NOVEL NEXT Chapter 127: Volume 2, Chapter 59:
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Regardless of the Herrscher of Sentience's pure nature, she undeniably possesses the ability to bring joy to others.
Whether by her initiative or not, her genuine nature effortlessly lifted others' moods.
Humans inherently tend towards selfishness, and terms like "wolfish collusion" or "unsavory companions" may have negative connotations, but they can evoke strong emotional bonds.
The Herrscher of Sentience already showed signs of seeking such companionship.
"Aiya, why bother with this? Let's go out and have some fun." The Herrscher, exhibiting childlike whims, spoke to Xia Chen, who was busy tidying up the restaurant. "Let me think... There must be many places you haven't visited yet. Why don't we just close the shop for now? From now on, focus on cooking, and I can provide you with anything you desire."
Xia Chen was momentarily speechless.
After pondering, he replied, "I'm fine with that, but if I recall correctly, you didn't pay for your meal last time."
"Uh... those details aren't important," the Herrscher of Sentience quickly changed the subject. "I believe between us, there's no need to worry about such matters."
Alright, she had a knack for making instant connections.
Or perhaps due to Fu Hua's memories influencing her, feeling lonely for too long, the Herrscher of Sentience now desperately craved friends, even someone simply to converse with.
Originally, there was one such presence within Fenghuang Down named 'Fu Hua.'
Unfortunately, that consciousness was incredibly frustrating, sharing her former rigid mindset. The Herrscher of Sentience had no fondness for her.
Xia Chen found himself momentarily speechless.
Since the Herrscher of Sentience wouldn't cause significant harm, why not indulge her?
He wasn't someone to confront others unnecessarily. Nowadays, Herrschers possess absolute free will; there's no need to push them towards opposition.
"Alright then, where would you like to go?"
Initially taken aback by his agreement, the Herrscher of Sentience quickly regained her composure and patted her chest confidently. "Leave it to me! Hmm, I remember humans love amusement parks. Let's go there."
Okay, she admitted, it was actually because she wanted to visit.
In the Herrscher of Sentience's memories, experiences related to amusement parks were virtually non-existent. Fu Hua spent her childhood rigorously training with her father under strict discipline. Even exposure to games came much later when classmates introduced them to her after moving to Nagazora City.
It's not that she never visited an amusement park before, but whenever she did, Fu Hua only briefly explored without truly feeling any emotional connection. Moreover, as Fu Hua periodically 'reset' her memories, these seemingly insignificant events naturally fell within the purging scope.
The Herrscher of Sentience couldn't help but feel it was truly unfortunate.
Currently, her aspirations were modest. Although she claimed to want to cleanse Honkai alongside humans, Fu Hua's nature leaned towards giving up easily, with wavering determination that quickly succumbed to distractions.
For the present 'Fu Hua,' finding memories of past joys seemed immensely delightful.
She aimed to reclaim all the happiness she had missed before.
Games, movies, amusement parks, shopping malls...
These experiences appealed greatly to her.
However, enjoying these alone felt quite strange. The Herrscher of Sentience disliked solitude and eagerly wished for someone else to share these moments with.
Xia Chen seemed suitable; he carried a scent she found pleasing.
Children often rely on scents to recognize people. To them, they gravitate towards those who evoke comfort and ignore those causing discomfort.
The current Herrscher of Sentience was akin to such a child, openly expressing her emotions without restraint.
Xia Chen admitted, he has always been helpless when dealing with children like this.
Upon arriving at the local amusement park, the Herrscher of Sentience instantly sensed joy.
However, what brought her the most delight wasn't the thrilling roller coasters—after all, nothing compares to the exhilaration of flying swords.
Instead, she favored the merry-go-round and ice cream at the amusement park.
Sweets directly stimulate dopamine production in humans; theoretically, continuously consuming sweets could maintain a state of happiness. Of course, assuming one's body can handle it.
Thus, the Herrscher of Sentience chose double the joy—eating ice cream while riding the merry-go-round.
Xia Chen blinked, realizing this might be the most relaxed simulation he had experienced so far.
After all, who hasn't taken care of a child before?
His thoughts began to wander.
If Herrschers already possess absolute free will, does that imply the Finality Herrscher would as well? Or perhaps, there may no longer be a Finality at all.
"Finality" signifies an end, but if the Herrschers choose 'not to end,' theoretically, it should cease to exist.
However, Xia Chen knew this was merely wishful thinking.
The Final Herrscher still marked him, after all.
As his emotions grew complex, Herrscher of Sentience unknowingly approached from behind.
"What's wrong, not happy? Let's play together."
She could read emotions effortlessly.
Xia Chen remarked casually, "I've outgrown playing on merry-go-rounds."
With a serious tone, he suggested, "So let's go for bumper cars instead."
The Herrscher of Sentience eagerly agreed, "Sure, and I'll definitely beat you!"
For her, having a companion to enjoy these activities with brought immense joy.
Together, they tried numerous attractions.
Neither the Herrscher of Sentience nor Fu Hua were completely isolated from the world, but their experiences with modern entertainment were limited. As a result, the Herrscher of Sentience fully immersed herself in the fun.
At the end of their amusement park visit, she telepathically conveyed to 'Fu Hua' with evident pride, "In the past, I was never accepted and always felt excluded."
"Now, that won't happen anymore. I'm going to cherish and enjoy my life from here on."
Fu Hua interjected, "He's just humoring you."
"Hmph, keep your mouth shut!" Her good mood instantly vanished.
Children's emotions are often unguarded, and Xia Chen noticed the sudden downturn in the Herrscher of Sentience's mood, feeling taken aback. "What's wrong?"
"I'm not happy."
"Uh, what can I do to make you feel better?"
"Don't know." The Herrscher of Sentience gritted her teeth in frustration.
Her unhappiness wasn't solely due to Fu Hua's words; it was because Fu Hua was right.
The Herrscher of Sentience could sense that Xia Chen indeed seemed insincere.
While it's said that one should judge actions rather than intentions, she was still a Herrscher capable of sensing emotions. Naturally, children tend to be greedy and demanding, wanting everything for themselves.
However, Xia Chen hadn't truly done anything wrong. He wasn't a child, so he couldn't be expected to instantly form deep bonds with someone he had just met, even if it was the Herrscher of Sentience.
If anyone erred here, it would be Fu Hua due to her low emotional intelligence.
Just as Xia Chen wanted to inquire further, his consciousness suddenly felt hazy.
[Herrscher of Sentience has departed.]
[This Honkai event simulation has ended. You can permanently retain the following items and extract them into the real world. Congratulations! You have obtained 2 Honkai Fragments. Extract now?]
Xia Chen paused, feeling somewhat bewildered.
So, did the simulation end because he failed to appease the Herrscher of Sentience adequately?
Even now, he couldn't understand why the Herrscher of Sentience became upset in the end.