Although they haven't known each other for long, Fu Hua's impression of Mei isn't bad.
On the contrary, she's quite impressed by Mei's seriousness and active participation in class.
But…
Ever since she saw Mei wearing glasses, Fu Hua felt a familiar sense—like someone she used to know.
Though she couldn't recall her name, or even her face…
That person—if she could even be called a friend—
Fu Hua's only impression was...
—a madwoman.
A madman no less insane than Otto in the video they just watched.
For someone like that, Fu Hua simply wanted to stay far away.
"Huh…"
Recalling her own image in the video, Fu Hua let out a small sigh and realized—it was impossible for her to walk the same path as Otto ever again.
Once she got out, she would probably take the initiative to contact Otto and end their deal.
But…
That would mean…
She'd be back to the same situation—protecting this land alone once more.
For a moment, Fu Hua was at a loss.
For thousands of years, she had long grown used to being alone, protecting the land day after day.
But…
In her current condition, was she really capable of protecting China and fulfilling the promise she made to her old friend?
…
Apart from Fu Hua, the one directly involved—
Theresa and Kiana, who were both deeply connected to the truth just revealed, were not in a good mood.
Theresa trembled with rage over her grandfather's madness, and also from the pain of having both her and Kiana's feelings toyed with so carelessly.
Even Himeko—who never had much of a relationship with Otto—no longer wore her usual casual expression. Her fiery red eyes now burned with unstoppable fury.
Although it all felt distant now, according to Otto's words in the video—
Kiana, Mei, Bronya… even Fu Hua—were all her most precious students.
Knowing this, there was no way Himeko could remain calm.
Her past had taught her to take things in stride, to let go of most things.
But the will she inherited from Ragnar made her care deeply for her students and those around her.
And Otto—Overseer of Schicksal—
To dare play with the feelings of her, her students, and her friends like that—
Unforgivable!
Kiana had recovered a little. Though tears still lingered in her eyes and she looked haggard, she no longer appear lifeless.
Mei's earlier words had reached her heart like a wedge, replacing her broken resolve and giving her new motivation… even if it was still fragile.
Everything that had once been established was now different. Without the daily bonds and experiences she had built at St. Freya Academy, it was hard to support the dream Kiana once held, based on such a thin foundation.
Mei's support was merely a temporary measure. If they wanted Kiana to truly return to who she once was—
Then she—and all of them—would need to rebuild those missing connections.
And that would take time.
So, all they could do was wait.
—This Q&A was still not over.
[2. In order to prevent the Immortal Jingwei from being alone after her friends passed away, one of her old companions created a special doll based on Previous Era technology, using herself as the prototype.]
[Please choose the name of this doll from the following options:]
[A. Book of Fuxi]
[B. Jingwei's Wings]
[C. Selune's Elegy]
[D. Sirin]
Another question—closely related to Fu Hua.
Pulled out of her thoughts by the others' stares, Fu Hua looked at the screen, confused.
Then—
She froze.
"This is…"
Fragments of incomplete memories surfaced in her mind.
She couldn't even piece together a full figure.
Even so, she murmured instinctively.
"Fu… xi… Nuwa?"
The moment she said the name, images of their smiles flashed through her mind—
Only to shatter immediately after.
"…"
Fu Hua felt a sharp pain, causing her to press her forehead tightly.
Her thoughts were a mess.
She tried to seize those fragmented memories—but they were as unreachable as flowers in a mirror, or the moon's reflection on water.
The moment she touched them, they shattered like glass.
"Are you okay?" Himeko asked, concern in her voice.
Based on their previous relationship, Himeko and Fu Hua—who had been an undercover agent—should've been on opposing sides after her exposure.
But in the previous video, according to Otto, Fu Hua had always been one of her students.
Even if there were ulterior motives involved—at the very least, Fu Hua had awakened at the last moment. She had chosen enlightenment.
And that tragic ending—
This changed Himeko's impression of Fu Hua, at least a little.
"…"
Fu Hua was slightly surprised by this, so she gave up on trying to recall the shattered memories. She shook her head to signal that she was fine.
Then she looked back at the screen—
Carefully savoring the meaning behind each word in the question.
This time, Fu Hua didn't hesitate.
She answered directly.
"I choose A. Book of Fuxi."
Even though almost everything from the past had been forgotten—
When it came to old friends—
Even if she couldn't remember them, her subconscious would still give the correct answer.
The result appeared.
[Correct]
The answer did not betray Fu Hua's trust in herself.
Then, the screen changed.
A new image appeared.
Two traditionally dressed girls with black hair and cool expressions stood side by side.
From their appearance, they seemed to be twins.
Yet, their distinct temperaments and bright eyes made them easy to tell apart.
In front of them was a box.
Inside the box, a small figure—who looked like them but was smaller—lay with her eyes tightly closed.
"This is the Book of Fuxi, an ELF created using me as the prototype."
"From today onward, she will handle your daily care—your food, clothing, and everyday needs."
The blue-eyed girl, Fuxi—the elder sister—picked up the Book of Fuxi.
A gesture Fu Hua had long missed, the red-scarfed Immortal Jingwei looked puzzled.
"No need to go this far. If my clothes tear, I'll just come back."
"But our lifespans are not as long as yours. We won't always be here with you."
With a touch of regret, Fuxi smiled and stated the cruel truth.
"If one day Nuwa and I are gone—then she will stay by your side in our place."
"Until then, you must take good care of yourself."
Beside her, red-eyed Nuwa—the younger sister—added softly.
Though their tone was light—
The reality they spoke of was anything but.
As the image played out, the once-incomplete memories in Fu Hua's mind became clear, like clouds parting to reveal the sky.
Memories of Fuxi, of Nuwa, and of the Book of Fuxi—
Everything from the past now felt vivid and real.
Fu Hua slowly closed her eyes.
She subconsciously clenched her fists.
Her heart was filled with sorrow.