Absolute Choice 10

by Pear Lands In The Autumn Spring

  But, the chance of perfecting it was right in front of him!

  Shi Xiaobai was also not one who would resign to playing second fiddle. As he listened to her suggestions, he began retorting the mistakes Dawn had pointed out in a logical manner. At times, he would leave Dawn at a loss for words. The two of them seemed like they were working together to improve the technique, but they also looked like they were engaging in an intense debate.

  "It may be so, but you are too adamant when it comes to the pursuit of power. It makes it overly perilous.

  "It's indeed perilous, but This King believes it's the final strike, so peril doesn't matter."

  "In short, why should it be the final strike?"

  "A last-ditch effort can raise your courage to its limit, but Excalibur does not only have one goal. Most of it is will, the will to attempt a desperate final attempt just for victory."

  "Although it's great to use all your strength for victory, a method that does not allow any leeway for defeat would appear too stiff and inflexible, if you were to use all your strength every time. I believe that a sword technique with a multitude of transformations while it being a combination of forcefulness and yielding is necessary."

  "Yes...what you say makes sense. Indeed, transformations with a combination of forcefulness and yielding will be more flexible. However, a sword technique with extreme might should not be abandoned. It is critical for the reversal of a dangerous situation. It looks like there is a need to seriously consider the trade-offs between forcefulness and yielding."

  "That point needs to be perfected in actual combat through trial and error. Let us discuss the next problem. The theory behind the compression of energy actually has its limitations. As the limit to the amount of energy compressed depends on the sword's hardness, not everyone would have a holy sword like Lucifer's Sword. We can't guarantee that we won't be disarmed or have the holy sword snatched, so there is still room for improvement for the usage of Excalibur."

  "What about changing the conduit's energy node?

  "That's not a simple matter. It requires further research."

  "Compared to the limitations of the sword, This King is more concerned about the speed at which energy can be compressed, as well as letting different energies merged together perfectly."

  "Hey, aren't you being too greedy? This sort of problem is not one that can be solved overnight!"

  "It's because it can't be resolved that's why we need to discuss it, isn't that so?"

  "Well, that makes sense. Then let's continue discussing..."

  "..."

  The boy and girl ignored the monsters that were everywhere. They treated the roars and yelling around them as thrilling background music as they engaged in an intense debate regarding 'Excalibur'.

  With the passage of time, they gradually managed to perfect 'Excalibur' to as far as it could go from theorizing. Although there were still many problems that could not be discussed, they had already enhanced 'Excalibur' by several stages. Furthermore, they had determined the basic direction in which it could be enhanced.

  Shi Xiaobai was extremely excited to the point of him forgetting that he was being pursued by monsters and that he was in a world fraught with danger at every turn.

  It was probably because of the vigor that filled Dawn's voice and how she did not seem exhausted in any way. Furthermore, her footwork was getting smoother and more natural, as if she was as light as a feather. This finally relieved Shi Xiaobai.

  He was planning on forcefully changing the setup they were in at the moment Dawn showed any signs of fatigue. He would flip around, and carry her on his back, as the proper script would go.

  But from the looks of it, Dawn's stamina and endurance had really far exceeded his imagination. She did not seem affected at all despite running while dodging constantly for more than ten minutes.

  As she promised, she could last a very long while.

  If this world truly had an end, they might very well be able to reach the ends of the world.

  After the end of the discussion, Dawn said softly, "Although I'm a bit unwilling to admit it, your 'Excalibur' is the most beautiful sword technique with the most possibilities. I look forward to its future."

  Her voice exuded anticipation, but she was feeling a bit bitter as she probably realized that she no longer had a chance to see the boy she liked very much to produce Excalibur again.

  When Shi Xiaobai heard that, he shook his head and said, "You are wrong. This is not This King's Excalibur, but...our Excalibur!"

  Dawn's eyes widened as she could not help but ruminate over the words that made her heart stop.

  "Our..."

  Really?

  Is that really so?

  She had already left traces of herself in that technique?

  That technique was one they possessed together. Furthermore, it was a sword technique that only the two of them had.

  Then, when he produced that technique, would there be an instant when he would recall her name, and think of how she had once existed in his life?

  At that moment, the girl could not help but laugh. Her laughter was as melodious as a wind chime. It sounded like heavenly bells ringing amid the monsters' roars.

  Then, without the need to muster her courage, the girl shouted out to the sky in a very natural manner.

  "Shi Xiaobai!"

  "I like you!"

  A direct confession which was filled with deep emotions was mostly pure and innocent. It was a part of her heart that she had never revealed to anyone. She finally took the first brave step of revealing the purest and most real emotions of a young girl.

  Shi Xiaobai was somewhat dumbfounded, but he could not help but feel happiness from the bottom of his heart.

  Shi Xiaobai had received three confessions in the past. The first time was when a school belle who he did not know very well suddenly confessed to him before he crossed worlds. Back then, he was somewhat confused and did not think too much about it.

  The second time was when facing Sen Senyuan's Demon Calamity Gun. The heavily injured Sunless stood by his side and whispered "Like" to him. Back then, he was extremely touched. It reaffirmed his intentions of protecting her, but he did not plan on responding to her affections.

  But this time, Dawn's proclamation was still echoing in the sky. Even though it was drowned by the din of roars, he simultaneously felt a joy and horror from the bottom of his heart.

  He knew that he could not face it in silence this time!

  He had to respond!

  That was because the monsters that surrounded them could tear them apart at any time. And she was still running towards the ends of the world that might not exist.

  She had given all that was beautiful and happy to him, so how could he be so cruel as to remain silent?

  However, just as Shi Xiaobai opened his mouth and was about to respond, he heard a soft voice enter his ear like a gentle breeze.

  "Promise me, you must live on."

  Shi Xiaobai felt like he was struck by lightning as a strong sense of foreboding filled his heart.

  "Slam!"

  Just as he feared, the girl's running posture collapsed finally when she said her last sentence. Her momentum caused her to slam to the ground ahead of her.

  Shi Xiaobai, who was pressing down on the girl, was immediately consumed by horror. He called out the girl's name as he turned the girl's head.

  He saw that beautiful face that was filled with fatigue. Her eyes were tightly closed and her eyebrows were deeply knitted. Her nose was moving slightly as she maintained a very weak breathing.

  The girl had fainted.

  Just a second ago, the voice was still filled with vigor and it did not show any signs of fatigue. Nothing seemed amiss about the girl that was running at full speed forward. But now, she had fainted and she looked completely exhausted.

  Shi Xiaobai's pupils dilated as hot tears streamed down his cheeks.

  Fool!

  Idiot!

  Her energeti
c and relaxed behavior of her not looking exhausted at all was all faked. It was just to make you feel at ease.

  Why did you not notice it at all?

  After having used the power of her Sword Soul for three consecutive times, her mental energies were definitely nearly drained. To focus her mental energies, observation, judgment and improvisation for such a long period of time, to the point of dual-tasking, don't you know how much mental energy was consumed?

  Why didn't you think of such a simple logic!?

  It was unknown when she had reached her tipping point, but she had forcefully pretended to appear relaxed. Do you understand how much pain she had endured?

  Why did you not realize your stupidity until the moment she collapsed?

  Even the strong and determined Shi Xiaobai had his weak moments. At that moment, his reason was shattered by the girl's sentiment. He fell into an abyss of remorse. His heart was in pain.

  "Promise me, you must live on."

  Suddenly, that voice that was more gentle than a breeze echoed softly in his mind.

  Shi Xiaobai was jolted awake as he looked up to survey his surroundings. He returned to the harsh reality from his despondent fantasies. The monsters that continuously surged at him had surrounded him once again. They bared their fangs that stunk and flashed their sharp claws. They approached in a ferocious manner.

  Shi Xiaobai immediately wiped the tears off his cheeks and reached out to carry Dawn.

  Now was not the moment to wallow in remorse.

  That was because he had told her to live on and head to the ends of the world.

  That was because he still owed her a response to her confession.

  That was because the girl was still tied tightly to him using the crudely made rope she spent half a minute to make.

  Shi Xiaobai carried the unconscious girl in his arm as his eyes were firm and gentle.

  "This time it's This King's turn to protect you."

  -------

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  Chapter454 The sudden appearance of despair

  "Lalalalalalala..."

  It was a prelude that was being hummed, but even so, the instant the voice that had yet to become a song sounded, many miracles had already happened.

  Earthbound Yaksha felt a divine aura that it deeply hated ever since the beginning of its existence. Countless ear-piercing screeches constantly resounded in its ears as it suddenly found its body extremely heavy. It was as though dozens of invisible chains had restrained its body in an ever-tightening fashion. It made the Earthbound Yaksha find it harder to breathe. Its strength seemed to be decreasing bit by bit.

  Mu Yuesheng, Pulp Farmer, Liu Yu, and Feng Yuanlin, who had been suppressed by Earthbound Yaksha's 'Soul Suppression' suddenly felt relief from the pressure on their bodies. The combat apprehension that repressed their souls had vanished as an invisible strength seemed to surge into their bodies from the world. Their frailty was quickly removed.

  Sunless felt that her fatigue was wearing away at an extremely fast speed as her blood began to boil. More and more energy filled her every cell as the sword in her hand emitted a delightful sword hum.

  Speechless was immediately awakened from his dazed state. He had been blessed by the melody both physically and mentally, but unlike the other rookies, he didn't feel much joy. Without needing to turn his head, he could already guess whose voice it was.

  As for the others, they spontaneously turned their heads towards the origins of the voice, and together, they widened their eyes in astonishment.

  The bespectacled silver-haired girl was standing on the ground and gracefully extending her arms out. Her eyes were closed and with her pink lips opened, she sang with deep emotions. Even though it was a simple 'lalala...", but the 'miracle' that was created by that melodious voice, tune and timber had already hinted at her special identity.

  "Mu Lengxi..."

  "She's actually a Muse!?"

  A Muse was an extremely rare job class in the human world. It was different from singers who used their voice to entertain people. The melody sung by Muses could create 'miracles'. Depending on the song, it would result in different miraculous effects.

  Muses could be said to be a teammate that every professional hero team yearned to have on the team. They were talents coveted by armies of various nations, and they were a humanoid weapon that could affect an entire war.

  Muses was such a rare and treasured existence.

  The group never expected that they would encounter a 'Muse' during the organization rookie selection. Muses were special talents that any organization would protect with utmost secrecy, but what surprised them even more was that Mu Lengxi, whom they had mistaken as a 'mute', actually could produce such an endearing voice.

  Liu Yu stammered, "A miracle of the world of magic, a treasured Muse...What sort of monsters are this year's rookies?"

  However, the true shock had yet to begin because after Mu Lengxi finished singing the 'lalala' prelude, she belted out the first line to the lyrics that was raw with emotion, allowing her to fully express the miracle of a muse!

  "I walk through this relentless downpour!"

  This was the first line to the lyrics that was the calmest, but it blew the minds of everyone!

  The energy that surged into their bodies, with their fatigue and pain subsiding, they were filled with boiling fighting spirit and courage. Everything was qualitatively different from the 'lalala' prelude.

  "That's...Muse Silvermoon's 'Last Stardust'!"

  That was a miraculous song widely known by many. Therefore, the moment music-loving Feng Yuanlin heard the first line, he was able to name the song.

  To the rookies on the verge of collapse, Mu Lengxi's voice had undoubtedly created a miracle. It combined energy, fighting spirit and healing as one, giving them the ability to continue fighting.

  But to Earthbound Yaksha, the song was like a devil's curse, or the judgment of an angel. It was suffering in torment and it did not want to endure it another moment!

  "Die!"

  Earthbound Yaksha was inordinately furious as it charged towards Mu Lengxi.

  "Protect the Muse!"

  That was a classic phrase often shouted in battle. And at this moment, it was shouted by Speechless.

  Pulp Farmer and company had long understood that the Muse would become the focused target of the enemy and had already started to approach where Mu Lengxi was.

  As Mu Lengxi's song gave them resolute battle will, Earthbound Yaksha's 'Soul Suppression' was finally unable to bind them again.

  Pulp Farmer, Liu Yu, Mu Yuesheng, and Feng Yuanlin timely obstructed Earthbound Yaksha. Finally, they were no longer powerless to do battle.

  Speechless heaved a sigh of relief when he saw that. He turned his head and wanted to tell Sunless to take the opportunity to kill Field Marshal Awesomo, but he saw that she had already taken action.

  When Earthbound Yaksha charged forward with complete disregard of anything, it had left Field Marshal Awesomo alone. Sunless had immediately grabbed the opportunity she had been waiting for.

  Field Marshal Awesomo, who had turned fearful from the beatings, fumbled to escape, but he was quickly caught. Once again, he holed up like a turtle in defense while covering his head. He constantly shouted 'save me' to Earthbound Yaksha. His pathetic appearance made it impossible to think that he was a Level Lord.

  When Earthbound Yaksha saw the situation, it hesitated for a moment. It did not dare to violate the orders of the Excellency, so it was prepared to turn back to save Field Marshal Awesomo.

  Speechless had already charged over.

  "Hold it back!"

  With forces coming from the front and back, Earthbound Yaksha was repressed by Mu Lengxi's melody. Its 'Soul Suppression' was no longer effective and it was really trapped by the five rookies in its original spot.

  ...

  Mu Lengxi was immersed in her own world. When she closed her eyes to sing, she needed to d
evote all her feelings to create the 'miracle of a muse'.

  "I walk through this relentless downpour!"

  "With my drenched and trembling shoulders!"

  People who heard it imagined themselves in a relentless downpour, and how their thinly-clad bodies were being drenched in the rain. Their shoulders trembled because of the cold, but even so, they still walked on resolutely.

  Was she expressing the need to be 'resolute'?

  "Towards the ends of my ideals!"

  "And with worn out tiny hands!"

  "Pick up the faded memories!"

  "Cover up my hollow heart!"

  When one's heart reached the ends of one's ideals, please recall the budding past. Even if that pair of tiny hands was hurt while working hard to climb upwards, recall the beautiful memories that had faded until one's heart is filled.

  Was she expressing that 'courage' was needed to pursue one's ideals?

  "The things called love and sympathy!"

  "I do not mind abandoning them all!"

  "If that's the price for retrieving the things that I've lost!"

  Abandon all love and sympathy so as to retrieve one's conviction.

  Was she expressing the need to be 'adamant'?

  "Even if my fate is to be covered in scars!"

  "My heart will continue emanating vibrant colors!"

  Ah, so she was not supposed to sing. That was because the power of a Muse came from the 'Sacred Sound'. However, her 'Sacred Sound' was too special. Every time she used the power of the 'Sacred Sound', it would cause its deterioration. Eventually, the 'Sacred Sound' will not be under her control. Therefore, even ordinary speech would result in the 'Sacred Sound' from rampaging, causing harm to people around her.

  That was the truth to why she did not speak.

  In fact, all she needed to do was not sing or become a muse.

  But...But every time she saw injured or despondent people, she could not help but feel the need to use her voice to give them strength and encouragement.

  It was because she was a muse, so she wanted to create 'miracles'.