V2: Chapter 53: You Protected Me When I Was Little, I'll Protect You Now That I'm Grown Up

"Is this enough to atone for my sins?" Liang Lin murmured, tears streaming down her face.

"As long as I hold their hands and walk with them, will it be enough..."

Liang Lin slowly raised her hand, preparing to grasp the little girl's hand in front of her. Everyone's face was filled with happy smiles, but their smiles were too exaggerated, possessing an indescribable eeriness that sent chills down one's spine.

Come on, come on quickly.

There was this impatient feeling, as-if if Liang Lin dared to take a step forward, they would open their blood-red maws and swallow her whole.

"No!"

"Let go!"

"Sister Liang Lin! Let her go! Kill her!"

The voices around her were like thunderclaps, making Liang Lin's head throb.

The voice was so familiar, but she couldn't place it.

Who was it? Who had been speaking in her ear? 

Liang Lin tried hard to recall that familiar voice.

What a sweet voice.

Liang Lin was momentarily lost in thought.

The little girl was tugging at her hand, but she remained kneeling on the ground, unmoving. The little girl seemed anxious, pulling hard a few times, but finding she couldn't budge her.

"Big brother, please come with us quickly! If you're any later, you won't be able to get here, and you won't be able to reunite with us," the little girl coaxed, pointing with her other hand to the people behind her. "Look, everyone is waiting for you. Don't make us worry, okay?"

"I...."

Her eyes, which had just regained their senses, dimmed again, becoming empty and lifeless once more.

Liang Lin was just an ordinary person. She wasn't a monster hybrid, nor did she possess the talent of a magician. She was simply an ordinary person, an ordinary person with a slightly stronger will than others, an ordinary person with exceptional swordsmanship talent.

"Sister Liang Lin...don't go over there, look at me, look into my eyes."

It was that familiar voice again.

"I..."

Liang Lin struggled, feeling as if her soul was being torn apart by many hands.

"Sister Liang Lin, it's alright, don't be afraid."

Liang Lin felt her cold body warming up. Two arms reached out from behind, embracing her tightly.

“It’s alright, Sister Liang Lin. I’ll handle everything. I told you before, you protected me when I was little. Now that I’m grown up, I’ll protect you.”

Liang Lin felt herself gradually regaining control of her body. The world before her seemed to become clearer, no longer the scene inside the house, but the outside world.

The clouds in the sky began to grow unusually thick, their color gradually changing from pure white to leaden gray, as if foreshadowing an impending storm. Beneath the ground, a faint tremor emanated, like the earth’s pulse beating uneasily.

Suddenly, a deafening roar ripped through the sky, like the tolling of the world’s apocalypse. Immediately afterward, the earth trembled violently, mountains, rivers, and cities all began to crumble in an instant. Houses collapsed like houses of cards, turning into ruins; roads broke, bridges collapsed, and the once smooth ground became pitted and scarred.

As the collapse intensified, the entire world seemed to be torn into countless fragments. Huge boulders, broken trees, and crumbling buildings danced in the air, a dazzling yet tragic spectacle like fireworks of the apocalypse. The air was thick with dust and the suffocating smell of gunpowder. Sunlight filtered through the thick dust, casting dappled shadows, but could no longer illuminate this dark and hopeless world.

When the collapse finally stopped, the world before Liang Lin's eyes was unrecognizable. The air was thick with dust and the smell of gunpowder, making it hard to breathe. A deathly silence reigned, broken only by the occasional sound of falling rubble and the distant cries of animals. Sunlight filtered through thick clouds, casting weak, pale shadows, adding to the desolation of this shattered world.

Liang Lin's breathing was heavy and rapid, as if she had just survived a harrowing escape. Her eyelashes trembled slightly, and finally, her eyes snapped open, her pupils reflecting endless terror and confusion.

Her heart pounded wildly in her chest like a frantic drumbeat. Sweat streamed down her forehead, soaking her hair. Liang Lin's hands clenched into fists, her nails digging deep into her palms, as if grasping at something to steady her trembling body.

Silence reigned all around, broken only by Liang Lin's heavy breathing. She looked around; the beautiful garden now felt strange and unsettling. The vibrant roses seemed distorted, the white pillars casting long shadows like lurking monsters, ready to pounce.

Liang Lin tried to calm herself. She took a deep breath, attempting to quell her frantic heartbeat. However, the scene from the illusion lingered like a ghost, swirling and tormenting her mind. She could clearly feel the despair and helplessness, as if being dragged back into that endless darkness.

Just then, the voice from the illusion appeared.

"Sister Liang Lin, it's good that you're... alright."

Liang Lin looked up and saw Liang Di's pale face.

Liang Di's face was as pale as an unpainted sheet of paper, completely bloodless. Her cheeks had lost their former rosy hue, making her appear unusually thin, as if she lacked even a trace of life. Her skin appeared pale and translucent in the sunlight, almost revealing the fine veins beneath.

Her eyes held a trace of weariness and weakness, as if she had endured a long period of torment. Her eye sockets were sunken, and her dark circles were obvious, giving her an extremely haggard appearance. Her lips had lost their former rosy color, becoming dry and pale, as if unable to retain even a trace of moisture.

Her hair was also somewhat disheveled, having lost its former luster. She looked like a withered tree, lifeless. Her body seemed much lighter, as if a gust of wind could blow her over.

Liang Lin was startled. Before she could say anything, a trickle of blood seeped from the corner of Liang Di's mouth.

"Oh my god! What happened to you? Don't scare me!"

Liang Lin screamed in alarm, grabbing Liang Di tightly. If she hadn't held on, Liang Di would probably be sprawled on the ground. Liang Di leaned weakly against Liang Lin, her voice feeble.

"Sister Liang Lin, almost... if I had been any later, I would never have seen you again... It's all my fault..."

The tentacle girl's second sentence was filled with self-reproach.

"What?"

Liang Lin hadn't even reacted yet.

"Sister Liang Lin, it's good you're alright." Liang Di coughed up another mouthful of blood.

Liang Lin finally remembered the illusion she'd just experienced, the voice within it, and the scene of her rescue. She realized then that Liang Di had saved her.

This was probably the second time Liang Di had saved her.

Liang Lin hugged Liang Di tightly, realizing that Liang Di could no longer stand. Liang Lin frowned slightly, a wave of overwhelming self-reproach washing over her.

Why couldn't I escape the illusion through my own willpower? Why did I have to make Liang Di intervene? This must be a side effect of her entering my illusion.

"Ha—ah!"

On the other side, Doris also escaped the illusion, but not because she had solved it, but because Liang Di was severely injured.

Doris saw a massive black rift within the illusion.

The enormous black rift seemed to have been torn open from an endless abyss, its edges rough and sharp, as if ripped apart by an invisible force. The interior of the rift was deep and dark, swallowing all surrounding light, making it impossible to glimpse its secrets.

From within the rift, low and eerie sounds emanated, like calls from another world, making her heart pound. These sounds were exceptionally clear in Doris's ears, impossible to ignore.

But she had to escape this place, she had to escape this dangerous sea. So, without hesitation, Doris jumped directly into the massive black rift.

The crack seemed like a slide, and Doris slid down it, surrounded by countless fragments of her memories with Gael.

When sunlight streamed through the ancient windowpanes into the warm room, Doris would gently awaken the sleeping Gael. Her fingers would tenderly caress Gael's cheek, her eyes filled with love. At Doris's call, Gael would slowly open his eyes, welcoming the new day.

On special holidays or celebrations, Gael would accompany Doris to the festivities. They would stroll hand in hand along flower-lined streets, admiring exquisite handicrafts and lively performances. Doris would smile and choose a beautiful gift for Gael as a memento of his growth. Gael, in turn, would present Doris with a bouquet of flowers, expressing his deep gratitude and love.

In the afternoon, sunlight slanted into the mansion's courtyard, its golden glow adding to the ancient building's tranquility and peace. Gael would hurriedly leave his busy official duties to return to Doris's side. He was dressed in luxurious clothes, yet his eyes revealed a deep concern for Doris.

Entering Doris's room, he moved quietly, careful not to disturb his mother's rest. Doris sat by the window, holding an ancient book. Although she was nearly forty, Doris was still as beautiful as an angel.

Gael approached his mother and softly asked, "Mother, I heard from the maids that you haven't been feeling well lately, so I came back to see you. Mother, are you feeling unwell? I'll go find a doctor for you."

Doris looked up, and seeing her son, a flicker of surprise and relief crossed her eyes. She smiled and shook her head. "I'm fine, Gael. It's good that you're back."

Gael was still worried. He gently took his mother's hand. An indescribable emotion welled up within him. He knew how much his mother had sacrificed for him in his quest for the throne. He gently stroked the back of his mother's hand. "Mother, please take care of yourself. I'll come back to visit you more often."

Doris's eyes flashed with emotion upon hearing this. She patted her son's hand. "Gael, go about your business. Don't neglect important matters."

Gael shook his head, personally pouring his mother a cup of hot tea and bringing over some delicate pastries. He sat beside Doris, keeping her company as they sipped tea and chatted, recounting the latest happenings and gossip about the nobles. Doris listened with rapt attention, occasionally letting out a cheerful laugh.

Seeing these memories, Doris's eyes reddened in the darkness.

Her only attachment to this world was her son, Gael. All the beauty, all the happiness, began when she gave birth to Gael. Gael was more important than her own life—that's what a mother is.

So, she absolutely couldn't die in this illusion. What would happen to Gael if she died? Gael hadn't ascended the throne yet, and if she died, wouldn't those monsters target him? No, no, she had to let Gael live a normal life, she had to let him live peacefully and happily for the rest of his life, without any entanglement with those monsters.

Light gradually appeared before her, initially faint, like the first rays of dawn, cautiously piercing through thick clouds and falling upon the ground. As the light intensified, the surrounding scenery began to clear, as if emerging from chaos to reveal their true forms.

Doris awoke, drenched in sweat, her calves cramping, her body limp. She couldn't stand and collapsed to her knees, gasping for breath, feeling as if she had nearly suffocated.

"Hey, I'm talking to you."

Liang Lin scooped Liang Di up in her arms, carrying her in a princess carry, looking down at Doris with a gloomy gaze.

"You monster, you're still alive? What a pity. You looked pretty scared, didn't you? The way you were just now was disgusting."

"Doris, you'll get your comeuppance someday."

Liang Lin turned and left. She knew Doris wouldn't stop her in her current state. Besides, Liang Di was now the king's favorite, and with blood trickling from her mouth, and only Liang Lin and Doris around, it would be difficult to explain if someone found out.

Doris wasn't that stupid; she wouldn't be foolish enough to call for someone to help her up.

Doris's ears were ringing. She didn't even notice Liang Lin carrying Liang Di away.

Terrifying.

It's really terrifying.

That Liang Di.

She can even create illusions?

And she had tentacles.

A terrible thought crept into Doris's mind.

No! Absolutely not, absolutely impossible!

Doris shook her head violently, unable to accept the idea.

"Mother?"

Behind her came her son's startled cry, followed by the sound of running footsteps. Gael ran to Doris's side and helped her up.

"What happened? Why are you sitting on the ground? Who is it?!" Gael shouted.

Doris had calmed down a bit. She shook her head, telling Gael to be quiet so as not to attract attention.

"I just tripped over a stone and fell. Don't make such a fuss and call everyone back. If they hear I tripped over a stone and spread the word, it'll be embarrassing for the nobles and royalty."

"Oh... I see," Gael believed her. "Be careful, I can't always be by your side."

Hearing her son's familiar, concerned voice, Doris finally calmed down completely.  “Okay, good.”

Doris clenched her fists tightly.

She absolutely, absolutely, would protect her son.

Inside the Langwendi mansion.

“Liang Di!”

Octaville exclaimed, then, tears streaming down her face, rushed to Liang Di's bedside. “My child… what happened to you? It's only been a few days, and you're already…”

Thump!

“Ouch!”

Octaville clutched the back of her head, wincing.

Hilary smiled insincerely, her hand raised in the air. “Fu, if you keep being cheeky, you're not sleeping in the same bed with me tonight. Go sleep elsewhere.”

“I was wrong, I was wrong.” Octaville silently stood up.

Liang Di lay on the bed, speechless at everything before her.

Damn it, I was in this state, and these two were still showing off their love. Was it really true that motherhood was true love, and the child was an accident?  

"What's wrong with her?" Hilary asked Liang Lin.

Liang Lin's eyebrows furrowed, and she recounted everything that had happened in the palace, except for the contents of her illusion. The sealed memories were unleashed, and Liang Lin's mood was terrible. Seeing Liang Di, injured and lying on the bed because of her, made her even more uncomfortable.

She felt like a burden.

Before this, she was always the one protecting others, but now, she was the one being protected. This huge sense of loss left Liang Lin nowhere to hide.

"Hiss~"

Octaville gasped, looking helplessly at Liang Di lying on the bed. "Liang Di, you were too impulsive, too bold. You dared to stare directly at Doris and confront her. You should know you've only just learned how to create illusions."

Liang Lin interrupted her.

“No, she got like this to save me.”

Octaville, her tooth aching, clicked her tongue, sighed, and shook her head. “I don’t know how to fix it.”

“It’s okay, I’ll be fine after a rest.” Liang Di's voice was weak, like a mosquito’s buzz.

“Liang Di, I’ll take care of you tonight.”

Liang Di got injured because of her; she couldn’t just go back to her room to rest. She had to stay and take care of Liang Di until she recovered.

Huh?

What is this, a blessing in disguise?

LiangnDi smiled, a smile that baffled Liang Lin.

If I could be taken care of by Sister Liang Lin, I would be willing to get hurt a thousand times, no, ten thousand times.

Night fell, and moonlight dappled the girl’s bed through the half-open window. Liang Di lay there quietly, her face flushed, her lips tightly pressed together, as if enduring some unspeakable pain.

Her silvery-white hair was scattered messily on the pillow, a damp towel pressed against her forehead, trying to alleviate her burning body temperature. Her hands gripped the corner of the blanket tightly, as if trying to draw coolness from it. However, her scorching skin was like a furnace, keeping everyone at bay.

A gentle breeze from outside stirred the curtains, bringing a slight coolness, but it couldn't penetrate the oppressive heat. Liang Di let out weak moans from time to time, as if struggling against her illness, or perhaps seeking comfort.

Beside the bed, a dim candlelight flickered, adding a touch of desolation to the quiet night. The girl under the lamplight appeared even more fragile; her breathing was short and heavy, each breath like a brush with death.

Liang Lin had been watching over Liang Di's bedside. It was the middle of the night, and Liang Lin had fallen asleep beside the bed, only waking up when she heard Liang Di's moans.

"Liang Di, are you feeling unwell?"