Chapter 42 This is a fish tank with several systems. A few hours ago, the truth...
Several systems ago, at the mouth of the lion of truth.
"Hey young man, how about answering a question?" Shikou Zhenyan invited him warmly.
Its location is too remote. You've been so busy these past few days that you haven't had time to follow the map and play the game. Even when you had time, you only answered the questions about the lions in other more prominent locations, so it's quite boring.
Having finally caught someone who was not only handsome but also seemed cultured, Shi Kou secretly vowed not to miss this opportunity and to stop him while he was at it, and chat with him for a bit.
Bai E was in a very bad mood at the moment.
But he wasn't good at saying no, and then he thought that answering a question wouldn't take much time, so he forced himself to be cheerful and politely replied:
"What is the problem?"
The Lion of Truth was secretly delighted. "You agreed? Roar! Let me think about it... Sorry, I'm a little inexperienced with this, let me look..."
"Oh, I found it!" he said confidently. "Listen carefully, my question is—"
"It is said that times create heroes. But if an era itself is not good enough, it does not provide opportunities but is instead full of shackles; it is not magnificent but hides darkness. It is like an overflowing fish tank with clear boundaries and limits, the ending is already predetermined, and the role of resistance is negligible, just as fish will die if they leave the water... So what about the [heroes] in it?"
After saying that, Shirou noticed the problem and laughed, "Hahaha! Interesting. A classic philosophical proposition... with a little innovation."
Bai E was stunned.
The question came at a very opportune moment, and the word "hero" was frequently used by the people of Onphalus, so he unconsciously associated it with himself.
He recalled his recent hesitation and inner conflict. It wasn't really a big problem; even saints struggle to choose between universal love and personal love. But after talking with Triss, he had made his decision.
Triss's words show that the people he protects, even those who are not "heroes" in the broad sense, do not rely entirely on the Golden Blood; they also want to take up arms to protect the world.
Having resolved his external anxieties, the remaining issue was internal. And now, this question... struck right at the heart of his matter, addressing that final lingering doubt about "self."
Seeing that he hadn't replied for a long time, the Lion of Truth thought he was stumped, so he quickly explained:
“Don’t worry, I’ll give you a little tip,” it said. “We all know that heroes are made by the times because of contradictions and conflicts—usually outward conflicts. Chaotic times and fierce competition for resources give potential ‘heroes’ a place to shine. If there were no competition and conquest, these ‘heroes’ would probably have been buried.”
"Now think about it, if the conflict is no longer about fighting against external enemies, then where should the 'heroes' go?"
Bai E lowered his eyes and pondered for a while.
“I think… heroes will still rebel. It’s just that the target of their rebellion is different. They no longer need to face external enemies. The real danger comes from the fabricated nothingness. The fish in the fishbowl will never know if there is water outside, but rather than slowly and meekly heading towards death—if it were me, I would rather burn my short life than wait for the day the fishbowl breaks and watch myself and others sink into the River Styx, helplessly waiting for death.”
"Roar! An interesting answer." The Lion of Truth was clearly satisfied. "In fact, I believe that these heroes who failed to expand their territory in the real world, despite their tragic fates, should not be blamed on themselves, but rather the blame should be directed at this era."
"Heroes aren't born heroes; everything arises from personal choices and the driving force of the times. Similarly, when people confront their inner selves, they should listen to their own voice. We call this choice—the self. If a person loses their self, they also lose the weapon of resistance. Something without a soul is nothing but an empty shell."
"...This world may not be good enough. It is full of challenges and separations. It has caused countless kind people to be displaced, children to lose their mothers, wives to lose their husbands, and the so-called upper class, who are elitist but incompetent, to exploit and oppress everywhere."
The lion said:
"But there will always be someone who can make it 'better,' right? I mean, even if it's not good enough, it's not that bad either."
A sudden glint of light flashed in Bai E's previously gloomy eyes.
"...Your insights have been very enlightening." He placed his right hand on his heart and said earnestly, "I understand. Thank you for your understanding—"
After saying that, he left in a hurry before the lion could reply.
"Hey! Kid! Wait a minute, kid!"
The Lion of Truth was still basking in the joy of "Wow, this lion is really amazing, it can actually enlighten a troubled young man," but at this moment it became anxious looking at Bai E's back. If it had hands, it would have wanted to scratch its own lion head.
"You haven't claimed your reward yet! Xingqiong! Xingqiong!!!"
*
Actually, not everyone is aware of your relationship with Bai E.
For example—two masked fools far away in the heavens.
[ha? ]
You can almost imagine Hanabi's shocked expression at that moment. Her eyes must have been wide open, a rare sight indeed. The usually quick-witted Hanabi was silent for a few seconds, unsure of what to say.
[You, all of you—]
[……All right. ]
She stammered:
[Thinking of it as you makes it all clear... I initially thought you'd finally stopped attracting so many suitors.]
After saying that, she seemed to remember something and gave a cryptic smile:
[Just imagine their reaction... They were here first, yet they lost to a little brat. Hehe, just thinking about it is hilarious! Hanabi-sama can't wait to see the expressions on their faces~]
Before you could even tell her not to spread it so quickly, this masked fool, whose mind was full of bizarre ideas, abruptly changed the subject.
[However, I have a question I'm very curious about.]
[Logically speaking, you're only recently born, right? Of course, I'm referring to this physical body. But you've already encountered the young White Calamity and are now with the adult White Calamity—so is that considered older or younger?]
You got caught up in her words for a moment:
[What is it?]
[Oh dear, are you talking about someone older or younger? Your internet speed is terrible; looks like you've been really bored without internet access these past few days in Onfaros.]
Hanabi stroked her chin:
[However, judging by the age of your inner souls, you'll both be quite old at some point in the future. As things stand, it's really hard to say who's older or younger, given how many secrets you both have.]
You're speechless: [This question is so baffling.]
Fireworks complained: [What's so strange about this? Joining in the fun is human nature, especially for us [Joyful] people! Your final choice is a big gamble for us. To be honest, I secretly placed bets on Chicken Wing Boy and Little Peacock before...]
[...You masked fools do absolutely nothing but gossip all day long.]
Your complaint:
[Is who I end up with really that appealing? What if I don't choose anyone, or just choose them all at once? Catch you all off guard?]
[Huh? How did you know I initially thought you were planning to take everyone?] Hanabi asked sincerely.
[...] You're speechless.
[What's wrong? What's with the reaction? It's not a big deal to want them all, what's that called, the more lovers you have, the more impressive you are! Hanabi-sama won't laugh at you~ Speaking of which, I really didn't expect you to develop a romantic relationship with him. In the beginning, I just let him join the team for convenience—oh right, I can't say that.]
[Let's get back to the topic of relationships. How did you confess your feelings? When did you get together? Who pursued whom first? Have you ever kissed? What was the kiss like? Did it feel like that electrifying, jolt-like sensation you see in romance novels?]
You're on edge: [Why ask such detailed questions?]
Even so... you still can't help but recall the scene from that time.
It was the first time they had ever kissed.
Aside from the courage you initially mustered from who-knows-where, you both blushed deeply afterward, no longer daring to look at each other. You quickly separated and hid on either side of the recliner, one scratching their face and the other looking down, even further apart than before. Anyone who didn't know better would think you two had some kind of grudge.
After a moment of silence, Bai E and you opened your mouths at the same time.
"partner……"
"that……"
The two looked at each other in bewilderment.
...Does this have to be so awkward? Maybe we shouldn't be so in sync at a time like this.
You have no idea what Bai E is thinking right now, but you yourself are practically blushing—the kind of blushing that's intense. You glance at him and find that he's no less so; the sternness you had vaguely sensed before has completely vanished. His blue eyes are wet, and his fair face is completely red. He doesn't even dare to meet your gaze.
...But if I had to say what I felt...
In those three seconds when time seemed to stand still, the first thing you felt was his breath.
It has a warm, unique, and subtle flavor.
You can't hear his breathing, you can only rely on this tactile sensation to describe it, because his heartbeat is so loud it's almost deafening.
The lips felt so soft that you almost didn't realize at that moment that "those are Bai Er's lips," but rather that you were touching a piece of cotton or a cloud.
Actually, you were all confused at the time, and you didn't know how you ended up meeting each other.
Because it's not your own organ, your heart tells you, "This is Bai'e," and asks, "Want to kiss Bai'e?" Before you can answer, your body leans in first. After the kiss, you close your eyes, and your heart asks again, "How does it feel?" You answer, dizzily, "...This is Bai'e."
...You have no idea what question your heart asked; by the time your mind catches up, the kiss is already over. The first thing to react is the rush of blood to your cheeks, staining them a rosy hue.
Over-inductance...it definitely exists. When I applied it, it felt less like a physical reaction and more like an electric current surged through my brain, making me feel tingly and numb all over, almost making me faint.
Finally, Bai E broke the silence by touching the back of his neck.
He was a little embarrassed. He didn't know if his heart was asking him those silly questions, or if his intuition told him that he shouldn't remain silent in front of his new girlfriend.
You notice that the redness on his face has deepened a bit.
"...Cough, it seems we need to practice more."
So that's all he said.
...
[…Tch, you stingy person, fine, don't tell me then.]
She shrugged, refusing to admit that she had been eager to learn more and share her inside information with the people at the gambling dens, appearing quite excited.
[I'm logging off now. I'm going to go laugh at—oh wait, I mean comfort Uncle with cold legs~ Bye-bye~]
[Stop mimicking Silver Wolf's speech, hey!]
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