Chapter EX

On December 7th, the 677th issue of Sober Daily was secretly taken out of the library. Upon recovery, it was covered in a liquid of unknown origin. An excerpt from the magazine reads: Urban Legends Column Dear readers, thank you for your continued support. Today, Leaf will tell you a story about the flower oceans in the center of Bailin City. "Back when Bailin was just an unexceptional settlement, people had used flesh and blood to pave the barren land. Shortly after, hundreds upon hundreds of flowers have blossomed there, completely saturating the landscape. ... Thats the end of the story. I hope everyone liked it. See you next time."

This bow, while as cute and innocent as its owner, isn't anything special.

A seemingly ordinary flowerpot containing a single flower. When no wind is present, the flower appears to be swaying happily.

Just as he was about to be completely melted into the hellish scenery, the flower field reverted back to its original appearance. “Is it over? Am I saved?” The girl smiled sweetly, and without answering, started picking the hardened eyeballs up from the ground. Since the time she fell into the flower field, nobody has survived; from now till the end of time, no one will be saved. The body becomes nourishment, and the soul is left twisted, forever wandering. Indifferently witnessing the perishing of every person that comes next. The sea of flowers contorts the girl's shadow, carefully detects the signs of a soul, and holding the flower pot, guides her towards the next target.

"Congratulations youngsters, you have made it to the summer vacation of 2091! Have you decided what you want to do during the summer? A part-time job? A training camp? No? Have you considered signing up for the Treasure of Seventeen event? Just enlist, find clues, and you will have a chance to earn great rewards! Those who manage to find all the clues and elliminate their competition will recieve the *ultimate* prize... Don't hesitate. Join now, and open your eyes!"

After the Team Pigeon had successfully signed up for "Treasure of Seventeen", the VR system materialized a brass trumpet, with a message engraved onto its surface. "This item is a symbol of participation in the treasure hunt belonging to Aquinn, Huo and Yeeh. Their two supervisors, Yaakov Langdonman and Wu Yueying, swore an oath to professional ethics to help Team Pigeon grow as a result of, and survive this event. "

After the Monsoon Team had successfully signed up for the "Treasure of Seventeen", the VR system materialized an ocarina decorated with various paintings of fish, as well as an engraving. "This item is a symbol of Xiaopeng's, Jora's, and Verde's participation in the Treasure of Seventeen event. Their two supervisors, Mayor Yu and Gusbon, are from now on obligated to help Team Monsoon achieve knowledge and experience during this trial.".

Hello. We are a group of puzzle enthusiasts from NazoGame. Upon solving the various puzzles of the "Treasure of Seventeen", and reaching the finish line, we found it necessary to show our gratitude to Pigeon Games, for providing us with four additional clues. We couldn't have done it without you. Are YOU willing to accept the challenge? From: Nazo Phi Project

A document found on Alpa's hard drive. [On a brightly lit street, the smell of roasted ducks was escaping the constraints of every exhaust fan, permeating the air. Sinking into every piece of clothing, it took control of people as if they were mere puppets, and lead them to the store front.] [It was late afternoon, but the outside was already dark and snowy. NceS was sitting in an armchair, with fidgeting with his hands. His right eyelid was twitching uncontrollably, which made him quite worried. He was considering closing the shop for that day.] Wuji: You have some customers coming your way. NceS: Is that so? Wait, Wuji, what's wrong with your face? How did it change again? Wuji: Don't touch it dummy, this new face is far too precious. NceS: Ahh, Wuji... You are escaping from someone again, aren't you. Before you ask, I haven't done any illegal smuggling for many years, so don't evem bother. Wuji: What? Come on, what could I possibly be running from? [The man was acquainted with NceS since before he was called Wuji. This time he got in trouble with the administration, and inexplicably decided to visit his ond friend.] NceS: What's wrong with you people? I say let the old pigeons scream all over the street. I don't care. But they have covered your food and residence, and your wage will be paid one day. So why would you add bugs to the system? Wuji: Ah, so you already know... The old AI was pushed out of the gate. This time, if something goes wrong, they won't get paid, and the entire union will collapse. And when that happens, I will have to make all the charts myself. But just look at my hands! They are covered in bruises blood and sores already! NceS: Yeah right! As if I'm gonna believe that! Wuji: I don't understand. It's like your attention was always some place elsewhere... NceS: Oh, my friend, it was just me playing mahjong with JiangMiTiao and Ctymax over a brain call. Wuji: So you always knew? Why didn't you tell them? NceS: You know I couldn't do that... Do you want to hide here with us? Ash: I wouldn't mind that! Wuji: Damn it, they're here! I will drop by again tomorrow! NceS: Oh, farewell then. You're welcome at any time. TV: Urgent news: The VR cyber virus known as Rubbishphobia, notably spread by a malicious program called "Phigros", is finally under control. Our city's paving expert, Sound Souler, wants to remind the public that Rubbishphobia can be treated by hitting your head against the floor. Repeatedly. NceS: What the hell is this-

[It is a winter evening at the editorial office of Limbo Wiki. The floor heating is on, with fruits all set in the tray on the table. Geopelia lazily lies on the sofa, staring at the flashing scenes on big TV screen that look like many hypnotic symbols, making her fall asleep. Fuli is setting up the New Year decoration. She stands on the cutting table, with a small lantern in her hand, struggling with the swaying chandelier.] Fuli: You little thing wanna fight with me huh? I will let you know wh, who’s in char, charge here…… [Geopelia takes a look at the kitchen, clicks her tongue, and falls back into the sofa.] Geopelia: Hmmm…… so boring. Fuli: Come and help me then. Geopelia: Hmmm…… too lazy to move. [The TV just happened to show some scenes of koalas. Geopelia suddenly feels like she could be a reincarnation of a koala.] Fuli: Then make a call and ask Gino and Samuelle. They should have been back for dinner by now. Geopelia: Hmmm…… it is what it is. [Looking at the commercials, have a break, have a——] Fuli: Oh right, you can invite the other friend of you as well. It is more fun with more people here for the festival. Geopelia: Oh, [On a second thought, she finds something not quite right.] Geopelia: Which friend of mine? Fuli: The one from Kalpa sub-space. I remembered that she lives in Selene. Geopelia: You mean Lana? Oh yea, she will be on the New Year's Gala of the Clock City. Fuli: ??? [Turned to Saturn Channel 1, the guests of the Gala are giving out their new year wishes. Lana is one of them. She has a pair of fake ponytails today and wears a blue and white dress that stands out.] Host: Is there anything that Miss Lana wants to say to the audience? Lana: Geopelia! Watch it closely! My transformation! [Geopelia gives it a cold shoulder and turned of the TV with a swear word.] Geopelia: See? Fuli: Nevermind. Geopelia: Hmmm…… [Geopelia lies back onto the sofa, but then frowns. Lana's outfit looks quite familiar. She might have seen it somewhere.]

[Selene, Jujube fortress region, where Lana lives, a few guests from far away wonders outside the door.] Elaine: The navigation says it's here. [The door and windows are closed. No light inside the room. It seems that no one is home.] Kalpa: Perhaps she's outside. We should wait. Elaine: The speeds of time flow are different on both sides. Maybe she forgot to go back today. Kalpa: I don't think so? Iris: So as we are waiting, do y'all want some freshly baked biscuits? Elaine&Kalpa: No. Iris: Ugh? [Iris is a bit disappointed. Everyone loves her biscuits in her imagination.] Elaine: Speaking of biscuits, how's Arcyone doing? Kalpa: Better now. She got the strength to swear now. Iris: Arcyone? Oh yea, Arcyone said she would be joining us though. Kalpa: Don’t you remember Iris? She ate your biscuits before we left. Now she is stilling lying in bed. Iris: It seems so…… Elaine: Promise me, kid, don't ever put poisonous mushrooms again, Iris: Wait, the mushrooms are poisonous? [While the few are speechless to Iris, a young lady with long indigo hair approaches them.] Igallta: Are you looking for the house owner? Kalpa: Yes. Do you know where she has gone to? Igallta: Unfortunately, Lana went to attend the New Year's Gala. Iris: What is New Year's Gala? Kalpa: It is a TV show. I've heard of it from Geopelia. Igallta: Are you friends of Geopelia? Elaine: She's been to our world. Kalpa: I remember now. I've seen you in the song. [Time goes back to 2 weeks ago. On her way to the Sky Dome, she accidentally fell into a sub-space called Kalpa. Because of the law of sub-space, she lost her memories. Kalpa and the Aste and Mero sisters helped her.] Igallta: In that case, how about we go to Geopelia first? After the end of the show, Lana will be there too. Kalpa: It won't be any trouble, will it? Igallta: Totally not. Fuli said the more people the better. Elaine: I guess that's the only way. Iris: Wait, Lana really doesn't remember anything? Kalpa: ...... Elaine: It does seem so.

*: Found a spot, in the middle of the second row. Yoso: Ho-Ho, I see it! Come here, Nami. The show is about to begin! Nami: Coming, coming! [In Clock City Channel Studio 1, three of the audience from a distant world are finally seated before the New Year's Gala begins. Unlike other audience, they are here for a special mission, which will decide if they can safely go home.] Yoso: Though we came here ASAP upon receiving the message, but what type of Act is the New Year's Gala anyway? The curtain's closed. Can't see anything…… Nami: Well, you’ll know it when the BOSS appears. *: I remember reading from the book, that the traditional New Year's Gala includes comedy skits, singing and dancing, acrobatics, magic tricks, and other shows, as well as a few news segments. Yoso: So it’s a composite? Nami: Well no, Carmen said there is only 1 part to the Act. We can go back to our world after defeating it. *: Seems that the BOSS is hidden in one of the segments. Yoso: Wait, the analysis report is out. The scene title is -- ANOTHER ME? [While the three are discussing, the standard opening chorus has started. The performers are taking the stage while the teleprompter on both sides of the stage show the song titles, including popular hit songs like WATER, 雪降り、メリクリ.] *: Something's wrong. The data is rising rapidly. Nami: Is it coming! [The lights dim, and the cogs turn. As the high voice of the female singer begins, something bizarre happened. The singer on stage has a high resemblance of Yoso.] Yoso: Is she… [On stage, Lana looks into the audience. The blue-haired girl wearing headphone is staring at her. But Lana does not stop. She needs to go to the polyphonic track next. A cosplay fan? So she has fans in PhigrOS now.] Yoso: Wait! [With that, she chased after her.]

Igallta: Long time no see. Fuli: Yo, it's been a long time. Geopelia: You just video called yesterday. Igallta: [Laugh] That's true. Fuli: Hey don't blow it. [Since Ark Mirage, Fuli and Igallta have been together a lot. Seems that they've become good friends.] Fuli: They are? Geopelia: This is Kalpa. And two of the Twelve Palace guardians. Should be. [Should be?] Fuli: Are you here to pick up Lana? Kalpa: As you said. Fuli: All right then. Come in. Iris: Me is Iris. You want some biscuits? We already made some, but there was a little problem…… I can make them on the spot! Elaine: I'm Elaine, the temporary supervisor of this kid. Iris: Iris is also a guardian. Iris doesn’t need a supervisor. .Elaine: All right all right, here's some mandarin orange. Open your mouth. Iris: Ah~ [Are they here to do comedy?] Geopelia: Lana is in charge of the second channel. Might only come after 1 or 2 am. Fuli: No rush. Here's the deal. We can all stay for the New Year's Eve dinner. If there's not enough food, I can ask Gino to bring back some more. Gino: Unfortunately, I'm already back. [The familiar figure with a slightly embarrassed smile. I pulled out my phone and dialled the number of a fellow bird.] Naberius: No cash, no insurance, and not available for mah-jong. Geopelia: It's me, Dr Crow. Naberius: Oh, it's you, Coo-coo. We will be there in a minute. Geopelia: We have an emergency. Bring some code dishes. Naberius: Okok. Then five-spiced beef, boiled chicken slices, beef and beef offal, multi-flavoured jelly fish, preserved eggs with sauce, chicken feet with pickled peppers, are these enough? If not, hey, Samuelle what are you doing -- [Noises of quarrelling and fighting for the phone.] Samuelle: Whims? Three of them? Suggest eliminating.Geopelia: Nope, they are guests. Samuelle: Tsk, not fun. Naberius: Ok so what I was saying -- Geopelia: That's enough. Just come back.

Lana: Welcome everyone to the channel! I'm back again~ Lana: Yah, Lana didn't expect to be invited by the New Year's Gala either. I'm just a gamer anyway Lana: Ask actors to go there and sing is a Gala tradition? Who says I'm a faking actor? Don’t try to mess with me ok. Hey mod! Do something, mod! [While Lana is arguing with the viewers, the door of the streaming studio opens. The specialist named Yoso quietly moves behind Lana with her mission. Taking in a deep breath, she announces her arrival.] Yoso: Surrender now! ANOTHER ME! Lana: !!! [The tin guitar smashes. Lana makes a sharp dodge to her left and kicks the ground with her right foot. Holding onto the back of the chair, she spins one and a half round and lands gracefully. In a split second, Lana's chance to win the fight sharply rises, making Yoso, who is further away from the door, greatly disadvantaged instead.] Lana: Who on earth are you! You can hate me for your unrequited love, but gosh don't make it physical please! Yoso: Nonsense. I'm here to finish you off! [Everyone in the editorial office, plus all the viewers, are watching this right now.] Samuelle: Whims again. You want me to catch it for research? Naberius: Wait, I might have seen that trouble making girl before. Geopelia: [Sudden realization] Isn't her the heroine of the new release of Pigeon Games? No wonder I find it familiar. Fuli: [Emotionlessly] Ah right – That game studio, who took the portrait rights of the editorial office yet doing no legitimate work, is making a new game. Gino: They just only made the Phigros prototype. Do they even have enough time for the new project? Geopelia: No idea. But the theme song for Coo-coo is ready. Heh. Kalpa: It's no good to just let them fight right? Iris: There's a weak point on the left! Attack the left! Igallta: It's really no good. Just bring them here, Samuelle. Samuelle: Tsk, what a trouble. [Despite saying that, Samuelle still walks up to the TV, clenches her fits, then slightly opens them, puts her fingers into the screen. The surrounding air vibrates at a high frequency, making a continuous deep drum noise.] Kalpa: Is she manipulating space? Iris: Sounds very impressive. [The two from the other side of the screen feel something is wrong, as if an invisible force locking up their limbs, pulling them to the unknown faraway.] Lana: This feeling, could it be! Yoso: New mechanism? [Yoso wants to change speciality. The lit-up bracelet terminal catches her attention. She uses up all the strength on her wrist to barely boot it up.] Carmen: Desire value recognition anomaly detected this morning. Not any Act on the show confirmed. Mission aborted. Please return to the base ASAP. Yoso: ??? Lana: I saw all of it, the message just now. Yoso: Ahem, there might be some misunderstanding between us. Lana: I want my mental damage compensation! Half a million, no, 1 million! Yoso: Chill! We can talk. Samuelle: Need me to call the cops? [The moment Yoso speaks, scenes before her eyes twist and turn like a kaleidoscope. At that moment, her thoughts go back to the pure white room of the beginning of birth. Countless possibilities and fear rise up her mind. She seems to have forgotten something important. Not just travelling with *, with the rest, and more.] Samuelle: Wake up. Yoso: Ah. Samuelle: It's over, all the struggles. Yoso: You know my -- Samuelle: No I don't. But you will remember. [Samuelle is a mystery. A forever unsolvable mystery.] Lana: Stop chatting over there. Where is my compensation! Kalpa: I know you, Lana. You don't really want the compensation. Elaine: You're just angry. Nothing wrong with it. Iris: Lana is the cutest for not being frank! Lana: [Blushes] I, I’m not that. Yoso: Sorry, my bad! I was too eager to go back to my original world and I lost my cool! Lana: You are making me embarrassed now…… All right, I forgive you. Yoso: I'm so touched! Elaine: What a coincidence. We are not residents of Phigros either. Yoso: Is that so? Geopelia: Well, Phigros has been pierced like a sieve.[People from the Phigros side really want to roast it but they held up.] Iris: Kalpa, help her out. Kalpa: I'm sorry, but I can only travel to other worlds by coordinates. I think Miss Samuelle should have a way though.Samuelle: Not now. You will go back. I promise. Yoso: [Upset] I guess we have to trust Miss Samuelle for now. Fuli: Never mind all of those! The dishes are ready! Let’s have dinner! Geopelia: The New Year's Eve dinner! Yay! Iris: [Stands up] Kalpa! This chicken is soooo delicious! Better that the ones I cooked! Elaine you should try it too! Elaine: Sit down first. You are getting the sauce onto your clothes. Fuli: Try this. The wiki says, if you chew for 50 times, it will taste like petrol. Igallta: Though AI has not been using petrol fuel for a long time, but still I appreciate your kindness. Geopelia: Why I can't turn on the TV? Hey Samuelle, your power does not consume one TV every time you use it, does it? Samuelle: You are thinking too much. Just eat. Naberius: The TV is fine. The streaming media signal is gone. Geopelia: Oh yea, Lana you should go back to your live stream. Stop eating. Lana: What's wrong with you? Gino: Just change a channel. [Takes the remote, and presses some buttons] There you go. Geopelia: That makes sense. [And so, everyone welcomes the new year in happiness and laughter.]

"Still haven't found it yet?" "Wrong key?" Lanota, a subspace born from memories, carrying the shared memories of rhythm game players, has survived for centuries since it first docked at the Harbour, and has finally reached the beginning of the story. In their quest to retrieve the world of colour, Fisica and Ritmo embarked on a journey. They first met Rossa and Nero from the Silence Border Guard, and then tracked down by Director Halpas - Geopelia chattered nonstop on the way here, trying to get Gino to understand the story of Lanota. Ever since Ark Mirage, Gino has been active as a private detective, while Geopelia focused on tidying up the "Legacy". She rarely leaves her place in the Vault, but this was an exception. A blonde woman approached them, and hope that they could go to the world of Lanota to help her retrieve the loss, and the key to unlocking the subspace is: A piece of Notalium which won't trigger Al Niente. This is the only one. As for the way to enter, please explore on your own." Gino initially did not want to take on this kind of "find my lost cat" type of job, but the sincere pleading eyes of the rhythm game player Geopelia made him hesitate. The client caught that opportunity, left the token here and disappeared into nowhere. Year 771, May. In the remaining ruins of the Harbour layer, Geopelia strolled around the broken stones and debris while holding the red Notalium. Gino and she had been wandering around the designated area for the whole morning, and there was no reaction from the token at all. "Lanota has yet to reveal its mystery to them. Gino looked down in deep thought, lines of texts flashed in front of his eyes. He was reviewing the client request letter. They must have missed something important. Faraway, Mazarine was engulfing the edges of the layer. The once ginormous city complex has now only left with the capital, like a lonely isle in the river. The buildings were continuously relocating. They walked in front of the Newknot Sculpture Square. Their marble and steel structure looked like a monotone photographic film. Hey, is that Ritmo's lute?" Geopelia pointed towards the debris not far away. "Could it be a way in?" Gino wondered. As the subspace evolved, it is possible to influence the main layer. Try playing it, Gino! It looks promising! Geopelia looked at the glowing Notalium, then back to Gino. Gino sighed. He sat on the stone stair, with his left hand he fumbled with the intervals. After slight tuning, he played the piece mentioned by the client. Apocalypse. The Notalium glowed brightly, floated into the air, and create a stone door that reads: "He who enters this door, shall regain all melody." Gino and Geopelia looked at each other, and made the decision. HINT: Complete Protoflicker IN difficulty, with ACC greater than 95%.

They arrived at the tunnel of the National Institute of Notalium. One of the duties of the Silence Border Guard was to find the end of the tunnel. The Notalium weapon, Apocalypse, has already been activated. A line of text slowly displayed on the surface of the device, "A Niente 95%". Geopelia immediately realised, that they had already missed the very beginning of the story. Geopelia said anxiously, "Let's go to the Aircraft. Maybe we can still stop Ritmo and the others." "No worries, they'll be fine. Let's go to the institute first and get the stuff the client wants." It was only then that the player minded Geopelia remembered that the client had mentioned the whereabouts of the missing item. She summoned the adult Alpa, a black tiger 2 metres in size with a sharp gaze. With its breaths, a black mist filled all directions around, and within moments the location of the institute is discovered. Upon arrival, Alpa used the old trick and found the item in a room full of clocks and objects with marks from the main layer. It was a letter written in a self-made language. Only the first half of it, while the second half was nowhere to be found. "Meow~" After completing its tasks, Alpa jumped straight into Geopelia's arms, still clinging to her as if it were a child.As for why a tiger meows, that's a question for Coo-coo." I remember Fisica picking up an unreadable document. Could it be that?" Geopelia added. "Possible. So to the Administration headquarter?" Gino looked toward Alpa. Alpa gazed at the northern horizon. After a while, it seemed to have locked on to the target. HINT: Complete Horizon Blue on any difficulty with a total of 0 miss and bad.

They flew on their motorbike to the Notalium Administration headquarter, finding only debris and ruins. "The fight is already over." Gino sighed. Kicking the mechanical golem who had lost its vitality, Geopelia looked at Gino bitter, as if she had missed something worth a billion. "Don't think about it. Even if we caught it, they won't be dancing to Horizon Blue's beat as they fight." "Not necessarily. We're in the Pixel Tower. Here anything's possible." As soon as Geopelia's words left her mouth, the Notalium on the golem's chest lit up and came back to life. It danced a bizarre move as the parasitic purplish-black vines quickly grew out and came towards them. "Ms Goo Goo, your prediction just came true." "No, Mr. DJ you dropped the wrong beat. I didn't ask for You are the miserable." "Does it matter?" "It matters for Coo-coo!" HINT: Complete You are the miserable AT difficulty with a total score above 820000.

A whim that was given life casually usually has limited power. The two didn't take long to end the fight, while Alpa had yet to detect their previously locked target. The dazzling golden organ had somehow materialised, with heaven and earth as its hall, and its music loud enough to resonate in all directions. The two sat side by side on the piano bench, playing Igallta together, not You are the miserable. "Mr. Detective, trust me, I didn't choose it. I would have chosen the one that merges." Geopelia was still trying to explain. "It wasn't me either. You know me, Ms Coo-coo. I would have chosen Rrhar'il." "A tune never heard before......" "Well, just came up with it." Gino was thinking about how to move the organ. It would be bad if someone else saw it."A hound? Coo-coo - it feels like -" She examined the organ's windpipe as if she had spotted something and suddenly stood up, "Something's wrong. Lanota is a naturally occurring memory typed subspace. No one can enter except during periods of concentrated whimify. How could the client lose items in a closed state subspace…" Gino's eyes shifted as he realised, "Unless-" HINT: Complete Stasis AT difficulty with a total score above 700000.

Mother of Notalium, Ena, wife of Director Halpas, entrusted others to establish the Silence Border Guard before she passed away. "Notalium must be destroyed." It was their only principle. But, could this be the end of the story. The organisation is looking for the end of the tunnel, and there are only two things at the end - a pipe organ with the words "Ena, wait for me" written on it, and an airship that flies to the headquarter of the Notalium Administration. Is this all a coincidence. "The flower language of the forget-me-not is 'hope'." The chime rings, and nature has its own rhythm. Under the apple tree, the boys set off for the "outside world". The bard plays the tune of midnight, rubbing the disc to bring back a heart full of colours. At the end of the story, is there the peace of Notalium's disappearance. I hope not. Agilely, she climbs up the branches of the giant tree to pick a ripe fruit, with its sweet flesh and solid core beneath its reddish skin. It really does take a veteran detective to find what she lost. "Have you found it?" "Found it." To the client - for you who love Lanota

【扉页：从那天起，雨就没有停息。】 阿特拉斯的忘忧宫，天穹水蓝犹如静海，大气之外的水层倒影着“港湾”的光景，像素塔历242年的尾声，一切都好似梦境。 今天要做的事很多，就比如迎接那位天才研究员，来自亚空间ROTAENO，为“港湾”之雨而来的交流学者荷珀。与约定的不同，荷珀搭了早一班的飞船，等我踏出工作室的大门，便已见到她彷徨不知所措徘徊在门前。 “请问这里是莫比乌斯研究中心吗？我是阿古亚星的荷珀，之前申请了贵中心的学术交流。” 这打乱了我的计划，今日有两位客人，本该在港口一同会面，我一时不知该如何处理荷珀的情况，工作室如今只有我一人，除了再带她去港口，似乎没有其他选择。荷珀的好奇心，正如她对学术问题的热情一般，一路上她的问题便没有停歇。 她看向这违反常理的世界，向身边唯一一个理性的生物——我，问道：“天上的白线那是什么？起初我以为是云朵，但它们太分散又消失的太快了。” “船舶驶过的浪线，我们头顶的景色既是天空，亦是海洋。你可能好奇大气外的水层从何而来，我只能告诉你，那是个星球的倒影，它曾经叫做港湾，现在改名为霓虹，也是你申请调查的地方。但我得告诉你，那里正在发生战争，你没有来对时候。” 战争的信息，并没熄灭她求知的欲望，她将跟随记者前往霓虹，我期待她的旅行顺利，正如我期待和平的来临。

“真是好久不见了，吉诺。哦，一想到审判航道已经乱成一团，忘忧宫却丝毫不受影响，我就觉得不可思议。” 能让我一字不差记录下讽刺话语的，只有那位如今霓虹的二把手，魔女会议的隼。先统的代行人，战争的煽动者，立场不明的两面派，知道这么多内幕的我，除了在日志里发牢骚，竟对她一点办法没有，实在可恶。她毕竟是工作室的客人，我也不好下驱逐令，只能仍由她在眼前晃悠，你们到底什么时候回来，真不知道战场有什么好研究的。 我没在仓库里找到隼要的道具，现做需要点时间，还麻烦负责交涉的同事，和那边重新商量条件。说起来，我到现在都不知道那边的情况，只是我单方面写日志过于不公平，希望明天睡前，能看到来自你们的系统邮件。 是的，这不是商量。 隼说虹之战将持续到港湾彻底建成，以我对创世光盘的了解，这起码要再过十年。十年，足够发生多少变化，我们真的还有时间吗。

在港口还有个小插曲，荷珀想要帮助我寻找隼的行踪，我试图和她解释林泊是一种自由的生物，他们能随着心象的不同，而改变自己的外貌，就像生老病死，他们的变化也是遵循了一种规律，也就是内心的规律。 我最后也只能这么和她说：“可以将林泊理解为类似维克斯族的生物，没有固定的样貌，只有熟人能凭感觉找到他们。” 但她之后的提问也点醒了我，林泊的肉体、记忆、灵魂都是变化无常的，像素塔里的心又指的是什么呢？ 我向她举了记忆金属的例子，记忆金属是一种特殊的合金材料，会在条件恢复正常时恢复到原来的形状。心也是这样一种，永远会回到起点的物质。 隼赞同了我的说法，但我至今不曾了解她，她的起点是什么样的，这是我这数百年来，从未想透的秘密。

像素塔管理会发放给下属成员的制式补给，用以监控飞船附近的异常参数。 像素塔历243年1月20日，驾驶者行驶至距离阿特拉斯层三千六百千里外的小天体“psyche-327”，在此期间，就违规停泊同异常飞行装置通信，双方通信记录如下： 【Alpa：本条为异想处理部巡逻三队工务舰67号的自动发信，你已偏离正常航线，请跟随前方飞船前往阿特拉斯八号中转站，重新规划你的行进道路。 Alpa：检测到对象处于昏迷状态，已启动清醒射线。（biu——） 伊洛：（惊醒）啊啊啊——哎，猫猫？我，我又在哪里！ Alpa：检查到对象情绪激动，已转接人工服务。 隼：哈喽！哈喽！迷路的朋友！欢迎来到阿特拉斯！ 伊洛：哇啊，你不要过来啊啊啊啊啊！ 隼：（小声）糟糕，不会电傻了吧。 Alpa：此乃正常反应。】

【隼：冷静下来就好，你叫伊洛，来自阿古亚星是吗？这里是像素塔星区阿特拉斯殖民地，Alpa检查过航行记录了，你似乎……偏移了六百光年？ 伊洛：六百光年！这怎么可能呢，我明明刚才还在——等等，你是怎么知道飞船数据的，难道你是星际警察！（星星眼）我还是第一次在综艺以外地方看到星际警察呢！ 隼：（停顿）呃，你也可以这么想。回到正题，我们现在的首要任务是把你送回到正确的航线。 伊洛：第八中转站对吧，我都听到了。我们现在就出发？ 隼：不急，你这种情况需要特殊处理，容我联系一下后勤部门。】 以下为隼与星标联系人Gino的私下通信： 【Gino：（接通）莫比乌斯工作室，留言请按1，钻石姬请挂机。 隼：听我说，无敌的阿吉，宇宙需要你！我遇到了荷珀提过的伙伴，亚空间ROTAENO越发不稳定了！ Gino：亚空间服务请按2，退出请按#字键。 隼：2。 Gino：重新锚定请按1，驱逐入侵异想请按2，其他服务请按3。 隼：3。 Gino：已向您所在位置发送“追踪防异弹”，导弹到达之前请勿随便离开，预计到达时间还剩1小时。 隼：哎，我按的是3哎。】

【隼：咳咳，伊洛同学，你听说过流形假说吗。 伊洛：那是，什么。 隼：（打开小抄）专业一点讲就是局部类似欧几里得空间的总空间，映射到高维空间将必然达成局部聚集性。因此亚空间和像素塔汇合期间，作为故事中心的你，代表整个亚空间出场了！ 伊洛：完全没听懂！ 隼：是吧，我也听不懂吉诺的大道理！现在装好了修正装置，再等五分钟，你就能返回正常的航线啦。 伊洛：哦哦哦，是吗！（迟疑）其实…… 隼：怎么了？ 伊洛：很抱歉我偷听了你的电话！但是我真的真的想问！荷珀，她有说过她的下一站是哪里吗？ 隼：她没有说。（停顿）时间和距离，一旦放到宇宙的尺度便不再恒定，我的两个月，可能在她的生命里流动了许久许久。即便我知道她的目的地，也不该将误导性的信息告知你。 伊洛：（昏沉沉）啊哈哈，宇宙真是复杂。（打起精神）不行！伊洛！打起精神来，就快找到荷珀了！ 隼：她会在终点等你。 伊洛：什么？ 隼：不用在意，只是一些前车之鉴吧，人们总会回到思念之人的身边。 伊洛：什么！思念之人啊……那个，我也该出发了！再见了，好心的小姐姐！ 隼：再见，愿你一路顺风。】

春雪磐音，大地回荡着历史的低鸣，已沦为废墟的市民档案馆，残缺的义体散布各处，一片空冥。曾经有旅人，至此铭刻诗句：“春天还没到来……冬天便已过去……无人依偎的家园……还有多少残魂游荡……死寂……皆是死寂。” 骚动，暴乱，失去知觉的前一刻，瞭望地平线的人们，是否在思考生命的意义。 摇光脱去手套，二指插入雪地，抵着阻力划出圆弧几道，建筑的标识出现，地下通道的井门出现在二人眼前。 “Para，我们下去吧。” “恩。” 任务是回收存储元件，以现在的雪势，他们要在天黑之前回到据点，必须加快步伐。 地下通道积满了水，摇光卷起裤脚，扶着墙壁前进。Para观察着墙壁的痕迹，几道巨大的裂痕内，隐隐可以看见棕红色的树根横行。 “摇光，这里……” “怎么了？” Para摇摇头，她回想着进入前的场景，刚刚的猜想几乎无可能。 “前面就是数据中心，等下我先去准备抓取工具，拜托Para你筛选空置元件了。” “摇光，我觉得……” 大门洞开，只见天光从破碎的穹顶射下树冠，化作万般光点柔影，草叶纷飞，绿意扩散，暖风袭上眉头。 “Para！” 只眼春光好，风景旧曾谙。

“摇光？” “摇光！” Para不断地呼唤着同行人，却久久不见答应。 这里已不是刚才的数据中心，积雪和绿色装点的森林，大地空荡荡，唯有一辆生锈的火车，在拖尾雪痕的尽头搁浅，给四周的树木，留下焦黑的印记。 冷静下来，Para。大静默事件爆发之后，全球网络断连，这只可能是局域网的具现化。 摇光他一定在附近。Para在心中祈祷着，然而这祷声尚未通达天空，远方的巨响，便将她拉回现实。 咚，咚，咚。 石头砸地的震波由远而近，雪花和碎尘，沉入少女的视线。抬起头，高处是生锈的单梁起重机，吊钩如摆锤，荡向她的方向。 咚，咚，咚。 闪身躲过吊钩，Para看向远处轰然倒塌的树木，脑中响起了未知却能理解的语言。 ——我为你而来。 提着野餐篮的高大巨人，他的阴影遮蔽了Para所在的位置，石质的关节间，青草碎花弥漫，蕴含着不属于冬季的生机。 “你是谁？”

水壶滚烫的压鸣，化作暖风，吹至Para的耳畔，她微微皱眉，轻扯身上的薄毯。 茶杯，糕点，占据了篝火的四周，营造出一副野餐的景象，事实也确实如此。那巨人见了她后，便散作石子，排列成阵，从野餐篮抬出野炊工具，又将餐布披在Para肩上，试图让少女暖和些许。 ——他不在这里。 又是这个直传心灵的声音。 ——为什么？ ——客人只有你。 水壶开了，“翩翩起舞”的石头，急忙将滚烫的壶传递给同伴，本安坐地面的石子，蹦跳着躲避热度，将水倒入杯中。 迎着茶香，Para再度问道。 “这里是哪里？” ——PhigrOS，心灵世界已然倒塌的理想乡，一个曾经有人，寻找生命意义的地方。 “你们找到了吗？” 他沉默了许久。 ——可能寻找的人只有我吧。 热气之下，视线模糊了，茶梗下沉，光滑的水面映照出他们——理想者的面容。 “谢谢……你的茶……” 告别渗进柔软的雪地，宁静无痕。

“你没事吧！” Para醒来，便瞧见摇光焦急的神情。 “对不起，我……” “刚才真是太惊险了，谁能想到起重机会在那时候，我还以为你……反正，没事就好。我刚才检查过了，这里没有联网，元件我也处理好了，我们赶紧回去吧。” “嗯，好。”

【时间：晚上7时06分，休息室。】 【急促的脚步声】 工作人员：P、PAFF小姐！刚刚接到消息，那位……【嘈杂】的小姐不属于我们……【嘈杂】公司，安保正在赶来的路上，请您……【嘈杂】。 PAFF：嗯，我明白了，不过我仍想跟对方聊一聊，可以吗？ 工作人员：可是—— PAFF：我相信对方没有恶意的！ 【PAFF推开休息室的门。黑发女孩坐在沙发上，头戴朱红色耳机，神神叨叨拨弄全息屏幕，眼中是藏不住的新奇。看见门开来人，她干脆利落卸下耳机站起，大大方方向PAFF伸出手。】 鸠：你好，我是鸠！你是方才台上的歌手吧。 PAFF：【点头】你好，我是PAFF。 【PAFF伸出手与对方相握。】 PAFF：后台的情况我简单了解过了，非常感谢……如果没有鸠小姐发现和修复调音ai的故障，我的演出环节大概要变成灾难了。 鸠：因为大家都想听PAFF的歌声嘛，【挠头】虽然咕咕是第一次听啦，不过好好听诶，咕咕喜欢！ PAFF：谢谢夸奖，鸠小姐的调音技术也很厉害呢。【停顿】冒昧地好奇一下，鸠是从别的Node来的吗？ 鸠：咦——你怎么知道？ ？？？：因为在Node08，没有谁不认识我们的大歌星PAFF呀！ 【一道声音从PAFF身后响起。虚掩的门被拉开，头顶机械猫耳的黑发少女似阵风般闯了进来，搂住PAFF的肩膀。鸠感到有些熟悉，但这两日来发生的事情太多，她一时间没能忆起什么。】 PAFF：NEKO！你怎么跑来了？ NEKO#ΦωΦ：Aroma酱下台后有看iM热搜吗？这个线下音乐节的安保做得超级烂惹，没有票偷偷翻进来的不说，还有过激粉故意闹事，退场环节乱成一锅粥了耶！ PAFF：这样吗……【蹙眉】喇叭君，帮我联系在我休息室待命的那组保镖，让他们去帮忙维护秩序吧。 [喇叭君]：通知已送达！已向主办方负责人发送情况说明！ PAFF：外面太乱了，我想我们在这里多待一会儿，等情况安定再走比较稳妥。如果鸠小姐有事需要离开，我也可以安排—— 鸠：【回过神来】啊，没问题的！其实咕咕还没想好接下来去哪。【小声】 NEKO#ΦωΦ：【看向鸠】对哦，NEKO还没问呢，你是？ 鸠：我？鸠就是鸠啦。【拍脑袋】咕咕想起来了！你是那个打游戏的大主播！ NEKO#ΦωΦ：嚯嚯，是NEKO的粉丝哦！不过NEKO还是比较习惯实况主这个称呼。 鸠：昨天在列车上，旁边的人看你直播看了一宿！害得咕咕和周围的人都没睡好！ NEKO#ΦωΦ：欸…… NEKO#ΦωΦ：不对，话题被拐跑了！【指】快快交代！就算你年纪还小，NEKO也不会……嗯……反正！NEKO可不是好惹的哦！ PAFF：【轻笑】好啦。大家先坐下来吧，时间还多，我们不妨慢慢说。

噗叽一声，皮鞋踩进溢满湿气的腐殖质，细小的残叶枝条悄声断裂，再抬起时鞋印中已聚出一个浅浅的水坑，而后又被另一双短靴轧下——二代地表，高日贡风景区，鸠与克劳尔正行走在山腰的密林之间。 从CytusII亚空间的第二次非法迁移失败，到肇事组织上报统治局，再到克劳尔发现最早的信息录入者恰好是他的现同事，最后到寒暄之后的同事主动入队。前后不过一个多小时，顺利得如有神助。 “正义探员，我们离目的地还有多远？”鸠即兴采样完毕，关掉手中的录音笔，探头发问。 “已经到了，钻石姬探员。”克劳尔话语一顿，而前进速度不减，“亚空间的迁移实际已经完成，只是挂靠环节出了差错，导致大量重复数据流入主塔。缺口就在附近，至于会以何种形态具现，无法预测。” “重复的数据？会造出来很多一模一样的npc么？” “暂时没有监测到相关迹象，也请不要继续考虑这种可能性，以免增加局里防异的工作量。” 鸠小小失望一瞬。侧目远望，繁密交错的林叶外，山峦覆雪，被盛烈的阳光盖以淡金色泽，再向下，信息与数据化作生成值不断冲刷，异想污染覆写大地原本的样貌：先前他们走过的山脚，此时已变为成片连绵的大湖，想来不需多久，这种变化便会追上他们的步伐，亦或者…… 走在前面开路的克劳尔忽然止住脚步。两人同时抬头，一座半崩塌的巨大建筑忽自林中显现身影。 ……他们早就步入其中。