The sisters, Sakura and Rin, had always traveled light, having almost no corresponding luggage. It was evident that Rin had always followed her sister, running hither and thither, making the whole world their home.
At the same time, Leo learned something quite absurd.
Is Rin actually only one year younger than us?
Although this referred to his current age, it still seemed quite astonishing to him.
However, considering that Rin had drifted everywhere with Sakura since childhood, coupled with her extremely unbalanced academic subjects, being able to reach the transition from middle school to high school was already not easy.
But because of this, Leo had even less of a psychological burden.
After all, when he first saw Rin, seeing the other party's petite and thin appearance, he had actually considered whether to wait a year or two before considering... The Honkai of the Previous Era was also a long-term process.
But looking at it now, he had worried too much. Tongzi had already arranged everything for him in this area; he didn't need to worry much.
In short, he successfully welcomed the pair of sisters into MEI's home.
At the same time, this was also his first time coming to MEI's home.
First of all, although they were neighbors, the styles of their two homes were not the same.
Compared to his home, the style here was much larger.
And considering that only MEI and her father lived in this home, it appeared even emptier here.
It was just that the vast majority of space in this house wasn't wasted; it was all used by MEI's father as a laboratory.
—It was precisely because of this that MEI's household didn't hire servants.
But even if most of the space was used for the laboratory, having one more pair of sisters living here was still no problem.
And when everything was settled, the time had also arrived at night.
"To celebrate your joining, this is a grand meal meticulously prepared by Mei!"
Clearly, he felt like he had just eaten a meal not long ago, but with Leo's current digestive ability, this naturally wasn't an issue.
Moreover, Raiden Mei had also considered this evening meal at that time, so the previous meal wasn't too much, and he should be hungry by now.
"Mhm... Thank you."
Looking at the table full of gourmet food before her, and the eager looks of Leo and the others, Sakura's expression couldn't help but be somewhat complex.
She had never thought that she would have a day where she could receive such treatment.
Of course, it wasn't just her; Rin, sitting beside her, also spoke.
"Thank you, everyone."
The petite young girl revealed a serious expression and said to Leo, MEI, and the others: "My sister... I leave her in your care!"
After speaking, she lowered her head slightly.
In fact, after this short period of moving, she had figured out what Leo and the others were doing, as well as what her own sister had been doing for her all along.
—Before today, she didn't even know her sister was doing such a dangerous job as a killer!
However, due to Higokumaru, she not only knew but had herself stepped into the extraordinary.
Of course, neither her sister nor she herself intended for her to fight.
The former believed it was too dangerous for her to do so, while the latter... that is, herself, simply hadn't made preparations in this regard.
She still needed a little time to accept all of this.
However, having understood her sister's situation, she naturally could only entrust her sister to these teammates.
"Of course."
Facing Rin's request, Leo said with a serious face: "If we really have to say it, it is actually us who need Sakura's help."
Sakura's numerical values were so beautiful, it was just that she lacked a bit in the [Honkai energy] department.
However, this was also very normal. People of this era had research on [Honkai energy] that was close to zero; it was more about instinct.
In other words, the combat power Sakura currently displayed came more from her body that had been tempered a thousand times, rather than winning through energy!
Precisely because of this, their direction afterward would be to guide Sakura in using [Honkai energy].
—Although she didn't have [Stigmata], Sakura's body itself was absurd enough to be called a natural [Stigmata]!
"It can't be said who is helping whom."
Shaking her head at Leo, Sakura stated bluntly: "After all, if it really comes to the final step, then Rin and I cannot stay out of it either."
"Since the matter is unavoidable, then I might as well contribute my own share of strength."
Through Higokumaru, the future of [Finality] was proven.
And in order to survive such a future, she could only cooperate with Leo.
It could be said that this was the most important reason she chose to join Leo and the others.
"I will provide technical support for you as soon as possible."
While speaking, MEI turned her head to look at Rin... or rather, Higokumaru on the other party's body.
"With the guidance provided by Higokumaru, we can complete this step even faster."
It was worth mentioning that Higokumaru not only carried all memories of the future but also remembered the memories of the [Previous Era].
One could only say that when that fox "intercepted" her, it didn't specify a time, which led to her memories being so complete and clear.
—Perhaps those people originally wanted her memories as well.
Only it was a pity, how could the memories of the [Herrscher of Corruption] be so easily excavated?
They obviously found the wrong person, just as stupid as attempting to steal the memories of the [Herrscher of Sentience].
Therefore, although Higokumaru was indeed "intercepted" by them, her memories did not leak out; instead, it benefited Leo and the others.
As for the source of Higokumaru's knowledge?
—When she became the [Herrscher of Corruption], she had invaded the entire base of [Fire Moth]!
"No problem!"
Seeing MEI look at her, Higokumaru, who was using Rin's body to enjoy fried tofu, temporarily borrowed the body to look at MEI under Rin's permission.
And the difference between her and Rin was probably that when she controlled the body, a cluster of vermilion demon fire would float in her pupils.
As for her small figure form, in the final analysis, it was composed of [Honkai energy], so naturally, she couldn't really eat things... Eating things could only be done by relying on Rin's physical sensations.
"This... can also be considered my atonement."
However, having too good a memory wasn't a good thing either; she still remembered what exactly she had done.
Although she had just become a [Herrscher] at that time, and had become a [Herrscher] under a mode of extreme incomprehension and resentment, everything she did was not false.
One could only say, that was an era destined to be destroyed.
But this time, she swore to rewrite all of this!
"Anyway, let's work hard together!"
Seeing Higokumaru becoming somewhat 'emo' on her own again, Kiana hurriedly spoke up to interrupt: "Sakura, what about your work at [Fire Moth]?"
This didn't need to be cared about.
Shaking her head at Kiana, Sakura stated bluntly: "I belong to a secret action unit; I don't need to explain my whereabouts, as long as I ensure no mistakes in our missions."
"In addition, because I rescued Chishima Eiko, I temporarily have no missions."
Although "[Toxic Pupa]" also acted very inhumanely, she had, after all, just completed this magnificent feat, so the higher-ups dared not continue to squeeze her.
More crucially, rather than saying she was a fixed worker, it was more apt to say she was a mercenary.
Since she saved Chishima Eiko and received a heavy reward from the Chishima family, she wouldn't need to worry about money for at least a period of time.
Therefore, this was also one of the reasons "[Toxic Pupa]" wasn't assigning her tasks for the time being.
"So that's the relationship you have with them?"
Hearing this, Leo couldn't help but be thoughtful.
"Precisely."
Nodding, Sakura said: "So you don't need to consider me. Even if it means defecting from the organization, I won't be in any dilemma."
In the final analysis, the one she wanted to protect had always been her own sister, so she had absolutely no loyalty to her organization to speak of.
She even joined "[Toxic Pupa]" entirely because they could pay the price, allowing her and Rin to obtain a relatively good life.
Otherwise, someone like her with firstly no degree, and secondly no special skills... No, her special skill was killing!
In short, if she really had to speak of loyalty, she was only loyal to her sister.
Of course, now, although she couldn't talk about loyalty to Leo and the others, whether for her sister or out of admiration for Leo and the others, it all prompted her decision to stand on Leo's side.
Precisely because of this, if "[Toxic Pupa]" had another mission that conflicted with Leo and the others, she would inevitably betray the former.
"Let's talk about this when the time comes."
Since Leo wasn't sure in what capacity he would join [Fire Moth] when the time came, he temporarily didn't consider it.
But without a doubt, "[Toxic Pupa]" should also be a sharp sword in the hands of the [Fire Moth] higher-ups.
Perhaps he would end up facing off against "[Toxic Pupa]" in the end.
And when that time came, with Sakura standing on his side as "[Toxic Pupa]"'s strongest combat power, he imagined the expressions of those higher-ups would definitely be very colorful.
"Mhm."
Sakura, who had already made her decision, didn't mind, and turned to ask: "Speaking of which, tonight our mission is regarding that Miss Bronya, right?"
She was very clear that it was precisely because of Bronya's existence that they were spared from an incomparably difficult great battle.
And according to what Leo said, Bronya was extremely suitable to be a tutor for Rin, so she naturally looked forward to tonight's mission incomparably.
"Yes."
Seeing Sakura's anticipation, Leo nodded and said: "If we can rescue her, that would naturally be best."
"But mainly we will focus on grinding levels; we also need to slow down a bit first."
"Otherwise, continuing high-intensity combat, we also won't be able to hold out."
Of course, he also needed time to digest the results of these few days and try to increase his [Honkai energy].
Especially, he had to spend time to [Level Up] MEI; he couldn't let MEI rise to [D-Rank] for nothing, right?
It was just a pity that he and Sakura hadn't reached that kind of relationship yet; otherwise, he could also help Sakura improve her numerical values.
However, within [D-Rank], Sakura's [base attributes] were pretty much at the cap, so he didn't need to worry for the time being.
When he could help the other party rise to [C-Rank], that would be the time requiring him to step in.
"Is that so?"
Revealing a slightly surprised look, Sakura said: "I thought you guys would pursue the victory."
"I only just rose to [D-Rank] and need to increase [Honkai energy] as much as possible, converting it into combat power."
Understanding that Sakura hadn't completely understood the mechanism on his side, Leo explained: "And for MEI, she likewise just rose to [D-Rank]; I need to help her increase her [base attributes]."
"In short, these are all ways to greatly increase combat power."
"Understood."
Although she wasn't clear on Leo's specific operation methods, Sakura could basically understand Leo's meaning.
And after the meal, she saw the magical process of MEI increasing [Honkai energy] for Leo.
[Honkai energy: 129]
[Imaginary Energy: 4874]
"Just like this is fine?"
Seeing this, she couldn't help but reveal an extremely shocked expression, even wanting to try it herself.
"I cannot do this for you guys."
Seeing Sakura's thoughts, MEI shook her head and said: "This is equivalent to his privilege."
"But in the future... it's also hard to say."
She could sense that Leo's [Bond] system hadn't fully opened up yet; perhaps in the future when the [Bond] reached a certain degree, they could also come to her to increase [Honkai energy].
—Or perhaps, it didn't even necessarily need to be her!
"Alright..."
Hearing this, Sakura couldn't help but be somewhat disappointed.
After all, based on Kiana's guidance, she had already somewhat understood the wonderful uses of [Honkai energy].
Previously, she could be said to rely on instinct to use [Honkai energy], but after systematic usage now, she discovered this little gadget was so easy to use that she wanted to increase her own [Honkai energy] as much as possible.
It was just a pity she didn't have [Stigmata] on her body, and the [Honkai energy] concentration in the [Real World] was also on the low side; she needed to wait for MEI's help in this area.
"Then..."
Next, she became curious about another matter—
"How will he help you increase your base values?"
After speaking, she looked back and forth between Leo and MEI's faces like a curious baby.
After all, in her view, Leo only lay on MEI's lap for a while to complete the [Honkai energy] increase, so [base attributes] should be the same.
It was just that—
"This, this..."
MEI, who was originally incomparably calm, instantly had her pretty face flush red.
"This... is not something we can demonstrate to you."
She understood that the relationship between Sakura and Leo hadn't reached a [Qualitative Change], so she couldn't possibly join them.
Therefore, she naturally could only say this.
However—
"Is it some secret training?"
Facing MEI's statement, Sakura's expression couldn't help but be somewhat lonely.
However, considering she had just joined Leo's team, it was normal that there were some things she couldn't know.
It was just that this mistrust still made her feel inevitably somewhat lost.
"It's not that."
Seeing through Sakura's thoughts, MEI couldn't help but reveal a face full of discomfort.
But ultimately, in order not to let Sakura overthink, she could only lean into Sakura's ear after glaring at Leo, who had a face full of wicked laughter, and said: "It's... s...s... [Beep]."
"Mm?"
First stunned, Sakura didn't react immediately.
But very soon, her pretty face also couldn't help but flush red; it was exceptionally beautiful!
After all, although she hadn't come into contact with these matters, it didn't mean she didn't know.
"This is..."
Thinking about it, MEI added: "The result of concluding a [Bond] with him to the deepest depths."
"Just like before, as we told you, when you decide to join us, this will definitely be the reason you become a member of ours in the end."
Previously when they invited Sakura to join, they had mentioned this outcome.
But at that time, they only stated the result and didn't tell Sakura the benefits of doing so.
Otherwise, it would have seemed somewhat like bribery.
"S-so that's how it is..."
Looking at MEI with a complex expression, Sakura's face was full of complexity, and then her eyes couldn't help but drift toward Leo.
But this look of hers was like a startled fawn; it very quickly turned elsewhere, simply not daring to make eye contact with Leo.
Only... doing that with him can make one stronger?
To be honest, for her, this could also be considered a type of temptation.
Of course, the premise for her thinking this way was that she had already accepted Leo.
Otherwise, just for merely becoming stronger, she wouldn't be this superficial.
But by now, this could be considered a bargaining chip capable of persuading herself.
Of course... tonight was definitely impossible!
After understanding what was to be done next, she hurriedly took Rin to MEI's house, leaving the stage to Leo and the others.
"Stop looking."
Arms crossed over her chest, Kiana pouted her small mouth slightly and said to Leo: "Or do you want me to pull Sakura back?"
"Heh~"
Amused by Kiana's cute little appearance, Leo said: "I'm just laughing that the heroic and valiant Sakura would reveal such a little woman's appearance, that's all. Don't overthink it."
In fact, just as he said, he really hadn't expected that in his impression, the "Forget-Me-Not" Sakura, who always showed people a cold appearance, would also have such a cute face.
One could only say, the contrast was the most critical 'best part' (daigo-mi)!
"But do you dare say you didn't want her to stay?"
Rolling her eyes at Leo, how could Kiana not know Leo's little thoughts?
"Naturally, I wanted to."
Regarding this, Leo admitted it very frankly.
"But that is her choice; I can only respect it."
"Hmph!"
Facing Leo's face full of righteousness, Kiana couldn't help but let out a light snort, walking over and using her small fists to lightly pound Leo's chest.
"You just love the new and loathe the old!"
"???"
Facing Kiana's actions, Leo couldn't help but have a head full of question marks, saying grumpily: "You're directly skipping the process and just stating the conclusion, right?"
Of course, he also understood that this was just Kiana wanting to act coquettishly toward him, so he went with the flow and pulled Kiana into his embrace.
Although the protagonist tonight would inevitably be MEI, how much time would [Level Up] require?
—He could completely handle it!
"Just saying! Just saying!"
Although hugged by Leo, Kiana was still struggling, venting the inexplicable little emotions in her heart.
In fact, regarding yesterday's battle, how could she not worry about Leo's safety?
Like MEI, she was worrying about Leo's safety every moment, especially when Leo only had his last life left.
To be honest, she even envied Raiden Mei at that time.
After all, if she could also become Leo's weapon like Raiden Mei, then she could truly fight side by side with Leo!
Only it was a pity, Leo's current weapon was still only the long sword.
"I understand..."
Feeling Kiana's emotions, Leo spoke up: "Your mood is very uneasy."
"But please have a little more ease of mind regarding me."
"After all, without absolute certainty, I definitely wouldn't take risks!"
He had also done enough homework before daring to jump into the enemy's trap.
Otherwise, he would definitely run faster than anyone else.
If things were truly impossible, he would inevitably look for a tall person to hold up the sky if it fell.
"...Mhm."
Seeing Leo's serious face, Kiana finally softened gradually, hugging Leo tightly, venting the fragility she hadn't dared to show before.
Without a doubt, she didn't want to experience the pain of losing Leo again.
Although that one time was a misunderstanding, she had truly experienced losing an important person once.
That painful feeling was unforgettable to this day; naturally, she didn't want to see such a tragedy staged again.
Precisely because of this, she showed such a 'girly' appearance.
"Heh..."
A faint light smile emerged on his handsome face. Leo gently stroked Kiana's back, then looked at MEI and Raiden Mei.
"You guys also know me; if I can avoid taking risks, I definitely won't take risks."
"But this time, indeed, if I missed this village, I might not find this shop again, so I took the risk to enter."
"And you saw the result; we succeeded in extending our growth time for another segment."
In fact, he could tell that MEI and Raiden Mei were still somewhat dissatisfied with his decision.
After all, even he himself understood that he had an element of gambling.
When the enemy's level reached [C-Rank], it really wasn't something the current him could provoke.
The Eye Monster was tentatively still just at the early stage of [C-Rank], but the deterrence radiated by that monster big shot was at least mid-[C-Rank], or even a late-[C-Rank] existence; absolutely not something he could touch right now.
—And furthermore, being alone!
It was just that his gamble succeeded, so MEI and Raiden Mei wouldn't say anything to him.
But to say they had no objections to his decision, that was naturally impossible.
Therefore now, he used this chance to speak openly, avoiding this matter being used as a case study in the future.
"We understand."
Hearing Leo say this, MEI spoke up: "This indeed had gambling value, and you also had a high probability of succeeding."
"But this process was also a type of torment for us."
"Of course—"
Not waiting for Leo to speak, she hurriedly continued: "We also don't feel your decision was wrong."
"We just wanted to vent to you like Kiana did."
"If it were me, I definitely would have done the same."
"After all, if one doesn't even dare to bet on a ninety percent probability, then you wouldn't have reached where you are today."
"Uh... actually the probability wasn't that high."
Facing MEI's rhetoric, Leo said: "Probably... sixty-forty split?"
"You!"
"Just kidding! Just kidding!"
Seeing MEI really getting anxious, he hurriedly said again: "In fact, I really can't say exactly how much."
"But I could feel that as long as my operation wasn't trash, I could clear the level one hundred percent."
"And you all know my operation; it's impossible to drop the ball at such a critical moment."
Precisely based on absolute confidence in himself, he dared to go in.
It was just that—
"Just stop talking."
As the only one present who fought side by side with Leo and witnessed the whole process, Raiden Mei finally spoke up.
"If not for Sakura concluding a [Bond] with you at the end, you would have been almost exhausted, right?"
"If your movements were even a beat slower, you would have given that Eye Monster a chance."
Truly speaking, she actually had her heart in her throat at that time.
And she couldn't fight alone; like MEI, she was chanting a password in her heart—
I can't do anything...
However, having no body meant having no body; she truly couldn't do anything, and could only watch helplessly as Leo continued to fight desperately.
Only—
"No."
Shaking his head, Leo said solemnly: "I wouldn't have stopped attacking at that time."
"Have you not realized it yet?"
"At that time, I had already entered the [75%] stage!"
"Even without Sakura's power, I could have relied on that bloodthirsty and berserk vigor to continue slaughtering the Eye Monster."
Precisely because of this, he made so many eccentric actions in the later stages.
—Of course, this also had the reason that he was killing enthusiastically!
"?"
Hearing this, Raiden Mei couldn't help but be stunned.
"I am not a brainless boor."
Seeing Raiden Mei was subdued, Leo laughed: "Everything was within my calculations."
"The only thing I didn't calculate should be that the Eye Monster could actually cast its Ultimate twice."
"To be honest, I originally thought I could save one life to face the BOSS."
He wasn't truly without omission in calculations, but in the area of combat, whatever he could calculate, he really had calculated.
The Eye Monster being able to use its Ultimate twice was truly something he hadn't thought of.
Logically speaking, if the other party could really release it one more time, then he indeed could have stopped playing.
But if attacks like that were basic attacks, then [Tiny Miracle] would have triggered directly, and he would have had absolutely no possibility of entering.
In the final analysis, he had an element of gambling, but he really hadn't gambled everything!
"O-Okay then..."
Seeing no trace of hesitation in Leo's eyes, Raiden Mei understood that she had wrongly blamed Leo.
"Hmph, hmph!"
And only then did Kiana speak up: "Then you could have totally waited for us, right?"
"When that time really came, guess if those people would still let us in?"
Regarding this, Leo naturally also had his own reasons.
In fact, he certainly wanted to wait for Kiana and Sakura.
But he couldn't help but consider: wouldn't the opponent care about this matter?
Therefore, if Kiana and Sakura could arrive, that would mean the opponent simply didn't care about so many of them... then his [Tiny Miracle] should have triggered.
According to this line of thought, by the time they arrived, the vortex portal before his eyes would inevitably have closed.
—This trap wasn't prepared to deal with the three of them.
And furthermore—
"Besides, I had to save people at that time; naturally, I didn't dare to be slow by even a second."
"Additionally, if I hadn't gone in at that time, it would have been Bronya alone facing those monsters."
"Are you sure that would have triggered a good ending?"
"Uh..."
Facing this series of well-founded rebuttals from Leo, Kiana couldn't help but fall silent.
And most critically, just as Leo said, she also couldn't imagine what the scene would be like with only Bronya alone.
Although Bronya would definitely be safe and would return to the Treasure Chest in the end.
But wanting to imagine that Bronya defeated the monster big shot's consciousness like now, that would inevitably be very hard to accomplish.
Even whether this was accomplished entirely by Bronya, or whether there was the reason of [Tiny Miracle], this was also an unknown!
In short, there would have been many variables at that time.
Therefore—
"F-fine then..."
Realizing her reasons simply couldn't stand, Kiana thoroughly yielded.
"That's the way~"
Leo saw Kiana yield, and MEI and Raiden Mei also had looks of relief; he finally let out a sigh of relief.
The tongue battle against the girls was a great success!
Next, he could engage in the physical tongue battle against the girls!
—Time to enjoy the delicious meal!
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