Freya hesitated for a moment before saying, “I... guess so?”
If there was anyone she trusted, it was definitely Euphemia. It wouldn't even be an exaggeration to say that Euphy was the person she trusted most in this world.
Besides, since Euphy had managed to guess her ability to enter the future this time, she would surely figure it out a second or third time in future simulations. Directly coming clean now seemed like a good choice.
Only then did Euphemia release Freya's cheeks, which she had been pinching and kneading. She said, “That's more like it! But you don't need to explain it to me verbally. I'll write a diary later. When the time comes, you can bring it back to reality and show it to the real me. She'll understand everything.”
With that, she puffed out her cheeks again. “And it's so unfair! You entering the future over and over like this means you've known me for far longer than I've known you, doesn't it?”
Freya thought about it, and it did seem to be the case. “But that shouldn't be a big deal, right?”
Euphemia argued, “No, it is a huge deal! No way, I'm going to research if there's an occult array that can inherit memories. That way, every time you enter and leave a false future, I can use the array to copy my memories. Then you can hand them to the real me in reality, syncing our memories across reality and the false futures. Only then will it be fair!”
Ultimately, Euphemia respected Freya's choice and decided to stay out of the case. The two returned to the hotel, where Euphemia began researching her so-called 'method of inheriting memories,' while Freya returned to her usual lazy, slacking state.
Time passed slowly. Two days later, Freya and Euphemia paid another visit to the Mind Research Association. Regarding the map Thorne had given them earlier, they told him they couldn't find any patterns or clues and that they might have been mistaken. After that, they immediately returned to the hotel.
In the blink of an eye, half a month passed. During this time, from an ordinary person's perspective, the entire city was perfectly calm, peaceful, and quiet, as if nothing was happening.
However, because Victor was frequently in contact with Thorne, they learned from him that the number of extraordinary rampage incidents had been steadily rising. The casualties had already climbed toward two to three hundred. Fortunately, the Mind Pathway possessed the ability to hypnotize others, which kept the news from spreading to the public.
On this day, Thorne had Victor pass a message to Freya, saying that he had finally obtained the subsequent Rank Three and Rank Four potions, and she could go over to collect them directly.
However, because Victor only brought this news after returning to the hotel late at night from his date, Freya and Euphemia had to wait until the next day to head out. Naturally, Victor went with them.
The three of them had a simple breakfast and headed to the Mind Research Association, going straight to Thorne's office. The door was open, and Thorne was sitting behind his desk, looking thoroughly exhausted. Dark circles were clearly visible under his eyes, making him look as if he hadn't slept in days.
Upon seeing the three of them, a strained smile appeared on Thorne's face as he said, “You're here.”
Seeing this, Freya asked, “What happened to you...?”
Thorne sighed. “Sigh, there are more and more out-of-control extraordinaries lately, and the casualties are piling up. Every time an incident ends, I have to hypnotize a large number of ordinary people who witnessed the scene. I've been so busy lately. The only thing I look forward to every day is my date with little Victor after work. Well, let's not talk about that.”
Thorne pulled two potions from his drawer and said, “This one on the left is Rank Three, and the one on the right is Rank Four. As per your request, Freya, this Rank Four potion is for the Mind Reader class advancement.”
Freya said, “Thank you so much!”
But just as she was about to step forward and take the potions, Thorne suddenly spoke up. “Right, about that custom extraordinary item I ordered...”
Euphemia replied, “Yes, I finished making it two days ago. I have it on me right now.”
As she spoke, Euphemia produced a ring set with a blue gemstone. Next came the standard cash-on-delivery exchange.
During the exchange, Freya curiously asked, “By the way, what does this ring do?”
Euphemia explained, “Just wearing it enhances the wearer's ice-related extraordinary abilities. If actively used, it can summon a massive Frost Giant.”
Freya remarked, “But... the Mind Pathway doesn't have any ice-related extraordinary abilities, does it?”
Euphemia replied, “Who knows? It's what the customer requested anyway. I just make it according to their specifications. Anything else is none of my business.”
Once the transaction was complete, Thorne smoothly added, “Oh, right. Regarding the person little Victor was looking for—David—I have some news. He didn't have the aptitude for the Mind Pathway, so he failed the admission audit. But he refused to give up and is currently working as an ordinary staff member at the Mind Research Association branch in another city.”
“I've already spoken to the branch president of that association. Transferring an insignificant ordinary employee over isn't a big deal. He should arrive in this city in a few days.”
Hearing this, Victor couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. “Phew, is this search commission finally coming to an end? I finally don't have to go on dates with another man anymore.”
Thorne also sighed. “Ah, what a pity. Wonderful times are always fleeting, but I will never forget the happiness you brought me during this period!”
The corner of Victor's mouth twitched slightly as he said, “Indeed. I won't forget this painful period either.”
After chatting for a bit longer, Freya and Euphemia prepared to leave. As for Victor, he was forcibly kept behind under the pretext of 'one last date.' Although he repeatedly cast pleading looks at the two girls, Freya only softly said, “Have fun~” before walking out of the office with Euphy.
Now that all four potions were in her possession, Freya had theoretically achieved her goal for this simulation. She could exit the simulation and return to the real world at any moment.
Although she could continue the simulation, and it didn't seem too late to start investigating the extraordinary rampage incidents—such as directly reporting Thorne to the pink-haired lolita—any key evidence she could gather would be a bonus.
Even if she encountered danger, with the potions currently on her person, she could instantly exit the simulation and escape unscathed.
At first glance, this seemed fine. But what if Freya got instantly killed due to a momentary lapse of attention? She had to remember that back when she ran simulations as Rank One War Freya, she had been instantly killed by Jerome once. Her current Mind Freya self possessed absolutely zero combat power.
Continuing the investigation now would at most save her some trouble in the future. Conversely, ending it immediately now would only mean entering another simulation later and spending a bit more effort.
Between 'gambling little to win little' and 'gambling big to win big,' Freya was the kind of person who would choose the former without a second thought.
Therefore, Freya spoke directly to Euphemia. “Euphy, I'm ready to return to reality.”
Euphemia wasn't surprised. She had been working on that memory-related occult array during this time, but since she hadn't succeeded yet, she simply pulled out her diary, which was filled with writing, and handed it to Freya. She then said, “Then please hand this to the real me. See you in reality.”
Freya nodded and said, “Alright.”
In the next second, Freya silently chanted in her mind, End simulation.
...
When Freya opened her eyes again, she was back at the entrance of the Mind Research Association, standing side-by-side with Euphemia. The two of them had not yet entered.
A system prompt popped up in front of her:
Simulation complete. Duration: 33 days. Would you like to save this slot?
Had over a month really passed in the blink of an eye? Perhaps because 'Mind Freya' had spent most of her time sleeping in, she didn't have much of a sense of time.
Without hesitation, she saved this slot to Save Slot 3, naming it 'Mind Freya.' She then turned to Euphemia and said, “Euphy, let's leave this place first. I have something to give you.”
Euphemia was startled. “Huh?”
Though puzzled, she left with Freya. The two went to a nearby restaurant and found a corner table to sit down. Freya then went to the restroom first, summoned Mind Freya in a stall, took the diary from her, dismissed the clone, and returned to her seat.
Immediately after, she handed the diary to the Euphemia in front of her. Since she had promised her, going back on her word was never an option.
Euphemia was taken aback for a moment. “Eh? Isn't this my diary? How did you get it? Oh, did your miraculous little ability activate again?”
As she spoke, she flipped open the diary and began to read. Her expression went from confused and bewildered, to somewhat blank, and finally to complete stupefaction. “Wait... This... You... Me?!”
“Huh?”
There was a lot of content in the diary, and Euphemia obviously couldn't finish reading all of it in just a few minutes. However, just reading the beginning shocked her so much that she didn't know what to say.
Just then, a waiter approached with the menu. Freya casually ordered a few dishes, but Euphemia had absolutely no appetite, staring wide-eyed at the diary the entire time.
She only managed a few bites under Freya's constant urging once the food was served. By the time dinner ended, it was almost time for their scheduled meeting with Victor. The two of them headed to the designated location as agreed.
The moment they met, Victor said, “Freya, Euphemia, I've found the location of the Mind Research Association!”
Hearing this familiar line, Freya couldn't help but chuckle softly before saying, “Actually, we've seen where the Mind Research Association is too. Not only that, but I also know where the person you're looking for is.”
Victor was stunned. “Huh? Did you guys already go inside the Mind Research Association beforehand?”
Freya replied, “No, we didn't. And I don't recommend you go there either.”
Victor looked puzzled. “Why?”
Freya thought about it and said, “Because... it's a warning of destiny. If you go, you will experience something you will deeply, deeply regret.”
“Uh...” Hearing this, Victor was genuinely frightened. He tentatively asked, “Well... can I ask what kind of regretful thing it is?”
Freya said bluntly, “You will be targeted by a gay man, and he will use helping you find your target as leverage to force you to go on dates with him.”
Victor immediately shuddered, feeling a chill run from the soles of his feet straight to his skull. He hurriedly said, “Never mind, never mind. I'm definitely not going then.”
Although Victor had absolutely no idea how Freya knew these things, since this mysterious powerhouse with the strange constant luck had spoken the words “warning of destiny,” he had no choice but to believe her!
Victor added, “Then, Freya, did you just say you know where David is? Where is he?”
Since Freya had been right there when Thorne mentioned this piece of information in the simulation, she had overheard it. She said, “He's at the Mind Research Association branch in another city, working as an ordinary staff member. If you go there, you should be able to catch him directly.”
Victor's eyes widened in disbelief. “For real??”
He had never imagined that his commission this time would be so simple.
However, looking at his expression, Freya silently complained in her heart, Rather than thanking me, you should really thank the other you who suffered through all those dates in the simulation. I basically didn't do anything.
Victor thought for a moment and said, “Is there anything you need my help with? Since Freya gave me this information so easily, it would be bad if I didn't do something in return.”
Freya pondered and said, “Actually, there might be one thing I need your help with. Can you stay in this city for a few days before heading out to find David?”
Victor replied instantly, “Of course! Since that fellow David is just working as an ordinary employee, he won't be running away anytime soon. Let alone a few days, I wouldn't mind staying for another month if you want!”
Afterward, the three of them chatted as they looked for a hotel and booked two rooms. Victor invited Freya and Euphemia out for dinner, but since they had already eaten, Victor had to head out on his own.
In the hotel room, now that they were finally alone and free from outsiders, Euphemia went back to reading the diary in her hands. She read for several hours.
As the night grew deeper, Euphemia suddenly spoke up out of nowhere. “Fufu, I feel like the 'me' in this future might have been influenced by mind abilities. She seems a bit off.”
“Huh?” Hearing this, Freya couldn't help but be taken aback. She had actually anticipated many possible reactions from Euphemia—such as curiously wanting to see her clone, or excitedly chatting with her about this miraculous ability—but she had never expected that Euphemia's very first words would be to question her simulated self.
Rate on N.U.
