Ark Simulator, Don't I Lack a Physical Form?

A distant explosion suddenly rang out again, the second shockwave sending petals flying everywhere. Silver Dust immediately displayed an alarm: [Chain explosion, yield increased to 5 tons.] Su Rui's kimono sleeves fluttered even without wind. "They're trying to cover up the evidence."

Hoshiguma's green eyes reflected the distant firelight. "What a disappointment." Her Hannya Shield trembled slightly. "But fireworks paired with cherry blossoms are quite unique."

She suddenly pulled Su Rui into a small alley and lightly knocked on a traditional wooden door. The door slid open silently, and Mio's figure appeared behind it, her snake-shaped tattoo moving in the darkness. "The safe house is ready."

Hoshiguma shook her head. "Take us to the observation deck."

The tip of Mio's kunai gleamed faintly. "The risk is too high."

"Tonight's the perfect night for adventure." Hoshiguma's green hair billowed in the shadows of the alley. "And besides, I want him to see the city's most beautiful night view."

The observation deck is located on the top floor of the abandoned clock tower, with a 360-degree glass curtain wall riddled with cracks. From here, you can clearly see the mansion engulfed in explosion, and further on, the cherry blossoms falling like rain over the Cherryview River. Hoshiguma's Hannya Shield unfolds into a transparent protective layer, blocking the chill of the night wind.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Her green hair swirled in the firelight and moonlight. "Destruction and rebirth always go hand in hand."

Su Rui's silver hair swayed slightly, the black dye gradually fading back to silver-white in the moonlight: [The dye is about to expire.] His fingertips lightly touched the glass. "Why did you bring me here?"

"I want you to remember this moment." Hoshiguma's demon horn gently touched the glass, reflecting the distant firelight. "Remember the magnificence of destruction, and also remember the gentle beauty of cherry blossoms." Her fingertips brushed against his now-silver-white hair. "These are all beautiful things worth protecting."

Silver dust condensed into tiny specks of light in the air, dancing with the falling cherry blossoms. Su Rui's eyes reflected the fiery light and petals filling the sky. "I will remember."

Hoshiguma suddenly pulled him closer and, under the night sky filled with destruction and beauty, gave him a kiss tinged with the smoke of gunpowder and the fragrance of flowers. The distant explosions seemed to accompany the kiss, and cherry blossoms rained down around them.

As the sirens drew closer again, Hoshiguma gently released him, her green eyes reflecting the shimmering light of his silver hair. "Time to go back. Tonight's date... I'm very satisfied."

Yin Chen quietly recorded the coordinates and time of this moment, sealing this night full of contradictions forever. Before the next battle, they at least had a moment of cherry blossoms and moonlight.

Hoshiguma's fingertips gently brushed against the cuffs of Su Rui's kimono, feeling the delicate texture of the silk. Her green hair intertwined with his silver hair in the night breeze, like a conversation between moonlight and the forest. "Do you know why I chose dark blue?" Her voice was soft, almost drowned out by the distant explosions, "Because it's like the deepest corner of the night sky, where all the stars are hidden."

Su Rui's silver eyelashes trembled slightly, and silver dust traced a star map within his sleeve. "[Like your eyes.]" His fingertips unconsciously traced the outline of Hoshiguma Oni-horn, "It shines even in the dark."

The distant explosion suddenly intensified, a blazing white pillar of fire shooting into the sky, illuminating the night sky as if it were daytime. Yin Chen immediately deployed a defensive matrix, isolating the heat wave from the shockwave. Hoshiguma's Hannya Shield emitted a deep hum, its surface rippling with energy-absorbing waves.

"Looks like they're not willing to let it end like this." Hoshiguma's green eyes reflected the towering flames, but a smile played on her lips. "Perfect, it'll add some spice to our fireworks display."

Su Rui's silver hair swayed slightly in the heat, and the hem of his kimono fluttered in the wind. His fingertips lightly touched the glass, and silver dust formed a more complex protective network around the observation deck: [Three waves of impact, seventeen seconds apart.] His voice reached Hoshiguma's ears through the vibrations of the silver dust, "They are destroying core evidence."

Hoshiguma suddenly grasped his hand, pressing his palm against her Hannya Shield. The vibrations emanating from the shield perfectly synchronized with the frequency of the distant explosions, as if playing a symphony of destruction. "Feel this rhythm," she said, her green hair brushing against his cheek, "Remember this power, and remember..."

Her fingertip pointed to the cherry blossoms fluttering outside the window. "This softness."

A cherry blossom petal miraculously slipped through the protective netting and landed on Su Rui's lips. Hoshiguma gently brushed the petal with his thumb and pressed it against his heart. "Destruction and beauty are always two sides of the same coin."

The silver dust's light suddenly softened, enveloping the petal and transforming it into a shimmering pendant, gently tied to Su Rui's kimono sash. "[I will preserve it.]" His silver hair swayed slightly, "Like preserving the scars after every battle."

Hoshiguma's demon horn gently touched his forehead. "Idiot. Scars are meant to be healed, not preserved."

Volume 16, Chapter 945: Rowing Across

The distant explosions gradually subsided, leaving only scattered flames flickering in the night. Sirens wailed from all directions, and beams of searchlight crisscrossed the night sky. Silver Dust indicated a safe evacuation route, but Hoshiguma shook her head.

"Wait a little longer." Her green hair looked exceptionally soft in the fading firelight. "Let them go about their business."

She suddenly pulled a small lacquer box from the inside pocket of her kimono. Inside were two exquisite cherry blossom mochi, even more refined than the ones she had bought before, their petals perfectly shaped. "I swiped them from an old shop," she said, a sly glint in her green eyes. "The last of the stock."

Su Rui gently picked up one with her fingertips, and Yin Chen analyzed its ingredients: [No abnormalities, moderate sugar content.] He carefully took a bite, and the sweet aroma of red bean paste and the fragrance of cherry leaves blended perfectly in his mouth.

"It tastes better than before." His comment was brief, but Yin Chen drew a sparkling smiley face in the air.

Hoshiguma couldn't help but chuckle, her green hair brushing against his nose. "Of course, this is the shop owner's secret stash." She leaned in and took a bite of the other half of the sakura mochi in his hand, her lips inadvertently brushing against his fingertips. "The spoils always taste better."

Police helicopters swept overhead, their searchlight beams moving across the observation deck floor. Yin Chen immediately adjusted his optical camouflage, perfectly blending them into the background. Hoshiguma's Hannya Shield absorbed the acoustic detection, as if they had never existed.

"It's time to go." Hoshiguma finally stood up, her green hair shimmering like flowing jade in the moonlight. "If we stay any longer, Mio will start nagging again."

Su Rui gently straightened her kimono with her fingertips, while Yin Chen cleaned up the last crumbs of cherry blossom cakes. Before going downstairs, he glanced back out the window one last time—the embers of the explosion were still flickering, and the cherry blossoms continued to fall silently in the night breeze.

Hoshiguma's green hair brushed against his cheek. "Next time I'll take you to an even better place." Her voice was soft, "No explosions, only cherry blossoms."

Silver dust formed a small moon in the air, gently landing on Hoshiguma's shoulder: [A promise.]

Hoshiguma's fingertips, still carrying the coolness of the night breeze, gently brushed against Su Rui's kimono sleeves. Her green hair shimmered softly in the moonlight, intertwining with Su Rui's gradually fading silver strands. The embers of the distant explosion still flickered, casting their shadows onto the wall of the abandoned clock tower, like silhouettes in a shadow play.

"It's time to go back." Hoshiguma's voice was soft, as if afraid of disturbing the night. "Mio must be getting impatient."

Su Rui's silver eyelashes trembled slightly, and the hem of his kimono swayed gently in the night breeze. His fingertips unconsciously traced the patterns on his Hannya Shield, silver dust forming tiny specks of light in the air. "[Escape route has been planned.]" His voice, transmitted through the vibrations of the silver dust, reached Hoshiguma's ears, "There are two patrol teams to the southeast."

Hoshiguma's green eyes narrowed slightly, her demon horns gleaming in the moonlight. "By water." Her fingertips gently grasped Su Rui's wrist. "We have boats prepared on the tributaries of the canal."

They descended the rusty fire escape of the clock tower, with Hoshiguma's Hannya Shield always extended beside Su Rui, shielding her from the chill of the night wind. Occasionally, the hem of Su Rui's kimono would flutter in the wind, which Yin Chen would quietly secure to prevent it from hindering their movement.

The surface of the canal tributary shimmered with silver light, and an inconspicuous little boat rested quietly beneath the weeping willows. Mio's figure emerged from the boat's awning, her serpentine tattoo slithering in the night. "Twenty-seven minutes late." The tip of her kunai gleamed coldly. "The police have blocked off the main thoroughfares."

Hoshiguma gently helped Su Rui onto the boat, her green hair brushing against his shoulder. "We took a detour to admire the cherry blossoms for a while." Her tone was light, as if they had just been taking a moonlit stroll. "How did it go?"

"The Rhine Lab are negotiating with the police." Mio's fingertips lightly tapped the ship's deck, where snake-shaped tattoos formed a makeshift map. "They're trying to blame the explosion on an ' Originium Arts incident.'" Her gaze swept over Su Rui's kimono. "Your disguise is about to fail."

Under the moonlight, Su Rui's silver hair had mostly returned to its natural color, with only a few strands still bearing traces of dye. Yin Chen quietly analyzed the water quality: [Safe, no tracer.] His fingertips lightly touched the surface of the water, stirring up tiny ripples.

Hoshiguma's green hair fell down, obscuring their clasped hands. "Let's set sail," she said, her voice tinged with weariness. "Back to the safe house."

The covered boat glided silently into the waterway, the boatman punting a soft Eastern Kingdom folk song as he poled it. Hoshiguma's Hannya Shield transformed into a transparent protective layer, enveloping the boat and isolating it from outside noise and prying eyes.

The safe house was hidden in the backyard of a traditional teahouse. A faint scent of tatami mats wafted out as the paper door slid open. Moe Moe Xiang was kneeling before the tea table, fiddling with the tea utensils. Seeing them enter, she jumped up immediately. "You're finally back! I made some calming tea!"

Hoshiguma's green eyes swept across the room. "Nothing unusual, right?"

"Everything's fine!" Moe Moe Xiang excitedly held up a porcelain bottle. "I even found the plum wine the old shopkeeper had hidden!"

Mio's snake-shaped tattoo quietly wrapped around the porcelain bottle. "Minors are prohibited from drinking alcohol." Her kunai tip lightly touched Moe Moe Xiang's forehead. "Go prepare the bath."

Hoshiguma gently untied Su Rui's kimono sash, her fingertips brushing against the bulletproof lining. "Go take a shower first." Her green hair brushed against his ear. "Dye is bad for your skin."

Su Rui's silver eyelashes trembled slightly. "[Together?]" Silver dust rippled in the air, forming inquiring ripples.

Hoshiguma's green hair suddenly stood on end, and her demon horns flushed slightly red. "... Don't push your luck." Her thumb brushed against the remaining dye on his neck. "Go quickly."

Steam rose from the bath, carrying the refreshing scent of pomelo. Su Rui's silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, a few strands floating on the water's surface. Yin Chen quietly checked the water temperature: [42.3 degrees, suitable.] His fingertips lightly touched the water's surface, stirring up tiny ripples.

Hoshiguma's voice came from outside the paper door. "Come out when you're done washing, I'll change your dressing."

Su Rui's silver hair swayed slightly. "[The wound is fine.]" His voice came through the steam, carrying a hint of languor.

"Enough talk." The paper door was gently pulled open a crack, and Hoshiguma placed clean clothes at the doorway. "Hurry up."

When Su Rui emerged wearing a loose yukata, Hoshiguma was kneeling on the tatami mat preparing her medicine kit. Her green hair, still damp, cascaded over her shoulders, indicating she had already done a quick wash elsewhere. The Hannya Shield lay to the side, its newly added scratches particularly noticeable under the light.

"Sit down." Hoshiguma gently pressed her fingertips against his shoulder, checking the wound on the back of his hand. "Thankfully, it hasn't reopened." Her movements were gentle as she carefully wiped the wound with a cotton swab dipped in medicine.

Su Rui's silver hair fell down, brushing against the back of her hand: [Your injury?]

"A minor injury." Hoshiguma's green eyes flickered slightly. "It's healed long ago."

Silver Dust quietly peeked out, gently brushing against the bandages on her ribs: [Lying.] The light spots formed warning patterns.

Hoshiguma's green hair stood on end, and Oni-horn gently pressed against his forehead. "... Mind your own business."

Volume 16, Chapter 946: The Vigil

As night deepened, the lights in the teahouse went out one by one. Hoshiguma carefully locked each paper door, placing the Hannya Shield at the entrance. Her green hair, like flowing jade in the moonlight, gently brushed against Su Rui's cheek.

"It's time to sleep." Her voice held an undeniable gentleness. "Today was too exhausting."

Su Rui's silver eyelashes trembled slightly. Yin Chen spread the bedding on the tatami mat: [I can keep watch.]

"No need." Hoshiguma gently pressed his shoulder and pulled him into the blankets. "I'll be here tonight."

Her arms encircled his waist, her green hair falling beside his neck. The faint light of the Hannya Shield shimmered softly in the darkness, as warm as a nightlight. Su Rui's silver hair unconsciously entwined around her fingers, and the silver dust quietly adjusted the temperature in the room.

"Why?" His voice was very soft, almost blending into the night.

"Because you need it." Hoshiguma's demon horn gently touched his forehead, "And I want to do it."

The faint sound of sirens could be heard in the distance, but it was quickly blocked by the barrier of the Hannya Shield. The silver dust formed a calming frequency in the air, like a lullaby hummed by a mother.

Hoshiguma gently ran her fingertips through his silver hair, feeling the strands flow through her fingers. "Sleep," her voice was as soft as the night breeze, "I'm here."

Su Rui's breathing gradually became steady, and the light of the silver dust gradually dimmed, leaving only the gentle glow of the Hannya Shield. In Hoshiguma's embrace, he felt as if he had returned to the safest harbor, and all his vigilance and defenses quietly dissipated.

The night was deep, and only the sound of their breathing mingled together, like the gentlest nocturne.

Moonlight streamed through the cracks in the paper door, casting long, thin streaks of light on the tatami mat. Hoshiguma's green hair was spread out on the pillow, a few strands intertwining with Su Rui's silver hair, like a dialogue between moonlight and the forest. Her arms were still wrapped around his waist, the soft glow of the Hannya Shield pulsating gently in the darkness, like the heartbeat of protection.

Su Rui unconsciously snuggled closer to her in her sleep, the collar of her yukata slightly open, revealing an old scar below her collarbone. Hoshiguma's fingertips gently traced the scar, a hint of pity flashing in her green eyes in the darkness. It was left three years ago in Chernobog, when the boy shielded her from a fatal Originium fragment with his body.

"Idiot..." Her voice was almost inaudible, her horn gently pressing against his forehead, "Always like this..."

Silver Dust seemed to sense her emotions, quietly appearing and forming a soft, healing aura over the wound. Hoshiguma's green hair fluttered slightly, gently blowing away the light dust. "No need, let it stay." Her thumb traced the edge of the wound. "This is proof of our bond."

The distant clock tower chimed, the three o'clock bells sounding faint and distant through the barrier of the Hannya Shield. Su Rui's eyelashes trembled slightly, as if startled by the chimes. Hoshiguma's fingertips gently brushed his eyelids, humming an ancient Eastern Kingdom lullaby. Her voice was deep and gentle, completely different from the sharpness she displayed in battle.

Silver dust swayed gently to the melody, drawing calming runes in the air. Moe Moe Xiang's sleep monitor, hidden in the door crack, showed that the two's vital signs were gradually synchronizing, their heart rates becoming perfectly harmonious.

Suddenly, the Hannya Shield emitted a slight hum, detecting Originium fluctuations in the distance. Hoshiguma's green eyes sharpened instantly, but her arms remained gently embracing him. Silver Dust quickly deployed a shielding network, isolating the fluctuations. Su Rui frowned slightly in his sleep, seemingly sensing something.

"It's alright." Hoshiguma's voice enveloped him like a warm blanket. "Go back to sleep."

Her fingertips lightly touched the surface of the Hannya Shield, activating a higher level of shielding. All interference was shut out, leaving only the rhythm of their breathing. Yin Chen quietly adjusted the airflow in the room, making the lingering fragrance in the teahouse even more soothing.

As dawn broke, Hoshiguma remained in her guarded stance. Her green hair was slightly disheveled, but her demon horns still radiated a soft glow. When the first ray of sunlight pierced through the paper door, Su Rui's silver eyelashes trembled slightly, and she slowly opened her eyes.

[Aren't you asleep?] Silver dust formed worried lines in the morning light.

"She's asleep." Hoshiguma gently wiped the corner of his eye with her thumb. "She just woke up early."

Her green hair brushed against his cheek, bringing a fresh scent like morning dew. Silver Dust detected her physiological indicators and quietly displayed a [lie] warning, but was quickly stopped by Hoshiguma's gaze.

A slight noise came from outside the paper door, and Mio's snake-shaped tattoo peeked through the crack, handing over two breakfast trays. Hoshiguma quietly stood up, her Hannya Shield disappearing as she did so, but her fingertips remained clasped with Su Rui's.

"It's a day off." Her green eyes looked especially gentle in the morning light. "No one is allowed to go out."

Su Rui's silver hair was almost transparent in the sunlight. He gently grasped her hand in return: [Yes, sir.]

Yin Chen gently placed the breakfast tray in front of the two of them, the steaming miso soup emitting a warm aroma. In the morning light and the misty steam, Hoshiguma's green hair and Su Rui's silver hair seemed to blend into one, like moonlight forever lingering on the forest.

Hoshiguma gently stirred the miso soup with her fingertips, scooped up a spoonful, blew on it to cool it, and held it to Su Rui's lips. "Try it, it has seaweed and tofu in it." Her green hair fell down, brushing against the back of his hand, "The old shopkeeper's secret recipe, it's said to have calming effects."

Su Rui's silver eyelashes trembled slightly as she carefully took a sip. "[Delicious.]" Silver dust traced a swirling fish shape in the air. "The temperature is just right."

"Of course, I've tried it." A hint of pride flashed in Hoshiguma's green eyes as she scooped up another spoonful of mushrooms. "This one too, stewed for a full two hours." Her movements were natural and fluid, as if she had done it countless times before.

Yin Chen quietly analyzed the food's ingredients: [No harmful additives, nutritionally balanced.] The light dots formed an approving symbol, "Suitable for the wounded."

Hoshiguma's demon horn gently pressed against his forehead. "Did you hear me? Eat properly." Her thumb wiped a drop of soup from the corner of his lips. "Today I'm going to watch you finish everything."

The paper door was gently pulled open, and Moe Moe Xiang peeked in. "Um... Sister Ling asked if we wanted some side dishes?" Her gaze fell on their clasped hands, and her face suddenly turned red. "I... I didn't see anything!"

Hoshiguma's green hair stood on end slightly. "Come in." Her fingers were still intertwined with Su Rui's. "We just need someone to help set the table."

Moe Moe Xiang carefully brought over several lacquered boxes containing pickled plums, roasted seaweed, and sesame-dressed spinach. "Sister Ling said these are good for wounds." She glanced at Su Rui, "Mr. Su Rui, are you still in pain?"

Su Rui's silver hair swayed gently. "[She's alright now.]" Yin Chen picked up a pickled plum and gently placed it on Hoshiguma's plate. "Here's your favorite."

Hoshiguma's green eyes softened. "You remember?" She took a bite of a plum, the sour taste making her squint slightly. "It tastes a lot like the one I had in Siesta three years ago."

Silver Dust suddenly flashed: [Memory data matching rate 92%.] The light spots formed a wave pattern of Siesta, "That shop has already closed down."

Volume 16, Chapter 947: Next Time, to a Better Place

"What a pity." Hoshiguma gently stroked the base of his thumb with her fingertips. "Next time, I'll take you to a better place."

Breakfast was served in a tranquil atmosphere, with Hoshiguma occasionally placing dishes she found particularly delicious onto Su Rui's plate. Her green hair shimmered softly in the morning light, intertwining with Su Rui's silver hair on the tatami mat, as if bound by some intimate pact.

As the last sip of soup was finished, Hoshiguma gently pulled Su Rui closer and wiped his lips with her fingertips. "Alright, the wounded should rest." Her green eyes held an undeniable tenderness. "You're not allowed to go anywhere today."

Yin Chen quietly collected the cutlery, creating ripples of protest in the air, but was quickly silenced by Hoshiguma's gaze. "Protest denied." Her demon horn gently touched his forehead. "This is a doctor's order."

Su Rui's silver hair fell down, gently wrapping around her wrist. "[Yes, ma'am.]" The dots of light formed a peaceful sleeping pattern, "But you must stay with me."

Hoshiguma's green hair fluttered slightly in the morning light. "Of course," she said, her arm encircling his shoulder. "When have I ever lied to you?"

The faint light of the Hannya Shield shone again, filtering the morning light into a soft halo. In the dim sandalwood incense of the teahouse, their breathing gradually synchronized once more, as if the whole world consisted only of this warm embrace.

Morning light filtered through the shoji paper door, casting warm dappled patterns on the tatami mats. Hoshiguma's green hair spread out on the pillow, intertwining with Su Rui's silver hair to create a hazy picture. Her fingertips unconsciously caressed the old wound on the back of his neck, a mark left three years ago in Chernobog. The Hannya Shield emitted a soft hum in the corner, absorbing the morning's clamor.

"Stay another week." Hoshiguma's voice was hoarse from the early morning, and Oni-horn gently pressed against Su Rui's forehead. "Mio said that Rhine's people have withdrawn, and the police have relaxed their search."

Su Rui's silver eyelashes trembled slightly, silver dust forming floating specks in the morning light. "[Street festival, begins tonight.]" His fingertips lightly touched Hoshiguma's wrist. "I want to go."

Hoshiguma's green eyes narrowed slightly. "Aren't you afraid of being recognized?" Her thumb traced the fading scar below his collarbone. "Your silver hair is too conspicuous."

Silver dust drifted silently, and the tips of her hair gleamed with a deep brown sheen: [Can be disguised.] The specks of light formed the pattern of a festival mask, "Wear a mask."