Bab 152: Chapter 152: 'Reward'

"Firstly, the island we're heading to has an ample supply of goods. Including all of us, and even acquaintances, there's enough emergency food to last everyone for almost three years."

As Bronie carried bags upon bags which resembling a snail, she explained the situation on the island to Bronya.

Hearing Bronie's words, Bronya slowly set down the backpack on her back.

"Secondly, the plane we'll be taking requires passing through security, which means metal weapons can't be carried."

"Sister Bronie, are you a prophet?" Bronya said in an adorable manner.

The sight of her being pleasantly surprised almost melted Bronie's heart.

There's no way around it. Bronya is always cautious in unfamiliar environments, just like Bronie was when she roamed the Sea of Quanta.

"I don't know everything; I just happen to know what I should know. Okay, put down all these things and just bring some clothes. If anything is missing, I can project it at any time."

"Oh right! Sister Bronie's special ability... If Bronya had the same ability, it would be great!"

Bronya envied that ability so much, being able to create firearms anytime and protect her family whenever needed.

Bronie then patted Bronya's head and said, "Isn't Project Bunny always by your side?"

"That's true."

Then Bronya set down another big bag, and nobody knew what was inside.

Anyway, her luggage had finally been reduced to the size of a suitcase, and the other children had already boarded the bus that Bronie had arranged.

"You fool! You're too slow!"

Sin poked her head out and grimaced at Bronya.

"Sorry, as the big sister of the orphanage, Bronya believes that she needs to be fully prepared to protect you all from various possibilities."

"You... forget it! Hurry up and come on!"

As soon as Bronya mentioned protecting everyone, Sin blushed slightly.

And where would Bronya not understand Sin's shyness at this moment?

Handle it, handle it easily!

For the children of the orphanage, this could be said to be their first time on a plane.

Bronya sat beside Seele, who almost had her face glued to the window.

"Seele, the last time Bronie and I were on a plane, Bronie also sat by the window. Do you know what she said at the time?"

"Sister Bronya~ What did Sister Bronie say?"

"Humans, they're like stray fish~"

"Ha~"

Seele immediately thought of Bronie's serious yet playful demeanor.

But at such a high altitude, it's indeed difficult to see anyone on the ground.

Stray fish?

More like ants compared to stray fish, right?

As the plane soared into the clouds, the children gradually quieted down.

"It's a truly comforting scene. For most people, it is, but for you, does it really bring a sense of security?"

Aha appeared beside Bronie, and the arrival of the Elation Aeon seemed so silent.

As if they were supposed to be there, but no one noticed their presence.

"In fact, I can have a lot of time, so spending a little time on creating happy memories for the children when they go out to play, I think it's worth it."

"Hehehe, good answer. It seems like you're really having a great time, even though you've set such a big plan."

"So, honorable Lord of Elation, Aha, do you have any objections to my plan?"

"Is this the reward you want? Aha's answer?"

The Aeon revealed a very dangerous smile, as if the answer they were about to give would surely make Bronie regret it, and there would be a lot of fun to watch.

Bronie hesitated slightly.

"What reward?"

"Persona~"

"Can you provide me with a solution to the flaws?"

"Hahaha! Do you want to save such sinful city? Why don't you ask K423 over there how many criminals she has beaten? "

"This has nothing to do with my desire to save people. I am only responsible for saving, not for distinguishing who I am saving. If I have to take care of everything, I will eventually harm myself sooner or later. To be honest, I am not that kind of indiscriminately good person, saving people is just to satisfy my own inner desires."

Hearing Bronie's answer, the Aeon boredly slumped in their seat.

"Give Aha a glass of soda."

"Sure, sir."

"As for solutions... there are as many as you need, but Aha feels like if Aha gives you a solution, it takes away a lot of the fun."

"I see. Since it's your decision, I won't ask you for it then."

"Hehe, you didn't really want a guide, did you?"

"The game wouldn't be fun if you lost, so I generally don't lose. Finding a strategy guide adds enjoyment to playing, but even without one, there's still the thrill of the challenge. There's always a way."

"Hehehe, that's why Aha likes that about you."

"Stop it, I don't like boys."

Bronie's response silenced the Aeon.

"How about this?"

Aha removed their flashy glasses, and their body began to emit light.

Then, a red-haired girl, like an angel, appeared before Bronie.

Oh!

This is Jack O Valentine, the DLC character from the Guilty Gear series!

With her slender figure, sweet smile, and the air of mystery often concealed beneath her mask, she was captivating.

Bronie's eyes widened.

"Hahaha! Aha, you're really something! Please don't try to seduce me with your beauty. I'm not the type to be easily swayed by looks."

It must be said that when designing this character, Bronie had some special thoughts about her.

Her figure was made even more perfect, and when the mask was removed, her clear eyes attracted the gaze of countless players.

"Is it easier for players to pay attention to beautiful girls?"

"After all, most gamers are boys, and boys naturally prefer cute girls, or perhaps something more handsome like a giant robot."

For some reason, Bronie felt that the Aeon wasn't asking about that but was instead touching upon something more dangerous.

But... let's forget about it.

It's better to play dumb when necessary.

"Well, things are getting more interesting."

"I feel like it's getting more dangerous..."

"It's fine~"

With that, the Aeon stretched lazily, much like the other passengers on the plane who were also enjoying their rest.

"But anyway."

"Yeah?"

"There are quite a few interesting things prepared on the island this time. Hehehe, you'll definitely like them!"

"There's no danger to the kids, right?"

"Am I that kind of person?"

"You're an Aeon."

"Hehehe, true. But don't worry, it's part of the reward. You'll love it!"

Bronie felt a headache coming on.

Aha's answers were always so ambiguous. To be honest, no matter how good-looking the facade was, it couldn't change the essence of the Aeon of Elation.

The most important thing for The Elation was to find enjoyment from those they found interesting. Bronie could probably guess that the upcoming vacation would not be peaceful.

There's no way she could resist the power of the Aeon.

"Alright, let's consider it a challenge from a side quest, or maybe a summer event in the game?"

"If you can think of it that way, that's great! I wish you a pleasant time when the time comes!"

With that, the Aeon disappeared before Bronie's eyes, and the passenger who was sitting there seemed oblivious to everything.

"Bronie..."

"Yes? What is it, Isabella?"

"Is Bronie really excited now? Will there be something very interesting at the place we're going this time?"

Ever since the Aeon left, Bronie had been shaking her legs non-stop on the plane and constantly looking out the window, as if expecting something.

"Perhaps there will be something very interesting? Who knows what exactly."

The plane smoothly reached its destination.

The gentle sunlight, accompanied by the scent of the sea, brushed against their faces. Honestly, after years of being busy and traveling so much, arriving at the seaside and feeling so peaceful was something Bronie had never experienced before.

"Wow~"

The children exclaimed in admiration. Because of the unfamiliar environment, everyone gathered closely together, afraid of getting lost and never returning to their warm home.

Bronya was a little braver. She wasn't afraid of big cities, and her operations in the stock market over the years had always earned her quite a bit of money. So, as long as money could solve the problem, it wasn't a problem at all.

"What's our next step?"

Bronya looked at Bronie.

"To the pier, then we'll take the yacht. Then we'll be able to reach the island of Cioara directly. Because it's a private island, there are only two ways to get there: either by renting a small plane directly, but there are too many of us, or by buying a yacht and going together."

Bronie took out a bunch of keys, with a small sign with Cioara's cute face on it.

As for the keys to Cioara, of course they belonged to Bronie!

Bronie wasn't a narcissistic person, so naturally, the keychain and everything else weren't her brand.

"Wow~ So Sister Bronie has a yacht?"

Nina took out her phone to look up the price of yachts, only to be shocked by the real price of this yacht.

"Games make a lot of money, and since I'm the one completing most of the tasks, I naturally get more. So, it's quite normal."

"The important thing isn't that Sister Bronie has the money to maintain the yacht, but that she doesn't have to use it often, right?"

Bronya understood better than the children where the bulk of the money went. Maintaining a yacht was more expensive than buying one.

"I see, is there really such a saying? Bronya, you seem to know everything."

"Come on, Lilia~ Let's all go treasure hunting together. The first thing to do is find equipment!"

The children's grand adventure on the yacht began. Bronie should have realized that Rosalia was so quiet on the plane because she was probably catching up on her lack of sleep from the night before. Now was her most energetic time.

But it's okay. Even if they fell into the sea, Bronie could rescue them at any time.

And isn't Bronya there too?

...But can this trip really go smoothly?

Looking at the vast sea, the small yacht bobbed in the ocean. If they were exploring in space, would they face a similar situation?

The empty expanse of space, no matter where you went, seemed like facing the same scenery until you encountered some kind of reference point.

Right now, all Bronie could see was the sun.

"Bronie! It seems... there's a problem..."

"Yeah? What is it, Sin?"

"Why aren't you playing with them? It's because Rosalia suddenly got seasick after playing for a while. Although she took motion sickness medicine, she still seems a little uncomfortable. But, I mean, Bronya said Project Bunny observed something heavy, like a storm gathering."

"A storm?"

Looking ahead, there seemed to be no sign of a storm, but if she looked back, the dark clouds were chasing them from behind.

Within those clouds, there was a familiar smiling mask, as if the clouds had transformed into the face of the Aeon who was gleefully chasing after them.

"Alright, alright. It really looks like Aha wants to play this game. Then I accept the challenge!"

PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA
Bismarck_Imperia

Want to read advanced chapters? go to my patréon for up to the current available chapters: Chapter 221.

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Pilih

Bab 153: Chapter 153: Summer Survival Fantasia?

The once calm sea gradually became treacherous, with huge waves threatening to overturn the yacht if it couldn't be kept head-on.

There was still nearly an hour's distance to Cioara's small island, but with waves crashing from all directions, the only option to save the yacht was to turn its bow.

"Wow~" Rosalia clung tightly to nearby fixtures, experiencing the alternating sensations of weightlessness and heaviness with the boat and the waves.

"D... Dangerous, Rosalia..."

"Anila, you don't get it. Isn't this just like a pirate ship project? And it's much more exciting than a pirate ship!"

At this point, Bronie had already released drones to monitor the surroundings from all angles.

Lightning gathered in the sky, turning what was once daytime into a semblance of night.

In such an environment, Bronie could only frown as she watched the yacht being pursued by the tasteless smile in the sky behind it. The turning speed of the yacht was clearly unable to keep up with the towering waves' assaults, but Bronie could still deploy drones to counter them.

It was obvious that Aha wanted to see her yacht sink completely. There was no other way.

"Bronya."

"What's up?"

Bronya was now controlling Project Bunny to secure the children, preventing them from being shaken into the sea.

But now she also noticed a small problem; it looks like the boat might not hold out much longer?

No, if it couldn't hold out, Bronie would have informed everyone in advance!

So, everything must be fine now; Bronie must have thought of a solution.

"Distribute these to everyone."

"What's this?"

"Underwater breathing devices. They allow users to breathe easily underwater. The issue of water pressure isn't solved yet, but as long as you don't dive below two hundred meters, it's fine. They also allow direct communication underwater. And there are ocean spheres to ensure the children float conveniently for me to find them."

"So, the boat is going to sink?"

Bronie never imagined that this little boat would actually flip this day. Why was this happening?

"It's hard to say. If the storm gets stronger, this boat will eventually flip. I should have gotten a ground-effect aircraft; then we could have reached our destination in ten minutes..."

"Wait, Sis Bronie, there's a small island over there!"

Whether it was a fortunate coincidence or there really should be a small island there, Bronya pointed in the distance, and amidst the surging waves, she could barely see a hint of green.

"We have no choice; let's head to the island!"

Judging by the distance, the island wasn't far from them, and most of the huge waves were coming from that direction.

So, the Aeon's target was likely that small island.

"Bronie..."

"Yeah?"

"Water... water spout..."

Following Bronya's direction, Bronie looked over and saw a waterspout rising from the sea at some point. The children exclaimed in surprise but were quickly drowned out by the thunderous rain.

"Alright, kids, hold onto whatever you can. I might have to make some rough maneuvers next!"

Bronie closed her eyes. She mentally constructed some thrusters used in aircraft, then crudely attached them to the sides of the yacht.

"Bronya, help me secure the thrusters."

"Can the boat handle..."

"Now is not the time to think about that, is it?"

"It is!"

Bronya could tell that the situation was indeed urgent now.

But what could have caused the storm to gather in the sky and produce such an exaggerated waterspout?

Even the mischievous Rosalia realized the severity of the situation and hurried to the cabin to find something to secure herself.

Then, the boat emitted a violent sound, as if some invisible monster were tearing it apart.

The yacht took off!

What followed was the anticipated disintegration of the yacht. It's fortunate that it wasn't the island exploding, right?

The drones towed massive foam balls, with the children inside.

As for Bronya?

Bronya was on Project Bunny's shoulders; after all, Project Bunny could fly, so it wouldn't be affected much on the sea. The only problem was the heavy rain, turning Bronie into a drowned rat.

Finally, the last bit of distance, Bronie's drones led the children to the beach. After the yacht shattered, as if heaven was playing a joke, the weather gradually cleared up.

"So, Sister Bronie, is this the surprise you mentioned?" Isabella looked quite aggrieved, as if she could imagine Bronie's excitement on the plane.

There's not much to say; it seems Bronie had anticipated this?

Although the ocean spheres are indeed fun, playing with them on the sea surface turns everyone inside into laundry in a washing machine, which isn't enjoyable.

Isabella emerged disheveled and immediately began to complain.

"Isabella, this maritime disaster definitely wasn't anticipated by Sister Bronie, maybe it's the Aeon."

"Huh?"

"Hey! Bronya, and Bronie, are you hiding something from everyone?"

Sin's feathers ruffled a bit. Concepts like the Aeon were mentioned by Bronie before. Although these things are very distant, these objective facts might provide new insights for the children in their future scientific work.

Initially, everyone thought these were just stories, as remote as the stars in the sky.

But who would've thought Bronie actually had contact with the Aeon?

"Elation... Aeon, theoretically one of the most powerful Aeons, Bronie's game was so outstanding that it caught their attention. This might just be a small... joke?"

Seeing Sin's aggressive stance, Bronya suddenly felt a sense of guilt.

Why?

Probably because of the deception.

Being complicit in deceiving everyone with Bronie.

"Normally, it's hard for one to define a Aeon's goodness or evilness, so I think ordinary people are better off not encountering Aeons. Bronya knew about the Aeon seeking me solely by accident... Hmm, I can't say for sure if it was truly an accident or if the Aeon deliberately created it."

Hearing Bronie's explanation, Sin was a bit sulky but still believed what Bronie said.

After all, an Aeon is a god. Bronie didn't tell everyone out of kindness, but what Sin was more afraid of was Bronie suddenly disappearing without explanation.

"Hmph, let's forget about this for now. Next time we encounter a Aeon, remember to tell everyone what's going on!"

"Instead of worrying about the Aeon, we should focus on the current situation."

Bronie hands on hips, surveyed the surroundings.

The whole island didn't seem like an uninhabited one; deep into the island, Bronie could still see walls.

Though these so-called walls seemed a bit strange, not like the conventional brick walls.

"Starfish~" Nina picked up a small starfish from the ground, as if she had found treasure.

"Wow!!!" Carefree, it seemed like they completely forgot about encountering a maritime disaster.

As for Seele?

Facing the sea, Seele had already been in a daze for a while now.

With many cement buildings on the pier, the boat swaying, and the beach along with the sea, this was the scene Seele had been eagerly anticipating.

The cold seawater washed over her feet, and the gentle wind brushed her cheeks. Although the current situation might not be as good as imagined, she had indeed come to the seaside, to the island.

"First, we need to ensure a water source. Without water, we'll die in three days, but with water and no food, we'll die in seven days. Bronya suggests that everyone prioritize finding water."

Among the children, Bronya tried to organize everyone to start a survival game.

Just as the children were gradually quieting down, Bronya was about to praise Bronie when she realized Bronie had already changed into swimwear, donned sunglasses, and even projected a lounge chair.

"Sister...Bronie?"

"Yeah? Everyone seems to be having so much fun, so let's play here for a while. Let's just have a barbecue party tonight. The fishing rods are over there. I've seen everyone's fishing skills are pretty good. You guys didn't go out to play when I wasn't home before, right?"

Bronie nodded silently, and then another dressing room appeared beside her.

When did this happen!?

"And, Bronya!"

"Yeah!?"

Suddenly Bronya shivered.

As expected, just as Bronie had anticipated, Bronie made a request.

"Help me apply sunscreen~"

Bronya's breathing became heavier, her eyes fixed on the sunscreen in Bronie's hand.

She slowly took it.

Then the ice-cold sensation spread from her palms.

"Mmm~"

Feels good!

"Bronie, are you going to apply sunscreen to Bronya later?"

"I want it too!"

Sin was filled with resentment; Bronya actually sneaked!

"I want it too!"

Always eager for excitement, Rosalia also joined in.

"Don't you have Lilia...?" Bronie couldn't help but quip.

"Lilia can do it anytime, but Bronie is different~ Lilia, aren't you coming?"

"You're right! Bronie, I want some too~"

Goodness, all the children surrounded her, all wearing new swimsuits and wanting sunscreen.

"Okay, okay, one at a time, don't rush, everyone..."

Bronie was quite helpless but also excited inside.

After all these years of nurturing, there was finally some payoff!

But the children are still too young, so Bronie naturally didn't have any other thoughts, but who doesn't like smooth, tender, and fair skin?

Anyway, Bronie was quite happy.

"Wow~ Is this paradise? Why is Bronie here on this island?"

Bronie suddenly got ambushed from behind, as a pink elf captured the adorable duckie!

"Oh no! Sister Bronya, Sister Bronie was suddenly caught by a pink monster!!"

Seeing the opponent's pointed elf-like ears, Rosalia hurriedly went to Bronya for help.

"What's this joke? This isn't the Elysian Realm. How could there be a pink elf and such...?"

"Hey~ Missed me, Bronie?"

Bronie was stunned.

Even the sunglasses on her face slid down her nose.

"Elysia, it's strange. You should be in the Elysian Realm. We were on a yacht with the children, encountered a storm, and arrived at this island. It's clearly so far away from the Elysian Realm."

"Although I don't know why~ But a mysterious person sent invitations to everyone, then suddenly there was an extra pier in the Elysian Realm, and everyone got boat tickets, saying they could go on vacation~"

"Hmm..."

Bronie rubbed her chin, pondering for a moment.

So, this is Aha's gift?

She took off her sunglasses and hung them around her neck.

"What about the others?"

"Don't know why, suddenly there was a storm, everyone encountered a maritime disaster, and don't know what to do. Although I'm also anxious, there's nothing I can do, right? That wall over there is obviously built by the owner of this island to prevent everyone from leaving a certain range."

"Yeah, energy machine guns, tracking missiles, infrared scanming, and Honkai fusion devices. Even if the machine guns can't do much harm to me, no one can guarantee the bombs won't explode. And why can't I see any sign of your anxiety?"

Looking at Elysia's cheerful appearance, Bronie couldn't help but reach out to try her.

And Elysia grabbed Bronie's hand.

"Hehe~ Caught you~ How about it, This beautiful Elysia, the real one is right in front of you~ Everything about me, my breath, is all real~"

As her hand was pulled to her face, Elysia was so close.

It's like... the beating of the heart could even shake the air, reaching her ears.

"Bronya doesn't believe in things without objective evidence, so please keep a certain distance from Bronya and Bronie."

Bronya stood up. Wary of Elysia in front of her, she even calling out Project Bunny.

"Wow, Elysia, why are there so many kids here? Wait, why is Project Bunny here? Bronie, why are you here!? Didn't we crash on a deserted island! What's going on!!!"

Pardofelis who changed into a swimsuit approached, and panicked upon seeing so many children.

Plus, Project Bunny's hostile aura.

Elysia awkwardly chuckled. "I don't know~ I thought this was the Elysian Realm, but what exactly happened now?"

Bronie didn't know what was going on, Elysia didn't know either, but Bronie's suspicion was indeed quite reasonable.

Of course, Elysia could feel Bronie's suspicion about whether she was real or not, probably not out of consideration for this part.

"Since we can't figure it out, let's not think about it. After all, we can't even know the ultimate answer of the universe. Why bother knowing why this is happening? Let's just focus on having a barbecue tonight. Come on, Elysia, let's eat something delicious tonight!"

"Wow!!!"