The physical space of the Aethereal Metropolis of Myriad Forms was finite, so the Pivot of Laws had rendered it an infinitely stackable "scroll." All living beings were like ink, inscribed upon different transparent layers—these were the Phases. Most citizens could only perceive the layer they inhabited; they could neither see nor hear those on other layers.
But Mo Bai, who possessed three True Memory Core Crystals, could perceive this stratified spectacle of prosperity and loneliness. The joys and sorrows of all beings were so close, yet separated by endless worlds.
As he immersed himself in this eerie sight—
Whoosh—!!!
A clear, resonant flute note, carrying a strange, vibrating cadence, pierced through all noise, drilling deep into his consciousness sea!
Echo of Solitude! Starlaine?!
Before the thought fully formed, his body moved ahead of his mind. The flute note was a lifeline, the strongest pull. The third, emerald Core Crystal within him trembled violently! A power linking space and memory erupted at once!
In the Phase of the noisy street ahead, a massive, semi-transparent hand condensed from emerald light materialized from the void. Amidst thousands of overlapping figures, it seized him with unerring precision!
In the next instant, the giant hand—and Mo Bai within it—vanished with a swish, like brushstrokes erased from a canvas.
Inside the Serenity Courtyard.
The last wisp of the clear flute note still lingered in the larkspur-scented air.
Starlaine gripped the Echo of Solitude tightly with both hands, her rosebud lips still slightly pursed against the mouthpiece. Her light golden eyes were wide, a mix of tension and excitement.
The air less than a yard before her rippled violently!
Emerald light bloomed and closed like a lotus—and Mo Bai's figure re-solidified, standing steadily before her.
"Did I not say this flute was for life-threatening emergencies only?" His voice was slightly deeper than usual from the instantaneous spatial jump, carrying unmistakable reproach.
"Wow—!"
Starlaine seemed not to hear him at all, utterly captivated by the sight.
The golden glow of the setting sun slanted through the window, outlining his tall frame with a dazzling edge. His brows were slightly furrowed; his handsome, sharply defined face still held the tension of instant alertness. A few strands of black hair fell messily across his forehead from the translocation.
Most captivating were his eyes, narrowed slightly in question. His dark pupils reflected shards of gold in the sunset, as if holding ancient, cold stars and fathomless whirlpools.
The pressure of his focused gaze, mingled with a breathtaking intensity, made her heart pound erratically.
So… this is what Lord Mo looks like when he's serious and concerned…
Starlaine's breath hitched. Her initial pride was replaced by a hotter flush. Her cheeks burned crimson; her honey-colored eyes stared unblinkingly, filled with amazement and a faint, unrecognized daze.
"I-I was scared something would happen to you!" She blinked hard, trying to look convincing, puffing her cheeks in a show of fake grievance. "Recovery from 'consciousness drowning' is extremely unstable! If something happened to you… my final assessment would fail! Master Cai would have my head!"
Mo Bai watched her "performance" in silence. His reproach softened into an almost imperceptible trace of indulgence at the corner of his mouth.
"I see," he repeated softly, his tone gentler than he intended. "I'm not angry. But…" His gaze fell to the flute in her hands. "The mnemonic beacon within is single-use. You spent a genuine lifeline on a whim. Do you not consider that wasteful?"
Starlaine froze. She looked down at the simple black flute, then up at him. The blush on her face didn't fade, but her smile brightened with pure sincerity. "Not at all! As long as I see you standing here safe and sound, it was worth it!" She hid her hands behind her back and tilted her head, beaming.
A brief silence.
"Give me the flute." He suddenly extended his hand, palm open. His tone was calm but left no room for refusal.
"Huh?" Starlaine's smile faltered. She instinctively hugged the flute to her chest, confusion and reluctance flashing in her light golden eyes. "W-Why? Even if its power is spent, it's a token from you! Can't I keep it as a memento?"
"I do not take back what I give." Mo Bai looked at her possessive gesture, a faint glint of amusement in his eyes. His tone remained firm. "Give it here."
"Oh…" Starlaine looked at his distinct, capable hand, then into his deep, calm eyes. Finally, with great reluctance, she placed the still-warm Echo of Solitude into his palm. Their fingertips brushed—a faint, electric tingle. She quickly pulled her hand back.
Mo Bai took the flute, brought it to his lips, and closed his eyes.
A low, strange chant, ancient in its cadence, flowed from his throat. The dark flute seemed to awaken, its entire form glowing with a warm, profound emerald light. It hovered half an inch from his lips, breathtakingly beautiful.
"Wow—!" Starlaine stared, dumbfounded, a hand over her mouth. Her eyes reflected the dreamlike green radiance.
The final syllable of the chant fell. The floating emerald flute trembled, its light dimmed, and it settled back into Mo Bai's palm.
Mo Bai opened his eyes. A faint, almost imperceptible weariness flickered in his gaze, then was gone. Without hesitation, he offered the renewed, softly glowing flute back to Starlaine.
"Here."
"Huh?" She hadn't fully recovered.
"I replenished it." Mo Bai's voice was steady as he met her gaze. "Remember—this is the last time."
"Mhmm!" Starlaine nodded vigorously, her honey-colored eyes sparkling with sweet joy.
"Also," he paused, "I added an identifier. Only if you play the specific melody Ambush from Ten Sideswill the beacon summon me. You may play any other tune freely; it will not alert me."
"Ambush from Ten Sides… I-I'll remember!" Starlaine carefully accepted the glowing flute with both hands. It felt cool at first, then a gentle warmth spread from her palm. "You're amazing, and so thoughtful!"
"Oh!" She suddenly remembered. "I-I didn't actually go to offer the Devotional Fire to the Mirror God… I just remembered I haven't performed your final 'Aurora Treatment'!" She pointed at the quietly floating Aurora Cantabile. The golden harp's strings rippled with a soft circle of light.
"It's the last session, but it might take a while, and you'll need to be completely relaxed…" She looked up, glancing cautiously at Mo Bai's face, her tone full of apology and plea. "Could you bear with me a little longer?"
Mo Bai looked at her earnest, slightly anxious expression. He gave a slight nod, his voice softer than he'd intended.
"Very well. Proceed."
"Great! Thank you!" Starlaine beamed, patting her chest in relief. But she quickly added, "After the treatment, I really should go complete today's offering. Then… I'll take you to meet my Grand Master—Master Cai! She'll give you a final, comprehensive examination to ensure everything is perfectly settled!"
"Alright." His reply was simple.
The notes of the Aurora Cantabile echoed through the ward one final time, carrying the clarity of starlight on dew and the warmth of dawn. They threaded their way into the recently calmed waters of Mo Bai's consciousness sea.
He closed his eyes, letting himself sink into the tranquil pool woven by the music. Deep within, his three Memory Core Crystals glowed with a steady emerald light, like three silent, watchful islands in a deep ocean.
But beneath the peaceful surface, the undercurrents never ceased.
Almost the moment he submerged, the undigested, conflicting fragments surged once more—
"No! Brother—!!!"The girl's shrill, distorted scream, an ice-pick of despair.
"Protect your three… true Core Crystals."The green-clad woman's voice cutting through the rainy night. "Perhaps… you are our last… hope."
Hope?
The word echoed hollowly in his soul-sea. It stirred no passion—only a thicker, more suffocating fog.
Who was he?
What was real?
What was he to fight?
What was he to seek?