Chapter 487

"Li Sushang, you must have played with hand shadows when you were a child, right? If you use your imagination, suppose that the shadows cast on the wall also have a certain degree of independent movement ability... This should be closer to the existence of the World Bubble in the general sense. The smaller the size of the World Bubble, the stronger the hand's control over the shadow; conversely, the larger the size, the more independent the shadow is, until it is completely unaffected by external factors."

Durandal explained it this way, but ultimately, the creation of this shadow requires a light source. It is unlikely that the Earth's World Bubble and the Moon's World Bubble have a direct connection. This is actually the fundamental reason why they could not reach the Sumeru Mustard Seed before, and why Dr. Schrödinger could not contact them.

Moreover, with the entire space between the Earth and the Moon now disrupted by the Stigmata Plan, their connection with the Sea of Quantum has become even more unstable, which is hardly good news.

Chapter 306

It wasn't just Shen Gonglin didn't understand. Unlike his pretense of understanding, Li Sushang scratched her head and honestly admitted her shortcomings. The girl had tried her best to understand, but this kind of knowledge was still too difficult for her. After all, she didn't have a brain as smart as her junior uncle. Looking at her junior uncle's confident appearance, he must have understood it completely.

"... As expected, without actually experiencing it, no matter what you say, I seem unable to escape this state of half-understanding. But none of that matters. For us now, the most fundamental problem is probably how to return to Earth. Since you've mentioned these so-called shadows, or other worlds, I think these things should be able to provide us with some unique help at that time?"

If you can't figure it out, then don't think about it. But Li Sushang is quite quick-witted. Durandal and the doctor hidden in the pocket watch wouldn't say useless things. They are trying to explain these things to themselves because this matter is very useful to their current situation. Maybe this can provide them with some significant help.

Upon hearing this, Durandal showed an approving expression. Li Sushang was indeed a smart girl. If it weren't for the information gap, this girl would have been able to easily see through everything. She was completely different from that ignorant little fool.

Thinking of this, Durandal secretly glanced at Shen Gonglin, knowing she couldn't say it aloud, or the guy would definitely get angry.

"In theory, that is true. Since we can establish communication in this way, then as long as there is a sufficiently strong channel, the Sumeru Mustard Seed can transfer you from the moon back to Earth. However... this is, after all, the moon, and the World Bubble it governs are practically unrelated to Earth. But if we don't rely on World Bubble, the situation of the Sea of Quantum itself... I think Bianca, you should be very clear about that."

Schrödinger proposed this immature method. Although it was theoretically feasible, there were still many problems in its practical implementation. Schrödinger then steered the conversation toward Durandal. She should have known the risks of doing this, but it was the only option available at the moment.

"In that situation, we would most likely quickly lose our way and wander aimlessly in space around the moon. So, Dr. Schrödinger, the current difficulty is that the Sea of Quantum can only provide you with a pathway to establish an electrical signal connection with us, right?"

Durandal truly lived up to her Valkyrie possessed both beauty and wisdom. Without Schrödinger needing to say anything more, she already understood the predicament they faced. Indeed, there were some problems. Under the current circumstances, attempting to return to Earth in this way would have a very low success rate.

Shen Gonglin and Li Sushang quietly served as background figures. It was fortunate that Durandal was there; otherwise, they wouldn't know what to do in this situation. Durandal really gave people a sense of security.

"That's how it is. However... the current situation isn't all bad news. According to my signal detection results, within the lunar domain, besides a huge signal source clearly related to the changes on Earth, there are several tiny signal sources that seem to indicate human activity. One of these signals is too unstable to determine its source at present; the others seem somewhat similar to your Sumeru Mustard Seed. Although these World Bubble belong to the Moon, they also make me feel that they are related to human activity. If you can find a way to return to Earth via the Sea of Quantum, then its starting point must be this."

Now Shen Gonglin finally understood Schrödinger's meaning: to find a signal source related to Earth, then deploy Sumeru Mustard Seed next to it, and then return to Earth in that way? It didn't sound like a very clever idea.

"Alright, alright, stop reading... So, after saying so much, just tell me what I should do. In the end, how do we play? After all, there's no point in just sitting idly on the moon."

Li Sushang said that you managers don't need to say so much to me, just tell me what to do. Sitting and waiting for death is definitely not the plan to be followed. Just tell me what action to take.

"It's very simple. You will probe them one by one, using an exhaustive method. Specifically... First, Bianca, you will be in charge of the signal recorder. I will send the coordinates of these tiny signal sources to the Sumeru Mustard Seed later."

Simply put, it's about recklessness. Try each node one by one, and you'll eventually find the right one. Durandal was somewhat reluctant to accept the task Schrödinger had assigned Schrödinger: a signal recorder? Did that mean she couldn't fight and was only responsible for recording signals? Durandal was hoping to act alongside Shen Gonglin, so why was she being assigned this task? She wanted to fight too!

"... Can't I participate in the exploration directly?"

"You are the only one among you who can manipulate the Sumeru Mustard Seed. Rather than exploring on your own, it will be more advantageous for you to stay in the rear. If we encounter a really powerful enemy later, it won't be too late for you to step in then."

Schrödinger's arrangement was logical and well-founded, and even Durandal couldn't refute it. She could only lower her shoulders and say, "Well, what she said does make a lot of sense."

"In that case, I think I'll entrust the task of exploration to Seele. Apart from Durandal, I think Seele is the person who knows the Sea of Quantum best. This girl feels at home when she returns to the Sea of Quantum, so there shouldn't be any problem entrusting it to her."

At this moment, Shen Gonglin also pushed Seele forward. It was obvious that Seele also wanted to help, but the girl didn't dare to speak up, as if she was afraid of messing things up. At this time, Shen Gonglin needed to give her a little help, as she was very useful.

"Ah, um... Sister Durandal, don't worry about me, I can handle it."

When Shen Gonglin pushed her forward, Seele was startled, but the girl quickly calmed herself down. She firmly assured Durandal that she would be fine and that Seele wanted to help everyone.

"That's exactly what I was thinking. However, for safety's sake, you should carry a Bianca Geniuses Device with you. That way, if you encounter an emergency or have nowhere to go, you can always retreat to the Sumeru Mustard Seed."

Chapter 307 So Easy to Coax

Schrödinger also made the same arrangement. Seele was very familiar with the Sea of Quantum, so sending her to explore it was the most suitable plan, and moreover...

"In that case, Miss Sushang will also be undertaking an investigation mission, so I'll lend you the other Gnius as well. That way, we can double our exploration efficiency."

Durandal took out another Gnius and presented it to Li Sushang. Li Sushang was somewhat concerned. She knew what this Gnius represented. It was something that Durandal held in great importance and would not usually lend to others easily.

"Is everything alright? I remember this second part of the Gnius is something like..."

Looking at the Gnius in Durandal's hand, Li Sushang felt that it was a little heavy.

"No problem, I trust your strength as S-rank Valkyrie. Of course, it is indeed a very meaningful item for me. So, please keep it safe for me and Rita."

Looking at the Gnius in her hand, Durandal's eyes were filled with nostalgia. However, this was not a reason for her to hide it and never show it to anyone. In the current situation, handing it over to Li Sushang was the best choice, and she believed that Li Sushang would protect it well.

"Haha, of course, that's a must. Let me think, it should be... cough cough, though I am not talented, I will certainly return it intact. Scholars used to say that, and I didn't expect it to come in handy today. Don't worry."

Li Sushang accepted the Gnius with great composure. The young woman was full of confidence in her own abilities. Since Durandal trusted her so much, she would never let Durandal down. She would definitely return the item to Durandal intact without any problems.

"Okay, it's a deal then."

Durandal nodded with a faint smile. Next, Schrödinger would send the coordinates of those suspicious World Bubble to Li Sushang and Seele. Durandal would also transfer the Earth coordinates that Gnius had stored to the Sumeru Mustard Seed in advance. Although they could not be used for the time being, they might come in handy someday. Just then, Shen Gonglin came to Durandal and extended her hand to her. The girl looked at Shen Gonglin with some doubt, and then hesitated for a moment before placing her hand on Shen Gonglin's hand.

What time is it and you're still thinking about holding my hand? Didn't you see that Seele and Li Sushang haven't left yet?

"No, that's not it. You've given things to Seele and Sushang, what about mine? I need to explore too, so isn't there anything for me?"

Shen Gonglin felt neglected. Both of them had gifts from Durandal, but she had nothing. How was she supposed to explore like this? She couldn't let them be treated unfairly.

Ah, this... Durandal's gaze became somewhat subtle. Could she say that she never intended for Shen Gonglin to explore from the very beginning? Shen Gonglin was already terrible with directions, and if he got lost in the Sea of Quantum, it would be even worse. If she asked him to find the way, the most likely outcome would be that the rest of them would have to search for him as well. Therefore Durandal had excluded Shen Gonglin from the exploration team from the start. He could just stay here with her.

Li Sushang and Seele clearly agreed with this point. The sword fairy girl stepped forward and comforted Shen Gonglin: "Junior Uncle, leave the exploration task to me and Seele. You are the Archbishop of our Schicksal. Staying here to coordinate and plan is what you should be doing. We can handle this kind of small matter."

Li Sushang knew her junior uncle's incredible skill in getting lost; he had almost gone astray while carrying her on his motorcycle. Although Li Sushang was carefree, she wasn't stupid enough to let him explore on his own. Seele chimed in, saying that while Brother Lin was very capable and reliable, it was better to leave the navigation to them.

"Yes, you're right. It's indeed more appropriate for me to stay here and coordinate. You two be careful, and if you encounter any problems that are difficult to solve, be sure to retreat in time. I will protect you."

He was easily persuaded, after all, he did need to take charge of the overall situation. Shen Gonglin nodded in satisfaction, and then he left two spatial imprints on Seele and Li Sushang. Although his Herrscher Authority had not yet been restored, leaving the imprints first would provide some protection.

This guy is so easy to coax...

Li Sushang and the others sighed inwardly, though of course they dared not say it aloud, otherwise this guy would definitely be furious. They just kept their thoughts to themselves. They exchanged glances, and then Durandal helped her two companions set up Gnius. Immediately afterward, she opened the unstable passage between the Sumeru Mustard Seed and the Sea of Quantum. The exploration mission began.

"Now you're all prepared. The Sumeru Mustard Seed will continuously play soft music through your Gnius. If you receive a signal that becomes noticeably unstable, please immediately activate your Gnius and return here."

She thoughtfully set up background music for Li Sushang and Seele. Durandal gave her final advice: trust your companions, as this is what she, as Valkyrie, should do.

"I understand, I will try my best to avoid doing anything rash."

"Understood, I will obey."

The two girls left these words behind, and then they dived into the Sea of Quantum in opposite directions. Gnius would guide them into those anomalous miniature World Bubble, and the interface between the Sumeru Mustard Seed and the outside world would be temporarily closed again. After watching the two girls leave, Durandal breathed a sigh of relief. Only she and Shen Gonglin were left in this Sumeru Mustard Seed space. The girl turned her head to look at the pocket watch, or rather, at Dr. Schrödinger residing in the pocket watch.

"Well then, all that's left is to wait. But before that... Dr. Schrödinger, is there something you'd rather not say to those two people?"

Durandal said seriously that she did have such a feeling, which was why she listened to Schrödinger's advice to stay here. Dr. Schrödinger remained silent for a while. Durandal knew what she was still worried about, and the girl reached out and grabbed Shen Gonglin.

"Don't worry, you can tell him anything, it's okay."

"There really is something being hidden," Shen Gonglin thought curiously, her gaze shifting between Durandal and the pocket watch. "What is she hiding?"

"... It seems you are indeed much more perceptive than when you were twelve. I have indeed been hiding something."

Schrödinger sighed, "What would Durandal be like at twelve years old?" Shen Gonglin was also a little curious.

Chapter 308 You've disappointed me.

"According to what you just said, you left me in the Sumeru Mustard Seed for two reasons: one is my ability to operate it, and the other is to guard against powerful enemies. But on the other hand, I think that with their strength, it's not easy for them to encounter the kind of troublesome enemies that require my mobile support. After all, if that were to happen, you should have arranged for Shen Gonglin to accompany them, but since he and I are both here, you don't seem to have any objections... On the other hand, even if I don't stay inside the Sumeru Mustard Seed, you should have a way to control the situation and prevent the three of us from getting separated, right?"

Durandal voiced her doubts. This girl was not only powerful in combat, but also exceptional in her thinking. Dr. Schrödinger must have done this to keep her alone. She wondered what information she couldn't share with the other two.

"Indeed. To be honest... after all, I don't know them well enough, and I don't know Shen Gonglin very well either. If some facts would seriously damage their morale, then I might as well keep quiet for now."

Such a sound drifted from the pocket watch. Was there really something she couldn't tell them? Shen Gonglin hesitated. Should she not stay here either? But what was she hiding? Shen Gonglin really wanted to know.

"Don't worry, just tell him it'll be fine. I don't think there's any need to be so formal... But you should speak first. It's all rather unpleasant stuff, isn't it?"

[Sushang, you're putting me in a difficult position. Look at Durandal and Seele, they've gathered a lot of useful information. And look at us, you can't even understand what they're saying. I'm starting to regret teaming up with you.]

Through Gnius, Shen Gonglin complained to Li Sushang in this way. Since there was nothing to do in this Sumeru Mustard Seed Space, Shen Gonglin volunteered to be the liaison for Li Sushang. The girl went to explore the World Bubble, while he listened to her description. Then he began to earnestly manipulate Li Sushang, saying, "Look at other people's children. They have already explored some information in those World Bubble, while we are still stagnating."

[Junior Uncle, how can you blame me? I just don't understand... I've tried so hard, but I just can't understand. You can't say that to me; you need to encourage me.]

The sword-wielding girl said with a hint of grievance, "Junior Uncle, shouldn't he be comforting me at a time like this? What does he mean by bullying me like this? I'm so angry!"

Indeed, hearing that Seele had made some progress, Li Sushang was getting a little anxious. Although she got along well with these girls, as a girl, she still hoped that she would be considered more capable in her junior uncle's eyes, at least not be outdone by the other girls.

[Alright, this isn't Sushang's fault. Honestly, the reason Seele can understand those figures is because she herself has been in the Sea of Quantum. Didn't Dr. Schrödinger say that because Seele, like her, lost all her monosticity in the Sea of Quantum, their ways of obtaining information from Sea of Quantum are different? This isn't Sushang's problem.]

As Li Sushang's junior sister-in-law, Durandal felt it was her responsibility to show Li Sushang how considerate she was. Besides, it wasn't Li Sushang's responsibility to do so. Seele as familiar with the Sea of Quantum as if she were back home, while Li Sushang, of course, didn't understand the Sea of Quantum's "dialect".

"Exactly! Junior Uncle, look at that... Durandal! What should I do now?"

Although Li Sushang a little strange that Durandal spoke up for her this time, she knew very well that Yulandel was helping her out of a predicament. Her junior uncle didn't understand anything at all. If he was so good, then let him do it. He was just as clueless as she was.

[Given this situation, our previous strategy of splitting forces has some issues. According to the available intelligence, Seele's strong synchronization ability with the World Bubble helps her understand the thoughts of those afterimages. Seele possesses the ability to sense the World Bubble itself, so there is no language barrier between her and those shadows. After all, Seele can directly perceive thoughts. Since Seele has a significantly stronger information gathering ability, your solo actions may be of little use.]

Durandal said this, but upon hearing this, Li Sushang became a little anxious. What did this mean? Did it mean that she was useless without Seele? This wouldn't do. If you said I was useless without Junior Uncle, I would accept it. But now that Junior Uncle was in front of her, she had to perform. Otherwise, if her adorable junior niece was really a waste... that wouldn't sound good.

[Is that so? But I think there's another strategy. Since Seele has this ability, let her experience it with me. After I leave this World Bubble, the things contained within it will start cycling again, returning to the state I experienced before. You understand what I mean? This way, Seele will have the opportunity to revisit the records of the World Bubble, and I can carry out the next step of preliminary work while Seele is gathering information.]

Thinking about what she could do now, Li Sushang felt that she had to work a little harder. She couldn't lose to that little girl, Seele. Sushang, let's start rolling!

[Also, how about this: I'll use the Sumeru Mustard Seed to quickly traverse all the miniature World Bubble that might contain information; while Seele will follow up from behind to identify the parts that truly contain important information. What do you think of this?]

Li Sushang quickly figured out what she could do. Seele could meticulously clean up the battlefield, while she would have to launch a frontal attack. She would quickly find the World Bubble and then tell her the coordinates of the valuable World Bubble. This was the best thing she could do right now.

"Yes, Sushang, you're right. That's exactly what we were thinking. This more refined division of labor and collaboration can further improve our exploration efficiency."

Durandal also agreed with this plan. Li Sushang is quite clever; she came up with this method so quickly. It seems she is eager to prove herself to someone. Speaking of which, with Shen Gonglin here, it seems to really motivate them.

Chapter 309

[Okay! So it's decided then? Could you please guide Seele to that inhabited area I just passed through?]

Li Sushang was full of energy, determined to show her junior uncle how outstanding she was. The young girl took the lead and began exploring other World Bubble. Meanwhile, Durandal had set up coordinates for Seele so she could listen to what the people in the World Bubble that Li Sushang had just experienced were saying, which could provide some help to them now.

She was pleasantly surprised that she could play such a significant role. While waiting for Durandal to unfold the coordinates in the quantum world, Seele felt a little happy. She could finally be of some help. Would she be able to hold her head high in front of Shen Gonglin when she returned? Although she was still not as good as Sister Bronya, she was definitely more useful than before.

Seele took a deep breath and jumped into the portal in front of her, reporting everything she had heard to Shen Gonglin and Durandal. Even though her other self wasn't by her side, she could still do this herself.

"It sounds like something from Previous Era... Seed Plan, the Moon, the Vault..."

Durandal summarized the information conveyed by Seele. From the conversations of the figures Seele overheard, she gleaned the following information, Schrödinger also analyzed.

"After all, the topic of shelters came up. Yellowstone Base, like Anti-Entropy, was itself converted from Previous Era; and the Salt Lake Base is said to have been largely modeled after shelter designs. In other words, it's unlikely that people from this era would have left behind a conversation like the Seele described."

The analysis reveals that this current situation implies that the ruins on the moon, known as New Atlanta, are likely remnants of the previous civilization, the Flame-Chasers? The existence of numerous pieces of information related to the Flame-Chasers within the moon-dominated World Bubble suggests...

Durandal rested her chin on her hand, deep in thought. She had some immature conjectures, and after organizing her thoughts, she spoke them aloud.

"I wonder... is it possible that the people of the Previous Era foresaw that we, the Stigmata Awakener, would be on the moon right now... and that everything, including the Stigmata Plan, was just part of some unknown vision of theirs... This is just my speculation, but in any case, what we need to do right now has not changed. We still need to explore as many ways as possible to establish contact with Earth and confirm the whereabouts of our respective friends."

Shaking her head, Durandal cleared away all the immature ideas from her mind. What they needed to do hadn't changed. If that was the case, then the World Bubble near the moon still had the value of being explored.

The two girls in charge of the exploration nodded seriously, and Shen Gonglin also gave her conclusion.

"In other words, despite the possibility of failure, what we are doing is still the most worthwhile thing for us to do right now, right?"

Durandal nodded in agreement with Shen Gonglin's point of view. This was indeed the most important thing to do right now, and they had already obtained some useful information. However, this information was currently too fragmented to describe the overall picture, so continuing to explore and obtain more useful information was of paramount importance.

[Oh dear, isn't this a case of "speak of the devil"? Those talking figures have reappeared. I'll send you the new coordinates, Junior Uncle. Aren't I useful?]

The girl was still boasting to Shen Gonglin, but Durandal noticed some subtle changes. Having received Li Sushang's coordinates, she felt that the coordinate values described by Gnius seemed increasingly complex. However, this should be normal, right? Durandal looked at the pocket watch where Schrödinger resided; professional matters should be explained by professionals.

"Hmm. I think that's the reason too. However, it's worth noting that the fractal dimensions corresponding to these miniature World Bubble seem unstable. Perhaps some external force has tampered with them... I don't know the specific reason either. In any case, we don't have enough information to make further judgments yet, so I'll have to trouble you from now on, Seele."

The task of "expanding territory" was assigned to Li Sushang, while the task of fully understanding and digesting the information was Seele's responsibility. Both girls began their work, Shen Gonglin was idle once again. He felt that he should do something too. Shen Gonglin opened his hands and looked at his palms. In his hands were two spatial imprints that emitted a faint light. After waiting for so long, his Herrscher Authority had finally recovered somewhat. Should he be able to provide some assistance with the Divine Palace Card?

This place... seems more fragmented than other World Bubble.

In a strange space, Seele carefully made her way forward. She had arrived at this place by following the coordinates. If nothing unexpected happened, she should be able to hear conversations like the ones she had overheard before. They seemed to contain very important information, which she needed to record carefully so that she could help Durandal and Rin analyze the current situation.

However, this place is really dilapidated; it's almost like some kind of... space that has collapsed to nothingness...

Shaking her head, Seele continued forward. Then, the girl saw the phantoms talking. Were these phantoms left behind by people from the Previous Era? From their words, Seele learned some information about the people of the Previous Era and their fight against the Herrscher of Finality.

Although the information conveyed by these fragmented phantoms was merely information, Seele felt a profound sense of heaviness within it. There were others like them in the Previous Era, people striving tirelessly on the path to fight against the Honkai. Although the information presented in the dialogue was unclear, Seele could still sense their unwavering, moth-to-a-flame conviction. The phantoms finished conveying their message, Seele took a deep breath. She needed to quickly relay these records—which seemed to be from the past—to Rin Herrscher of Finality.

Seele cheered herself up and prepared to go back, but this time the girl was unable to contact Durandal. Huh, what's going on? Is it because of the spatial signal?

The signal here is currently a bit unstable; you may have to wait a while.

Chapter 310 Long Time No See

Has Seele encountered some special situation?

Waiting for Seele's response, but the girl did not respond as agreed. However, the fluctuation proved that she was still safe. It's really hard to understand. The Sea of Quantum is indeed quite dangerous.