Whose youth romance story begins with a witch's trial?!

Arisa gripped Chang Rong's hand tightly once more. A glimmer of light gradually appeared in her crimson eyes, and glistening tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to fall at any moment.

"Don't cry, Arisa. Your future, like the magic you possess, will surely be vibrant and warm, a light that dispels darkness. Hehe, I was a little too rowdy today... Go get some sleep—"

The boy trembled as he wiped the tears from Arisa's eyes with his fingers, then mustered his last strength to force a smile before lying motionless on the hospital bed.

"Chang Rong...! No, don't leave... Wake up, you can't just leave like this— Waaah...!"

"I have no regrets in my life."

With a final word carried on the breeze, the white-haired boy before us departed for another world.

"Is it really necessary to take this so seriously, Onii-chan...!!"

The somber and solemn atmosphere was broken by the sarcastic remarks of Sawatari Coco, who had been acting as a third wheel since the beginning.

"Hoo-hoo—that felt great! This was such a good performance, Arisa, yoshi yoshi yoshi—"

Chang Rong, who was originally lying on the bed like a cat, instantly 'came back to life' after hearing Ze Du Ke Ke's吐槽 (tu cao, a Chinese internet slang term for sarcastic remarks). Then, she directly hugged Arisa next to her with both hands and frantically rubbed Arisa's body all over while saying "yo-shi" (a Chinese internet slang term for a masochistic gesture).

"No, stop torturing me like this... Wouldn't it be better to go to Hasumi about this..."

Arisa's cheeks turned red from Chang Rong's touch. Embarrassed and shy, she tried to lower her head and hide under her hood, but Chang Rong continued to rub her cheeks relentlessly.

"A different Arisa! Although Rhea-sama's performance is very impressive, and some of her physical movements are more precise and rich, firstly, her overly formal performances sometimes fall short of the raw and innocent performances of amateurs, and secondly, I can't help but laugh when I see her."

"If Rhea hears what Onii-chan said, we might see her berserk form at tomorrow's ceremony."

"Please don't tell her!!" Chang Rong hurriedly begged Keycap for mercy, knowing that her life was already in danger and there was no need to add more dirt to her.

"So... this is your wish, Chang Rong...? It feels a little strange, and it's not very auspicious..."

Arisa pulled her head out of Chang Rong's frantic rubbing and asked softly, somewhat reluctantly.

After being crushed into the infirmary by Sherry with a steel coil (?), and then told Meruru a story until she fainted, Chang Rong woke up to see Arisa, the founder of the "Witch Island One-Day Emperor" event, and her younger sister, Sawatari Coco.

The reason why the two of them just created this scene is precisely because of the idea of ​​"acting out a final farewell scene together," which is also the wish that Chang Rong made to Arisa.

"Hmph, you should know that every Sigma man harbors this dream! After a desperate battle where he gives his all and burns himself out, he can slowly pass away in the arms of his comrades with a satisfied smile—I've wanted to experience that scene for a long time!"

Chang Rong excitedly explained to Arisa that it wasn't just Tono Hannah who dreamed of being a princess; she herself also dreamed of being a Sigma man.

"Besides... considering tomorrow's ceremony, this is kind of a rehearsal for me, and it might actually come in handy..."

Chang Rong's expression instantly aged 30 years, and her previous radiant appearance seemed like an illusion.

"It shouldn't be that bad, Onii-chan... Although everyone is definitely eager to participate, since it's a ritual concerning the safety of humanity and everyone, they'll probably all hold back...?"

Zedu Coco had also learned some information from others, and knew that Chang Rong was somewhat anxious about the upcoming 'final battle'. However, now that she was already very old, she simply couldn't bring herself to lie to Chang Rong and say things like, "It's okay, take a deep breath, it will be over soon."

"Restrain? Those guys aren't just restraining themselves, they're practically teaming up to do something big! You've probably heard what they're planning to do to Xiaoxue during the ceremony, haven't you!"

Having finally found an outlet for her frustration, Chang Rong immediately began to complain loudly to Ze Du Ke Ke.

"Waaaaah... Onii-chan, even if you tell me all this, I still..."

"Regarding Chang Rong, your relationship with that great witch... Although I had my doubts and hesitations, in the end, it seems we 'prospective witches' created by her must put an end to our relationship with the original great witch, no matter what the method is," Arisa Fujito replied seriously.

"No matter what method is used, it shouldn't be to treat me like a trophy to be flaunted and mocked...!"

"No, it's okay, Onii-chan! I believe in Onii-chan who can spin me like a top and turn me into a satellite. If it's you, you can definitely overcome this obstacle and successfully complete the ritual for everyone, right, Nyan!"

"Uh...that...sorry, it was me who did it when I had amnesia, it had nothing to do with me."

Zedu Coco's words, seemingly encouraging but actually complaining, made Chang Rong awkwardly rub his hair. Although he felt very annoyed, he couldn't find a reason to refute her. After all, if he were a girl, having finally mustered the courage to take that step towards the person he liked, risking everything to finally confess his feelings, only to be whipped around like a spinning top before his feet touched the ground... he certainly couldn't stand it either.

"I've always believed in you, Chang Rong. You possess the ability to create incredible miracles, a power far more precious than any magic. If it's Chang Rong... although I can't truly serve you until I'm satisfied, I will strive to keep my fighting spirit and witness it until the very last moment...!"

"That's right! Although I probably can't become Onii-chan's only true love, but... if Onii-chan defeats everyone and achieves a draw, I will still be Onii-chan's irreplaceable and only number one sister in the world!"

Arisa Fujito also stared intently at Chang Rong with wide eyes. The two girls, one on each side, both cast trusting glances at Chang Rong. This scene of unconditional trust and life-and-death commitment between those being protected is a dream come true for countless Sigma men.

However, these two girls believed that they could fight their way to the end in the massive 1 vs 13 ceremony, which just sounded weird no matter how you looked at it...

"--Well, it's too late to be confused or worried now. They're just 13 prospective witches. I'll push them back!"

"Onii-chan is full of energy again! Well then, to celebrate Onii-chan regaining his fighting spirit, I, as his little sister, will do my best to comfort him—"

"The familiar Chang Rong is back. Well then, this humble lady will prepare today's etiquette lesson—"

"Whoa, don't just suddenly come up to me like that!?"

One second the girl is wholeheartedly cheering herself on, the next she's suddenly possessed by fate and forced to run away tragically. Even her own sister and Arisa can't escape. This is the true darkness of Witch Island...

In any case, the original plan to get some mysterious little pills from Meruru has completely failed, and the plan to use his eloquence to persuade the prospective witches to go easy on him has also had the opposite effect because of 'this rabbit is standing there breathing and trying to seduce me!' The hostile attitude between him and the Great Witch has not eased in the slightest.

Now that things have come to this, all I can do is pet the cat for the most enjoyable time in the world, and then silently wait for Judgment Day to arrive.

Chang Rong beckoned the overjoyed Hakimi to come into her arms, and the two lay down on the bed in the infirmary. Ze Du Ke Ke curled up contentedly, enjoying Chang Rong's gentle stroking of her head, and didn't do anything out of line.

"Onii-chan—after the ceremony is over, could we find some time like now, just the two of us, so you can hold me like this?"

Coco looked up at Chang Rong, her orange eyes shining with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. Chang Rong responded by rubbing her even harder.

"Don't ask such obvious questions. Coco is so cute, how could I possibly let her go?"

"...Hehe, although there were some frictions and misunderstandings at the beginning, I really like you the most."

Having received Chang Rong's expected reply, Ze Du Ke Ke smiled contentedly, then nestled obediently in Chang Rong's arms again, taking off her headphones and gently rubbing her hair against him.

He thought this sleep would be very long, as agonizing as the night before the college entrance exam, but to Chang Rong's surprise, perhaps because Ze Du Ke Ke's even breathing helped him fall asleep, he easily drifted off to sleep again.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

-

"Everyone's been waiting for you two."

This time, it was Xiluona's cold words that woke Chang Rong up.

"Hmm... Is it dawn yet?"

Chang Rong groggily opened her eyes, rubbing them as she gestured for Hakimi in her arms to get up as well.

"You can wash up later. Anyway, everyone will need to rest after the ceremony. You can soak in the shower as much as you want without anyone bothering you—cough cough. Anyway, don't dawdle, get up now!"

Hiro coughed twice to cover the blush on his cheeks, and at the same time, without saying a word, he grabbed Zedu Coco and urged the two of them to come to the reception room.

The reception room was once again filled with prospective witches. The girls all looked at Coco, who was walking with Chang Rong. Their gazes were incredibly intense, like data cables choking Coco and making it hard for her to breathe.

It wasn't until Zetsu Coco placed her hand on the hilt of the ritual sword, and the sword emitted a red light signifying 'qualification', that the women's gazes cooled down. At the same time, various incredibly plastic dialogues rang out, such as "I knew Coco wouldn't run away" and "After all, she's Coco, she'll definitely keep her promise."

"Magic power, level three—Ze Du Coco is qualified. Everyone's witch factor has met the standard. Thank you all for your cooperation over the past five days. Now that all conditions have been met, the final witch trial will officially begin."

As Hiro spoke, the gazes of the prospective witches all focused on Chang Rong. They smiled and moved closer to Chang Rong, stroking her hands and patting her back.

"Chang Rong-jun...you have to do your best! Both Chang Rong-jun and I have to work hard!"

"Idiot rabbit, this is the last one. Prepare with your best spirit. I believe in you."

"Hehehe~ A three-day absence is a refund without question. Just wait and see the results of my intensive training, Watson!"

"The sky is my domain. This time, I will not let you escape again, you foolish knight...!"

"I...I will not lose to my older sister, Chang Rong, I will prove it to her!"

"If you feel overwhelmed, come to my place for a little escape. I'll comfort you, okay?"

"This time, I will definitely live up to all the principles of being a wife, and I will serve you well. Please believe me...!"

"Hehehe, the script for victory has already been written. From the very beginning, the only one who can be the true winner is me! Please keep a close eye on me, my number one fan!"

"This time, Hiro won't be there to make you call for help... You silly Rongrong, it's time to put into practice the filial piety that Noah learned...!"

"Onii-chan, hehehe... I'm going to record the scene of us being all lovey-dovey and keep it for the rest of my life, meow!"

"Oh my, he looks so resigned. Looks like he's going to have a wonderful experience, my dear husband~?"

"I am the strongest, I am now in 30x endurance mode, I can trample Hero underfoot, I am the highest mountain and the longest river in this upcoming ritual... (self-hypnotizing)"

"sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss~~~"

"Um... Lady Changrong, this day has truly arrived. Although it feels like a dream, it's real, a reality without any magical interference, right? I will definitely try my best, for Lady Changrong, for atonement, for everyone, for the Great Witch...!" [Coo coo coo... That's it. Everyone's enthusiasm is incredibly high; they really want to see Master give her a witch trial right away. Please end this cruel cycle, Mr. Changrong.]

"Everyone--"

The words of the crowd became a source of strength, constantly inspiring Chang Rong's heart. He felt the warm gazes behind him and the purest blessings from everyone.

There's nothing to be afraid of anymore! Whether it's a light snowfall, Sukuna, Axis, Musashi, a helicopter, or a marathon, I'll gladly face it all!

—Honestly, is it too late to run away now?

Before Chang Rong could even consider the possibility of running away, he was already surrounded and pushed to the front of the courtroom.

It seems this is the end... the final witch's trial.

------

Thanks to Chenguang for the generous gift of the salted fish spike!

I have a stomach ache and need to take a day off.

I guess I'm not really suited to eating Chocliz... my stomach is acting up again.

This book feels like it's nearing its end, and to be honest, I'm a little hesitant about whether to write an epilogue. Sometimes, forcing it to the end can actually lead to everyone parting on bad terms. Leaving it open-ended seems like a good idea.

Continuing the story might lead to a vicious cycle of poor performance – lack of motivation – inconsistent updates – even worse performance, ultimately making it better to end it early.

I probably won't be writing individual "what if" scenarios, but I'm having some trouble deciding whether to gloss over what happens to each character after they leave Witch Island or to describe it separately.

305. The strongest male demon in history VS. the strongest female demon in modern times!

The solemn and dignified courtroom was as heavy as ever, with an almost oppressive atmosphere. Even the light streaming in from the surrounding stained glass did little to ease the tension.

This is the place where witches are judged, executed, and imprisoned; it is the final resting place where countless aspiring witches, filled with suspicion and fighting among themselves, ultimately meet their end.

The pillar rising from the very center of the courtroom, resembling a burning rack, was enough to make one feel a tightness in the chest and make even breathing difficult, simply by standing still.

At this very moment, in the very center of that area, stood a boy with short white hair.

—Although I've been here many times, this is the first time I've seen it from this perspective, and I have to say... it feels quite strange.

Standing in the center of the courtroom, Chang Rong looked around and muttered to himself.

Whether it was during the early days or in the second timeline, Chang Rong was always on the outer witness stand or even the judge's bench whenever she came to the courtroom. The only time she stood in the center of the courtroom like she is now was when she forcibly interrupted the witch's execution in order to save Coco.

It must be said that different perspectives lead to different states of mind, and may even cause the person involved to feel differently at that moment.

If I had to pinpoint the biggest difference... it would definitely be the circle of prospective witches surrounding me!