Seeing the atmosphere grow a little silent, Zhang Wei did not want things to get awkward over this topic.
"Don't overthink it. In a sense, you're dead, so... want some noodles first?" Like performing a magic trick, Zhang Wei produced a steaming bowl of instant noodles.
"...I understand!"
The abrupt turn nearly threw Kevin's back out. He put away Skyfire Judgment, nodded, took the bowl of instant noodles, gave Zhang Wei a long look, and vanished.
Perhaps at that very moment, Kevin had answered the choice he had been pondering: whether to leave the Elysian Realm or remain here.
With the somewhat heavy topic over, Elysia perked up again, her cheerful and lively personality returning as she continued leading Zhang Wei and the others around.
"Captain, I didn't expect you to get Kevin to say so much. You should know that even we Flame-Chasers haven't spoken with Kevin this much in tens of thousands of years.
"And I never expected you to know that Kevin likes noodles," Elysia said in surprise.
Kevin wore a permanently sour expression, as though everyone owed him money. He was as cold as a block of ice. Even when Elysia took the initiative to chat with him over the years, he never said more than a few words.
Only Su could have a calm conversation with Kevin. Those two really were true love; Mei was just an accident. If Su had been a girl, Mei probably would not have had a chance at all.
All Thirteen Flame-Chasers knew Kevin liked noodles, but who would have thought that a Flame-Chaser who saved the world would enjoy something as convenient as instant noodles?
"Just assume I know everything. Aside from a few minor details, other than yourselves, no one should understand you better than I do!" Zhang Wei said, rubbing his chin.
"All right, then. Our next stop is my dear Eden's place. Since you know us so well, why don't you tell me what you think of Eden?" Elysia asked curiously, blinking her star-filled eyes.
Without hesitation, Zhang Wei said, "Rich lady. I'm hungry. Feed me. My first impression is that Eden is an incredibly wealthy rich lady."
Elysia: "..."
"Well, you're not wrong. Eden would probably find it amusing if she heard that."
The corner of Elysia's mouth twitched. She did not deny Zhang Wei's assessment; Eden truly could be described as a rich lady. In the Previous Civilization, Fire Moth's later funding had all come from Eden's investments, and even this Elysian Realm had received Eden's investment. Still, such a plain and unadorned title left her not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
As the brightest star on the Previous Civilization's stage, Eden's achievements could, in a sense, represent an entire era. She did not care much about money; to her, it was merely a number. Her heart was purely devoted to art, so saying she made money for the sake of money was truly an insult.
"The Hyperion needs talent like this. We may not need money for now, but we absolutely cannot do without it!" Zhang Wei valued Eden's worth. Once they reached the outside world, even if it was no longer the Previous Civilization, Eden's brilliance could still illuminate this era.
"..."
Elysia had never fallen silent so many times in one day, but Zhang Wei had indeed been frank. He was simply telling the truth.
Following the path, they arrived in a picturesque place. Maple leaves drifted through the air, the scent of flowers filled their noses, and musical notes floated on the breeze. An elegant woman with wine-red hair sat before a piano, her slender fingers dancing across the keys like a graceful dance as she played with complete absorption, making the scenery around her even more beautiful.
Zhang Wei and the others did not disturb her. Instead, they slowly closed their eyes and listened quietly. The heavenly music instantly calmed their hearts, as though every distracting thought had been carried away by the melody.
"Elysia, and a few visitors as well. Have I kept you waiting long?"
As the final note faded, Eden turned toward them and smiled elegantly.
"We just arrived. Eden, your music is truly something rarely heard in this world. You truly deserve to be the brightest star on the Previous Civilization's stage," Zhang Wei said sincerely.
"It is merely vanity. It seems Elysia gets along well with all of you. That is good." Eden looked at Elysia fondly, her eyes filled only with her.
Zhang Wei's expression turned a little strange. As expected of the Love Gate Leader. You really do spoil her!
"Would you like some afternoon tea?"
Eden rose and walked to the stone table beneath the tree. With a light tap, containers of black tea and delicate pastries appeared. The Elysian Realm truly was peculiar. Though it was made of data, they could still smell its fragrances.
"Eden, would you like a drink?" Himeko took out an aged bottle of red wine from behind her. She had caught the scent of a kindred spirit from Eden; they would surely make compatible drinking companions.
"Of course, my friend. Take this as a gift!"
Eden readily agreed and removed the bracelet from her wrist, handing it to Himeko. Its craftsmanship, ornamentation, and embedded gemstones all made it clear that it was a priceless treasure, and it further displayed Eden's generosity and wealth.
"Captain, I'll leave it to you. Help me materialize one!" Himeko accepted it boldly, then tossed it to Zhang Wei. These treasures were also made of data and could not be taken out of the Elysian Realm, so they could only be recreated in another way.
"Fine. Drink less, or there won't be anyone to carry you back later!" Zhang Wei rolled his eyes. This drunk's veins probably did not contain blood, but all kinds of alcohol.
"Got it. Eden, let's ignore them!"
Himeko pulled Eden away, spread a picnic cloth beneath the tree, laid out exquisite drinking snacks, and began drinking.
"Ahem, it's rare for someone to drink with her, so Eden is very happy," Elysia said awkwardly. She did not want Zhang Wei and the others to misunderstand anything because of that drunkard image.
"Actually, Eden becomes very cute when she gets drunk. You'll see it soon enough!"
At the mention of this, Elysia could not help laughing. Before getting drunk, Eden was noble and elegant, but afterward, she became like a lazy cat, with a charm all her own.
"I know. They all have plenty of personality!"
That was his opinion of the Flame-Chasers. They were interesting. If he could bring them aboard the Hyperion, life would not be boring in the future.
And it was not just the Flame-Chasers. He also had the people aboard the Hyperion, all with personalities of their own. He liked cleaning the Hyperion's deck, while Kiana and the others had their own hobbies and distinctive personalities. Compared to when he could only talk with Ai Yi in the beginning, his "home" was undoubtedly much warmer now.
"The afternoon tea was pretty good. They'll probably be drinking for a long time, so let's leave first!" Zhang Wei stood up. He did not need to clean anything up; since it was all made of data, it was easy enough to handle.
Before you continue