On the [ The Radiant Feldspar ], the luxurious airship in the dream is fully capable of automatic navigation and autopilot; the presence of a cockpit is merely to make it appear more authentic.
At this moment, the great Galactic Baseballer arrives once again, naturally accompanied by her good friend March 7th.
"One, two, three, four, five... Dan Heng strikes the Voidranger..."
Hey! Don't change the lyrics like that!
March 7th couldn't help but correct her, but Xing's attention had already wandered away, as if drawn by a magnet, firmly fixed on the group of colorful Origami Bird at the very front of the observation deck.
"Question! Miss March 7th," Xing suddenly turned to her companion, her tone serious, "In Penacony, besides [ The Clockie ], what do you miss most?"
"Um... Brother Hanunu?" March 7th tentatively replied.
"Wrong!" Xing proudly raised her index finger. "It's Origami Bird!"
"This is clearly just wishful thinking on your part!" March 7th sighed helplessly, rubbing her forehead. "Whatever, whatever makes you happy."
"So!" Xing announced solemnly, "Now... Galactic Baseballer is officially crowned as the best friend of the Origami Bird!"
She walked enthusiastically towards the observation deck, determined to cultivate a good relationship with the Origami Bird...
But just then, the figure of that Intellitron suddenly entered my mind.
"Tsk... Damn it," Xing rubbed his temples in frustration, "Looks like my skills in the [ Origami Bird Clash ] game are still far from sufficient!"
She secretly made up her mind that she would have to go and consult the all-knowing Teacher Ye Yan later.
In the brief moment of Xing's distraction, he caught a glimpse of a brand-new warning sign standing prominently in the distance!
"Huh?"
March 7th and Xing asked in unison, "When did this thing appear?"
Curiosity, they took a few steps closer. March 7th squinted and read out the words on the sign, one by one:
"[The pink-haired, short-haired female photographer and her entourage are prohibited from entering]..."
The moment she finished reading, her gaze involuntarily fell on the camera she always carried with her, and she fell into a brief silence.
"Hiss... this is way too targeted!" March 7th hadn't realized the problem yet. "It's like they were just waiting for me to bring you here."
Pink short hair, beautiful girl, photographer—she's practically the perfect template for this ban!
" March 7th, you sound... a little smug?"
Before she could finish speaking, Xing suddenly realized something. "Ah... so that 'accompanying person'—was referring to me?"
"That's right, madam."
That familiar, polite voice rang out again, appearing abruptly behind them. The ' Intellitron ' they had met briefly before was now bowing slightly in greeting.
"Respected lady," the Intellitron's gaze seemed to linger more on Xing, "I never expected our reunion to be so swift."
"Since fate has brought us together again, please allow me to formally introduce myself. It is truly impolite of you two ladies not to know my name."
"Ms. Star and Ms. March 7th from the [ Trailblaze ] Astral Express, I have long admired your names--"
The Intellitron's posture was impeccable as it announced its name: "I am ' Lycurgus,' the administrator of the automated cockpit of the [ The Radiant Feldspar ]."
"Why?"
March 7th was truly taken aback; she never expected that the highly skilled Intellitron from the game would actually be a staff member of the [ The Radiant Feldspar ]!
"So," March 7th pointed to the glaring sign and pressed, "Could you please explain what this 'No Entry' sign means?"
"Of course." ' Lycurgus ' turned to the warning sign, his tone gentle. "As you can see, this area is a precious resting place for the Origami Bird colony. They are small and lovely, and need a quiet environment."
"Therefore, I urge you two ladies to stop here and not disturb these young creatures."
Xing stumbled and almost lost her balance, then looked at the administrator in front of her again.
Where did that fierce, spark-filled fighting spirit go when you were playing " Origami Bird Clash- 3" on the arcade machine?
This guy's 'love' for Origami Bird is expressed in a truly... unexpected way.
"'Cherish'?" Xing couldn't help but mutter under her breath, her eyebrows raised high.
"The way you were trying to slap the bird icons onto the screen in front of the ' Origami Bird Clash ' game machine... that didn't seem like you 'cherish' them at all!"
' Lycurgus's ' face showed no change in expression (of course, this couldn't be seen because of the mask), only his head turned slightly, as if adjusting to the perfect listening angle.
"Ms. Xing, you are mistaken." His voice remained calm and steady. "Game competition pursues the ultimate logic and reaction, it's a battle and pleasure on a spiritual level, and has nothing to do with the material world."
"My all-out effort in virtual battles is precisely the greatest respect I can show to the rules and my opponent."
"At this moment, protecting these real, vulnerable lives that need peace is my primary responsibility as a manager. The two are not mutually exclusive."
The temporary store of [ Jade Pawnshop ] is located in a corner of the observation deck of [ The Radiant Feldspar ], where the starry sea flows silently outside the huge floor-to-ceiling windows.
"Welcome to the Radiant Feldspar branch of [ Jade Pawnshop ]. How should I address you, miss?"
"Just call me [ Samuel ]," Firefly replied.
" Samuel... a very nice name." A smile played on Jade's lips. "So, Miss Samuel, what do you want? And what are you willing to give up for it?"
After a moment of silence, the Firefly spoke clearly, "I want to live."
"I'm willing to risk everything for this wish."
"Everything?" Jade frowned slightly, clearly surprised by the answer.
"Yes, everything," Firefly replied decisively.
As soon as she finished speaking, the smile on Jade's face vanished instantly. She turned around, her back to Firefly.
"Miss Samuel, please return. I think your understanding of the definition of 'pawnbroking' is not thorough enough."
"What's the meaning?"
"Literal meaning. I can feel your desire to survive, burning like a flame; yet, you have nothing of equal value to offer as collateral." Jade turned to the side, her gaze as cold as a measuring stick.
"Heh... I see." A predictable smile curved Firefly's lips. "As expected, the so-called [pawnshops that grant wishes through collateral]... it's all just a charade."
"A very serious accusation. Your confusion is understandable." Jade turned completely back around. "But it doesn't matter, I will help you see the truth."
She handed over a worn-out paper list. "Go find these people. They were all customers of Jade Pawnshop. Witness with your own eyes whether their wishes have come true."
"Then, come back to me. I will make you understand what [pawning] truly means, and I will also help you see yourself... what you are still lacking."
Firefly was secretly alarmed. The tenderness she had shown to Topaz had once been genuine protection; but now, when facing potential traders, that tenderness had transformed into a blade used to precisely measure value.
Rather than the owner of the pawnshop, this [ Lady Bonajade ]'s demeanor... is more like that of a ruthless loan shark.
Well, since there's nothing else to do for now, let's do as she says and go take a look.