In the year 3112 of the Zeno Calendar, the New Turtle Hermit returned from its first construction mission for inspection stations in Universe 12. The mission had lasted a full two years. The fourth-generation inspectors had built the first Star Topology relay nodes along the edge of Universe 12, weaving the first complete cross-universe communications network for that newborn starfield. The return log was written by Talos's granddaughter. On the final page, she wrote—"The first inspection stations in Universe 12 have all been completed. Lonely One's heartbeat pulses now cover the entirety of the new universe. The Guides' markers now extend to the borders of Universe 12. Universe 12 is no longer an isolated island. From today onward, it shares the same Connection Sea with all other universes." When the log was closed, the bridge fell silent for a moment—not from exhaustion, but because every mark of a new coordinate in the voyage log meant a farewell. And this time, they were bidding farewell to Universe 12 itself. It no longer needed the gaze of guardians; it only needed the exchanges of neighbors.
Lonely One's pale golden sphere of light floated above the Star Topology's main node, its heartbeat pulses steady and gentle. It had never left that spot over the past several decades—from the time it had been awakened in the void by the blue-skinned girl during the New Turtle Hermit's maiden voyage, to the day it witnessed Universe 12 awaken from its slumber. Through every inspection mission, it had hovered above the main node like a desk lamp that needed no electricity. Now, on the return journey, it was still there, but everyone on the bridge felt differently from when they had set out. Not because the mission was complete, but because they all vaguely understood—the fourth generation