Chapter 136 - 135: Fu Xuan Proves Trustworthy; The Astral Express Crew Is Truly Amazing to Me!

[Combat concluded] March 7th softly sighed. Rubbing her arms, March 7th glanced around. The area remained devoid of any presence. Feeling slightly chilly, she moved closer to a corner and continued with the unfolding narrative. At the end of the original Room of Curiosities, a new chamber had opened up. Not only did Dan Heng, who had previously disappeared, reappear here, but there was also an additional character! March 7th instantly recognized them. "The Messenger from the Garden of Recollection?!" Naturally, she hadn't encountered the Messenger in reality, but through the game, she knew such a figure existed. The Messenger spoke earnestly, "Miss March, please refrain from further delving into the past." "Leave the Matrix of Prescience and return to reality. The past is not worth exploring; it will only bring you harm." "You should be the one leaving—I won't let go!" Her stance was unwavering. Suddenly, Fu Xuan's voice, which had gone silent earlier, echoed again—like a divine weapon descending from the heavens—as he materialized before March 7th. "The 'Garden of Recollection'? Are you affiliated with Heavenly Monarch Liuguang? Was it you obstructing my observation?" "What do you intend for this girl? Regardless of your motives...stealing someone's memories, like using leaves to blind, deceiving others—it cannot be allowed!" March 7th's eyes sparkled with admiration! Fu Xuan's entrance was incredibly impressive, arriving just when she needed assistance most! In that moment, Fu Xuan's small figure seemed to radiate immense security, eliciting a silent admiration from March 7th. From now on, her perception of Fu Xuan had completely changed! The once verbose and long-winded Fu Xuan transformed into a remarkably dependable Master Diviner! After Fu Xuan spoke, the [Messenger] sighed, "It seems I must resort to extraordinary measures." Undeterred, Fu Xuan countered, "Miss March, you might feel some discomfort shortly. This venerable one will intervene in your memory realm to help clear any obstructions." [Combat Initiated] Fortunately, the enemies encountered during these battles were ones she had previously defeated, such as units from the Antimatter Legion or Voidrangers. Currently, their team was considered close to a quantum fleet but still lacked one Quantum Synergy member to achieve a pure quantum lineup. Nonetheless, they remained effective against most adversaries. The character [Fu Xuan] proved incredibly useful. March 7th decided that after completing this mission, she would at least aim to obtain a 0+1 Fu Xuan card. As she contemplated this, the eerie sensation seemed to diminish significantly. Once the combat concluded, the surrounding scene transformed again. This time, it shifted from the space station to a passenger cabin aboard the Astral Express. March 7th couldn't resist glancing up towards the cabin door. Now, the game's storyline mirrored her own environment perfectly, instantly immersing her. Thankfully, Fu Xuan was still present. When faced with her expression of gratitude, he responded firmly: With conviction, Fu Xuan declared, "Hmph, I promised to look after you. Besides, having benefited from the Omniscient Celestial Monarch, I cannot tolerate anyone obstructing others' pursuit of truth." "That person just mentioned being a 'Messenger' from the Garden of Recollection. Why would they try to hinder me?" Fu Xuan responded, "The Garden harbors many with diverse intentions; their claim alone isn't enough to discern the true reason behind their actions." "So we're on the Astral Express now? It seems like you're close to retracing your origins. Once that happens, the Matrix of Prescience Ultima can commence its calculations." "Do you remember where you were found?" "They had...placed the ice block containing me in what is now my passenger cabin." "Let's cross this train car and find your room then." March 7th began moving through the cabin. What was usually a warm space now felt somewhat eerie, though March 7th couldn't pinpoint why exactly. Perhaps it was due to the unsettling atmosphere as she progressed through the storyline. Uncle Yang, Himeko, and Stelle still showed no signs of activity. Where could they have gone? Suddenly, A shrill noise erupted from the screen, and the visuals turned into static-filled snow. "Ahhh!!!" March 7th jumped, nearly dropping her phone. Thankfully, at the last moment, her rationality kicked in, preventing her from losing grip. She looked back into the game. It seemed they had entered a memory. The scene took on an old, yellowish tint as if filtered through time. "Phew..." March 7th patted her chest and let out a sigh of relief. This memory quest was just too bizarre! It felt like watching a late-night horror movie! In the recollection, Uncle Yang appeared first. "Dan Heng, let's break open this ice together... The person inside might still be alive." As they moved forward two more steps, Himeko emerged. "Be cautious; don't injure her..." Dan Heng responded, "I know my limits. Pom-Pom, fetch the first aid kit." "On it, Pom!" March 7th wondered aloud, "Is this...a memory from when I was found by the Astral Express crew? But I don't remember any of this?" Fu Xuan replied, "You recall much more than you realize." Watching herself being rescued from a third-person perspective evoked a peculiar sensation. March 7th licked her lips, feeling her heartbeat quicken slightly, eager to witness the next scene. However, upon opening the door connecting the train cars, she found herself back at the beginning! Continuing forward, as she traversed the carriage, a voice echoed persistently in the background with a sense of urgent pleading: "Don't look back, keep moving forward." "Don't look back, keep moving forward." "Don't look back, keep moving forward." March 7th understood. The Messenger was interfering with her actions again. She involuntarily shrugged and muttered to herself, "Why does this Messenger feel like a ghost..." As soon as she spoke those words, the surrounding atmosphere seemed to grow even colder. It's just my imagination! Yes! It must be my own psychological effect! Near the corridor window, Himeko appeared, gazing at the starry sky outside. She whispered to herself, "The substance sealing that child appears to be ice, yet it doesn't exhibit its physical properties... How peculiar." "These crystals manifest at least six distinct crystallographic structures under varying conditions... 'Ice of Six Phases.' The galaxy truly poses an unfathomable enigma." Softly, March 7th said, "Sis Ji Zi, I'm running late, so can't chat much longer..." Interacting with the connecting door once more... As expected, she found herself back at the starting point! "We're genuinely trapped within this space..." March 7th felt startled. She looked around her surroundings again. Why does this feel so similar to a game scenario?! Could it be that I'm actually within someone else's [Remembrance] right now? "No, no way... This can't be happening!" "The real world is singular and unchanging!" "If I doubt that, I'd essentially be doubting my own existence..." This time, the characters appearing inside the carriage changed. It was now Uncle Yang and Pom-Pom. Uncle Yang said, "Of course, I hope we can take her in... Or rather, even basic moral judgment leads to one conclusion—we must look after her since we've found her." "But, I am also concerned if this choice might bring trouble to the Astral Express..." Pom-Pom responded, "The Astral Express welcomes everyone, pa! Don't worry; just make the best decision at hand. Pom-Pom will handle any issues that arise afterward." "With your assurance... I feel somewhat relieved. I just hope she'll settle comfortably on the train and not get spooked by us oddballs..." "Don't worry, March 7th! As Pom-Pom said, the Astral Express welcomes everyone!" Reading this exchange, March 7th's initial anxiety eased slightly. Sniffle, sniffle... Uncle Yang is truly amazing! And Pom-Pom is so dependable too! Once I finish this storyline, I'm definitely giving you a big hug! Suddenly, it occurred to March 7th: The Messenger kept urging her not to look back. So what if she did?! March 7th shifted her perspective and faced backward. She cautiously opened her eyes just a sliver, fearing she might see something terrifying. Fortunately, instead of any horrors, the compartment revealed the door connecting to the starting carriage. She chose [Open Door]. The scene changed abruptly, revealing a warm and familiar sight. Pink walls adorned with various photos and decorations, clutter scattered haphazardly... That's right. Upon opening the door, March 7th found herself in her own room! It looked exactly as she remembered, save for one difference: In the very center, a shimmering block of ice floated suspended. Fu Xuan spoke up, "This must be the xenological asset... It seems our journey of exploration has finally reached its final step. This venerable one will confirm once more—do you truly wish to uncover your lost past?" Having come this far, there was no turning back now! "The Trailblazer never retreats, even when faced with insurmountable odds!" March 7th extended her finger, ready to tap "[Yes... I'm certain]" on the dialogue box. At that moment, the invisible Memokeepers surrounding her suddenly all stood up in unison! Some had their hands already turning translucent, poised to reach out towards March 7th. "We cannot risk revealing the 'truth' hidden within these memories... Her recollections must be shielded." "She must not remember this memory herself; it's not yet the right time!" The Messenger stepped forward, blocking March 7th from the others. Despite wearing a mask, the determination beneath could still be felt. "Ladies and gentlemen, as you've just witnessed in that sequence," "[I] have already interfered within her memory." "Just as we are doing now, at this crucial moment, even my game counterpart will strive to make her understand Memories Chamber's intentions and prevent her from further exploration." "Therefore, please trust [me], everyone." All Memokeepers fell silent. However, the Messenger's words evidently had their effect; they ceased any further actions. Meanwhile... March 7th initiated dialogue!