World Modulation Mode in Honkai

Ye Feng proposed a competition of endurance. It wasn't just a test of physical limits but also one of willpower and patience—a contest involving both technique and determination.

"Why not? Are you afraid of losing, Aponia? Don't worry, I'll go easy on you," he teased, as Aponia tried to push him away. Her hands rested weakly on his shoulders, giving the impression of resistance, yet somehow it felt more like a hesitant retreat.

"Xiao Feng, we are... we shouldn't do this..." she protested softly, her words laced with uncertainty.

"What? I'm unmarried, you're unmarried—aren't we a perfect match, made by heaven?"

"…Xiao Feng!" Summoning the last of her strength, Aponia finally managed to push Ye Feng away. Her tone became unexpectedly firm. "If you keep this up, I'll get angry."

Ye Feng smiled gently. "An angry Aponia is beautiful."

Turning her face to the side, Aponia whispered, "We can't keep making mistakes... it's time for prayer. I must return to Elysian Realm."

Ye Feng ignored her retreat and stepped forward again, teasingly licking her cheek. "That tastes like a lie. You want to be with me, don't you? The game has already begun, and even if you don't make a move, I won't hold back."

Aponia, feeling overwhelmed by the absurdity of the situation, knelt down in confusion. Her hands clasped tightly in prayer, knuckles turning white from the pressure. In her flustered state, her pure white veil fell, drifting in the wind and covering the statue of the goddess's eyes.

Through her modest habit, Ye Feng could feel her body heat rising, a soft blush spreading across her pale, flawless skin. In that moment, Aponia resembled a malfunctioning machine: "Visual circuit error," "Connection to comprehension circuit lost." Aponia... couldn't hold on any longer.

The nun, trembling like a shattered statue, collapsed to the ground, tears streaming down her face, gathering in puddles on the floor. Her defeat was clear and undeniable.

Raising his sweat-soaked palm, Ye Feng chuckled softly, "Aponia, you wanted to lose to me on purpose, didn't you? So you could stay here longer."

Aponia, her eyes empty, stared at the open chapel ceiling above, her chest rising and falling as she spoke weakly, "...Xiao Feng, why are you doing this? Does my humiliation make you so happy?"

"Yes, because I love all of you. Your smiles, your anger, your pride, and even your shame. I'll take it all," Ye Feng responded calmly, his voice gentle yet resolute.

The nun's body grew limp, collapsing into Ye Feng's arms. He gently stroked her hair and whispered, "Fate gave you a compassionate heart, but your gentleness has never truly healed anyone. You've imprisoned yourself in a place called 'the deepest part,' bearing the sins of the world for others. But who will carry your burdens?"

"If possible, I want that person to be me. Because in this world, your hands have always eased my exhaustion."

Aponia lifted a hand as if to resist but let it fall quietly. She leaned into the arms of the young man she had raised, finding a peace she had never known before.

"Aponia is going to stay here again, isn't she? There's only a minute left before we're back on track. Is there anything you want to say to me before that?"

Silence.

Aponia no longer had the strength, neither physically nor mentally, to respond. She simply rested against him, waiting for the world to resume its course, silently counting down.

Finally, she wrapped her arms around Ye Feng, quietly setting a new commandment for herself: [Commandment VI: Do Not Fall].

...

Half-awake, Aponia opened her eyes, feeling as if she had dreamt. In the dream, she had been confused, and something shameful had happened, but it was all a blur now.

"...Xiao Feng?"

Her vision cleared, revealing Xiao Feng's worried face.

"Mama Aponia, you're finally awake!"

"What... what happened?" she asked, still groggy, as she sat up and pressed a hand to her head.

"You don't remember? That awful principal called you to her office and drugged your tea. If I hadn't shown up in time, who knows what could've happened!"

The principal? The memory came rushing back.

The principal had called her to the office because "The Sacred Convent doesn't accept male students." The image of a large, pot-bellied figure was hazy, but she remembered feeling an intense dislike for the man. Yet, strangely, there was also a sense of guilt towards him that she couldn't understand.

"Mama Aponia, were you blackmailed by the principal? I could tell something was wrong by the way she looked at you!" Xiao Feng said, his voice filled with concern.

Aponia tried to remember but could only recall the words, "Madam, you don't want your child to be expelled, do you?" Beyond that, her memory was blank.

She wanted to resolve the matter quietly. The Sacred Convent was the holiest institution on the continent, a place all young girls dreamed of attending. It was a sanctuary of purity and sanctity. Yet, Aponia felt no discomfort at the thought of Ye Feng, a boy, entering this sacred place.

"Let's go home, Xiao Feng," she said, trying to stand. However, her legs felt weak, and her body was sticky and uncomfortable. Her face flushed as she glanced away, trying to hide her embarrassment.

"Mama Aponia, are you still thinking about the principal?"

"Huh?"

"Don't worry! I'll protect you! If she ever tries anything again, I'll teach her a lesson!" Xiao Feng declared, waving his fists with determination.

Aponia smiled warmly. "My little Feng has grown up, hasn't he?"

The nun took the boy's hand, and they walked back through the maple forest, the warm sunset casting their long shadows on the ground. Sometimes their shadows crossed, and sometimes they merged into one...

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