A while later, Hina had returned to her natural form. She sat holding her injured leg. She looked over at Kintovar in frustration. "This is the worst possible timing! I have to put on a show in an hour to end the night! I was getting ready for it!"

  Kintovar, seated across from her, let out a sigh. "It probably wasn't the best idea to transform your entire body but keep those heels on. They're what caused this."

  Hina let out a wail. She dabbed her eyes with the back of her hand.

  Kintovar considered her options. The Suxena Nexus was right there for the taking; with Hina's focus being to her injury, there was nothing to stop her from seizing it. Yet, as the cries of the crazy woman filled the air, Kintovar felt an unexpected pang of sympathy.

  Despite her better judgment, she found herself moving closer. A trace of concern slipped into the tone of her speech. "Is there anything I can do to help?”

  As soon as the words left her lips, Kintovar mentally chastised herself. ‘What the hell are you doing, Kintovar?’

  Hina looked up at her with watery eyes. “Really? You’d help me, senpai?” She sniffled like a child.

  Kintovar cringed at the title. “Don’t call me that.”

  Hina pouted slightly, but responded softly. “Okay, but thank you…’

  Kintovar sighed. She moved to retrieve a first-aid kit and thought, ‘How did I get myself into this?’ She carefully bandaged Hina’s leg, ensuring it was secure. Despite her efforts, Hina still couldn’t stand without wincing in pain.

  Kintovar sighed, glancing at the clock. “What if I took your place?”

  Immediately, she snapped back to reality, internally panicking. ‘No, no, no. Take that statement back right now. You're a scientist, not a performer!’

  But it was too late. Hina’s eyes lit up, sparkling with excitement. “Really? You’d do that?”

  Before Kintovar could protest, Hina moved with a speed that made Kintovar question the severity of her injury. In a blur, she gathered outfits and accessories.

  “Let’s get you changed right now,” Hina chirped. Kintovar found herself whisked away. She tried to protest, but it was drowned out by Hina’s persistent chatter. While moving through the room, Kintovar was handed a large script.

  She looked at it, with widened eyes and then grumbled. “This is utterly preposterous…. But I suppose… I have no choice now…”

  The Chatter in Hina’s Domain gradually hushed to a whisper. The attention of those gathered in attendance were now converged on a space where the stage began to rise out of the ground.

  Suddenly, Hina was heard by the crowd all around from hidden speakers. Her tone was both playful and commanding.“Ladies and gentlemen, who’s ready to end the night with a bang?I have something very special planned just for you!”

  The crowd responded with cheers and applause. Their energy rose in eager expectation. In the midst of this, Kintovar stood behind the curtain, trying to steady her nerves. 'How did I get myself into this,’ she wondered, adjusting her glasses and trying to focus.

  A spotlight revealed a solitary figure—a silhouette against the darkness. With a deliberate and graceful step forward, the figure materialized into Kintovar.

  Kintovar's outfit was one with an avant-garde flair. She wore a silver gown that flowed like liquid mercury. The dress hugged her figure. Gold patterns adorned the fabric.

  Her hair was styled in a sleek updo, with a few loose strands framing her face. A delicate tiara adorned her head. Around her neck was a statement necklace, featuring a large green gem.

  In her hand, Kintovar held a microphone.

  The show commenced with an enchanting melody, filling the room. Kintovar’s singing soared with remarkable finesse. Somehow, she hit each note in perfect harmony. The song led into a series of magical illusions that captivated the audience.

  The act progressed with lights shifting. The music ebbed and flowed, synchronized with Kintovar’s performance, leaving the audience mesmerized.

  Seated among the spectators, Juliana and Rosarune observed the spectacle. Juliana's eyes were wide with curiosity, while Rosarune seemed impressed by Kintovar's unexpected talents.

  Hina’s voice, now deep and dramatic, boomed through the speakers. “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, guests from all realms, prepare yourselves for a person like no other person!”

  She paused before continuing in a grandiose tone, “The one, the only, the marvelous, the prettiest, the craziest, Hina, your hostess with the mostess! Prepare to be dazzled by my radiant sunlight!”

  On that note, Hina made her grand entrance. Her outfit was a spectacular sun-themed skirt with a golden glow that seemed to shift with her movements. The skirt flared out in a dramatic, sweeping arc, mimicking the sun's ray’s hues.

  With a practiced twirl, Hina’s costume caught the light. For a brief moment, she winced slightly, but she quickly masked it with her playful charm.

  She extended her arms to the audience. “How did you enjoy my big helper tonight? Isn’t she just magnificent?”

  The crowd responded with a thunderous cheer. Hina smiled brightly. “Now, for our next act, I shall be your storyteller, guiding you through the tale of a scientist's journey from humble beginnings.”

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  The stage changed within several seconds and Hina faded into the background, along with Kintovar momentarily. A replica of a modest laboratory appeared onstage.

  After a minute went by, a figure emerged, dressed in worn-out clothes, with a rumpled lab coat and disheveled hair—a portrayal of a struggling scientist. It was Kintovar.

  Hina started to speak. "Once upon a time in this realm, there lived a humble scientist, an embodiment of dreams and unyielding passion. She dedicated herself to unraveling the mysteries of the world."

  As Kintovar's character delved into experiments and trials, two other actors, costumed as her friends, joined her on stage.

  "What happened?" asked one actor, gesturing toward Kintovar's worn outfit.

  Kintovar, playing the role, stared distantly ahead. "It's over," she replied. "The experiment failed. The world is doomed."

  The other actor stepped in with a hopeful fist raised. "But it's not over, not yet! You've come so far. There's more to achieve, discoveries yet to uncover."

  Kintovar's character looked up with uncertainty. "I've lost my way, how can I continue?"

  "You're not alone," the first actor said. "Remember, the journey of a scientist isn't just about reaching the destination. It's about the discoveries made along the way, the knowledge gained. If you don’t help use to create our experiments, then who will?

  "We need you," the second actor emphasized. "The world needs the ambition, the drive and technology that only a scientist like you can bring!”

  Hina resumed her narration, "With newfound hope and inspired by the unyielding determination of her peers, Kintovar rose like a phoenix from the ashes. Driven by their encouragement, her life's passion surged anew."

  The story painted a picture of Kintovar's revitalized spirit and relentless pursuit of knowledge. Her path was illuminated by numerous inventions.

  Hina's narrative drew to a close. In a breathtaking twist, the stage came alive. Amidst the magical aura, a centerpiece shined. Kintovar now had a fantastical and mystical machine.

  Kintovar began to explain her creation with a grin. “Ladies and gentlemen, behold the culmination of years of tireless work! This device represents a new dawn in science, a bridge between our world and the mystical unknown. It harnesses the power of the arcane, a gateway to unfathomable realms.”

  When the explanation concluded,a thunderous applause echoed through the room.

  Hina, resplendent and gracious, stepped forward amidst the ovation. “Thank you all for being part of this wonderful experience. To close our show, we present the Dance of the Catgirl Army, led by none other than Miss Crystal herself!”

  The lighting shifted, and the audience held their breath as a dance troupe, adorned in feline-themed costumes, gracefully moved onto the stage.

  The performance encapsulated the mesmerizing spirit of the night with a balletic display.

  In the afterglow of the spectacle, Hina stood before Kintovar, Juliana, and Rosarune.

  "Wow that was amazing! I haven’t had that much fun in ages," Hina exclaimed, practically bouncing on her feet. "And guess what? My domain rating just went through the roof!"

  Kintovar raised an eyebrow. "Domain rating? What do you mean by that?"

  Hina nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, yes! You see, each domain has its own ranking system. The more entertaining and unique experiences we offer, the higher our ranking goes. And with higher rankings, we can attract more visitors and earn fabulous rewards!"

  Rosarune chimed in. "What kind of rewards?"

  Hina grinned. "Well, with our ranking points, we can trade for all sorts of things from the surface world—TVs, video games, cool gadgets, you name it! Anything that can make life down here as exciting as up there!"

  Juliana placed one hand under her chin and said, "So, the more creative and engaging your performances, the more you can enrich your domain with these treasures? Hmm...I never realized this."

  "Exactly!" Hina replied, clapping her hands together. "It's all about creating unforgettable experiences that people want to be part of."

  With a theatrical flourish, Hina presented the Suxena Nexus Crystal to Kintovar. “Here it is, the grand treasure! I still don’t know what it does, but something tells me I can trust you with it. Besides, I’ve got to keep the audience entertained with other dramatic entrances rather than worry about this little thing, you know?”

  Kintovar accepted the crystal,. “Thank you, Hina. This means a lot.”

  Juliana raised one hand in the air and smiled. “It’s been an honor to have been a part of your show, Hina. We appreciate your trust.”

  Rosarune nodded in agreement. “Absolutely. Thank you for letting us be a part of this beautiful experience.”

  Hina beamed at the team. “ Oh, you fabulous souls! Remember, all the world's a stage, and you’re all its performers!”

  With that, Kintovar, Rosarune and Juliana left Hina’s Domain. They stopped at Juliana’s Domain briefly and Rosarune was left there. Kintovar and Juliana waved goodbye to Rosarune, who stayed behind as ordered.

  The team of Kintovar and Juliana managed to sneak past the guards with a blend of skill and luck. They managed to return back to their spot outside of the Western Kingdom and slip back to their slumbering group. Roselle, Risebelle, Runebelle, Haras, and Rawna remained in their peaceful repose.

  When they approached, the ever-watchful brain immediately inquired, "Did you find the Suxena Nexus?"

  Kintovar stepped forward, holding the Suxena Nexus Crystal securely in her hand. "We have it. It was entrusted to us, but nonetheless, we have it now."

  The brain pulsed with urgency. "Excellent. We should get to work immediately. Though judging by the chill in the air, it's safe to assume it's now midnight."

  Kintovar smirked. "Midnight is the perfect time to begin. Besides, my creations probably have no idea what I'm planning next." She glanced over at Juliana.

  Juliana nodded in agreement. "Let's make the most of the night. It's time to awaken their full capabilities and uncover the purpose they were destined for."

  Kintovar nodded “We now have the means. It's time to see what my Projects can really do."

  Together, they assembled an apparatus of multiple devices and screens with the Suxena Nexus at its heart. The machine hummed to life. With its activation, a bright glow emanated from the crystal.

  Juliana adjusted the machine's settings. She made last minute calibrations for the critical moment.

  "Prepare yourself," she cautioned Kintovar, "once we begin, there's no turning back."

  Kintovar nodded. "I'm ready."

  The machine whirred with intensity. The lights flickere, and a soft hum gew in intensity. At the same time, the crystal's glow intensified.

  Juliana’s grinned. "This will be our first venture into the fragmented memories. To witness, firsthand, the events of their past... it's a groundbreaking moment."

  Kintovar's breath hitched in anticipation. "I've been analyzing and learning from their data, but to experience a memory fragment firsthand... this is uncharted territory for us."

  Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle, still asleep, were connected to the machine via gentle, unobtrusive sensors. The screens flickered to life, revealing glimpses into their past lives.

  The first screen showed Roselle as a bright-eyed child. Her laughter echoed through a sunlit park. She was playing with friends.

  Another screen transitioned to a teenage Roselle, surrounded by schoolbooks and classmates. Her face was one of youthful uncertainty.

  The focus then moved to Risebelle. The images revealed her in college with intense focus and ambition. She was deeply immersed in her studies.

  Finally, the screens revealed Runebelle. Her childhood was portrayed in fleeting, bittersweet moments. Teenage Runebelle appeared nextm having melancholy while going through her own struggles in life.

  The machine continued its operation with fragmented memories flashing in rapid succession.