Sky Striker Princess, but the swan song of Valkyrie.

Seeing Lingyi's helplessness, Tsukuyomi Tōze calmly expressed her thoughts.

“I can understand your thoughts, but it’s completely unnecessary for you at your age. You should focus on your studies and not think about such difficult things.

Rei could understand Tsukuyomi's idea, which she had emphasized countless times, but she still maintained her disagreement.

"It's impossible... Both Kiri and I know that if it weren't for Rei-nee-nee-san shielding us from most of the danger, we would probably have had to endure an even more painful time."

"So, to repay this kindness, even if the battle is painful and victory is difficult, we want to do our part for your happiness, Sister Lingyi."

Squatting in front of the rabbit statue in the shrine's front yard, Tsukuyomi calmly stated the thoughts she shared with Akatsuki.

To be honest, they all knew that going against Lingyi was a completely self-defeating act.

Whether it's their own weakness and inability to defeat Zero, or their belief that Zero would not only not oppress them after surrendering but might even take care of them.

Yes, if they were just a little more selfish, they could simply succumb to the reasons arranged by Zero.

Ultimately, however, they chose to oppose Lingyi and embark on this thorny path in order to repay her for the care she had shown them over the years.

"Alright, let's leave that topic aside. Speaking of which, this [Tune] Shrine is where your name comes from, right?"

Faced with Tsukuyomi's stubbornness, Rei abandoned any illusions about achieving her goal through verbal persuasion and instead started talking to her about other topics.

"Yes, I have no memory of the past. I only had a shrine's amulet on me, so I was given this name."

Tsukuyomi nodded and frankly chatted with Rei about her background.

As a recipient of the White Orphanage's Phineas, she unexpectedly lost her past memories and forgot her own name when she was first taken in.

Thus, she was given this name based on the amulet from the [Tune] Shrine that she carried, a fact that Zero, who had been part of the FIS leadership to some extent, was well aware of.

"Tune...aren't you curious about your past and your family?"

Seeing Tsukuyomi so calmly talking about her past, Rei felt a little confused, not quite understanding why the other person was so calm when talking about this topic.

"Why do you ask that, Sister Lingyi? What do you mean?"

In response, Tsukuyomi stood up, shifting her gaze from the rabbit statue to Zero, and asked why she brought up this topic at this time.

"Ah, this is... well, if you want to find your relatives, I can help you look for them. I have that ability now."

Lingyi, who was asked the question, was stunned for a moment, and then she changed her original idea and Tsukuyomi's mind.

If Tsukuyomi is curious about her family, she, who is currently in a position of power over all of humanity, can easily help her find her living relatives, thereby helping Tsukuyomi find her past.

However, although she meant well, it still depended on Tsukuyomi's opinion. If she was unwilling, then Zero wouldn't force her to do anything.

"No need, at least not now."

Regarding this topic, Tsukuyomi pondered for a moment, then shook her head, her pinkish-purple pupils quietly gazing at Rei, indicating that she did not need Rei's help.

Tsukuyomi was once very concerned about her empty and missing past, but although that concern still exists now, it has become very faint.

The reason is simple: at FIS, she already had family who could fill the void in her heart, and there was someone who protected them from suffering and gave her care and attention.

"Right now, all I want is for you, Lingyi, to be happy. Only when you are happy can Qie-chan and I truly be happy."

"And, somewhat thankfully, even the powerful Zero has her weaknesses, which means that weaklings like me and Kiri can still be of some help."

Turning around, Tsukuyomi gently grasped Rei's slender fingers with both hands, pressing them against her forehead in a reassuring and unquestionable gesture.

If Rei were to find her own happiness now, Tsukuyomi wouldn't mind pursuing it herself. But with Rei suffering right now, it's clear she can't wholeheartedly do things for herself.

"...Haha, never mind. Anyway, since you don't want to be transferred for the time being, I won't do it for now. I'll take care of the school-related matters for you later. You can go to school first."

Faced with Tsukuyomi's very obvious attitude, Zero understood that there were two conditions under which she would accept his help.

Alternatively, she could find Xiaoqiege right now to declare their idea a failure and then enjoy her current life in peace.

Either she would be defeated by them... but that was obviously impossible. Lingyi didn't believe she would ultimately suffer an irreversible defeat, and she wouldn't allow herself to reach that point.

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Yima's Thoughts on the Moonlit Ripples, the Filthy Fins of the Leek Pomegranate, and the Second Method

After handling the matters related to Yue Du's transfer to another school, a relatively peaceful period began. As this peaceful time passed by, May arrived.

Two months had passed since the musicians' defeat, and neither the musicians nor the former members of SONG could do anything about the current situation.

They didn't know how long this would continue, and the lack of progress cast a shadow of despair over everyone, wondering if it would just keep going on like this forever.

However, compared to the zero progress of SONG and the performers, Lingyi has had a relatively fulfilling time, and has made corresponding progress towards her basic goals.

The Bavarian Light Society has essentially dismantled all its assets and personnel. Although several key high-ranking members are still being searched, it can be guaranteed that even if the other side wanted to organize a counterattack, its offensive would have no basis.

All other dangerous factors, whether they were man-made weapons with enormous power or heretical technologies with bizarre abilities, were well sealed away under Zero's control.

Although all of this is predicated on the fact that human progress is slower than at any time in history, at the cost of this, the current society has achieved a bizarre stability in a very violent way.

On the one hand, direct connection ensures that the operation of society will not encounter major problems. On the other hand, the control of direct connection also ensures that no dissatisfaction will arise in people's hearts.

There was no strife, no crime; sweet branches reached into everyone's minds, bringing unprecedented peace and stability, as well as a happiness incomparable to the past.

The world is moving in the direction Zero hoped for, gradually being corrupted from an eagle with unlimited freedom to fly in the sky into a canary comfortably enjoying its cage.

In this situation, although some people are still persisting in the struggle, how long can this powerless struggle last?

In the professional recording studio, after a day of recording, Feng Mingyi sat quietly on a lounge chair, taking a break to recuperate.

Having lost Ame no Habakiri and 5.0.NG, all that Kazanari Tsubasa has left is her identity as a songstress.

For the past two months, she has been focusing on her work as a singer, and by her side is Kanade Amamiya, who has recovered and is now rehabilitating her body and singing.

"Speaking of which, isn't Yi older than me now?"

Sitting down next to Kazunari Tsubasa, Tenyu Kanade, with her long, fiery red hair cascading down her back, took a sip of water to moisten her throat and then said to Kazunari Tsubasa beside her in a half-teasing tone.

"Hmm... Thinking about it carefully, that's true. Cryopreserved bodies stop growing, and Maria's sister had the same result."

Hearing Tenyu Kanade's seemingly joking words, Kazunari Tsubasa couldn't help but start to ponder.

"So, I'm now Kanade's senior... No, that's not right. Anyway, this is all too strange. Age should be based on birth age... but biological age..."

Furthermore, as time went on, Kazami's serious contemplation seemed to have fallen into some strange entanglement.

"Wait, Yi, there's no need to take it so seriously, it was just a joke."

Seeing that Kazunari Tsubasa was actually starting to think about the details, Amayu Kanade quickly interrupted him as he became increasingly engrossed in his thoughts.

"...Ah, sorry, I was just thinking too much all of a sudden."

Consciousness emerged from its thoughts, and Feng Mingyi came back to her senses.

"Lately, Yi, you seem a bit absent-minded. Is something on your mind?"

After the small talk, Kanade Amagami began to care about her friend's mental state.

Recently, during her rehabilitation, she often saw the other person with a blank stare in their eyes while resting, as if they were thinking about something.

"I'm sorry to have worried you. It's nothing. I'm just thinking about how to get rid of this wrong situation and how I should acquire the strength to fight against the heavens."

After being questioned by Amayu Kanade, Kazami Tsubasa did not hide anything and directly explained what she was thinking.

Although she suffered a humiliating defeat in her battle with that girl more than two months ago, Kazanari Tsubasa still has no intention of giving up her fight against her.

Furthermore, this thought became even stronger due to Amayu Kanade's awakening.

"Um……"

After a little thought, Amayu Kanade roughly understood the meaning behind Kazanari Tsubasa's "anti-human language".

The changes that occurred after she fell into a deep sleep were not only the current situation, but also the change in the way her comrade-in-arms spoke.

I don't know what the other person went through while I was asleep, but from the moment we met, they would occasionally utter a few words of classical Chinese and sometimes talk about knowledge from the Warring States period.

Although it's not difficult to understand, it still feels strange and hard to get used to.

"Tsubasa, do you mean you're still thinking about how to defeat that... Zero?"

After understanding, Amayu Kanade confirmed whether Kazanari Tsubasa's questioning was consistent with her guess.

"That's right. Although I'm currently very happy just as a songstress, my ideals as a protector make it hard for me to bear this situation."

Very seriously, Feng Mingyi told her awakened friend in detail about her current state of mind.

Indeed, the current situation is one where one doesn't need to fight with their singing, but can simply freely express their voice to their fans, with their former best friends by their side.

It could be said that these were scenes that would almost only appear in Feng Mingyi's dreams after training, but the fact that his dream had come true made Feng Mingyi feel extremely uneasy.

"As a member of the Fangren (a local security force), I cannot bear the most basic duty... I cannot bear the current situation where I cannot repay the kindness of saving my friend, and I also find it hard to accept that I am now living in this state of complacency and letting those who are inherently good sink into such a state."

"After all, if what Kohinata said before is true, then the reason why Rei has become like this is also due to the failure of the country's defense personnel. If those evil enemies could be detected and captured, perhaps things would not have become so bad."

Feng Mingyi earnestly explained her current inner turmoil.

It can be said that Kazanari Tsubasa's reasons for fighting Zero were equally firm. Ever since learning about Kohinata Mirai's past experiences, this sense of responsibility for failing to fulfill her duties has filled her heart.

The awakening of Amayu Kanade adds a layer of gratitude to this sense of responsibility. Therefore, whether out of gratitude or responsibility, Kazunari Tsubasa will not allow herself to settle down and enjoy this life.

"Tsubasa, that's what you think... Tsubasa, you've really grown a lot. To be honest, I thought you would be reluctant to harm Rei because she saved my life."

Looking at her blue-haired friend's serious expression, Kanade Amagami smiled inwardly and uttered this sentiment, which was also her initial guess.

However, seeing how resilient Kazanari has become after growing up, Kanade Amagami completely put aside her worries.

"Eh, is that your impression of me? Hmm... After all, I do grow up."

Feng Mingyi was somewhat surprised by this, but after recalling the past, he realized that it seemed to be true.

"Well, after all, the Tsubasa of the past wasn't like this now. That soft and cuddly feeling was cute, but it also made people worry."

"However, it seems I don't need to worry now. Just do as you wish, Yi."

Tenyu Kanade stood up, stretched, and said with a relieved smile.

......

At this time, in similar companies, Maria did not have the same broad perspective as Kazami Tsubasa.

"That should be about right, the tour itinerary."

Inside the office, Naztasha breathed a sigh of relief after having just finished discussing the details of the tour.

"Thank you for your hard work, ma'am. It's almost time for your physical examination. Please follow me this way."

After discussing the matter with Naztasia, Dr. Will went to her side to prepare to take her for a physical examination.

After S.0.NG disbanded, Maria resumed her previously terminated singing career, and some former FIS members also worked at her company.

Naztasha serves as Maria's trusted agent, while Dr. Will, whose arm is sealed with Nephilim, works as Naztasha's healthcare provider.

"Yes, I understand, Maria, Maria."

After agreeing with Dr. Will, Naztasia turned her gaze to Maria, who was leaning against the wall, silent and lost in thought, and called out to her a few times.

"...Mum?"

Maria was brought back to her senses by Naztashia's call.

"I need to go for a medical check-up now, Maria. My work for today is finished."

Seeing Maria's condition, Naztasha, though somewhat puzzled, still expressed herself in this way.

"Understood, Mum."

Maria nodded, indicating that she understood, and then watched Dr. Will push Naztasha away.

"...Let's go pick up Serena first."

After a moment of silence, Maria prepared to do what was most important at hand.

Because of the accident that happened when she was 13, Maria's younger sister, Serena, is still in middle school and Maria still needs to pick her up and drop her off.

Not long after, Maria drove to the vicinity of the middle school she had arranged for Serena, and saw her younger sister, who had orange hair and green eyes, waiting for her at the gate.

"Sister Maria!"

Upon seeing Maria arrive, Serena happily approached the car door, opened it, and sat in the passenger seat. Maria then started the car.

"Selena, are you adjusting well to school life?"

Holding the steering wheel, Maria inquired briefly about Serena's situation at school.

"Yes, I'm adapting well, there are no problems."

Serena smiled gently, indicating that she could manage school life.

After all, compared to the environment of the white orphanage where she had lived before, this ordinary school campus could be described as a peaceful paradise.

"Really? Serena is still as smart and reassuring as ever..."