Fu Hua hadn't intended to read all of Amber's memories. She had only meant to skim the recent ones—to understand Yu Du Chen's abnormal state and the current world. But the flood of information was overwhelming. One moment led to another, and before she knew it, she had seen everything.
Amber beamed. "That's great!"
To her, Fu Hua's presence was like gaining a legendary portable grandfather—wise, powerful, and always there.
Fu Hua paused, suppressing the urge to comment. Instead, she spoke gently. "Though in your original world, we're just game characters… for you now, this is reality."
She looked at Amber with quiet resolve. "I've resigned from my duties. I have no obligations. Though we're not master and apprentice—and I don't intend to take on students—I can still guide you in Taixu Sword Qi."
Amber nodded eagerly.
Fu Hua understood. This girl had spent much of her life in isolation—hospital beds, quiet rooms, relying on others. First her parents, then doctors, now the system and navigation. She'd come to this world by chance, saved by a system born of rebellion. Relatively speaking fate had guided her here.
Fu Hua's skills were modest compared to gods, but they were enough to support this girl.
"Once you leave this space, release Yu Du Chen's authority. Each night, I'll guide you through Taixu Sword Qi. But you mustn't rely too heavily on navigation."
Amber opened her mouth to explain that she'd already learned Zhenqi through navigation, but Fu Hua continued.
"Imitating me by instinct is a shortcut. And it's not the true path. So you must find your own way."
Amber nodded again, understanding.
Fu Hua added, "Also… don't worry about my thoughts. Be yourself when interacting with others."
Amber's response was immediate and firm. "No! That would ruin the glorious image of my Paper wife!"
Fu Hua blinked. "Is it necessary to do that much..? We just the same face after all."
Amber shook her head. "Doesn't matter! No one can tarnish your image—not even me!"
Fu Hua sighed. "...Fine. But I'm not a paper person. And I'm not your wife."
Amber nodded solemnly. But in her heart, nothing had changed.
Fu Hua, sensing the futility of arguing, shifted the topic to Taixu Sword Qi.
Night approached. Amber was enthusiastic, absorbing every word. But an hour in, her brain began to fog.
"Why do I have to memorize texts just to learn sword energy? Zamabu!"
Fu Hua's voice was calm but firm. "Foundations matter. Taixu Sword Qi evolved from divine sound. You know that well."
With that, she vanished.
She didn't want Amber to grow dependent. She needed space to observe—and to reflect. The situation was still confusing.
Amber felt uneasy. Had she upset Fu Hua? She didn't dare slack off. Fu Hua was right, and Amber wasn't trying to cheat her training. She just wanted someone she could trust to be there.
Thankfully, the awkward silence didn't last.
A knock at the door. Fujimaru's voice followed: "Fu Hua, dinner's ready. Some companions have come to visit. Would you like to join us?"
Companions?
Dinner wouldn't interrupt training. And it was a good excuse to escape her embarrassment. Amber exited Yu Du Chen's space and granted Fu Hua full access.
As she stepped out, Fujimaru instinctively tensed—then relaxed.
She had seemed off earlier. But now, she was composed again.
He didn't pry. He wasn't the type to pry at all. So they just walked downstairs together.
The room, once quiet, now buzzed with energy. Three new arrivals had returned triumphantly. The meal was a celebration.
"Ooooh! Is this the Red Kite Immoral who made the goddess collapse instantly?" A girl, dressed even more boldly than Ishtar, stared at Amber in awe.
Amber stiffened. Her outfit was modest, and this girl's confidence made her feel even more awkward.
"It's comforting to have such a powerful ally," said the strong man beside her, nodding respectfully.
The third—a bronze-skinned man with fiery red hair—smiled. "Please guide us, warrior from afar."
Fujimaru stepped in. "Let me introduce them."
The scantily clad girl was Ushiwakamaru—real name Minamoto no Yoshitsune, a legendary Japanese commander.
The man in the hijab was Musashibo Benkei—her loyal retainer.
Amber had heard of Yoshitsune. But for Benkei, not so much.
She nodded politely, maintaining Fu Hua's calm demeanor.
The third was unmistakable: Leonidas I, King of Sparta. Even Amber, who rarely read history, knew of the 300 Spartans who defied an army of 100,000.
Amber felt it—the charm of Fate.
Meeting legends. Standing among heroes. It was like meeting Fu Hua all over again.
And if she ever summoned a historical figure she truly admired… the thrill would be indescribable.