Chapter 1255 Welcome
The simultaneous appearance of two Herrschers should have caused great disaster to the world.
Yet, in less than a week, the crisis was resolved in a way that surpassed everyone's expectations. The Herrscher of Ice was successfully contained and stabilized, while the Herrscher of Stone mysteriously vanished, though the immediate threat it posed was resolved. The speed of the attack was so swift that it left many of the high-ranking commanders and Valkyries within Mandate, who had been waiting in anticipation, incredulous. It was like a full-strength punch hitting nothing.
For the Valkyries who personally participated in the rescue and subsequent cleanup work of the frozen incident in Carlis City, this "lightning" victory had an extremely clear, profound and fascinating focus - the pink figure who was like a god descending from the sky.
Video footage of the battle circulated widely within authorized circles. The images of Alysia's graceful and composed demeanor, the dazzling arrows of light that melted the deadly ice with each gesture, and the final, effortless subjugation of the Herrscher, like a dance, were deeply etched in the minds of those who viewed them.
Especially for the Valkyries who witnessed the entire event firsthand, their feelings were even more vivid. In that hopeless, frozen hell, it was that streak of pink light that brought warmth and hope. It was that seemingly fragile figure who turned the tide of battle with absolute power. Powerful, beautiful, mysterious, and possessing a strange affinity... these qualities combined made Alicia, almost overnight, an idol, even a goddess, in the eyes of many young Valkyries.
"Ms. Alicia was so handsome back then!"
"That arrow of light! It's like magic from a fairy tale!"
"She nodded at me! Did you see that? She nodded at me!"
"If only I could become as strong and graceful as her..."
Similar discussions and yearnings echoed throughout the Valkyrie dormitories, the training grounds, and the cafeteria. Alicia seemed to relish this sudden surge of popularity. She always loved the feeling of being in a crowd, and now she was beaming with joy. Wherever she went, it was like she had a spotlight on her, and she was quickly surrounded by a group of girls with sparkling eyes, filled with admiration and curiosity.
At noon that day, Alicia excitedly pulled Zijing to try the "Dream Strawberry Cake" newly launched in the school cafeteria.
"Come on, come on! I heard that today's cake is a limited edition. If you go too late, it will be sold out!" She took Zijing's arm and walked briskly.
However, not long after entering the cafeteria, Alicia was discovered by a group of sharp-eyed Valkyrie students.
"It's Miss Alicia!"
"Wow! It's really her!"
"Ms. Alicia, could you please sign an autograph for us?"
"Excuse me, how did you manage to defeat the Herrscher so easily?"
"Your bow is so beautiful!"
In an instant, Amethyst was pushed aside by the surging crowd. Alicia was surrounded by girls, signing autographs, taking photos, and answering all sorts of admiring questions. She was busy and happy, a satisfied and bright smile on her face, having long forgotten about the "strawberry cake" and Amethyst she had dragged along.
Zijing stood at the edge of the crowd, looking at Alicia, surrounded by the crowd like a superstar, and shook his head helplessly. He didn't feel left out, but rather found the scene somewhat amusing. Just as he was about to find a quiet corner to eat lunch, someone gently tugged at his sleeve from behind.
He turned and saw it was Xilin. The little girl wasn't with her friends today, but alone. Her golden eyes sparkled, a hint of nervousness and... a guilty conscience. She first glanced cautiously at Alysia, who was surrounded in the distance, then made a "hush" gesture to Zijing and forcefully pulled him to a relatively secluded corner near the cafeteria.
"What's wrong, Xilin?" Zijing bent down and asked softly.
Xilin looked in Alicia's direction warily again, confirming that the big pink devil hadn't noticed them. Then she approached Zijing and whispered in a low voice, "Brother! Next week! It's my birthday!"
Zijing smiled and rubbed her head: "Well, I know, how could I forget our Xilin's birthday?"
"No!" Xilin stamped her feet anxiously, "I mean... birthday party! We've prepared a small birthday party! It's in our activity room! Agatha, Aurora, Bella, and Galina will all be there!"
She paused, her voice lowered, almost as if she were saying a secret code: "We...we want to invite you, brother! But!" She emphasized, her expression extremely serious, "Absolutely! Absolutely not let Alicia know! Don't tell her!"
Seeing Xilin's fearful expression, afraid that her birthday would be ruined by the pink devil, Zijing couldn't help but laugh. He certainly understood what Xilin and her friends were worried about.
"Okay, I promise." Zijing nodded solemnly and lowered her voice in agreement. "I will be there on time, and I promise not to tell Alicia. This is a secret between us."
After hearing Zijing's assurance, Xilin finally breathed a sigh of relief. A relieved, bright smile appeared on her face, and she nodded vigorously: "Yes! It's a deal! Pinky promise!"
Looking at Xilin's extended little finger, Zijing smiled and also stretched out her finger and hooked it.
After Xilin left, Zijing turned around.
Then I saw Alicia standing there with a beautiful smile on her face.
"..."
"What were you guys hiding from me just now?"
“…You obviously heard it.”
"Hmm~ Then what should I do next?"
Looking at Alicia's smile that seemed to know everything and was full of playfulness, Zijing sighed helplessly and tried to make a final struggle.
"Alicia, it's just a small gathering of children." Zijing tried her best to sound calm and harmless, "Xilin and the others...well, they may be a little shy." Even he himself felt that this excuse was pale.
"Are you shy?~" Alicia dragged out the last word. She took a step closer, lightly tapped her chin with her fingertips, and looked like she was thinking seriously. "But I've met Agatha, Aurora, Bella and Galina many times. We even played 'games' together! How can they be considered 'newcomers'?" She deliberately emphasized the word "games", and her smile became even sweeter.
Amethyst's forehead twitched slightly. He certainly remembered the trauma those "games" had left on Xilin's friends. "...That time was an accident. This time, they just wanted to have a quiet birthday."
"Quiet, quiet, quiet!" Alicia tilted her head, blinking her big eyes, her face revealing just the right amount of grievance and confusion. "How can a birthday party be quiet? Birthdays should be lively and fun! And, I'm the best at creating a lively atmosphere! Xilin must have forgotten to invite me, but it's okay, I know now! I'll definitely prepare a super-surprise gift!"
The more she spoke, the more excited she became, as if she could already see herself bringing the birthday party atmosphere to a climax.
Zijing felt a headache and tried to reason with her, "Allysia, sometimes being too 'surprised' can turn into 'fright'..."
"Huh? How could that be?" Alicia retorted immediately, "I'm the most gentle to cute girls! Look, those Valkyries liked me so much before! Xilin and the others just didn't know me well enough! This birthday party is the perfect opportunity! Let me 'strengthen my relationship' with them! Don't worry, Zijing, I know my limits~"
Her words "be sensible" made Zijing's heart sink even more. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something else.
Alicia suddenly dropped her joking expression, pouted slightly, and said in a tone that was a bit coquettish but also implied "threatening": "Or... Amethyst, do you think I'll cause trouble if I go? You don't trust me? Hmm~? Then shouldn't we have a good 'chat' about the way someone used Meiyi on the beach before..."
"Stop!" Zijing immediately raised his hand to interrupt her, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead. He knew that if he continued to pester her, not only would he be unable to stop her, but he might also be brought up against her, leading to an even more dire end for himself. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes in resignation, and silently said to himself: Xilin, I'm sorry, I tried my best... The enemy is too strong.
When she opened her eyes again, Zijing's face was filled with a calmness that showed she had seen through the mundane world: "...Okay, you can go."
"Really? That's great!?" Alicia cheered instantly, her smile even more dazzling than before. "I knew Amethyst was the best! Then it's a deal! We'll go together then! I'll prepare the best gifts and activities! I'll definitely make Xilin's birthday the most unforgettable memory!"
Seeing Alicia rubbing her hands in anticipation, Zijing could only light a row of candles in his heart for Xilin and her friends. He could almost see the chaotic scene at the birthday party.
"However," Amethyst tried to make a last weak effort, "the gifts and program... try to be normal?"
Alicia gave him a smile that was so pure and brilliant, yet it made Zijing feel a chill down her spine.
"Of course~ It will definitely be a surprise that fits the birthday mood! Trust me!?"
Zijing: "..." It's over, this is completely irreversible. He now began to seriously consider whether he should find an excuse to slip away early.
