Chapter 424

Chapter 159: Qijiera’s Dream

Qijiera retracted her chaotic tentacles, sinking most of her roots back underground. Only the top bud of her flower trembled slightly, transforming from a terrifying beast form to just a large plant.

In contrast, more smaller Qijera flowers bloomed, even spreading into the secret lair in the depths of the desert where the Desert Apostles were based.

“~~” The hobo Sandmites, composed merely of sand and sacks, lay scattered with dumb smiles. Even the three Officers were laughing and rolling on the ground contentedly.

“Fight! We’re fighting, fighting!”

“My beauty is unmatched!”

“Hehe, I’m the king of the Desert Apostles~”

The three Officers, whose desires were clear, acted naturally as ever. Even Doctor Shabak, who had just come out of the lab, fell under the spell as pollen seeped through the gaps of his mask. It seemed like some memories were awakened along with it.

Holding his head in agony, the soothing effects of the pollen instantly dispelled all painful thoughts, digging into his deepest desires.

“Ah~ Lily… Chunlai… I… I’m back…”

Mumbling the names, even Shabak had dreamt of those he longed for.

Following Ash’s gesture, the girls finally realized something was missing—it was like they were one person short.

“Hahaha~ How amazing!”

With Wuki and Lily looking perplexed, Erika cupped her slightly flushed cheeks, her tone never before so sensuous as she softly hummed tranquil music, her feet stepping the catwalk pace.

“Erika, this isn’t the time for that!”

“Hold on, sunshine, Erika seems different!”

Noticing something off, Wuki realized Erika was absurdly wearing a smaller Qijera blossom on her head. There was none of the sadness from her previous battle with Ash in her eyes—only true joy could be seen.

“Heh~ Ash, really, you’re too mean~” Muttering strange words, the bashful girl wanted to show her lover the best part of her dream by gently lifting the skirt like petals, performing the steps of a swan’s dance, spinning.

“Now, I look so beautiful~”

Wait!

Erika might be scatterbrained, but she had always pulled through in important matters. She wouldn’t suddenly start daydreaming like this… probably.

“Exactly—Ash, what kind of mind-bending stuff did you give Erika?!”

“No, it’s not Ash’s doing. It’s these blooming Qijeras spreading pollen that induce delightful dreams.”

Appearing beside the streetlight, Ash explained to Lei what Kayin had implanted him with.

“You said… these flowers’ pollen has the effect?!”

Following Kayin’s words, the still conscious individuals directed their gaze further, seeing the small flowers blooming in crevices and beside people sleeping with smiles on their faces.

!

The three immediately understood what the trial Ash had mentioned meant, and sorrow and anger ignited in their hearts.

“Erika, wake up!”

“It’s no use.”

No matter how much Wuki and Lily shook or slapped her face, Erika remained lost in the dream with that shy smile.

“I’ve modified the young Qijeras, giving them the ability to spray pollen at night while removing the addictive physiological effects. But can the human spirit break free from its most delightful dream?”

Falling into blissful dreams myself, I can’t guarantee I’d escape without being lost in them.

“Only if the human spirit is stronger than steel, actively refusing the dream for the painful reality might it regain clarity.”

“If they could rise, express their refusal to me and Qijera… it looks unlikely.”

From the information sent back by the armor, the people fell into their enchantment faster than anticipated.

Pity, I actually hoped I might lose.

“Once trapped in a dream, no one wants to come back.”

“You!” Anger couldn’t describe what Lily felt; she grabbed Ash’s collar, her throat quivering, unable to articulate a word.

“You’ve toyed with us and spread malice, more contemptible than a true Desert Apostle!”

“No, Qijera isn’t malevolence or a weapon,” Ash’s calm words stopped Lily’s hand. “It’s a native plant from another earth; otherwise, why wouldn’t Heart Tree react?”

“Perhaps it’s a gift Earth gave to humans?”

Hearing Ash, Bai let go of his collar, staggering back.

“Are humans in need of Qijera or Pretty Cure?”

Uncertain… or unwilling to know.

“When facing desperation, the last resort is courage. But when faced with simple bliss?”

Shaking his head, “Living in a gentle world breeds hearts pure enough to fight evil,” he continued. “But perhaps such gentleness robs them of the ambition to leave the dream behind.”

“It might even be for the better, considering you can’t do anything against Doon, right?”

If humans can endure this trial, perhaps something magnificent will happen—like a shining giant light… but now…

“In the end, doesn’t comfort beat pain?”

“Unacceptable…”

“What?”

Hands trembling, feeling something amiss, Ash furrowed his brow. Raising his glistening eyes, Lei faced the masked rider with a soft yet resolute expression.

“For such a thing, for the result! To trample everyone’s past and values in the process is acceptable?”

“We’re trying, Lily too, Wuki too. Our bonds! Every battle risking our lives for this world, and yet deny everything?”

Facing Lei’s accusations, Ash fell silent.

“Who gave you the right to set trials for mankind? Can you sully our memories? When did you become someone arrogant enough to judge others from above?”

“A thing like this, I absolutely refuse!”

Finally grasping the situation, Lei, who had never raised their voice before, almost shouted in rage towards the empty-hearted Ash.

However, only larger anger greeted her.

“Is that all you want to say? Are you saying everything went wrong because of me?”

The claws gripping Lei’s arm tightened with Ash’s uncontrollable fury.

“Lei, understand, merely hoping miracles and giving your all won’t save you from failure!”

Therefore, you must control miracles, not wait for or expect them!