Little Garden 201-205

Title: Canaria: Can You Act a Bit Lighter?

Though Aslan’s main body didn’t dare enter this world, that didn’t mean he had no methods.

He used Unofficial History to temporarily fictionalize himself, while simultaneously using fragments of Unofficial History to conceal history within a small scope.

Aslan didn’t expect this to withstand scrutiny from a Two-Digit.

However, the greatest advantage of a fictionalized history was its fragility—brittle as a bubble, bursting with a single touch.

And since it was fictional, where would it leave traces?

As the current fictionalized Aslan, once his cover was blown, he would vanish completely in an instant.

Unless the other party could recognize the existence and methods of a Fictional Historian and prepare in advance, Aslan could still act freely for a while under the absolute information gap, as long as he didn’t draw too much attention.

Though the Fictional Historian was powerful, it had one serious flaw: once the fiction was exposed, a Fictional Historian could be single-handedly killed even by a Seven-Digit.

For example, Aslan’s Fictional Historian Spirit Status was actually supported by the altered history of Strike the Blood. If someone uncovered the true history of the Strike the Blood world, no matter how strong the Fictional Historian’s Spirit Status was, the moment the fiction was exposed, the trumpet of death would sound.

But no matter. As long as Unofficial History still existed, Aslan could fully rewrite the history of a few more worlds and resume his role as a Fictional Historian.

And wasn’t layering fiction upon fiction a basic operation?

What serious person would go out without several layers of identities?

“Alright, I’ve blocked the gaze of other entities. Everyone can speak freely.” Aslan said, holding a book labeled Unofficial History.

Canaria found it a bit strange but also breathed a sigh of relief upon realizing.

“What? Someone’s actually spying?”

“I’m already in this state. Why haven’t they given up on me?”

Due to the overuse of her Poet Spirit Status, triggering Historical Transition Periods, she didn’t have much time left to live.

Perhaps in five or six years, her Spirit Status would no longer sustain her existence.

That was also the last bit of dignity she left for herself.

Croix nodded, glancing at Canaria with a peculiar look.

“Since when did you have the illusion that you ever escaped the gods’ gaze?”

From start to finish, Canaria was merely a canary. A pampered bird caged, never escaping the cage, and unable to survive outside it.

The gods greatly trusted Canaria’s wisdom, but precisely because they trusted her wisdom, they wouldn’t allow her to leave the cage.

The name Canaria blatantly declared her position in the eyes of the gods.

Canaria fell silent for a moment, then quickly put on a smile.

“So, what business does this Second-Generation Arcadia have with a former exiled advisor?”

Canaria was somewhat surprised. She hadn’t expected she could actually name Arcadia? She understood why Old Bull said Aslan was the backup plan she left behind.

Canaria instinctively bit her finger. The information was too much; even she couldn’t deduce further effective details.

The only thing she could conclude now was that Aslan might have used her banner, taking over Arcadia’s position.

However, being able to reclaim Arcadia’s banner also showed Aslan’s capability. The only pity was that Aslan wasn’t an Arcadian.

She hoped Kurousagi’s purity was still intact.

Now, Canaria was certain that the man before her was called her backup plan. Surely, the other party hadn’t tarnished Arcadia’s name.

Nor had he defiled Arcadia’s dream.

He had even built a reputation and achieved considerable feats. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be recognized as her backup plan.

Only Canaria herself knew clearly—what backup plan? Back then, facing Azi Dahaka took all her strength. In the end, she still lacked the most critical condition and could only seal him.

Of course, if it were Sakamaki Izayoi, there might’ve been a chance to surpass Azi Dahaka.

Aslan curled his lips into a wicked smile.

“What else? I came to learn from the former advisor how to manage a Community.”

Canaria looked at him with a subtle expression.

Usually, she was the one trapping others, but for some reason, she now felt like she was about to be trapped by Aslan.

“And to confirm that I’m the backup plan you left behind.”

Canaria’s sense of unease grew. Her instincts told her she might be bearing an enormous blame.

Once Aslan confirmed his identity, that blame would only increase.

Damn it. She was already too scared to return to Little Garden. Dying in the outside world was already the best ending for her.

But now, Canaria was even more afraid. She feared that even after death, she’d be dug up by others.

“Now I believe you’re the backup plan I left.” Canaria said, the corner of her mouth twitching slightly.

This masterful trapping technique, these immoral words—they were exactly like her.

But there was no choice. The situation was disadvantageous, and the information gap was absolute. No matter how devilishly clever her wisdom, a smart woman couldn’t cook without rice.

No matter how solid her wisdom, it needed the support of information. Once information was lacking, even the strongest wisdom was useless.

Wisdom had its limits. Over thousands of years in Little Garden, Canaria had deeply understood this truth.

Especially when facing Azi Dahaka and the Demon Lord who attacked her back then.

“So, Leader, I have two adopted daughters. Interested?” Canaria patted his shoulder, but her hand passed through Aslan’s body. Aslan was merely a projection now.

“If you’re willing, I can also introduce Leticia to you.”

“As long as you can act a bit lighter and let me have the peace I deserve after death…”

“Let me tell you, Kurousagi is a Moon Rabbit. A race that fulfills all of old pervert Indra’s fetishes. Especially their skin—truly extraordinary.”

“And my recently adopted daughter, though still young now, give her a few years, and she’s guaranteed to become a beautiful woman.”

“And Leticia, you know her? My subordinate Demon Lord. Dual-mode Oneesan and Little Girl. You’re really not tempted?”

(Adopted daughters? No way? After Sister Monkey failed to preserve her chastity, even the original protagonist Izayoi failed to preserve his chastity?)

The corner of Aslan’s mouth twitched violently.

However, he recalled an interesting saying. It seemed Izayoi was originally a female character, only changed to male by the editor.

“You’re not talking about Sakamaki Izayoi, are you?” Aslan asked, testing Canaria.

“Huh?”

Canaria’s pupils shrank. Her flirtatious expression suddenly became calm.

“Information leak? Or is this indeed part of Ouroboros’ plan?”

Aslan wasn’t too surprised by her change in expression. Or rather, this was Canaria’s normal demeanor.

After all, after Canaria’s exile, much about her was revealed. Like her mastery of Chinese face-changing; laughing merrily one second, stabbing in the back the next.

She loved stirring up disputes, especially enjoying watching couples fight.

She also didn’t hesitate to use any means to achieve her goals, causing Community executives to strongly object, even requiring Kasukabe Koumei to mediate.

As for allies… she’d trap them to death if she couldn’t kill them outright. Salamandra still held a significant grudge against Arcadia to this day.

Canaria, a woman who’d even bet herself on the table for her goals.

Facing a Canaria who, even after calming down, still inspired fear and anger, Aslan said casually,

“In this universe, there’s a Full Authority Domain (Two-Digit) slumbering.”

Canaria’s face instantly turned pale.

“Heh, should I be grateful they left me a somewhat honorable end?” Canaria sneered.

“Forget it, no need to think about annoying things.”

Canaria rubbed her temples in pain. She looked up at him and said with a flirtatious aura,

“So, Second-Generation, what do you think of my proposal? As long as you lighten your hand a bit, I can introduce both my adopted daughters and Leticia to you.”

“Let me tell you, Kurousagi and Leticia are very easy to conquer…”

“Ahem, ahem.”

Before Canaria could finish, Bull Demon King coughed twice from the side.

“Old Bull, what’s with that expression? Why do you look like you’ve been NTR’d?”

Bull Demon King was instantly stunned.

“No, Canaria, can you speak properly? What do you mean I’ve been NTR’d? Who could steal from me?”

“How strange. So weak like this, yet not NTR’d. Seems Iron Fan’s feelings for you are quite deep.” Canaria said, holding her chin in thought.

Bull Demon King glared at her. He’d already expected this damn woman to act like this. He said helplessly,

“No, Aslan’s already my brother-in-law. Don’t think about stealing his.”

“Tch.”

Canaria clicked her tongue in annoyance. Facing Karyou, she didn’t dare tease too much. Karyou would genuinely burn her with Golden Wing Flame.

More accurately, she’d already been burned a few times.

If not for Old Roc King, she’d have been burned to death.

When it was known she hadn’t burned to death, the banquet Arcadia was holding stopped abruptly.

Koumei even nearly cried tears of joy.

But honestly, Canaria’s charcoal-roasted flavor was quite delicious.

Whoever raised her, she’d have to have a good talk with them.

Place a few more orders and give some suggestions to raise an even tastier Canaria.

-

Title: The Organization Will Thank You for Your Sacrifice, Canaria

“It could be said, perhaps I’ve already taken Leticia?”

Aslan raised an eyebrow at Canaria with a hint of provocation.

Using Kurousagi and Leticia as bargaining chips?

Truly worthy of being called Little Garden’s most despicable woman.

But why should he follow Canaria’s plans? As if he couldn’t conquer them himself without her.

“Damn it!”

Canaria couldn’t help but curse. She had no bargaining chips left now.

As for Kurousagi… she didn’t hold any hope for her. She knew how easily her silly rabbit could be won over and how strong her appeal was.

It was only because Arcadia and Indra protected Kurousagi so well that, with her personality, she hadn’t been kidnapped long ago and perhaps already had children.

“How about Izayoi?” Canaria showed no regret and continued gleefully selling her daughter. She raised an eyebrow at Aslan.

“She’s the holder of humanity’s strongest Gift, also harboring an Another Cosmology, a future candidate for the Almighty Domain (Three-Digit). You’re really not tempted?”

“I bet the current Arcadia is severely lacking talent, right?”

“Forget it, I don’t dare have any thoughts about that Prince.”

Aslan shook his head. Even though a female Izayoi was tempting to him, he knew his limits deep down.

As the Candidate of Origin for the Third Perpetual Motion Machine, Sakamaki Izayoi’s importance was unimaginable.

The reason was simple: the merits needed to complete the Spirit Status of a One-Digit God of World Maintenance—Vishnu—were immense.

That amount couldn’t be amassed by merely triggering a few era changes or surpassing a few Last Trials of Mankind.

Only the Third Perpetual Motion Machine, which propelled humanity forward, could fulfill such merits.

Compared to a true Perpetual Motion Machine, surpassing a Last Trial of Mankind was like a small appetizer.

This was why the Third Perpetual Motion Machine had created two Last Trials of Mankind, yet the gods and Buddhas of Little Garden hadn’t given up on it.

However, this was merely Aslan’s deduced reason. The deeper, hidden reasons were unclear to him.

After all, he was only a Four-Digit now. How could he know such secrets?

Hearing Aslan’s words, Canaria looked at him with a horrified expression.

“Could it be you’re targeting this old auntie?”

“I don’t mind, actually. My time is short anyway. Losing my virginity before I die and satisfying your desires isn’t a problem.”

Canaria didn’t dare pick up on Aslan’s topic. The weight of truth in it was something she didn’t even dare to think about.

She feared she’d deduce a truth that would drag her and Arcadia into an endless abyss.

As for Bull Demon King and Croix? They had long sealed their hearing and voluntarily erased their memories.

They understood the principle of “the more you know, the faster you die.”

Aslan looked at Canaria, who had no boundaries in her heart, and said with some disgust.

“Forget it. I’m not interested in old aunties.”

(An old auntie past her prime…)

Aslan’s sharp words pierced her fragile heart like a sword.

Canaria clutched her chest, questioning life itself.

She snapped her fingers, instantly releasing the hearing seals on Croix and Bull Demon King.

She asked, with a hint of doubt about life,

“Hey, Perverted Baron, the weakening of my Spirit Status shouldn’t affect my appearance, right?”

The corner of Croix’s mouth twitched. He examined Canaria carefully.

“Please call me Baron of the Cross, thank you.”

“Though you don’t suit my tastes (XP), from a male perspective, Canaria’s appearance has no issues. In fact, the frailty adds a touch of beauty.”

“That shouldn’t be the case. With my beauty, once rated as Little Garden’s number one beauty, you’re not interested?” Canaria looked at Aslan suspiciously.

“Could it be you…”

Canaria scrutinized him doubtfully.

Aslan wasn’t angry. After all, he recorded every word Canaria said in his little notebook.

“Little Garden’s number one beauty, Canaria, huh? Noted. I’ll send this recording to Algol later.”

A faint, indescribable pity flickered in his eyes. It should be noted that Algol was now his familiar.

His cooperative relationship with Algol was quite close. Algol’s Another Cosmology was even integrated into his body.

“You’re truly ruthless! I admit defeat!”

Canaria understood perfectly. Algol was an absolute Problem Child who must not be offended. Moreover, Algol was somewhat neurotic, with an abnormal thought process.

Though she once had the idea of summoning Algol through Perseus and using the immortality of a Star Spirit as a meat shield against Azi Dahaka.

To see which was stronger: the immortality of a Star Spirit or Azi Dahaka’s God-Slaying trait.

Gods killed by a Last Trial of Mankind would die completely, unable to return from Human History. But what about a Star Spirit, said to be immortal as long as its corresponding star in Human History didn’t fade?

Unfortunately, Canaria’s idea was immediately shut down by a group of Star Spirits as soon as she proposed it.

Killing a Star Spirit? That was an untouchable red line.

In any divine pantheon, Star Spirits held an exceptionally special status.

If this were revealed to Algol?

Compared to that, Canaria would rather die quickly.

It was only because Algol was sealed at the time that Canaria dared to act so boldly.

Now, Canaria couldn’t be sure if Algol had been unsealed by Athena.

The current state of Little Garden was too different from what she had imagined. The lack of information limited her in every way.

In her estimation, the current Arcadia should have lost its name, barely surviving on Kurousagi’s meager salary.

And the position of Community Leader should have fallen to the eldest child, Jin.

But now, the backup plan Canaria had supposedly prepared was showing extraordinary strength. Who knows how much blame she had to bear?

“So, can I be left intact after death?”

Aslan rubbed his chin, looking at Canaria with a hint of pity.

“I’ll try my best to ensure you don’t have an intact body.”

“?????”

Canaria stared at him, her face full of question marks.

(Wait, what did you just say?)

(What do you mean not leaving an intact body?)

“You really don’t know how to talk.” Canaria said with an awkward laugh. She had already admitted defeat; no need to push her this far, right?

Meanwhile, Bull Demon King and Croix shivered uncontrollably, covering their mouths, trying their hardest not to laugh.

Though they were delighted by Canaria’s misfortune, they were more afraid she’d retaliate later, trapping them. It might not be life-threatening, but social humiliation was certain.

But compared to social humiliation, they’d rather go to a life-and-death battlefield.

“I didn’t misspeak. I guarantee you’ll be revived and whipped even after death.” Aslan said, showing Canaria a wicked smile.

“So, former advisor Canaria, for the sake of Arcadia, offer everything you have!”

“Trust me, after your old allies see your miserable state, the Great Arcadia Alliance of old will surely be rebuilt!”

As he spoke, Aslan patted Canaria’s shoulder, speaking with a tone full of conviction.

“The organization will thank you for your sacrifice, Canaria.”

“Uh…”

Canaria was instantly speechless.

So, she had become the stumbling block hindering Arcadia’s revival?

It seemed that when Arcadia faced trouble back then, not adding to their difficulties was already kind enough.

And with her personality, once she truly found out what Aslan had done, she’d definitely try to seize power and control him.

Then, using every means—threats, enticements, or verbal suggestion—she’d make Aslan fight for her desires.

For her dream of the Great Floor Master Alliance, she was willing to bear all sins.

On second thought, it seemed she and Aslan really had nothing to talk about.

Just as Aslan wouldn’t allow anyone threatening his authority to appear, Canaria wouldn’t allow anyone outside her control to exist.

Arcadia’s executives—whether Leticia, Kasukabe Koumei, Baron La Croix, or others like Sun Lion of Suraya—actually trusted her deeply.

After all, those who didn’t trust her had already been sacrificed in the battle against Dystopia and Absolute Evil.

In truth, if they had obediently completed the tasks Canaria assigned perfectly, the sacrifices wouldn’t have been so great.

Like two tigers unable to share one mountain, the current Arcadia couldn’t accommodate both Aslan and Canaria simultaneously.

Even one male and one female wouldn’t do.

Some things couldn’t be resolved with just one male and one female.

Moreover, Aslan wasn’t someone blinded by beauty, nor was he a blind romantic.

And Canaria, before her dream, wouldn’t yield an inch.

She’d rather sink with her dream of the Great Alliance.

This was her resolve, and this was the last dignity they granted her.

“Fine, do as you please.” Canaria sighed, waving her hand in despair.

“Anyway, my time is short. Do whatever you want.”

“Tch, boring. I thought you could hold out longer.” Aslan shrugged somewhat helplessly. He still preferred the Canaria who was struggling on the brink of death earlier.

After speaking, Aslan estimated that this fictional avatar was reaching its time limit. He still needed to reserve energy to fictionalize his origins for Croix and Canaria.

-

Title: Everything Is Within Canaria’s Calculations (Forced)

To be honest, letting Canaria spend her twilight years in this world waiting for death felt a bit too wasteful for Aslan.

As a qualified Fictional Historian, how could he not have fictionalized subordinates?

Just like the character Gallagher, fictionalized based on the characteristics of fifty-two members of the Penacony family.

Aslan could also try fictionalizing a nonexistent character.

Of course, the technical prototype behind it actually came from the False Heroes of the Type-Moon world, such as Pseudo-Servants born from Jeanne’s desire for revenge.

Based on Canaria’s hatred for Ouroboros and her obsession with the Great Alliance, combined with Jester’s knowledge, he fictionalized Little Garden’s first fictional entity—Fiction·Canaria.

Though it wasn’t guaranteed to have Canaria’s intelligence, it was enough to pin the blame on Canaria.

“All of this was that God’s plan.”

“All of this was within Canaria’s calculations (forced).”

What’s called a Fictional Historian was even a byproduct of Canaria’s attempt to surpass Four-Digit as a Poet.

Little Garden had only one Fictional Historian, and that was our Lady Canaria!!

And the Canaria raising Izayoi in this world was merely a clone fictionalized by Canaria.

The real Canaria had long joined Angra Mainyu and become his advisor.

Moreover, Aslan deliberately wrote Canaria’s unofficial history right in front of her.

“Fictional Historian? This writing of yours is utterly nonsense and garbage.”

At some point, Canaria had positioned herself behind Aslan, standing on tiptoe, peering over his shoulder at the contents he was writing.

Surpass Four-Digit? How amusing—if only she were that capable.

A Poet aiming to surpass Four-Digit not only had to write immortal poetry but, most importantly, had to avoid overusing their Spirit Status.

Poets who altered history burned their Spirit Status. Back when Arcadia still existed, it brought merit impacts and various treasures that could replenish Spirit Status, allowing her to maintain a Legendary Four-Digit level.

Otherwise, she would’ve died long ago from Spirit Status depletion.

However, due to the excessive use of her Poet Spirit Status, she had already lost the chance to become a Four-Digit Outlier.

Arcadia had two Four-Digit Outliers: one was Kasukabe Koumei, and the other was Leticia, who could transform into a Zodiac Dragon.

As Leticia, who once established the Floor Master system, her Four-Digit Outlier strength was the most basic guarantee.

But now, with the Sun Authorities sealed, the Demon Lord’s Gift Game stuck in a bug, and even her Divinity lost, Leticia was only at a Five-Digit level.

After receiving the Vampire Ancestor Spirit Status from Aslan, she had recovered to Four-Digit.

Canaria watched the words in Aslan’s book fly off the page one by one, transforming into “real” history.

Canaria couldn’t laugh anymore.

“Sir, Big Brother, God… can you not use my identity?”

Just the name Angra Mainyu was terrifying enough for her. Now she was even his advisor.

No need to scare a useless sparrow like me, right?

“I can recommend someone. Their identity is perfect for taking the blame.”

“And it can greatly boost your standing in Leticia’s heart.”

“What do you think of Aura, a member of the Ouroboros Demon King alliance? Let me tell you, she’s the one who made Leticia a Demon Lord.”

“She’s responsible for at least half of the vampire situation in Little Garden today.”

“So… Sir, take a look…”

Canaria rubbed her hands nervously. She realized this blame was truly too much for her to bear.

It would really kill the sparrow, and even after death, she’d be revived and whipped.

“When did you think I hadn’t included Jester in fictionalizing you?”

Moreover, the completion of the Unofficial History owed thanks to Jester’s contributions, a figure in Little Garden no less renowned than Canaria in poetry.

It was precisely by digesting his memories that Aslan could complete the Unofficial History.

Unfortunately, much of the other party’s memories were lost, and some parts were encrypted. Aslan didn’t dare touch those memories.

Fortunately, the legacy and knowledge of poetry were completely intact.

Perhaps this poetic legacy truly wasn’t important.

“Damn it!”

Canaria’s expression instantly twisted. She had just thought of someone to take the blame, but they’d already been used.

“If Or—”

But before Canaria could finish, Aslan silenced her.

“If you really want to die, go ahead and say that name.”

“That’s the incarnation of that being.”

Before transmigrating, Aslan had heard rumors from somewhere that Orpheus was the name Krishna used during his human era.

Its truth was unclear, so he assumed it was true.

Though there was a notion in Little Garden that humans couldn’t become Three-Digit, the solution was simple: after becoming a Four-Digit Outlier, just stop being human, right?

Like Shakyamuni. Before he became Three-Digit, there was no concept of Buddha in Little Garden, and gods and Buddhas were still called Deva.

After he became Three-Digit, he became a Buddha. That wasn’t human anymore, was it?

And after he became Two-Digit, the term Deva was replaced by Gods and Buddhas.

Aslan increasingly understood Canaria’s despicable nature. She could even sell out her mentor and guardian.

Truly worthy of being called Little Garden’s most despicable.

However, Canaria showed an expression of realization. She might have understood why she was called Canaria and why she received hospice-like treatment.

Was this the last tenderness from her former mentor?

“Forget it, I’m too lazy to argue with you.” Aslan shook his head, no longer paying attention to her. Canaria was useless now.

Even if Canaria died, he could still pin the blame on her.

The dead were sometimes more useful than the living.

Then Aslan’s figure shattered, reverting to a blank sheet of paper, preparing to fictionalize the history of the conversation between Bull Demon King, Croix, and Canaria.

As for Aslan, he had never come here at all.

“Annoying. I don’t need this kind of consolation.” Canaria suddenly cursed.

Though she bore the title of Little Garden’s number one strategist, she was, as her name suggested, a canary. A canary forever trapped in a cage.

For some reason, she was a bit envious of the fictionalized version of herself created by Aslan. At least that version was far freer than she was.

Now, Canaria couldn’t even be sure if her dream of establishing the Great Floor Master Alliance came from herself.

In the birdcage so meticulously arranged by Orpheus, a ray of light appeared that wasn’t part of his arrangement.

For Canaria, who had lived in a birdcage since childhood, this was an opportunity. A chance to break free from the cage.

Just like when Croix La Baron took her away from Dystopia. As one of—perhaps the only—entity to develop self-awareness in Dystopia.

Canaria’s rebellious spirit was exceptionally strong. Others wanted to give her a relatively good ending, but she rejected it.

Once her rebellious spirit was ignited, Canaria looked at the paper and asked curiously,

“Actually, I think I could be your assistant.”

“So when you cause trouble, take me along?”

“I think this Fictional Historian thing is pretty interesting.”

The next second, Aslan’s figure reappeared. He scrutinized Canaria carefully and said without hesitation,

“Sorry, I don’t trust your morality.”

However, Aslan still inserted a Magic: The Gathering card into Canaria’s body, ensuring that when she died, she would die as a fictional incarnation.

This way, the real Canaria truly became a fake.

“Damn it!”

Canaria’s expression twisted even more. She somewhat regretted not building herself a loving, angelic character.

Instead, she was a despicable woman?

However, Aslan took the trouble to capture Canaria’s current twisted expression. It might serve as a bargaining chip in the future.

An angry and frustrated Canaria must be a rare sight, right?

Then Aslan gleefully fictionalized history to cover up the true history.

Croix and Bull Demon King were very cooperative. They even voluntarily erased their memories from this period to ensure no leaks.

They knew what was more important: concealment was their protection.

Only Canaria felt awkward. After struggling to see the light outside the birdcage, she truly didn’t want to lose this experience.

To continue being a canary trapped in a cage.

Though this ending might not be good.

Canaria sighed, accepting this prearranged ending with slight despair.

“Perhaps this is my true punishment?”

Little Garden’s number one strategist?

It should be Little Garden’s number one ornamental bird. A canary trapped in a cage, unable to leave until death.

Regret? But Aslan showed nothing, continuing to fictionalize history with an expressionless face.

And quietly increasing the output on Canaria.

Canaria tried to preserve this information through poetry.

But one highly regrettable thing was that they were in a fictionalized small world from the start.

The true history was Canaria, Croix, and Bull Demon King discussing what happened on the night of the attack on Arcadia.

Of course, those interacting outside were three fictional Canarias, while those interacting in the fictional small world were their real bodies.

Just a simple swap.

Fiction and reality—who could tell the difference?

The authority of the Fictional Historian awakened here.

-

Title: Canaria’s Greatest Victim

Northern District, Outer Gate 54545, Blazing Fire City.

The ruling Community here was Salamandra, a Community centered on Wyverns, inherited from the Taoist Star Sea Dragon King and the God of Tai Sui.

At noon, a Lizardman in armor, carrying a letter, hurriedly entered Salamandra’s headquarters building, rushing into the Council Hall while shouting.

“Your Excellency, Acting Leader…”

“What issue is making you so frantic?”

A young man with short red hair, black dragon horns on his forehead, and dark skin expressed his dissatisfaction.

Mandora Doltrake, a descendant of the Star Sea Dragon King, a Dragon species. As the new leader was still young, he currently served as Salamandra’s Acting Leader.

“A letter… a letter…”

Seeing his subordinate’s panic, Mandora frowned and asked,

“What’s with the letter? Calm down and then speak.”

The Lizardman took a few deep breaths, then handed over the letter with a tense expression.

“An invitation from Arcadia!”

Mandora’s face changed instantly. His hand holding the letter trembled slightly, not daring to open it.

The achievements of Arcadia’s new Leader, Aslan, were now known to all, even after more than a week had passed.

Yet, Aslan still dominated the headlines of various reports.

The Heir of Canaria, the strongest Boundary Ability User in Little Garden’s lower layers, the next Leader of the Great Alliance, the one who reclaimed Arcadia’s flag, a master strategist in battle…

The higher Aslan’s reputation soared, the greater the pressure it brought upon Mandora.

Carefully examining the letter, Mandora saw Aslan’s name on it and gritted his teeth.

“Too careless… Who would’ve thought, after all that happened, a powerful successor could still emerge.”

Just two months ago, Salamandra was still a member of the Great Arcadia Alliance, holding three permanent seats in the Alliance’s Council Hall.

In other words, Salamandra was still an ally of Arcadia two months ago. Their relationship was very close.

In truth, Salamandra had long harbored a grudge against Arcadia. The Old Dragon King was gravely injured and passed away shortly after Sandora’s birth.

The Another Cosmology Void Star · Tai Sui and the Sun Authority of the Dragon were taken to seal Azi Dahaka. Not to mention, many of Salamandra’s original Fire Dragons were sacrificed.

Their bloodline deteriorated with each generation. Their Dragon Energy had been siphoned to maintain Azi Dahaka’s seal.

A Floor Master of Little Garden’s lower layers two hundred years ago. After allying with Arcadia, their inherited Gifts were lost, the Fire Dragon Legion vanished, and their home was even rigged with a nuclear bomb.

Who wouldn’t hold a grudge?

So, after confirming that Arcadia had truly lost its flag and name, Mandora didn’t hesitate to betray the alliance, leading Salamandra’s members out of the Great Arcadia Alliance.

But in less than two months, Arcadia had risen from the ashes.

“We suffered due to a lack of information and connections.” Mandora sighed helplessly.

“If only Father were still here.”

“Who would’ve thought that Aslan, who recently rose to fame, was the backup plan Canaria left behind?”

It wasn’t just Arcadia that collapsed after the tree fell; Salamandra wasn’t faring much better.

The decline of a great power often came from multiple aspects: influence, strength, talent, combat power, connections, and information.

Salamandra was once a Floor Master, an undisputed Floor Master in the middle and lower layers of the Northern District. An unrivaled Fire Dragon Legion, a constant stream of talent, numerous subordinate Communities, and a Dragon King Leader with unmatched combat strength.

But once a giant fell, the impact was immense.

Like the Queen of England facing the decline of Britain. What once took a single word from the Queen, after the sun set, required vast resources and manpower.

Mandora experienced such a loss.

As someone who suddenly emerged from Arcadia’s ruins after its collapse, Aslan never escaped the attention of Little Garden’s other powers.

This naturally included former allies.

It was just that Aslan and they had a tacit understanding not to interfere with each other. They also wanted to see if Aslan had the capital to raise Arcadia’s flag.

Like during Leticia’s auction, if Aslan had no shame, he could’ve borrowed money from those former allies.

However, Aslan, newly arrived, didn’t realize he could do such a thing. Moreover, he was actually Shiroyasha’s person at the time, and his connection to Arcadia wasn’t that close.

Borrowing money from Arcadia’s former allies would’ve embarrassed Shiroyasha.

Those allies also saw it as a test. If Aslan could gain Leticia’s recognition, they would allow him to inherit part of the Great Alliance’s network from back then.

The Storage Cards, which sold like hotcakes across Little Garden, were quietly supported by them, also warding off many prying eyes.

The biggest buyers of the first wave of Storage Cards were Draco Greif, namely Garol Gundark and Sala Doltrake.

This was why Aslan allowed them to assist. Otherwise, with so many talented individuals and hidden Four-Digits at the time, why were they the ones who stepped forward?

Garol and Sala were clearly not strong in front of a group of Almighty Domain (Three-Digit) beings descending from the heavens and renowned Gods.

Mandora didn’t know that Aslan was the new Leader of No Name after Arcadia’s fall.

Though Aslan was indeed starting to stand out at the time.

And he foolishly betrayed the alliance.

Since No Name was inconvenient to report, Aslan’s information at the time indicated he was the leader of a commercial Community.

It could only be said that decline was like a snowball. Once it started rolling, it was hard to stop.

Salamandra had been screwed over too harshly, so much so that Aslan couldn’t bear to watch.

They weren’t even entitled to know near-public information. No one even reminded them.

If just one former ally had warned them, Salamandra wouldn’t have betrayed the alliance.

But this was indeed because Canaria was too ruthless. She screwed Salamandra over too cruelly.

Salamandra, in the Great Alliance, worked tirelessly without complaint, but in the end, they were left bleeding, sweating, and crying.

This was why Aslan sent the invitation: to help Canaria clean up the mess she made.

And to build an image for himself as someone who cared for allies, was magnanimous, and wouldn’t use others as pawns to be sacrificed at will.

In many cases, especially in a world like Little Garden that emphasized personal strength, one’s image was crucial.

“I can only hope Arcadia’s Leader isn’t here for revenge. Salamandra now can’t withstand any more trouble.”

With anxiety in his heart, Mandora opened the invitation sent by Aslan.

Mandora read the letter’s contents.

Lily missed her playmate Sandora and specifically invited Salamandra’s Leader, Sandora Doltrake, to visit Arcadia, to discuss re-establishing the alliance and returning Salamandra’s former legacy.

What was that former legacy? No one knew better than Mandora.

The Another Cosmology Void Star · Tai Sui and the Sun Authority of the Dragon.

Mandora stared at the letter for a long time. He let out a heavy breath and said,

“Truly surprising…”

“He’s actually willing to return it to us…”

He looked at the envelope, saw the date on it, and fell silent for a long time.

It should’ve been a joyous occasion, so why couldn’t he smile?

Reclaiming the nearly lost inherited Gifts and restoring the former alliance with Arcadia.

It should’ve been a joyous occasion, so why did it feel like this?

A bitter smile crept onto his face.

Finally, he let out a long sigh.

“Pass down my order.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Inform Leader Sandora to head to the Eastern District three days from now to attend the celebration feast of Arcadia’s Leader, Lord Aslan.”

“Yes, sir!!”

Hopefully, this could make up for it a little… Mandora gripped the letter, his emotions mixed.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Southern District of Little Garden, Draco Greif, the largest recognized Community alliance in the Southern District.

In the meeting room.

Garol looked at the letter stamped with Arcadia’s flag in his hand and spoke with deep emotion.

“Impressive. Who would’ve thought, in just a few days, Aslan has returned from the outside world and is preparing to rebuild the Great Arcadia Alliance.”

At this moment, Sala, seated in the main chair, asked eagerly,

“Boss, are we lucky this time?”

If Salamandra completely mispositioned itself, Draco Greif had been keeping an eye on Aslan from the start.

A coffee shop near Arcadia was established by one of Garol’s daughters, constantly monitoring Arcadia. If No Name had truly faced trouble back then, they could’ve helped.

This was why Draco Greif didn’t miss the chance to take a stand.

“Not necessarily. Aslan may not have inherited the ideology of the old Arcadia.” Garol poured cold water on the enthusiasm.

In truth, most of those who joined the Great Arcadia Alliance back then were drawn by Canaria’s dream.

The dream of building the Great Floor Master Alliance, committed to peace in the lower layers, ensuring the lower layers were no longer threatened by Demon Lords.

Though Canaria screwed over many people, how many of them weren’t willing to sacrifice their lives?

Interests were indeed strong but also fragile. At least pure interests couldn’t have allowed Canaria to gather such immense power.

If not for the arrival of Absolute Evil, Canaria’s dream of the Great Floor Master Alliance might’ve been realized.

Hundreds of Four-Digits in the Great Alliance were enough to maintain peace in the lower layers.

But just like when Leticia established the Floor Master system, the vampire race was attacked from within.

Canaria also faced Absolute Evil just as the Great Floor Master Alliance was nearly complete.

It’s hard to say this wasn’t some kind of conspiracy.

-

Title: Fiction Canaria in Action

Southern District, Outer Gate 90000, Biological City, Umbrella Headquarters.

The Umbrella Corporation, founded by Angra Mainyu himself, had survived the chaos of Absolute Evil’s seal breaking.

Angra Mainyu’s identity was exposed, but what shocked everyone was that the Umbrella Corporation unexpectedly endured and was still managed by Aishelia.

In the luxurious office on the top floor, Aishelia signed documents with glee.

She didn’t know why she continued managing the Umbrella Corporation now. Neither Athena nor Ouroboros had given her any new tasks.

So, what else could Aishelia do but keep running Umbrella?

KNOCK KNOCK!

A knock sounded at the door.

Aishelia set down the pen fluttering like a butterfly between her fingers and looked up toward the door.

Through the one-way glass door, she saw a black-haired girl in a sleeveless black dress, with a jacket tied around her waist.

It was Rin, the girl she saved during the battle to defend Arcadia’s flag.

It seemed she had an unusual connection with that savior.

“Come in.”

Seeing Rin, Aishelia couldn’t suppress a grudge against Ouroboros.

Why didn’t your people come get her?

This made her look foolish for saving this little girl.

“This is an order from Floor Master Salamandra in Blazing Fire City. A total of five thousand doses of bloodline purification medicine.”

Rin placed the contract in front of Aishelia like a secretary, awaiting her decision.

Aishelia was now the true leader of the Umbrella Corporation.

“Oh? Interesting? Worthy of a Floor Master. I didn’t expect Salamandra to still have this foundation.”

Aishelia looked at the contract, the corner of her lips curling into a smile.

“The price of this Gift isn’t cheap, and they ordered five thousand at once?”

“I guess they’re planning to live frugally for a while.”

After assessing Salamandra’s current foundation, Aishelia formed an impression of them in her mind.

“Forget it, give them a discount. After all, they’re that Dragon family.”

Though she was a bit annoyed at having lost to Dragons before, Aishelia wasn’t the type to take advantage of others’ difficulties.

Moreover, she was just a manager. It wasn’t her money being spent.

Upset? Not at all.

But honestly, the pharmaceutical business was something else. The profits were enormous. This money-making speed was far faster than Perseus’ weapon-forging business.

That one big order alone could generate tens of millions of Halloween Coins or Gold Coins.

But what was the point of having so much cash flow? This was Little Garden, not Wall Street in the outside world.

Cash was useful, but its utility was limited. Little Garden’s hard currency was Gifts.

Currency was merely a means to expand influence.

Money that couldn’t be converted into foundation was just a pile of scrap metal.

However, one rather embarrassing fact was that the entire Umbrella Corporation had only two living people: herself and Rin.

Even if she wanted to convert it into foundation, it was useless.

But after signing the contract, Aishelia suddenly looked up and stared at Rin.

Or rather, “Rin.”

BOOM!

A loud crash rang out!

Aishelia’s office desk had somehow turned into a pile of rubble. The entire office was in disarray.

A golden spear appeared in Aishelia’s hand, aimed at “Rin” under her control.

The smoke cleared. “Rin” extended a single finger to block Aishelia’s spear.

“Rin” tilted her head curiously, looking at Aishelia and asking,

“When did you realize something was wrong? I should’ve imitated this little girl perfectly, right?”

“Little Garden generally signs Contracts, not Business Contracts.” Aishelia said coldly. The spear in her hand inched forward, but there was no reaction.

“Salamandra wouldn’t be advanced enough to sign a Business Contract with the Umbrella Corporation.”

“Oops…”

“Rin” was surprised. That was indeed her oversight. But in truth, this mistake should be blamed on her master.

Since she received it, the contract was already in the form of a Business Contract printed on A4 paper, not the Parchment Contract more in line with Little Garden’s mainstream.

Fiction Canaria didn’t expect the reason her first mission was exposed was her own master.

(Aslan… No, Lord Angra Mainyu, you’re too unreliable.)

(Messing up even a trivial thing like this?)

(Wait, I’m supposed to be Kali Yuga’s advisor, aren’t I?)

(Damn it! This makes it my failure to execute the mission.)

As the first Fictional Historian created by Aslan, he highly valued Canaria. Though he didn’t give her the original Canaria’s intelligence, he still made her Kali Yuga’s advisor.

As for Kali Yuga, it was the Community Aslan founded in Angra Mainyu’s name. Its goal was to plunge Little Garden into the Iron Age and revive Kali Yuga’s reputation.

“Alright.”

Canaria shook her head helplessly, canceling Rin’s appearance and transforming into another form.

Familiar short golden hair, a mischievous smile always in her eyes, and a fitted long white dress.

Aishelia was instinctively shocked.

“Canaria?”

Wasn’t Canaria dead? So why didn’t she spread the news? And why come to her?

What else was Canaria planning? What schemes did she have?

A flood of questions surged in Aishelia’s heart as she looked at Canaria.

Wait, could Canaria be here for revenge? Thanks to Ouroboros’ self-destruction, the culprit behind Arcadia’s destruction had been revealed.

However, the Demon Lord responsible for the attack was still unidentified.

“It’s me, Aishelia.” Canaria nodded, showing a bitter smile, and spoke with regret.

“I realize I’ve made many mistakes and screwed over many people. But now I want to make amends.”

“Calm down. As long as you come with me to meet Goddess Athena, I’ll fulfill your wishes.” Aishelia said with a wicked smile.

(Canaria, you’ve finally fallen into my hands. Whether you’re the real Canaria or a fake Canaria, you’re Canaria now.)

She hadn’t forgotten how Canaria nearly screwed her into falling into a filthy Goblin nest, only to be photographed by Shiroyasha in an embarrassing picture titled Golden-Haired Female Knight and Goblins.

In the end, she even had to thank Canaria for “saving” her.

As for other things, a single volume of the Golden-Haired Female Knight’s Fall photo collection wasn’t enough to describe her sorrow.

Though she had destroyed that photo collection, she clearly remembered everything Canaria had done.

The corner of Canaria’s mouth twitched.

(My real self really has no conscience, huh.)

“Forget it, I’m not too keen on meeting Teacher Athena yet.”

If she actually appeared before Athena, she’d likely be exposed in seconds.

As a fake, it was better not to offend the Goddess of Wisdom.

As a fictional entity, once exposed, she was truly done for. She was only born less than two days ago; she wasn’t ready to die.

“By the way, Aishelia-chan.” Canaria nudged Aishelia with her elbow and asked curiously,

“Do you have any channels to join Ouroboros?”

“Actually, after Ouroboros destroyed Arcadia, I’ve really admired them and want to join.”

(I see you want to stir up trouble within them?)

Aishelia shook her head but quickly recalled something, smiling as she looked at Canaria.

“Channels? I actually have one.”

“As long as you loudly declare you belong to Ouroboros, their people will contact you right away.”

“Ouroboros contacting me? I think it’s the Heavenly Army that’ll contact me.” Canaria complained wordlessly.

Aishelia was clearly up to no good.

Aishelia shrugged helplessly.

“Anyway, besides that, I have no other way. I was invited to join too.”

“Don’t expect me to give you any secret info. You’d need to join the Third Alliance for that.”

“Is that so?”

Canaria held her chin, pondering for a moment.

“So I need to plant a spy in the Third Alliance?”

“Then that little girl should be able to join the Third Alliance, right?”

Canaria meant Rin, Kalki’s older sister.

This was the first task Aslan gave her: find a way to infiltrate Ouroboros, ideally by Kalki’s side.

If possible, Aslan didn’t want to activate the backup plan he left in Kalki’s body.

If Fiction Canaria couldn’t even complete this task, then Aslan’s creation was a complete failure.

So, it was happily decided.

Canaria quickly made her decision.

Take Rin as a disciple, make her a Fictional Historian too. Relying on the Fictional Historian’s abilities.

With Rin’s skills, she could surely deliver messages right under Ouroboros’ nose.

At the same time, she could establish the Fictional Historian’s legacy.

“How would I know?” Aishelia couldn’t help but roll her eyes at Canaria. In her current half-exiled state, what could she do?

She didn’t know anything and wouldn’t meddle in anything.

As long as Canaria didn’t screw her over, Canaria could do whatever she wanted.

Instead of thinking about these things, she’d rather figure out how to repay her savior, Aslan.

At least Aslan genuinely saved her from Azi Dahaka’s jaws. Otherwise, she’d have died alongside Kalki and the others under the Halo of the Supreme Ruler.

Though Aslan didn’t realize he had saved her.

After all, once the Halo of the Supreme Ruler landed, not just her—everyone on that battlefield would’ve been unlikely to survive.

Who knows how many people Aslan saved that day, all Four-Digits with significant statuses.