Chapter 23: Chapter 23
The Golden Holy Dragon is the fusion skill of the Golden Iron Triangle, binding their consciousnesses together. Flender's gamble pays off; Liu Erlong truly awakens.
"Sister Erlong!"
Flender, restrained by the ethereal nature of her form, longs to embrace her. He can only gaze at Liu Erlong through the Eyecon's projection, as if watching a screen.
"Boss Fu?" Liu Erlong's eyes flutter open, her expression dazed from a long slumber. Panic flickers across her face. "I'm not dead? Why can you talk to me? Were you captured by the Martial Soul Hall...?"
"No, no, Erlong, you misunderstand. I'm not dead," Flender stammers, lost for words. He glances at Yin Xiaoya, silently pleading for assistance.
"Hello, Senior Erlong, allow me to explain..." Yin Xiaoya steps forward, briefly recounting his identity and explaining how Kamen Rider powers allow her to communicate with the living.
Liu Erlong's curiosity evolves into astonishment. "Such a magical existence in this world?"
"Indeed. His arrival may even fulfill your and Xiaogang's wishes."
"Xiaogang!" Liu Erlong exclaims, her voice laced with sudden excitement. "Where is Xiaogang? Why isn't he here?"
Flender shifts uncomfortably, a wave of embarrassment washing over him. He hesitates before launching into an explanation of the events that have transpired over the past decade.
"After you died, Xiaogang and I founded Shrek Academy. It has grown to what it is today. Many things have happened..."
"I thought something terrible had happened to Xiaogang. As long as he's alright..." Liu Erlong sighs, her tone softening. "He's with that girl now... Is he happy?"
Sadness clouds Flender's face. "What does happiness even mean? Your death has haunted us. He can't move on until your wish is fulfilled."
"That idiot! After my death, he should pursue happiness without worry. Even when we were together, our status kept us..."
The two delve into the unspoken sentiments that have burdened them for years. Yin Xiaoya remains silent, allowing them to unburden themselves.
"Sorry, young man. I kept you waiting." Liu Erlong finally says, her mood lighter. She turns to Yin Xiaoya, "You didn't bring me back just for a reunion with Boss Flender, did you?"
"No, Senior. As I mentioned, I hope the power of Kamen Rider can spread throughout this world, among humans and soul beasts alike, giving them new paths to choose. But one person's power is limited. I need Shrek's help, and even that may not be enough."
Liu Erlong furrows her brow. "You gave me the chance to speak with the living, and I'm grateful. I want to help, but I'm dead. I can't influence the living world."
"You can. You just need to be willing." Yin Xiaoya raises the Eyecon. "You must have regrets? Grievances? Love left unsaid? If you are willing, all of that can still happen. Please, become a force that moves the world once more."
According to the system, each Kamen Rider has a profound impact on the world, increasing the likelihood of his wish being realized. It wasn't just Yin Xiaoya's experiences that generated Rider Points; any event involving a Kamen Rider, even if it wasn't Yin Xiaoya himself, would yield points.
The system hinted that Rider Points were more than just a currency for exchanging items. In this vast world, a single person's strength was limited. He needed more Kamen Rider allies, and for that, he needed to rely on the creatures of this world.
This was Douluo Dalu, a parallel universe distinct from the main timeline. Surrounded by unfamiliar faces, he couldn't afford to miss the chance to connect with familiar figures, albeit alternate versions. He needed Shrek's power, and he needed the deceased Liu Erlong.
Flender likely understood Yin Xiaoya's intentions. Normally, he wouldn't allow anyone to disturb Liu Erlong's rest. But this was different. Yin Xiaoya could bring Liu Erlong back to the world in another form.
It wasn't resurrection, but what did that matter to Flender? A miracle that could last forever? What could be wrong with that?
Liu Erlong agreed, knowing Yin Xiaoya was requesting her strength.
"You're right. I have things to do. It's been ten years, but it's not too late. Boss, it seems we can fight side-by-side again."
"Good! Good!" Flender nodded excitedly.
Yin Xiaoya smiled. "Then please take care of me, Senior Liu Erlong."
"ROAR!!!"
Liu Erlong lifted her head and roared, swaying her dragon form and bumping into the Eyecon in Yin Xiaoya's hand. As her entire being merged with the Eyecon, a change occurred.
The Eyecon floated from Yin Xiaoya's hand, engulfed in a red-hot flame. The gray-white faded, replaced by a fiery red body with a golden dragon pattern.
[Heroic Eyecon Liu Erlong, successfully unlocked]
Another dragon's cry echoed, audible to the living.
Yu Xiaogang, jolted awake, sat up in bed. He looked out the window towards the hill behind the academy.
"Erlong?"
Yin Xiaoya, rubbing his ears, watched Liu Erlong cavort happily in the air. The entire academy must have heard that. Yu Xiaogang would surely notice.
He hadn't planned to keep Liu Erlong's Eyecon by his side. He would let them choose their path.
Like the mantis guarding her children in the Soul Beast Forest, or the Rider power given to Pupu and Fang Xin, he could summon them instantly through the system. He originally intended for Liu Erlong to roam freely. A self-aware item like a Heroic Soul could move on its own.
The Heroic Spirit Eyecons perplexed Yin Xiaoya. The original series lacked Eyecons for figures like Newton and Beethoven, impossible to unlock.
These personalities could be exchanged for Rider Points, but Yin Xiaoya didn't understand why they were more expensive than some Kamen Rider's final forms. And the exchange could fail.
[Souls have independent consciousness and require consent, so rejection is possible. Their power is not strong, but the soul's value is immeasurable, making them very expensive.]
"Spirit Riding Eyecons, Rider Belts, Kiva's Little Bat... these are better suited for human souls than soul beasts. That's why you mentioned the fourth unlocking method, right?"
[Yes, all independent consciousnesses cannot be exchanged forcibly. Instead of spending so many points, the host should find a suitable partner in Douluo World and seek their help.]
"Understood. I couldn't miss Senior Liu Erlong. A powerful and kind soul is priceless. But I have another question. Kamen Rider Ghost's basic form uses my own Eyecon. Do I need anything else to unlock it?"
[Not necessary, but the belt is. The soul beasts corresponding to the Ghost series transformation props possess special powers. We strongly recommend having one or two Riders on the magic side before challenging it.]
Yin Xiaoya nodded as Liu Erlong flew over, greeting Flender.
"As an Eyecon, I instantly grasped Kamen Rider knowledge. I believe my power will not disappoint. What do I need to do next?"
"You can't use me yet. For now, roam freely, familiarize yourself with the changes of the past ten years, and navigate your relationship with the master."
Liu Erlong fell silent. "I have nothing to do with him. He has his own happiness."
Flender opened his mouth, unsure how to respond. Yin Xiaoya smiled, sensing Liu Erlong's emotions. She was clearly being coy. She'd rush to him if she could.
"Senior Erlong, that's unlike you. Where is your daring love and hate? You defied the world to be with the master. Why are you shrinking now?"
"Who said I'm backing down!" Liu Erlong retorted, then softened. "He has someone else."
Yin Xiaoya sighed. "No one is wrong. The master's position is difficult. So, why not win over another person? If you two agree, the master can easily decide. Have you forgotten what you can do as an Eyecon?"
"Ah? You want me to..."
"Shh~"
Flender, filled with questions, looked on with a soulful expression, but remained silent.
"Then... let me try?"
"Yeah." Yin Xiaoya suppressed a smile. He turned to Flender. "Dean Flender, no matter what strange things happen around the Grandmaster, please be a spectator. Don't interfere."
"What? That's not okay. What happens to Xiaogang is mine..."
"Leave it alone! Stop with the nonsense!" Liu Erlong nearly roared.
"Eh??? Yes... yes." Flender, accustomed to the feeling, calmed down.
[Host, aren't you encouraging bad behavior?]
"Not necessarily. For the master, can it be considered bad?"
Yu Xiaogang in the main Douluo world was destined for a tragic end. Let another Yu Xiaogang, in a similar body, avoid that fate.
"Isn't this a knight with a knight's heart acting like a knight?"
[Uh... indeed, it makes sense.]
"Hee hee, give me more points for this."
***
Leave a comment and review of your thoughts
Give some power stones to support this novel.
Advance chapters are in my P@|r3on - Najicablitz