webnovel

Sakura playing the piano...?

"How could you wound the heart of your sweet, innocent Einstein – your dearest friend – with such accusations?" Einstein feigned hurt, a playful pout gracing her lips.

Despite her words, her expression remained unchanged, a testament to her masterful poker face.

"Sweet? Innocent? Are you @#% kidding me?! Give me back my dignity, you – you mop-headed schemer!" Tesla was on the verge of exploding.

Her face flushed red, and her trademark outbursts became a torrent of garbled insults. Ah, it seemed her usual composure had deserted her entirely.

Better make a mental note, Einstein mused, observing Tesla with a mix of amusement and analytical curiosity. Seems our brilliant Tesla has a hidden talent for… shall we say, colorful language. Perhaps there's more to her than laboratory experiments and theoretical rants.

It seems that Tesla, in reality, also has a tendency to develop into a grumpy old lady.

But the The Eye of the Abyss… the name tickled a distant memory. Yes, it was more than familiar. But its ability to manipulate space… could that be purely coincidental? A sly smile crept onto her face. It seemed this little game had become far more interesting.

...

Tesla fell into a whole new world.

A world of strange costumes and unfamiliar faces. When she finally opened her eyes, a swimsuit was the first thing she saw.

The white pleated skirt modestly covered her body, and a small, playful bow adorned her neck. The black and white colors contrasted beautifully with her fair skin. Suddenly, a dazzling figure approached – the maid Rita, shining like a star.

With her deep red eyes and a small beauty mark at the corner of her eye, Rita exuded a gentle, mature charm. She leaned close, a teasing smile playing on her lips. Tesla, still dazed, covered her head and tried to make sense of everything.

Tesla covered his head and recalled the current situation. she had just expressed her gratitude to the perverted maid in front of her.

Then the terrible news came... because she had just fallen and smashed four expensive game consoles, she had a huge debt to pay.

She could either sell herself (which she absolutely didn't want to do!) or find a job immediately.

To make matters worse, they slapped handcuffs on her – a constant reminder of the money she owed.

This whole situation was incredibly frustrating, and she had to work as an employee to pay back this unfair debt.

Tesla was furious. The person who brought her here, who was still outside, couldn't stop with the sarcastic remarks.

"Come on, Tesla! Come on, Tesla!" they kept shouting, with a mocking tone in their voice.

"Really, if you're so worried, just come down here yourself!"

---

Seeing this, Tesla outside the video couldn't help but give Einstein next to her a roll of the eyes, venting her dissatisfaction.

Einstein had no expression on her face, but judging from his trembling fingers, she might be suppressing a smile.

---

However, how could the grumpy Tesla actually work seriously? She couldn't resist causing a little mischief and decided to mess with the programs on the game consoles. This kicked off a wild chase all around the amusement park!

Imagine this: players are rolling dice in a board game like Monopoly, and Tesla is zooming ahead, determined to catch those two troublemakers.

Along the way, there was so much silly chaos – she had a battle of wits with the clever Rita, bumped into Durandal (who seemed like the big boss of the park), and even chased two little animals making a mess!

This time, Tesla got to take charge and be a true heroine.

She even met some familiar faces from the main storyline, like Sakura and the Elf of the Spring(herrscher of void).

It was funny to see them in a totally different light – it made the players think about their favorite characters in a whole new way.

...

The golden courtyard felt strangely quiet this time. There were only a handful of people in the grand hall, making the space feel almost empty.

This wasn't a major event like the ones for the Flame-chasers, where everyone would team up and compete. Of course, who knows if anyone was secretly watching from the shadows?

But even if it was smaller, there was one good reason why people would still show up... this was Elysia's tea party! It was sure to be a delightful event.

"Ellie, this afternoon tea is wonderful! If you're hosting another one, you know I'll be there." Eden took a sip of her tea, a warm smile on her face.

In her busy life, moments like this – a leisurely afternoon tea with good company – were a precious treasure.

However, now she gets to enjoy simple pleasures like this for a little while each day. A tiny bit of normal life in the midst of everything.

Of course, it was a different story for the other girl. Sakura slowly set down her teacup, then reached for the knife resting beside her on the sofa.

Even though she wasn't clutching it tightly all the time anymore, the weapon was still close, especially when she was with RIN.

Compared to the other two people present, Sakura is (former) Killer was obviously more uncomfortable with his identity.

 Aponia, with her hands gently folded, held her juice cup with quiet grace. She watched the chattering girl in front of her with a soft smile.

You could tell Aponia cherished these moments too... especially after her gift of foresight became too much, a burden she could no longer bear.

After the four of them gathered together, Elysia almost kept talking. After all, this game was her rare rest time. It was one thing not to be able to go out at will. The only thing that made her happy was to be happy alone, with her companions. The happy scene was what Elysia was looking forward to.

Well, it's not like she was looking forward to her appearance!

Well, not the whole scene. She couldn't wait for her own grand entrance, of course!

But there was Sakura, already visible on the screen, even though she was still a speck in the distance. It was mildly annoying.

Elysia sighed dramatically. Why did important characters always have to make everyone wait? Still, she supposed she could forgive Sakura... this time.

"Honestly, when you think about it, Dr. Tesla has the absolute worst luck," Elysia declared, tapping her fingers dramatically as she stared at the Tesla storyline on the screen. "Tricked by Einstein, stuck babysitting two troublesome kids, constantly teased by Rita... talk about a disaster! Maybe that's why she's the main character, though? No one has more problems than her."

She giggled. "Dr. Red Twin Ponytail Lobster Head... whoever came up with that nickname is a genius. It fits a little too well!"

"Still, Miss Rita's swimsuit earlier was super cute. I'm totally getting one when we get back. A pink one, of course! And I bet Dr. Mobius would love a summery outfit too. Speaking of summer, it's almost here! The season that makes all us beautiful girls so happy!"

Elysia's eyes sparkled. "We absolutely have to plan a beach trip together. Imagine it: the cool ocean, a lazy summer afternoon, sand between our toes, ice-cold drinks... and a whole group of gorgeous girls! Just thinking about it makes me so excited."

Hey, Sakura! I heard you're making an appearance in this storyline too. Where are you? It's such a bummer that Luo Mo won't let me show up. I miss getting to chat with everyone in the game!" Elysia practically bounced with excitement.

Sakura's long ears twitched slightly. She put down her teacup, her gaze cool as she considered the pink-haired girl in front of her.

After a moment, she answered in her usual serious tone, "Logically speaking, it should be soon. It seems I'll be appearing as an idol... competing with them on stage."

"Whoa, Sakura as an idol? That's definitely a route I never imagined!" Elysia gasped, eyes wide with amusement. It was hard to picture the stoic Sakura in a sparkly dress, singing and dancing.

Her gaze flitted over to their burgundy-haired friend, who was sipping tea while focused on the screen. "Now, if it was Eden..." Elysia mused, "She'd be the absolute best idol, no question!"

"Oh? So Sakura's appearance has a spooky twist? Piano music echoing in the background... haha, how interesting! You didn't think our quiet Sakura had a hidden talent for music, did you?" Elysia leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with playful curiosity.

Eden studied the scene, tilting her head slightly as she swirled the tea in her cup – a habit from her days of drinking wine from elegant goblets. "Perhaps this is just a game element," she mused.

"Sorry, no, it really is just a game," Sakura replied, the faintest hint of a blush warming her cheeks.

Despite her cool tone, it was clear she was just as intrigued by the new direction her character was taking.

The screen lit up, showcasing Sakura in a breathtaking transformation. Her ice-blue dress flowed around her like a cool summer breeze, with a delicate light blue flower nestled at her neck – a touch of gentle beauty.

Musical notes danced playfully around the edges of her dress, as if a hidden melody echoed in the air.

Her signature pink ears stood proudly, while her long pink hair was swept back in a stylish ponytail held by a hair tie adorned with two twinkling blue stars. And of course, her iconic leg rings, a symbol of her unique flair, and asymmetrical socks added an unexpected touch of charm.

The entire look radiated a cool summer vibe, a refreshing contrast to Rita's usual seductive style. Sakura exuded an aura of purity and playful energy, a captivating blend of innocence and charm.

Sakura approached the piano, its surface adorned with a single, perfect blue rose. Suddenly, Tesla, Rozaliya, and Liliya burst into the room, each mistaking the other for a fancy doll – they couldn't help but reach out and touch Sakura's fluffy pink ears!

The chaos only escalated when it was revealed they were all contestants in an idol audition. Sakura, her cool composure momentarily shattered, sprang into action. As she began to play the piano, a blast of icy air swept through the room, freezing everything in its path. This was no ordinary performance!

But even amidst the swirling frost, Rozaliya and Liliya couldn't contain their mischievous streak. Liliya whipped out a match and struck it, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Rozaliya, lost in a daydream, babbled about a giant stove and roasted chicken drumsticks, the savory scent almost filling the air. It was clear these two weren't taking the competition very seriously!

Then she closed her eyes and made a desperate wish, a silent plea to escape this world of biting cold and gnawing hunger. If only a miracle could happen...

---

"Do you two honestly think you're little match girls? That you can dream up warmth and food just by lighting a match?" Luo Mo's voice dripped with a mix of exasperation and pity as she gently touched Rozaliya's face.

Her skin was so soft, so heartbreakingly young.

Theresa scowled, sensing Luo Mo's overly familiar behavior. "Hey, what's with that look in your eyes?" She snatched Rozaliya away from 'the devil's clutches' and puffed out her chest, determined to lecture Rozaliya on the importance of acting like a proper principal.

"The little match girl is just a fairytale," Theresa said firmly, guiding Rozaliya further away.

"Those aren't the kinds of wishes that come true when you strike a match. " Her voice softened as she looked at the girls,

"Different children need different kinds of lessons."

"But, but..." Rozaliya whined, squirming playfully in Theresa's grip.

"But what?" Theresa demanded, trying (and failing) to look stern.

"Sister Seele said the little match girl used matches to launch a missile! Everyone saw their grandmas that night. So maybe matches can't keep you warm," Rozaliya reasoned with a mischievous grin, "but missiles definitely can!"

" Seele..." Luo Mo thought for a moment and quickly figured out who the other party was referring to. Is it you, Veliona?

"That's completely absurd!" Theresa exclaimed in exasperation. She'd taught for years, but never encountered a fairy tale quite this... creative.

Seele, is she so wild? Theresa was a little curious; she seemed quite well-behaved.

"Hey, boss, that dress is so pretty! Can you make us matching ones?" Rozaliya's eyes sparkled with excitement, her coral-shaped headdress bobbing as she bounced on her toes. She was completely captivated by the outfit, its pink hues perfectly matching her own bubbly personality.

"Yes, please! Liliya wants one too." Liliya chimed in, her gaze fixed on Luo Mo. There was no resisting those big, hopeful eyes.

Luo Mo was deep in thought at this time, and naturally, it wasn't about the trivial matter of clothes. What he was thinking about was that he must have reached out to touch the other person just now because he thought she was cute, right? probably...

Luo Mo glanced at his status bar, confirmed that the pink-haired control had disappeared, and breathed a sigh of relief.

He nodded and said, "No problem, it's not just you; we will make several sets of costumes for all the Valkyries that appear in the game and give them to the original characters, but they won't have the special effects in the game!"

"Oh yeah, boss, that's great!" Rozaliya and Liliya both hugged Luo Mo's arms and cheered in unison.

---

Tesla, along with the mischievous twins, finally emerged victorious over Sakura, the stoic musician from the snow-covered land.

Yet, the ending left a bittersweet aftertaste, a lingering sadness that hung in the air.

---

"Honestly, in this wacky world of idols, did Sakura really have to lose her sister?" Elysia sighed, her usual cheerfulness momentarily dimmed.

"So much fun and laughter, just to end on such a sad note."

There were happy plots in the beginning, but at the end, there was an ending. Sakura decided to go on the stage to pursue idols for the sake of her deceased sister.

Sakura took a sip of her tea, the warmth a stark contrast to the chill in her heart.

She'd known the story, had even voiced the lines, yet it hit differently now. It was a constant reminder – she must protect Rin, no matter what. Even if the whole world turned against her, she would not let go. Never again.

Sakura glanced at the sword placed next to her. The sword had no eyes and was designed to protect the things she cherished.

---

The vodka girls learned from Sakura that the reason she practiced so relentlessly, even in solitude, was because of a formidable rival: the white-haired girl known as the Elf of the Spring.

This revelation made Rozaliya slump in defeat. Even for a split second, the thought of going back to Siberia and growing potatoes was oddly appealing compared to facing such fierce competition.

---

"The Elf of the Spring? But who is that? Does she actually have cute pointy ears like mine?" Elysia's curiosity bubbled over.

"They kept us separate during the dubbing," Sakura explained, "so I never saw anyone who fit that description. It's probably just a nickname for someone." Sakura said,

"Ooh, that makes me even more curious!" Elysia chirped, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "We just have to discover who this mysterious elf is and see if her ears are as adorable as yours! Maybe she needs a new hairstyle... or a cute outfit!"

...

"Pfft! Go back to Siberia to grow potatoes? Only Rozaliya could think of something like that." Bronya smirked, a rare hint of amusement in her tone.

"Hey, is there something wrong with potatoes?" Kiana retorted, grinning. "They're pretty awesome when you put lots of cheese on them."

After a few people came back from ARC City, they naturally didn't need to go to work immediately. Fortunately, they got together after class to watch the activities.

"It's not about potatoes," Seele interjected gently. Her normally soft voice held a hint of weight. 

"It's difficult for plants to grow in Siberia. Planting potatoes there... it's usually something done by prisoners, or people who have lost all hope."

Seele looked at Bronya, and her face turned slightly red, probably recalling the past scene where the two of them warmed the bed together.

...

"Ugh, not again! Why does the delivery always go missing around here?" A disembodied voice grumbled, laced with both irritation and a hint of amusement.

The golden glow of the text hinted at the speaker's unusual identity, but for now, they remained hidden.

Rozaliya's nose twitched. A delicious aroma filled the air, a tantalizing mix of sweet and savory scents. Mischief sparkling in her eyes, she followed her nose, tugging Liliya along for the adventure.

The scent led them to a mysterious box. Before a slightly panicked Tesla could intervene, the twins had already pried it open. A cascade of goodies spilled out – toys, snacks, comics, and figurines... a child's dream come true!

Without hesitation, Rozaliya and Liliya dug in. One munched on a handful of potato chips, while the other gleefully devoured a slice of cake.

Their joyful squeals echoed through the room, a stark contrast to the mysterious voice's earlier grumblings.

---

"Hmm, this whole situation... it feels strangely familiar," Elysia mused, tapping her chin with a thoughtful expression. "Like a memory just out of reach..."

"Ellie, dear, try not to overthink it," Eden chimed in, a hint of amusement in her voice.

"Remember how Luo Mo posted that photo? It looked almost identical to this scene! he even used some of those trinkets Sirin dropped when he tumbled out of that portal thingy last time."

Eden said helplessly, and the identity of Miss Elf of the Fountain seemed to be revealed.

A ripple of surprised whispers spread through the group. The revelation of the Elf of the Spring's identity was unexpected, to say the least.

"But... the Herrscher of the Void turned into a cute 'little' fountain Elf? Who would have thought!" someone exclaimed, a note of disbelief in their voice. The idea was almost comical, given Sirin's usually destructive personality.

---

After Einstein's cryptic reminder about 'ten o'clock', the scene shifted, revealing a silver-haired girl standing alone in the spotlight.

As the music swelled, her voice flowed through the silence like a cool mountain stream – pure, haunting, and unexpectedly powerful.

She reached out, a yearning in her gesture, as if trying to bridge the gap between herself and the unseen audience. Lost in the music, she sang with an honesty that painted a vivid picture in the listeners' minds.

The light caught the soft blue of her suspender dress, emphasizing the gentle curves of her figure. A closer look revealed a delicate starfish gleaming on her left breast, adding a touch of whimsy to her otherwise elegant appearance. The contrast between her icy blue dress and her shimmering golden eyes created a striking image – regal, yet strangely vulnerable.

Seeing this scene, the players also expressed emotion.

[Her voice... her look... that smile! It's like she never left!]

[Her Majesty the Queen]

[Maybe she'll be back someday... but for now, it's the age of Fu Hua!]

[Hey, are you even a true Queen fan? Show some respect!]

次の章へ