The return of the system and that faint yet real hope were like a pebble thrown into stagnant water, stirring the first weak but undeniable ripple in Artoria's long-frozen heart. Although grief remained like a heavy shackle and pain gnawed at her nerves with every breath, the thought of "must do it" forcibly suppressed the urge to collapse, injecting a trace of cold, hard fuel into her nearly extinguished fire of life. She knew the road to hope would never be smooth and might even be more dangerous than she imagined. Before stepping onto that path, she had to make full preparations, both materially and psychologically. This time, she was responsible not only for herself but also for Minerva's remaining shell and the slim possibility of her revival.
Recovery and preparation unfolded in an almost rigorous, step-by-step rhythm.
The recovery of physiological functions was the foundation. She forced herself to eat, progressing from only being able to swallow liquid nutrients at first to gradually accepting light food. Sleep remained difficult; the system's mental soothing program could only guarantee her short, dreamless light sleep, but at least she was no longer completely broken by continuous nightmares and sudden awakenings. Every day, she spent a fixed amount of time under the system's precise guidance, injecting "Life Weave" and "Star Remains Element" into Minerva's body in the life-support pod and using her own magic to guide the repair. This process was extremely taxing on her mind, yet it also became an anchor for her to temporarily escape the boundless pain.
At the same time, the "handover" and "acquisition" with the outside World were proceeding in tandem.
Communication with Tony was the most direct. She requested the clean energy portion of the arc reactor, the underlying logic framework of the Jarvis AI, and non-military application research results in the fields of new energy materials science and high-energy physics. Although Tony had doubts, based on trust and guilt over what happened to Minerva, he eventually packaged and provided a large amount of high-value data. Artoria did not hide the purpose: "To be used as a bargaining chip for negotiations with a civilization that may possess high-level healing technology." Tony also threw in a blueprint for Stark Industries' latest individual environmental survival and emergency life-support device, as well as a small batch of high-performance nano-repair robots and high-strength composite fiber material samples from Tony's lab. "Take them; they might come in handy. Keep in touch—I mean, if possible."
Negotiations with S.H.I.E.L.D. were more of a gamble. Through Coulson, she clearly expressed that the "remuneration" for Destiny's intervention in the Battle of New York should be borne by S.H.I.E.L.D. The list was clear and firm: non-weaponized research reports on the Tesseract and related alien technology, coordinates of specific rare minerals with partial mining rights, and basic intelligence on known advanced civilizations. Fury's reply came after some back-and-forth; he finally agreed to provide most of it, but core weapons data and the most sensitive information were excluded, and mining rights were attached with "cooperation" clauses. Artoria didn't care about these restrictions; what she needed were stepping stones and raw materials, not to develop power on Earth. S.H.I.E.L.D.'s massive database and global resource network provided her with an information and material foundation far beyond what she could obtain individually.
On Thor's side, she requested Asgard's basic forging and rune principle knowledge, as well as a deep analysis of Frigga's "Starlight Protection" rune. Thor readily agreed and sent a crystal containing vast knowledge through Heimdall. The Golden Palace's messenger also brought a small bag of selected gemstone ores containing gentle star power and several bottles of magic potions personally prepared by Frigga, which had both healing and mind-stabilizing effects. "Mother said the road ahead is unknown; may the starlight be with you," the messenger conveyed.
These massive technical materials, data reports, physical samples, and magical knowledge gathered from all parties were categorized, compressed, and encrypted with the system's assistance, then stored in a specialized storage unit with spatial expansion and strong energy shielding. Artoria's workload was immense, and she barely slept or rested, but the high-intensity work served to numb her constant grief to some extent.
After basic supplies and intelligence were ready, Artoria sent a short message through the emergency contact channel left by the Destiny Valkyries. A few hours later, Isabella and another technical-type Valkyrie quietly appeared at the cottage again.
"Commander, we received your message," Isabella said, still steady and polite.
"These," Artoria pointed to several sealed metal boxes on the floor, "are part of the 'remuneration' promised to Destiny—some technical data and special material samples from this World, as well as S.H.I.E.L.D.'s analysis reports on the Tesseract and some alien technology. They might be helpful for your research." The information in the boxes had been screened and desensitized, but the value was still extremely high. The material samples included portions of rare items such as Vibranium, Uru associated minerals, and Eternal Flame embers.
"The other part," she pointed to several smaller boxes, "is my personal thanks for Destiny's assistance this time, and... a gift of gratitude for Lord Durandal's extra care." Inside were some cutting-edge micro-sensors provided by Tony, Stark Industries' clean energy module samples, and some star gems and magic potions sent by Thor.
A flash of surprise crossed Isabella's eyes; she clearly hadn't expected Artoria to prepare such a "return gift." She solemnly accepted them: "I will bring back the Commander's sentiments and materials in their entirety. Destiny remembers your friendship and generosity."
"Additionally, I need to know, based on Destiny's experience, what are the essential or universal supplies and equipment suggestions that can greatly improve survival rates during cross-Universe travel or existence?" Artoria asked; this was a valuable lesson to learn from their experience.
Isabella exchanged a look with her companion, thought for a moment, and gave suggestions: universal energy blocks with high energy density that can adapt to multiple energy environments; portable outpost unit modules with basic environmental modification and life-support functions; universal purification and neutralizing agent prototypes for unknown energy or rule contamination; and most importantly—a stable, reliable cross-dimensional communication or positioning beacon with some anti-interference capability (even if it can only send simple one-way signals).
These suggestions were extremely valuable. Artoria immediately set to work, using her available resources and with the help of Tony's engineering robots and her own magic, to start rushing or optimizing related equipment. The universal energy blocks drew on the ideas of the arc reactor and Destiny's energy technology; the portable outpost units were based on some low-power life-support runes from the Serenitea Pot combined with Tony's environmental regulation technology; the purifying agents attempted to fuse Kamar-Taj's purification rune principles with some characteristics of the "Life Weave" provided by Destiny. As for the communication beacon, it was the most technically difficult; in the end, she made several simple, one-time positioning rune stones based on the resonance between the "friend of asgard" mark and specific star runes. Although the functions were rudimentary, they might provide a faint coordinate signal at a critical moment.
Material preparations were in full swing, and strategic planning with the system proceeded simultaneously.
[Host, the basic data for the Super Seminary Universe (G-5520) has been transmitted,] the system's voice sounded as she packed her bags. [Its civilization level, power system, and complexity of ideological conflict far exceed your current location. We must formulate as steady an entry strategy as possible. The primary issue: the initial landing point after arrival.]
Artoria stopped what she was doing and listened intently. A simplified star map and distribution of forces in the Super God Universe, outlined by the system, appeared in her consciousness.
[The known major civilization forces in this Universe include: the maintainers of order and justice represented by the 'Angel Civilization' (Merlot Heavenly Court, Holy Keisha); the challengers pursuing freedom and corruption led by the 'Demon Civilization' (Morgana); the scholars (dangerous elements) keen on studying the Void and Ultimate Fear represented by the 'Styx Civilization' (God of Death Karl); as well as 'Solar Civilization' (General), 'Deno Remnants', and other god-level civilizations. Our goal—entities that may possess high-level consciousness repair technology, such as the 'great clock', 'Knowledge Treasury', 'Sub-biological Engine' related technologies, etc.—are mostly related to these top-tier forces.]
[Therefore, directly intruding into any core sphere of influence is extremely likely to trigger unpredictable conflicts or be directly defined as a threat to be eliminated,] the system analyzed. [The suggested initial landing point should meet the following conditions: 1. Relatively safe and far from the direct confrontation areas of current mainstream god-level forces. 2. Relatively smooth information flow, making it easy for us to understand the current Universe timeline and situation. 3. Existence of a certain technological foundation or special environment that may provide cover or resources for our subsequent actions.]
Artoria's thoughts turned quickly: "The Super God Universe... has an Earth too, right? It seems to be the intersection point of many events, and the civilization level is relatively low..."
[Correct. The Earth Star of that Universe (also known as the Chi Wu Star System Earth) is in a pre-nuclear era civilization; it is the chessboard for the gods' gambits and the starting point of the 'Black Troop' story,] the system confirmed. [Choosing this place as the initial landing point has the advantages of: familiar environment, easy to disguise and integrate; complex information, easy to collect intelligence; and the Planet itself hides some special genes and ancient ruins that may contain certain opportunities. But the disadvantages are equally obvious: it is a place of trouble, easily caught in the secret observation and gambits of Angels, Demons, Styx, and even Solar; the Planet's defensive power is weak, appearing transparent in the eyes of advanced civilizations.]
"Risks and opportunities coexist..." Artoria mused, "But we aren't going there to participate in their story. The primary goal is to find the technology to save Minerva. We need an entry point that isn't so conspicuous yet allows access to necessary information."
[Based on this, this system suggests setting the initial descent coordinates on Earth Star, but not in bustling cities or known focal areas like the Super Seminary or Juxia City.] The system pulled up a detailed scan of Earth. [We can choose a relatively remote, sparsely populated area that isn't completely isolated from the World and may have some abnormal energy readings or legends of ancient ruins. For example, the edge of this ancient mountain range called 'Kunlun' or 'Kamar-Taj', or some remote archipelago with independent research institutions and loose connections to the outside World.]
"Kunlun... Kamar-Taj?" Artoria's heart stirred. Could her connection with Kamar-Taj in this Universe bring a trace of fated guidance or convenience? Even in different Universes, certain concepts might have mappings.
[It can serve as an alternative. The specific coordinates need to be fine-tuned based on real-time spatial parameters and the energy flow of the target Universe when the transmission starts,] the system said. [In addition, we must preset multiple contingency plans. After arrival, the primary task is to establish a hidden temporary base, assess the impact of World rules on the body and equipment, and try to activate a one-time, low-power cross-Universe positioning beacon. Afterward, based on the collected intelligence, decide on the next step: whether to try to contact the local supernatural forces or scientific research institutions of that Earth, or look for an opportunity to send a 'technical help' signal to higher civilizations.]
The system's planning was rigorous and thorough, taking various possibilities into account. Artoria noted them carefully and rehearsed them repeatedly in her mind. She knew she was not an all-knowing sage, but with the system's assistance and the most sufficient preparations possible, she could at least avoid some of the most basic mistakes.
Time flew by in busyness and planning. A week later, all preparations were basically complete.
The temporary warehouse inside the Serenitea Pot was organized in an orderly manner, with technical data storage devices, rare material boxes, repair supplies gifted by Destiny, self-made survival equipment, emergency medicines, and characteristic items obtained from various parties stored by category. The life-support pod was placed in a simple protective array newly built next to the main house in the pot's World to ensure its energy stability.
Artoria herself had also adjusted to the best state she could currently achieve. Although her body was still thin, it was no longer weak and powerless. The mental trauma could not be healed, but it was temporarily frozen and suppressed by her cold determination and heavy thinking. She changed into a set of dark travel clothes that were easy to move in and had basic protection and self-cleaning functions, covered by a dark gray cloak with a hood. Her multi-functional waist bag contained the most commonly used tools, potions, and several one-time rune stones.
After checking her luggage and the situation inside the Serenitea Pot one last time, Artoria stood in the center of the cottage's living room, her gaze slowly sweeping across this place she once called "home." There had been peace here, laughter, the warmth of studying with Minerva, and the endless pain and silence after losing her. Now, she was leaving for a completely unknown stellar shore.
There was no lingering attachment, only resolve.
She walked to the door, took one last look at the gloomy sea and sky outside, then closed the door and activated the cottage's highest-level automatic defense and concealment system.
"System, final confirmation. All preparations are complete. Start the transmission," she said calmly in her mind.
[Final self-check passed. Supplies are ready, and the plan is loaded. Target Universe: G-5520 (Super Seminary). Initial coordinate preference: Remote but not absolutely desolate, potential information flow area. Transmission protocol: 'ember era' one-way projection, starting.]
Beneath her feet, the familiar, complex magic array composed of pale gold and deep blue energy emerged again, enveloping her in light. The hum of space rose from low to high, and the surrounding scenery began to distort and stretch like a reflection on water into which a stone had been thrown.
The moment before the light completely swallowed her vision, Artoria's hand pressed lightly against her waist, where the miniaturized Serenitea Pot entry medium was kept close to her body.
"Minerva, we're leaving."
The light surged, then instantly collapsed into a single point and vanished without a trace.
The seaside cottage in Long Island returned to silence, as if no one had ever left and no one had ever returned. Only the vast and boundless sea of stars silently witnessed another traveler, carrying heavy hope and unhealed scars, embarking on a cross-World journey of uncertain fate.
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