Chapter 145
Within the underground hub of Zhelong Town, Super AI named Dream Weaver uses the reach of human technology to survey the entire world, collecting and refining all data to produce the most accurate information, which is then broadcast to the upper echelons of the Donghuang Federation.
"[Pure White] has stopped trembling, the etheric reaction has begun to subside, the collapse has ended, the high wall has entered a self-repairing state, and the red alert for global armed forces has been temporarily lifted."
"This collapse lasted for 5 minutes and 37 seconds. During this time, the activity of most [Calamity Species] increased sharply. Currently, as [Pure White] rapidly repairs itself, it is quickly freezing again and entering a crash."
"For safety reasons, all research institutes worldwide that deal with the Calamity Beasts have voluntarily raised their danger level by one level, and more Combat Power are needed to be stationed near the thirteen restricted areas."
"Currently, there are only 27 idol teams that possess all three roles: [Witch], [Calamity Shell], and [Fuel]. The progress of <Flash Dance> must be accelerated, and the competition format must be changed; otherwise, there is a 73.981% probability that the cleanup plan will not be able to keep up with the rate at which [Pure White] collapses."
The words had barely left his mouth.
The atmosphere in the room was heavy.
The Thirteen Forbidden Zones are different from those [Calamity Species] that can be forcibly moved or even placed into research labs using various technological means.
All the [Calamity Species] located within it have taken root and are restricted by certain rules. Humans cannot even approach the area, let alone study it.
Most importantly, a super-level [Calamity Species] is lurking at the very center of the restricted area.
If we say that the Calamity Species classification from S-level to E-Class falls within the scope of current technological responses, then...
Within that forbidden zone, a heart pounded constantly. The [Calamity Species], the source of the rules, was akin to a divine embryo. If it were to truly be born and descend into the world, the consequences would be far beyond what our current civilization could bear.
Therefore, the thirteen restricted areas are the highest priority targets for elimination.
Only by eradicating these malignant tumors rooted in human civilization can we have a chance to nip the apocalypse in the bud and embrace the precious peace for a long time.
The crowd was buzzing with discussion:
"Time, we need time."
"The situation isn't at its worst yet. After the turmoil ended, [Pure White] recovered at a much faster rate than usual. I believe [Pure White] will buy humanity enough time to complete its plan."
"So what's the reason? What caused [Pure White] to return to normal so quickly? You have to understand, the scale of this upheaval is unprecedented. If we can't find the variables involved, it's hard to say it wasn't just a last gasp before death."
"Supernatural powers cannot overcome fate. Regardless of the internal factors, all we can do is race against time as much as possible and wait with hope."
At this moment,
Dream Weaver Looking down at the surroundings, the data stream at the bottom of its pupils surged rapidly. From a satellite's perspective, it glimpsed the City of God. On the distant Mont Blanc, a statue of Jesus, tens of meters tall, opened its arms to the world. At His feet was a Catholic church.
Seventeen years ago, pilgrims frequently made the pilgrimage there.
Back then, a cable car would take you from the foot of the mountain to walk. As you climbed upwards, the vines, like those of a tropical rainforest, would leave tiny, colorful marks on the glass. Jesus would slowly emerge from the colorful light during the process, first as the tips of his hair, then his broad back, his profile, and finally his chest.
It was a scene imbued with religious significance and a sense of holiness, a sight that was truly awe-inspiring.
Therefore, every year Christians pray devoutly to brush the dust off the back of Jesus' feet, reach the feet of this God, and admire the magnificent sight of the sun shining on the golden mountain.
All of this ended 17 years ago.
That Pure White High Wall spans mountains and seas, sealing off billions of [Calamity Species] and suppressing thirteen forbidden zones.
The Mont Blanc is clearly one of the restricted areas.
From that day onward, twilight was permanently frozen in the airspace above the statue of Jesus.
Within the hollow of this statue, densely packed [Calamity Species], like insect eggs, are implanted. The most terrifying calamity lies hidden in the center of thick clouds, like a monarch overlooking his territory, extending the twilight over a fixed area and creating a bewitching illusion.
Over the past 17 years, thousands of civilians and explorers have been permanently lost and killed in it.
Based on years of research and speculation, once the suppression of [Pure White] is lost, the eternal twilight will expand wildly, instantly engulfing this City of God and submerging the entire kingdom like a tsunami.
Dream Weaver overlooked this scene, its ethereal and mechanical intelligence suddenly loaded into the Dream Weaver Rabbit's personality module, returning to the mascot's posture, revealing a joyful smile, celebrating and praising:
"Gentlemen, a major change has occurred in the forbidden zone of Mont Blanc. The domain that originally encompassed most of the mountain is now shrinking back to the Catholic church beneath the Christ the Redeemer statue."
"The activity of the [Calamity Species] within it has also returned from the worst state of being on the verge of breaking free to the safest state of being frozen."
"In other words, this collapse and riot in [Pure White] was to suppress this forbidden zone!"
The words had barely left his mouth.
The entire room fell silent for a moment, then the atmosphere became incredibly enthusiastic.
[Pure White] still has the strength to suppress the resurgence of the forbidden zone. Does this mean that things aren't as bad as they imagine? That High Wall... perhaps it can hold until the Kindling Project is fully implemented before it truly collapses?!
"Praise [pure white]."
Even on the verge of collapse, it continues to do its utmost to protect human civilization.
"Although its creator is unknown, its 17 years of protection are enough to call it the Savior of all mankind."
"The most active restricted area has been suppressed by [Pure White], which allows us to temporarily reduce our deployment there and instead focus on supporting the other restricted areas. This is a huge help."
"Perhaps we should discuss the format of the upcoming 'Flash Dance' competition. How can we speed up the process while maintaining the original atmosphere and not giving any 'Witch' candidates any incentive?"
"Indeed, even though [Pure White] still favors the world, no one knows when it will reach its limit. I think perhaps we can make some moves on the field."
For a moment, everyone dug out their past records and began a heated discussion, occasionally glancing at the seemingly eternally existing Pure White High Wall and uttering devout praises.
Area A1, private cinema.
Chu Yuanqing was completely unaware that a bunch of people were praising her. Her mind was filled with the strange feeling of being intimately close to the Green Eyed Cat after seeing Charlotte. Her pupils were unfocused, and she had a kind of melancholy that showed she had lost all sense of propriety. She looked somewhat absent-minded.
There was no way around it. Although she had always been attached to the Green Eyed Cat as a mother, it was all limited to emotional factors. This time, however, she really broke the rules and did something that only a mother would normally do.
Even though it didn't involve the exchange of bodily fluids and therefore didn't have Magic Replenishment effect, precisely because it didn't involve those things, she couldn't find an excuse to deny those naturally occurring bodily reactions.
Even though she possessed an exceptionally strong will and could effortlessly feign those feelings throughout, she still couldn't escape the voice deep within her heart.
Chu Yuanqing didn't dwell on this for long, but suddenly realized that he might have been too lenient with Liuli, even spoiling her.
For some reason, a sound like hitting a transparent wall echoed in my ears.
A subtle sense of déjà vu arose in Chu Yuanqing's heart. Her consciousness paused for a moment, and Charlotte's meaningful smile appeared in her mind. But she eventually sank into her chaotic thoughts, shook her head, and stopped thinking about it.
Perhaps it's because this child, Liuli, is somewhat like some people I've forgotten.
Over the years, as her memory has become increasingly fragmented and empty, she often finds a sense of déjà vu in certain people and events—a vague, dreamlike illusion that vanishes at the slightest touch.
More important than such trivial matters are the dramatic changes in the illusion.
If the hallucinations that used to occur every three days have all been updated to this extent, it will be difficult for her to maintain a normal mental state and continue to pursue her idol and the stage.
Chu Yuanqing murmured to himself:
"At the rate at which the curse intensifies, this level of Magic Replenishment is completely insufficient."
Even if you always find a suitable person nearby to Magic Replenishment, you'll quickly fall behind the curse's rampage debuff and enter a vicious cycle.
"Currently, there are only three ways to improve the Magic Replenishment effect."
"That is, quantity, quality, and Magic Replenishment method."
"Let's set aside quantity and Magic Replenishment methods for now; the most decisive factor is quality."
Simply put, she becomes an "accomplice" to Flash Dance, urging the Little Idol around her to quickly transform into Magical Girl, thereby improving the quality of the Magic Replenishment targets.
To be honest, since Magic Replenishment with oneself also has the effect of optimizing [Cocoon of the Heart], this is a win-win situation for both parties.
But choosing this path means that she has to be close to the people she supports every day, optimizing their "Cocoon of the Heart" while ensuring they maintain a good growth curve.
Charlotte in the illusion was also clearly aware of Chu Yuanqing's predicament.
So what she said at the end was, "Xiaoqing, remember, when you kiss other girls in the future, you're not allowed to think of me," rather than a jealous warning like, "You're not allowed to kiss other girls."
Suppressing her shame, Chu Yuanqing thought carefully. She felt that if she were to choose someone to support in Magic Replenishment energy, the best choices would be Yayoi, Qingxuan, and only then Little Liuli.
Little Sakura have the best Magic Replenishment effect.
Golden Haired Doggy are the most obedient dogs.
The Green Eyed Cat is too wicked; it will take advantage of you. Consider it last.
As for the other two members of the Green Plum Group who were awarded the artificial lanterns, their relationship is complicated and difficult to unravel, so there's not much point in bringing them along.
After all, not all girls can accept being kissed by her... right?
As Chu Yuanqing thought about this, he suddenly realized something terrifying.
That is, since some point, the Little Idol willing to kiss her, or willing to be kissed by her, has become so large that they could almost fill a mahjong table.
Chu Yuanqing was puzzled and didn't understand it at all.
That's strange, why is that? She hasn't done anything wrong, has she?
Kiriwake Yayoi was completely unaware that her beloved was struggling with something. She sat beside him, her posture very proper, and one could vaguely see that she was a little nervous.
The word "dating" is a magical catalyst, naturally adding a filter of ambiguity to some mundane things, thus triggering more unexpected collisions of hormones.
Kiriwake Yayoi both craved this unexpected turn of events and somewhat resisted it.
Because what she wanted was not Chu Yuanqing's [needs], but Chu Yuanqing's liking and love.
The latter, however, is difficult to produce through momentary desires and dopamine.
The movie theater wasn't big; it was the kind of family-sized theater with only six or seven seats.
Because the film selector was Little Sakura, and the film was an Island Nation film, the genre was hard to define. It could be considered a coming-of-age film, and since it was a story of two girls redeeming each other, it also had a bit of a sensual feel to it.
The film has a great sense of cinematography, focusing on a world with only two people, where others are like illusory pieces of paper, only making a rustling sound in the wind.
Thus, the story becomes clear: it recounts the pain of two girls' youth, the cruelty of society and family they experience, their attempts to redeem each other, yet their failures, which makes the film's tone turn a cold, pale white.
Kiriwake Yayoi gradually became immersed in it.
It was a bluish-green, hazy world, a desolate wasteland of loneliness, where only the laughter of girls could bring a touch of warmth.
School bullying, dysfunctional families, and underage suicide—these sensitive and classic elements blend together to create a somewhat hazy and indistinct picture.
"Silkworms do not feel pain."
"Silkworm pupae should not be cut open from the outside; they must be boiled in boiling water."
This is a line spoken by the teacher in the movie, which seems to be some kind of metaphor.
Kiriwake Yayoi somewhat dazed. She recalled the white silkworm clinging to the girl's fair wrist, and almost at the same time, the heroine in the movie uttered the same words:
"The silkworm gives silk to humankind, but it has no mouth to eat, no wings to fly, and can only live for a couple of days. And... no one will pity it."
This sentence is nothing special, and even when considered in the context of the movie's plot, it doesn't warrant any dramatic emotional fluctuations.
But for some inexplicable reason, a strong sense of déjà vu welled up in my mind.
It was like a scabbed wound being torn open, the blood flowing out making a dripping sound in my heart.
Chu Yuanqing didn't think much of it. Perhaps because she had experienced the sorrow of too many people, she found it difficult to stir up any extra emotions by watching a movie. From this sentence, she could only discern the Island Nation aesthetic of mono no aware (the pathos of things).
Even from God's perspective, she bears a strange resemblance to the silkworm in the movie.
Chu Yuanqing casually said:
"From the time the silkworm eggs hatch until the silkworm moth dies, it takes approximately 56 days."
"This period of time is much longer than that of a mayfly, which lives only a day; at least they can leave behind silk threads, leaving traces of their existence."
Little Sakura nodded silently, the [Cocoon of the Heart] deep within her soul shining brightly. As a cracking sound gradually faded within it, the movie images on the screen seemed to be crumpled.
In a mere moment of distraction, all the strangeness vanished.
However, her mood remained low for a long time, causing her to forget to talk to Chu Yuanqing and stare blankly at the movie in silence.
As time passed, the film ended with the two girls failing to fulfill their travel promise, and one of them committing suicide, making it a complete tragedy and a classic example of Island Nation coming-of-age melancholy literature.
Kiriwake Yayoi sighed. She regretted not looking for reviews before watching the film. The film's color tone was too somber, and the romance between the girls ended in ambiguity, tragically concluding with betrayal and suicide, leaving her with a strange feeling.
Although it contains some neodymium copper, it can't compare to some well-known neodymium copper movies at all, and it fails to create the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to date a girl.
Having already seen it all, all I can do is accept the mistake, learn from it, and apply it to my next date.
Little Sakura glanced at the time and realized that she had already watched the movie for almost two hours. After the movie, she would have to go back to the practice room to train. She was extremely annoyed and couldn't help but pinch her thigh hard, feeling that she was really stupid.
Waaaaah, how could I be so stupid?
Going to the movies is the most common way to go on a date.
However, it's important to know that the real purpose of watching a movie is usually to find topics to talk about, or even to extend the time until the evening or mealtime, so as to spend more time with the other person.
Given that a date only lasts two hours, going to the movies basically eliminates the chance to talk.
Kiriwake Yayoi's mind was entirely focused on dressing up and how to invite people, and she hadn't even considered whether going to the movies was appropriate. She sighed inwardly, suppressed her regret, and reluctantly stood up, forcing a smile as she said:
"Xiao Qing, let's go, training is about to start."