Challenge: The Fool with the Surname Okayamine

Interlude 95: "Song of Lament - Overture"

Time is like a huge and intricate gear, turning slowly but steadily.

The day after Yoshino was sealed, on May 20th, it was a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Inside a private room of a high-end restaurant in Tiangong City, Ming, dressed in spirit attire, sat opposite a dignified girl with purple and silver hair.

(Meanwhile, on the other side, Shido is leading the Spirit Gate on their way to Elysium Hot Spring.)

'Sizzle~'

The sizzling of the oil on the steak brought the first sound to this silent exchange.

Ming swirled the wine in his glass, slowly opened the ram's head mask, and drank it all in one gulp. Then, looking at Miku, who was trembling with excitement, he spoke:

"I'm truly sorry to have kept you waiting here because of my selfish desires. It must have been quite troublesome, hasn't it?" The voice was old and authoritative, but it was actually a casual question from Ming.

"No...no! I...no! Miku's second life was given to her by Lord Flame Beast. If Lord Flame Beast wants to...do whatever you want to Miku!"

Miku looked very shy, and it was hard to imagine that just an hour before she was called over, she was calmly "playing around" with fans at home.

"Really? That's good." After saying that, Ming gracefully cut off a piece of steak and put it in his mouth.

"As expected! Lord [Flame Beast] is testing me. Does he want to see my loyalty? Then bring it on. I'll let him know in a moment!"

At this moment, Ming was unaware of what his casual question had made Miku think of. However, as long as it did not endanger him, Ming was too lazy to even activate his newly acquired [Omniscient Eye].

After finishing her meal, Miku, wearing sunglasses and a hat to conceal her identity, walked out of the private room of the upscale restaurant.

After all, as a top idol, Miku still needs to avoid being followed by paparazzi. Otherwise, the next day, the news might spread throughout Tengu City that "famous idol Miku was seen leaving a restaurant with a man."

Ming, after using the [Cognitive Barrier] technique recorded in Avalonli on himself, took off his mask and came out.

But in Miku's eyes, it was like a person with a blurry face, whose hair color was indistinguishable.

After leaving the restaurant, Ming and Mei Jiu walked side by side. Mei Jiu would steal glances at Ming every now and then, her heart filled with infatuation and devotion.

"Where do you want to go next?" Ming asked.

After a final moment of confusion, Miku's eyes lit up, and she said:

“[Flame Beast] Lord, Miku wants to go to the park. It's quiet there, and we can listen to the birds singing.” Ming nodded slightly, and the two headed towards the park.

Upon arriving at the park, Miku happily ran to the lakeside, watching the fish in the water. Ming stood to the side, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere around him.

In that instant, Ming suddenly felt a sharp pain in his right hand, as if countless fine needles were piercing him at the same time.

The sudden pain made him frown, but he gritted his teeth and remained silent. He knew that making even the slightest sound at this moment could cause unnecessary trouble.

However, despite outwardly maintaining composure, he was secretly pondering:

"Is time running out? Then we'll have to get the [Ninth Demon King] sooner rather than later."

Thinking this, a sense of guilt appeared on her face when she glanced at Miku again.

Ming knew that if he did this, it would be no different from what Mio had done, but... in order to see Sawa again... and not let her be threatened again, he had to do it.

The two strolled side by side through the bustling street, their figures weaving through the neon lights and crowds.

Throughout the journey, the nine women felt incredibly happy, as if time itself had stopped for this beautiful moment.

Before they knew it, night had fallen, and the city lights twinkled like stars. Ming and Mei Jiu entered a cozy restaurant and enjoyed a sumptuous and delicious dinner.

After finishing their meal, Ming led Miku to the Heavenly Palace Tower. Feeling somewhat guilty, Ming led Miku up the steps leading to the top of the tower.

The city's dazzling night view gradually unfolds before your eyes, a breathtaking sight.

Finally, they stood in front of the glass window at the top of the Tiangong Tower, overlooking the magnificent view of the entire city.

Just then, after struggling internally, Ming slowly spoke:

“Miku, let me ask you... When you witness the salvation and faith that have supported you all along collapse before your eyes, just like a building shattered by a storm, do you realize how small and powerless you are in your pain?”

At this moment, this area was sealed off by the arbitrary domain, so Ming's voice inside naturally wouldn't reach the outside.

As for Ming, he had already deceived the girl from the very beginning, and at that moment he should have abandoned the kindness that "she" had given him.

"Huh?! [Flame Beast] What's wrong with you...?"

"Have you ever experienced wanting to reach out and grab something, trying to salvage everything, but only being able to watch it slip through your fingers? Not even having the chance to see the person who gave you salvation and faith?"

Facing Ming, who suddenly began to narrate something, Miku's eyes were filled with doubt and unease. She could hear a calm despair in Ming's voice.

"Lord Flame Beast, I don't understand what you mean... but I will always follow you..."

"Then can you tell me what your spiritual support is now?" Ming's expression gradually calmed down. Since he had already decided to become a villain, there was no turning back.

When Miku heard this question, she answered without hesitation:

"Of course it's you, Lord Flame Beast! You gave me a second chance to sing!" Her eyes were full of sincerity.

Ming gazed at Mei Jiu quietly for a moment, then sighed softly.

"I'm sorry, Miku." The moment he finished speaking, several black chains emitting a ghostly light surged out from behind him and shot towards Miku with lightning speed.

Miku's eyes widened in horror, and before she could react, the chains pierced straight through her body. Blood seeped from the corner of her mouth, and she stared at Ming in disbelief.

"Why...sir?"

"I'm sorry, Miku, if you believe me, please hate me right now, turn your current feelings into murderous intent towards me..."

Miku's body swayed precariously, but the look of devotion in her eyes had not completely disappeared; instead, it was replaced by deep confusion and hurt.

"Lord [Flame Beast], you gave me a second chance to sing. Even though you treated me this way, Miku can't bring herself to hate you..."

Ming felt a tremor in his heart, but his face remained even colder as he took out Möbius's display device and placed it on the girl's forehead.

"Feel sorry......"