Flames filled the sky, and the withered Tongtian Jianmu crackled as it burned.
Scorching winds howled, carrying choking smoke. Firelight painted the snowfield a vivid red.
"Herta, what are you doing here too?" Stelle asked when she saw the delicate, adorable puppet girl.
The burning giant tree was reflected in Herta's faintly haughty purple eyes. Hearing Stelle, she turned and said, "The company invited me. Besides, I'd never pass up a chance to gather material this close to home."
Stelle nodded.
Then she heard Herta press her: "What happened with that question I asked you to look into?"
Stelle paused, then remembered that Herta had wanted her to ask Lu Mingfei about his technology.
She had forgotten.
"The manifestation field of human mental phenomena," Stelle said offhandedly.
"That exists?" Herta planted her hands on her hips. "Fine. He's here anyway. I'll ask him myself when I get the chance."
Klein and Lu Mingfei slowly emerged from the air. Xianzhou starskiffs streaked across the sky like meteors. One after another, many people gathered on the little island where they had first logged in as beginners.
"You over there. Let's exchange contact details," Herta said to Lu Mingfei.
"Huh?" Lu Mingfei's eyes widened, and he pointed at himself. "Me?"
Herta nodded. Lu Mingfei looked a little bashful as they added each other.
"We'll talk when we have time," Herta said.
It was hard to imagine Lu Mingfei and scientific research in the same picture.
Looking around, Stelle spotted a brother and sister with similar features and splendid clothing among the crowd. Their breathtaking looks made them stand out, while dazzling halos and feathered adornments by their ears lent them an air of sanctity.
At first glance alone, they inspired a sense of peace and an instinctive fondness.
"Why did we skip ahead