Chapter 159: Sakura: "The Offer Ellie Made You, I Can Provide Too"

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"A wise choice."

With evident admiration, as if Raiden Mei's choice was truly voluntary, Ana said:

"Then let your journey through your own Garden of Eden begin."

She paused momentarily, a hint of wistfulness appearing on her face, along with a touch of envy in her gaze.

"But speaking of it, Raiden Mei, you truly are enviable, like a favorite of fate. For you, those hardships actually represent countless opportunities, and remarkably, you've managed to seize them..."

Raiden Mei fell silent, unsure how to respond to Ana's sentiments.

"Forget it, forget it. Consider it just some meaningless grumbling." Ana waved her hand with a soft sigh.

Indeed, it was mere grumbling. Throughout her existence, she had always felt like walking on thin ice. In comparison, Raiden Mei's path seemed significantly smoother, which at times did indeed evoke feelings of envy in Ana.

"Go ahead; the Heroic Spirits are quite approachable, much like Ellie. They're genuinely delightful individuals. Even Kevin shares this trait. I'm confident you'll be able to build good relationships with them."

With that, Ana's figure gradually dissipated before Raiden Mei.

"Well then, take care, see you later, Mei!"

As Ana vanished, Elysia also appeared eager, showing signs of impatience.

"Yes, see you later."

Raiden Mei tactfully remained silent, understanding that her presence might have been interrupting their intimate moment. It really was... somewhat awkward.

Thus, Raiden Mei embarked on her solo exploration within the Elysian Realm. After traversing several areas, she soon encountered two new Anchor Points simultaneously.

After some deliberation, she chose one of them.

As space distorted around her, when Raiden Mei regained her bearings, she found herself face-to-face with a familiar person.

"Hello, successor. My name is Hua, bearer of the Midlife Engraving... I will assist you in becoming acquainted with it."

"Class Monitor?" Raiden Mei blurted out involuntarily, surprised to see Fu Hua here.

"Hmm?"

In response to Raiden Mei's call, Hua displayed a puzzled expression.

"Do not be astonished. Fu Hua is both a Harbinger and the executor of the Spark Project, known as the Red Kite Immortal who guarded Shenzhou for millennia. However, the memory fragment updates in this place ceased 50,000 years ago," Ana's voice suddenly interjected, patiently explaining to Raiden Mei.

"My existence can be considered the final patch for the Elysian Realm, naturally driven by my own will. I have also attempted to update Hua's memories, replacing those of Fu Hua." Ana paused briefly.

"However, due to Fenghuang Down's properties and her innate characteristics, Hua frequently resets her memories. In other words, she is entirely unaware of the future you know about. Of course, the other Heroic Spirits are already informed."

"I see," Raiden Mei nodded, grasping the situation as she gazed at Hua before her.

Before Raiden Mei could respond further, Ana approached Hua, striking up a conversation.

"Hey, Hua? Do you remember me?"

"Yes, hello, Ana. Rest assured, I won't reset my memories concerning you."

"Wow, does that mean I'm truly unique to you?" Ana chuckled, her face displaying a mischievous expression.

"Theoretically, yes." Hua replied calmly, stating it matter-of-factly. Although she sensed something slightly odd about her response, her character and habits compelled her to answer this way.

"That's wonderful! I hope the 'you' in the Present World will always remember me like this too." Ana laughed softly.

Upon hearing these words, Raiden Mei felt unexpectedly emotional, nearly on the verge of tears for some reason. However, she managed to hold back, maintaining a composed facade.

"Certainly, as you've said, you are an important friend to me." Hua nodded earnestly.

"But I said you're my important friend, Hua. Come on, even you can't misremember things."

Shaking her head slightly with exasperation, Ana then turned to Raiden Mei behind them.

"Here she is—Hua. Although quite different from Red Kite in many ways, their essence remains the same. Fu Hua has merely made a few more life choices than Hua; they're both equally approachable, aren't they?"

"Yes," Raiden Mei nodded, feeling the surge of newfound power within her as she gazed at Hua before her.

"Thank you for your help. We... should meet again, right?"

Raiden Mei wanted to express similar sentiments to Ana but felt it unnecessary. She yearned to learn more about Ana's past and story, just as she did with Class Monitor's. It seemed essential for her to understand these connections.

"You must endure until that moment arrives. This place is far more perilous than you imagine; vigilance is paramount." Hua spoke gravely, rarely displaying such seriousness.

"Hua, there's no need to be so stern. Mei is my student and a powerful Herrscher; she knows what she must do." Ana smiled reassuringly, subtly defending Raiden Mei against Hua's concerns.

"I hope so." Fu Hua sighed, casting a concerned glance at Raiden Mei.

Raiden Mei could sense Fu Hua's unease; after all, she made no effort to hide her feelings. In response, Mei clenched her fists, silently resolving herself within her heart.

"Alright, alright then, shall we meet again at the Boule Chamber?"

With that, Ana waved goodbye to Fu Hua and agreed on their next rendezvous point, which caught Raiden Mei's attention.

"As you acquire more engravings, Heroic Spirits residing in the Garden of Eden will occasionally visit the garden here. When that happens, you can approach them with your questions."

Understanding Raiden Mei's thoughts, Ana preemptively explained without waiting for her inquiry.

"I see," Raiden Mei nodded, grasping what Ana meant.

"Well, well, let's reconvene later!"

Having provided her explanation, Ana waved once more before disappearing from beside Raiden Mei. Mei's eyes flickered slightly—both times, she hadn't sensed Ana's departure at all.

However, perhaps Ana didn't truly leave but was merely observing her discreetly, alongside Elysia.

Considering this, Raiden Mei felt a surge of energy within her. The sensation of being observed by her teacher - how should she describe it? Although not always pleasant, having someone familiar, especially her own mentor, amidst this entirely alien Elysian Realm was indescribably comforting. All she could say was, It's truly wonderful!

As for whether Ana continued observing from the shadows...

Indeed, Elysia was present, but Ana had temporarily stepped away, not too far from the vicinity.

In the Forgotten City, two figures swiftly darted through the streets, chasing each other relentlessly. After entangling for several seconds, they finally collided head-on.

Their ice-blue blades clashed, sparks flying. Undoubtedly, one of them was Ana, her face bearing a faint smile, appearing composed and almost villainous. Her opponent was a pink-haired woman with fox ears—none other than Sakura.

The glint of swords flashed amidst the cityscape, occasionally affecting nearby buildings, causing some to crumble or be sliced clean in half. It was evident that although seemingly just a sparring match, both combatants were fully committed.

This was quite typical, given Sakura's fencing style primarily revolved around life-or-death techniques, honed through countless assassination missions. Naturally, even during this mentor-disciple assessment, she maintained the same intensity.

However, being in the Elysian Realm, any injuries sustained would have no lasting consequences.

In truth, Sakura herself craved such battles. Heroic Spirits rarely fought each other, as they were often well-acquainted with one another's capabilities. Conversely, engaging opponents like Ana, who continually learn and improve, gave Sakura a genuine sense of facing formidable adversaries.

Moreover, skills like fencing require consistent practice and refinement. Even for an Assassin, regular combat is essential to maintain proficiency.

Now presented with this rare opportunity, Sakura naturally seized it wholeheartedly, eager for a satisfying duel.

As Raiden Mei entered the spatial anchor point at Shunra, she witnessed this spectacle: intertwining sword energies, merging ice and snow. Both Sakura and Ana possessed similar elemental attributes, causing their attacks' fluctuations to blanket the area in frost.

This scene offered Raiden Mei an entirely new perspective. The dazzling interplay of sword glows momentarily overwhelmed her vision. In terms of fencing prowess, Raiden Mei was quite competent; she hailed from the renowned Hokushin Ittō-ryū school, historically esteemed for its martial artistry.

However, when comparing swordsmanship mastery, Raiden Mei undoubtedly fell short of Sakura. After all, Sakura had reached unparalleled heights, capable of founding her own style.

However, what truly distinguished Sakura's swordsmanship was its relentless focus on life-or-death combat, honed for killing.

Sword styles like Hokushin Ittō-ryū, which have endured through generations, often incorporate some decorative elements. In contrast, Sakura's technique remained entirely pragmatic and devoid of any flourish.

Despite the dazzling display of sword glows, each strike she executed carried lethal intent beneath its surface.

The two engaged fiercely for quite some time until finally, their sparring session concluded. Ana and Sakura stood shoulder to shoulder, both emerging unscathed without a single scratch.

Indeed, it appeared as a draw based on the outcome.

Sakura landed gracefully, sheathing her sword with precision akin to a cherry blossom gently resting upon her shoulder. Ana's landing, though more casual, was equally steady, reminiscent of a dragonfly skimming across water.

As Raiden Mei observed Sakura, she felt momentarily disoriented, unsure how exactly Sakura had descended so seamlessly, creating an almost surreal sensation.

"Welcome to your trial, successor." The girl lifted her head, addressing Raiden Mei with a voice that was cool yet gentle, mirroring her appearance. One hand still rested on her sword hilt, ever ready for battle.

"My name is Sakura, existing here to pass on the techniques of 'Instantaneous' to the successor."

"Hello, my name is Raiden Mei."

Raiden Mei never hesitated to reciprocate kindness with her warmth.

"You two..."

Curiosity sparkled in Raiden Mei's eyes as she looked at Ana. She could appreciate the brilliance of their recent battle, surprised that Ana-sensei possessed such skills, which she had not anticipated.

Previously, Ana-sensei always used a riding lance.

"I am considered her fencing heir, somewhat like a half-disciple," Ana acknowledged Raiden Mei's thoughts candidly. "Sakura's swordsmanship holds immense value, both for practical combat and mastering Authorities. Therefore, I studied her techniques."

"But..."

"Hmm, perhaps you can also consider me a prodigy?"

"..."

Well, given Ana's own admission, Raiden Mei couldn't argue against it. After all, her teacher truly was a genius - undeniable and unnecessary to dispute.

"Your situation, Ana has already briefed me on," Sakura interjected from the side.

"For now, please accept these engravings. I'll likely adopt a gradual approach for your training."

"Hey, hey, Sakura, that's not what you told me back then," Ana frowned and hastily responded.

"Yes, which is why teaching her Shunra techniques will be entrusted to you." Sakura nodded, uttering something entirely unexpected by Ana.

"Wait, Sakura, you can't be serious?" Ana exclaimed, genuinely taken aback. This development was far beyond her imagination; entrusting it to her essentially meant having Ana recount Sakura's story.

In other words, Sakura would have to reveal all her memories without reservation.

"Of course, I am serious. In a sense, your skills have surpassed mine already. As for the rest, aren't you aware of everything?" Sakura replied nonchalantly.

"..."

Faced with Sakura's statement, Ana found herself at a loss for rebuttal. While what she said held truth, there were aspects that couldn't simply be dismissed like this.

Sakura had come as the final safeguard for this Elysian Realm, not to work here as a tutor—especially teaching her own student. What unfortunate fate is this?

"Whatever benefits Ellie promised you, I can offer the same," Sakura added.

"..."

Ana fell silent once more. After a moment, she rubbed her head and sighed.

"I feel like there might be some misunderstanding, but since we've reached this point, I'll agree provisionally. However, providing the necessary explanations will still be your responsibility."

"That's fine," Sakura replied promptly. With one last glance at Raiden Mei, her figure vanished from the Elysian Realm.

Watching Sakura depart, Raiden Mei remained silent, merely blinking. She vaguely sensed that Sakura's decision might have been influenced by their recent match, although she had no concrete evidence. Nevertheless, entrusting the guidance on Shunra Engraving to Ana wasn't entirely unacceptable.

It did, however, pique her curiosity about Ana even further.

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