In the dim and damp temporary detention center, where the air felt so humid it could be wrung out, a suffocating, oppressive atmosphere hung heavy. The cold walls were covered in moss and mold spots, while the floor was littered with water stains and filth. Weak light struggled to filter in through the narrow iron-barred window, making the entire room appear even darker and more depressing.
In such harsh conditions, Dalia sat quietly leaning against the wall of the cell, her eyes tightly closed. Her face was as pale as paper, completely bloodless. Her once bright and charming eyes were now deeply hidden behind her eyelids, as if unwilling to face this cruel reality. Her body trembled slightly, whether from the cold or from inner fear. Her disheveled hair scattered randomly on both sides of her cheeks, adding a few more traces of haggardness and helplessness.
She had been arrested when she went to the church school to handle Sirin's withdrawal procedures. A group of police officers suddenly rushed out, saying she was suspected of espionage, and took her away. Later, the several tens of thousands of US dollars with unknown origins found in her bag seemed to confirm this even more.
Espionage? Before a certain day, her family had still been struggling on the poverty line. Now she was suddenly carrying tens of thousands of US dollars on her person. If Dalia herself didn't know the truth, she might have suspected herself of being a spy too.
But fortunately she knew the truth. As long as the investigation was completed, she believed she would definitely be proven innocent.
Suddenly, the heavy and solid iron door of the cell let out a bone-chilling "clack" sound, like a demon from the depths of hell grinding its teeth. Immediately after, a sharp and harsh voice came through the thick iron bars. It belonged to the prison guard on duty here. His tone was filled with coldness and ruthlessness.
"Hey, stop pretending to sleep. They've finished the investigation. There's no problem with the source of your funds. You can go home now."
Upon hearing this, Dalia immediately stopped pretending to sleep, got up from the floor, and let the prison guard unlock the shackles on her hands.
"Sir, may I ask if I can really go home now?" Dalia had even prepared herself for the possibility of never leaving the cell. She hadn't expected to be released after just a few months.
"Yes, yes, yes. Stop asking so many questions. Oh right, this is the compensation for emotional distress they're giving you. They said it's an apology." The prison guard handed Dalia a small box that looked like a jewelry case.
Dalia said nothing, accepted the so-called "compensation for emotional distress," and followed the prison guard out of the detention center.
It was only when the bright sunlight shone on her again that she confirmed she had truly left that place.
She wondered how Sirin and little Shun were doing. They should have already left this area…
Thinking of the meeting point little Shun had told her before they separated, Dalia no longer lingered. Without even bothering to rest, she hurriedly bought a train ticket and headed for Moscow.
What she didn't know was that releasing her was merely a tactic of "letting the prey go in order to catch it later." Sirin's hiding skills seemed to be truly impressive. Even though Schicksal's people had guessed she was in Moscow, they still hadn't found her for the time being.
So they had no choice but to release Dalia, hoping she would lead Schicksal's pursuit team to capture Sirin.
At this moment, Moscow was already enveloped in a thick pre-Christmas atmosphere. The streets and alleys were decorated with lights and colorful neon signs that flashed with charming light, turning the entire city into a dreamlike, splendid scene. The aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine wafted through the streets and lanes, intoxicating people.
Shop windows displayed a dazzling array of exquisite gifts and Christmas decorations, attracting passersby to stop and linger. Children ran and played joyfully, their rosy little faces filled with anticipation and joy for the upcoming Christmas. Adults bustled between various shops, carefully selecting gifts for family and friends. The cold wind howled, but it did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm in people's hearts. Instead, it gave the city a unique warmth and vitality in the cold winter.
On the early-frozen streets, a beautiful girl dressed in purple clothes with long purple hair cascading down like a waterfall was walking slowly. She held a bright, eye-catching red umbrella tightly in her hand, as if this umbrella was her only support in this icy and snowy world.
The purple-haired girl carefully lifted her tiptoes and gently stepped onto the ice-covered ground. Every step felt like a difficult and cautious adventure. Her pace was light and slow, afraid that the slightest carelessness would cause her to slip and fall. The cold wind howled past, blowing her hair and skirt, but she continued forward resolutely. Her petite figure stood out strikingly in the vast white expanse of Moscow.
Nearly half a year had passed since she separated from little Shun. Sirin had still managed to hide herself very well. This wasn't because her hiding skills were particularly advanced, but mainly because the changes in her body over these past few months had been quite significant.
If she were to stand in front of Dalia or Shun right now, they would probably need quite a while to recognize the current Sirin.
After all, she had undergone earth-shattering changes compared to before. Whether in outward appearance, inner temperament, speech and behavior, or facial expressions and demeanor, everything was vastly different, making it almost impossible to connect her with the innocent, naive, and pure girl from the past.
Perhaps if she stood in front of Shun now, she could proudly say: "I am your older sister!" It was still easy to distinguish between an amoeba and a quiet, elegant young lady.
Moreover, Sirin had now changed her name.
Sirin stopped walking. In front of her was her destination—the Moscow State Library. She passed by the Dostoevsky statue at the entrance and entered the library.
"Good morning, Miss Ana." Sirin nodded to the colleague who greeted her and went to her workstation to begin today's work.
Now, she was an employee of the Moscow State Library. Little Shun had once taught her that the best way to hide was to hide in plain sight. So Sirin had not fled or hidden desperately. The first thing she did after arriving in Moscow was to change into nice, presentable clothes, forge a resume, and use some financial power to enter the official staff.
Within a month, relying on the books inside, she passed the library's test and became a full-time employee. Ever since she came into contact with the substance little Shun had called Honkai energy, she felt like an entirely different person.
She had even changed her name… to "Ana." Sirin remembered that this was a name she had occasionally mentioned back when she and little Shun still shared the same bed.
Sirin had always kept it in her heart. So when she considered changing her name, she chose this one.
From that day onward, she had lost everything. From that day onward, the weak Sirin of the past had died.