World Modulation Mode in Honkai

The water pump, a legendary piece of industrial machinery, is usually found only in ACG (anime, comics, games) fantasies. Its primary function is to transport liquids or increase their pressure, and its powerful operation can even be used to pump out floodwater.

Ye Feng had never seen one before. But when Aponia, both shy and teary-eyed, whispered softly, "I want it," he unlocked the heart-shaped lock at the top of her pink progress bar. Then, he experienced firsthand what a water pump was, and what liquid pressurization meant.

At the same time, Aponia faintly realized that she might... never go back.

Her eyes were misty, her skin covered in a sheen of sweat, and her lips biting onto her disheveled hair. Her eyes had lost their usual luster, staring blankly at the ceiling. In her peripheral vision, water droplets slowly formed and dripped from the damp walls.

Suddenly, a shadow loomed over her. Xiao Feng used her pure white nun's veil to cover her eyes.

With her vision obscured, her other senses were heightened, overwhelming her thoughts.

Xiao Feng's fingers moved rhythmically, like a conductor directing an orchestra, while his demonic whispers echoed in her ears.

"Aponia, you need to understand what joy really means. Let's start by reflecting on yourself. I'll guide you. How does that sound?"

Aponia's throat moved, her soft lips parted, but she said nothing.

"You don't understand? Well, that's understandable. After all, Aponia, you've always thought of others first, taking on the sins of not being able to save them from their doomed fates. A compassionate saint like you has become so selfless that you can't even recognize your own joy. But even if you're unaware of it, your soul will instinctively seek it out."

Aponia tried to lift her hand, but the weakness in her body was overwhelming. After several attempts, she had no choice but to let it fall helplessly, her once graceful hands now glistening as if coated in oil.

"Joy? My sins, my burdens... they don't allow me to pursue such luxuries."

Ye Feng responded, "Aponia, why must you define joy so narrowly? Even pain and sorrow can be part of joy. What contradiction is there in that?"

"That's impossible!" Aponia exclaimed, her voice trembling as if in a last burst of energy. "The suffering of people, the sorrow of the world, the tragedies I couldn't prevent—how can that be called joy? Xiaofeng, stop saying such things!"

"You're mistaken, Aponia. I'm not talking about the world's suffering and cries. I'm talking about your own."

"My own?"

"Yes. So, you don't need to deliberately pursue joy—it's always been there."

"I..."

"Even now, you're still hesitating? Don't be so slow, Aponia. New joy is right before you. Why can't we be honest with each other? Besides, deep down, you long for hope, for salvation, and for joy."

Aponia spread her hands in resignation, as if silently permitting Xiao Feng's actions and words.

Xiao Feng looked down at her, like a sculptor admiring his finished masterpiece, and smiled smugly. "Go ahead, enjoy it to the fullest, Aponia."

...

After two weeks, the church had returned to its usual quietness. Though cleaning up had been quite a hassle, Aponia did it willingly, her calm expression carrying the faintest trace of a smile.

Aponia was still as serene and pure as ever, but the once heavy, somber aura she carried had vanished, as if cleansed by a holy rain.

If one looked closely, there was a faint hint of allure in her gaze. This subtle charm enhanced her already ethereal appearance, creating an irresistible temptation—as if inviting someone to paint their own colors on her pure white canvas.

After setting down a basket, Aponia sat at the ivory-white round table on the balcony. She rested her clean arm on the table, her hand propping up her chin as she gazed into the distance. But if you looked closely, her eyes had no real focus. Her mind was elsewhere.

Xiao Feng had gone to the "Saintess Convent" again this morning. Even though this was a "simulated" world, she didn't understand why he kept going there. Maybe... she should go too?

She thought of RIN, the younger sister of an old friend, a Herrscher born because of her. But even if she went, what could she do? She had already said everything she wanted to say the first time they met. And she was powerless to help.

"What are you thinking about?" A familiar voice and the sensation of hands around her waist startled her.

Ye Feng hugged Aponia from behind as she sat on the stool.

"Xiao Feng..."

She placed her hand over his, and with just that touch, all her worries seemed to melt away like fog in the sunlight. After two weeks of honesty and openness, Aponia had fully given herself, both body and soul, to Xiao Feng. At least, in this world.

In this fleeting time, she no longer wanted to think about painful memories, sad past events, or the foggy fate ahead.

"Xiao Feng, you're back."

Ye Feng rested his chin on her shoulder. Aponia immediately caught a faint scent, one she was all too familiar with after the past two weeks of being immersed in it.

In a soft voice, Aponia asked, "Xiao Feng, what were you doing at the Saintess Convent?"

"What do you think I was doing?"

Aponia paused. "RIN?"

"Wow, you guessed it."

"..."

Aponia fell silent. This was something she had never anticipated, not even for a former Herrscher.

"Did you ruin her too?"

"That's a harsh way to put it, like I'm some villain. She agreed to it on her own."

Agreed, but under persuasion, surely. Aponia knew Xiao Feng's methods well.

She sighed softly. "Just don't be too hard on her..."

"More importantly, when are you planning to go back?"

Aponia froze. Go back? Go where?

Ye Feng chuckled. "To the Elysian Realm."

"..."

Hearing this, even someone as gentle-natured as Aponia couldn't help but curse inwardly, "This little brat."

He had gone through all that trouble to make her succumb and stay here, but now that she had resolved to spend her life in this world where time passed faster, he suddenly brought up going back.

This was emotional manipulation at its finest.

Aponia turned her head, her calm eyes gazing at the cheeky Xiaofeng. In a gentle tone, she asked, "Xiao Feng, are you feeling proud of yourself right now?"

---

Advanced 30+ Chapters in Patreon

Link: www.pat reon.com/SenatusPopulus