Another day slipped by in dead silence and gloom. Outside the window, the sky turned from leaden gray to deep blue, finally sinking into inky black. Artoria didn't know what time it was, nor did she care. She simply curled up on the floor next to the life-support pod as she had for countless hours before, leaning her back against that cold, hard metal shell, shrinking herself into a tiny ball. The blanket had slipped off to the side, but she didn't pick it up; she just wore her thin pajamas, letting the chill from the floor and the pod seep bit by bit into her marrow.
The main light in the room wasn't on; there was only the constant, faint pale blue cold light emitted by the life-support pod itself, reflecting her pale, thin profile and the equally pale, slumbering face inside the pod. Her gaze fell hollowly on a point in the void ahead, without focus, as if her soul had already drifted away from this tortured body, leaving only an empty shell hollowed out by pain.
Her fingers unconsciously, over and over again, lightly stroked the position corresponding to Minerva's cheek through the cold, transparent pod cover. The movement was very light and slow, carrying a near-devout caution and filled with desperate attachment. All that came from her fingertips was a bone-chilling coldness and that layer of barrier she could never truly reach through.
"Minerva..." Her lips moved slightly, letting out a faint breathy sound that was almost inaudible, like a mumble in a dream, yet also like the deepest sigh. "Today... there seem to be stars... but I... can't see them clearly..."
Her tears had long since run dry, leaving only a dry stinging in her eyes. Even her grief seemed to have become numb, leaving only a heavy, suffocating sense of emptiness, like thick asphalt wrapping around her heart, her lungs, and every breath she took.
Just as her consciousness was about to completely sink into that cold void, to be assimilated with the silence before her and the cold at her side—
An extremely faint yet exceptionally clear "beep" sounded without warning in the deepest part of her soul, in that system domain she had thought was completely silent. It had a unique rhythm, as if some precision instrument had completed a self-check or received a critical command.
Artoria's body stiffened almost imperceptibly. Her fingers stroking the pod cover stopped. In her hollow eyes, the gray haze seemed to flicker for a moment. Was it... an illusion? Another hallucination? She had experienced too many similar hallucinations during this time.
However, what followed was no illusion. That familiar electronic voice, which had vanished for who knows how long and had failed to respond to her countless desperate calls, "sounded" directly in the core area of her consciousness in an unprecedentedly clear, almost "tangible" way.
And that tone...
[...Phew. Finally got it done. Those old foxes, every single one of them is more slippery than the last. At the next annual meeting, I'll definitely drink them under the table until their data overflows.]
It carried an indescribable "human touch," as if it had just finished a long and difficult "social activity," a mix of exhaustion, relief, and a hint of ease from completing a task.
Artoria froze completely. She even forgot to breathe, just staring with wide, hollow eyes, blankly "looking" at the area in the depths of her consciousness that was glowing again. Was it... the system? It... was back? And what did those words just now... mean?
Before she could recover from this sudden, absurd turn of events, the system's electronic voice sounded again. This time, it had regained some of the stability and efficiency she was familiar with, but there seemed to be something more... like... reporting work results?
[Host, detected your current physiological and mental states are both at dangerous critical points. Given the urgency of the situation, I'll keep it short.]
[Regarding the repair of your companion's core consciousness unit which suffered permanent damage, this system has, within the past seventy-two standard hours, initiated the highest priority cross-dimensional information retrieval and solution deduction protocol.]
It paused for a moment, as if organizing its words or recalling its experiences within those "seventy-two standard hours."
[The specific process involved: 1. Submitting an emergency incident report to this department's direct superior to apply for the use of high-level resources from the "Multiverse Friendly Mutual Assistance Agreement." 2. Using the wait time for the report's approval to post a reward-based help thread in the "Informal Cross-Dimensional System Exchange Group," attaching Minerva's core structural samples and damage analysis data. 3. Engaging in in-depth online and offline technical discussions with seventeen "seniors" and "colleagues" from different Worldviews and specialized fields. These included, but were not limited to: an "Old Taoist" system from the Cultivation side, skilled in soul nourishment and artifact awakening; a "Matrix" system from the pure technology side, specializing in strong AI and consciousness uploading; a "Sage" system from the fantasy side, proficient in soul contracts and elemental life; and even one from an unspeakable branch with unique insights into "Mechanical Ascension" and "the weakness of flesh"... well, let's tentatively call it the "Engineer" system.]
The system's description carried a strange sense of imagery. Artoria could almost "see" a cold light ball representing the system posting for help in a "chat group" filled with various strange symbols and brilliant lights, then being surrounded and discussed by a group of "systems" with wildly different styles, perhaps even arguing fiercely over some technical detail.
[After repeated demonstrations, model deductions, and... a small amount of verification of high-risk folk remedies provided by a "Gambler" system who likes to bet using the Law of Causality,] the system's tone became solemn, [we (referring to the majority consensus reached within the system exchange group) believe that under the rule framework of the Marvel Universe (MCU-199999) where you are currently located, relying on local resources and technology to completely restore Minerva's core consciousness unit, which was thoroughly annihilated by Corvus Glaive's weapon properties, has a possibility approaching zero. Conventional repair, awakening, or even consciousness transplant solutions are all unfeasible.]
Hearing this, Artoria's heart sank abruptly, and the faint glimmer of hope that had just risen instantly threatened to go out. As expected... it still won't work...
[However,] the system's electronic voice suddenly rose a bit, carrying an unquestionable decisiveness, [it is not absolute! There is a path. Although it is difficult, although it requires crossing the barriers of Worlds, and although there are many uncertainties and risks, it is theoretically feasible! The core idea originates from the "Generalized Mechanical Ascension" concept, which was highly recommended by the "Engineer" system and cross-verified and approved by several seniors!]
Mechanical Ascension? Artoria's thoughts turned with difficulty. This term... she seemed to have heard it somewhere? Was it a theory about... separating consciousness from the fragile fleshly body and transforming it into a higher, more eternal form of existence?
[Specifically for Minerva's case,] the system explained quickly, [her core essence is a creation combining highly sophisticated artificial intelligence with a special energy cycle. Corvus Glaive's weapon destroyed its 'consciousness carrier' and 'logical foundation.' In the Marvel Universe, there is a lack of 'underlying rule support' and 'high-dimensional technical means' to reverse such damage. However, in certain Universes that have developed technologies like 'consciousness datafication,' 'mechanical life,' and 'Dark Plane calculation clouds' to the extreme—even integrating them into the World's fundamental laws—this 'damage' might be viewed as a repairable'serious system error' or 'high-dimensional information disruption,' with the possibility of being saved by more advanced 'formatting and reinstallation,' 'underlying code repair,' 'dark data backtracking,' or 'concept-level reshaping' technologies!]
The system's speaking speed became faster and faster, revealing an unquestionable excitement and certainty:
[After massive database comparisons and intelligence sharing with'seniors,' this system has locked onto a target Universe that best fits the criteria and is relatively 'friendly'—the Super Seminary Universe (No. G-5520, known as the pinnacle of the technology side, involving high-level concepts like Super Genes, the Dark Plane, Sub-biological Engines, and Sacred Atoms). The 'Kamigawa Civilization' and its derivative technological systems in that Universe, especially at the level of consciousness and information processing by the 'Super Gene system,' 'dark matter computers,' and 'Sub-biological Engines,' have reached an unbelievable height. Theoretically, by utilizing its top-tier technologies like the great clock's ultimate calculations, Holy Keisha's Knowledge Treasury and certain special applications of Silver Wing Judgment, or God of Death Karl's research into the Void and Phantom Bodies... of course, this last option is extremely risky, combined with the Life Weave and Star Husk Body provided by Tianming for physical reconstruction and upgrades, it is possible to achieve a 'high-level repair' and 'consciousness reloading' of Minerva's core, and even... allow her to obtain potential beyond what she had before!]
Super Seminary? Kamigawa Civilization? Super Gene? Dark Plane? These unfamiliar terms flooded into Artoria's mind like a torrent, bringing a wave of dizziness, but even stronger was an unbelievable ecstasy and hope, like a drowning person catching a piece of driftwood! There was a way! There really was a way! Although it sounded far out of reach, and although it was full of unknowns and risks, it... was no longer a desperate "Zero"!
"Is... is it true?" She finally found her voice, hoarse, trembling, and tearful, yet ignited with a faint but real light. "Go... go to that Super Seminary Universe? And I can... save Minerva?"
[Theoretically feasible. But the execution difficulty is extremely high.] The system calmly poured a bit of cold water on her, but then changed its tone, [However, since this system has returned, I naturally didn't just bring an empty theory. The past seventy-two hours weren't just spent chatting in the group.]
In its electronic voice, there was a rare hint of... pride?
[After initially determining the plan, this system submitted a "Feasibility Report and Special Passage Application Regarding Carrying the Host and Important Associated Unit (Minerva) for Cross-Universe Emergency Technical Assistance" to my direct superior. Given that this incident involves legacy issues after the intervention of Tianming, a party associated with the 'Ember Era Protocol,' as well as the Host's own... potential value, the superior, after... well, some necessary procedures and discussions—mainly this system submitting twenty-seven supplementary explanations and engaging in friendly and in-depth 'debates' with three reviewers—finally granted special approval for this cross-Universe passage permit!]
A phantom of a complex-to-the-extreme "credential," emitting a faint golden light and composed of countless flowing tiny runes and data chains, flashed through Artoria's consciousness.
[Passage permit obtained. Validity period: Until the goal is achieved or uncontrollable risks occur. Number of uses: After a one-way arrival, you must resolve the return trip yourself or with the assistance of the other party after reaching an agreement. Attached are basic Universe coordinates, a Spacetime Beacon, and minimum Cross-boundary Identity Camouflage and Rule Adaptability Adjustment—effects are limited, mostly relying on the Host's own strength to endure.]
Artoria's heart began to beat violently, and her blood seemed to start flowing again, bringing a dizzying warmth. A passage permit! She could go! The system really... had fought for an opportunity for her!
[However,] the system's tone became serious again, [Host, you must be clear. This journey is by no means a smooth path. The Super Seminary Universe is no paradise; it is filled with various interstellar civilizations, god-level powers, Void threats, and complex ideological conflicts. Our purpose in going there is to seek high-level technical treatment for Minerva, which will inevitably require dealing with the top existences of that Universe, making exchanges, and even... getting involved in certain disputes. With your current state...]
The system didn't finish, but the meaning was clear. In her current state of mental exhaustion and near-collapse, rashly breaking into a grander and more dangerous unfamiliar Universe was no different from seeking death.
Artoria suddenly clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms again, bringing a clear sense of pain. But this pain felt incredibly real at this moment, allowing her to forcibly break free into a sliver of clarity from her long numbness and despair.
She lowered her head and looked again at Minerva's sleeping face inside the pod. That face was still pale and cold. But the system's arrival and those words about "Mechanical Ascension" and "Super Seminary" were like lighting a faint but stubbornly burning flame in the boundless darkness.
Hope. Although slim, although the road ahead was dangerous, it was a real, touchable hope! It was no longer futile crying and desperate waiting!
Minerva had become like this to save her. She couldn't fall; she couldn't just sink like this. She had to pull herself together; she had to take this hope and go to that unfamiliar Universe to find a way to save her! No matter the cost!
A strength she hadn't felt in a long time, mixed with strong determination, guilt, and an inseparable bond with Minerva, surged with difficulty from the depths of her parched heart like a cold spring, flowing through her entire body. She took a deep, trembling breath and slowly let it out. The emptiness and deathly silence in her eyes were replaced by a light mixed with pain and fragility, yet also extraordinary firmness.
"I... understand." Her voice was still hoarse, but it was no longer just a breathy sound; it carried a strength born from gritting her teeth. "I'll go. No matter how hard, how dangerous... I'll go. System, tell me, what should I do? What do I need to prepare?"
[First task: Recover yourself.] The system said bluntly, [In your current state, the aftershocks of crossing the World barrier alone could dissipate your soul. Eat immediately, rest, and adjust your mindset. Use the 'Life Weave' left by Tianming to initially stabilize the repair process of Minerva's body, and try to establish a deeper energy resonance with her body to prepare for possible subsequent technical intervention. At the same time, start learning the basic background information, power distribution, basic technology tree, and power system introduction regarding the Super Seminary Universe that I am transmitting to you. You need to have a basic understanding of that World and formulate a preliminary action strategy before arrival.]
[As for the specific initiation of the crossing,] the system's voice took on a well-planned steadiness, [we need to wait for a suitable 'window period' and accumulate enough energy. This may take a few days. During this time, you must let yourself 'come back to life,' Artoria.]
Come back to life...
Artoria stood up slowly and somewhat stiffly; curling up for so long had made her legs numb. She held onto the cold life-support pod to steady her body, then lowered her head again, looking deeply at Minerva inside.
This time, her gaze was no longer just a desperate stare. In that gaze, there was more pain, more guilt, and unspeakable sadness, but in the deepest part, a faint but unquenchable flame named "hope" and "determination" had been ignited.
"Wait for me, Minerva." She said softly, her voice still hoarse but carrying a weight and tenderness that was almost like a vow. "This time, it's my turn... to bring you home."
She let go of the pod, turned, and walked somewhat staggeringly but firmly toward the kitchen. She needed food, she needed Water, she needed strength. Outside the window, the inky night was still deep, but on the distant horizon, a very, very faint, grayish-white glimmer seemed to vaguely peek through.
The long night was not yet over, but the road leading to dawn and hope had already quietly revealed a rugged outline upon the ruins of despair.
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