Dream.

Splash! Splash! Splash!

In an endless deep forest stood a colossal waterfall. Water crashed down from great heights, splashing into the lake below and sending up white spray. Around the lake lay emerald-green grass dotted with colorful flowers. The crystal-clear water made this place feel like a fairyland.

"Messiah, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. Waaah~~~"

Heart-wrenching sobs echoed by the lake. The voice was so desolate that even a white horse nearby lowered its head.

A girl of about seventeen or eighteen knelt there. Her long snow-white hair flowed over tattered gray clothes that looked unkempt. Yet her face held a beauty like a mythic Angel—crimson eyes gleaming like rubies. She radiated a holy aura, seeming almost unreal. In her arms, she cradled a black-haired boy of about ten. His ragged clothes hung too large on his small frame. His eyes were closed, lost in sleep.

"Waaah... Messiah, it's all my fault. I did this to you."

Her shoulders shook as large teardrops fell onto the boy's face.

The boy slowly opened his eyes, his gaze blank and confused.

"Who... are you?"

The moment he spoke, the girl sobbed even harder.

The boy stared at her, his childish voice soft.

"Don't cry."

He reached up with a small hand and gently wiped her tears away. His hand froze mid-air as he looked at her, bewildered by his own action.

Seeing his confusion, the girl's sorrow deepened.

"I don't deserve this. If not for me, you wouldn't be like this."

She held him tighter.

The boy just kept staring, lost.

After a long moment, the girl clenched her jaw, resolve hardening in her eyes.

She took a deep breath, set the boy down gently, and wiped her tears. She gave him a tender smile, then stepped back.

Closing her eyes, she began to glow with white particles. They spiraled outward—a withered yellow flower touched by them slowly revived; a dying butterfly bathed in the light fluttered its wings and flew away. More particles spread, drawing animals near. Rabbits, foxes, snakes, and lions gathered at a distance, watching in awe.

The boy couldn't look away.

So beautiful.

That was his only thought.

The glow intensified, erupting like a hurricane. Six pure white wings unfurled behind her, stretching wide to showcase their majestic power and beauty. Waves of light surged from her body. The grass turned greener, flowers bloomed brighter, trees grew lusher. She was a goddess blessing the land.

Then—in an instant—the light vanished as if erased. The wings disappeared without a trace. Her holy aura faded, leaving her human and real.

As animals stared in confusion, an invisible pressure surged from her like a tsunami. The sacred presence that drew them now sent them fleeing in terror—instinct screaming at a mighty force. She stood like a queen, regal and untouchable.

She took another breath, the pressure fading until it was gone. Kneeling beside the boy, she stroked his cheek with a loving smile.

"From now on, I'll protect you, Messiah."

She lifted him onto her back and walked away.

Yichen slowly opened his eyes. An unfamiliar ceiling came into view. He realized he was lying in a bed.

Fragments of the dream lingered in his mind.

Himself on the ground. A white-haired girl in rags crying over him. That girl... so beautiful. And she looked like Zixuan. She'd called him Messiah.

"Mes... si... ah."

He whispered the name like a dream, a wave of nostalgia washing over him.

"Messiah!?"

A voice gasped the word beside him. Yichen turned his head. Zixuan stood by the bed, eyes wide with a mix of shock and joy.

"Did you... regain your memories?"

Her voice trembled slightly.

"Memories? What are you talking about, Sis?"

Zixuan froze for a moment, then shook her head.

"Nothing... How's your body feeling?"

Her tone dipped with disappointment.

"Oh! Sis, how's Shiyue? Ugh!!!"

Yichen jolted upright, remembering Shiyue. Sharp pain shot through his abdomen, forcing him back down.

"Shiyue Zhao wasn't injured. Just a fever. She's sleeping next door—don't worry. You're hurt. Rest in bed."

"That's good... Sis, what time is it?"

"You were brought here last night. It's nine a.m. now."

"When did you get here? Huh, what's that outfit?"

Yichen frowned at Zixuan's strange clothes. He'd never seen her wear anything like this—more military or stage costume than everyday wear. Yet it suited her, giving her a sharp, heroic look.

Zixuan waved her hands nervously.

"It's... just what I happened to be wearing. Don't mind it. Oh, someone passing by rescued you last night. They found my number in your phone and called me."

"I see."

"Can you tell me what happened last night?"

Yichen recounted the events. As he spoke, Zixuan's smile faded. Her hand gripping his trembled.

"Sis? What's wrong?"

Yichen braced himself, fearing her blame.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Yichen. Forgive me."

Guilt and pain flooded her face as she whispered apology after apology.

Yichen stared, understanding dawning.

She was apologizing for failing to protect him. She blamed herself.

(Damn it!!!!)

Yichen gritted his teeth inwardly.

Why did she feel this way? He'd wanted to protect her.

"Haha, why apologize? My fault for walking alone so late. I'll be careful next time... Feels like my injuries aren't that bad. Maybe I'm just tough? Haha."

"Yichen... it's all my fault..."

"Don't say that. I'll just be more careful."

"No. I caused this..."

"Enough!"

Yichen snapped, glaring at her. Zixuan flinched, stunned into silence.

He turned away, avoiding her gaze. Frustration churned in his mind.

"Just go."

"Yichen..."

"Let me be alone. Please."

Zixuan stared at him for a moment, then left with a sorrowful expression.

Yichen watched her back disappear through the door. His fists clenched until his nails nearly pierced his skin.

The dream flashed back—Zixuan's identical twin crying in despair. Her image burned clear in his mind.

Just thinking of her tears made his chest ache.

He'd never seen Zixuan cry. Why dream of it? He tried recalling her childhood memories. But her younger face wouldn't form. Impossible—he'd lived with her since birth. Other memories were hazy, yet Zixuan always appeared as she was now: grown-up.

His mind reeled. He shook his head hard.

Suddenly, an eerie presence prickled his senses. He looked up.

A doll-like girl stood there. Long black hair, deep blue eyes, dressed in a black gothic lolita outfit.

Yichen stared, mesmerized by her porcelain perfection.

Then her delicate brows furrowed in utter disgust.

He realized she was alive.

"Who are y—"

"Jerk!"

She cut him off, snarling. A purple magic circle flared behind her. In a flash, she vanished with it.

Dizziness washed over Yichen. He sank back, drifting into sleep.