Chapter 408

Chapter 143 The Storm Before the Rain

“This is the Heartbreaking Illusion Mirror…”

After entering the inner Palace of the Pretty Cures located within Earth itself, Lei and the others saw the statues of past Pretty Cures and sprites standing here. They also realized that the goal of the trials was to defeat the previous generation’s Pretty Cures.

Although many things happened during the trials, such as Lei discovering mysterious handsome figures who were actually sprites like Kopo, who were disguised to save them time and again. Furthermore, the handsome figure in question was actually based on her own grandfather…

Nevertheless, although the “certain someone” was full of malice, the training provided to the girls was substantial, and they successfully obtained the legendary reinforcement item, the “Heartbreaking Illusion Mirror.”

“You got it right, the power of the Heartbreaking Illusion Mirror is now handed over to you, current Pretty Cures.”

The voice emerging from the statue before them was that of the Heart Tree itself.

“Please use this strength to protect the hearts of living beings and people, and…” After pausing for a moment, the noble voice of the Heart Tree carried a touch of sorrow. “Please save that single heart that is walking alone towards dryness and desolation with your love.”

“Huh?”

Now, Lei and her companions did not fully understand the last sentence of the Heart Tree.

Holding the luxurious mirror in her hands, just touching it, Lei could feel a continuous flow of warm energy entering her body.

“Thus, we will be able to better protect everyone’s Heart Blossoms!” Of course, besides her pure and honest intentions, Lei also harbored some small private desires.

How would the manager praise us after coming back, knowing all that we’ve accomplished? Oh! Ming… Clearly summoned up the courage to show my true feelings towards the manager, but thinking about it still makes me feel shy!

Decided, lei, next time she will overcome her shyness and declare her feelings openly! I want to change and show everyone!

“The Mirror doesn’t only grant you infinite power,” Kuriko, seeing her granddaughter acting bashfully, cheerfully reminded her. “It can also see each person’s Heart Blossom.”

“That’s so.” Lei aimed the mirror at a side companion, and sure enough, the mirror showed the hidden flower of their heart. “Mine is a [Cherry Blossom], Erika’s is a [White Cyclamen], its meaning is purity, Wuki’s is a [Peony], with meanings of majesty, nobility, and shyness.”

“Heh~” Upon hearing Rei’s evaluation of flower knowledge, which sounded like an expert’s, Erika giggled, nudging the slightly blushed Wuki with her elbow. “Even though it represents a sunflower, her Heart Blossom is a peony~ But it indeed matches her quite well!”

“Oh, Erika, don’t laugh at me, I am also a girl!”

“And Lily’s is……” Seeing her companions playing around, Rei, influenced by the cheerful atmosphere, pointed the illusion mirror at Lily, whose smile froze instantly due to the content shown in the mirror.

“It’s a [Lily] blossom, symbolizing a happy family and… great love.” She said the meaning stutteringly.

Lei suddenly hesitated, and the reason wasn’t because of anything else, but because the lily shown on the Heartbreaking Illusion Mirror looked dry and weak.

“Lily…sister?”

What happened?

Knowing she was seen through, Lily forced a laugh and was about to explain, but then heard a phone ringing. Taking out her phone, which was hidden inside her battle suit, and seeing the caller’s name, her pupils dilated sharply.

“ASH…”

Wandering on the other side of the Pretty Cure’s Palace, where Kuron was recorded as a statue, Lily’s eyes shifted restlessly.

“What is it?”

“Still asking what is it…” Ash stopped laughing as he glanced at the three officers and Little Dark, who kept trying to sneak a peek at the conversation. “Didn’t you take something from me? Now return it quickly.”

Thinking of the seal she had carefully hidden away, feeling some phantom pain in her stinging hand, Lily’s tone softened somewhat. “And if I say I can’t?”

“Then there’s no choice; we’ll settle things another way. You probably weren’t satisfied with the last ambush, right? Let’s have another round?”

“That’s also what I intend.”

That’s right! No matter what evil spell is used, with the power of the Heartbreaking Illusion Mirror, we will surely rescue the Manager!

But there was a possibility that she didn’t dare to even think about.

What if Ash isn’t controlled….

“Do you remember where I first found you?”

Shivering, Lily hung up the call and ran hurriedly back to Lei and the others.

“Lily?”

“Lei, I need the power of the Heartbreaking Illusion Mirror.”

Ignoring whispers of “I didn’t think the mask hid such a hideous man” from three officers, Ash rode his motorcycle to meet up, but a hand pressed against his throttle.

“Really, do you need my help?” Little Dark opened one eye, expressing concern. “Right now, you can’t possibly be a match for Moonlight.”

“It’s only for now.” Seeing Little Dark’s increasingly expressive emotions, even Ash smiled with relief as he put on his helmet. “Soon, things will be different. Just watch, my strength.”

He lowered the visor, and the custom tires crunched over the scorching sand as Ash sped towards the Hope Flower Market at extraordinary speed.

With his other hand, Ash called another number.

“Manager… Manager?!”

Just getting down from the Pretty Cure’s palace, Lei was shocked at Ash’s sudden call—her mouth gaped wide enough to fit an egg inside.

Could it be that manager was indeed paying close attention to us, that’s how he gave me a call right away? This is… really good, isn’t it?!

So without waiting for Ash, Lei reported excitedly.

“Manager, listen! We’ve succeeded through the Pretty Cure’s trial and acquired the strengthening item ‘Heartbreaking Illusion Mirror,’ which allows direct viewing of heart flowers!”

“Is that so? Congratulations! It seems you’re making an effort,” He expressed his heartfelt wishes. Before Lei could respond, Ash abruptly turned to another topic. “Are Lily and you together?”

“Lily sister? She seems to have urgent matters…right now.”

“Is that so, then I entrust Lily’s affairs to you. Take the seal that you took from Timons previously and deliver it to the place I’ve mentioned.” Ash spoke rapidly without offering Lei a chance to interject.

“But why —”

Before Lei could finish, Ash had already ended the call.