"The real... Aurora?"

Seeing the young girl speak like this, Yun You furrowed her brow, remained silent for a while, and then quietly said, "But I remember you weren't like this."

"The Aurora I knew was indeed a meticulous and wise girl."

"But at the same time, she possessed strong emotions, being a very sentimental person."

"She would sympathize with the deceased, try to help others, a kind soul like her father."

"Whereas you... fall short in just that little bit."

Upon hearing this, Aurora didn't get angry, she just silently shook her head.

"The immature me has already been discarded by the current me."

"The double-headed monster bird was not wrong. My failure, my father's death, was simply because of our immaturity, fantasizing about resolving issues in the best possible way."

"They were too idealistic and not rational enough, failure was indeed a normal outcome."

"I have understood this truth, so from now on, I have eliminated unnecessary emotions, making decisions based purely on rationality."

Aurora glanced at the conference hall behind Yun You and softly said, "I knew you could win, and so, even at the risk of being poisoned, I stand by your side. But this is unrelated to emotion, it's purely a matter of rational judgment."

"And in the end, the facts proved me right— you won, while Yang Lie lost."

"That monster bird said I'm its disciple. I don't deny this, because it indeed brings me great gains. Although it's essentially a mutual exploitation relationship, I won't refuse it. That's the most reasonable choice after becoming completely rational."

Facing Yun You, Aurora did not hide anything.

Because she clearly knew that the little girl did not like deception; only with honesty could she increase her chances of surviving.

"..."

Yun You's expression gradually became somber.

The girl had initially believed that this current Aurora was still controlled by the double-headed monster bird, and her true nature was still that of the kind child.

But now it seemed, the situation was worse than she imagined.

"So, you're saying that back underground, you had already guessed that Jack would be in peril... and didn't mention it because you thought it was the best choice?"

Yun You asked further.

"Correct."

Aurora nodded.

"Your fates were sealed the moment you entered the mine."

"In Yangshan Town, no matter how hard you tried, whatever traps you set, you could never defeat a fully empowered Yang Lie; the gap in raw strength was just too great."

"And your unity, Yang Lie noticed that. He knew Jack and Frost Moon would never betray you, so their fates had only two possibilities: take the blame for assassinating you, or die underground. After all, the dead don't talk."

"Rather than letting all three of you get wiped out, it's better to sacrifice the mercenaries and the hacker, so that you still have a chance to live."

"This is the most rational act, and was the only solution in that desperate situation."

"..."

Yun You realized she couldn't refute Aurora's words.

This girl was too calculating, and too rational, completely different from the Aurora before.

In all fairness, having such a "partner" was not a bad thing for Yun You.

If she could pledge her loyalty, she would become one of the greatest assets on Yun You's path of revenge.

But... somehow, Yun You felt a sense of sadness.

Saddened for the "real" Aurora.

"Of course, I won't kill you, Aurora Miles. No matter what, you saved my life and helped me a lot."

Yun You held Aurora's hand, helping the young girl to stand.

But perhaps... due to some lingering concerns, she didn't look directly into Aurora's pale blue eyes.

"Want to come with me?"

Yun You felt the coldness in Aurora's palm and softly said, "I know, the current you probably wants to achieve some dreams, like climbing higher, earning more money, gaining higher social status."

"You could say that."

Aurora calmly raised her head and asked, "But what can you offer me?"

"I may not be able to promise you much now, nor offer you gold and silver mountains..."

Yun You lowered her head and murmured, "I don't want to use those things to maintain the relationship between us."

"What I can promise you is that with me, you'll always have a 'home'. I won't treat you as an outsider nor will I ever abandon you. I will do my utmost to protect every comrade until I can no longer fight."

"If you're tired and want to become the previous Aurora again, then you're always welcome to 'come home'."

This wasn't a great promise.

Although Yun You was sincere, in Nest City, sincerity was the least valuable thing, as the profits from lies and deception would unabashedly crush honesty to dust.

Money, power, and status were often more valuable rewards.

However, Aurora didn't refute.

"Home, huh..."

She pondered, seemingly recalling Yun You's previous help, or maybe thinking of her past living with her father...

Finally, she nodded, silently walking to Yun You's side, letting her actions speak for her reply.

"From now on, Aurora Miles will be your subordinate, I will not betray you, at least not until you fulfill your promise."

"I pledge my loyalty to you."

Yun You smiled and didn't respond further, just holding Aurora's hand as they slowly walked out of the corridor.

"I just wanted to say, Aurora..."

She glanced back at the blonde girl and smiled, "The previous you was cuter."

"..."

Aurora was stunned.

Those eyes, seeming to see right through everything, showed a hint of confusion— though just for a moment, it was real.

"Maybe..."

After a long time, Aurora finally regained her composure, closed her eyes, and thought silently.

"Perhaps, in her, I can find the balance between idealism and sentimentality."

...

The night of slaughter ended, but its aftermath was yet to be resolved.

Yun You set free those servants who worked for Yang Lie— they, like regular people, were exploited and oppressed, there was no reason for Yun You to kill them.

But others... especially the guards, and some mine supervisors, Yun You handed them over to the angry miners' families.

They had all, in one way or another, stained their hands with blood, profiting from Yang Lie's secrecy, none were innocent.

Watching them kneel, trembling, in front of the workers, admitting their crimes in fear, and then being hung from the lamps by the miners, Yun You felt a joy and a sense of indescribable satisfaction.

After subduing the guilty, Aurora led Yun You to the "vault" on the 67th floor of the Headquarters Building.

Funny to think, when Yun You accepted the mission before, the most valuable reward Yang Lie offered was a gift from his treasure trove.

But now, Yun You no longer needed it.

Because everything of Yang Lie's, whether it be the treasure trove or the mine, had become her spoils of war.

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