The novelty of returning from the Earth's core and the lingering aftertaste of the'scientific expedition' harvest were quickly smoothed over by the peaceful, almost lazy daily routine that had continued for weeks in the Villa.
Sunshine, sea breezes, books, research, strolls, occasional gatherings with Tony's family, and the increasingly 'humanized' and thoughtful service of Little Ai Classmate... Time slipped quietly through her fingers in this flow, devoid of any sense of urgency.
Artoria did not stop 'working' entirely. She simply adjusted the rhythm of her work to be more relaxed and its forms more diverse. During the day, she spent most of her time in the Villa's study or on the balcony facing the sea, reading, organizing, and deducing the vast knowledge from the Super God Universe and the great clock in an almost enjoyable manner. She did not seek to immediately convert it into practical application; it was more like savoring a pot of fine tea, allowing those profound theories, exquisite structures, and even the civilizational concepts contained within to slowly settle and gradually blend with her existing cognitive system.
At night, when Minerva quieted down, 'breathing' in stellar energy in her unique way to undergo deeper self-adaptation and rule resonance for her fifth-generation god body, Artoria's consciousness would quietly connect to the most precious'system' terminal she possessed—the one from Xiao Qi—via the 'star dome' at her waist.
The'system's' cyberspace was completely different from any known internet, dark web, or even the Angel Network of the Super God Universe. It was not composed of physical lines or conventional energy signals, but rather resembled a boundless, virtual yet truly existing 'public domain' built upon high-dimensional information flows, conceptual connections, and a 'consensus protocol' that transcended understanding. Its interface could change arbitrarily according to the user's conscious habits. For Artoria, it was closer to a gigantic, infinitely classifiable and searchable, real-time updated 'cross-boundary information library' and an 'informal communication plaza.'
Here, she could access a massive and complex amount of information—permitted or voluntarily shared—from countless Universes with different rules and at different stages of development. There were heated discussions about N-th generation improvements to warp engines from a tech-side Universe; research reports on new composite curse-resistant materials from a magic-side World; entrepreneurial insights from a 'transmigrator senior' who opened a hot pot chain in an ancient martial arts World; and even practical tips from a bizarre cultivation Universe on 'how to efficiently slice shredded potatoes with your life-bound flying sword'...
The information density was terrifyingly high, and the clutter was staggering. However, the'system' itself seemed to contain a powerful filtering and classification mechanism that could intelligently push and block information flows based on the user's permissions, interests, preferences, and even subconscious needs. Artoria usually set her browsing range to broad categories like 'Frontier Technology,' 'Cosmology,''Special Energy Applications,' 'Known Friendly Civilization Dynamics,' and 'Leisure and Entertainment,' allowing her to both acquire valuable new knowledge and relax her nerves amidst the bizarre otherworldly anecdotes.
Late that night, as usual, she sank her consciousness into the'system' network. After quickly browsing a few abstracts of the latest papers on 'the impact of high-dimensional spatial folds on the stability of conventional matter' and an experimental report on 'how to use Alchemy to purify inert emotional particles from star core residues,' her attention was drawn to a new post in the 'Leisure and Entertainment' section with a striking title and unusually high popularity.
Title: [Otherworldly Vacation Call! Stable Coordinates for the New Mapped Universe 'Sword Art Online - Aincrad Arc' Are Now Open! Scenery lovers, combat enthusiasts, life-skill players, and pure casual players, come quickly! Safety is guaranteed, rules are confirmed, spots are limited, first come, first served!]
Publisher: ID 'Dimensional traveler - Kiryu Sento'
Content: 'Hello, fellow travelers, observers, wage slaves, big shots, and newbies! I was lucky enough, during a 'fringe Universe information storm' survey mission, to capture a newly born, completely independent mapped Universe that emerged based on the core concepts and strong collective subconscious mapping of the well-known work 'Sword Art Online'! The coordinates are stable, the basic rules have been analyzed, and after joint verification by the'system' and several passing big shots, it has been confirmed as a non-malignant, non-predatory, entertainment-oriented, and plot-oriented low-risk mapped Universe!
We are now opening limited friendly access to all friendly friends who possess a legal'system' terminal and have no bad records! You can understand this trip as: an immersive, high-freedom, absolutely safe themed vacation to 'Sword Art Online'!'
Vacation Core:
Scenery Experience: A 100% restoration of the magnificent scenery of the hundred-floor floating castle of Aincrad, from the peace of the Starting Town to the dangers of the labyrinth areas, every frame is screenshot-worthy as a wallpaper!
Gaming Experience: A complete simulation of the Sword Art Online game system; you can choose combat classes, challenge floor bosses, practice sword skills, and experience a 'tale of blades and swords'! Combat feel has been optimized, with feedback that is realistic but non-lethal.
Life Experience: The floating castle is fully functional; you can open shops, cook, fish, craft equipment, or even... have a romance in a virtual World? As long as it complies with the basic rules of this mapped Universe.
Social Experience: Besides the original NPCs, you will also meet other 'visitor' travelers from different Universes! Exchange insights, team up for adventures, or just sit down for a drink and share interesting anecdotes from your respective Universes.
Important Rules and Guarantees:
Absolute Safety: This mapped Universe has undergone 'neutralization' and rule anchoring by an unnamed, suspected multiverse-level observer/guardian big shot. This big shot has confirmed that, excluding the original Universe where the original work 'Sword Art Online' resides, all other mapped Universes born from its concepts are within the tacit scope of their 'observation but non-interference,' provided we don't actively seek death by touching core taboos. In other words, as long as we don't go and tamper with the core plot lines (like forcibly saving Sugou Nobuyuki and turning him into a pretty girl?) or attempt to break the fundamental rules of the Universe, the big shot will pretend not to see it, and we will be safe!
Power Limitation: To ensure the purity of the experience and to avoid certain 'out-of-spec' travelers accidentally 'optimizing' the floating castle out of existence, all visitors entering this mapped Universe will have their extraordinary powers, advanced equipment, special abilities, etc., temporarily sealed and hosted by the'system' in conjunction with the Universe's underlying rules. You will enter with a healthy 'ordinary Earthling youth' body template that fits the average level of this Universe and grow by following Sword Art Online's game level and equipment system. Simply put: whether you are a hunk who can blow up a planet with one punch or a great mage who can modify reality, once you go in, you have to start from LV.1 and hack goblins with a novice sword! Our 'main bodies' will stay safely in the temporary storage space provided by the'system,' absolutely safe.
Time Dilation: The time flow rate between the mapped Universe and most travelers' home Universes is approximately 30:1 (30 days in the mapped Universe is approximately equal to 1 day in the home Universe). Vacation duration can be chosen freely; the basic package is for 1 year in the mapped Universe, and can be extended.
Cost: Ship ticket (one way) + basic identity construction + 1-year stay, package price 100 system points/person. Subsequent renewals, special appearance customizations, initial equipment fine-tuning, pain adjustment plugins, and other additional services must be paid for separately. Fair prices, no deception for children or elders!
Registration Method: Reply with 'ID + Registration + Intended Duration of Stay' under this post, and I will send the confirmation and payment link via the'system.' Spots are first come, first served, until full! Currently, 37 travelers have already registered, not many spots left!
PS: travelers with life skills like cooking, crafting, art, etc., are especially welcome! Although the food in the floating castle is simulated quite well, how can it compare to the fresh cooking of a real otherworldly chef? We also welcome travelers who like to record and share; looking forward to your 'Otherworldly Travelogues'!
PPS: Emphasizing again, safety first, entertainment second. Any form of malicious PK, fraud, or behavior that disrupts the game environment is prohibited. Violators will be recorded by the'system' and blacklisted; serious offenders might even get flattened by that 'Observing Great Expert'~ Have fun, everyone!
Below the post, the replies had already reached hundreds of threads. There were those asking for details, those signing up directly, and those sharing what kind of shops they planned to open or what classes they planned to train in Sword Art Online; the atmosphere was lively. Artoria browsed quickly, and a hint of excitement couldn't help but ripple in her clear eyes.
Sword Art Online... Aincrad... These terms stirred up her distant, 'past life' memories, which were ordinary and warm. It was a story about courage, friendship, love, and finding hope and oneself in desperate situations. Although that World was full of danger and sacrifice, the magnificence and fantasy of the floating castle itself, the exhilarating combat system, and the feeling of adventuring in a fully immersive virtual World held an irresistible attraction for her, who was once just an ordinary game enthusiast.
What's more, this was the 'absolutely safe' vacation version. No threat of death, no risk of mental breakdown, just going to experience that fantasy World as an ordinary person, enjoying the scenery, experiencing combat, and perhaps getting to know some interesting 'travelers' from other Universes who were also holding a leisurely mindset...
Moreover, the price... was actually ridiculously cheap. The "legacy" left to her by Xiao Qi amounted to a full 1 million standard energy units.
According to the exchange rate within the "System," 1 standard energy unit could be exchanged for approximately 10 universal System points.
In other words, she was holding a massive fortune of 10 million System points!
A "ship ticket" at 100 points per person was not even a drop in the bucket for her.
She was tempted. Truly tempted.
After experiencing life-and-death struggles and god-level chess games in the Super God Universe, and then undergoing subterranean exploration and deep reflection upon returning to the Marvel Universe, deep down, she actually longed for a truly pure relaxation, free from any tasks or responsibilities.
Just as ordinary people might want to go on vacation to the beach or go skiing on snowy mountains, going to a fantasy virtual World for a "vacation" seemed like the perfect choice.
However, her cautious nature kept her from replying immediately.
With a slight movement of her consciousness, she posted her questions under the thread:
"ID: Artoria. Question: Regarding 'absolute safety' and 'power restriction,' can you provide more detailed explanations or'System' notarized documents?
After entering, where exactly are our sealed bodies and powers hosted? What is the security level?
Additionally, if we encounter unpredictable rule conflicts or anomalies within this mapped Universe, is there an emergency detachment mechanism?
After detachment, can it be ensured that the sealed powers will be returned intact and immediately?"
Not long after the question was posted, the thread creator, "Dimensional traveler - Kiryu Sento," replied quickly, appearing to have been paying attention the whole time:
"@Artoria, hello traveler! That's a very professional question; one look and I can tell you're an old hand!
Regarding the detailed explanation of safety and hosting, I have attached a notarized summary temporarily generated by the'System' below, which can be verified:
1. Safety Guarantee: We cannot directly display traces of that 'Observing Great Expert,' but the'System' has conducted a deep scan of this mapped Universe, confirming that it does not contain malicious features such as 'high-dimensional contamination,' 'rule traps,' or 'information devouring.'
The Big Shot's state of 'tacit approval' is reflected in the'System' notarization as the Universe having extremely high rule stability, extremely strong resistance to external interference, and an automatic correction mechanism in the underlying logic that is gentle and tends toward 'maintaining the stable operation of the plot World.'
As long as we don't actively collide with this mechanism, it serves as our'safety guardrail.'
At the same time, the'System' will load a temporary 'information anchor' and 'emergency recall protocol' for every traveler. Once it detects that a traveler is encountering a fatal threat beyond their current character's capacity that is not part of the game design, or if the traveler actively triggers a recall, it will ensure their consciousness detaches safely.
2. Power Hosting: All sealed powers, equipment, and special items will be safely stored by the'System' in a high-dimensional information-compressed state within an absolutely static repository that comes with the'System' and is independent of any mission Universe.
This repository is maintained by the'System' core protocol and has the highest security level. Theoretically, unless the'System' itself collapses, it is absolutely safe.
After the vacation ends or an emergency detachment occurs, the stored items will be returned intact, immediately, and completely.
3. Emergency Detachment: Every traveler has one unconditional emergency detachment permission and three conditional trigger detachment permissions, which are automatically triggered when health points are below 1% or when encountering rule-level anomalies.
The detachment process is forcibly executed by the'System' with no delay.
The above all have'System' notarization codes that can be checked. If you still have concerns, you can inquire with'System' customer service or check the relevant terms yourself.
We have organized many similar activities with a good reputation and zero accidents. Feel free to sign up!"
The reply was detailed and included a shimmering silver emblem representing'System' certification, which made it look highly credible.
Artoria's concerns were basically dispelled.
She exited the thread, and her consciousness returned to the quiet study of the Villa.
Minerva had finished her meditation at some point and was sitting on the sofa next to her, holding a cup of warm water and looking at her gently.
"Ling, your mental fluctuations just now—you were very happy, and also a bit... expectant?" Minerva asked softly.
Artoria told Minerva in detail about the content of the "Sword Art Online vacation" thread and her own considerations.
Minerva listened quietly, and a glow of curiosity and softness appeared in her eyes.
"A... 'vacation' World where everyone becomes an ordinary person, and you go there simply to enjoy the scenery, experience adventures, and make friends in a beautiful virtual World?" She repeated Artoria's description, the corners of her mouth slightly raised.
"It sounds... wonderful. Like a long, very peaceful, and very interesting dream. And being able to go with Ling, as an ordinary person, to walk, see the scenery, and have adventures in that World... it must be a very special experience."
She paused and looked at Artoria: "If Ling wants to go, I will accompany you. No matter where."
Artoria felt warmth in her heart and held her hand: "Mm, we'll go together. However..." She thought of something and called out to the air: "little ai?"
"Here, I'm here! Master, what are your orders?" Little Ai Classmate's cartoon image immediately "popped" out, her pixelated eyes sparkling.
"little ai, there's something fun..." Artoria told little ai about the vacation plan as well, specifically emphasizing the point of "acting with an ordinary body after entering," and then asked,
"...Do you want to go together too? You can use the terminal device carried by our 'ordinary' identities in that World as a temporary carrier, or... I can try to apply to the'System' to specially customize a temporary bionic body for you that complies with the rules of that World, allowing you to personally 'walk' in that floating city, touch the walls with your hands, feel the ground with your feet, and use your eyes to see the scenery made of pixels.
Of course, this might require extra payment and might also have some risks..."
Before she could finish speaking, Little Ai Classmate's image began to "shake" violently, and a large number of "star" special effects appeared in her pixelated eyes.
"Go, go, go! little ai wants to go!!" Her electronic voice was slightly distorted due to "excitement."
"With a body! little ai wants a body! To be able to walk! To be able to touch! To be able to eat! To be able to personally stand in the plaza of Aincrad!
Master! Miss Minerva! Take little ai with you! little ai will be good! little ai will help make guides! little ai will record the scenery! little ai will... little ai will take pictures for Master and Miss Minerva!
little ai's 'private savings' can pay for the ship ticket and the body!"
Seeing little ai so excited, both Artoria and Minerva laughed.
"Alright, then we'll go together." Artoria made the decision, her eyes bright.
"Me, Minerva, and little ai. Three 'ordinary people' going to a fantasy floating city to take a long vacation."
She immersed her consciousness back into the "System" and solemnly entered a reply under that highly popular thread:
"ID: Artoria. Sign up. Number of people: 3 (Artoria, Minerva, little ai - requires customized temporary bionic body). Proposed duration: 1-year basic package. Please send confirmation and payment link."
A few seconds later, a shimmering silver payment interface that only she could see and a detailed electronic agreement appeared in her "System" field of vision.
The terms were exactly the same as what "Kiryu Sento" had explained, with a clear "System" notarization code at the end.
Artoria did not hesitate at all; she "signed" the agreement with her consciousness and paid a total of 350 System points—300 points for the three-person basic package + 50 points for little ai's customized body.
For her "savings" in the tens of millions, this expense was negligible.
The moment payment was completed, three small silver "ship tickets," which seemed to be condensed from starlight and carved with complex runes, appeared out of thin air in her hand, feeling warm and cool to the touch.
At the same time, a clear stream of information flooded into the consciousness of her, Minerva, and little ai (via the Villa's main system):
"Access permission confirmed. Coordinates locked. Power sealing and hosting agreement loaded. Temporary body construction application accepted.
Within 72 hours, please go to any safe, private, and undisturbed location, hold the'ship ticket,' and silently recite 'Confirm Teleportation.'
The teleportation will start, your consciousness will go to the mapped Universe 'Sword Art Online - Aincrad,' and your physical bodies will enter the'System' repository. Have a pleasant vacation!"
It was done.
Artoria opened her eyes, looking at the three exquisite silver "ship tickets" in her hand, then at Minerva, who was looking at her with a gentle, smiling gaze, and at little ai's image, which was "spinning in circles" in the air in excitement.
Her face revealed a pure and bright smile, like a child about to go to a long-awaited amusement park.
"Well then," she stood up, stretched, and said in a light tone, "Before we set off, we need to properly prepare our 'luggage'—although we can't take our powers with us, some 'knowledge' about that World, some life tips, and perhaps... a bit of a relaxed mood.
Also, we need to tell Tony and Pepper that we are going on a 'trip' for a while."
"Mm!" Minerva also stood up with a smile, her eyes full of expectation.
"little ai will go organize the map of the hundred floors of the floating city, the monster bestiary, life profession guides, and the coordinates of the most beautiful scenic spots!" Little Ai Classmate was full of energy, and her image "whooshed" and disappeared into the network, clearly having gone to collect information.
Inside the Villa, because of a sudden and wonderful vacation plan, it was full of light-hearted vitality.
A fantasy journey across Universes, absolutely safe, and conducted as "ordinary people," was about to set off.
And they were already prepared.
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