"Cyrene..."
Lin Qingyue's fingertips trembled as she reached out into the air.
The figure that had only existed as game data in her previous life was now right before her eyes.
But her fingertips stopped mid-air.
She was afraid.
Afraid this was merely an overly realistic illusion, that a single touch would shatter it into countless specks of light.
Even more afraid that this pink little pixie before her was just a cold, intangible 3D projection.
The tiny pink creature floating in the air seemed to understand her complex emotions—a mixture of longing and fear.
Its star-like eyes blinked, shifting its gaze from the curious Ilanier to focus entirely on Lin Qingyue's face.
A sense of familiarity, originating from the depths of its soul, enveloped its small body like a warm current.
It tilted its head again, as if searching through ancient, hazy memories.
Then, it drifted closer.
With its fluffy cheek, it gently, ever so gently, nuzzled against Lin Qingyue's suspended fingertips.
Warm.
Soft.
Pulsating with the unique rhythm of life.
Not cold data!
It's real!
The taut string in Lin Qingyue's mind finally snapped.
Unable to restrain herself any longer, she swept the tiny body into her arms, hugging it with all her strength.
She buried her face deep into its fluffy, soft tail, letting out whimpers of both ecstatic joy and heart-wrenching sorrow.
"Wuu... My Mem..."
The little creature in her arms stiffened, startled by her sudden movement.
But the familiar scent, ingrained deep in its soul, quickly allowed it to relax completely.
It didn't struggle, simply letting the trembling arms hold it captive.
It even extended its short little paws, patting Lin Qingyue's arm with a clumsy yet earnest gesture.
"Mem... Mem?"
The soft, sweet syllables echoed, this time carrying clear notes of comfort and concern.
Lin Qingyue's entire body trembled violently.
She had heard it—and understood.
It was asking: What's wrong? Why... are you crying?
Holy shit, I can actually understand it!
Amid the swirling vortex of joy and sorrow, Lin Qingyue's mind tore open a sliver of rationality.
She had only heard two sentences.
But the full meaning of the sentence was seared directly into her consciousness, like a red-hot brand.
Is this the translation function that comes with [As I've Written]?
Or... is this a soul-level connection, unique to them alone?
"I'm not crying."
Lin Qingyue sniffled sharply, wiping away the wet streaks on her face with the back of her hand. She forced a smile that looked even more pained than tears.
"These are happy tears, understand? Tears of joy."
"Mem... Mem?"
A large, invisible question mark seemed to pop up above the little creature's head.
Its meaning was clear: Happy... Why are you crying? That's so strange.
Ilanier, who had been standing silently to the side, watched the scene unfold.
Her wine-red eyes were filled with undisguised astonishment and shock.
She had witnessed the birth of this miraculous creation.
And she had seen Lin Qingyue's unguarded, almost unhinged side.
This girl, who always seemed lazy and indifferent yet could unleash god-like power at critical moments... The expression on her face as she hugged the little pink creature was a complex mix of cherished affection, sorrowful pity, and ecstatic joy...
This little creature... it was indeed extraordinarily significant to her.
Ilanier's curiosity was thoroughly ignited.
She could sense that this little being, "Mem," pulsed with a life energy so pure it was almost absolute.
Warm, gentle, and utterly devoid of aggression.
Yet it had been summoned from a grimoire that didn't belong to this world.
What exactly is it?
A powerful elemental spirit?
Or an unknown divine beast from another dimension?
Lin Qingyue finally managed to steady her breathing.
She loosened her embrace but kept her hands cupped around Mem, cradling it as if it were the most precious treasure in the world.
Gazing into Mem's clear, innocent eyes, a sudden thought struck her.
"Do you... remember Amphoreus?" she asked in a near-whisper.
The little creature blinked its starry eyes, pondering seriously for a few seconds.
Then it honestly shook its head.
"Mem." (Don't remember.)
A pang of disappointment struck Lin Qingyue's heart.
But it was immediately overwhelmed by immense relief.
It's good you don't remember! This is perfect! she screamed internally.
Forget that god-awful plot where you ate knives for dinner! Forget that tearjerker ending that made me use eight packs of tissues! Forget the endless cycle of suffering!
A fresh start, a clean slate—this is the best thing that could have happened!
"Then... do you remember your name?" Lin Qingyue pressed.
Mem shook its head again.
Then it pointed a little paw at itself and declared with absolute, matter-of-fact confidence, "Mem!"
Its meaning was clear: I'm Mem!
Lin Qingyue couldn't hold back any longer and burst out laughing.
So you've even forgotten your real name, Cyrene.
You named yourself "Mem" just because that's the only sound you can make?
Your naming sense is on par with mine!
"Alright, Mem it is. It's cute."
Lin Qingyue couldn't resist gently pinching its long, fluffy ears. The exquisite texture was instantly addictive.
Just like the game described! Five-star rating, absolutely!
"From now on, you're with me. I'll protect you!"
"Mem!" (Okay!)
Mem chirped happily, spinning a circle in mid-air. Its fluffy tail traced a brilliant pink arc.
It seemed endlessly curious about this brand-new world.
Wriggling free from Lin Qingyue's arms, it began to float freely around the garden.
It flew to a blooming Moonlight Rose, extended its tiny nose, sniffed gently, and then nodded in satisfaction.
"Mem!" (Smells nice!)
Next, it flew to the edge of a babbling brook. Seeing its clear reflection in the water, it curiously tapped the surface with a paw.
The icy sensation made it snatch its paw back with a surprised, joyful chirp.
"Mem-mem!" (So cold!)
Ilanier watched the curious little creature explore her Palace Garden, the curve of her lips softening. Her gaze was so tender it could have melted the tiny figure.
"It's... truly adorable," she praised sincerely. "And it seems to love it here."
"Well, it's a nature-loving sprite," Lin Qingyue explained, her eyes glued to the pink figure.
Watching Mem's carefree antics, her heart filled with an immense softness and tranquility.
All the stat boosts, all the combat assistance... none of it matters now.
Just to have it back... this item, [As I've Written], is the ultimate treasure in the universe.
Just then, Mem, who had been exploring everywhere, suddenly froze.
It hovered in mid-air, its long, fluffy ears twitching alertly, as if sensing an irresistible summons.
Its gaze swept past the vibrant, competing flowers and across the winding, flowing stream.
Finally, it settled precisely on the deepest part of the garden.
There, a massive section of a tree trunk emanated a soft halo of life energy.
For the first time, a pure, unadulterated longing filled its star-like eyes.
"Mem... Mem?"
It turned its head toward Lin Qingyue, pointed a small paw at the tree, and made an inquisitive sound.
(What... is that? It feels... so comfortable. I really want to go over...)
Before Lin Qingyue could answer, Ilanier, standing beside her, spoke with a gentle smile.
"That is a branch from the Ancient Tree of Life—the heart of the Royal Palace, where life energy is most concentrated."
She looked at Mem, her eyes filled with a mix of anticipation and indulgence.
"Does it want to go closer? Then let it."
"Perhaps... something unexpected will happen?"