As an individual who possessed knowledge of all the plotlines from the original work, someone who observed the past and future of this world from a divine perspective, and had everything at their disposal, Fang Li had already developed a deep fondness for the Plot Characters that surrounded him in his previous life.
Fang Li was aware of Mumei’s innocence and purity.
He understood Yomokawa Ayame’s kindness and determination.
He recognized Ikoma’s unwavering beliefs and resolve.
He admired Konochi Kurusu’s unwavering loyalty and dignified demeanor.
These qualities, which couldn’t be directly perceived in the original world, were vividly displayed on the screen, showcasing the exceptional nature of these individuals who were active in the fictional realm.
All of this deeply resonated with Fang Li and others who shared the same perspective as him.
Thus, Fang Li liked Mumei, liked Yomokawa Ayame, liked Ikoma, and also liked Konochi Kurusu.
It wasn’t an extraordinary feeling.
But as someone who knew the original work, regardless of who they were, they would have their own favorite characters and characters they disliked.
Fang Li was no exception.
Although these individuals had their flaws, which were criticized by others, such as Mumei’s wilfulness, Yomokawa Ayame’s timidity, Ikoma’s clumsiness, and Konochi Kurusu’s unwavering loyalty, it was all part of the tapestry of love and hate.
At least, that was how Fang Li perceived it.
In essence, Fang Li had developed a strong fondness for the four individuals standing before him.
Thus, Fang Li chose to help them.
Repaying favors was merely one factor or even an excuse.
Because of his fondness, he made the choice to assist them.
The reason was genuinely that simple.
Perhaps such a mindset was deemed inappropriate for a prominent Divine Envoy striving within the Main God’s Dimension.
However, Fang Li felt no shame about harboring such a mindset.
“My heart has long been missing a piece, turning me into an anomaly. So, I shouldn’t further scar my heart and become even more abnormal.”
After all, he had already experienced death once, hadn’t he?
Moreover, he was indifferent toward ‘Death,’ and the reason for fighting for survival seemed insufficiently compelling, didn’t it?
In that case, wouldn’t it be acceptable to leverage the life he obtained— an existence acquired so inexpensively— to engage in activities he genuinely enjoyed?
Of course, Fang Li’s intentions weren’t rooted in performing acts of goodwill for others. He did not possess such lofty aspirations.
The things Fang Li wanted to do were genuinely straightforward.
For the individuals he liked, he would simply strive to appreciate them to the best of his ability.
For people like Mumei, Ayame, Ikoma, and Kurusu, who had aided him— could he find a reason to disregard them?
No.
And for those he despised, he would simply endeavor to harbor his disdain for them.
For individuals like Amatori Biba, who were capable of inflicting harm on others and on himself— could he find a reason to tolerate his existence?
No.
Therefore, the conclusion was evident.
“For those whom I do not despise, I hope you can live fulfilling lives.”
“For those whom I detest, I will exert my utmost efforts to eradicate their presence.”
“If you seek a reason, this is my reason.”
Fang Li opened his eyes, directing his gaze at the astonished Mumei, and offered a faint smile.
“So, remember, your first life was granted by Amatori Biba, but your second life was granted by me. Even if it is for my sake, you must live well, understand?”
“I…” Mumei’s mouth slightly opened, but she found herself unable to articulate a single word.
However, at that very moment, Mumei discovered that her once monstrous heart was pulsating with a newfound vigor.
From deep within her being surged an unprecedented wave of warmth.
It was a warmth that felt strangely familiar, reminiscent of the moments when her mother was still alive.
The warmth that had been absent within Amatori Biba’s existence as Ani-Sama, or within the detached camaraderie of the independent unit of the Hunters, now coursed through Mumei’s veins.
This sensation stirred within her an overwhelming urge to shed tears.
So, this is it.
This is it.
Is this what it feels like to be cared for and loved by someone?
Even though she had transformed into a Kabaneri and is no longer a pure human, this feeling still resided deep within her heart, waiting for an opportunity to resurface.
“Fang Li-San…” Yomokawa Ayame, Ikoma, and Konochi Kurusu also fixed their gazes upon Fang Li, their hearts brimming with unspoken sentiments.
At this moment, Fang Li was the only one present who managed to maintain a composed demeanor.
“I may only be a passing traveler in your lives, but I don’t wish to be easily forgotten.”
Fang Li cast a glance at those surrounding him, sporting a confident smile.
“So, in this final moment, allow me to display a little bravado.”
With those words, Fang Li retrieved Konochi Kurusu’s blade, turned away from the group, and faced outward.
“I may not care about the fate of the people aboard the Aragane Station Hayajiro.”
“However, all of you must live on.”
“You must never dare to perish.”
Leaving these words behind, Fang Li leaped, propelling himself off the rapidly moving Hayajiro.
“Fang Li!”
“Fang Li-San!”
“You fool!”
Almost instinctively, Ikoma, Ayame, and Kurusu lunged forward as they witnessed Fang Li landing steadily on the railway tracks.
In spite of his unremarkable stature and the absence of any signs of retreat, Fang Li stood resolute, facing the monstrous entity hurtling towards him, its roars echoing like those of a malevolent demon.
The Aragane Station Hayajiro continued its relentless journey, the distance between it and Fang Li steadily growing.
Mumei, nestled in Yomokawa Ayame’s embrace, pushed her away and frantically propelled herself forward.
At that moment, Mumei cried out.
“I will absolutely live on!”
“So, you must absolutely survive!”
Her voice, young yet resolute, resonated through the air, only to be carried away swiftly by the wind.
And so it was, as the Aragane Station Hayajiro, carrying the weight of hope, gradually receded from view.
The piercing sound of the steam whistle and the rhythmic clatter of the wheels faded into silence.
It was at that very moment that Fang Li lifted his head and peered ahead.
“————AaahAaahAaahAaahAaahAaahAaahAaahAaahAaahAaahAah————”
The colossal beast bellowed fiercely, shaking the very ground as it barreled toward him with terrifying swiftness.
Fixing his gaze upon the monster hurtling toward him at breakneck speed, Fang Li muttered to himself, as if in a trance.
“In that case, there is only one thing left for me to do in this world.”
That is to fulfill the long-standing vow.
“To vanquish you!”
…