Chapter 3: The Moon, the Cemetery, and Paradise (Part 2)
The second day after Beichen returned to Earth.
I was originally planning to go out for a part-time job, but before I had time to search online for information about part-time jobs, Xifeng and Redis came back.
When he saw Beichen, Redis said nothing, but just handed her a bank card and told her the withdrawal password.
342517. ──Others don’t know what this number means, but Beichen knows.
That was the last digit of her student ID card.
She vaguely recalled the conversation at that time.
"Ling Si, can you help me get my student ID? It's on the outside of my bag. I'll need my student ID number on the scholarship application form—"
“20071067342517.”
"—Huh? How do you know so much?"
"You've asked me to get it for you three times already. Since you use it so often, you might as well memorize it. By the way, your ID number is—"
"Wait, wait—you, you gave me my ID number—?!"
"There are three more bank card numbers. Do you want to confirm them?"
“…Ah… No, that… Never mind…”
After more than a year, everything has become so unfamiliar.
Under Beichen's complicated gaze, Redis dragged his slightly tired feet to open the refrigerator, then paused, turned his head to look at Beichen, and seemed to be hesitant to speak.
"If you're worried about your tomato fetish being discovered, then I can tell you clearly that everyone here knows about it, so you don't need to feel any more psychological pressure."
The west wind ruthlessly revealed the truth on the side, and Redis had no choice but to turn his head away and cough dryly.
The bank card in his hand still emitted a faint warmth. Beichen was about to speak when the news report coming from the TV next to him attracted Beichen's attention.
—Someone died.
In this world, news of death is not uncommon, but if the person who died was the deputy mayor—
The report did not elaborate on the cause of the mayor's death. The host formally talked about the police's inference of the situation at the scene and the remarks of government officials, but Beichen didn't listen at all and just turned pale.
"...Redis, you did this?!"
Upon hearing this, Gu Yinyue turned and looked at Beichen.
Although he didn't know why this iron box could display detailed images like the imaging crystal, he vaguely felt that the images on it should be real.
So why did Beichen immediately link this news of death to Redis?
"It's me."
Redis did not deny it. He looked very tired and seemed too lazy to explain.
Seeing this, Beichen felt a little annoyed and had nowhere to vent her anger... She stomped her feet in annoyance.
"...Aren't you afraid that I'll call the police?"
"It's up to you whether you want to report it or not, Xiaochen."
Reddy took out a bottle of soda that looked like it had tomato flavor (a very rare brand), walked to the sofa and curled up in it, gulped down half the bottle, then reached out and pinched his brow.
“…”
Beichen was silent.
Based on the morality and concepts of this world, since Redis killed someone, she should call the police, but what about out of selfishness?
After all, the person who died was the indirect murderer of grandma.
"Oh, by the way, Jin Mingjing is dead too."
"!!" Beichen took another breath, "You...you are not--"
"She tricked me. She didn't have what I wanted, and yet I—so I killed her. Don't worry, she died a miserable death."
Beichen took a few steps back.
Jin Mingjing didn't have what Reddis wanted.
So what was the point of her tolerance at that time? What was the humiliation she endured? What was the death of her grandmother?
Redis didn't look at her. He leaned back on the sofa, holding the soda bottle in one hand, and looked up at the ceiling.
"I've avenged you and your grandmother. I've almost eliminated her and the people who supported her arrogance and domineering behavior."
“…”
Beichen turned his head to look at the floor, and smiled bitterly with the corners of his mouth tilted.
As expected of a prince of a country, he could easily kill the deputy mayor and his niece in another world.
He had only been in this other world for less than two years, yet he was so generous as to give her, a native, a bank card - although no one knew how much money was in it.
She flicked the card in her hand.
"Are these your compensations?"
"If you still want to pester me, just refuse."
Redis tilted his head and looked at her with a half-smile.
"...That's true. I'll take it. I'm really short of money anyway."
Beichen answered with a faint smile, while Redis turned his head away expressionlessly.
"You can also call the police. Whether or not I can escape capture is my business."
"Forget it."
Beichen sighed.
"Murderers deserve to be punished. Since the laws of this world can't punish them, it's not bad to have the Avengers from another world deal with them."
"Really? ...I'm tired. Please do as you please."
As Redis said this, he walked into his room with some shaky steps.
"I'm going out too."
As soon as Redis left, Xifeng turned and walked towards the gate.
"Hey, Xifeng, where are you going so late?"
“…”
Xifeng didn't answer, but he stopped.
"Xifeng?" Seeing this, Beichen asked doubtfully, "You weren't here last night either, right? Shouldn't you be taking advantage of your time to recover from your injuries?"
"He's going to sharpen his blade."
Gu Yinyue spoke from the side, Xifeng smacked his lips a little unhappily, and then looked at Beichen sarcastically.
"If I don't go out, will you come and sharpen my blade for me?"
"That's impossible."
Before Beichen could answer, Gu Yinyue spoke coldly from the side.
"So just don't worry about it!!"
Xifeng's voice suddenly became louder. He glared at the two of them almost viciously, slammed the door, and left Reddis's house.
"Mr. Gu Yinyue, what exactly is sharpening a blade?"
Beichen was a little confused by Xifeng's anger, so he turned around and asked Gu Yinyue who was frowning and looking at the gate.
"It's better if you don't know. Even if you want to tell, your weapon will have to tell you."
Gu Yinyue answered in a deep voice. Seeing this, Beichen did not ask any further questions. She didn't know why she trusted Gu Yinyue's words unconditionally.
"Okay, then I won't ask."
Beichen turned to look at the study, where he could hear the surprised exclamations and noises of Longyun, Naraka and Lingshuang - they had just learned how to use the computer and were having a lot of fun.
"Mr. Gu Yinyue, aren't you going to play?"
"No."
Gu Yinyue said this while looking at the TV.
"Precisely because this world is novel and complex, and has its own charm and allure, I don't want to get involved with it. Longyun and Naraka can indulge in new things, but I am the one who is responsible for regulating their standards."
"I see—"
Beichen looked at Gu Yinyue with a bit of admiration: "He really does have terrifyingly strong self-control." When he was sent to Senagard, he was so curious about the new world that he immediately dove in.
...But isn't this tiring?
"By the way," Gu Yinyue interrupted Beichen's thoughts, "I'm hungry."
“…Huh?”
“…”
“…”
"……Well……"
“…”
"...I, I'm going to make some snacks."
"Um."
After staring at each other for ten seconds, Beichen resigned himself to his fate and ran to the kitchen in a daze, facing Gu Yinyue's electric smile.
Just like that, the night passed and dawn came in the blink of an eye.
The next morning, not long after Beichen got up, the three warriors seemed to have watched an online movie all night, and then ran to the room to rest in a daze. Looking at their tired but unsatisfied looks, Beichen smiled bitterly: No matter whether it is a person or a warrior, they are always particularly excited when they first come into contact with computers.
Redis had been up for a while and was eating something covered with tomato sauce. When he saw Beichen coming over, he immediately took out a plate of mini buns from the rice cooker on the side, then poured a full cup of hot milk and handed it over. His movements were casual and natural. Although he still had the nobility of a royal family, he lacked the feeling of being superior.
Beichen was stunned for a few seconds in embarrassment, but was too embarrassed to refuse, so he could only mumble a thank you and then started eating.
However, after taking a few bites, she saw Gu Yinyue sitting opposite her at the table without saying a word and without any food in front of him, and she couldn't help but frown in confusion.
"Mr. Gu Yinyue, have you had breakfast?"
"not yet."
“…”
Upon hearing this, Beichen turned his head and looked at Redis with a dark face: He is your employee after all.
"Don't look at me, he said he wanted to eat the breakfast you made."
Redis immediately raised a hand and calmly demanded justice, while Gu Yinyue beside him nodded expressionlessly.
In fact, those fast foods taste exactly the same no matter who makes them──Although he complained like this in his heart, Beichen still obediently opened the refrigerator.
Who says he is a tough senior?
"By the way, Your Highness Redis. This is the survey report on the Protoss Mine in the Velvis region."
While I was busy in the kitchen, I heard a faint sound of paper coming from the dining room.
"Okay, let me see. ...Is that so? Well, you did a great job. I'll give you the reward once we get back to Senagard."
"Can."
It seems that she is completing the confirmation work of the commission──Although she is still very interested in the content of Gu Yinyue's investigation, she also knows that if the royal family wants to investigate, it will be more secure for her own safety if she does not ask.
After breakfast, Redis disappeared again. Beichen took the bank card he gave him and changed into new private clothes (which seemed to be bought by Redis or Xifeng), as if he was getting ready to go out.
Seeing this, Gu Yinyue asked:
"Want to go out?"
"Yes. ...There are some things I want to do."
"Let me accompany you. ...I'll go get Longyun."
"Well, I'm very happy that you're willing to accompany me, but Longyun doesn't need to. There are no star disasters or possessed moon messengers in this world. He doesn't need to have weapons to protect himself at all times. Just let him have a good rest. And..."
Beichen twitched his lips and looked at his hands.
"Under the influence of the inscription, our bodies are already much stronger than the physical strength of the inhabitants of this world."
If she had used her original physical strength to participate in long-distance hikes in the wild or participate in star disasters, she would have been killed without a trace of flesh left.
Gu Yinyue was silent for a few seconds, then nodded.
"Okay then. Let's go."
"Wait, wait! If you go out in this light armor, you'll be surrounded by people outside!"
Beichen pointed at the new men's clothes placed beside the sofa with a frown on his face.
"That should be what Redis left for you. It's better to change it..."
"good."
A few minutes later, Gu Yinyue changed into casual clothes and came out with a frown, and Beichen was stunned for a moment.
This, this...
This figure is too good! ! Taking her out like this won't cause a sensation or anything!
"Uh...well, that..." She covered her slightly feverish face in embarrassment, her eyes wandering from the ceiling to the murals on the wall.
"Very...very handsome!"
Ordinary casual clothes and jeans soften the tough, towering hair and sharp facial lines, giving people the feeling of a "cool brother next door" at first glance.
"Really? I'm not used to it."
Not noticing Beichen's abnormality, Gu Yinyue just pulled his sleeves with a dissatisfied look on his face. As he moved, the somewhat exaggerated muscle curves under the slightly thin fabric were revealed again.
Beichen covered his nose and turned his head away──
It's terrible. Fortunately, he usually dresses in an abstinent style, otherwise she would really bleed from her nose if he stood with Atlas!
"Okay, we're ready, let's go."
"……well."
Yuntouzhuan and Gu Yinyue walked to the entrance together, and the door happened to open.
"Xifeng? You're back."
“…”
Xifeng's face looked even worse than before he left. He glared at Beichen who greeted him with hatred, and walked straight into the room without saying anything.
"He...what happened to him?"
"This isn't something you can improve once you know about it. Let's go."
"……oh……"
Gu Yinyue pushed her back a little forcefully, urging her to go out.
Forget it, Xifeng was only staying with them because of Redis's order. Excessive concern might be a bit rude. Thinking of this, Beichen shook his head and put Xifeng's matter behind him for the time being, and went out with Gu Yinyue.
Sure enough, as soon as he went out, countless eyes on the street were fixed on Gu Yinyue, and even Beichen beside him felt uncomfortable all over.
Not only is he tall and handsome with a perfect figure, he also has the calmness and hidden pride of a warrior that is rare in this world. He is no less impressive than those singers and movie stars. Compared with him, Beichen, who is almost two heads shorter than him and stands next to him, looks like a little errand boy.
“…”
As if he was a little unhappy with the gazes around him, Gu Yinyue exuded a small amount of murderous aura. Some people tactfully withdrew their gazes, but there were still people who secretly glanced at him out of the corner of their eyes.
"Let's go."
He patted Beichen's head gently, and this action immediately attracted countless eyes to Beichen!
“…Let’s go, let’s go.”
So she pulled Gu Yinyue's sleeve and ran towards the subway station with her head down as if running for her life.
Finally, Beichen and Gu Yinyue arrived at a large cemetery on the outskirts of the city.
She took Gu Yinyue through countless tombstones, then walked to one of them and slowly stopped.
The tombstone reads "Xiang Zhiyan's Tomb" but does not have the name of the person who erected it.
After placing a bunch of multicolored cosmos and a few boxes of specialty mung bean cakes in front of the tomb, Beichen clasped his hands together, closed his eyes, and stared at the tombstone quietly for a while.
Seeing this, Gu Yinyue also followed her example, clasped his hands together, and nodded towards the tombstone.
After a long time, Beichen stared at the small photo on the tombstone and spoke.
"She is my grandmother. Although she is not related to me by blood, she is the most important relative who raised me."
The photo shows a thin elderly woman with a kind and wise expression. Although her face is covered with wrinkles, the beauty of her facial features can still be vaguely seen - she must have been a stunning beauty when she was young.
Gu Yinyue was silent for a few seconds, then spoke.
"...She looks very strong."
“…Huh?”
Beichen turned to look at Gu Yinyue in surprise. "Very strong?" How could he tell... Grandma looked very weak in the photo.
Gu Yinyue shook his head slightly.
"…Not physically. She has the eyes of a strong person."
"Really? ... You're right, Mr. Gu Yinyue. She's a very strong person. Without the support of children, without the care of family, she still managed to raise me to this age. Everyone around her doesn't dislike her. Even the local hooligans would awkwardly call her Grandma Xiang when they saw her."
Beichen's eyes revealed a love and longing that Gu Yinyue had never seen before as he looked at the old man in the photo.
"He's more perseverant and tolerant than anyone else, independent, confident, and humorous. He never complains about the unfairness of life and only looks in the direction that makes him happy. He's someone I admire very much."
As she spoke, she squatted in front of the tombstone and looked at the not-so-precious offerings.
"Cosmos and Cosmos are her favorite flowers, and mung bean cakes are her favorite snacks to eat while watching TV every day. Brewing a cup of Pu'er tea, eating mung bean cakes, and watching TV seems to be the most pleasant enjoyment for her. However, such a good person, but..."
“…”
Gu Yinyue didn't say anything, just listened quietly.
He knew that Beichen agreed to let him go so easily because he needed someone to talk to.
Beichen's sad and angry voice sounded again.
"Grandma, if you were alive, you would definitely blame me again, right? That damn old bastard and his niece were killed by Ling Si, and I didn't call the police. ... Tell me, have I become bad?"
A gust of wind blew by, and a low whisper of wind was heard in the air. Beichen took a deep breath to calm his breathing.
"Grandma," she said softly, "I'm here to say goodbye. Although I'm not 100% sure... Please forgive me if I can't come to see you in the future. ... Please forgive me if I can't continue on the path you want."
Can’t come to see her──Hearing this, Gu Yinyue frowned.
Even if she decided to stay in Senagade, as long as Xifeng was there, it would not be difficult to visit the graves every year, so why did she say "I can't come to see you"?
Was she... ready to die? And for what?
"Beichen." The tall warrior spoke, "Are you blaming yourself for what happened to Pinhua?"
“──!?”
Upon hearing this, Beichen suddenly looked up at Gu Yinyue.
"...How do you know? I never said that..."
"It's strange because it wasn't mentioned."
Gu Yinyue interrupted her.
"You plan to return to Senagard and avenge her, right?"
“…”
Beichen just gritted his teeth and did not refute.
"Mr. Gu Yinyue... I killed someone... That day, I killed someone."
"Yeah, I know."
"Perhaps killing someone in Senagard isn't a big deal, but in Feinheim... in this world, killing someone is a grave sin that warrants a death penalty."
She said, covering her eyes with one hand.
"As a native of Feinheim, I have always been subject to such legal constraints and concepts, yet I killed someone."
"Do you feel that you have fallen, so you want to give up and leave it alone?"
"I……"
“…You killed people in Senagard, but would you kill people here?”
"Huh? ...No, no. ...Of course not."
"That would be fine."
Gu Yinyue took away her hand that was covering her eyes.
"If Pinhua knew you were going to avenge her, she would probably be very pleased, but also very worried. ...After all, the enemy is very strong."
Beichen lowered his head and said nothing.
"But don't go and die. Otherwise, your three warriors... and us, will hate you."
“…”
"You killed people just to protect yourself and survive. Your grandma will definitely forgive you."
"That's not the case—!" Beichen's voice suddenly became louder. "No matter whether grandma blames me or not, I have nowhere to go back to! I have killed someone and I don't deserve to stay in Feinheim. However, if I stay in Senagard, I might become an even more hateful sinner! So... it would be better to avenge Pinhua and disappear—"
She grabbed Gu Yinyue's sleeve, her shoulders trembling slightly.
"...I am the Crimson Moon Priestess, the Mother of Disaster. Wasn't I the original cause of the bloodbath brought about by the solution to the Moon Poisoning Syndrome?! If I hadn't asked Atlas that question—none of this would have even begun!"
“──!!”
Gu Yinyue took a deep breath when he heard this. It took him a long time to come back to his senses. Then suddenly, he turned his head and stared at the pillars not far away.
He slowly broke free from Beichen's hand, moved his body, tensed all his muscles, and placed himself between Beichen and the pillars as a barrier.
With this action, tell the figure under the pillar that I won't let you lay a hand on her.
However, Beichen, who just lowered her head, did not notice Gu Yinyue's considerations. She just thought that he had the intention of retreating, so she twisted her mouth and smiled bitterly.
"So, I might actually cause a disaster. ...It's best to stay away from me as soon as possible."
"That's not the case."
Gu Yinyue lowered his voice and spoke.
"I don't believe it. The changes brought about by the solution to the Moon Poison Syndrome are caused by human greed and have nothing to do with you. I don't believe you will bring disaster. With eyes like Ms. Xiang Zhiyan, I don't believe you are the mother of disaster."
Beichen widened his eyes in surprise.
"Well, maybe you haven't noticed it yourself. Your eyes are very similar to your grandmother's. ... I believe you are a good child."
The man with wolf-like eyes was now giving her a soft smile in a low voice.
"If one day you really become a miko, I'll nail you to the wall with a bullet, just like when I first met you. By then, you'll have no choice but to wake up."
"...Mr. Gu Yinyue..."
"There's nothing to be afraid of. I'll stop you from becoming the mother of disaster. That's a promise, so don't worry. If there's no place to return to right now, then you can slowly look for one. Senagard is so big, there's no need to worry about not having a place to stay. Worst case scenario, even if you're destined to wander forever, don't you still have three partners willing to accompany you forever?"
“…”
Ever since learning about the legend of the Red Moon Witch, the black mud that had been accumulating at the time of Pinhua's death and had been suppressed in his heart for a long time, softened and peeled off little by little after hearing Gu Yinyue's words.
"Will you stop me? Since she can destroy the world, the Red Moon Priestess must be very powerful."
"I will. Fighting against strong people is my hobby. When the time comes, don't blame me for hurting you because I was too excited."
"……Um."
Beichen nodded in a hoarse voice.
"If someone can stop me, I'll feel relieved."
"So, you have to become stronger too."
“—Eh.”
"It would be best if one were strong enough to control the Red Moon, rather than being guided by it as the legend says, doing cold and cruel things that would change the times."
“…”
Gu Yinyue's words were too arrogant, and Beichen opened his mouth but couldn't say anything - but looking at his eyes, it seemed that he really expected this.
"A truly strong person can control violence. Those who are controlled by violence are nothing but pitiful creatures, even if they can destroy the world. Since you have the eyes of a strong person, then use them."
"Uh, ...well... I, I'll try my best."
"That's a weak answer. Try again."
"—I'll try my best!"
"very good."
Gu Yinyue gently placed his hand on her head and touched it, then turned her towards the tombstone.
"Don't easily tell important people that you can't come anymore. She will be very sad."
"Um, sorry, Grandma."
She clasped her hands together again and fell silent facing the tombstone.
──Sorry, grandma.
I was afraid of going astray, so I almost hesitated. When my grandma was not around, I always felt lost easily - I was indeed not mature enough and there was still a lot of room for improvement.
But it doesn't matter.
There is already someone who can guide me in your place, grandma, so please don't worry about me anymore.
No matter which world I stay in, I will live a good life.
Then work hard to become stronger until you can become someone who can control absolute violence as Mr. Gu Yinyue said - then there will be nothing to worry about.
She turned around and smiled brightly at Gu Yinyue, without any trace of gloom on her face.
"Thank you, Mr. Gu Yinyue. Let's go back. We'll come together again next year on the anniversary of Grandma's death—it would be best if we could bring Xiang Ying and Hei Huo Su Jie with us."
"good."
Gu Yinyue nodded and glanced at the columns in the distance out of the corner of his eye.
"Let's go back. It's getting late."
"Well, let's go to the market on the way. I'll cook dinner myself tonight!" She said, shaking her hands excitedly. "It's not some exotic food, but it should be better than fast food!"
"Okay. I'm looking forward to it."
The two men left the cemetery while talking. The people under the pillars hid in the shadows and watched the two figures go away silently until they disappeared. They were silent for a long time without making any sound.
At night, Beichen, who had resolved his worries, soon felt sleepy and went to his room to sleep early.
Gu Yinyue knocked on the door of Redis's room and walked in.
"Your Highness, Redis, you heard everything, didn't you?"
"yes."
"Don't do anything to her."
"Even though this is Feinheim, do you really think I'll listen to you?"
“…”
Gu Yinyue remained silent, but murderous intent slowly emanated from his eyes.
"……call."
Redis sighed.
"Do you know why I came to stay in Feinheim? Do you know why I asked you to go to the Protoss mine in the safe zone to investigate the newly born war machine?"
“……?”
"What I'm looking for is a weapon that can control the Red Moon Priestess."
"!?you……"
"I won't go into too much detail. Darim and I, while princes and officials, also have another, more important identity. We are indeed searching for the Crimson Moon Priestess, but our ultimate goal isn't to kill her."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Once I find the weapon, I'll give it to you. You promised me you would stop her, didn't you? Then take responsibility. If she truly becomes the Red Moon Priestess, it will be up to you to defeat her."
"……good."
The second prince of Heyang Kingdom turned his head to look at the night scene outside the window and snorted.
"Don't let her fall into Darim's hands. He's incredibly obsessed with the priestess. —Supervise the Red Moon Priestess. This is my next commission. There's no reward this time. Take it, Hooked Silver Moon."
"catch."
Gu Yinyue, the third-level phantom warrior, nodded without hesitation.
Paradise is, after all, just paradise.
Longyun's loud laughter was heard from the study again. It seemed that they were obsessed with some comedy with a strange white curly-haired man as the protagonist, and they were so absorbed in watching it that they forgot to eat and sleep.
Gu Yinyue let out a light breath from his throat, closed the door of Redis's room, walked to the sofa in the living room and sat down.
He turned his head and stared at the sky outside the window.
The moon was almost full, but it was a warm white moonlight, completely different from the poisonous moon Sirenkrade.
There are no star disasters, no possessed moon messengers, and no "weapons" of races that make a living by fighting. Life here is peaceful, rich, and full of fun.
The hometown on the other side of the dimensional gate is wild, dangerous, and full of conflicts. Perhaps for the residents of Senagard, this place can really be considered a "paradise".
But, paradise is just paradise after all.
Without experiencing the baptism of battle, there is no way to feel the beauty of peace. Without the days of being unable to fall asleep due to the distant howling of the possessed moon messenger, you will not appreciate the beauty of sleep.
So, even if the Scarlet Moon Priestess were about to appear, he still wanted to return, to stay in Senagard. A ferocious wolf has no meaning in life if it doesn't hunt in the wilderness; it's impossible for him to become a house dog in a peaceful village.
He rarely made promises, but today, he did.
Try harder.
He looked at his hands and clenched his fists.
It's not enough. Try harder. A level three phantom warrior is not enough. To become someone who can defeat the Red Moon Priestess is not enough.
For the sake of the prospective partner who finally appeared before him, for the sake of a place for a wolf like him to survive—
This desolate land called the God's Cemetery can continue to exist.
——It’s far from enough.
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