Chapter 357: Terminal Yandere Cured

Taking a deep breath, Yomite's pulse steadied after resting for around ten minutes. He was keenly aware that time was of the essence. He still needed to find the exit, and if his calculations were correct, there was one more foe waiting for him. Gently, he lifted the slumbering Paimon from the floor and placed her on a table, ensuring she wouldn't have to sleep on the cold ground.

He affectionately stroked her with his fingers, a comforting gesture he wished he could do in the real world, if only the girls wouldn't immediately misunderstand his intentions...

From this moment on, he vowed never to let Paimon go hungry again...

With a cautious hand, Yomite pushed the kitchen door open and stepped back into the dimly lit hallway. His eyes darted around, surveying the surroundings as he mentally retraced his steps and estimated the most likely location of the exit. He braced himself, acutely aware that the final enemy lurked somewhere, poised to attack.

Yomite's assumption of one last adversary stemmed from the cryptic error message he'd seen after Venti's disappearance, labeling her as Entity 4 (4/6). During their time together, he had encountered four monstrous beings in total, including her.

Following Venti's departure, he had stumbled upon Paimon, who he deduced to be Entity 5 (5/6). It seemed only logical that a sixth entity remained, waiting to challenge him in this eerie labyrinth.

Armed with this knowledge, Yomite ventured forth, each step echoing through the corridor as he prepared for the inevitable confrontation, his mind and body honed to face the final enemy.

'The question is, who...?'

Numerous possibilities raced through Yomite's mind as to the identity of the final enemy. Kaeya, Diluc, Lisa, or even...

The figure currently standing before him, brandishing a bloodstained kitchen knife.

"..."

Yomite sighed in resignation. "Here we go again... What did I do to deserve this again?"

"How dare you show up in front of me?" Barbara's voice trembled with rage. "You ignored my advances, played with my heart for years, impregnated my big sister, and even made Sister Rosaria cry!"

Yomite couldn't help but roll his eyes at the absurd situation he found himself in once more.

Barbara stood before him, her face a twisted mask of fury as she clutched the knife.

"Really? Pregnant? Jean and I haven't even held hands! And making Rosaria cry? She's so insufferable that she'd make me cry first! What kind of stupid trial is this?"

It was clear, however, that Barbara was beyond reason. She tightened her grip on the knife and lunged at Yomite, tears of betrayal and anguish streaming down her face. "You always ignored me! Always! I hate you!"

"That's not true!" Yomite protested. "I've always found you charming! You're just too young! Wait another year, and I'll give you all the attention I can!"

"Lies! You're just trying to escape this situation!"

"I admit that's true, but my words are real! Haven't I told you this many times before?"

"..."

As he dodged her relentless stabs, Yomite's gaze fell upon a bucket of water nearby.

Recalling Barbara's hydro powers, he hoped that drenching her might help her regain her senses. With swift reflexes, he grabbed the bucket and splashed its contents onto Barbara, halting her momentarily.

"..."

"..."

"Did it... work, maybe...?"

"It did not. Die!"

Realizing a more drastic approach was necessary, Yomite hesitated no more, hurling the empty bucket directly at her face. The impact momentarily staggered her, providing a brief respite in the tense confrontation.

Capitalizing on the momentary respite, Yomite sprinted down the corridor, desperate to put some distance between himself and Barbara. He knew he couldn't run forever, but for now, it was his only option.

"Ugh! All talk and no action! If you really love me like you claim, then prove it! Who would throw an empty bucket at someone they love?!"

"I usually wouldn't, but do I really need to remind you that you're wielding a kitchen knife, woman?!"

"A few stab wounds are nothing for love! I can heal them!"

As Yomite dashed down the hallway, his eyes scanned the surroundings for anything that might help subdue or soothe Barbara. Spotting a vase filled with flowers, he swiftly snatched it up. Glancing back, he saw Barbara still pursuing him, knife in hand, her face a fusion of fury and tears.

Inhaling deeply, Yomite skidded to a halt, turned to face her, and held out the vase, proffering the flowers inside. "Barbara, please listen. I'm not your enemy. I care for you deeply. I've never said I disliked you; quite the opposite, you're stunning. Even more adorable than your sister."

She halted abruptly, her anger giving way to shock. "You... think I'm cuter than... my big sister?"

Seizing her momentary doubt, Yomite continued his appeal. "I know I haven't given you the attention you deserve, but that doesn't mean I don't care. You're important to me, and it breaks my heart to see you cry."

Her grip on the knife faltered as tears welled up in her eyes. "But you... always ignored me... and told me to wait..."

"Barbara, I didn't intend to hurt you. I promise that when this is over, I'll make it up to you! We can spend more time together, and I'll show you how much I value you. Please, believe me. I'll do everything in my power to make you happy."

As Yomite spoke, the flowers emitted a soft, tranquil light. Their petals brushed against Barbara's hands, prompting her to release the knife, which clattered to the floor.

Her expression softened as she took the vase, her gaze locked on Yomite's earnest face.

A blend of relief and bewilderment washed over her as she hesitantly stepped closer, the flowers' calming light providing solace. Yomite's heart raced, praying that he had reached her and could finally leave unscathed.

Stopping before him, Barbara's eyes shimmered with tears. "I... I'm sorry, Yum-Yum... I don't know what came over me... I was just so... angry and hurt..."

Relief flooded Yomite as he offered a reassuring smile. "It's okay, Barbara. I understand. Let's forget about this and move on, alright?"

She nodded, and unexpectedly, she embraced him tightly. Yomite felt her tremble, her tears seeping into his shirt. As they held each other, Barbara lifted her gaze to meet his.

Before Yomite could react, she pressed her lips to his—a tender, hesitant kiss, laden with vulnerability. Though caught off guard, Yomite didn't resist. They were already in a relationship, and she had kissed him before.

Allowing the kiss to linger for a few heartbeats, he gently pulled away, hoping the worst was behind them.

***