"You cheated!"
On the Fagaceae Peninsula, two figures walked side by side on the road. The post-rain air was moist and fresh, but the shorter figure clearly had no mood to appreciate this gift of nature:
"What do you mean—your Resonance ability is to use other people's Resonance abilities?"
Carlotta's composure completely shattered.
Jinzhou-side Tacet Discords were already quite rude, but she hadn't expected Jinzhou people to be even ruder.
This man had only met her a few hours ago, then immediately copied her Resonance ability—and used it better than her!
It felt just like Noah stealing Carlotta's ability right in front of her face, then flaunting it: Your Resonance ability is awesome!
In her own hands, her Resonance ability was clearly not this obedient!
"What's the difference between this and stealing from me?"
"If I apologize, will it make you feel better? The legend of Solaris's fastest stolen build."
Hearing the first half, Carlotta's mood improved slightly. Hearing the second half, Carlotta immediately bristled again.
"What kind of awful nickname is 'Solaris's fastest stolen build'?!"
He'd been teasing her the whole time—he hadn't stopped!
"Alright, alright."
Noah raised his hands in surrender, shrugging helplessly:
"I already have your ability—there's no way to spit it back to you. Instead of getting angry over something that's already happened, why not tell me how I should compensate you?"
"You—"
Carlotta lowered her head, momentarily unable to think of how Noah should compensate her.
In the end, this was still Noah's own ability. It was his freedom to use whosever ability he wanted, and she had no right to interfere.
Her current anger felt more like unreasonable troublemaking.
Sorting her emotions, Carlotta gritted her silver teeth, raised her head, and furrowed her willow brows:
"As compensation—you must claim the Laureate for Montelli!"
"I'll do my best."
"No 'best'—full effort. The Laureate is very important to the Montelli Family."
"Okay, okay, okay—all according to you."
Hearing Noah yield, Carlotta's mood finally recovered. She let out a light, cheerful hum.
"Look quick!"
Noah suddenly pointed toward the nearby coast, his gaze delighted:
"Blueberry little cake!"
"Where's a blueberry little cake!"
Carlotta looked where he pointed, only to see a small blue-purple figure sitting on a box by the coast turn her head, revealing an adorable face.
"Now that you mention it, she does look a bit like a blueberry little cake."
[Limited Banner "Stage in a Box," "Tragicomedy" now open.]
Approaching Roccia, the corresponding banner information opened, but Noah only glanced at the text—no further action.
Support character Roccia—though strong at grouping enemies in the game, ace support in the Guixu event—but in reality, she had little practical use.
No pull.
"Hello, nice to meet you."
Snapping out of his thoughts, Roccia looked up at them, her voice soft and delicate:
"I'm Roccia, First Mate of the Troupe of Fools, here to guide the Montelli Family's partner to Fool's Elysium."
"Little sister, becoming First Mate at such a young age—your future is bright."
Carlotta smiled slightly, bending down to pat Roccia's head and asking kindly:
"But how did you know I'm your partner?"
"Captain Brant described the partner's features: beautiful, smooth pure white long hair, wearing an exquisite dress adorned with jewels."
What Roccia didn't say was—Brant had also mentioned one final feature: not very tall.
"Haha, sorry for keeping you waiting due to some reasons. I'm Carlotta, and this big brother is Noah."
Saying this, Carlotta deliberately glanced sideways at Noah.
If she'd known the Troupe of Fools' guide was such a sweet, soft blueberry little cake, she wouldn't have followed Noah on that adventure.
"It's okay, let's go."
===
Night gradually deepened.
Penitent's End.
After the gale ceased, a thin sea fog soon drifted over the island, growing denser with time.
Stepping off the gondola, the three chatted casually to pass the time.
"A long, long time ago, this was a sanctuary used by the Order for pilgrimages. Later, the Black Tide submerged it, changing the environment to dark and eerie."
Carlotta took the initiative to explain to Noah beside her:
"Plus, Remnant clouds occasionally spread from the Sea of Clouds, attracting countless Tacet Discords to occupy the island, their mournful murmurs never ceasing day or night."
"Yes, Miss Carlotta knows this place very well."
Roccia nodded seriously, adding:
"The Order exiles those who committed errors—'fools'—onto pilgrimage ships."
"If unlucky and encountering stormy weather at sea, the pilgrimage ship might be destroyed by waves, and the fool would drown in the ocean."
"Even if lucky, a pilgrimage ship without food or water could drift at most two or three days before powerful undercurrents carried it to Penitent's End."
Yet Penitent's End not only teemed with Tacet Discords but also housed an Overlord class ancient dragon controlled by the Order with the Laureate.
As always: ordinary people struggled against Common class Tacet Discords; Elite class required non-combat Resonators to handle; Overlord class could easily annihilate a Resonator army; Calamity class could devastate a city.
Fools sent here had almost no chance of surviving on their own.
Fortunately, the Troupe of Fools led by Brant always rescued those who didn't drown at sea.
"Most everyone in the Troupe of Fools consists of these 'fools' deemed so by the Order—that's also the origin of the troupe's name."
"Impressive."
Noah clapped enthusiastically, releasing his perception to scan the surroundings of Penitent's End.
Nearby Tacet Discords trembled uncontrollably, as if stared at by some great terror.
Retracting his gaze, Noah decided to come back later when free to exterminate these Tacet Discords' entire clans.
For now, there was business to attend.
Following Roccia's guided safe path, the three plus one box walked and paused, soon arriving at a natural underground cavern.
"Please wait a moment. I've already messaged Captain Brant—they should be back soon."
Roccia spoke apologetically:
"I'll prepare some drinks and snacks. Feel free to wander around here in the meantime."
The blueberry little cake was so sensible it made one's heart ache.
Seeing Roccia walk away, Carlotta surveyed the vast natural underground cavern while explaining:
"This is the Troupe of Fools' base—Fool's Elysium. Not long ago, I cooperated with them in the name of Montelli."
In the name of Montelli?
Hearing Carlotta's introduction, Noah lowered his head, watching as for every leisurely two steps he took, Carlotta quickly took three in her heels.
Only then could the two maintain the same pace.
He couldn't help inwardly chuckling:
In the name of Montelli—that's very short.
A signal beep sounded. Carlotta picked up her buzzing Terminal, glanced at the message, and her expression shifted slightly:
"My uncle is back. The family needs me—I have to return immediately."
"Ah?"
Noah's eyes widened:
"But you just arrived at Fool's Elysium. Leaving right after arriving? What about me?"
"Well..."
Carlotta thought briefly:
"The main purpose this time was to introduce you to the Troupe of Fools. I'll greet their captain and have them entertain you well."
"Would you mind resting here one night? I'll hurry back tomorrow to discuss the Carnevale performance with you all."
"Or, if you mind staying alone, you can come back to Montelli with me."
Without much hesitation, Noah nodded:
"Fine, I'll stay here one night. The sea fog outside is thick—want me to escort you partway?"
"So considerate?"
Carlotta smiled slightly, playfully blinking:
"Then—I won't refuse."
She had to admit: after witnessing Noah's strength, traveling with him gave an indescribable sense of security.
A feeling she'd never experienced before.
Shortly after, Roccia returned carrying a tray of drinks and fruits, only to see the empty Fool's Elysium. Her little face went blank:
"People... where are the people?"