263. I'll Ask You Again Next Time
"Yun Ling, what kind of person do you want to become in the future?" Himeko asked casually.
"Of course, I want to become Sister Himeko's... uh... let me think about it..."
Because Himeko was casting a death ray, Yun Ling had to change his words.
"As for what kind of person I want to become... I really don't know how to answer you right now." Yun Ling leaned on the edge of the pool.
"Aren't you usually very clear about your goals? You do what you want to do, and I rarely see you procrastinating or slacking off." Himeko suddenly became curious.
He wanted to become stronger, so he spent a lot of time training extra every morning and evening. In the morning, he sparred with Lin Chaoyu and occasionally sparred with Teacher Fu Hua, though not as earth-shattering as the previous time.
He wanted to create that strange doll named Ruoshui. He would try to find precious materials and spend several days without sleep in the machine room.
He wanted to keep his promise to her, and in his spare time, Yun Ling could be seen reading medical books, consistently ranking at the top of his class in medical school.
For someone like him to say he didn't know what kind of person he wanted to become puzzled Himeko.
After all, having a goal provides motivation, even if it's just for the most superficial social standing; that can still be considered a goal.
"My goal... is probably to transform this imperfect world into the way I desire it. As for what kind of person I ultimately become... that doesn't matter, does it?"
Yun Ling smiled brightly at Himeko.
"You want to... become a 'hero'?" Himeko was somewhat confused, although Yun Ling's words clearly had a hint of boasting in them.
But Himeko couldn't detect any joking in his tone.
"Being a hero is too tiring. When a hero makes a single mistake, all their achievements are buried under that stain. This world has no sympathy for heroes. If the world truly needs a hero, then that person will definitely not be me."
"As for me... of course, I'll build a harem and live a carefree life," Yun Ling said leisurely.
"The last sentence is the key point, isn't it?" Himeko glared at him.
"Who says otherwise?" Yun Ling shrugged.
Himeko knew Yun Ling had a girlfriend, but she still went on a date with him, which meant she didn't mind that much.
As for Mei... well, that's for Yun Ling to worry about.
"Then, Sister Himeko, what about you? What kind of person do you want to become in the future?" Yun Ling countered.
Yun Ling's sudden question caught Himeko off guard.
She had never considered the so-called future because ever since the Artificial Stigmata was implanted in her body, she had no future.
Unless Schicksal's technology can achieve another breakthrough, rendering Artificial Stigmata harmless...
But how could that be possible? Countless scientists and biologists have dedicated themselves to this endeavor over the years, yet they have consistently failed to overcome this hurdle.
Perhaps after a bout of drunkenness, or perhaps in the heat of battle, her life will come to an end.
This is something she has long been prepared for, so... Himeko cannot answer Yun Ling's question.
Seeing Himeko's silence, Yun Ling could roughly guess what she was thinking.
"Alright, it seems Sister Himeko hasn't considered this question yet, so let's start thinking about it now."
"Sister Himeko's future will be created by me, and it won't be long. You must give me an answer then."
A confident smile appeared on Yun Ling's face, his fist slightly clenched as he looked intently at Himeko.
Himeko was drawn to Yun Ling's serious expression, her hand gently brushing against his face.
Her alluring red lips carried a captivating fragrance; the taste of the fine wine intoxicated Yun Ling.
Yun Ling's hands unconsciously crept up to Himeko's slender waist, a slight dizziness washing over him.
This damned alcohol tolerance! Even just tasting the lingering alcohol on Himeko's lips was almost unbearable.
After a long while, their lips parted. A few strands of damp red hair clung to Himeko's cheeks and chest, looking somewhat disheveled, yet possessing a wild beauty.
"Don't get drunk, okay? Otherwise, you might miss out on a lot."
Himeko whispered in Yun Ling's ear, her arms around his neck.
"Then it seems I'll have to push my limits a little..."
Yun Ling's hands slipped under Himeko's back, his other hand resting on her knees, lifting her up and carrying her out of the hot spring.
Drops of water from her hair fell to the ground, then quickly disappeared. In just a few seconds, their bodies were completely dry, not like they had just emerged from a hot spring at all.
Himeko was surprised again. What kind of strange ability was this?
But then she remembered that Yun Ling's Ruoshui sword possessed water-controlling abilities, and she felt relieved. Perhaps this was a special use of Ruoshui?
Himeko tried to distract herself to hide her embarrassment, but found it impossible.
That aggressive kiss landed on her lips, face, and neck...
The burning heat made her body feel an unprecedented torment and desire.
As the last piece of armor was removed, Yun Ling finally discovered Himeko's little secret.
"Sister Himeko, your red hair really isn't dyed," Yun Ling teased.
Himeko's face instantly flushed red, and she glared fiercely at Yun Ling.
She lightly bit Yun Ling's shoulder, venting her dissatisfaction.
With a cry of pain, blood trickled from Yun Ling's shoulder, and Himeko's face also showed a hint of pain.
This left Yun Ling somewhat helpless. While the 'Demon Monk's Power' was indeed formidable, ...
"Let's see if you dare call me 'little brat' again," Yun Ling teased Himeko, trying to distract her while simultaneously expanding his territory.
"Maybe it's... um... a silver spear in wax..." Himeko remained merciless.
"Then let's try."
Himeko quickly paid the price for her carelessness, promising never to call Yun Ling "little brat" again, before finally stopping.
But after only a short rest, having savored the deliciousness, Himeko couldn't wait to begin the second round.
Then came the third round...
Until Himeko covered her eyes with her arms, her chest rising and falling with her breath, the sweat soaking the blankets, her face still bearing the lingering afterglow, she finally stopped.
At this moment, it seemed the pain of the Artificial Stigmata's side effects was greatly alleviated, and the two fell asleep in each other's arms.
The next day, Yun Ling personally helped Himeko with her hair and washing.
"I wonder if Sister Himeko was satisfied with my performance last night?" Yun Ling stood behind Himeko and gently put her arm around her.
"Not bad, I'll ask you again next time."
Himeko retorted with a smile.
But some small movements accidentally aggravated her wound, causing her to wince in pain.
This comical scene made Yun Ling laugh out loud, but she still carefully supported Himeko, using his water manipulation power to slightly reduce her pain.
After adjusting, Himeko was finally able to walk on her own.
The two returned to St. Freya Academy, and at Himeko's insistence, Yun Ling finally didn't carry her inside.
"I'll be researching Artificial Stigmata starting tomorrow, so I'll have to trouble you, Sister Himeko," Yun Ling reminded her.
"…Mm." Himeko nodded gently.
Regardless of the outcome, at least she had no regrets now.
…