Chapter 96: Changes of the Herrscher of the Void

Surrounded by mist, the sky was filled with rosy light. Lush green forests extended from the foot of the mountain, and the shadows of continuous hills were faintly visible through the clouds. There was no bird's chirping or insect's singing, absolute silence, creating an atmosphere of tranquil paradise.

This was the Illusory Void Mountain in Fu Hua's memories, and also the illusion created by Fenghuang Down.

In the secluded wilderness, a dilapidated thatched cottage stood atop the mountain. The simple courtyard had a layout of yin and yang, with Eight Trigrams symbols engraved within.

A white-haired girl stood in the courtyard, battling the illusions created by Fenghuang Down. Fu Hua, in her blazing Phoenix form, stood in one corner of the cottage, silently observing the girl's fight and occasionally offering guidance.

"Kiana, what you've learned so far is not enough to face the upcoming crisis."

"Although these illusions created by the mind are just hallucinations, please don't let your guard down."

"Even though everything in a dream is unreal, people unconsciously feel pain and fear, as if their physical body is truly in danger."

Kiana kicked away one of the illusionary creatures, panting, and replied, "So, if I die in this dream, will I really die?"

Fu Hua nodded, "As the key to consciousness, everything Fenghuang Down creates in his illusions is indistinguishable from reality. The strength of the attacks, the inflicted damage... every detail tricks your brain into believing it's real. It's different from the memory training system inside St. Freya Academy."

After finishing her words, Fu Hua looked up, feeling something, waved her hand, and the illusionary creatures still fighting with Kiana disappeared instantly. "Kiana, today's training ends here. There are movements on the side of the Herrscher of the Void. I need to go..."

Kiana: "?"

"Class monitor, class monitor?!"

...

The night had passed, and the weather was perfect today. The sun was shining brightly, a gentle breeze blowing, creating a peaceful atmosphere. It contrasted with the current turbulent situation in the city of Arc.

The sunlight shining through the window pierced the white-haired girl's eyes, causing her eyelashes to tremble slightly. She opened her eyes, subconsciously shielding them with her hand, took a moment to adjust before looking outside.

Rubbing her eyes, Kiana looked at the bright scenery outside the window and suddenly froze.

"Huh?"

Somewhat incredulous, Kiana suddenly sat up from the bed, as if struck by lightning, and began to carefully observe her surroundings.

A strange ceiling, an unfamiliar room layout, an unfamiliar bed...

This wasn't her room, right?

[Ahahaha~] The voice of the Herrscher's consciousness echoed in her mind, Kiana was puzzled, but just felt annoyed.

"Why are you laughing?" Kiana frowned, questioning.

[Kiana, guess whose room this is?]

"..." Kiana fell silent, scrutinizing the room's layout. First ruling out the possibility of her own room, there was perhaps only one possibility left...

"What did you do?!" Kiana gritted her teeth, clenching the thin blanket tightly. Under Kiana Kaslana's tremendous strength, the seemingly frail blanket appeared somewhat powerless, revealing the painful mask-like wrinkles on her face.

[Ahahaha, secret~★] The Herrscher's mood was obviously very good, and she didn't attempt to forcibly take over Kiana's body. She merely played around with her words, leaving Kiana somewhat puzzled.

"Class monitor, is the class monitor here?" Kiana called in her mind, but received no response. Although her heart sank slightly, she still forced herself to remain calm in this sudden situation.

Calm, calm. First, analyze the current situation.

After waking up, finding herself in Chase's bed, but with her clothes intact, it seemed that nothing inappropriate happened during that time. The class monitor suddenly disappeared during training, likely related to her Herrscher consciousness...

[Your class monitor can't help you this time~] The Herrscher's consciousness murmured in her ear. Kiana had lost the mood to argue with her, or rather, she had long since gotten used to it.

The Herrscher's consciousness never missed a chance to seize control of her body, and her mind was always in a tense state, fearing that any moment of negligence would allow the Herrscher of the Void to take over.

Although the Herrscher of the Void's verbal attacks were fierce, it seemed she had no intention of taking over Kiana's body now, which made Kiana breathe a sigh of relief while feeling strange.

What happened last night?

Just as Kiana was thinking, the black-haired youth entered the room, holding some snacks and smiling as he greeted Kiana.

"S... Ah, now it's Kiana. Do you want some snacks? I just made them, and they're still warm."

Kiana's gaze wandered around Chase and finally settled on the snacks in his hands. Unconsciously licking her lips, hesitating for a moment, she nodded.

Sure, I'm a bit hungry now...

....

Sitting at the dining table in the living room, Kiana used a small spoon to dig into the caramel pudding. She ate slowly, occasionally looking at Chase, wearing a look of wanting to say something but holding back.

Although the caramel was sweet, its delicate smoothness slid over the tongue, leaving a lingering aftertaste. While the pudding was delicious, its sweet fragrance filled her mouth, bringing a sense of tranquility. In the past, if Kiana had tasted such a delicacy, she would have praised it profusely and shamelessly begged for more, just like she did back at St. Freya.

However, now, for Kiana, it wasn't a time to appreciate delicious food.

Her gaze lingered on Chase, occasionally shifting away, like a fish in the sea avoiding someone's arrival, swimming away in a hurry.

"Hmmm? Is the snack not to your taste?" Chase felt a bit uncomfortable under her gaze and asked.

Kiana shook her head.

"Is it that the portion is not satisfying enough?" Chase asked again.

Once again, Kiana shook her head.

"..." Chase fell silent, smiled helplessly, and said, "Kiana, you can ask directly what you want to know."

As if relieved of a heavy burden, Kiana finally hesitated and asked, "What happened last night?"

"You awakened as a Herrscher, and I suppressed it back." Chase answered casually. As if sensing the worry in the girl's heart, he paused and added, "Fu Hua probably expended too much energy and temporarily fell back into slumber. She'll be fine after some time. Kiana, you don't need to worry too much."

Kiana nodded, fell silent for a moment, and then slowly asked, "You didn't get hurt, did you?"

"Just a tsundere little sister, no combat capability at all." Chase chuckled, his tone teasing. His pitch-black, deep eyes stared into Kiana's eyes as if seeing through the Herrscher's will within her consciousness.

Kiana understood the Herrscher of the Void's personality very well. The noble Queen of the Void did not allow herself to be belittled or questioned. She would punish those who showed disrespect, even though Kiana currently lacked control over her body. But it didn't stop the Herrscher from talking and holding grudges.

At this moment, she might release harsh words, insisting on taking control of her body, and teach Chase a lesson?

Kiana thought, but soon her thoughts were shattered.

Indeed, the Herrscher of the Void did respond, but not in the way she expected. Instead...

[Hmph.]

Just a light snort, as if saying nothing, yet as if saying everything.

Kiana: ???

Kiana couldn't help but feel incredulous. Was this in line with etiquette? Where is the nobility, the dignity of the Queen of the Void?

What kind of nearly default attitude was this?

Kiana felt that her worldview had been slightly shaken. She extended her fair fingers, pressed against her temple, praying that this action could relieve her slightly throbbing head.

She was a bit confused now and needed some time to calm down.

"Look at yourself, Kiana. Do you believe me now?" Chase smiled, "I've said I'm S-rank's Sirin's brother, even if not in this world, at least in hers."

"Moreover, she also has memories of another Sirin, doesn't she?" Chase smiled and asked rhetorically.

"..." Kiana nodded silently, thinking in her heart. If she had met Chase earlier, would the outcome be different?

At least, Himeko Teacher wouldn't have died...

Kiana's gaze dimmed for a moment. A hand was placed on her shoulder. She lifted her head, meeting Chase's gaze.

"Let's have breakfast first."

Kiana's pupils flickered for a moment, nodding.

All past events are just prologue to what is about to come...