Chapter 81

Chapter Eighty-One: Three Sharing a Bed.

“Please come in.”

Xia’er spoke.

Currently, Xia’er had an idea, and this idea was just about to be implemented in reality as soon as possible.

The bronze door handle was pulled down, and Aivana stood at the doorway, apologizing slightly, “Sorry, I’m disturbing you again.”

In Aivana’s perspective, she did seem somewhat hasty, having returned so soon after leaving to disturb Xia’er once more.

However, Xia’er still sat on the sofa, unmoved from her original position, appearing completely relaxed.

“Have you thought of any solutions?”

Xia’er looked toward Aivana and asked.

“Solutions… not really,”

Aivana shook her head and said, “I just realized that if there are too many cultists planted within the city by Derton Manor, news of me having one more person around will spread quickly.”

“Then?”

Xia’er tilted her head slightly, knowingly asking.

This wasn’t due to Xia’er’s perverse tastes but merely to keep the conversation flowing smoothly.

“So, I just thought, sleeping here isn’t safe for you.”

Aivana’s expression returned to its usual blank state as she continued, “You’re too far from both Nia and me.”

“Then… should I leave?”

Xia’er blinked.

This counter-question made Aivana pause momentarily, her originally intended words caught in her throat. She hadn’t thought through how to answer this question yet.

“Hmm… it is possible…”

Aivana racked her brain, noticing that her speech had sped up unconsciously, “But it’s hard to find a good place now. Hotels have too many people and prying eyes, making them even more dangerous. If you go to your sister’s place, it might bring the cultists’ attention to her…”

Aivana didn’t explicitly urge Xia’er to stay, but every word subtly suggested that Xia’er shouldn’t leave.

It seemed like Aivana didn’t care whether Xia’er stayed or left, only trying to help Xia’er figure out options.

Gazing at the girl before her who wasn’t adept at expressing her inner thoughts, Xia’er couldn’t help but smile faintly.

Though Aivana didn’t know, Xia’er was aware of what Aivana had done in the simulation.

Even knowing they were heading into the cultists’ stronghold, and despite hearing about Xia’er’s potion going out of control, Aivana still followed Yulis and Adelle to rescue her at Derton Manor.

Only during difficult times can one truly know who their real friends are. The Pact of the Eye of Order could only ensure Aivana didn’t dislike Xia’er; it couldn’t make her risk her life to save Xia’er.

This indicated that deep down, Aivana considered Xia’er a friend.

Though they’d known each other for a short while, they’d shared hardships, forming a bond akin to life-and-d*ath comradeship.

Aivana had been alone in Bern for such a long time, never attending the academy, either self-studying or solving cases at the police station. Judging by her demeanor, it seemed she didn’t have many friends at the police station either.

Hence, she cherished Xia’er as a hard-earned friend?

Following the progress in the simulation, Aivana would invite Xia’er to spend the night in her room. Thus, Xia’er decided not to beat around the bush and directly asked Aivana,

“Then… can I stay in your room? I can sleep on the floor.”

Xia’er’s expression appeared hesitant, as though considering the matter seriously. Even if Adele were present, anyone could tell Xia’er felt somewhat embarrassed at this moment.

Aivana, surprised by the unexpected turn of events, hesitated upon seeing Xia’er’s almost reluctant expression, quickly responding,

“I don’t mind. If you really have nowhere else to go, you can sleep in my room for these few days…

My bed is pretty big, no need to sleep on the floor.”

Upon hearing this, Xia’er exhaled with relief, smiling at Aivana and saying, “Thank you, Aivana.”

“No problem, it won’t bother me much. It’s nothing,”

Aivana shook her head emotionlessly, stepped back from Xia’er’s room, placed her hand on the doorknob, and added, “Just move your things to my room later.”

“Wait a moment, Aivana.”

Xia’er called out, stopping Aivana.

Aivana paused at the door.

She pushed the door open slightly and asked, “What is it?”

“Do you plan to call Adele over tonight to discuss matters?”

Xia’er questioned.

In the initial notebook description, Aivana had called Adele home at 1 AM on the 21st, and the three discussed matters in the room.

The result of their discussion led to both reporting the presence of cultists at Derton Manor to the church by noon on the 21st.

With Adele leading the way, Aivana could quickly locate High Priestess Yulis.

However, in the first simulation, Xia’er had the crucial task of activating “The Gambler,” which may have caused the simulated Xia’er to overlook Aivana inviting her to share a bed.

But in the second simulation, without the task of activating “The Gambler,” Xia’er humorously agreed to Aivana’s request without inviting Adele, leaving the real Xia’er unaware until waking up in Aivana’s bed.

Today was already the 20th… midnight would mark the 21st.

Time was pressing for Xia’er.

Jiti had already begun investigating Adele. As expected, Adele would still be captured and brainwashed at Derton Manor on the 22nd.

Without Xia’er’s influence, it was unclear whether Jiti would k*ll High Priestess Yulis on the same day.

But even if Jiti didn’t k*ll Yulis on the 22nd, when the “Radiant Bishop” arrived at Derton Manor on the 23rd, Jiti would execute the plan to survive and make amends.

At this moment,

Upon hearing Xia’er’s words, Aivana looked at Xia’er with some surprise.

Indeed… she did have that intention, planning to call Adele over tonight.

However, after Xia’er agreed to sleep in her room, Aivana had changed her mind, deciding to visit Adele early tomorrow morning with Xia’er.

As expected, Xia’er always seemed to understand her thoughts.

“Yes, I do have that plan,”

Aivana nodded but immediately regretted it.

If Adele were invited over tonight, it wouldn’t be appropriate to let her leave afterward, given the existing danger.

Finally getting the chance to be together…

Alright, if she comes, let her come. Adele can sleep on the floor.

Though Adele hadn’t done anything wrong, Aivana’s liking for her decreased slightly in her heart.

“Are you planning to report the matter to the Salvation Goddess Religion?”

Xia’er continued questioning.

“I… do have that intention,”

Aivana nodded.

“When the time comes, you can let Adele report the matter to High Priestess Yulis alone,”

Xia’er thought for a moment and suggested, “There’s actually another method, to muddy the waters even further.”

“Muddy the waters?”

This term immediately resonated with Aivana, who asked, “Derton Group?”

“Exactly.”

Xia’er nodded, “You can try reporting the matter to Derton Group a second time. If possible, drag the Redemption Society into it as well. After all, Xie Lun is practically a quasi-cultist himself, and all crises originated from him.”

Listening to this, Aivana couldn’t help but feel a bit ashamed.

Although she could have thought of this herself, the situation happened too quickly, and she had obtained the intelligence only recently, so her mind hadn’t caught up yet.

She had even been preoccupied with strange thoughts… whereas Xia’er, calm and composed, immediately grasped the crux of the issue and provided a decent solution.

No wonder Xia’er was impressive.

It was precisely her calm and rational demeanor that attracted Aivana.

“I’ll do my best to contact them.”

Aivana nodded.

Luckily, she hadn’t voiced her praise aloud; otherwise, Xia’er might have struggled to maintain her composure.

After all, this strategy was originally conceived by Aivana herself. All Xia’er could think of initially was killing everyone.

With the system, Xia’er’s “wisdom” seemed gradually stripped away. Whenever encountering danger, she preferred to simulate it rather than avoid it.

After all, thinking and planning could always leave gaps. For instance, encountering extreme situations could break plans.

But experiencing “facts” firsthand and testing all extreme scenarios could be the most reliable approach.

The more extreme Xia’er’s behavior in the simulation, the more cautious and pragmatic Xia’er appeared.

Aivana left Xia’er’s guest room.

After Aivana walked far enough away, Xia’er finally exhaled slowly.

Continuous simulations, coupled with repeatedly summoning Spiritual Beings in previous simulations, had slightly fatigued Xia’er mentally.

Compared to the earlier Xia’er, her Spirit Power seemed to have increased significantly, possibly due to advancing to the second stage in the saved files.

Now, Xia’er faced two choices.

One was to initiate a pure simulation again, directly drink the Tempter Potion in the simulation, save the “Tempter” file after completing it, then reopen the “Tempter” file to execute the previous sacrifice plan.

The other was to directly use the “Judge” file, enter and start sacrificing.

However, there was a problem.

The “Judge” version, though more offensive and easier to deal with extraordinary persons at Derton Manor, especially if Ji Ti were assassinated stealthily, none of the others would be a match for Xia’er.

But without the abilities of the “Tempter,” relying solely on [Art of Conversation Lv.2] plus interference from Spiritual Beings, Xia’er had no confidence in intimidating a third-stage Radiant Bishop.

Facing a third-stage opponent, d*ath was certain whether using the “Judge” or “Tempter” versions, with no significant difference between the two.

The only distinction might be that using the “Judge” version to k*ll Ji Ti would be easier.

Xia’er decided to leave the choice to the system’s randomness.

If the timing could perfectly coincide with the arrival of the Radiant Bishop from the Arrival Sect, allowing direct confrontation with the Bishop, Xia’er would choose to use the “Judge” version and act first.

If no visible opportunities arose during the simulation period…

“Radiant Bishop,” then directly activate the Pure Mode to consume the “Tempter” Potion, and save a checkpoint before proceeding.

I thought being a Count meant respectable status and considerable wealth, but that was purely my misunderstanding.

“I don’t want to eat this!”

“Aida, there are many people outside who are starving because they have even less than this. You shouldn’t complain.”

Aida, my younger sister, threw the bread aside and burst into tears, while our father, Count Bradley Somerset, sternly chastised her.

I glanced at the food placed before me, thinking that the dining scene in a noble household might resemble that of an ordinary family.

On the table lay a thin, unidentifiable soup and bread that resembled rocks in hardness.

Certainly, these were not appetizing dishes for even a child.

Resolving to eat, I attempted to dip the bread into the soup, but just as I broke it apart—

Crack!

Did I just hear the sound of wood splintering?

Overwrite the saved checkpoint from when No.1 was first promoted to “Avenger.” It won’t increase the first-tier checkpoint slots.

Currently, my checkpoints: No.0 is the real me, No.1 is the initial “Avenger” checkpoint, No.2 is the “Judge,” No.3 is the “Gambler.”

If I get trapped in the side effect of the new Sealed Object, “Temporal Chaos,” the probability of randomizing to “Judge” is one in four.

Opening another checkpoint with “Tempter” would reduce the probability of randomizing to “Judge” to one in five.

Overwriting the “Avenger” checkpoint will make it easier for the side effect of “Echo of Silver White Time Binder,” “Temporal Chaos,” to jump to the second-tier checkpoint rather than the first, without indirectly weakening my combat ability.

After carefully considering the plan, Xia’er summoned the System and clicked on the “Simulation” interface.

[Tomorrow: 8h (Sheng Year 741, June 21st, 00:10) (Consumption: 10 Mortal Points)]

[Yesterday: 10days (Sheng Year 741, June 10th, 11:55) (Consumption: 10 Mortal Points)]

[Old Day:, Day (???) (Consumption: 10000 Mortal Points)]

Seeing this time, Xia’er sighed softly.

None of them can pass by 1:00 PM on the 23rd.

Even simulating a later day and letting the simulation’s self-complete everything to see the consequences would be good.

Xia’er thought about it and decided to choose Tomorrow Simulation.

Tomorrow Simulation happens in the future; experiencing it again would also help herself.

Although choosing Yesterday Simulation wouldn’t have any impact either, she could still slaughter Derton Manor using the “Judge” checkpoint.

After all, at that time, High Priest Yulis hadn’t arrived in Borough City yet.

Xia’er was about to enter the simulation directly, but after some thought, she found a Notebook and wrote on the first page solemnly in Chinese:

[Prepare the “Tempter” Potion for me.]

After pondering, Xia’er added another line:

[Don’t cause trouble.]

Putting down the pen, Xia’er looked back at the simulation interface.

The five bottles of first-tier Potions obtained previously and the Replication Ritual did not include “Tempter.”

The original spiritual material of “Tempter,” extracted from Thomas’ body, Xia’er had already given to Aivana earlier and wouldn’t use secondary Potions.

Letting the simulated self find a “Tempter” Potion saves wasting real-world time, saving effort and energy.

As for how the simulated self would obtain the Potion without money, that wasn’t within Xia’er’s consideration.

She believed she could definitely do it.

Xia’er casually took off her shoes and socks, reclined sideways on the sofa, adjusted to a more comfortable position, and directly chose Tomorrow Simulation.

“Tomorrow, No.0.”

A silver light flashed in Xia’er’s eyes, completely covering her vision until she gradually lost control over her body.

…

[Tomorrow]

[Sheng Year 741, June 21st, 00:10]

[Countdown -23:59:59]

The vast silvery-white light gradually dissipated.

Xia’er gradually regained control over her body.

Before the white light faded entirely, Xia’er felt a stifling sensation.

It was as if something bound her, making her unable to move freely even before fully regaining control over her body.

Once Xia’er fully regained control, she moved her hands slightly.

What is this…

Xia’er felt two warm, soft objects lying beside her.

Xia’er inhaled deeply, catching only the scent of young women and petals.

Chuckling softly,

“To the left, wouldn’t it be Adelle?”

Xia’er slowly turned her head to the left and saw a face extremely close to hers, eyes tightly shut, breathing evenly.

Silver-white soft strands fell over her chest, her arms stretched forward like hugging a pillow, embracing Xia’er. Her head rested on Xia’er’s pillow, and even one leg was draped over Xia’er’s abdomen.

The soft touch Xia’er felt with her left arm came from Adelle.

Compared to Aivana and Xia’er, Adelle has more curves and a taller figure. Although she usually wears loose long robes or simply doctor’s white coats, it’s hard to notice.

Sigh… it’s indeed Adelle.

Why is there another person? The bed originally only had Aivana.

Xia’er slowly turned her head back and looked to the right, seeing Aivana facing her side-on, her hands resting on Xia’er’s arm, her face flushed red.

Aivana is slightly more reserved; she still rests her head on her own pillow, merely extending her hand toward Xia’er.

But even so, Aivana’s face was completely flushed red.

Adelle sleeps carelessly, but Xia’er is sure Aivana isn’t asleep yet.

Because her arms are somewhat stiff, her elbows aren’t even resting on the mattress.

It seems she just extended her hand a little when Xia’er woke up, causing her to freeze awkwardly.

Had she been awake the whole time, watching Adelle act this way, and decided to try too?

Having anticipated such a situation, Xia’er remained calm. After all, her task during this simulation is merely to drink the “Tempter” Potion and survive for 24 hours.

Even staying in Aivana’s room the entire time could complete this task.

Xia’er has never doubted her ability to metabolize the “Tempter” Potion.

If she couldn’t dissolve it upon ingestion, others would likely explode instantly.

However, taking a brief rest now wouldn’t hurt.

Gazing at Aivana pretending to sleep but hesitating to come closer, Xia’er slowly raised her right hand and gently withdrew her arm from Aivana’s grasp.

This action caused Aivana’s lips to tighten slightly. Her suspended hand momentarily forgot to lower, as if struck by some blow.

Lying beside Xia’er, Aivana maintained an accelerated heartbeat throughout, unable to fall asleep, and even dared not open her eyes.

She, who usually sleeps without lighting lamps, lit two candles tonight.

Until moments ago, when Aivana quietly opened her eyes and caught sight of Adelle almost half-lying on Xia’er, snoring peacefully, showing no regard for Xia’er’s feelings.

And Xia’er still had her eyes closed, seemingly unfazed by Adelle’s posture half-laying on her.

At that moment, a thought began to form in Aivana’s mind.

If Adelle could do this without Xia’er minding…

Could she… do the same?

Then, when Xia’er wakes up, she could apologize, saying her sleeping posture was bad. Gentle Xia’er should accept it; she isn’t an unreasonable person…

With this thought in mind, Aivana gradually approached Xia’er, finally cautiously placing her hand on Xia’er’s arm.

What am I doing…

After completing this action, Aivana felt as if she’d exhausted all her courage and strength. She closed her eyes, even daring not to look at Xia’er’s profile anymore.

What kind of feeling is this?

When they first met at the Police Station, seeing the beautiful red-haired girl sitting in the waiting area, their eyes meeting, she experienced a skipped heartbeat.

Back then, she didn’t think much of it, nodding politely before heading upstairs.

But as their connection deepened through mutual interactions and shared experiences, even Aivana herself couldn’t clearly define her current emotions.

Aivana slightly opened her eyes, her dark purple pupils shifting slightly, observing Xia’er’s profile under candlelight.

What kind of feeling is this?

Suddenly, she noticed Xia’er’s eyelashes fluttering. Taking a deep breath, she turned her head to look at Adelle on the left.

Xia’er’s sudden awakening startled Aivana, her hand instinctively wanting to withdraw but realizing it might look stranger.

All rational thoughts and knowledge seemed forgotten at that moment. Aivana froze in place, closing her eyes, hearing the thunderous pounding in her ears.

That wasn’t the whisper of the Potion but her own heartbeat.

She seemed to hear Xia’er turning her head again, praying Xia’er wouldn’t notice her small actions and go back to sleep quickly.

Once Xia’er falls asleep, after an hour, confirming Xia’er is thoroughly asleep, Aivana would withdraw her hand.

Each minute and second passed excruciatingly slowly. Aivana felt beads of sweat forming on her palms, her heartbeat growing louder with each beat.

Suddenly.

Xia’er moved.

She slowly shifted her right hand, withdrawing it from Aivana’s grasp.

Hmm?

In that instant, Aivana felt the drumming in her heart suddenly halt, as if the stopped hammer had lodged itself in her chest, creating a sense of blockage.

Why… can Adelle?

But not me?

However, soon, she felt the mattress slightly indenting. A somewhat cool hand slipped through the gap at her waist.

Before Aivana could react, her body was gently pulled forward by that strong hand, directly leaning against a fragrant, soft body.

Her nose could even feel the movement and fragrance of hair. That hand slowly withdrew, then lightly rested on her hair.

Time seemed to stop. Aivana wasn’t even sure if she was still breathing.

At this moment, Aivana seemed to understand what that initial flutter in her heart upon meeting the red-haired girl truly was.