Aalto took a deep breath. "In short, the reason we sought you out is simply to propose a deal."
"We hope you can accompany us to the Court of Savantae Ruins to assist in retrieving a 'Data Beacon'." Chapters first released on NoveI-Fire.ɴet
"Once this mission is complete, as compensation, we will share all the intelligence we possess with you."
Rover crossed her arms. "And if I refuse?"
Aalto sighed. "I imagine you don't have many other avenues for gathering information about the Black Shores, do you?"
"Ah, well, since you're a new client, consider this an extra gift as a welcoming gesture."
"Where's my welcoming gift?"
Aalto chuckled. "We've already done business before, so you don't qualify as a 'new client.'"
Aalto smirked. "Don't worry, though. This gift will be delivered to you personally by someone else."
Lucian frowned. "Someone else?"
Aalto nodded. "Indeed. But there's no need to rush—you'll find out when the time comes."
Lucian scoffed. "You're not just spinning some grand tale, are you? Let me tell you, the doctor says my stomach's no good—I can only handle soft food, not empty promises."
Aalto massaged his temples in exasperation. This guy's impossible… Why does the Black Shores even want him?
But that wasn't for a mere consultant like him to speculate on. So, Aalto handed Rover the Blake Bloom.
"You already know what this flower signifies to the Black Shores. Surely this gesture proves our sincerity?"
"As for whether our identities are genuine, just show this flower to that little girl who specializes in plants—she'll confirm it."
"And if that's still not enough—"
"Encore, quick! Give them your cutest expression!"
Encore lowered her head, covering her face as she prepared. Then, with an eager look—her voice already naturally sweet but deliberately softened further—she swayed shyly.
Encore: "Big brother… Big sister…"
Lucian immediately fumed. "You're corrupting such an adorable child! What kind of crimes is the Black Shores committing?!"
Rover: "You are so cute!"
Aalto grinned. "See? Even Encore's gone this far. Surely you can't bear to disappoint her? Then it's settled!"
"I'll be waiting near the beacon at Whining Aix's Mire! Remember—just the two of you."
As Aalto and Encore left, Lucian used his terminal to gather the group.
Chixia: "How'd it go on your end?"
Rover held up the Blake Bloom. "They gave me this."
Verina took it, examining it closely before channeling her Resonance ability to sense its energy.
After a moment, she nodded. "Just as I thought. This is indeed a Remnant plant."
"And the Remnant energy within it is unique—far denser than ordinary Remnant flora."
Chixia sneered. "And here I thought these people were so mysterious… If nothing else, they're experts at running away…"
Yangyang asked, "What did they say earlier?"
Lucian relayed the conversation.
Yangyang grew concerned. "The Court of Savantae Ruins… I know it's an abandoned research facility, long since deserted. There's nothing remarkable about it."
"And due to the anomalous weather in Whining Aix's Mire, hardly anyone ventures there anymore…"
Lucian suddenly exclaimed, "I get it now!"
Rover blinked. "What do you get?"
Lucian smirked. "Hah! The title 'Know-It-All of Jinzhou' wasn't earned for nothing!"
Chixia: "Well? Spit it out—what are they really after?"
Lucian: "As the saying goes, 'Lure the enemy in deep with a tempting bait.' With Magistrate Jinhsi patrolling Jinzhou, they wouldn't dare make a move here! But who'll have the last laugh remains to be seen… Hehehe."
Rover shook her head. "If they really meant harm, they could've acted long before now."
Yangyang giggled. "I agree. They likely mean no ill will. Who knew Lucian was versed in military strategy?"
Chixia: "Alright, let's not overthink it. We've all seen what you two are capable of."
Yangyang: "I'll contact the Huaxu Academy to transmit your data via the central beacon and unlock the one near Whining Aix's Mire."
"Tacet Fields have been unusually active lately, so watch each other's backs and stay safe!"
Chixia: "If you need anything, just say the word—we'll be there in a flash!"
Using the Resonance Beacon, the two arrived at Whining Aix's Mire.
The area was shrouded in mist, a light drizzle reducing visibility. Yet they soon spotted two figures—one red, one white—in the distance.
As they approached, they found the pair engaged in a poetic duel.
Aalto: "This scene stirs the soul… 'The marsh's waters descend from the heavens—'"
Lucian cut in: "'—While Encore's belly could float a boat!'"
Encore's eyes sparkled. "Wow! Lucian, you and I think alike!"
Lucian laughed. "Seems you've got the makings of a genius scholar like me!"
Aalto taunted, "Genius? Fine. Since you love wordplay, let's test your skills!"
Lucian: "Bring it on!"
Aalto cleared his throat. "Listen well. I'll give the first line—you match it. 'A row of wild geese flying south…'"
Without hesitation, Lucian replied: "'Two roast ducks heading north!'"
Encore stared in awe. "Roast duck… It's been so long…"
Aalto: "Did you even hear me? I said wild geese!"
Lucian smugly countered: "And I said roast ducks!"
Aalto tried to clarify: "The wild geese are migrating!"
Lucian: "And the roast ducks are roasted!"
"Encore, never learn from him."
Encore tilted her head. "But I think Lucian did great…"
Lucian high-fived Encore. "See? Great minds think alike."
Aalto sighed. "Enough nonsense. I've sent the exact coordinates of the Court of Savantae to your Data Bank."
"Since we're partners now, I'll share some intel before we begin."
"The Court of Savantae was an exceedingly secretive research organization. Though they specialized in 'Automata Mechanics'…"
"What truly made them infamous were their bizarre experiments."
"Why does Whining Aix's Mire emit a 'multicolored black glow'? Are the strange circles in the lake the work of a mysterious water monster?"
"On a moonless night, a young researcher vanished into the sky, never to return… Behind the veiling mist, the true culprit lurked…"
Lucian deadpanned: "Tell me, are you reciting 'Andersen's Fairy Tales' or 'Grimms' Fairy Tales'?"