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Zeke revealed the so-called Universal Wishing Machine to Zhuge Kongming, offering temptations few could resist.
Yet, faced with such allure, Zhuge Kongming slowly knelt down, bowed his head to the ground, and pleaded with utmost sincerity:
"Please, Your Majesty, save my Huang Kingdom—no, save the countless lives across this land! Zhuge Kongming desires nothing more. From now on, for whatever Your Majesty requires, I shall offer all that I have, without regret, even at the cost of ten thousand deaths!"
Zeke raised an eyebrow.
"Don't kneel so readily; I didn't ask you to do so. Unfortunately, this core, despite being a prototype, isn't perfect. A prototype serves as the foundational structure to reconnect branches and absorb elements necessary for continuation. However, your version...it has become a wishing machine capable of reshaping reality. While its function may seem miraculous, it actually indicates a deviation from its original design intent. This is a flawed product. The previous civilization likely ran out of time or had no means to correct this error."
"Then, Your Majesty..."
"Fortunately, our world also has a Durandal. Setting aside her relationship with your new emperor for now, she once successfully fused with a World Core, aiding the connection of the world bubble to the imaginary branch. We conducted extensive experimental research on this event, and I possess all the corresponding findings; in fact, I personally designed a significant portion of those experiments. In short, I can help refine this prototype for you."
"We humbly beseech Your Majesty's favor!" Zhuge Kongming breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Holding the glowing orb, Zeke sighed softly and said, "The problem isn't that simple."
"Do we require any rare materials or specific conditions? Please, Your Majesty, speak candidly. The entire Empire will provide unwavering support!"
"To perfect this core, naturally, some changes must be made to your world, so assistance is indeed necessary. However, the issue I refer to is not about resources."
"Then what might it be?"
"After refining the prototype, we need indirect access to the imaginary branch through visitors from leaf worlds like ours. Currently, the only reliable method I know involves fusing the imaginary branch with individual lives from a leaf world—you have two choices: me or Fu Hua... Well, technically, they are the same person—both Fu Hua—so it's just one option."
Zeke's gaze swept over Fu Hua and Senti briefly.
Fu Hua smiled serenely, looking at Senti, her heart warmed by this simple explanation.
Senti placed hands on his hips, puffing out his chest proudly—indeed, that's right! I am Fu Hua! Just like the Old Antique herself! There couldn't be a clearer or more straightforward truth in this world!
Zhuge Kongming had already risen to his feet, frowning as he meticulously processed Zeke's account.
Zeke continued, "Both choices yield the same outcome: The world bubble indirectly connects with the Imaginary Tree through individuals from the Leaf World. Compared to the connection inherent to the Leaf World itself, this link is immensely weaker, billions of times more delicate. However, it is sufficient for a fragile world bubble to stabilize, enabling it to withstand dissolution, corruption, and assaults from the Sea of Quanta safely. But there is a price—the fusion between the World Core and individual lives is irreversible. From then on, the fate of the world bubble becomes intricately tied to the chosen life—so long as they live, the world bubble endures; upon their death, the world bubble collapses."
"...Your lifespans, along with those of the two immortals, surely aren't limited to just a hundred years?" Zhuge Kongming asked after a thoughtful pause.
Zhuge Kongming's pupils contracted slightly. After a momentary pause, he posed a question.
Zeke's lips curved upwards.
"Very perceptive, you've raised an important issue. However, there's no need to worry about lifespan. Once fused with the Core, an individual life becomes more than just that—it transforms into a unique structure known as a World Anchor. Physiological limits on lifespan cease to exist. At worst, even without fusion, my technology alone has long surpassed such limitations. What you should be concerned about is not this aspect but... In our world, the decisive battle determining the Leaf World's survival—the confrontation against Honkai—is imminent. No one can guarantee we'll endure such a war. Even if your chosen Anchor Point survives, failure in the final showdown would cause the Leaf World to detach, severing this indirect connection entirely."
At these words, not only did Zhuge Kongming fall silent, but Fu Hua and Senti also plunged into a deathly quiet.
Saving the world was never just empty talk; truly undertaking it reveals countless challenges at every turn.
Holding the glowing orb in one hand, Zeke waved his plumage fan with the other, leaned slightly forward, and looked straight at Zhuge Kongming, his tone earnest and heartfelt:
"You have two choices before you: First, forget everything you've learned thus far and return to your normal life. As I mentioned earlier, there's a high likelihood that this world bubble will endure for thousands or even millions of years—ample time for you to live out your days without regrets until a peaceful death.
"Second, gamble with the entire world bubble, betting on whether your chosen Anchor Point can survive unimaginably terrifying battles. Failure means we all perish together. Even if you win this bet, it may not change anything significantly. Only by winning our civilization's war, ensuring our Leaf World remains attached to the Imaginary Tree, can your wager bear fruit—a future so distant that you won't witness its arrival."
"Our world's Durandal chose Fusion because her world bubble was on its last breath, teetering at the brink of collapse. She and that world had no other choice but to take this gamble. Your world is different; you still have options available. Please... please, think carefully before giving me your answer. Now, go back."
With a sweep of his plumage fan, Zeke gently propelled Zhuge Kongming's body towards a sudden spatial black hole that appeared behind her.
"Please wait, Your Majesty, I..."
Zhuge Kongming's panicked words trailed off as she vanished into the black hole, leaving this deep-sea altar.
The remaining three figures on the altar fell into a prolonged silence.
In the oppressive atmosphere, Senti dared not make any noise recklessly. Instead, he sat boldly on the ground, resting his chin in one hand, and watched idly as Fu Hua and Zeke each became lost in their thoughts.
"Sigh..." After a long moment, Fu Hua let out a somber sigh.
"So, this is why Zeke initially chose not to save this world, right? Rather than placing it at risk, akin to gambling with stakes similar to ours, it seemed wiser to let it continue drifting, perhaps enduring for even longer—this consideration was indeed correct. My apologies, I've been too stubborn. Despite knowing so little, I've only caused you unnecessary trouble." Fu Hua chuckled bitterly.
Zeke released the glowing sphere from his hand, allowing it to merge with the altar once more.
As specks of shimmering light drifted past his slender figure, Fu Hua's dispirited mood was momentarily lifted by this dreamlike scene.
Then, Zeke stepped closer and gently placed his plumage fan on her head.
"No need for such melancholic sentiments; they don't suit you. I merely wanted to win some favor, so how effective do you think that was?"
"Very...effective indeed. It truly touched me."
Fu Hua raised a finger, lightly touching the plumage fan atop her head. She looked up at Zeke, her smile blossoming like a graceful orchid releasing its sweet fragrance, utterly captivating.
A faint grin appeared on Zeke's face as he clasped his hands behind him and gazed upward at the sea above them.
"Is it? As long as it worked, remember to repay me well—give your best efforts when we return. Now, let's patiently await their decision. This is their world; we must respect their thoughts on how to debate and choose."
"You're right... You always are, Zeke."
"Not necessarily. I once told Kiana that I'm quite stubborn, and it's true indeed. If not for your suggestion, I would have decided for this world on my own. This way might be better; at least we've given them a fair chance."
"Coincidentally, I've been rather stubborn today too! We're evenly matched, so... let's call it kindred spirits?"
Fu Hua smiled contentedly, standing shoulder to shoulder with Zeke, both gazing up at the dreamlike seascape overhead.
Only Senti, still seated on the ground, watched the picturesque scene unfold before her. Suddenly, she crossed her arms and tilted her head quizzically.
"Huh?"
Strange, what's going on here? Why are they suddenly standing so close? Why does it feel like she's becoming somewhat out of place?
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