Apocalypse Forecast

Chapter 437 - 377 Li's Departure and Reunion_1

As the death knell resounded, beyond the Current Circumstances, the ephemeral bubble that had existed for but a single night met its rupture.

Innumerable complex illusions dissipated. In the empty world, the ancient Creator slowly looked back, contemplating all she had created in her life.

Now, everything would pass away with her. This was her final, lingering moment.

When she turned around, she saw the slender figure that had appeared there at some unknown time. A black gown flowed like water upon the ground, with red-gold embroidery outlining intricate crests that conveyed profound mysteries…

So many years had passed, yet she seemed unchanged, her smile just as before.

On closer inspection, it was hard to glimpse her face. One's gaze would simply get lost in that thin halo of light, unable to retain any impression or memory.

But one could feel a solemnity that subdued the Soul.

"Hey, long time no see!"

The woman who appeared suddenly smiled, gesturing with her hand.

"Indeed," Evelyn nodded, sighing softly. "Long time no see… It's a pity that the time I have left is so short, truly regrettable."

She patted the ground beside her. "Do you mind sitting with me for a while?"

"Of course not."

The newcomer came forward and sat beside her. Looking at the wrinkles on her face, her eyes filled with pity. "You have worked hard all these years."

The old woman shrugged nonchalantly. "For Utopia, isn't this part of the duty?"

"Utopia has already dissolved, just like an ideal. I warned you on the day it was founded."

"But the mission continues, doesn't it?"

The old woman chuckled softly, opened her backpack, and took out the box she had carried for many years, handing it over. "This, I planned to give to you—I originally thought I wouldn't have the chance, but it's wonderful to be able to see you."

The box opened.

It was dazzling Gold, a holy tree that appeared to have grown from the Gold itself, and enclosed within this elongated box was but one of its branches.

After so many years, it still emanated a hint of indomitable vitality, its fragrance remained fresh.

The visitor was stunned and looked up incredulously. "You found this specifically for me?"

The old woman shook her head. "Just along the way, don't feel indebted."

"…Thank you for your efforts."

The box was carefully closed. She sighed softly, "At the very least, there is an added possibility."

"Getting a thank you from you isn't easy at all," the old woman laughed heartily, patting her knees. "Even though it was tough, being thanked by you just once almost makes it seem like not too bad a loss."

"How about considering it as a sacrifice to the God?"

Long arms affectionately wrapped around the old woman's shoulders as she asked, "Is there anything else I can do for you? Wish boldly, I'm not stingy…"

"That's all."

The old woman shook her head, then after thinking, added, "Since it's rare to meet you, just stay with me a little longer, how about that?"

"Isn't that a matter of course?"

She embraced the old woman's increasingly weary body, tenderly staying by Evelyn's side.

Both silently gazed upon the shattered form of Dreamland, watching as the sky gradually faded, the earth collapsed, disappearing into the darkness…

From the cracks of the bubble, the magnificent light of the Current Circumstances beamed through.

That light, as beautiful as a rainbow, reflected in the old woman's eyes, making her pupils seem to ignite—radiant and flawless.

There was no sense of loss, nor any regrets.

She just quietly gazed at the world she had spent her life guarding, as if seeing that magnificent spectacle for the very first time.

Her childlike, pure eyes twinkled with light.

"Look—"

She murmured in fascination, "How beautiful this world is."

"Yes,"

The gentle voice by her side softly intoned, "Look how the swaying world bears the heavens, look at the land, the seas, and the vast sky. Look how all things sing for the years to come… This is the world you pioneered, an era that truly belongs to you."

"This is the honor and reputation you rightfully deserve in your life," that solemn yet gentle voice told her. "I will witness you, just as you once witnessed me."

At this, the old woman smiled, content in heart and Soul.

As the mournful bell's lingering echo gradually faded in the distance, a fissure silently appeared on the old woman's face.

"Is it my time now?"

"…Yes."

A pair of arms gently embraced her, caressing her white hair, tenderly saying farewell, "Goodbye, my little Cheshire cat."

"Shouldn't it be farewell forever?"

The old woman smiled, breathing out a long sigh. "Farewell then, my friend, farewell…"

In the silence following the bell, she fell into a Deep Sleep.

Together with the ephemeral bubble, she sank into an eternal, beautiful dream, never to awaken.

.

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Huai Shi finally opened his eyes.

He felt thirst and weakness, along with waves of grogginess.

It was like the aftermath of heavy drinking; he felt involuntarily drained, his Source Substance depleted. The toll of the Witch's Night had been too great; even with his abundant Source Substance, he now suffered from a splitting headache.

He had no idea where he was.

Then, he saw the saddlebag that had appeared beside him at some unknown point, along with his familiar fingertips and the familiar ceiling.

He was home.

It feels like another lifetime.

Though time had sped up, the long and drawn-out experiences still left him with an indescribable weariness, lethargy, and a deep sense of confusion.

Am I in a dream or reality? Am I the child from the past, or the Giant Beast from just now, the youth of today? He couldn't tell.

In the midst of lengthy contemplation, a fair hand suddenly reached over, holding a cup and interrupting his daze, pulling him back to reality.

"Coffee, just brewed, want some?"

Looking up, he saw that impeccably exquisite face and the smile at the corner of her mouth.

Huai Shi couldn't help but remark, "It's rare to see you like this."

"I was meeting an old friend, so I had to put on some makeup," Raven shrugged. "You look like you gained quite a lot, huh? Want some coffee? The kind with a sleeping draught."

Huai Shi climbed out of bed. He didn't take the teacup, but couldn't resist spreading his arms and hugging her tightly.

Raven stiffened as if startled.

"I haven't seen you in so long, I'm almost not used to it anymore." Huai Shi awkwardly released her, realizing his impulsiveness. Then he earnestly told her, "Thank you."

"Hmm?"

Raven looked away and took a sip from the cup. "I don't recall doing any good deeds, though?"

Oh no. She suddenly realized she'd forgotten about the sleeping pills in the coffee...

However, Huai Shi left her there, dashed out of the basement, ran to the living room, and shouted toward the kitchen, "Uncle Fang, I'm back!"

"Ah, Young Master, welcome back." The apron-clad old man popped his head out. "Breakfast will be ready soon. Would you like your eggs well-done or..."

Before he finished speaking, Huai Shi rushed over and gave him a firm hug.

The old man was stunned for a moment, then became somewhat embarrassed. "Did something happen?"

"No, nothing. I'm just very grateful, that's all." Huai Shi stepped back two paces and waved. "I have to go out now; something urgent came up. I'll be back for lunch."

"Ah, Young Master, wait a moment, at least take your..."

Before Uncle Fang could finish, Huai Shi had already grabbed his coat and pushed the door open. He dashed off, dragging his newly repaired bicycle, and began pedaling furiously.

He headed to the city center. He didn't know how Fu Yi was doing, or whether she faced any danger or problems. He had to find out, or he'd remain uneasy.

The newly repaired bicycle creaked under the rough pedaling as Huai Shi sped on his way, blazing into the city center. He didn't even bother to park the bike properly, just leaving it beside the steps as he rushed into the hotel.

"Room check."

Without a chance to explain, Huai Shi slapped his ID on the front desk. "Hurry up. Fu Yi—she's staying here, right?"

This time, the receptionist unexpectedly didn't doubt his age. Perhaps they were convinced by the persuasive power of the soul connection. The receptionist quickly pulled up the records, then paused.

"What's wrong?" Huai Shi frowned. "She's not here?"

I definitely brought her to the hotel yesterday.

"No, Ms. Fu Yi indeed stayed here last night," the receptionist looked up, puzzled. "She checked out five minutes ago. She must have just left."

They had just missed each other.

Huai Shi was stunned for a long time.

However, according to the receptionist, Fu Yi seemed fine and was full of energy, so she was presumably unharmed.

But to run off without so much as a word... doesn't she consider me a good brother at all? This suddenly made Huai Shi feel a bit down.

Stepping out of the hotel, he finally felt a wave of exhaustion. He sat on the steps, staring blankly at the bustling traffic in the distance.

The doorman didn't know what he was planning. However, seeing his ID, he didn't dare to usher him away and could only stand in the distance, watching worriedly.

In the silence, light footsteps approached from behind.

A rather sturdy-looking dog walked over. It passed by his side, stopped, then skillfully lifted a hind leg and urinated, leaving behind a pungent puddle.

Finally, its tail wagged proudly and swept past Huai Shi's nose.

Even a dog is bullying me! Huai Shi snapped out of his daze, suddenly furious. But when he looked closely, he froze.

This classic black and white coloration... these icy blue eyes... this rebellious gaze and devilish grin... not to mention a build that's slightly too large... Why does it look so familiar? And why is this damn dog looking at me with such disdain?!

"Ah, Huai Shi! Huai Shi! Don't run off!"

From the direction of the parking garage, a frantic voice cried out, "Come back here! Ah, why did you pee now! I'm sorry, I haven't bought a leash yet... Oh, Huai Shi, how come you're here?"

"..."

Huai Shi turned, feeling despondent. He looked at a flustered Fu Yi and then at the Husky frolicking at her feet. He pointed at the dog, then back at himself. "Which one are you calling?"

"...That's a long story."

Fu Yi reached out awkwardly, roughly grabbed the tail that had been brushing against Huai Shi's face, and dragged the Husky back.

The Husky, having completed its mischief, even flashed Huai Shi a triumphant, wicked grin, revealing a mouthful of small, sharp teeth with a metallic sheen.

The Giant Beast in a dog's skin sneezed, then sat down obediently next to Fu Yi, its noble head held high. Its icy blue eyes were bright and dignified, looking utterly magnificent.

In an awkward silence, Fu Yi gestured towards the rope peeking out from Huai Shi's saddlebag. "Can I borrow that rope?" she asked. "It just gnawed someone's bumper to pieces..."

Huai Shi looked down, opened his saddlebag, and saw the collar inside. He then looked at the dog before him.

He was stunned for a long time.

His expression gradually became quite interesting.

Eventually, the young man's shoulders shook, and he couldn't help but laugh loudly. It was as if he had finally understood this little joke from Fate. He was irrepressibly amused.

.

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[Directive Hint · Part Three: Always be friends with Fu Yi.]