Unfortunately, I'm not some kind of firework...

Holy crap!

"How is this possible?"

Nika was stunned when he saw the person in front of him.

just because,

The one standing in front of him asking the question was "Fireworks"!

But didn't I already catch the fireworks?

Nika turned her head and saw another firework trapped there by the strange object, unable to move.

Two...two fireworks?

Am I under a spell?

impossible!

I have a magical artifact given to me by the minister to protect me; it's impossible for me to be under an illusion!

Is it...

Was it actually Hanabi's accomplice who was caught?

A chill ran straight from my back to the top of my head.

Nika frantically pulled the remote control from his pocket, attempting to activate the mechanical army in a final desperate attempt.

But perhaps because he was too nervous, he couldn't get it out even after trying for a long time.

He was so anxious he wanted to tear his pants to shreds and grab the remote control.

Hurry up!

If the plan fails, we're doomed!

Nika was extremely anxious, pulling out the remote control while keeping an eye on "Fireworks".

Surprisingly, "Hanabi" crossed her arms and seemed in no hurry at all.

Why is she so calm?

Isn't she afraid that I have some backup plan that will allow me to catch her?

Never mind, this is better.

How dare you look down on me? Just wait until I catch you, I'll show you what I'm made of!

snort!

Finally, Nika pulled something out of his pocket!

He was extremely excited, pointing confidently at the "fireworks" and saying:

"you are done!"

"This is the price you pay for looking down on me!"

Without even looking at it, he pressed down on the object in his hand.

Ok?

Something feels off about the feel of it?

Forget it.

I can finally catch her!

Nika's eyes were filled with greed as she looked at "Fireworks".

however.

……

The entire hall was completely silent, without any sound or movement.

That shouldn't be happening!

How could this happen?

Why didn't the mechanized units start?

I definitely pressed the button!

Nika picked up the object in his hand and looked at it, then his whole body trembled.

That's not a remote control at all!

It's actually a cute, cartoon-style fireworks emoji.

The funny face with fireworks on that emoji was silently mocking Nika.

That's not right!

Why is this thing in my pocket?

Where's my remote control?

Where did my remote control go?!

Ah ah ah ah ah!

"Oh dear, what are you looking for?"

"They're not looking for...?"

"These things, I guess?"

Hehe~

"Fireworks" smiled slightly and showed off what was in her hand.

One of them was a remote control that could operate the mechanical troops!

The other is the key to control the strange object.

Looking at what "Fireworks" was holding.

Nika panicked.

This mission was personally arranged by Director Oswaldo Schneider.

Moreover, he gave himself two trump cards.

If this still fails,

The consequences...

hiss~

Nika couldn't help but shiver.

No!

This must never happen!

Even a rabbit will bite when cornered, let alone a director?

Nika instantly unleashed all his power and charged towards "Fireworks".

He knew he might not be a match for "Fireworks", so he had only one goal!

That's what "Fireworks" is holding!

Only by taking these back can he have the resources to compete with "Fireworks".

I must say, Nika's idea was very good.

But it's just wishful thinking.

A rabbit is just a rabbit; how could it possibly defeat an "ancient beast"?

When he reached for what "Fireworks" was holding, he unsurprisingly missed and fell heavily to the ground, looking extremely disheveled.

Finished!

This is truly the end!

Although "Fireworks" might not necessarily kill me, if she blows up this project as well, plus the punishment for the plan's failure...

Nika didn't dare to think any further.

My life is already shrouded in darkness.

Just when he was about to despair completely, he heard the sound of "Fireworks".

"Huh?"

"So, Uncle, you want these two things?"

"You can just say what you want~"

"Since Little Firework is so sensible, of course I'll return it to you~"

As she spoke, "Fireworks" extended her hand, which held the remote control and keys, towards Nika.

Nika: ?

Is there such a good thing?

Doesn't she know what giving these to me means?

impossible!

That strange object has already been activated!

Even a fool would know that it was used to capture her, right?

Or was she confident and unafraid of that mechanical army and that strange object?

Impossible. Since the supervisor made this arrangement, it means that this setup would definitely catch the fireworks under normal circumstances.

I understand!

She's humiliating me!

They deliberately hand the item over, then take it back when I actually reach for it!

That must be it!

Damn it, that little bitch!

"If you're so capable, then give it back to me!"

Nika said through gritted teeth.

Tsk,

What a low-level tactic of provocation.

"Fireworks" silently complained to himself and casually tossed the item in front of him.

"So what if I pay it back? What's the big deal?"

Nika was overjoyed and grabbed the remote control and keys, holding them tightly in her hands as if she couldn't bear to part with them.

"Hahahahaha!"

"You actually dared to give my things back!"

"What an idiot!"

"You will pay the price for your arrogance!"

Nika didn't hesitate any longer and pressed the button hard.

"Rumble..."

Many gaps appeared in the stage floor, from which a hundred imposing mechs slowly rose.

These mechs moved extremely fast and quickly surrounded "Fireworks".

Seeing this scene, "Hanabi" seemed a little scared.

She took two steps back, her eyes filled with fear (excitement).

"what?"

"How could this happen?"

"How scary!"

"I wish I hadn't returned your things to you!"

Seeing the terrified expression on "Fireworks'" face, Nika was immediately overjoyed.

"Now you know fear?"

"Too late!"

"Ha ha ha ha!"

"Hahahaha!"

"I'm sure to win this time!"

"Oh?"

"Yeah?"

A strange smile appeared on Hanabi's lips.

Nika was startled for no apparent reason.

No way!

How could she possibly laugh in that situation?!

The next second, the surrounding hundred mechs turned into countless specks of light, exploded with a bang, and slowly dissipated.

Nika: ? ? ?

"This...how is this possible?"

"That's over a hundred elite mechs!"

"Instant kill?"

"Could fireworks be a messenger?"

"Impossible!"

"Even the Commander, aside from the Annihilation Lord, couldn't instantly dissipate all the mechs!"

"Could it be...?"

A terrifying thought crossed Nika's mind.

"Am I under an illusion?"

No, not at all.

"Fireworks" shook his head, denying his guess.

Nika breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as you haven't fallen under an illusion, there's still a chance!

"To be precise, you've never actually gone out."

"Fireworks" paused deliberately before adding.

"???"

"How...how could this happen?"

"I clearly..."

"You clearly have a magical artifact protecting you, right?"

"Unfortunately... I'm not some kind of firework!"

"Hehe~"

Nika's eyes widened instantly, and she pointed at "Fireworks" and stammered:

"You! You! You're Xi Yao!"

"That Pleasure Envoy?"

"Bingo!"

Congratulations, you guessed right!

"And there's a prize!"

"The prize will be presented to you personally by your minister."

"How about it? Aren't you excited?"

"Hehe~"

Xi Yao stopped pretending and immediately deactivated her transformation, staring at Nika with a smile.

No wonder my magical artifact didn't work!

No wonder she wasn't afraid of those mechs and traps!

It turns out, she was actually Xi Yao.

Damn it!

Fireworks' accomplice is actually Xi Yao!

He's clearly a messenger, yet he's pretending to be weak while actually being strong!

Where is the demeanor of a strong person?

Wait, isn't she supposed to be the Masked Fool?

……

Hey!

"Don't be too happy yet!"

"Losing to a mere envoy is entirely understandable!"

"Even if the minister finds out, he won't be too harsh on me!"

Nika's statement was somewhat defiant.

After all, no matter what, failure in the mission will be punished.

The opponent is a messenger, so at most the punishment can only be slightly reduced.

Who can blame him when his minister is Oswald Schneider?

"Oh, really?"

"What if you personally destroyed the project here?"

"???"

"That's impossible!"

"Do you want to check what you just pressed?"

"???"

Nika suddenly looked down and realized that what she was holding was not a remote control at all!

Instead, it's a red button with a cherry blossom pattern!

How could he not guess that this was the button to detonate the bomb?

Finished!

This is really all over!

Nika collapsed to the ground in despair.

"That's right!"

"That's exactly the feeling I wanted!"

"To see hope first, and then instantly despair—that feeling must be wonderful, right?"

"Hehe~"

"You...you...you're not human!"

"You're a demon!"

Nika pointed at Xi Yao, his eyes filled with fear.

"Thank you for the compliment!"

Xi Yao smiled slightly and snapped her fingers lightly.

The surrounding illusion vanished instantly.

"BOOM!"

...

P.S.: Dates are still in short supply!

Have a happy day today!

Seeing everyone looking so radiant makes me feel much more at ease.

Also, if you have any fun ideas, remember to share them in the comments!

Young authors will generally read it.

If it's truly pleasurable...

Grab it in one go, and refine it instantly!

Hehehe~

Thank you everyone for the small gifts.

Don't worry if I didn't get to thank everyone yet, I'll make up for it later!

Let's go!

Time for bed!