Zu An’s heart skipped a beat.
‘Firework’ sneered. “You listed many reasons, but they were all just chasing shadows. I was also reflecting on where I went wrong, and the only thing I could think of was on the rift valley’s chain bridge.”
“Indeed.” Since things had already gotten to this point, Zu An decided to speak the truth. “I was moved when you took the first whip for me. Which man wouldn’t be when a beauty puts herself on the line for him?
“But when I put my earlier suspicions together and considered the situation, a thought occurred to me. Could the chains have been targeting not me, but you? You took the first whip and misled me into thinking that you were protecting me, and that prompted me to foolishly protect you from the remaining attacks.”
There was actually another important factor at play here—Mi Li’s absence. Perhaps she'd been in hibernation, but with all the dangers he had been through, it didn’t make sense for her to still remain asleep. The only explanation he could think of was that her appearance would draw attention and plunge him into greater danger. She could only signal for him to resolve the crisis by himself via her silence.
They had been together for so long that words weren’t necessary for them to convey their thoughts.
Of course, Zu An wasn’t so foolish as to reveal that to ‘Firework’.
‘Firework’ smiled after hearing his analysis. “You’re smart, but it’s not a good thing to be too smart. I was getting lonely after spending so much time alone. It’s rare for someone to catch my eye. If you were more foolish and more cooperative, I could have taken you in as my plaything. You would have been happy for a long time.”
“I’d have liked to feign ignorance as well, but I couldn’t hold it in.” Zu An sounded regretful.
“That’s not an issue. I can erase your memories. I’d still be your Firework, and you’d be my big brother Zu. How does that sound?” ‘Firework’ looked at Zu An playfully.
Even though this man is weak, I’m sure he’ll be quite a different experience. I don’t mind spending more time with him. It’s rare to meet someone this interesting.
“I’d rather live with my eyes open. Even if it doesn’t end well, I think it still beats living in ignorance.” Zu An shook his head. “Besides, I've been chosen by the Deity of Memory. I wouldn’t dare to relinquish my memories that easily.”
‘Firework’s’ expression darkened. “Do you think I’d be intimidated just because you brought up Meng?”
Zu An’s heart thumped.
She didn’t hesitate to call the Deity of Memory by name! And it sounds like they know each other. How can she be this fearless...
Universal deities were transcendent entities. They could sense disrespect, even in private settings, and that could result in divine retribution. That was why the Myriad Worlds tread very carefully around universal deities to avoid blasphemy.
Sensing Zu An’s confusion, ‘Firework’ harrumphed. “Don’t expect Meng to save you. Even universal deities are reluctant to approach this place.”
“Oh? What is this place?” Zu An asked. Supposing that was true, this place had to be more than just Dreamland’s forbidden land. Universal deities wouldn’t fear a mere Dreamland.
“Why don’t you take a guess? I’ll reward you if you get it right.” Despite still looking like a youthful lady, ‘Firework’s’ tone and demeanor had changed to that of a mature older sister instead.
Zu An thought about everything he had encountered en route, and his mind gradually cleared. “This place could be related to the Deity of Death. There are rumors floating around that the Deity of Annihilation has killed the Deity of Death, or that the Deity of Death has gone missing. Regardless, there’s no question he's gone missing. Could this be where he lies?”
“As expected of someone who caught my eye. Congratulations, you’re right.” ‘Firework’ smiled, looking beautiful but dangerous.
“Didn’t you promise a reward if I get it right?”
“What do you want?”
“Can you return Isabella to me?”
“Don’t you think it’s unwise to speak up for another woman in my presence?” ‘Firework’ clicked her tongue. “Ah, why didn’t you suspect Isabella to be one of my clones?”
The thought of Isabella brought some warmth to Zu An’s heart. “You wouldn’t have sent us to two separate earth veins if she was your clone. You’d have kept her with me to control me.”
“It would indeed have been troublesome to impersonate that lass. Her bag contains too many treasures,” ‘Firework’ remarked. “In particular, that black card of hers is a marvel. It synergizes well with you. As a safety precaution, I figured it would be best to separate you two.”
She turned to Zu An and said, “I advise you not to try anything funny. You have interesting skills, but I doubt you can pay the price for them without her card forking out the cost.”
Zu An responded with a bitter smile. That had indeed been his intention. He'd contemplated using Isabella’s card to pay the price for his ‘Keyboard Come’, but even though the card was in his hand, he couldn’t use it without her approval.
“Is the real Firework dead?” he asked.
“Why? Feeling sorry for her?” ‘Firework’ paced to and fro, as if she were a cat toying with a mouse.
“She did bring me some happy memories. I’m guessing you used her real personality as a model, right?” Knowing that the real, bubbly Firework was dead made Zu An a bit melancholic.
“Hmph, I was the one who brought you those happy memories, not her!” ‘Firework’ harrumphed in displeasure.
You have successfully trolled Firework for +199... +199... +199...
Zu An was surprised to see the name on his long-inactive system. “Your name is really Firework?”
Firework was taken aback. “How did you know? Do you have the ability to see through a person’s true name as well? Hold on, you have a soul-related skill, and you’re able to figure out a person’s true name. I remember hearing about a skill like that...” She suddenly clutched her head as if in pain.
Zu An was startled. Does she know about the Keyboard System?
Having reached his current level and met experts from different worlds, he no longer thought that the Keyboard System was a typical cheat often seen in his previous life’s ReadNovelFulls. It was likely to be an artifact, the most powerful kind at that.