Chapter 382

"Y-hello," the girl said nervously, clutching her skirt as she looked at the man she had seen once in the Silver Wolf's projection. "I am..."

But the other party didn't give him a chance to speak, instead saying directly, "Entropy Syndrome?"

Flowing Firefly paused for a moment, but still nodded.

Then she saw the man in front of her put his hand on Xing's shoulder, and then they disappeared together before her eyes.

What's going on here?

Flowing Firefly was completely taken aback by this bizarre turn of events and stood there dumbfounded, unsure of what to do. But soon she sensed a strange feeling, as if the surrounding environment, and even her own consciousness, were violently "fluctuating"—

The next second, the girl suddenly opened her eyes, her consciousness leaving the dream and returning to the real world.

What's going on? Silver Wolf's skills shouldn't be malfunctioning...

She sat up, still confused, and saw the two figures that had vanished from her dream suddenly appear in her hiding place.

To be honest, the sudden fright almost made Flowing Firefly pull out her transformation device.

"A Xing, and... Mr. Ai Yue?" After a moment, Flowing Firefly finally reacted and cautiously asked, "Why are you here?"

She didn't ask foolish questions like "How did you find your way here?" After all, if smuggling were exposed, even one's family could come knocking on their door, let alone the man in front of her.

"Of course I'm here to cure your illness." As he spoke, Ai Yue conjured up a complete life support system out of thin air, then looked at the girl with a puzzled expression. "Otherwise, I can't exactly cure you in your dreams, that would be a bit too much trouble."

It's just difficult, not impossible, isn't it?

No, wait, treatment?

Flowing Firefly first keenly grasped the hidden information in Ai Yue's words, and then realized what he meant, revealing a somewhat dazed expression.

So sudden?

Chapter Seventy-Eight This Belongs to You

Flowing Firefly, or rather, the remnant of the Grammar Iron Cavalry, "AR-26710".

She was not a naturally born being, but a mass-produced clone created as a "weapon" to pilot mechs and fight against the Cosmic Plague.

The "Entropy Syndrome" is an "insurance" system implemented by the Grammar Republic to prevent its manufactured weapons from falling into the hands of others.

This restriction, implanted in the genes, will cause the physiological structure of clones to fall into irreversible chronic disintegration, and this symptom will gradually worsen as they pilot the mechs for longer periods of time.

It can be said that the codename "Fireflies" for the Grammar Iron Cavalry is both a response to their enemy, the "Locust Plague," and a silent irony for these replicants who burn their lives to fight.

If it weren't for the fact that Flowing Firefly truly awakened to herself at the last moment when the Grammar Iron Cavalry was completely annihilated, breaking free from the shackles of her original "weapon" and thus embarking on her destiny to prolong her life, she probably wouldn't have survived to this day.

However, prolonging life does not mean solving the problem. Moreover, the threat of Entropy Syndrome is not just about burning lifespan. Even if she is still alive, Flowing Firefly is still suffering from various problems. Without her suit, her body is extremely fragile. She is not only very easy to get injured, but also experiences abnormal symptoms such as impaired vision and body temperature imbalance.

The mechs of the Grammar Iron Cavalry are not only their weapons for combat, but also their life support pods. Only when inside the armor can Flowing Firefly maintain a stable state like a normal person.

This is why she rarely deactivates her armor mode in real life and acts as a young girl. In other words, "Sam" is the one who occupies the majority of her life, while "Flowing Firefly" occupies only a small part.

That's why Flowing Firefly loves life in her dreams so much. Here, she can live like a normal person and experience everything in the world in a healthy way. Even though she knows it's still just a dream, it feels real enough to the girl.

But it is precisely because of this experience that Flowing Firefly's desire to cure "Entropy Syndrome" has become even stronger, because one day she will leave Penacony, but if she can cure her illness, then she can live the same life in reality.

However, with the fall of the Grammar Republic, the cure for Entropy Syndrome also disappeared. Flowing Firefly searched everywhere for hope, only to be disappointed time and time again. Even Penacony, one of the Ten Stone Hearts and the owner of the "Jade Tender" who claimed to be able to grant any wish, was no exception. In the end, she was unable to fulfill her wish.

However, Flowing Firefly did not expect that the turning point would come so quickly. From being rejected by Jade to being awakened from her dream by Ai Yue, the whole process did not even take more than half an hour.

Even though she had heard Xing and Silver Wolf talking about the amazing abilities of this Mr. Ai Yue, and that even Blade had been cured of his immortality curse, Flowing Firefly still showed a hint of unease when all of this was presented before her eyes.

Jade wasn't without relevant clues, but she couldn't afford the commensurate "price." Now, faced with a chance to potentially cure herself, what should she give in return?

Or rather, what do you have that you can use to pay for it?

A spasmodic pain throbbed deep within her brain, as if trying to stop her from thinking any further. This was one of the accompanying symptoms of Entropy Syndrome, something Flowing Firefly was already used to. However, before she could come up with an answer, she was interrupted by another voice.

"How are you?"

Flowing Firefly looked up and saw Xing's concerned gaze. Xing stood beside her and reached out her hand. "Let me help you up."

Flowing Firefly paused for a moment, then cautiously extended her hand.

Because of her body temperature imbalance, her temperature would sometimes be too hot and sometimes too cold, but Xing didn't seem to feel anything strange. He helped her to her feet and then dragged her towards the life support device that looked somewhat familiar.

Flowing Firefly Ying carefully observed Ai Yue's reaction. When the life support device was activated, he showed no intention of speaking or stopping her, which made her breathe a sigh of relief.

In any case, Mr. Ai Yue was indeed quite easy to talk to and showed no intention of discussing payment.

As Flowing Firefly lay down in the life support pod, the dazzling array of equipment started up. Xing stared at the monitor for a long time, realizing she couldn't understand it at all, so she could only cast a worried look at Ai Yue beside her. "Brother Yue, will this work?"

"Don't worry, Earth's gene-editing technology is the best in the universe!" Ai Yue waved his hand casually, but as he looked at the content on the screen, a subtle expression gradually appeared on his face. "Of course, the specifics still depend on her own wishes."

Even setting aside his current strength, Ai Yue still had enough confidence to say the above statement—after all, not every civilization has the ability to combine the genes of monsters and humans and create powerful warriors. With his continuous improvement and optimization, the Fused Warrior Formula has now become a shortcut to becoming stronger with almost no cost, which alone is enough to make him stand out from the crowd.

To be honest, looking at what the analysis device displayed, Ai Yue even felt a little nostalgic, as if he had returned to the time when he was still worrying about dealing with the next Herrscher and trying his best to optimize the Fused Warrior Formula.

But the problem at hand is much simpler than what he faced back then.

It can be said that even if Ai Yue had not advanced to his current state, relying on the Fused Warrior Formula, the Terran Alliance Civilization would still have become a powerful force in the universe without having to worry about being treated unfairly or oppressed.

With this level of technology, targeted gene editing could easily fix the problem—but this is only from a technical perspective.

"Mr. Ai Yue, how is it?" As the device gradually stopped working, Flowing Firefly opened her eyes again, her tone slightly nervous, "Will it work?"

At first, she thought this device could directly cure her Entropy Syndrome, but now it seems that the equipment only serves as a... medical examination?

"Well, how should I put it," Ai Yue stroked his chin, speaking slowly under the uneasy gazes of the two men, "Your blood sugar is a little low."

The atmosphere suddenly became awkward.

"Uh," Flowing Firefly hesitated for a long time, unsure how to respond, so she tentatively said, "Sorry, I'll be careful?"

Xing, standing to the side, looked speechless. "Brother, you're my own brother, okay? Is this the time to talk about this?"

"Isn't this just to lighten the mood?" Ai Yue shrugged, once again confirming that he lacked a talent for humor. "Alright, let's get straight to the treatment plan. Currently, there are three options for you to choose from."

So much?

Before Flowing Firefly could even widen her eyes, she heard Ai Yue continue, "The first and simplest method is to perform basic repairs on your genes, which will ensure that Entropy Syndrome disappears from your body. However, it will keep you in your current state. The downside is that you will have to endure various aftereffects, but the upside is that your powers will not disappear, and you will still be able to pilot a mecha."

"The second method is the opposite of the first. It involves a thorough review and completion of your genetic information, allowing you to completely overcome Entropy Syndrome loss and become a healthy, normal person. However, you will lose everything you have gained in the past... You should understand what I mean."

Ai Yue observed Flowing Firefly's reaction, then added, "The advantage is that neither of these two plans carries much risk; they are practically guaranteed to succeed, ensuring quality and quantity, without any false advertising."

Without much hesitation, Flowing Firefly Ying asked, "Then, what about the third option?"

Incomplete healing and sacrificing power are not the results she wants. Since there are better options, she naturally will not choose between the two.

"The third option, and naturally the most perfect one, is that I will optimize and improve your genes based on your existing power, so that you can not only perfectly get rid of Entropy Syndrome, but also be further enhanced," Ai Yue said with a serious expression. "But the price to pay will be proportional."

"What's that saying again? 'Fireflies fly towards the flame, living even in the face of death.'"

Upon hearing those familiar words, Flowing Firefly suddenly blinked. In an instant, many images flashed through her mind, but in the end, they settled on a seemingly ordinary scene.

"I understand." Then, a determined smile appeared on her face. "Then, I choose the third option."

Living towards death sounds terrifying, but that's how she's always lived, hasn't it?

"Understood." Ai Yue nodded, then snapped his fingers. "Well then, grit your teeth."

Just as the Flowing Firefly was ready, she saw a warm light shine in front of her, which then blocked her entire vision.

At the same time, a warm feeling spread through my body, just like the warmth of basking in the sun in a dream.

But the next second, that warmth turned scorching, as if the sun hanging in the sky had suddenly fallen in front of her. Flowing Firefly felt that every part of her body was being burned, as if... her body was turning to ashes in a raging fire.

Even though she had prepared herself and had endured countless hardships, the girl still couldn't help but cry out at this moment.

Xingye heard Flowing Firefly's cry of pain and immediately lay down on the life support device to check on Flowing Firefly's condition. However, the entire interior of the life support pod was shrouded in pure white light, and even though he was so close, Xingye couldn't see anything at all.

However, trusting Ai Yue, she gradually calmed down and then looked at Ai Yue: "Actually, there's only one treatment option, right?"

"You can't even hide this from me?" Ai Yue was genuinely surprised this time. "Is it because the first two options sound unbalanced?"

"It's because you, Brother Yue, always strive for perfection. How could you possibly offer two half-baked solutions for people to choose from?" Xing said matter-of-factly, then looked at Ai Yue with expectant eyes, "So the risk of the last solution is also fake, right?"

"There's really no risk involved." Facing Xing's gaze, Ai Yue didn't intend to hide anything from her, "However, pain is certain."

After a pause, Ai Yue added, "Without experiencing the pain of rebirth, she cannot truly be reborn—in other words, if she cannot endure this pain, she will indeed fail."

Of course, the failure Ai Yue was referring to was not the inability to cure Entropy Syndrome, but rather the inability to go further and gain greater power even after curing Entropy Syndrome.

"She will succeed," Xing said without hesitation. "Flowing Firefly is strong and brave; this kind of thing won't be difficult for her!"

As if in response to her words, the light filling the entire life support pod suddenly began to flicker. As the flickering frequency increased, the light gradually transformed into a bluish-green hue, finally, before their very eyes, it coalesced into a bluish-white flame that shot into the sky.

Then Ai Yue pinned him down.

After all, we're still in a room; going too far would be inappropriate.

Of course, Ai Yue only suppressed most of the overflowing energy and did not affect the changes in the Flowing Firefly itself. Therefore, when the overflowing energy gradually stabilized and calmed down, the reborn Flowing Firefly reappeared in front of the two of them.

"It seems..." Xing carefully observed the Flowing Firefly floating in mid-air, then touched her chin, "There's no change?"

"If you want new clothes, go buy them yourself." Ai Yue tapped her on the head. "As for whether there have been any changes, why don't you just ask the person involved?"

As she spoke, Flowing Firefly slowly landed. She opened her eyes, and Xing felt a bluish-white flame flash across her pupils, as if it were the lingering warmth of the flame from just now.

Before the girl could even ask, Flowing Firefly showed a grateful expression. She bowed deeply to Ai Yue, expressing her gratitude with the utmost sincerity. "Thank you, Mr. Ai Yue... It really, it doesn't hurt anymore!"

As possibly the last person in the world Entropy Syndrome, no one understands every symptom of Entropy Syndrome better than her. Now, all the pain and discomfort have disappeared without a trace, replaced by a surging vitality flowing through her healthy body.

Without needing any additional testing, she was certain that the Entropy Syndrome that had long threatened her life like the Grim Reaper's scythe was now a thing of the past.

Now, she can finally shed her former identity as a "weapon" and truly live as a human being.

However, after the initial excitement and exhilaration gradually faded, a very real problem was placed before her.

"Uh, well," before the smile on her face had completely faded, Flowing Firefly became reserved again. She looked at Ai Yue with some difficulty and asked softly, "I don't know, what kind of reward should I pay for this?"

What does he possess? The only thing he can really offer is his ability as a weapon, right? But would the being that can so easily cure Entropy Syndrome truly value this power?

Just as the young woman was anxiously awaiting Ai Yue's offer, she received a reply that was as unexpected as when they first met.

"What kind of reward?" Hearing this question, Ai Yue raised an eyebrow. "A healthy body is something you should have all along."

"I'm simply returning the rules to you on behalf of the rules themselves."

Chapter 79 Empowering Every Dream

This belongs to you.

No one could imagine the shock Flowing Firefly felt when she heard Ai Yue say those words in such a matter-of-fact tone. Even she herself couldn't believe it—because her body reacted before her mind could process it.

"Eh... Ah, me?" Feeling liquid sliding down her cheek, Flowing Firefly frantically wiped it away, her expression revealing something she herself didn't understand. "Sorry, I lost my composure..."

Yes, she shouldn't be a manufactured expendable product, and "Entropy Syndrome" isn't an innate defect, but rather a shackle created later in life—she is a living, breathing human being!

She should have possessed a healthy body and a complete personality, but all of this was completely denied by the Grammar Republic, to the point that even though she had awakened her true self, she still unconsciously ignored this fact.

"But, this is different, isn't it?" After managing to calm herself down, Flowing Firefly continued, "Even if this is something I should have had all along, Mr. Ai Yue, you have no obligation to give it to me. In any case, this is a favor I need to repay, isn't it?"

"If you really want to put it that way... you can't say there's no obligation, can you?" Ai Yue scratched his head. "For example, if you make a wish to a star god, and a star god overhears you and grants your wish, would you say you should give them a reward?"

"Uh, I don't think so... After all, they're Star Gods," Flowing Firefly blinked, not understanding Ai Yue's thoughts, but still answered honestly, "I heard Elio say that Star Gods are like concepts, a manifestation of some kind of cosmic rule. Being healed by them is like a miracle, and it's hard to say that they expect anything in return, right?"

"So, just treat me like a star god," Ai Yue said bluntly, spreading his hands. "If you really feel bad, then consider it your mission reward—good job at Penacony, Miss Samuel."

"Huh?" Hearing this name from an unexpected person made Flowing Firefly's eyes widen instantly. "Why...?"

"Anyway, don't think too much about it, just enjoy your vacation." Ai Yue waved his hand. "I have other things to do, so I'll be going now."

After saying this, Ai Yue turned into a speck of light and disappeared from the spot, just as abruptly as he had arrived.

"Mr. Ai Yue is truly a decisive person," Flowing Firefly stared blankly at the spot where Ai Yue had disappeared for a moment before saying in a subtle tone, "But saying that he's regarded as a star god is really a bit puzzling..."

"Just take it literally, that's how we all do it." Xing was already used to it. "In a way, the only difference between Brother Yue and Star God is that he's more free than Star God."

"So it really means the literal meaning?" Flowing Firefly couldn't help but look bewildered. "I see. My so-called reward is meaningless to Mr. Ai Yue."

Just as the Flowing Firefly thought, how could a mortal repay a star god? The answer could only be "there is no way."

"You can't say that. Brother Yue really doesn't ask for anything in return," Xing scratched his head, seemingly thinking about how to explain. "I heard it from Sister Himeko. She said Brother Yue is like he has some kind of... subconscious complex. Never mind, it doesn't matter. In short, he's a born savior."

"A born savior?" Flowing Firefly repeated curiously, then a thoughtful expression appeared on her face. "I feel like I've heard that somewhere before..."

"Simply put, Brother Yue takes saving others, even the world, for granted, as if he was born to do it," Xing began to use his brain, which he didn't usually use, to try to explain to Flowing Firefly. "It's as if he's a savior in his hometown, the kind who single-handedly saved the entire civilization."

"This is really..." Flowing Firefly suddenly looked surprised. "How should I put it? It sounds very reliable."

"Right? With Brother Yue around, a lot of problems aren't problems at all!" Xing raised her head proudly, as if Flowing Firefly was praising her. "But we don't rely on him completely anymore. Brother Yue wasn't involved in the Penacony crisis this time, you know?"

"Of course I know, A Xing, you're the best!" Flowing Firefly looked at the girl's expectant expression and naturally went along with her words. "Alright, let's hurry back to the dream, otherwise your companions will get worried when they can't find you."

Although Flowing Firefly can now move freely in the real world with this body, the world in her dreams is clearly more interesting than the luxury hotels in reality.