Chapter 392

After a short while, the speed at which the shadow changed also decreased significantly, as if each consciousness was able to briefly regain some clarity.

Then everyone saw the shadow reach out its hand towards March 7th.

"Ah! A ghost!" March 7th screamed and hid behind Xing, grabbing Dan Heng to shield her completely. "Don't come any closer!"

"Stay calm. Just as we can't reach him, he can't reach us either." Ai Yue smiled. "Let's listen to what he has to say."

He snapped his fingers, and then a broken voice echoed in everyone's hearts, "March... Seventh, please save... Yiting..."

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent. After a moment, Xing scratched his head and asked, "Did he just mention 'Yiting'?"

"That's true." Black Swan said calmly, but her usual smile had vanished; clearly, this matter had exceeded her expectations. "But why is Onfaros involved with Yiting? And it sounds like a very serious matter."

The fact that this event can be described as "saving" clearly indicates that it has affected Yi Ting's life or death. But as a world isolated from the rest of the world, what ability does Onfaros have to accomplish such a thing?

"But how did he know my name?" March 7th peeked out from between the two. "It sounds pretty creepy..."

"During the time you felt weak, you clearly established some kind of connection with these consciousnesses," Ai Yue explained. "If we hadn't stopped it in time, your consciousness and memories would likely have been 'hijacked' by these people and taken elsewhere."

"Other places?" Dan Heng frowned. "Could it be Onfaros?"

"There probably aren't any other options right now, but what could be a crisis that could shake Yiting?" Himeko frowned. "If only we could talk to him."

"This won't do, this one's just a bit of obsession," Ai Yue closed his eyes, then opened them again after a moment. "I'll try something else."

After saying that, he reached out and stabbed into the phantom. As the light intensified, the outline of the shadow in front of him changed slightly.

"March 7th, March 7th..." This time, everyone heard a woman's voice, "Please come with me to Onfaros to save Yiting..."

This time, her speech was very coherent, which was enough to prove that her remaining consciousness should be able to establish communication.

"What exactly happened in Onfaros?" Ai Yue seized the opportunity to ask. "Why does it have to be March 7th?"

"March 7th, she... is special." Shadow responded to Ai Yue's question, but she didn't seem to realize how her current environment had changed. "Her 'memories'... can prevent the disaster from happening..."

"It's no different from saying nothing at all," Xing sighed. "Why is it always the same old story? Are there no normal people left in the Memory User?"

"I can't pretend I didn't hear that," the Black Swan stepped forward. "Let me give it a try. Since we're both Memory User, perhaps I can uncover more secrets..."

"Wait, you can't get support from outside forces right now," Ai Yue stopped him. "Using your own power recklessly might cause your existence to collapse!"

The reason Black Swan received extra care from Ai Yue was because her existence was fundamentally different from everyone else's—she was merely a meme, not a real life form on a physical level. It could be said that among everyone present, Black Swan had the highest need for the power of destiny.

Once she loses the support of her memories and destiny, her existence is very likely to collapse directly.

Now, using the methods of the Memory User in this space where there is no destiny could lead to such an outcome. At that time, even Ai Yue would probably have a hard time protecting her.

"Don't worry, Mr. Ai Yue. I'm an experienced Memory User, after all. I know what I'm doing." Black Swan smiled. "Besides, this whole thing started because of me, so I naturally bear the responsibility."

After saying this, her figure also became blurry, and then overlapped with that shadow.

The next instant, the Black Swan's figure sprang out from the phantom, flickered twice, and then regained its stability. However, the slight shock that had just faded from her face still revealed the danger of the process.

"Phew, that was quite a thrilling experience." Black Swan recovered slightly, then smiled. "However, I did see... something terrifying seems to be about to be born within Onfaros."

"So, the being about to be born from Onfaros will pose a threat to the Memory Court?" Dan Heng analyzed. "And what these Memory User want March 7th to do is prevent its birth?"

"That sounds like a really difficult task..." March 7th couldn't help but complain, "It's definitely not something a weak woman like me could do, is it?"

"Yes, so whatever you do, don't agree to their request!"

The person who responded to her was a gentle yet slightly playful unfamiliar girl.

Everyone present was stunned for a moment, and then involuntarily turned their gaze to the illusory figure in front of them—only she could utter such an unfamiliar voice.

At this moment, the outline of the phantom changed again. It became smaller, looking about the height of a child, and the voice just now was clearly hers.

"Wow, there are so many people! That's surprising." Seemingly sensing the surrounding gazes, the phantom shifted a few times. "Could you stop staring so intently at me? It's making me a little shy~"

That sound...

Ai Yue couldn't help but frown.

"She's so clear-headed," Sunday said. "Unlike everyone else before, perhaps this time we can finally establish effective communication?"

"You mean I'm fully conscious? Thanks for the compliment." Hearing Sunday's words, the girl chuckled softly, then her tone turned somewhat dejected. "Unfortunately, effective communication will probably be difficult, because I've lost my memory."

"Huh, what happened?" March 7th, who had thought she would finally get some information, looked disappointed. "I thought I would finally find out what kind of place Onfaros is."

"Although I've lost my memory, there are some things I can still tell you," the girl said again after hearing this. "For example, Onfaros ... that's my hometown, but it's not a gentle world."

"Not gentle, which means extremely dangerous?" Xing frowned immediately. "Alright, I suggest we retreat immediately. Target: Lusaka!"

"No, wait a moment," Himeko shook her head. She could tell that Hoshi was trying to lighten the mood, so she smiled slightly. "Do you know anything about the dangerous being that is about to be born in Onfaros?"

"I'm sorry, I really can't help with that either," the girl sighed softly. "But one thing is certain: those sounds have lured many people into Onfaros, but no one has ever come out safely."

"No wonder there are so many residual consciousnesses; it seems there are definitely more than just one or two Memory User." Dan Heng stroked his chin. "Now, what should we say? Whom should we believe?"

"At least this girl is trying to dissuade us," March 7th said. "On one hand, she's trying to seduce me without saying a word, and on the other hand, she's trying to prevent us from getting into danger. It sounds like this side is more believable."

"Thank you, March 7th." The girl smiled slightly. "But I do have a name, you know. I forgot to introduce myself earlier. My name is Xi Lian —ripples from the past. How about that? Pretty nice, right?"

"Indeed." Xing nodded. "Thank you, Xi Lian."

"You're welcome," Xi Lian replied. "So, you guys..."

Before she could finish speaking, the illusory figure fluctuated once more, transforming into another form, and reached out towards March 7th: "Help... Yiting... You are all... children of 'Memory'..."

"What a powerful obsession," the Black Swan couldn't help but sigh. "From this perspective, I think the obsession of those Memory User is probably not unfounded. There is indeed something terrifying brewing within Onfaros."

"The two sides' statements are not contradictory; in fact, they corroborate each other. For example, it is precisely because a terrible calamity is brewing that all those Memory User entered it have been trapped," Himeko said. "Now it's up to us to choose."

"Master, what do you think?" Sunday couldn't help but look at Ai Yue, who had remained silent until now. "I'm afraid only you can make the decision now."

"Personally, I tend to agree with Xi Lian's explanation," Ai Yue said slowly. "However, the obsession of those Memory User cannot be ignored. If there is indeed something that could threaten the existence of the Memory Court, then it is certain that once it arrives, the Memory Court will not be the only one to suffer."

"We've started, so let's get to it, right?" Xing pulled out a hammer, perfectly timed. "I'll lead the charge!"

"Calm down," Ai Yue couldn't help but shake his head with a smile. "I think since this is so dangerous, I should be the one to take the lead. So, I'll go first this time. You guys wait for my news in the car."

"I don't think that will work, Ai Yue. Precisely because this mission is dangerous, you shouldn't be the first to go," Himeko objected. "First, your strength is too great, and you risk alerting the enemy. Second, this is a completely unknown environment. If you get caught up in it, we'll be even more helpless."

Although Ai Yue really wanted to say, "Who in the world can limit me?", he thought carefully about how he had only seen one in a billion of the universe so far, and he swallowed his boast.

"So it's still up to us, right?" Xing nudged Dan Heng with his elbow triumphantly. "With the two of us combined, how could we possibly be a match for each other?"

"Um, I have an idea..." Just then, March 7th suddenly raised her hand timidly, "Is it possible that we can... use multiple approaches simultaneously?"

"A multi-pronged approach?" Himeko paused for a moment, then said, "Little Sanyue, you..."

"You see, since so many Memory User are calling for me, it means I might actually be able to play a role, right?" March 7th continued, "In that case, I'll infiltrate Onfaros through the Memory User, and then you guys, A Xing, can use the Pathfinders' methods to get in there. That way, we'll have an extra layer of security, won't we?"

"That way, we might be able to coordinate an attack from within and without, and break through this mysterious place in one fell swoop!"

Chapter 95 Onfaros: Hey buddy, take a look and open the box for me?

Upon hearing March 7th's words, everyone present fell silent.

March 7th thought everyone was worried about her safety and was about to add something when she saw Xing quietly take two steps back to the side, putting distance between them.

"Who are you?" She looked at March 7th with suspicion, sizing him up. "A Qi couldn't possibly have come up with such an idea!"

Not only Xing, but everyone else also showed similar emotions to varying degrees. Obviously, it was a very strange thing for March 7th to make such a suggestion, no matter how you looked at it.

"So you really think I'm stupid, huh!" March 7th glared at her, annoyed. "I thought you guys were worried about me, what a waste of my feelings!"

"That is indeed a crucial factor," Dan Heng continued, "Given the unclear situation within Onfaros, sending you to act alone is far too risky."

"Little March, this matter is of great importance, and it involves more than just your safety." Himeko looked at him seriously. "Therefore, I want to hear your true thoughts on this matter—why did you suddenly propose such a plan? Do you sense something?"

The reason why everyone was surprised by March 7th's proposal was not only because it was somewhat beyond March 7th capabilities, but also because her decision to act alone was different from her usual behavior.

Therefore, they must determine the exact reason why March 7th made such a statement, and whether it was due to some external interference.

"How should I put it, it's just a... gut feeling?" March 7th scratched his head, his face full of confusion that he couldn't quite explain. "Although it might be a bit wishful thinking, I always feel like I'm actually quite important... haha."

"Intuition?" Himeko repeated, then looked at Ai Yue beside her.

"No traces of interference were found." Ai Yue naturally understood Himeko's meaning, so he shook his head. "Moreover, unless I give permission, nothing from the outside can enter this space."

"What?" March 7th finally realized, "So you guys were worried I'd been brainwashed?"

"We've only just arrived in Onfaros and we've already encountered such a bizarre situation. We must rule out this possibility," Himeko nodded, then her expression softened. "However, since this truly is your intuition, we should respect your opinion."

"Wait, Himeko," Dan Heng spoke first, "Are we really going to do this? What about Mitsuki..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but it was clear that Dan Heng wasn't entirely comfortable with March 7th acting alone.

"The journey of exploration is destined to be fraught with difficulties, and sometimes it will leave us in a dilemma, like we are now," Himeko smiled and then said, "But it is precisely in times like these that we must trust our hearts—so I will respect Mitsuki's intuition."

"Hey, don't worry, it's just splitting up. It's not like we won't meet up again." March 7th patted Dan Heng on the shoulder, then said the most crucial sentence, "Besides, we still have Brother Yue, right?"

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the room first froze, then quickly relaxed.

Indeed, the tallest person is right here; even if the sky were to fall, it shouldn't be their concern.

"Although I said before... well, this is indeed a special case." Himeko said this with a straight face at first, but then she couldn't hold back anymore, "Ai Yue, what are your thoughts?"

"It's worth a try, and I can guarantee March 7th's absolute safety." Ai Yue nodded, but then added, "But we can't act immediately—give me some time beforehand."

Thus, after the initial plan was finalized, Ai Yue began his experiment.

To ensure March 7th's safety, Ai Yue placed her directly in his carriage after deactivating the Pure Mode, and had Pardofelis guard her. This way, even if Onfaros could hijack March 7th's consciousness and memories through the carriage, Pardofelis would be able to detect it.

After completing this step, Ai Yue attempted to break through the chaotic substance enveloping Onfaros in order to uncover the true identity of this mysterious world.

But the result was beyond his expectations.

"It failed?"

As Ai Yue slowly opened his eyes, Himeko's concerned voice came through. Looking at the expression on Ai Yue's face, she couldn't help but speculate about the outcome of this attempt. "Could it be that even you couldn't break through that layer of chaotic matter?"

"No, it succeeded. That thing is just a specially programmed energy structure; aside from being a bit old-fashioned, there's not much to say about it." Ai Yue shook his head slightly, a subtle expression on his face. "But that's precisely why the result is somewhat... surprising."

Ai Yue stood up and said, "Himeko, could you please call everyone over? I'll also go invite a few special guests."

A moment later, everyone except March 7th and Pardofelis gathered in the observation car. The two who had to be absent were given cameras to participate in the meeting remotely.

Even with some people absent, the observation car was even more lively than before, because in addition to the train crew, there were also several virtual projections on site.

"You contacted me so quickly, is something serious?" The projections of Black Tower and Screwllum appeared beside Ai Yue, curiously examining the large infinity symbol outside the window. "Wow, this is Onfaros? It's quite unique indeed."

"Hello everyone." Screwllum greeted everyone politely before saying, "If things were complicated, I don't think Mr. Ai Yue would have come to us. Conclusion: things may be a bit troublesome, but the key is that they are very interesting."

"That's true. Wait a moment, there's still someone who hasn't arrived." Ai Yue said with his eyes closed, then opened them again after a moment. "Tsk, it's still quite a distance."

Along with his voice, another white projection appeared in the carriage.

"Hello everyone, I'm Vill-V, you can also call me the Great Magician!" Along with the projection came a lively voice with a slightly strange tone, "What brings you here this time? I'm very busy, Ai Yue."

"What are you so busy with? I've heard that Mei has cut off all your funding and supply channels. You can't even start a stove without using up all your savings." Ai Yue glanced at her with a subtle look. "Or are you doing something that you'd rather use up all your savings to get it done quickly?"

"How could that be? I'm very honest!" Vill-V immediately raised her hands in surrender, then tried to change the subject, "Wow, what's that 8 outside? It looks so cool!"

"Vill-V, Vill-V ... I remember now," Black Tower suddenly exclaimed, his eyes widening. "Machine Head updated the Genius Club roster a while ago, but then deleted it again. Wasn't that person's name?"

"It is indeed her, but that's not important right now." Ai Yue walked to the window and pressed his hand against it. "In short, I called you here because I discovered this—"

As light shone from his palm, the windows in front of him were quickly turned pure white, and within this pure white, Onfaros, surrounded by a band of white light, finally revealed its true form.

It was a huge, cold, metal behemoth composed of countless complex mechanical parts.

"No way?" Black Tower blurted out, then exchanged a glance with Screwllum. "Another one who slipped through the net?"

"Unfortunately, it seems that's the case at present." Screwllum slightly, his eyes shining behind his glasses. "The conclusion is that this is a lost, still functioning 'Emperor's Scepter'."

"Emperor's Scepter?" Xing repeated curiously, then scratched his head. "This thing doesn't even look like a scepter as much as my baseball bat."

"The Emperor's Scepter is just a name; its essence is a stellar-level supercomputer," Screwllum explained. "The one who created them is Rupert II, the Mechanical Emperor, seated sixty-sixth in the Genius Club. Note: They were modeled after the way of thinking of the Boshizun."

"Hey, isn't that just..." Upon hearing this, Vill-V instinctively started to speak, glancing at Ai Yue at the same time, before abruptly shutting her mouth, "Nothing, I didn't say anything!"

Ai Yue glanced warily at Vill-V. Based on his understanding of the woman, he could sense trouble brewing from that half-sentence. Unfortunately, it was clearly not the time to dwell on this, so Ai Yue had no choice but to put it aside for the time being.

"In short, this is not a world in the normal sense," Ai Yue concluded. "Currently, it is not capable of normally nurturing life."

"What happened to Xi Lian?" Black Swan asked doubtfully, "Her consciousness is strong enough, and she personally admitted that her hometown is Ompharos. If this is just a machine, how could it have given birth to a consciousness like Xi Lian's?"

"Xi Lian? And who is that?" Black Tower shifted his gaze to Black Swan, raising an eyebrow. "It seems something interesting has indeed happened in Onfaros?"

"... That's the situation." After briefly explaining March 7th's condition and Xi Lian's matter, Ai Yue looked at Black Tower and Screwllum, "In your opinion, is it possible for such an Emperor's Scepter to create a real world inside?"

"If it were the Emperor's Scepter at its peak, perhaps it could really do such a thing," Black Tower stared at the mechanical behemoth outside the window and slowly shook his head, "But there's only one right now, so I don't think it will work—at best, it can create a fictional data world, and that's about the limit."

"I share the same view, but the key issue is actually the terrifying being that those Memory User are talking about about to be born," Screwllum said calmly. "Based on the existing clues, my conclusion is that—within Onfaros, there is a high possibility that a Commander is being conceived."

"That's... pretty much what we expected." Himeko sighed. "The only problem is, what kind of destiny will that messenger have?"