Having just returned to Fleet Territory, Xiao Ran took two steps forward to make room, then suddenly turned around to look behind him. His gaze swept over every person, scrutinizing Graham, Ingram, and the others following behind him.
The feeling of being stared at directly made everyone present feel a chill rise inexplicably in their hearts. Xiao Ran then removed his mask, revealing a thoughtful expression as he frowned and shook his head.
Xiao Ran suddenly smiled and waved to everyone. "Oh, it's nothing. Go get some rest, everyone."
With that, Xiao Ran turned and left on his own. Elsam watched his departing back and raised a hand to stroke his chin. "I think Lord Xiao Ran was considering something quite extraordinary. He probably felt none of us were suited for whatever he was thinking about."
Shirakawa Shuu paused and glanced at Elsam. "I'm afraid you were the last person here to notice. Why else do you think Cruze and Yuzes hurried off?"
Xiao Ran returned to his study and kept thinking, but no matter how much he thought, it felt as though a wall blocked the path of his thoughts. No matter what he did, he could not break through that wall and enter the world beyond—a world concerning Prometheus's true nature. Yet he was already very, very close.
"Purpose, core..." Xiao Ran frowned in contemplation. "What exactly is Prometheus's ultimate purpose? If System Eternity exists to maintain balance, then what is Prometheus for? No matter how I look at it, Prometheus seems completely unrelated to balance."
"Hana, come in for a moment."
Xiao Ran raised his head and called toward the door. Before long, the study door was pushed open and Hana walked in. Her large eyes held a gentle smile as she looked at Xiao Ran. "What