A low hum echoed through the pitch-black space.
In the deepest chamber of the Mechanical Micro-City, surrounding a faintly blue cylinder at the center, an array of precision instruments flickered dimly like breathing.
The entire facility was carrying out its procedures according to the predetermined plan.
But in an instant, something unforeseen seemed to occur without warning.
As a line of information appeared on the monitoring log screen, as though some condition had been fulfilled, every instrument suddenly sprang into operation.
Various physical examinations began. Biological data appeared one item after another, and the moment every reading exceeded the preset standard, the system intelligence carried out a step ahead of schedule.
As the sound of countless bubbles rising in pursuit rang out—
The pale blue liquid inside the central chamber drained away, and the cylindrical glass wall unlocked and opened!
Her white dress was soaked through and clung to her body. Her exposed arms and legs were incredibly slender and delicate, while droplets still hung from the pale golden hair draped over her shoulders.
The young girl leaned against the edge of the base, breathing softly as if she were taking a nap beneath a tree.
Only after quite some time did she hazily open those pale golden eyes.
"Master, you have awakened."
Upon detecting Ling's awakening, Il's voice sounded as usual.
As she awoke from hibernation once more, the lights came on and the drying system activated. While her consciousness gradually cleared in the warm air, she looked at the hibernation chamber filled with instruments before her.
White rabbits, forests, palaces, tea parties, red-and-black playing-card castles. Scenes from that incredible land flashed through her mind in an instant.
Ling felt as if she had had a bizarre dream filled with strange implications.
Pressing a hand to her forehead, she