-haired girl.
Since I've used your body to live another life… I'll use your name from now on.
She turned to the little girl and smiled softly.
"From now on… just call me Firefly."