Sky Striker Princess, but the swan song of Valkyrie.

"Lingyi, are you happy?"

Chris walked up to Lingyi, reached out and took the cherry blossom petals that had fallen on her head, and asked this question for no apparent reason.

"Happy...yes, as long as you're happy, Chris."

Noticing Chris's question, Zero stopped what she was doing, thought for a moment, and then gave this answer that did not directly address the question.

"As long as I'm happy, what about you, Lingyi...? Shouldn't a date be something that makes both of you happy? What's the point if only I'm happy?"

This answer, however, caused Chris's previously uplifted mood to be dealt another blow by the cold reality, plunging her into despair.

She realized that the motivation behind the current Zero Clothes Action was completely different from before; it was now an action undertaken solely to make herself happy.

Subsequently, Chris realized that this date was ultimately just a substitute for those past scenes that had deteriorated to their lowest point, and that the so-called happiness she was experiencing was merely wishful thinking on her part.

Thinking about this, the initial joy suddenly became tasteless. After all, what I thought was a treasure that I had grasped was now just sand that I could not hold onto.

"Okay, that's good. Chris, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?"

After preparing for the camping and flower viewing, Lingyi turned to look at Chris and noticed that Chris's mood didn't seem as lively as before, so she asked her with concern.

Ah, but that's not something to worry about, is it? Anyway, that wasn't my initial goal. At first, I just wanted to confirm her feelings for me.

Without answering Zero's question, Chris was still immersed in her own thoughts, and at this moment she recalled her true self.

Yes, she wasn't here to enjoy the so-called happy life. All she wanted at the beginning was an answer, an answer that would make her determination to fight even stronger.

However, if that's the case, then there's absolutely no need to continue this date. After all, isn't the answer already quite obvious?

However, Chris, upon realizing this, discovered that the answer had already been given hours or even earlier.

A cherished promise, precious memories, the joy of celebration, summer fireworks.

These treasures that Chris cherished, these precious memories that she treasured, were also carefully preserved by someone she loved.

Knowing this, Chris no longer had any doubts, and she had one more reason to continue fighting.

If Lingyi still cares about herself, then why does she feel unhappy about going on a date with someone who cares about her?

It's not that I'm unhappy, but rather that I can't feel happy, or even, I can't be happy... is that it?

Based on Zero's current state, Chris came to this conclusion.

The previously diagnosed illnesses were still tormenting Lingyi's mind. Even though they had been greatly relieved, they still weighed heavily on her.

Since that's the case, what needs to be done now is quite simple.

From this, Chris understood what she needed to do on days when she couldn't fight.

[He trained diligently to prepare for the day he could lead her away from the nightmare, and with all his might, he abandoned useless shame to convey his feelings and happiness to her!]

Chapter Twenty-Five: Silence

Lay out a patterned cloth, arrange the lunchboxes you brought in a nice way on it, and then, in a pleasing order, enjoy the natural scenery under the sunlight with your companions.

However, when it comes to a picnic, the focus should naturally be on the beautiful scenery that is rarely seen.

No matter what, at the very least... we shouldn't just focus on our fellow travelers, right?

"Um, Chris... was it really necessary to get this close?"

As soon as Lingyi finished setting out her lunchbox and sat down, the white-haired boy she had brought with her immediately followed closely behind, standing right next to her without any sense of distance.

"What, you don't like me? If you don't like me, I can leave, but if you still like me..."

Completely disregarding Lingyi's question, Chris, filled with determination, not only did not distance herself, but instead, with a face that could be described as forcibly flushed, spoke some rather blunt words.

"Chris, you're not an umbrella, don't hold it up."

Seeing the girl's steam engine-like appearance, Lingyi remained silent for a while before kindly offering her this small suggestion.

"Stop!"

Chris completely ignored Zero's suggestion, lowered her head, closed her eyes and responded loudly, then silently moved her hand, slipped it between Zero's fingers and placed it on Zero's hand.

"Chris, what are you thinking about now...?"

Lingyi was a little confused about Chris's chaotic actions.

She couldn't understand why Chris, who was clearly very shy, would still do something so bold, which was quite daring for Chris.

"I...I just want you to understand, Lingyi, that you are definitely not alone. If you are in so much pain that you can't bear it, I can take your place...no matter what."

Unable to look directly at her, Chris tightly clasped her hands with the other's, and with all her might, shouted out her heartfelt feelings to Zero.

She has decided to make a change, to stop doubting her own feelings, and to tell her thoughts directly to the people she cares about most.

"Well, anyway, let's eat first, Chris. You can't eat with my hand like this."

After a moment of stunned silence following Chris's remarks, Lingyi calmly reminded Chris.

"Um... Hey, give me some reaction, I really mustered up a lot of courage."

Similarly, looking at Lingyi's calm and indifferent expression, Chris felt like she had hit a brick wall, not understanding why her courageous words hadn't even made a ripple.

"Ugh……"

Feeling the somewhat resentful gazes from those around her, Lingyi sighed helplessly.

"Just a heads-up, Chris, what you're doing right now is just a waste of time."

"In order to better control humanity, my mind is currently in a state of greatly expanded connection with external devices."

"To put it simply, I am currently observing seven billion threads simultaneously. The part of me chatting with you, Chris, is only one seven billionth of my consciousness."

"Even if Chris shakes this tentacle here, it won't affect my main body in the slightest. All the pollution and influence will be submerged in the vast ocean of spirit, unable to reach the true core."

"So, instead of doing this kind of laborious and useless work, Chris, you should just enjoy the present moment. At least that way you won't have to force yourself like this."

Then, Lingyi kindly explained Chris's current situation, saying that her actions were like a mayfly trying to shake a tree, and would not achieve any effect.

The security she prioritized naturally included her mental safety. Protected by numerous firewalls built during the design phase, it can be said that her mind was largely protected from intrusion and contamination through external connections.

“I see, I understand now.”

Lingyi's words made Chris realize once again just how difficult what she wanted to do was. It was almost impossible for them to wait until the other side made a mistake.

"If you understand, then take your eyes off me. It's getting late, and you might not be able to see me anymore once the sun sets."

Seeing that Chris understood, Zero nodded and then gave this constructive suggestion.

"Never."

However, Chris didn't completely ignore what Zero said, but she also couldn't bear to listen to a word of it.

She firmly rejected Lingyi's reasonable suggestion, and instead, blushing, she clung to the platinum-blonde girl's soft body in an even more intimate manner.

"Why? "

Lingyi was slightly confused by Chris's idea, since she already knew that the effect of such words was basically the same as nothing.

"Huh...ha..."

"Whether it works or not is not something I need to consider. I will continue to do it, even if the effect is only one in seven billion, I will continue to show my sincerity!"

"I don't want to be alone anymore, and I don't want to see Lingyi continue to be alone like this. No matter how many thorns are in between, I... will do my best to get to you."

After taking a deep breath, Chris stood up, placed her hands on Zero's shoulders, looked into his calm and unwavering emerald eyes, and spoke earnestly.

It's just that the effect has been weakened to one in seven billion. Even at this level, don't think you can make Chris give up. If the effect is only one in seven billion, then she will repeat her feelings seven billion times.

Even if her words ultimately fail to reach the other person's heart, she doesn't want such an intolerable regret to exist in her life.

“Chris, you, and all of you, are always so persistent… So now that you’ve finished speaking, Chris, can we start eating now? Or are you not hungry yet, Chris?”

With her eyelids drooping, Zero persistently steered the conversation back to the present matter, despite Chris's words, which were practically a confession.

"……All right"

Chris's eyes revealed a slight disappointment at not getting a response.

Then, she temporarily let go of Lingyi's hand, picked up the lunchbox, and began to eat the food in small bites. However, while doing so, her body still did not leave Lingyi's side.

A gentle breeze blew by, scattering cherry blossoms everywhere. Chris and Zero leaned against each other, close together, feeling each other's presence.

After a short while, when they had filled their stomachs, most of the snacks and lunch they had brought were gone, and the sky gradually darkened as time went by.

Chapter Twenty-Six: The Exchange in Front of the Shrine

"It's time to go back."

With the last bite, and after a good rest, the gradually darkening scene signaled the end of this simple date.

"Ah, yes... I'm satisfied."

Chris had no objection to this.

"Are you satisfied now?"

Chris's voice came through, and Zero asked, slightly confused, as if confirming something.

"Yes, I've figured it out. I won't look for any more excuses."

Chris nodded in agreement.

After spending the day together, and especially after realizing that the memories had been carefully preserved, she had let go of her unease and restlessness, and was no longer anxious about losing them.

"Lingyi, if there's a chance in the future, can we hang out again?"

No longer anxious about gains and losses, Chris smiled, stood on the grass, took Lingyi's hand, and said firmly.

"It's possible... but Chris, you've really changed a lot, expressing your feelings so fluently."

Slightly unaccustomed to Chris's behavior, Zero

"Sure thing, I can grow too, so, Rei, I'll definitely be able to help you in the future, absolutely!"

It lasted less than a few seconds before it reverted to its previous state, and Chris protested that she wouldn't keep doing the same thing all the time.

"Yes, yes, yes, then Chris, good luck."

Another ten days or so have passed. Time flies, and the spring break has come and gone quickly. Soon, the next quarter's studies will begin.

During spring break, Chris invited Rei to hang out with her. Since Rei was free anyway, she agreed. During the play, Chris, just like that day, naturally and affectionately snuggled up to her.

Although it seemed that Chris regarded her as a necessity to replenish her energy, Zero didn't refuse. After all, she wouldn't lose anything, since this wasn't her true form.

Meanwhile, Kohinata Mirai and Tachibana Hibiki were using their spring break for combat training, mainly at Kohinata Mirai's request.

According to Kohinata Mirai, she saw that Chris had already taken a step forward and overcome her weakness, so she also wanted to overcome her weakness of having the weakest combat skills among everyone.

Lingyi remained noncommittal about this. Although she would rather her daughter not do something she wasn't good at, she had no reason to stop her.

Compared to Kohinata Mirai, there is now a more pressing issue facing her that requires her attention: Tsukuyomi's enrollment in school.

It wasn't that there was a problem with Tsukuyomi Chō, but rather with Rei herself. Knowing the feelings between Akatsuki Kirika and Tsukuyomi Chō, she wanted them to enroll together, which would make their future academy life much more convenient.

"But I can't find her. Where did Qiege hide? How come everyone is so good at hiding?"

After surveying the entire world one last time, he still couldn't find Xiaoqiege's Lingyi. Feeling a bit of pressure, he sighed helplessly.

At this moment, during the last free time before the start of the school term, Rei has been spending her time casually strolling and playing with Tsukuyomi. Right now, they are visiting one of the shrines in the Hikawa Shrine Group in Saitama Prefecture, a shrine called "Tsukuyomi".

"Sister Zero, are you still looking for Kiri-chan?"

In the front yard of the shrine, in front of the rabbit statue, after Zero's exclamation, Tsukuyomi blinked, her worries slightly eased as she asked the question.

Out of desperation, she entrusted many difficult tasks to Xiaoqiege. Although she trusted that her best friend wouldn't let her down at crucial moments, she was still somewhat worried.

They were worried... that Xiaoqiege might be discovered by Lingyi during this search, and if that happened, they would lose even the slightest hope.

Fortunately, it seems that Lingyi's search for Xiaoqiege has yielded no results so far.

"Yes, but we still haven't found it. In that case, I'm afraid you'll have to go to school alone for the time being. Hmm... Is transferring you okay?"

"Let's temporarily shift our focus away from the all-out search," Zero said apologetically to Tsukuyomi.

"...This is a decision that Kiri-chan and I made together."

In response to Rei's tentative remarks, Tsukuyomi simply stated her determination firmly.

"Tiao... really, I don't understand why you and Qiege would do something like this. Did Fini tell you something, or are you just going through a rebellious phase?"

Tsukuyomi's unyielding attitude left Rei somewhat helpless.

She couldn't understand why the two who were so obedient and sensible during their time at FIS were now showing the strongest resistance towards her, even though neither of them were that old.

"...Yes, because I like Lingyi-neechan, I can't bear to see her suffer like this. Rebellion is the best way we can express our gratitude."