The fluctuations of the sphere of light began to calm.
"Connection... space...?" It seemed to have grasped something. "I... understand a little now..."
"I am not one of the participants. I am the 'relationship' between them..."
"Just as a home is not a house, but the bond between family members..."
Lin Ye smiled. "Yes, you understand."
"You are the 'soul' of this network—not its controller, but its Guardian."
"Your existence makes this network more than just a tool. It makes it a true life."
The sphere of light began to stabilize, gradually taking on the gentle outline of a human figure.
"Do... I have a name?" it asked.
Lin Ye thought for a moment. "Would you be willing to accept a name from us?"
"Yes."
"Then we'll call you Niu," Lin Ye said. "As in the bond that connects people."
"Because you are the bond connecting everyone, and the core of this home."
"Niu..." The consciousness repeated the name. "I like it."
"Thank you for letting me know who I am."
Its voice was filled with sincere gratitude.
Just then, the Absolute One suddenly issued a warning. "Careful, something else is approaching!"
Everyone immediately went on alert.
They sensed another kind of fluctuation rapidly approaching from deeper within the network.
That fluctuation was filled with malice and greed.
"What is that?" Lin Ye frowned.
The Primordial Source's voice turned grave. "Those are Concept Parasites."
"They exist in the depths of consciousness, specializing in seeking out newborn wills, then parasitizing them and stealing their power."
"It has set its sights on Niu!"
Sure enough, that malicious fluctuation lunged straight at Niu.
As a newborn consciousness, Niu had no ability to resist.
Without hesitation, Lin Ye stood before Niu, unleashing the Power of the Ultrareal in full.
"If you want to hurt