High-rise buildings collapsed, flames engulfing everything.
The surrounding scenery transformed into a sea of crimson, as if stepping into another dimension of time and space.
The panicked cries and wails of people seemed utterly faint and insignificant amidst the roaring inferno.
Lucian furrowed his brow: "This is…?"
Shorekeeper's voice came from beside him.
"This is The Lament. It destroys cities, topples skyscrapers, and obliterates civilizations, devouring everything… until life itself is extinguished."
"Billions of humans have vanished due to various forms of The Lament."
"Their despair, unwillingness, obsessions… anger and regret in the face of The Lament…"
"All of it is collected into the database of the Tethys System."
"And their names remain here as well."
"They become hands reaching toward the sky."
Rover furrowed her delicate brows: "And you? Why are you here too?"
Shorekeeper's expression was complex, perhaps unsure of what expression to show: "I am the core of the Tethys System, a possession of the Black Shores."
"No one's Sonoro Sphere is better suited to bear these emotions than mine."
The scene gradually dissipated, and the group found themselves back in the garden.
"…I'm sorry, I couldn't control the Sonoro Sphere around me."
"No need to apologize," Lucian said thoughtfully, recalling the earlier vision.
"It felt as real as if it had actually happened. Was that the former Port City of Guixu?"
Shorekeeper nodded slightly: "Yes, the Port City of Guixu was once a bustling metropolis."
As she spoke, a look of guilt and self-blame appeared on Shorekeeper's flawless face: "…I'm sorry, I didn't fulfill my duties well. I couldn't protect this place."
Lucian smiled faintly, pulling Shorekeeper into his embrace and whispering softly in her ear: "Didn't I just say? You've already done wonderfully."
Shorekeeper's cold body felt the warmth of Lucian's embrace. Her expression, buried in his arms, froze for a moment, a faint tremor stirring in her heart—indescribable, inexplicable.
Rover: "?"
Shorekeeper slowly raised her head to look at Lucian, his gentle gaze drawing her in, making her lose herself in it.
Coming to her senses, Shorekeeper furrowed her delicate brows and pushed Lucian away in a slight panic: "I…"
Lucian smiled lightly: "Is there anything else you want to say?"
Shorekeeper clenched one fist and placed it over her chest, pausing for a moment before speaking: "This is my promise… as it was in the past, so it remains now."
"I will find a way to break the inescapable fate, the Möbius loop that entwines you all."
"With everything I have, this is… my proof."
Lucian chuckled, gently pinching Shorekeeper's smooth cheek: "While we were away, you've already done so much for us. This time, let us handle it ourselves."
Rover glanced at Lucian and said: "Although Lucian can be a bit unreliable, he's right this time. Leave it to us."
Shorekeeper gazed at their resolute expressions, seemingly touched. A faint smile curved her lips: "Mm…"
…
The group stepped through the portal Shorekeeper opened, leading to the Modulation Hall.
A Star Chart Navigator had been waiting for some time: "You've finally arrived."
"Everything is ready. All we need now is the Death Star Core you've brought."
Lucian nodded slightly, looking at the busy Black Shores members around them: "Thank you for your hard work."
The Star Chart Navigator said: "Ever since the Tethys System shut down, our other containment agents have been fighting across various locations to recover those critical star charts. We've finally retrieved them."
"And I've also observed Shorekeeper's frequency appearing in various star charts, soothing the affected frequencies."
"No matter when or where, the Black Shores will never let our members fight alone."
They followed the Star Chart Navigator to the analysis device.
"Please place the black star on the analysis device over there, and we'll begin recalibration immediately."
"As long as recalibration is completed, the data overflow in the Tethys System will surely be fixed."
Shorekeeper, standing nearby, added: "As long as we access the entry point for calibration data and retrieve the redirection data for the Tethys System from the star chart, the recalibration can be completed."
Lucian mused thoughtfully: "We still can't be certain if Rover's Dog can replace The Lament Core or fully substitute for the Tethys System."
"If we forcibly replace The Lament Core, what will happen?"
Rover froze, then furrowed her delicate brows and asked: "You mean…"
Lucian glanced at Shorekeeper: "In other words, if Rover's Dog can't replace it, the Tethys System will automatically search for a substitute core…"
Rover instantly understood: "In that case, let just Lucian and me go in."
Shorekeeper furrowed her brow: "No, please let me go with you. This is… my promise."
"I know Mr. Lucian cares about me and doesn't want me to take risks."
"But I am Shorekeeper, tasked with keeping secrets and guarding the untainted shore."
"Mr. Lucian, please forgive me for defying your orders, because this is my duty."
"As long as I exist in a physical sense, my mission must be carried out."
"I'll be fine, and no one else will be hurt anymore."
"Please… you must trust me."
The girl's expression was resolute, showing no intention of backing down.
Lucian fell silent for a moment. Rover, standing beside him, tugged at his arm: "Since Shorekeeper is so determined, let's all go in together. With the two of us, can't we protect her?"
Lucian nodded slightly: "Alright."
With that, Lucian released the Death Star and placed it on the analysis device.
The Tethys System's voice rang out: "Star chart attributes confirmed: Death Star."
"Would you like to proceed with recalibration of this star chart?"
Lucian glanced at Rover's Dog, who bobbed up and down, nodding: "Analysis has begun. Please proceed deeper to acquire more data. Note, this process will take some time. Please wait…"
Lucian nodded slightly, looking at the Death Star: "Proceed with recalibration."
The Tethys System continued: "Loading current Death Star backup data: Port City of Guixu."
"Target data loading complete. Please confirm."
The next moment, an entrance appeared in the center of the area. A star chart researcher approached from nearby.
"That's the entry point for calibration data! The redirected star chart is currently stable. We're counting on you!"
The group looked at the dark, cavernous entrance. Rover walked to Lucian's side, grasping his hand: "Let's go in."
Lucian nodded slightly, tightly gripping Shorekeeper's wrist, then strode toward the entrance.
In the endless darkness, a faint whisper reached Lucian's ears.
Flames scorched the earth, and dark stars devoured the sky. The black hole at the highest point of the Port City of Guixu marked the beginning of destruction, as well as its end. Yet, it also concealed the key to salvation… or perhaps, a lie.