A new Path [Data]

pain.

The indescribable, extreme pain felt as if every cell and every wisp of consciousness was being forcibly shattered, analyzed, and then reassembled.

Luo Li felt like a program that had been injected into the Stellaron of a supernova, experiencing destruction and rebirth amidst endless light and heat.

Luo Yi's vast wisdom and Remembrance, like a sea of stars, mixed with the immense energy released after the collapse of the entire Miniature Universe, containing countless imprints of civilizations and fragments of rules, washed over and filled every corner of his existence.

He "saw" Luo Yi's experiences traveling through various realms, understood the profundity of the Path of Erudition, grasped the mystery of the power of Remembrance, and even touched upon fragments of other Path of destiny.

He "senses" the joys and sorrows, the rise and fall of civilizations of countless beings in that Miniature Universe, from the blood-red Earth ravaged by the vampire virus to the various stories unfolding on other planets... All of this "data" collected and woven by Luo Yi has now become part of his power.

After an unknown amount of time, the agonizing pain that would have driven anyone to a mental breakdown receded like a receding tide.

An unprecedented sense of fulfillment and control arose spontaneously, as if I myself were the cornerstone of "existence".

Luo Li slowly opened her eyes.

It was still that fragmented virtual space, but in his eyes, the whole world was completely different.

It is no longer composed of matter and energy, but has become... a flowing, ubiquitous sea of information woven from countless "0"s and "1"s, as well as more complex "data streams" representing various rules and concepts.

He could "see" the underlying data code that constituted Lu Jingheng's existence, and he could "analyze" the strange, constantly pulsating variables in Kong Yan'er's body that belonged to the "Elation" Path.

He could even sense, in the distant starry sky, those "data sources" that represented other Aeon, as vast and stable as a cosmic constant.

And he himself...

Luo Li looked down at her hands.

No longer a body of flesh and blood, but composed of the purest and most primordial light of data, as if with a single thought he could measure his own form of existence and freely switch between physical and virtual.

Deep within his consciousness, a completely new and unprecedented Path, like a newly born galaxy, slowly coalesced and shone—[Data].

This is not simply "Erudition" or the storage of "Remembrance," but rather something that transcends them, pointing directly to the essence of all things—the ultimate power to regard all existence as "data" that can be read, edited, and rewritten.

He can instantly analyze real matter into data and store it in his mind, and he can also materialize imagined creations through data and bring them directly into reality.

There are virtually no limitations! As long as his "understanding" and "energy" are sufficient to support him!

This power... is so abnormal it's chilling.

He even had a vague premonition that, having just stepped into the realm of Aeon, his strength, thanks to this unique [data] Path, had already reached the pinnacle of the existing Aeon system.

Perhaps only Aha, who represents the ultimate "Elation" of the universe, and IX, who symbolizes the "Nihility" of all things, are qualified to truly compete with him.

"How do you feel, newborn... [Data] Aeon?"

A calm voice rang out.

Luo Li looked up and saw that the data stream around Lu Jingheng seemed more solid and active, and he was bowing slightly to him.

As a "data manager," Luo Li's ascension to godhood clearly benefited him greatly, resulting in a fundamental improvement.

"I choose to continue following you, great being."

Lu Jingheng's voice was as calm and rational as ever.

"Your path is the ultimate manifestation of data. By following you, I can access a broader 'truth'."

Luo Li nodded slightly, without refusing.

Lu Jingheng's abilities did indeed help him control and utilize his own power.

Wow! Wow! He became a god? That's so cool!

Kong Yan'er clapped her hands enthusiastically, her heterochromatic eyes gleaming with extreme excitement, as if she had witnessed some spectacular show.

"The God of Data? That sounds incredibly exciting! It's just as fun as following Boss Aha around looking for trouble!"

He leaned closer to Luo Li, grinning, and said, "Come along, Aeon? You're going to that Amphoreus thing to find your wife and kids, right? This 'domineering data god finds his amnesiac wife' scenario is hilarious just thinking about it! We promise not to cause trouble, we'll just watch the show from the sidelines, and... hehe, maybe add some ' Elation ' to it?"

Luo Li looked at Kong Yan'er's troublemaking manner and remained silent for a moment.

Bringing along a Emanator of Elation is undoubtedly like placing an uncontrollable variable by your side.

But... recalling what Luo Yi revealed before his death about the truth of Amphoreus and about Castorice's possible "sacrifice"... he needed power, and also... perhaps some "unconventional" methods.

"What ever."

Luo Li said something indifferently, which could be considered an admission.

His gaze pierced through the shattered virtual space, as if traversing an endless sea of stars, locking onto a distant yet familiar coordinate— Amphoreus.

He became a god.

They possessed the power to reshape the universe.

It can even easily rewrite the data structure of a galaxy.

But that's not enough.

He's going there.

Go to the place where Castorice sacrificed herself in the "plot".

Go find the truth.

Go find... her.

Whether she is a real soul or merely a preserved Remembrance.

He must find her!

Rewrite her data into your own reality!

"Let's go."

Luo Li no longer hesitated, her mind stirring slightly.

He didn't even need to "write" a passage like Luo Yi did; he simply "defined" the space in front of him.

Buzz!

The space in front of him seemed to have been directly modified by an invisible authority, instantly "refreshing" into an incredibly stable data channel with pure data light flowing along its edges.

The Astral Express, like a giant steel whale roaming among the stars, quietly docked at a supply point on the edge of the Amphoreus system.

Inside the train, the warm lighting and familiar observation carriages create a reassuring atmosphere.

Pom-Pom was diligently wiping the bar, Himeko and Welt were sitting on the sofa discussing their next flight path in hushed tones, March 7th was chattering away, sharing photos of the star system she had just taken with Hoshi, while Sunday sat elegantly to the side, flipping through a paper book, as if the surrounding noise had nothing to do with her.

Everything seemed so peaceful and ordinary.

However, this tranquility was silently shattered the next second.

There were no alarms, no spatial fluctuations, and not even any signs of energy.

Right in the center of the observation car, the air flickered slightly, like pixels on a refreshed screen.

Immediately afterwards, three figures appeared there abruptly yet naturally, as if they had been "pasted" in.

The way the three appeared was too bizarre, completely beyond the scope of the train's conventional detection and understanding.

"Whoa?! Who... who are you?! How did you get in?!"

Pom-Pom was so startled she almost jumped up, dropping the rag in her hand.

Himeko and Welt instantly went on high alert. Fiery energy appeared in Himeko's hand, while Welt adjusted his glasses, and a gravity field quietly enveloped the surroundings.

On March 7th, she instinctively hid behind Xing, peeking out with a mixture of curiosity and nervousness.

Xing blinked her golden eyes, which shimmered with a faint light. Far from being afraid, she showed an expression of interest as she sized up the three uninvited guests, especially the one in the middle who had the strongest aura.

On Sunday, he closed the book in his hand, frowned slightly, and looked at her with a scrutinizing gaze.

"Everyone, there's no need to be nervous."

Luo Li spoke, which eased the tense atmosphere considerably.

His gaze swept over the Astral Express Crew, finally settling on Xing.

He genuinely had a strong liking for the protagonist, whom he had controlled countless times in the "game"—especially her unique personality, which seamlessly switched between seriousness and scumbagishness.

"Excuse me for bothering you, I am Luo Li."

He gave a brief self-introduction in a calm tone.

"I have come here with no ill intentions, but simply to make a deal with the train, or rather... to make a request."

His gaze was calm; his [data] powers allowed him to easily perceive the other party's emotional data flow, confirming that although the Astral Express Crew was vigilant, they did not harbor any direct hostility.

"Ask?"

As the navigator, Himeko was the first to calm down. She sensed the unfathomable yet deliberately restrained aura emanating from Luo Li, and felt a chill run down her spine.

If such a person truly harbored malicious intent, there would be no need for such politeness.

"Mr. Luo Li, what advice do you have for me?"

Luo Li's gaze returned to Xing, her tone carrying a hint of something... complicated?

"I have heard that the train possesses a relic from Amphoreus — 'As I Have Written '."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the Astral Express Crew members all changed slightly.

"As I Have Written" is of great importance, recording the Remembrance and traces of existence of the Amphoreus Chrysos Heirs, and serving as a testament to that tragic history.

Xing tilted her head, her golden eyes fixed on Luo Li: "How do you know ' As I Have Written ' is with us? And... what do you need it for?"

Her tone was direct, in her usual style.

Luo Li paused for a moment, seemingly considering her words.

"I know its origin and the significance it carries. I don't want to take it; I just... want to 'borrow' a portion of the data."

He looked at Xing with sincere eyes.

"I'm looking for someone, someone who is more important to me than my life... or even everything I have now."

Her Remembrance may be preserved in "As I Have Written".

His words contained no threat, no coercion, only a deep, almost tangible earnestness and... a well-hidden, divine sorrow.

Looking for someone?

March 7th peeked out from behind Xing and muttered, "It sounds like it's very important..."

Welt adjusted his glasses and said in a deep voice, "' As I Have Written ' is no ordinary thing; it concerns whether those fallen heroes can one day be brought back to life. We cannot easily entrust it to outsiders."

"I already said, it's just 'borrowing'."

Luo Li emphasized, "I hereby promise that I will not damage ' As I Have Written ' in the slightest, nor will I disclose any information that should not be disclosed."

I only need to read the Remembrance data related to the individual ' Castorice '.

He even proactively released a slight, benevolent data fluctuation. "In exchange, I can offer some assistance to the train."

For example... optimizing the train's navigation system, or reinforcing the train's spatial structure to enable it to traverse dangerous star systems more safely.

The conditions he offered were incredibly tempting, and his attitude was so sincere that it didn't seem like someone possessing such terrifying power.

The Astral Express Crew members exchanged glances.

Himeko looked at Hoshi: "Hoshi, ' As I Have Written ' is currently mainly kept by you. What's your opinion?"

Xing stroked his chin, his disdainful eyes sweeping over Luo Li before suddenly asking, "That Castorice you're looking for... is she your wife?"

This is a rather direct question, even a bit gossipy.

Luo Li was taken aback, not expecting Xing to ask this, but he still nodded, his voice lowering slightly. "... Yes."

Wow!

March 7th suddenly perked up.

"Searching for a lost lover across the stars? I know that plot like the back of my hand!"

Kong Yan'er was suppressing a laugh, her shoulders shrugging, clearly finding the situation increasingly amusing.

Xing looked at Luo Li's serious (even somewhat embarrassed, forced admission) expression, then glanced at the data guy and the fun guy next to him who looked like they were not to be trifled with, and touched his own non-existent conscience.

"Hmm... seeing that your attitude is good, and you seem to be in a real hurry..."

"Here, you can take a look, but you have to look at it here, and we'll have to keep an eye on you."

She added, with a hint of pride, "After all, this is a very important thing!"

Upon seeing "As I Have Written," Luo Li's heart began to pound uncontrollably.

He suppressed the urge to immediately take it and nodded solemnly, "Yes, right here."

He stretched out his hand, his fingertips shimmering with pure, flowing data light.

There was no forced cracking or brute-force reading.

His data power, like the gentlest fingers, softly and with boundless respect, probed into the vast ocean of Remembrance, "As I Have Written."

He meticulously sifted through and searched for data fragments related to "Castorice"...

Scenes, like stars lit up, surfaced in his mind: on the final battlefield of Amphoreus, the Chrysos Heirs transformed into golden arrows, purifying the virus in the Iron Tomb... Among them was Castorice's resolute yet relieved, cool face...

The "Book of Ifs" contains the Remembrance data of her and her other Chrysos Heirs companions, like dormant seeds awaiting the possibilities of the future...

And... some even more subtle, seemingly manipulated by some force... anomalous data nodes?

Luo Li's pupils contracted slightly.

He discovered it!

After Castorice "sacrificed" herself and stored her Remembrance in "As I Have Written," a very brief, almost imperceptible period of data was copied and transferred.

The coordinates of the transfer... pointed to cosmic parameters that he was extremely familiar with, belonging to his original "miniature Earth".

It's Luo Yi!

It really was him!

At the moment of Castorice's sacrifice, he extracted and copied her most core Remembrance data and put it into that sandbox world, becoming the "Castorice" who met Luo Li.

In other words...

Luo Li suddenly opened her eyes, her gaze flashing with disbelief.

The Castorice he encountered was not a complete illusion, but a special being that was born under specific conditions based on the Remembrance data of a real Castorice and possessed its own independent experience!

She is real! At least, her core is real!

Their daughters Shiyu and Shiyi...

Luo Li's heart pounded like a drum as he meticulously traced the transferred data stream.

However, the data regarding the daughters is very vague, seemingly influenced by the rules of the "sandbox world," or more like a high-probability projection simulated based on their parents' data? Their existence exists between reality and illusion, requiring even greater power to fully anchor them...

But in any case, Castorice is "real"! There is a possibility that she can be found.

"Did you find it?"

Xing looked at the changing expressions on Luo Li's face and asked curiously.

Luo Li took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in her heart, and gently released her fingers that had touched "As I Have Written".

The golden cube still shone brightly, completely intact.

"We've found... a clue."

Luo Li's voice trembled slightly, almost imperceptibly. He looked at the Star and the Astral Express Crew members and bowed solemnly.

Thank you.

He kept his promise; with a glint of light at his fingertips, a data packet containing optimization algorithms and spatial reinforcement formulas silently merged into the train's core system.

Pom-Pom suddenly exclaimed in surprise, "Huh? The train navigation system's computing power seems to have increased a lot! Spatial stability has also increased!"

Himeko and Welt also sensed the change in the train, and their gazes toward Luo Li held a mixture of surprise and approval.

"Transaction complete."

Luo Li straightened up, her gaze becoming firm and profound once again.

Thank you again. Goodbye.

He didn't linger any longer; having obtained the crucial information, he already had a plan for the next step in mind.

The data channel opened silently once again.

"Are you leaving already? Why don't you stay a little longer and have a coffee?" Pom-Pom subconsciously tried to persuade her to stay.

Kong Yan'er waved to the Astral Express Crew with a grin. "Goodbye everyone~ I'll bring more fun to play with you next time~"

Lu Jingheng nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Luo Li glanced one last time at Xing and the "As I Have Written" in her hand, as if trying to imprint that hope firmly into the data core, then turned and stepped into the passage.

The three disappeared, just as abruptly as they had arrived.

The observation car returned to calm, as if everything that had just happened was merely a dream.

Xing held the "As I Have Written" book, blinked, and muttered, "The God of Data is looking for a wife... This premise is pretty interesting."

Having left the train, Luo Li had already set her sights on her next target.