It's so painful! So hard! So difficult!

After experiencing seven apocalypses, Vandortino finally stopped. Panting, she looked back at Bai Lin's previous location. There wasn't even a scrap left there, so naturally, there shouldn't be anything left, but...

"I really don't know why you keep repeating this meaningless behavior. After losing your mind, are you afraid of me to this extent? That's why you want to kill me as soon as possible to cover up your fear..."

Bai Lin, intact, holding her sword and wearing the tattered armor, slowly walked out from a floating island.

As long as Bai Lin could use her indestructible dark will, and as long as she could maintain her unwavering resolve despite repeated destruction, no matter how heavy the attack, she would not be able to be destroyed. This was an ability she had already demonstrated, yet Vandortino still launched such an attack.

"At the same time, you're probably feeling dissatisfied, right? Although I feel this world is beautifully constructed, even submerged in this heavy crimson hue, it... doesn't seem to quite meet your expectations in any way. The image of your world is rapidly disappearing from your mind, bit by bit. Each reconstruction creates more chaos, making you even more upset."

Bai Lin's voice continued to ring out. She looked at the world, sighing and sighing. Her tone gradually changed from anger to fatigue.

"Whether you're willing to admit it or not, you're no longer the same Vandortino. As someone who controls the universe, you shouldn't be acting like you are now. And you're not the Xiao Nuo I knew. You're nothing but an ugly remnant, the tragic grave of the Goddess of Dusk."

Then, as she walked, she produced something. She frantically gnawed at a piece of energy—the ore she'd brought from the dwarves. This would make expending her energy even more meaningless, a quick way to replenish her energy. It was precisely because he understood this that Vandortino hadn't simply used his special abilities to consume Bai Lin, but had instead attempted to kill him from the outset.

Her swallowing wasn't due to exhaustion. It was simply a desire to execute her plan in her own way, in a more complete state. She pressed her entire hand against her face and roughly shoved the stone inward. With a few pushes, it shattered into dust, emptying the space.

Then, she wiped the color off her face, anger and murderous intent once again completely occupying her face. She raised the sword blade solemnly as if holding a ceremonial staff.

"So, just go to hell and die! I can't stand your awful existence for even a second longer, and I don't want to see it any longer. This is a gift of dignity for you, and it's also my truest desire."

"Go—die!"

After hearing these words, Vandortino, who was already a little tired, immediately burst into strong emotions.

"You're kidding! Who would be afraid of you? I am who I am. I will see everything through to the end. So what if I can't remember what the world looked like? After taking this step, only those who have today will be able to embrace tomorrow."

Chapter 1042: Zero

"How could this old man possibly die here? You are the only one who deserves to die!"

This absolute battle seemed to have no end in sight. No matter how many tricks he used, Vandortino could not completely kill Bai Lin. And even when all his tricks were exhausted, Bai Lin could always see Vandortino's new abilities gradually emerging.

However, the true end would come sooner or later. Both sides were utterly sincere, desiring the other's utter demise. As their murderous intent reached its apex, Vandotino's body vanished from the world.

When she came to her senses, she was already outside the world, standing in the boundless universe, looking at a fictitious world the size of a scarlet ball.

Since Bai Lin couldn't be killed even by completely wiping him out from the inside, then he would have to completely disappear from the outside! Even if this meant the disappearance of the divine realm he relied on and some of his power would dissipate, he could then return to the material world and reclaim a portion of it. Right now, there was only one goal...

In an instant, the miniature universe was like a toy between her fingers. Before her, it seemed so insignificant. With a single touch, the immense gravity formed a pull zone, like an enhanced black hole, sucking everything in, shattering and rotting under the weight. In a blink of an eye, the ball had completely plummeted into the black hole.

At that moment, a figure, almost invisible, instantly captured Vandotino's attention. Naturally, it reached into the nearby universe and stepped out of the massive black hole. Standing before her, it held its sword firmly in place. No matter the circumstances, she refused to give up. Like an indelible memory, it etched itself into Vandotino's mind.

Just as the Dark Knights had walked countless times before, she took the first step. Her will to forge a path forward moved the very heart of the gods.

Just as the old knight had done countless times, she raised her sword. Her rock-hard figure evoked memories of the gods.

Just as Vandortino had seen countless times, her expression remained frozen. That self-sacrificing heart stirred the divine...

Yes, it reminded her of something. The person before her seemed somewhat similar to the one who had said, "Kill me." But who were they, exactly? Who were they? The god's consciousness was gradually blurring.

She could only feel figures appearing around her one after another. They all gave her an incomparable sense of familiarity, yet she had no impression of them.

Why do I feel like crying? Am I... am I being held back by memories? Are I being held back by these memories that I can no longer recall?

No, rather than a memory, it's more accurate to say that Bai Lin at this moment carries all figures, the epitome of the will that Vandortino had seen. Even those who have never been touched by light will be moved by the sight of the sun. And how can those who have been blessed by light, even those who have walked into the long night and do not recognize its brilliance, look upon the rising sun with indifference?

Vandortino was no longer able to distinguish. She only knew that a pair of scarlet claws were lifting her hands, reassuring her shoulders, giving her the strength to pick up her weapon again. Yes, no matter what, no matter what the enemy was, she had to step over it and kill it. This was the only thing she had to do.

Thousands of pieces of flesh and blood slowly melted and sublimated. Energy emanated like steam, enveloping her entire body and stained everything in a crimson. The color of the world's destruction made the remaining crow feathers glow like sharp blades. She raised the symbol of divine authority with both hands, pointing the blades at the enemy before her. With this, she aimed to strike it down.

Zero point

The crimson light that pierced the heavens and earth continuously tore apart the space beyond the universe. Worlds that existed alone, pierced by the red light, were instantly shattered, and the next moment, completely annihilated. Destruction, pure blast of destruction, aimed solely at slaying those insignificant, even insignificant, figures within the universe.

At the same time, the insignificant figure also performed an action as stupid as Yugong moving the mountain, and swung the sword in his hand heavily.

The weight of everyone's will, that pitch-black hue, instantly collided with the destructive light. For a moment, countless waves of light, originating from their collision point, continuously spread outward in destructive ripples of energy. They shattered everything, yet emitted an ethereal hum.

That sound was like a lament. When countless universes were wounded, what emanated was not a cry of panic, but rather a series of heavy sighs. In this inevitable battle, there would be no winners, only death. The mere clash of wills was enough to make everything tremble.

What’s more, is it a “collision” of this magnitude?

The pitch-black blades gradually retreated. Clearly, in a head-on clash, the will of the masses was no match for the divine might. Power is power, but reality cannot be rewritten by ideals. A long-unseen smile appeared on Vandotino's face. Perhaps even she herself didn't understand its meaning; perhaps it was simply a genuine joy at finally slaying this formidable foe.

Is it finally over? It's been so long. But this is just the beginning. I still have a long way to go. I still...

As she exerted all her might to blast Bai Lin to death, thoughts streamed uncontrollably from her mind. Yet, all of this no longer mattered. This was merely another crucial step in her life, a barrier about to be shattered. That light was about to consume everything.

How could it be so simple?

Bai Lin's voice suddenly echoed from Vandortino's body. The light wave she released was violently slashed by Bai Lin, like a clash of weapons, and was deflected by her. How could this be possible? Was the energy being disrupted?

Reality often doesn't give people the chance to think. Bai Lin had already prepared her next attack. Under the dark hue, countless figures overlapped, merging into her single form. Bai Lin took a deep breath, feeling her pulse beat, savoring the strongest desire she'd ever felt, to take the next step forward.

She was one of the brightest stars in that meteor shower, guiding the way forward. Something that shouldn't exist, a miraculous person, built from these tiny stories, she personally carried out the will of the stars.

Chapter 1043: Teacher, Friends, and Disciple

The Son who permeates everything.

The next moment, countless streams of dark light pierced Vandotino's body. Before she could react, a fierce scream erupted from her throat. In an instant, the divine majesty was completely gone. Every part of her body collapsed, torn apart by the crippling pain, leaving her powerless.

Completely destroyed, like a girl buried in the dark abyss, struggling in the endless ocean but sinking all the time.

This is... How could I possibly lose?! Impossible, this is absolutely wrong. I will never face failure again. I won't lose, and I don't want to lose. I don't want to feel pain, I don't want to experience this darkness again... I don't want to die, I don't want to die, I don't want to sink alone. Failure, death, ahhh...

Countless thoughts flew through her mind as she watched the light flow. Just before her eyes closed, she finally realized something.

Was I wrong? She truly was stronger, even stronger than I'd imagined... Even if I carried so much, so what? I'm just a broken being, with no place to stand. I can only do this, only lose, only make this wrong choice. But... it doesn't matter.

It was just another taste of the endless darkness. Even in the form of the dead, it made no difference.

I...I don't want to die, but also,

The only thing he could do was die.

The god's shattered body fell powerlessly downward. She felt everything disintegrate, the scene before her already dizzying. After an unknown amount of time, she finally fell into a ruin.

When she regained consciousness, Vandotino was already within the ruins. She was only vaguely aware of all this. Listening to the creaking wind, feeling her body gradually losing warmth in the damp, cold night, she had forgotten the pain, her consciousness drifting away.

Another pause passed before heavy footsteps echoed. The clashing of metal and the familiar pace of his steps revealed the identity of the newcomers. Vandotino struggled, forcing his eyes open. He saw the man standing before him, sword in hand, looking equally miserable.

However, she still stood.

Vandotino let out a bitter laugh. She knew what the visitor was up to, but within her heart, countless fantasies were brewing. They weren't speculations about the other person, but rather thoughts about what she should say. She no longer knew how to react to the other person, and therefore, she didn't know what to say.

Perhaps, the best way to deal with it is to remain silent, like a loser should.

Seeing the dying Vandortino, Bai Lin lowered her body slightly. She seemed to glance at the night, then glanced at Vandortino, and slowly said,

"Actually, you don't want this, right?"

This question, like a confirmation, instantly shook the other person's heart. Vandotino's pupils, which were about to swell, widened. However, she didn't reply. However, this was enough to convey the message.

"If you don't want this, then don't do it!"

Bai Lin was instantly overcome with uncontrollable rage. She raised her sword high, roared, and delivered her final blow. Then, leaning limply against the sword, she slid down, falling to the ground. The majestic knight was gone, dissipating with the battle's end.

"Then don't do that... you bastard."

Her voice, tinged with tears, drifted slowly on the wind. Her heart was like a kite with a broken string, drifting away.

Night had already fallen. The pitch-black sky enveloped Bai Lin, making her figure appear even thinner. She stood amidst the wreckage of the city, her life like the wreckage itself, incomplete. Under the waning moon, the figures were few and far between. And the bloody dawn had already faded. All that remained were the corpses before her, drifting in the night wind.

The wind blew away the last traces of Vandortino's life. Before Bai Lin appeared a butterfly-shaped flower with a white core and a red tail.

A vermilion mole on the white moonlight. This isn't as simple as black and white, nor can light dispel shadows. That touch of bright red is an indelible mark on the flower's body. It's strong, yet it seems to make one feel that it's not, and would be better.

Bai Lin seemed to sense a sense of not existing in this world. Instinctively, or as if drawn by something, she reached out her hand, resonating with it. Then, her vision seemed to sink into deeper darkness.

The noise gradually became lighter as time passed, but it became more chaotic. The noisy sound flooded into her mind, and she seemed to taste something.

Suddenly, Bai Lin felt as if her hand was grasped, or perhaps lightly touched. Though the touch was fleeting before the hand vanished, she could clearly discern it as belonging to someone she knew, a bright red hand. From it, she felt a strong sense of power, a heavy pressure, and finally, a sharp pain that brought her back to reality.

Red marks seemed to appear on her aching hands. Bai Lin looked at them, as if they were an illusion, and the next moment they disappeared from her sight. She pondered them for a moment, but then she was no longer immersed in them and took her own steps.

Her steps were firm as she moved through the ruins, moving steadily in a certain direction. Even though her steps were unsteady from injury and fatigue, she showed no sign of falling. Finally, she stood at her destination. In a relatively respectable manner, she appeared before the shattered body that was no longer human.

The visor she once wore had largely shattered, revealing her mouth and nose, which were still relatively intact. Her clothing was also in tatters, no longer dignified. Her aura of mystery had completely vanished. She now resembled an ordinary old woman, devoid of any sharpness, a completely different person. Furthermore, except for those parts still covered by clothing, her body was completely rotten and necrotic. Even beneath her clothes, nothing was left.

But Bai Lin easily recognized the other person's identity. Without hesitation, she knelt down beside him in silence.

"Ahem... Oops, I've been discovered. I didn't expect your senses to be this sharp, Holy Son. Even though I was only a breath away, I forced myself to return to this world, hoping to die quietly here, alone..."

"But you still found out."

Chapter 1044 Rest

That gentle voice rang out. Though its voice wasn't loud or clear, a familiar, elegant feeling still lingered in Bai Lin's heart. She was the poet, Latia Tosk. The mysterious, steady, powerful, and reliable poet who had accompanied Bai Lin for countless days and nights, and one of her most trusted people.

"I'm so sorry you saw me in this miserable state. I clearly didn't want you to find me... If only I could still see the future, at least I could choose to die somewhere where you wouldn't find me. At least..."

“I can see your face in my mind.”

Her breath was weak, but it was as if the poet's words had never been more vibrant than today. Her emotions were vividly active, revealing her unreserved inner heart. She seemed casual, no different from any other normal girl in the world. Meanwhile, Bai Lin, usually so casual, remained silent, simply accompanying the other person, head bowed in silence.

Seeing this, the poet spoke again gently and slowly,

"What's wrong? You haven't said anything yet... You still have the strength, right? This won't do, Holy Child. If you don't say what you want to say now, you won't have another chance. Although my duty has been fulfilled, I can still listen to your heart as a poet and as your companion—"

"You should be the one to say what you want to say! You've helped me so much along the way. You've made me feel less lost and able to work hard with peace of mind. I've already confided in you enough, and I've received enough care from you! Please don't put on this attitude anymore. At the end of your life, you don't need to force yourself to put on this attitude anymore..."

Bai Lin, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly became excited. Her tone was quite emotional, but tears never flowed out of her eyes. It seemed that this time, it was her turn to suppress herself.

"Take care of yourself... Latia. Just tell me what you want to say. I'll listen to everything. If you have any requests, I'll definitely agree to them."

Bai Lin's words were extremely sincere, and she seemed to have thousands of words to express, but at this moment, she wanted to do what the poet had done countless times - be a listener.

After hearing this, the poet was silent for a moment. Then she gasped twice, and through the broken mask, you could clearly see the corners of her mouth twitching. Finally, she sighed and said,

"Have you been seen through?... Or rather, when did you first realize it? Someone as smart as you should have noticed it long ago. As expected, someone of my skill..."

"It doesn't matter! It doesn't matter, okay? I don't want to hear you blaming yourself, and you don't need to blame yourself anymore! No matter what, you will always be that poet, the best bard. But now, your duty is done. You are Latia, you can do what you want."

Latia, unconsciously caught in that pattern of thought, was once again prompted by Bai Lin. She remained silent for a second. Yes, wasn't her life's goal to do all this for this hero? No matter how tragic her fate, even if she blamed her, hated her, or misunderstood by everyone, she would never doubt or waver. Walking down a lonely road, with no turning back...

What's more, she didn't blame herself at all. The hero was praising herself.

"Am I...am I the best?" she murmured.

"Yes, you've done a great job and worked very hard. It's time to relax and take a break."

"I understand."

Latia responded to Bai Lin. Her lips trembled as she spoke as calmly as possible.

"Help me up first. I want to be closer to you."

You are the hero, you shouldn't bend over. I have to approach you, a little closer.

I wonder if Bai Lin understood the poet's intentions, but the moment she received the request, she sprang into action. The body hidden beneath the poet's robes was largely unformed, and helping her to her feet proved a bit of a challenge. As she rose, the sound of "substance" dripping onto the ground could be heard, and she let out a soft, slightly painful gasp.

However, this action did not take much time. Bai Lin supported her like this, supporting the body that was about to collapse at any time, and he had never felt that the girl in front of him was so fragile.

"Even though I'm in this state, you still believe what I say... In fact, even I don't know if my body can still sit up."

Latia spoke half-jokingly, seemingly untroubled. Her conversation seemed even more natural than usual, and this time, the positions between the two had finally reversed. Normally, Bai Lin would have been the one to say this.

This time, Bai Lin remained silent, as if she didn't know what to say. Perhaps her response was the last of her strength on the verge of collapse. Latia seemed to understand this, but she still spoke in a relaxed manner.

"Aren't you tired of holding me up like this?"

Bai Lin half supported the other person, holding her in the air. This was certainly not an comfortable posture, but it was definitely not tiring. Bai Lin naturally knew that the poet would not say meaningless words. But the poet spoke again at this time,

"I mean, if you don't mind..."

"Can you hold me tight, just for a moment?"

Almost at the same moment Bai Lin realized the answer, the poet's words gave a positive answer. Clearly, the latter spoke with trepidation; if anything, her heart must have been racing. She was like a naive young girl, constantly demanding more.

But Bai Lin, without a moment's hesitation, instantly embraced her tightly. Suddenly, a warmth and vitality, like the radiant warmth of the morning sun, washed over Latia. She felt as if she could see Bai Lin again. In the ruined night, the two of them lit a bonfire, just for them. A small, warm lamp, enough to withstand the raging storm.

Her visor mingled with flesh and blood, but Bai Lin showed no distaste. Their foreheads pressed tightly together. It was the embrace of companions, the embrace of the most trusting of hearts. It was something Latia had longed to taste, but hadn't dared to ask for.

The moment she received it, two lines of crystal tears instantly flowed from under the mask. From that moment on, she finally relaxed completely.

Chapter 1045 I am satisfied

How could what she asked for be considered too much? To Bai Lin, it was nothing at all. The question of "disdain" or not was simply overthinking from the beginning.

"So warm... This is the first time I've felt your tenderness so closely, Holy Son. Ah, I'm used to calling you that, so please allow me to continue calling you that."

Bai Lin didn't react much to this. She never cared about titles, so this was considered as tacit consent. So Latia also said,

"That's great! I finally don't have to be so exhausted. Actually, I was scared from the beginning, which is why I kept wearing the mask. I can't be as strong as you, calm and composed in any situation. Even if I could foresee victory in the future, I would still be afraid and panic. That's why I conceal my expression, suppress my emotions, and pretend to be an almighty poet..."

"It's to make you, to make you feel more at ease. If a core member herself doesn't seem stable enough, how can others trust her?"