[After that outing, Eden diligently prepared for graduation, ultimately taking first place with a song she composed herself.]
[As promised, she joined the Star Dream Idol Company you founded.]
[With absolute confidence and the single-mindedness of a genius, Eden plunged headfirst into this circle.]
[Although the industry was not as clean as it appeared on the surface, her family background allowed her to navigate it like a fish in water.]
[Coupled with your full support, she quickly made a name for herself in the world of art.]
[Eden was unwilling to cater to the masses by singing so-called popular songs. Instead, she would repeatedly polish and study a single song, all to achieve the art she envisioned in her heart.]
[During this time, competition from her peers and pressure from her seniors followed her like a shadow, but Eden always held her head high, straightened her back, and pushed through it all.]
[In the intervening years, your world suffered the blow of six Honkai Eruptions. You secretly took action, saving countless people.]
[Because of your iconic black armor, mask, and striking pair of horns, the soldiers affectionately call you the 'Dark Night Dragon Rider'.]
[Title Acquired: 'Dark Night Dragon Rider': A title of respect for a mysterious warrior from those who fight the Honkai. Reputation increased.]
[Afterward, Mobius also met with you. She thanked you for your years of funding, then requested even more research funds.]
[You realize the way Mobius looks at you is different from how she looked at investors in your past life. Her gaze now holds a strange sense of intimacy and ease.]
[But you have checked her background and confirmed that the current Mobius has no younger brother, so you find her affinity for you peculiar.]
[Time flew by, and finally, one day, you received an invitation to perform at the Australian Dome.]
[You considered turning down this performance, but for both Eden and the world, this concert would be a turning point.]
[After this, only those with the power of a MANTIS would be able to survive.]
Inside the hotel room.
Eden reclined languidly on the sofa, a glass of fine wine in her hand, her gaze lazily fixed on Fu Li. "Li... you seem to have something on your mind."
"I do? You must be mistaken," Fu Li said with a dry laugh, taking a sip of the milk in front of him.
To be honest, he really didn't understand why Eden liked to drink. However, a slightly tipsy Eden's voice would become soft and gentle, like a marshmallow.
And she was very cute like that, wasn't she?
After all, who could refuse a beautiful, slightly tipsy older sister?
However, just as he was thinking this, Eden suddenly pressed forward, her beautiful, wine-red eyes staring straight at him.
"E-Eden?"
Fu Li's body stiffened. He wanted to retreat, but Eden's arms pinned him firmly to the sofa.
He could easily break free, but...
His shattered-gold eyes narrowed slightly. Eden watched him silently, her gaze locked with his gem-like red eyes, so close that he could hear her breath.
Strong... decisive... clear... this was only Fu Li's surface.
Even without touching him, Eden could feel the weary and guilt-ridden heart beneath his exterior.
From the day they met until now, his heart had been in a constant state of anxiety.
Even when soothed by her songs, it wouldn't be long before it returned to how it was before.
She wanted to take their relationship a step further, to... touch his brow and smooth away his sorrow.
After a long moment, Eden's tightly pressed lips moved slightly, but in the end, she released her grip. She said nothing, asked nothing.
She simply picked up her wine glass and silently gazed at her reflection within it.
After a long pause, a voice of admonishment sounded.
"You've had a bit too much to drink today, Eden."
"Have I... then..." The wine glass was gently set down, her heavenly voice still elegant. "I won't drink anymore."
[You escorted Eden back to her room, then went to the rooftop to gaze at the starlight in the distance.]
[The starlight was so brilliant and dazzling, but who could know if, by the time its璀璨 light had traversed countless galaxies to be reflected in our eyes,]
[Its source had already perished.]
Meanwhile, in her room.
Eden, who was supposed to be asleep, also got out of bed. Barefoot, she walked to the balcony and looked up at the starry sky.
The night had deepened. A breeze picked up.
Eden narrowed her eyes slightly. The faint pink on her cheeks deepened to red. The drunker she felt, the more at peace she became.
Her slender hand rested over her heart, where a dazzling, pink, diamond-shaped gem lay.
It wasn't her most valuable gem, but it was the only one she never took off, simply because it was a gift from Fu Li.
Yes, she knew... her Li would never hurt her.
And she also knew... her Li would never betray her.
But... why did she feel so miserable?
Eden herself didn't know. Was it out of helplessness, or was it the bitterness of being kept in the dark?
In a daze, gazing at the brilliant starry sky, she was reminded of that night in the suburbs, of the song she had sung with such different emotions...
Since he was hiding things from her, she would allow herself to be willful for once.
Eden stood there, gently swirling the wine glass she had picked up again, and hummed an old ballad.
♪ Golden fields of wheat sway in the wind ♪
♪ The traveler on horseback, where is their home ♪
♪ Oh~ my love, may we never be parted ♪
♪ Oh~ my love, may this moment last forever ♪
In the night, her clear and beautiful singing voice sounded like a gift from the heavens.
Standing on the rooftop, Fu Li listened to the melodious, a cappella song drifting up from below and slowly closed his eyes.
To hear such a heavenly voice... how truly fortunate I am.
[The next day, inside the Australian Dome, the crowd cheered, the atmosphere was electric, and the applause was thunderous.]
[And all of it was for the most dazzling star of the moment!]
[Eden. She was one of the symbols of this era, a superstar who illuminated the entire world.]
[She stood there, in the center of a stage as brilliant as the Milky Way. At that moment, she was the focus of the world.]
[Until, flames suddenly erupted, the singing was extinguished, and a light like fire from the heavens threatened to burn everything to ash, bringing the terror of a god into the mortal world.]
[In that instant, Eden's brilliance could not dispel the people's fear.]
[But at the same time, a pair of sky-blotting dragon wings unfurled over the dome, casting it in darkness and making it impossible for the skyfire to burn any further.]
[In the darkness, the faint spark at the center of the stage looked up and saw the figure protecting everyone. Her golden eyes widened slightly, filled with disbelief.]
"Don't be afraid... my dear Eden..." that voice said.
"I am here with you."