In Tokyo, building the Holy Light Girls team

Even within the Illuminati, they seem to be quite mysterious, known only for their combat power far exceeding that of ordinary members, and for their every appearance inevitably accompanied by death and crisis!

For Xia Mu, this was the first time he had felt a threat up close from an existence far exceeding the level of dangerous species and resembling a forbidden species. It was precisely because of this that he couldn't understand why such an existence would deliberately appear here, and why it would specifically sense him regarding the so-called "prophecy"...

Of course, Xia Mu had suspected more than once that, based on his understanding of the Illuminati's "characteristics," it might also be a trap.

After all, he possesses the only known power of holy light capable of suppressing the power of ghosts. Beings with near-forbidden strength might hesitate to act rashly due to this concern, but the possibility seems rather low.

"So, what exactly is the reason..."

As Xia Mu muttered to himself, the surrounding sky had unknowingly turned to night.

A beam of light burning with flames rose from the ground in the distance, streaking across the sky like a shooting star. When it reached a certain height, it suddenly burst open, bursting forth with dazzling "flowers".

boom!

boom!

boom!

……

Fireworks painted the night sky with beautiful colors, the various hues complementing each other, instantly causing pedestrians below to stop and watch with expectant expressions.

"So beautiful..."

Sayuri spoke softly, while Shirashima and Rika beside her also looked up at the sky. Their eyes, reflecting the fireworks, sparkled with crystalline colors, as if they too were moved by the beautiful scene before them.

In their city of Tokyo, fireworks are rarely set off due to modernization. Even though there are various large-scale events throughout the year, fireworks displays of this scale are few and far between. At least in the memories of these girls, they have not seen many similar scenes.

The celebratory fireworks in Beihai are quite famous in the island nation. Even locals are amazed by the beautiful scene!

At this moment, Sayuri seemed to remember something, took out a camera from her pocket, walked forward and handed it to Kato Yuri, then turned around and nodded to Shirashima and Rika, as if the three of them had reached a consensus. The next second, they all looked at Natsuki, their eyes flashing with a red "fierce light"!

"Teacher Natsuki!!!"

While Natsuki was engrossed in watching the fireworks, she heard the sound and instinctively looked over. She then saw three girls rushing towards her!

Because it was so sudden, he couldn't react for a moment until the fragrance instantly filled his nostrils, and Xia Mu was already surrounded by a soft, jade-like body.

"Ms. Natsuki, shall we take a picture together?"

Xia Mu looked at the three girls, whose faces were full of anticipation. He chuckled and nodded in agreement: "Okay."

Upon hearing this, Sayuri's face immediately lit up with a smile. She turned to look at Kato Yuri and waved, saying, "Thank you so much, Aunt Yuri!"

Kato Yuri responded with a smile, "Ready? Here it comes!"

With a click, the heartwarming scene of three girls standing with a man was captured by the camera.

Their faces, radiating joy, reflected the warmth in their hearts, like the lingering glow of summer's afterglow, a warmth they could never forget.

……

Early the next morning.

Ta-da!

Hurried footsteps came from the stairwell. A girl with disheveled hair rushed down the stairs, shouting, "Mommy, Mommy, big brother, and Sayuri-neechan, they seem to be missing..."

When the girl arrived at the door, she saw Kato Yuri with her back to her. Looking further into the distance, she saw several figures waving goodbye. The girl was a little stunned, and after a while, she asked in an uncertain voice, "Mom, have the older brothers left already?"

Kato Yuri nodded, her expression somewhat wistful: "Yes, they've already left. Thinking back to the scene when they arrived, it seems like just yesterday. Time really flies!"

The next moment, she seemed to remember something important, and her gaze subconsciously turned to the girl. She saw that the girl was still wearing the item that Xia Mu and the others called the "sacred artifact." She frowned, about to scold, "Nanako..."

"mom!"

The girl's response made the young woman stop talking abruptly. Then she saw Nanako look up, her eyes revealing a light she had never seen before!

"Nanako understands everything that Brother Natsuki told me. The reason Mom doesn't let me have this thing is because she's worried about Nanako's safety!"

"Nanako already knows this, but I still want to say that her mother is also someone she can't let go of, and someone Nanako will do everything in her power to protect!"

"So, no matter how much Mom refuses, I will always stand firm in my beliefs. No matter what dangers we may face in the future, I will rely on this strength to protect you forever!"

The girl's words were like a thunderclap in the summer sky, exploding in Kato Yuri's heart. She looked at her daughter, whose eyes were filled with determination, with a rather surprised expression.

"Nanako..."

……

Chapter 150 Undercurrents

"Nanako..."

Kato Yuri stared blankly at the girl in front of her, as if it were the first time she had seen the other girl so determined.

The sea breeze blows, and the waves crash against the shore with a splashing sound.

Just when Nanako thought she might have to fight to the death to protect the [Sacred Relic]—

Unexpectedly, Kato Yuri suddenly walked over, squatted down, raised her wrist, and placed her other palm on the [Sacred Relic], her usually gentle voice ringing out once again.

"I agreed."

"Mom...Mom..."

Nanako couldn't believe it until she saw Kato Yuri's serious expression, then she asked uncertainly, "Is what you're saying true?"

"Of course it's true. Since my most cherished daughter has made such an important promise to me, as her mother, I have to support Nanako's decision. That's what makes a good mother, isn't it?"

"But...but..."

Nanako still remembers that when she expressed her thoughts earlier, Kato Yuri was still determined not to give in. She never expected that such a big change would happen in just one day!

Unbeknownst to her, during her dream last night, a man she called "Big Brother" had a long talk with Kato Yuri that lasted all night, which had already shaken the young woman's resolve.

It wasn't until just now, with the girl's resolute words, that Kato Yuri finally realized that perhaps it was time for her to trust her daughter...

"but--"

Kato Yuri changed the subject, smiling at Nanako's questioning gaze, "When it comes to protection, Mom is already a mature adult, she doesn't need Nanako to face it alone! So..."

She lifted the girl's hand and placed it on her forehead, looking into Nanako's eyes, and said earnestly again, "So, protecting the future, protecting life—such important things—really have to be faced by us, mother and daughter, together. What do you think?"

"Mother……"

At the same time, a curly-haired man far away on the road suddenly smiled inexplicably, which made Sayuri next to him look puzzled: "What's wrong, Natsuki-sensei?"

"nothing."

Xia Mu simply waved his hand, and sighed, "Indeed, relying solely on one's own strength is far from enough. Only by uniting with important people can one have the courage to face all dangers!"

"An important person..."

Sayuri pondered these words, then her eyes suddenly lit up: "I understand, Natsuki-sensei, have you finally decided to walk down the aisle with Sayuri?"

Natsuki didn't say anything, but Shiroshima chimed in, "Sayuri, Natsuki-sensei didn't mean that. Besides, we're still students. We're not old enough to get married yet!"

Sayuri immediately became furious: "What does it matter? As long as there is true love in my heart, no matter what dangers I may face in the future, Sayuri will never give up!"

Xia Mu's eyes darted around, and she suddenly said softly, "Oh? Speaking of which, it seems that Sayuri's class has some classes this afternoon. If that's the case, then I'd better give Sayuri a little more homework. After all, I'm sure Sayuri has already thought about how to deal with danger, right?"

Sayuri cried out in despair, "No, no!!!"

Shirashima and Rika were stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter together, and Natsuki also laughed heartily.

The cheerful laughter of several people, along with someone's desperate cry, were carried away by the howling sea breeze, then drifted into the air, gradually "blooming" towards the trajectory called the future—

……

Back in Tokyo, life returned to its previous rhythm.

The two-day trip didn't seem to bring much change, but Sayuri had already returned to her previous state, which was what Natsuki found most comforting.

After all, as members of the "Holy Light Team," Sayuri and the others inevitably have to fight against demons. Their low spirits will affect the battle to some extent, especially the power of the Holy Light, which will weaken uncontrollably, leading to unpredictable and dangerous consequences!

Therefore, seeing the smile return to the girl's face made the past two days quite worthwhile for Xia Mu. He also obtained a large number of soul crystals. Although the memories in the soul crystals did not contain any key information, they still increased the concentration of the cross necklace. Perhaps with just a few dangerous ghosts or soul crystals of that level, the necklace would be upgraded again!

Of course, Xia Mu only considered these thoughts. At present, he still knew far too little about the Illuminati. They operated in the shadows, while he was in the open. This difference in their positions meant Xia Mu couldn't completely abstain from danger, just like the powerful being he encountered in the North Sea who was a forbidden species-level being.

"...Xia Mu, can you hear me?"

A familiar voice rang in her ears. Xia Mu turned her head and saw a beautiful face looking at her with concern. She shook her head and said, "Sorry, I was just lost in thought."

Mai tilted her head, put her fingertip to her lips, and asked with a puzzled look, "Is it because of what happened in class, or...?"

Xia Mu understood what she meant, but didn't want Mai to get too involved yet, so he forced a smile, maintaining the same gentle tone as before: "Maybe so. By the way, have you finished grading your papers? At this hour... you'll probably have to get ready to wash up and go to bed when you get back!"

Hearing this, Mai quickly looked at the clock on the wall. It was already 7:30. She couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief and gave the other person a slightly reproachful look: "Natsuki, what are you talking about? It's still very early. Sleeping is too easy for people to misunderstand, isn't it?"

As she spoke, she stood with her hands on her hips, her upper body revealing a breathtaking curve. Even though Xia Mu had seen this pose countless times, he was still slightly mesmerized by it.

Only after hearing Mai's urging voice again did he cough and say, "In that case, let's go back as soon as possible. By the way, the lights in the gymnasium are still on at this hour, so is the school's girls' volleyball team still training...?"

As Xia Mu spoke, his gaze drifted to a spot outside the window, where a gleaming gymnasium sat quietly like a giant dragon within Tokyo Academy. It seemed that if one listened closely, one could almost hear the sounds of volleyballs hitting the ground emanating from within.

The camera pans down to Xia Mu's desk, where a photograph is neatly arranged. Above it, a white-haired girl, illuminated by the light, seems to radiate a faint glow as well.

……

Chapter 151

Tokyo Gakuen Gymnasium.

With the summer high school volleyball competition approaching, the women's volleyball team trained until very late. They only reluctantly ended their training session when the gatekeeper urged them to leave.

pat!

Turning off the lights in the last row, Shiroshima turned to look at everyone, and after scanning the room, took a deep breath and shouted, "Everyone, you've worked hard in training today!"

"The captain has worked hard too!"

The volleyball team responded in unison, then scattered in small groups and left the area.

"...Reiko-senpai, how was my smash just now? Wasn't it absolutely perfect, hahaha!"

"Not bad, not bad. If you grew a little taller, your spiking would be perfect. It's a pity that all your nutrients went to your chest. If you continue to grow, you might have trouble even jumping!"

"What?! Reiko-senpai actually said that about me? You're just jealous of my figure, am I right?"

"Damn it! If you keep talking, see how I punish you—"

"Wait, wait, it hurts, it hurts, Reiko-senpai, I was wrong, please don't..."