Ark Simulator: Don't I Have a Physical Body?

[Um.]

Her voice responded softly, with a gentleness rarely seen in her life. Hoshiguma could sense something warm dwelling deep within her consciousness—like a silvery moonlight, carrying the coolness of mint and the woody scent of cedar.

"I see..." She gently stroked her long green hair, her tone filled with understanding and acceptance, "You need a temporary place to stay?"

[Sorry to bother you.] Su Rui's voice was apologetic. [The energy is not stable enough; it needs a carrier.]

Hoshiguma looked up at the azure sky, sunlight reflecting off her demon horns with an emerald sheen. "It's alright, you can stay as long as you want."

She picked up the beer can and shook it gently. "Want a sip? Even though you can't taste it right now."

[You can give it a try.]

The next second, Hoshiguma felt a cool, sweet sensation on the tip of her tongue, as if someone had dripped a drop of honey onto her taste buds. She blinked in surprise. "This is..."

[Shared taste.] Su Rui's voice was tinged with laughter, [though incomplete.]

"That's amazing..." Hoshiguma smiled gently, the fine lines at the corners of her eyes smoothing out. "Then consider it a welcome party."

In the days that followed, they developed a wonderful tacit understanding.

In the early morning, as the first rays of sunlight pierce through the curtains, Hoshiguma feels a gentle awakening—not the jarring sound of an alarm clock, but a touch of consciousness like the falling dew.

"Good morning, Su Rui." That was always her soft greeting, her fingers running through her long green hair.

[morning.]

She was met with a warm wave of response, as if someone had given her a hug in her mind.

During Lungmen Guard Department meeting, when Hoshiguma needed to recall details of a case, the relevant memories would automatically unfold in her mind like pages of a book—it was Su Rui helping her organize her thoughts. Occasionally, a few lines of neat handwriting would appear in her notes, a stark contrast to her own bold handwriting.

"Thank you," she would murmur to herself, her fingertips gently tracing the words.

[You're welcome.]

On the training field, Hoshiguma wielded her long-handled axe with even greater fluidity. She could feel Su Rui's combat experience flowing into her muscle memory like a gentle stream, every movement carrying a shared rhythm between the two. The young operators marveled at her progress, unaware that it was a dance of two souls working together.

"Good teamwork." During the break, Hoshiguma leaned against the weapon rack, wiping the sweat from her forehead with a towel.

You learn very quickly.

Su Rui's voice was approving, Hoshiguma could feel a ripple of pleasure spreading deep within his consciousness, like sunlight shimmering on a lake. Their evening showers became their unique time for connection. Hot water washed over Hoshiguma's muscular body, and steam filled the bathroom.

"The old injury on my left shoulder seems to be getting better." She checked her body in the mirror, her fingers lightly touching the scar.

[Continue with medication.]

Su Rui's voice was like a gentle stream of water, Hoshiguma could feel a warmth enveloping her left shoulder, relieving the aches and pains that had accumulated over the years.

"Okay, doctor." She smiled and shook her head, her long green hair flowing like seaweed in the water.

Sometimes, Hoshiguma would deliberately hum ancient Eastern Kingdom rhymes while taking a bath. Although Su Rui never commented, she could feel the tranquil fluctuations emanating from the depths of his consciousness—it was him listening quietly.

In the third week of symbiosis, Hoshiguma discovered an interesting phenomenon.

Whenever she passed by the Wenyue Estate, Su Rui's presence became exceptionally clear. It was like a calm lake suddenly rippled, carrying a certain restrained longing.

"Want to see her?" Hoshiguma asked softly, standing on a street corner overlooking the courtyard of the Wenyue Estate.

After a moment of silence, she felt a slight tremor deep within her consciousness, like a nod.

Hoshiguma found an excuse to visit Wenyue Estate. When Bai Xue appeared in the courtyard, Hoshiguma could clearly sense Su Rui's emotions—like a silent ballad, gently echoing in the depths of her soul.

"She's fine," Hoshiguma said softly as she left. "She just misses you."

[Thanks.]

Su Rui's voice was lower than usual, Hoshiguma could feel a salty, bittersweet wave rising in his mind—the taste of longing.

The rooftop became their secret hideout at night. Hoshiguma liked to lie on the tiles, gazing at the starry sky and listening to Su Rui tell stories about the stars.

"Is that the brightest Sirius?" she asked, pointing to the stars shining in the night sky.

[Yes, in Ursus legends, it is the guardian and guide of the dead.]

Starlight reflected in Hoshiguma's green eyes. "So beautiful..."

She felt Su Rui's consciousness gently enveloping her thoughts, like draping her in a veil of starlight. The two shared the same starry sky, the same evening breeze, and the same tranquility.

"Su Rui."

[Um?]

I'm so glad you're here.

Hoshiguma felt a warm light blooming deep within her consciousness, like a star suddenly lighting up in the night sky. It was Su Rui's response, needing no words, yet speaking volumes.

Hoshiguma sat on the windowsill of the Lungmen Guard Department office, polishing her sword. The afternoon sun shone through the glass, casting a bright arc of light on the blade. Outside the window was the bustling street scene of Lungmen, with pedestrians and vehicles flowing endlessly. She hummed Eastern Kingdom tune, her fingers tracing the fine lines on the axe blade—a unique forging technique from her hometown, each line embodying the craftsman's heart and soul.

Suddenly, there was a soft knock on the office door.

"Come in," she said without looking up.

Shaw open the door and entered, holding a yellowed letter in her hands. "Hoshiguma, there's a letter for you."

Hoshiguma paused in her axe-wielding motion. These days, not many people still send paper letters. She took the envelope, and the moment she touched it, she noticed something unusual—the paper was rough and thick, with a faint smell of pine smoke at the edges; it was washi paper specially made in the Smithing Town of the Eastern Kingdom. Her name was written on the envelope with a brush, the handwriting vigorous and powerful, and at the end was a vermilion seal and the name of an acquaintance.

Her fingertips tightened slightly.

"Thank you." She nodded to Shaw. "You can go back to your work now."

Once the office door was closed again, Hoshiguma took a deep breath and carefully opened the envelope. Inside was only a thin sheet of paper with a brief message.

Hoshiguma's long green hair fell onto the letter, obscuring her instantly tense jawline. She could feel Su Rui's consciousness gently floating in her mind, like a caring breeze.

"A letter arrived from my hometown," she whispered, her fingers unconsciously tracing the edge of the letter. "It asks me to return for the festival."

[Important matter?]

Su Rui's voice flowed through her thoughts like a clear spring. Hoshiguma shook his head, folded the letter, and stuffed it back into the envelope. "Just a tradition of the Oni Clan. The grand festival held once every ten years is to decide the next guardian."

She rose and walked to the window, the sunlight casting a long shadow. The windowpane reflected her slightly furrowed brows and her green eyes, which shimmered with complex emotions. Although she had been away from the Eastern Kingdom for many years, she knew the clan's rules all too well—this festival was not a simple ritual, but a major event concerning the future of the entire Oni Clan. As a direct descendant, she had no choice but to comply.

"I have to go back," she sighed softly. "I might have to stay for a month or two."

I'll stay with you.

Su Rui's response was without hesitation. Hoshiguma felt a warmth welling up from the depths of her consciousness, as if someone had gently placed a warm cup of wine in her heart. She smiled and tapped her fingertips lightly on the window frame, "Of course, you're my tenant now."

Packing went more smoothly than I expected.

In Hoshiguma's apartment, two large suitcases lay open on the floor. She was stuffing them with various necessities—a change of clothes, tools for maintaining weapons, a few books to pass the time, and a box of Lungmen specialty tea cakes. Although Su Rui couldn't directly help, his presence made the whole process orderly.

"Should we take this?" Hoshiguma picked up a dark green kimono with a demon mask embroidered on the cuffs.

[want.]

"Isn't this too formal?"

[For use in festivals.]

Hoshiguma nodded and carefully folded the kimono and put it in the box. She could feel that Su Rui was searching her memory for details about the Eastern Kingdom Festival, and images of the ceremonies she had participated in as a child flashed through her mind like a revolving lantern.

"Oh, right," she suddenly remembered something and took a small wooden box from deep inside the drawer, "I need to take this with me."

Inside the box was an ancient bronze mirror, its surface somewhat oxidized, but the Oni Clan clan crest on the back was still clearly visible. This was a token bestowed upon her by her clan upon her coming of age, symbolizing her status as a candidate for guardian.

[Is it very important?]

"Hmm." Hoshiguma wiped the mirror with a soft cloth. "If I lose it, those old men will skin me alive."

She wrapped the bronze mirror in silk and tucked it into the inner pocket of her kimono. As she moved, a strand of long green hair slipped off her shoulder, and Su Rui's consciousness gently brushed over it, like an invisible hand tucking the hair behind her ear. Hoshiguma's ear tips warmed slightly, but she pretended not to notice the small gesture and turned to gather her weapons.

The long-handled axe required special packaging. Hoshiguma knelt on the floor, carefully wiping the axe blade with an oilcloth, then wrapping it in a shockproof soft cloth. This weapon was the only possession she took with her when she left the Smithing Town; it was forged by the best blacksmith in her clan and had accompanied her through countless battlefields.

"I'll have to get Master Fujiwara sharpen it again when I get back," she muttered to herself. "The blade's a bit dull."

[Eastern Kingdom forging techniques?]

Su Rui's voice carried a hint of curiosity. Hoshiguma smiled and said, "Yes, our technique is different from yours. We emphasize 'soul and iron as one,' and a good weapon takes decades to mature."

She placed the wrapped long-handled axe into a specially made weapon case and locked it with a brass lock. Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, drawing a golden line on the floor. Hoshiguma stared at that light for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Su Rui, have you ever been to the Eastern Kingdom?"

[No.]

"Then I'll show you around this time." A hint of anticipation flashed in her green eyes. "The hot springs in the Smithing Town are very nice, and the old town has delicious mochi dumplings..."

As she spoke, her voice gradually lowered. Su Rui, now without a physical form, couldn't taste anything, nor feel the heat of the hot spring. This realization stirred a pang of sadness in Hoshiguma's heart.

But Su Rui's consciousness gently enveloped her thoughts, like a silent embrace: [It's enough that I can see it.]

The night before setting off, Hoshiguma went to the market in Lungmen.

She needed to prepare some gifts— Lungmen wine for her uncle, tea for the elders, and a silk scarf for the neighbor who had taken care of her when she was a child. Although Su Rui couldn't offer direct advice, his presence made the purchasing process exceptionally efficient. Hoshiguma always managed to pinpoint the highest quality items, as if he had an invisible navigation system in his mind.

"How about this?" She stood in front of a time-honored tea shop, pointing to a celadon tea caddy in the window.

The one on the left is better.

Following the guidance of her consciousness, Hoshiguma looked at the purple clay pot in the corner and found that it was the new snow-topped oolong tea that had arrived this year, with the iconic buildings of Lungmen printed on the packaging.

"You have good taste." She smiled and asked the shop assistant to pack two cans.

As she left the teahouse, the sun had already set. Hoshiguma carried her bags back to her apartment, the streetlights gradually lighting up and casting long shadows. Passing a dessert shop, she suddenly stopped.

The shop window displayed Eastern Kingdom mochi, shaped like cherry blossoms and maple leaves. Hoshiguma stared at them for a few seconds, then, as if possessed, pushed open the door and went inside.

"Please give me a box of cherry blossom rice cakes and a box of maple syrup cakes."

While packing the food, the shop assistant warmly asked, "Are you from the Eastern Kingdom?"

Hoshiguma nodded. "I'm going back to my hometown tomorrow."

"Have a safe journey." The shop assistant handed her a beautifully packaged box of pastries. "These are our newest products; please try them on your trip."

Hoshiguma thanked him and left. Only after he stepped out of the store did he open the small gift box—inside were several silver-white candies shaped like little foxes, shimmering under the light.

She paused for a moment, then chuckled softly, "Su Rui, this couldn't be...?"

[coincide.]

But Hoshiguma could sense a subtle fluctuation deep within her consciousness, as if someone was turning their face away shyly. She carefully put away the candy box, her green eyes reflecting the warm light of the streetlights. "Thanks, these are perfect snacks on the way."

Back at the apartment, Hoshiguma began the final checks.

She checked her passport, tickets, and packing list one by one. She sorted the souvenirs she bought into different boxes, and then stuffed a few novels from the Eastern Kingdom into her small bag—long journeys always require some entertainment.

"Nothing should have been missed..." She looked around, her gaze falling on the calendar on the wall.

The departure date was circled in red, with a small anchor drawn next to it. She had drawn it casually this morning, but now, looking at it, the lines of the anchor seemed strangely smooth and beautiful, as if someone had polished it.

Hoshiguma raised an eyebrow. "Su Rui, you touched my calendar?"

[Not good-looking.]

"Tsk, just say you think my drawing is ugly." She shook her head with a smile, stuffing the calendar into her luggage as well. "It's good to bring it along; I can keep track of my schedule on the road."

Volume 16, Chapter 887: Hoshiguma: Are you seasick?

Before bed, Hoshiguma brewed herself a cup of calming tea. She sat cross-legged by the window, gazing at the night view of Lungmen —the lights of the skyscrapers twinkled like stars, and the lighthouse in the distant harbor flickered rhythmically. By this time tomorrow, she would already be on a ship bound for the Eastern Kingdom.

"Speaking of which," she suddenly asked, "Do you get seasick?"

[have no idea.]

"That's true, you don't even have a stomach right now." Hoshiguma took a sip of tea. "If you feel unwell, remember to tell me, I brought some medicine."

[good.]

Su Rui's voice carried a faint smile. Hoshiguma could feel his consciousness gently enveloping her, like the embrace of moonlight. She put down her teacup, her long green hair spreading out on the pillowcase, and whispered with her eyes closed:

Goodnight, Su Rui.

Goodnight, Hoshiguma.

The waves gently lapped against the ship's gunwale. Hoshiguma leaned against the deck railing, gazing at the gradually blurring outline of Lungmen in the distance. The sea breeze, carrying a salty, damp scent, ruffled her long green hair, the strands swaying like seaweed in the wind. At her waist hung an ancient, rustic longsword from the Eastern Kingdom, its scabbard bound with dark red rope—the only weapon she had taken with her when she left the Smithing Town, and which had never left her side for many years.

"I used to think leaving the Eastern Kingdom was a relief," she said softly, her fingers unconsciously tracing the hilt of her sword. "Now that I'm going back, it feels a bit..."

[nervous?]

Su Rui's voice rippled through her mind like waves, carrying the coolness of the sea. Hoshiguma shook her head, a bitter smile playing on her lips, "I can't quite describe the feeling."

She turned and leaned against the railing, looking up at the azure sky. The cries of seagulls mingled with the sound of waves, and the other passengers on deck chatted in twos and threes. No one noticed that this green-haired woman was having a conversation with another soul in her mind.

"Su Rui," she suddenly spoke, her voice low, "Do you know why I left Eastern Kingdom?"