Ark Simulator: Didn't I Have No Physical Form?

The feeling... wasn't tangible, but rather an extremely faint, yet exceptionally pure and... confused "stream of consciousness"! It carried a... warm, moist scent, belonging to the ocean and sunshine, completely out of place in the cold, dry spiritual environment of Kjerag! It was like a lost, shivering soul, wandering blindly across an endless, icy wasteland, filled with helplessness and... a profound sadness?

Enya suddenly opened her eyes! A hint of shock and confusion flashed in her lake-blue eyes! Her spiritual perception was extremely sharp and would never be wrong! Something... had intruded into her mental realm! And... in an extremely bizarre way, it had directly "attached" to the edge of her consciousness?!

She immediately focused her mind, trying to capture and analyze this unfamiliar stream of consciousness. It was very faint, like a candle flickering in the wind, ready to be extinguished at any moment, yet it was exceptionally resilient, carrying an undeniable sense of presence. It had no malice, no aggression, only a pure longing for shelter and... guidance? Like a child separated from its mother, crying in the darkness, searching for warmth.

Enya's heart softened involuntarily. Naturally kind and compassionate, she instinctively felt pity and a desire to protect this helpless "lost soul." Carefully, as if handling a fragile treasure, she gently enveloped the faint stream of consciousness with her spiritual power, attempting to soothe its unease and explore its source.

As her spiritual senses deepened, she "saw" blurry, fragmented images—a shimmering azure sea, warm, dazzling sunlight, pristine white sand, a charming villa, a gentle woman with lake-blue eyes in a wheelchair... and finally, the heartbreaking figure of a silver-haired boy who vanished into dust... and an overwhelming sense of sorrow and reluctance...

These fleeting images, though brief, carried a powerful emotional impact, causing Enya's heart to clench. She understood. This was a fragment of a soul that had just experienced a painful separation, its consciousness having left its body for some unknown reason, and was drifting in the void. It came from a distant yet warm place, and its deepest attachment was to the woman in the wheelchair.

"Poor child..." Enya sighed softly in her heart, her lake-blue eyes filled with pity. She didn't know how this soul had traveled such a vast distance and found her so precisely; it was a miracle in itself (or perhaps some deeper destiny?). But since it had come to her side seeking refuge, she couldn't ignore it.

She adjusted her meditative state, no longer communicating with the mountains, but shifting to a gentle "nourishment" and "protection." She channeled her peaceful yet powerful spiritual energy, like warm spring water, slowly into that faint stream of consciousness, helping it stabilize and dispel its confusion and sorrow. Like a gentle mother, she softly comforted a frightened child, "Don't be afraid... it's safe here... rest..."

Under her soothing touch, the consciousness belonging to Su Rui seemed to gradually calm down. It stopped trembling and became confused, but instead, like a small boat that had found its harbor, it nestled quietly in Enya's vast and warm spiritual ocean and fell into a deep sleep. It was too weak and needed time and energy to recover.

Enya remained in this state, her heart filled with doubt and curiosity. This soul... was very special. Its essence was extremely pure and powerful. Although it was currently extremely weak, the level of its hidden energy was astonishingly high, even... making her feel a sense of awe? It was definitely not an ordinary being. Moreover, it seemed to have some kind of... peculiar resonance with the icy environment of Kjerag? As if it was meant to belong here?

Just as Enya was focused on calming Su Rui's mind, the heavy wooden door of the Meditation Room was gently pushed open a crack. A figure slipped in silently.

The newcomer was dressed in a well-tailored maid outfit in the style of Kjerag, over which was a thick fur cloak. The hood was pulled down, revealing a delicate yet somewhat heroic face, and her long black hair was neatly tied back. Her movements were as light as a snow leopard, without making a sound. She was Yela, Enya's personal maid and bodyguard.

Yela carried a tray with a steaming cup of calming tea made from local herbs. She had originally come to bring tea to Enya, but as soon as she entered the Meditation Room, her keen senses immediately detected something amiss!

The spiritual energy emanating from Saintess Enya... something's wrong! It's no longer the usual broad and peaceful frequency that resonates with the mountains, but has become a... more restrained, more focused, and peculiar energy carrying a sense of..."inclusiveness" and "nourishment"! It's as if the core of her consciousness is carefully enveloping and protecting something?

A sharp glint flashed in Yela's deep, obsidian-like eyes! She stopped in her tracks, standing at the doorway, not immediately approaching to disturb her. She narrowed her eyes slightly, carefully sensing Enya's state. As an ancient deity who had concealed her true identity and protected Kjerag for millennia (though currently appearing as a maid), Yela's spiritual perception far surpassed that of ordinary people, even more acute and profound than Enya herself!

She clearly "saw" that at the center of Enya's holy spiritual radiance, there swirled an extremely subtle yet strikingly "exotic" consciousness, imbued with an exotic aura! That consciousness was as faint as a firefly, yet it radiated an energy quality that... even she felt a slight unease—an energy of extremely high essence! Moreover, that energy attribute... seemed to possess some indescribable, profound affinity with Kjerag's icy origins?!

What is this thing?! Where did it come from?! Why is it attached to Enya?! Is it dangerous to Enya?!

A series of questions flooded Yela's mind instantly! Her body tensed instinctively, her aura turning cold and sharp, like a drawn sword, ready to deal with any possible threat! Protecting Enya was her highest mission, and there could be no room for error!

However, she quickly forced herself to calm down. She carefully observed Enya's expression—there was no sign of pain or struggle on the saint's face, but rather a kind of... pity, gentleness, and... focus? as if she were cherishing something precious. And that wisp of foreign consciousness was also unusually quiet, without any signs of aggression or erosion, simply nestled against her, absorbing Enya's spiritual nourishment.

Volume 18, Chapter 1091: Lost Souls

It doesn't seem like a malicious intrusion? More like... a lost soul that has unexpectedly found a place to rest?

Yela's tense nerves relaxed slightly, but her vigilance remained undiminished. She silently walked to Enya's side, gently placed the tray on the low table beside her, and then stood quietly by her side like the most loyal shadow, her gaze like the most precise scanner, constantly monitoring the state of Enya and that strange consciousness.

After a long while, Enya slowly emerged from her deep spiritual nourishment. She let out a long sigh and opened her eyes. When she saw Yela, who had appeared beside her at some point, she paused for a moment, then smiled gently, "Yela, you've come."

"Your Holiness," Yela bowed slightly, her tone respectful, but her gaze swept sharply across Enya's face, carefully examining her complexion and mental state. "Your spiritual fluctuations... seem somewhat unusual? Did you encounter something... special during your meditation?" She asked tactfully, but the probing in her eyes was quite evident.

Enya looked into Yela's seemingly all-seeing black eyes, and a slight tremor ran through her. She knew Yela had keen senses and must have noticed the presence of Su Rui's consciousness. She hesitated for a moment, wondering whether to tell Yela about it. Yela was one of the people she trusted most, but this matter was too strange and... private? That lost fragment of soul gave her a strange feeling of needing to be protected. She didn't want to expose it easily, not even to Yela.

So she simply smiled, a barely perceptible glint flashing in her lake-blue eyes, and said in a relaxed tone, "It's nothing, I just... sensed some distant, sorrowful fragments of prayers while meditating, and soothed them a little." She cleverly downplayed the issue, describing Su Rui's consciousness as ordinary "fragments of prayers."

Yela listened quietly, a hint of understanding flashing in her dark eyes, but she wasn't entirely convinced. She knew Enya too well; Enya's gaze and the lingering fluctuations of spiritual energy at this moment were far more than just a simple "casual comfort." That wisp of external consciousness was also far beyond what ordinary fragments of prayer could compare to. But she didn't expose her, only nodding and saying calmly, "I see. Your Holiness is merciful. Please rest and don't overexert your spiritual power." She handed Enya a calming tea, "Have some tea to warm yourself up."

"Thank you, Yela." Enya took the teacup, the warm touch relaxing her. She sipped her tea, but her gaze drifted involuntarily to the swirling snowflakes outside the window, her mind filled with a myriad of thoughts.

That sorrowful soul from the warm seas... who is it? Why did it come here? What is its connection to Kjerag? Can it... ever return to the one it longs for?

In the Meditation Room of the Kjerag Holy Mountain Monastery, time slipped away quietly amidst the flickering firelight of the fireplace and the howling wind and snow outside the window. Enya maintained that gentle, nurturing state, like a patient mother, carefully nourishing with her vast and peaceful spiritual power the weak and sorrowful fragment of her soul, clinging to the edge of her consciousness, from a distant, warm sea.

It was unclear how much time had passed—perhaps several hours, perhaps just a moment. In the realm of the mind, the concept of time became blurred. Enya keenly sensed that the fragment of Su Rui's consciousness, which had been dormant, had begun to show subtle fluctuations. It was no longer as lifeless as before, but rather, like a young animal awakening from hibernation, it began to gently and tentatively "wriggle," carrying a hint of initial confusion and wariness of the unfamiliar environment.

"You're awake?" Enya sent a greeting in her mind with the gentlest of thoughts, like a spring breeze caressing a new bud. She didn't "speak" directly, but rather conveyed a precise emotional wave containing kindness, comfort, and welcome.

The wisp of consciousness clinging to the edge of her awareness trembled violently, like a startled animal, instantly tensing up! A strong wave of thought, filled with wariness and alienation, spread out! Immediately following was a deeper sense of confusion and bewilderment—Where am I? Who am I? How did I get here? Lemuen ...where is Lemuen?!

A series of chaotic and anxious fragments of thought, like shattered icicles, pierced Enya's consciousness. The sadness, unease, and deep longing for a certain name contained within them made Enya's heart clench.

"Don't be afraid, child," Enya continued to soothe you with gentle thoughts, like humming an ancient lullaby. "You are safe. This is my realm of consciousness, the Holy Mountain of Kjerag. You... seem to have experienced something bad; your consciousness has left your body and drifted here. I have temporarily provided you with a place to stay."

She patiently explained, while infusing the past with more peace and tranquility to help the other person calm down.

Under Enya's soothing touch, the violent fluctuations of that fragment of consciousness gradually subsided, but its wariness and alertness hadn't completely disappeared. It seemed to be cautiously "observing" its surroundings— Enya's vast, warm, and spiritually pure ocean, imbued with an icy purity and sacred aura. The feeling here... was completely different from the warm, humid, sun-drenched, and sea-breezy environment it remembered, yet strangely... it didn't feel repulsive? There was even... a faint, womb-like... sense of peace?

"... Kjerag?" A faint, hesitant, and uncertain thought, like a wisp of smoke, tentatively returned. The "voice" of this thought had a peculiar, cold quality, yet it also revealed a hint of youthful clarity.

"Yes, Kjerag. A land perpetually covered in ice and snow," Enya confirmed, a slight tremor running through her heart. This fragment of soul, even in its weakness and confusion, still maintained a clear mind and... an innate, almost instinctive calmness? This made her even more certain that this "lost soul" was far from simple.

"... I... Su Rui." After a brief silence, the thought returned, carrying with it the difficulty of confirming its own existence, and... a barely perceptible weariness and... resignation? "My body... dissipated?" The thought was filled with a deep sense of loss and... a hint of understanding? As if it had already foreseen this outcome.

Enya sighed inwardly. Sure enough, it was the silver-haired boy who had vanished into dust in the shattered image. She softly replied, "I cannot ascertain your physical condition, but your core consciousness... or rather, a fragment of your soul, is indeed attached to me. It is weak and needs time and energy to stabilize."

Volume 18, Chapter 1092: Until You, Stable Enough

Su Rui's thoughts fell silent once again. Enya could sense the complex emotions surging within him—helplessness towards the current situation, deep concern for Lemuen, an examination of his own predicament, and... a profound, resolute determination, as if burdened with some kind of mission? This boy's heart was far more complex and heavy than it appeared.

"How long do I need to... stay here?" After a long while, Su Rui's thoughts came through, carrying an almost cold rationality. He did not wallow in grief or panic, but directly began to think about the most practical question.

"Until your consciousness is stable enough to exist independently, or... you find a way to return to your body," Enya told her truthfully. "This process may be quick, or it may take a long time. It depends on your own recovery ability, and... some external opportunities." She paused, conveying a gentler message, "Until you recover, you can stay here safely. I won't harm you, nor will I pry into your privacy. This... is your temporary sanctuary."

Su Rui's thoughts flickered, as if he were engaged in a fierce internal struggle. Being dependent on someone else, his consciousness reliant on a completely unfamiliar being, was undoubtedly an extremely passive and dangerous situation for him. But right now, he seemed to have no other choice. He could feel the weakness of his own consciousness, like a candle in the wind, vulnerable to being extinguished at any moment without Enya's nourishment. And... for some reason, he felt a strange... sense of trust in this woman who called herself "Saintess of Kjerag," a woman with a peaceful and holy aura? Was it because she had saved him? Or was it because of... that gentle yet powerful quality in her spirituality, similar to Lemuen's?

"... Thank you." Finally, an extremely brief, awkward, and stiff thought returned. This seemed to be the maximum gratitude and... compromise he could express.

Enya couldn't help but smile inwardly. This child was truly... adorably awkward. Despite being in a precarious situation, he still insisted on maintaining his pride and composure.

"You're welcome," Enya replied gently. "You can use this as... a quiet study? Or... a lounge? Whatever suits you. I won't bother you. If you need to talk, or if you have any questions, feel free to 'tell' me."

Su Rui's thoughts were silent for a moment, then a simple "... Hmm."

The initial communication was considered successful. Silence returned to the Meditation Room, broken only by the crackling of the burning wood in the fireplace. Enya continued her daily meditation, but devoted a portion of her attention to gently and continuously nourishing Su Rui's fragments of consciousness. Su Rui, meanwhile, was carefully familiarizing herself with this temporary "refuge."

After a while, perhaps feeling a little awkward from the silence, or perhaps his curiosity about his surroundings overcame his wariness, Su Rui's thoughts returned, carrying a hint of inquiry. "... Here? Kjerag? What do they usually... do?" The images conveyed by his thoughts were of swirling snow, majestic snow-capped mountains, and the cold stone walls of a monastery—a stark contrast to the sunny beaches he remembered.

Enya sensed his curiosity, smiled slightly, and responded telepathically, "This is the Holy Mountain Monastery of Kjerag. As a saint, my daily duties mainly involve studying ancient scriptures, translating and interpreting the proverbs and laws left by the gods, guiding the faith of believers, and... communicating with the will of this snow mountain to maintain the peace of Kjerag." Her telepathic message carried a sense of tranquility, piety, and... a faint, everyday loneliness.

"Scriptures? Gods? Laws?" Su Rui's thoughts revealed a clear...disinterest and a hint of barely concealed...disdain? "It sounds...boring." His thoughts were so blunt as to be almost rude, carrying the indifference of a young man towards tedious dogma and mysticism.

Enya was amused by his bluntness, far from being angry; instead, she found it quite amusing. She could almost picture a silver-haired boy wrinkling his nose, wearing a look of utter disdain, as if to say, "What the hell is all this nonsense?" She conveyed a smiling message: "For those who don't believe in gods or care about the law, it might indeed seem tedious. But this is the foundation and faith upon which we Kjerag people depend for our survival. Every proverb may contain the wisdom that protects our people."

Su Rui's thoughts paused for a moment, seemingly unable to comprehend the practical use of such "ethereal" things. He was more concerned with concrete matters. "... Besides these? Is there... nothing else? Like... training? Or... going out?" His thoughts conveyed a yearning for action and change.

Enya sensed a subtle, almost imperceptible restlessness and a warrior's instinct within him. She knew this young man wasn't the type to settle for quiet contemplation. She smiled and replied, "He occasionally patrols the territory and handles some worldly affairs. But most of the time, he does indeed spend in seclusion and research within the monastery. The environment in Kjerag is harsh, and going out isn't always so... 'fun'." She deliberately used the word "fun."

A very soft, almost inaudible hum echoed in Su Rui's mind, carrying the implication of "How boring indeed." He seemed to have completely lost interest in this icy wasteland and the saintess's life that accompanied it, and stopped asking questions.

Enya sensed the tiny, endearing hint of "disappointment" in his mind and couldn't help but shake her head and chuckle inwardly. This lost soul, despite his tragic past and heavy heart, seemed to still retain the straightforwardness of a young person and an instinctive yearning for "interesting" things? Like... a restless yet adorable little animal trapped in an unfamiliar environment, feeling uncomfortable everywhere?

She stopped disturbing him, letting his fragments of consciousness float and recover quietly in his own spiritual ocean. She continued her daily practice, but a subtle, slightly amusing ripple stirred within her heart because of this "special guest." The millennia-old ice and silence of Kjerag seemed to have been infused with a different kind of... vitality because of this unexpected arrival of a "soul from a foreign land" from the warm seas.

Days passed, and the sky over Kjerag remained a perpetual leaden gray, with the snowstorms varying in intensity but never ceasing. Life within the monastery, like the ancient clock on the wall, was regular and tranquil. Enya's daily routine was almost unchanging: morning prayers, morning scripture study, afternoon religious affairs, evening meditation, and communion with the will of the mountains.

Volume 18, Chapter 1093: Vibrant Colors

However, beneath this unchanging silence, subtle changes were quietly taking place deep within Enya's consciousness. The fragment of consciousness of Su Rui, the "soul from a distant, warm sea," was gradually stabilizing under her spiritual nourishment, like a carefully nurtured seedling. It was no longer as fragile as it had been at the beginning, seemingly on the verge of extinction. Like a tiny, faintly glowing seed, it nestled quietly in her vast spiritual ocean, drawing nourishment and slowly regaining its vitality.

Enya kept a portion of her attention focused on Su Rui's condition. She noticed that Su Rui spent most of his time in a state of "sleep" or "rest," with very little conscious activity, as if he were gathering strength. But occasionally, when her consciousness swept over him, she could catch some scattered, unconscious fragments of his thoughts—sometimes worries and longings about the woman named Lemuen, sometimes vague flashbacks of combat techniques or weapon structures, and sometimes muttered complaints and bewilderment about the icy environment of Kjerag ("It's freezing...", "It's just snow...").

These fragments of thought gave Enya a more vivid understanding of this taciturn boy. His inner world was far richer and... more interesting than he showed. In particular, his "complaints" about the environment of Kjerag always brought a knowing smile to Enya's face, as if bringing a touch of vibrant color to this dull life on the Holy Mountain.

About a week after Su Rui's fragments of consciousness "moved in," Enya was in her Meditation Room, translating and meditating on an ancient animal-hide scroll written in a long-lost script. This work was extremely mentally taxing, requiring her to immerse herself completely in the ancient information and sacred rhythms contained within the scroll.

Just as her consciousness was highly focused and resonated with a certain obscure and difficult divine proverb in the scripture, she suddenly "saw"—in the "corner" of her conscious field of vision, next to the light spot representing the fragment of Su Rui's consciousness, a very tiny yet exceptionally clear, pale gold progress bar, like something that would appear on some kind of alchemical array or mechanical dashboard, had quietly appeared!

The progress bar is extremely small, as thin as a hair, and only about the length of a fingernail. It has a semi-transparent, energy-like texture. The progress bar is currently empty, except for the very bottom, which occupies less than one-tenth of the total length and is filled with an extremely faint, pale golden light that seems ready to go out at any moment.

Enya's mind jolted, jolting her from her deep meditation! She stared in astonishment at the suddenly appearing progress bar. What was this? When did it appear? What did it represent?

She immediately focused her mind, concentrating on the peculiar progress bar. As she did so, a vague stream of information, seemingly originating from the very rules of the world, naturally emerged in her "understanding":

[Consciousness Materialization Synchronization Progress: 9%]

[Synchronization condition: Increased 'bond'/'resonance' with the host (Enya)]

[Once the progress reaches 100%, the attached consciousness can temporarily detach from the host and form a stable, interactive physical projection in the vicinity of the host.]

Enya: "!!!"

Even with her saintly composure, she couldn't help but feel a jolt of shock! The Consciousness Materialization Synchronization Progress? The resonance level of the bond with the host? A physical projection?!

This... this is unheard of! After consciousness leaves the body, it can actually regain a "physical form" in this way? And in the form of a "projection"? This is completely beyond her understanding of souls and forms of existence! This is more like some kind of... extremely high-level Originium Arts law, or even... a mysterious phenomenon that touches upon the fundamental rules of the world!

This Su Rui... just who is he?! His soul essence contains such incredible potential?!

After the initial shock, a surge of intense curiosity and... a hint of inexplicable excitement welled up in Enya's heart. She carefully "read" the message. "Bond"/"Resonance"? It sounded vague, but considering Su Rui's current state, Enya could roughly understand—it referred to the "intimacy," "affinity," or "strength of spiritual resonance" between her and Su Rui's fragmented consciousness? The progress bar seemed to depend on the quality and depth of their interaction?

She reflected on the past week, realizing she had simply provided spiritual nourishment, occasionally catching glimpses of Su Rui's unconscious thoughts; there had been almost no real "communication" between them. So the progress bar had only filled a paltry 9%? It seemed that passively "taking her in" and "nurturing" had had negligible effect on strengthening their bond.

So... what if you take the initiative to communicate with him? Chat like friends? Share your thoughts and experiences? Or even... do things together?

This idea gave Enya a long-lost, novel feeling. As a saint of Kjerag, her life was filled with sacred duties and aloof silence, rarely giving her the opportunity to engage in such... equal and casual, deep spiritual communication with others. Although Yela was her closest person, Yela's status (maid/guard) and personality (taciturn) determined that their interaction was more about protection and obedience. Other believers or elders always treated her with awe and distance.

Su Rui's appearance was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake. He came from a completely different world, with entirely different experiences and perspectives. He had no reverence for her saintly status (and might even find it boring). There were no worldly ties or conflicts of interest between them. This pure, accidental "cohabitation" relationship, on the contrary, created a peculiar possibility of equal communication.

And... Enya's lips curled into a gentle, slightly mischievous smile. Looking at the progress bar, which was only 9%, she suddenly felt... like this was an interesting "raising game"? Or... a puzzle that required patience and skill to solve? The goal was clear—to fill the progress bar and see what Su Rui's materialized projection looked like! The process... seemed to be full of unknown fun as well?

She decided not to tell Su Rui about the progress bar directly. Given his awkward yet proud personality, if he knew his "materialization" required "building favorability," he'd probably feel ashamed and resistant, which would backfire. It would be better to... let things happen naturally, subtly strengthening their "bond" through sincere communication and companionship. Wouldn't that be more beneficial for Su Rui's recovery?

Volume 18, Chapter 1094: Don't show me these.

Having made up her mind, Enya felt lighter. She ended her meditation, shifted her attention from the ancient scrolls, and began to actively direct her thoughts towards that quiet point of light deep within her consciousness.

"Su Rui?" she called out gently. "Are you awake? How are you feeling? Are you... bored?" She tried to start the conversation in a light tone, as if she were showing concern for a somewhat introverted guest staying in her own home.

The point of light clinging to the edge of her consciousness flickered slightly, carrying a thought tinged with drowsiness and detachment, "... Hmm. I'm alright." It was still concise and to the point, sparing with words.

Enya didn't take it to heart and continued to convey her goodwill and desire to communicate, "I was just translating a very ancient scripture. The characters on it are like tadpoles, making my head spin. Do you... have this kind of ancient script where you are?" She shared her little frustration from work, trying to create some distance between them.

Su Rui's mind was silent for a few seconds, then a response came that carried a hint of... disdain?: "... Words? Just a tool. Enough is enough." Clearly, he had no fondness for this kind of pretentious and ancient thing.

Enya couldn't help but laugh. Just as she expected. She changed the subject. "It snowed again in Kjerag today, and the snow outside is very thick. I heard that the roads down the mountain are almost blocked. Have you ever... seen such heavy snow before?" She imagined that Su Rui came from a warm coastal area and should be unfamiliar with ice and snow.

This time, Su Rui's mental fluctuations were more pronounced, conveying an emotion that carried obvious... disdain and... a hint of... coldness? "... Seen it. Troublesome. Hinders movement. Damp and cold." A series of short thoughts fully expressed his aversion to the snowy weather.

Enya was amused by his blunt "negative review," and thought with a smile, "It seems you don't like cold places. However, snow scenes have their unique beauty, especially at night, when the moonlight shines on the snow, making the whole world seem to glow."

A very soft hum came from Su Rui's mind, seemingly unconcerned, but without rebuttal.

Undeterred, Enya continued searching for topics that might pique his interest. She talked about a snow hare unique to Kjerag that could survive in the extreme cold, describing its fluffy appearance and agile movements; she talked about a sweet but not cloying dessert made with pine nuts and honey, offered by the believers; and even... she talked about a somewhat comical incident that happened earlier that day when Yela almost slipped while practicing her swordsmanship (of course, she omitted Yela's name and identity, only referring to her as "a friend").

She found that when she talked about specific things, especially those involving "action," "practicality," or "fun," Su Rui's mental responses would become slightly more active. Although he still rarely spoke up, he would convey simple feedback such as "listening," "okay," or "boring." However, when she mentioned sweets, his mental responses would immediately convey strong signals of "rejection" and "disdain," which were very clear.

Although Enya did most of the talking and Su Rui listened (occasionally making sarcastic remarks) during this conversation, which was tailored to their interests, Enya could clearly feel that the "distance" between their consciousnesses was gradually shrinking. The initial cold wariness and alienation were slowly being replaced by a... subtle, calm and relaxed sense of coexistence, similar to that between "roommates" or "fellow patients."

More importantly, when Enya occasionally glanced at the pale golden progress bar out of the corner of her eye (at a mental level), she was pleasantly surprised to find that during the time she was actively communicating with Su Rui, the light on the progress bar seemed to... very faintly, but definitely... have moved forward a tiny bit?! Although it might not even be 0.1%, it was undoubtedly a positive sign!

Her strategy was effective!

Enya felt a sense of accomplishment and a small joy. She looked at the light spot deep in her consciousness, which had become much quieter but no longer seemed so "prickly," and a gentle and gratified smile appeared on her face.

This awkward yet adorable "tenant" from afar seems to be slowly... adapting to life here? And the progress bar leading to "materialization" seems to foreshadow an even more interesting and... unknown period that is about to begin.

The pale gold progress bar, representing the "Consciousness Materialization Synchronization Progress," acted as a silent catalyst, encouraging Enya to be more proactive and strategic in "managing" her relationship with Su Rui.

She no longer merely viewed Su Rui's fragmented consciousness as a "patient" or "fallen victim" in need of care, but began to truly see him as a unique "individual" with whom she could communicate. She discovered that although Su Rui appeared cold and taciturn, he possessed a sharp mind, exceptional observational skills, and insightful observations, often bearing an almost instinctive, warrior-like pragmatic logic. Moreover, beneath his hard, aloof exterior, there seemed to be a hint of... a barely perceptible curiosity about the unknown?

So Enya adjusted her strategy. Instead of simply sharing her daily life, she consciously began to "pull" Su Rui into her life, engaging in "real-time" and interactive communication with him in the tone of a "friend" or "partner".

For example, when she was studying those obscure and difficult ancient scriptures, she would mentally "complain" to Su Rui while thinking:

"Su Rui, look at this proverb, 'Beneath the ice and snow, there is also the pulse of life.'... The elders have debated the interpretation of this sentence for decades. Some say it refers to geothermal energy, some say it refers to some kind of cold-resistant Originium Slug, and some say it is a spiritual symbol... What do you think?" She vaguely transmitted the distorted rune imagery on the scroll to Su Rui through her thoughts.

Su Rui's thoughts would usually remain silent for a few seconds before delivering an extremely cold, somewhat impatient response. "... Boring. With this time, we might as well go and see for ourselves. Dig through the snow, or... use Originium Arts to probe." His thinking was always so direct, efficient, and... lacking any reverence for "mysticism."

Enya wasn't angry at all; on the contrary, she found this "pragmatic" perspective quite interesting, and sometimes it even sparked new directions in her thinking. "You're right, practice is the sole criterion for testing Istina. However, some ancient wisdom may not be as simple as it seems on the surface..." She would follow Su Rui's train of thought and continue the discussion, or offer different perspectives.

For example, when dealing with disputes or resource allocation issues within her territory, she would also "consult" Su Rui's opinion:

Volume 18, Chapter 1095: Su Rui likes to solve problems with his fists.

"Two villages at the foot of the mountain are arguing over the ownership of a newly discovered hot spring, with both sides believing they have made a greater contribution to the Holy Mountain ... Su Rui, if you were in charge, what would you do?" She briefly described the arguments and points of contention between the two sides to Su Rui.

Su Rui's responses are often simple and blunt. "... whoever has the bigger fist gets to decide. Or, allocate resources according to need and set usage time. Instead of wasting time arguing, let's fight it out and the loser shuts up." This typical "Su Rui- style" solution is full of the logic of the supremacy of strength.

Enya would laugh and "retort": "In Kjerag, we value negotiation and God's will more. However... the suggestion of 'setting usage time' is quite practical and can be considered for inclusion in the plan." She would take Su Rui's suggestion (after being "civilized") as a reference and find that sometimes this "outsider's" perspective can break the deadlock.

For example, when Yela brings her delicate tea and snacks, or quietly adds firewood to the fireplace, Enya will also subtly "introduce" her to Su Rui:

"Look, Yela has made me some calming herbal tea again. She's always so thoughtful." She would convey Yela's busy figure and quiet temperament to Su Rui through her thoughts.