Lin Luo had no idea how long he had been unconscious. When he finally woke, he found himself lying beside a lake, the faint sound of a girl's voice reaching his ears. Instinctively, he sat up, wincing at the lingering pain from the Black Flame's scorching.

“Well, you’re still alive? That’s twice in just a few days you’ve nearly kicked the bucket.”

A voice, sounding both mocking and sardonic, drifted from behind him. Lin Luo couldn't help but offer a wry smile; only one person spoke to him with that particular tone. He turned around and, just as expected, saw the blonde, black-clad lolita standing before him, hands planted firmly on her hips, looking quite triumphant.

“Evangeline, you saved me again,” Lin Luo said, offering the girl a slight smile, gratitude shining in his eyes.

Truthfully, if it weren't for Evangeline, he would certainly be dead this time. Setting aside the fact that her intervention allowed him to trap Mo Xinming, even afterward, if she hadn't used her own power to devour the Black Flame from his body, he wouldn't have survived. The result would have been incineration by the Black Flame, just like Mo Xinming.

Although the Black Flame originated from him, that pure destructive power was an absolute double-edged sword. He could barely control it at a hundred percent output, but once he stimulated his life force, the Black Flame’s might became entirely uncontrollable, indiscriminately annihilating everything around it.

This was precisely why, even when merging with Rei, he absolutely refused to increase the Black Flame’s output; otherwise, Rei would be consumed by the Black Flame before him.

The only reason Lin Luo dared to use such a dangerous method was because Evangeline was present. Possessing the Rule of Devour, she could consume any power, no matter how small or vast, and the destructive Black Flame was no exception.

And now, the Black Flame on Lin Luo’s body was completely gone—the best proof of that.

Counting this time, he had been saved by Evangeline twice now.

“Hmph, I didn’t save you to save you. It’s just that if you died, all hope of me returning to my own world would vanish, and that would be very inconvenient for me,” Evangeline declared loudly, crossing her arms and tossing her head back haughtily.

“Well, even saying that, you did save me. Besides, devouring a rampaging Black Flame must have been quite troublesome even for your strength. If I don't thank you, it feels wrong somehow,” Lin Luo scratched his head and offered a sheepish grin.

Evangeline raised her chin dismissively. “Hmph, it’s just a little ability that brat coincidentally figured out. How could it threaten me? I am the Gospel of Darkness; swallowing your little spark of fire is laughably simple.”

Although Evangeline appeared relaxed, Lin Luo knew that devouring the Black Flame was far from easy. He understood his own power best... The destructive Black Flame was, after all, the third evolution of point-line power. Even incomplete, its realm was slightly higher than Evangeline’s Rule. Since it could burn both him and Mo Xinming to death, it could certainly incinerate Evangeline at the same level. Devouring it was an incredibly dangerous undertaking.

Of course, since Evangeline didn't want to admit it, he saw no need to expose it; that would just seem affected.

“Right, what about the others?” Lin Luo glanced around, noticing that only he and Evangeline were at this spot; none of the other girls were present.

“Them…”

After listening to Evangeline’s explanation, Lin Luo learned that he had been unconscious for a full day and night. During that time, Rin and Lily’s group, along with Saten and Nero’s group, had already linked up with them. Only Mugino and Black Saber’s group hadn't arrived yet.

Naturally, there was no need to worry about the missing pair for now. All enemies had been eliminated; the only threats remaining in this world were the Dragons. However, as long as they didn't provoke them, those Dragons posed no danger—a basic piece of common sense Mugino and Black Saber should possess.

As for Misaka and the other six, upon learning Lin Luo’s condition had stabilized and that Evangeline was more than capable of looking after him, they had split into three pairs to search for food.

“Are they really just looking for food?” Lin Luo looked doubtful. If it were only for food, they could find plenty nearby. Why travel so far and split into three groups? He suspected something else was going on.

“Mmm, that’s the story,” Evangeline replied noncommittally.

“Fine…” Lin Luo sighed helplessly. Not knowing what Misaka and the others were up to wasn't a major issue, but there was one thing he absolutely had to clarify.

“By the way, Evangeline…” Lin Luo looked at the golden lolita opposite him, then pointed to his own body and asked in a low voice, “Um… who changed my clothes for me?”

When the Black Flame was under control, it wouldn't affect his body. Unless he deliberately attacked, it couldn't even burn off a single corner of his clothes. But rampaging Black Flame first burned the clothes away.

It was fire, after all—that was common sense.

And Lin Luo clearly remembered that before he passed out, his clothes had been burned to ashes, yet now he was in a completely new set, although it felt a bit ill-fitting.

“…” Upon hearing Lin Luo’s question, Evangeline’s face instantly flushed crimson. She stammered, “Wh-who knows? Anyway… anyway, it definitely wasn’t me.”

“Is that so? Not you,” Lin Luo said casually, beginning to adjust his clothes while complaining, “I knew it. The person who changed my clothes really doesn't know how to do things. Not only is the collar crooked, but even the sleeves are off-kilter…”

“…” Evangeline’s mouth twitched slightly.

“And also, these pants are on backward! One side of the zipper is actually at the back! Are you kidding me? No common sense at all. Does that person expect me to squat down like a girl when I need to relieve myself?”

“…” Evangeline clenched her fists, grinding her teeth.

“Damn it, this is even more absurd! The shirt is inside out too! No wonder it feels so uncomfortable. That person can’t even tell front from back,” Lin Luo took off the T-shirt and put it back on correctly.

“…” Countless blue veins popped out on Evangeline’s forehead, accompanied by the faint sound of her teeth crunching together.

“Hmm? Strange, now my lower half feels uncomfortable too. Did they put my underwear on backward as well…”

“Just die already!” Evangeline finally couldn't stand it anymore. Before Lin Luo could finish, she threw a punch.

Bang! One of Lin Luo’s eyes immediately turned into a panda eye, and his entire body was sent flying several meters away, landing heavily on the grass.

“Whoa, Evangeline, what are you doing? Attacking me suddenly? I’m an injured person!” Lin Luo lay half on the ground, clutching his injured right eye, crying out in pain.

“I don’t care if you’re injured or not, but…” Evangeline’s small body trembled slightly, radiating boundless killing intent. Her two slender hands formed claws, her ten long fingernails blood-red, and the throbbing veins made her pretty face look utterly sinister and terrifying. With a sudden burst, she lunged toward Lin Luo.

“Anyway… you are dead today!”

Lin Luo’s expression changed drastically, and he scrambled to get up from the ground, but it was too late. Evangeline was incredibly fast; the moment he stood up, her small body collided with him, instantly erupting with immense force that knocked him back down. Then, her tiny fists rained down like raindrops…

“I don’t know how to do things? Yes, because I’m used to being waited on, I don’t know how to do things. Is that what you’re trying to say? I’ll beat you to death!” Evangeline cursed as she struck.

“No, I didn't say that… Ah! Stop it!” Lin Luo quickly pleaded for mercy. He had just woken up from near-fatal injuries. Never mind restoring his strength; even his life force was critically low. How could he possibly match Evangeline? He was instantly suppressed.

“Stop it your head! I’m a vampire, so I lack common sense about where pant zippers go… I’ll bite you to death!” With that, Evangeline sank her teeth into Lin Luo’s neck.

“No, no, you have plenty of common sense! I’m severely anemic right now; if you suck out a bit, it won't kill a person…”

“I’ll suck you to death, suck you to death, suck you to death! Anyway, I’m just someone who can’t tell front from back…”

“I never said that…”

“You damned fellow! I went to such great lengths to save you, even dressing and putting on your pants, and instead of thanks, you badmouth me… I’ll suck, I’ll suck, I’ll suck more!”

“Ugh… Stop biting, I really will die… I am grateful, didn't I thank you from the start?”

“I didn’t hear it, I didn’t hear it…”

“Ugh, I was wrong, I shouldn't have mocked you, I shouldn't have made fun of you… Yamete yo!” Lin Luo was near tears. He had only made a joke, but he hadn't expected such severe consequences. Just a few words had sent Evangeline into a frenzy. Was this retribution?

Not long ago, he was setting Mo Xinming ablaze, and now he was being held down by Evangeline, having his blood sucked. Retribution arrived too quickly.

…

“Ah~~ I’m so full.” A few minutes later, Evangeline sighed contentedly and finally detached herself from Lin Luo’s body, a look of pleasure on her face. “After sucking this much blood, the strength I used to devour the Black Flame for you has also recovered. Hmm, I guess we’re even now.”

“…” Lin Luo lay motionless on the ground. It wasn't that he didn't want to get up; he simply had no strength left. This time, he had nearly been sucked dry and killed.

It took a long time before he finally recovered enough to move, though his face was still mottled with purplish bruises—the masterpiece of this eternal lolita, Evangeline.

By this time, Misaka, Rei, Saten, and Nero had also returned. They were each carrying large bundles of ingredients, both meat and vegetables… though the meat seemed to be mostly in Nero’s arms.

The four rushed over joyfully when they saw Lin Luo awake, but before they could say anything, they spotted the various bruises on Lin Luo’s face. Except for Rei, the other three covered their mouths and snickered.

Lin Luo felt utterly speechless. Although his face must look spectacular, did they really need to react like this? Would it kill them to say a few words of concern?

“Lin Luo, does it hurt badly?” Rei stepped forward and asked softly.

“It doesn’t hurt,” Lin Luo replied with a smile immediately. Ah, Rei is the best.

“I see. Then I’m relieved. But now you look just like this,” Rei smiled slightly and pulled out a vividly colored mushroom from the basket she carried.

“…” Lin Luo couldn't help but look embarrassed, while the others burst into laughter.

“I have to say… Rei, that mushroom in your hand is poisonous.”

… After a brief chat, seeing that dusk was approaching, the glutton Nero promptly suggested dinner.

Having been unconscious for a day and a night, Lin Luo did feel hungry. But compared to that, there was something far more important he needed to do right now: restoring the Heart of Hope back into Shinku.

Upon hearing this, everyone stopped joking and stood by solemnly.

He materialized the Book of Contract, opening the Fourth Space. Shinku’s small body floated in mid-air. As Lin Luo moved the silver-white Heart of Hope toward her chest, the Book of Contract immediately sent a prompt.

“Current Host: Shinku. Do you wish to re-fuse the Heart of Hope?”

“Yes.” Lin Luo had no hesitation. The instant the fusion restarted, he felt his consciousness blur, and dazzling light blinded him.

When he reopened his eyes, he found himself in an unknown space. The surrounding airflow moved slowly like water waves. He floated in the center of this space, beneath him boundless darkness, above him brilliant light.

“Where is this place?” Lin Luo was stunned.

Suddenly, a sensation came from below. After a slight hesitation, Lin Luo swiftly flew downward. He flew for an unknown duration, following the sensation until he reached the deepest part of the darkness. There… a girl lay helplessly on the ground, her body broken in two. Gazing up at the light he could see but not touch, the girl’s dull eyes radiated profound despair.

Looking up at heaven from hell—she was Shinku.

Lin Luo finally understood where he was: this was the N-Domain, the deepest recesses of Shinku’s memory… He had entered her memories.

Just as Lin Luo flew toward Shinku, a golden male figure suddenly appeared in the light above. The dazzling, hazy light obscured his features. He lightly extended a hand, and something shining with a faint red light flew toward Shinku.

“Rōzen… The Rose Mother…” Lin Luo murmured. He had seen this scene before in the prologue of Rozen Maiden, just after Shinku was killed by Suigintou—this was when Rōzen presented the Rose Mother to Shinku.

“Wait, is that…” Lin Luo was thinking this when he froze; within the faint red light wrapping the Rose Mother, there was another layer of silver-white luminescence. “…The Heart of the World?”

Without a doubt, it was the unique glow emitted by the Heart of the World. Lin Luo instinctively flew forward and saw that what was enveloped within the Rose Mother was the Heart of Hope.

Shock was unstoppable. How could the Heart of Hope be contained within the Rose Mother? Was this the moment Shinku was infused with the Heart of Hope? And what did Rōzen have to do with it?

He instinctively looked upward. Rōzen’s figure was fading away, but before he vanished, his gaze swept toward Lin Luo. His lips moved, seemingly saying something.

He’s looking at me. He’s looking at me?

Although he appeared here in Shinku’s N-Domain as a spiritual entity—an unreal existence that shouldn't be there—for some inexplicable reason, Lin Luo felt that Rōzen hadn't been looking at Shinku, or the Rose Mother, but at him.

Below, Shinku, receiving the Rose Mother—no, receiving the Heart of Hope enveloped by the Rose Mother—wore a look of blissful smile. “Father… Master…”

Then, as the Heart of the World fused with Shinku, Lin Luo felt his consciousness blur again. As he was leaving, he saw Shinku’s eyes look toward him as well, calling out, “Father Master…”

“Father Master… Father Master… Father Master…”

The increasingly loud calls dragged Lin Luo’s consciousness back to reality. When he opened his eyes, he saw Shinku looking up at him beneath the rainbow light, her eyes filled with incredibly deep happiness and joy.

Clearly, she had successfully re-fused with the Heart of the World and was no longer in mortal danger.

Seeing her adorable appearance, Lin Luo subconsciously reached out and stroked her head. At that moment, the Book of Contract chimed again: “Heart Contract with Host Shinku, the owner of the Heart of Hope, has been successfully signed. Current Contractor status change…”

What? What?

Lin Luo didn't hear the rest because he was utterly dumbfounded. When had he signed a contract with Shinku?

With his eyes narrowed, after enjoying Lin Luo’s head-scratching for a while, Shinku suddenly floated up from the ground, settled onto Lin Luo’s shoulder, leaned slightly, and chirped happily, “Father Master.”

Uh.

Lin Luo felt a headache coming on. The mysteries were piling up: Why did Rōzen look at him? Why did Shinku’s Rose Mother envelop the Heart of the World? Why was Shinku calling him Father Master? Any one of these was enough to give him a serious headache, but…

What troubled Lin Luo most right now wasn't those things. It was the fact that since Shinku called him “Father Master,” the seven women standing beside him—Misaka and Evangeline included—were staring at him with incredibly bizarre expressions, as if he were a scumbag who had abandoned his orphaned wife and children to run off to the big city to seduce the mayor’s daughter.

“Your daughter?”

“How could I have a daughter that old? No, how could I have such a young daughter? Ah, no, how could I have a daughter at all? I’m still a virgin, so absolutely not!” Lin Luo declared righteously. He had to clear this up, or he’d be permanently branded as a ‘City Scoundrel.’

Besides, how could a father court other women?

“Father Master, are you abandoning me again?” But the moment Lin Luo finished speaking, he saw Shinku look at him with the pitiful expression of an abandoned kitten or puppy.

Simultaneously, the seven women, Misaka included, shot him looks of utter contempt.

“…”

Accepting it was wrong; denying it was wrong. He was trapped either way. Gods, just kill me now.

Lin Luo was utterly broken.