Chapter 802

Chapter 802: Piercing Through the Fog

In the boundless depths of the sea.

Her eyelids slowly opened, and Lolan Hill looked up at the hazy, fluctuating light screen above. Only then did she recall where she was—the interior of the ancient starship “Homebound” belonging to the merfolk tribe beneath the sea.

Recalling the countless lights and shadows before her sleep, they finally settled on a celebration on a small southern island.

So, Vimya is the reincarnation of Xifnailen, she slowly floated upward, pondering.

Xifnailen is Vimya, but Vimya is not entirely Xifnailen, as she only inherited part of Xifnailen’s soul and consciousness, though this part was a significant fragment, which could also be considered a continuation of herself.

After learning about Vimya’s identity, a hint of joy arose in Lolan Hill’s heart, and she moved around the starship, circling happily.

Once back on the Western Continent, I should find her. Should I call her sister or younger sister?

Although Xifnailen seems more mature in appearance, in other aspects, I am the older one. Thinking about these small matters, Lolan Hill stood up again, inspecting the starship.

At this moment, the starship was in a low-power hibernation state, with only a few screens still lit inside.

It seems we will have to wait a long time before we can use its functions again.

Upon reaching this conclusion, the young lady seemed to remember something, then hurriedly swam around inside the starship, opening the hatch and returning to the sea vessel.

The people on the ship were exactly the same as when she entered, as if they had not moved at all. Watching this scene, Lolan Hill heaved a sigh of relief, then looked up again, gazing at the floating giant sea snake overhead.

This sea snake was a legacy left by the merfolk of old, a species improved through their research in genes and extraordinary technology. It was surprising that after so many years, one still survived.

Continually advancing demonic beasts or animals would gradually gain higher intelligence. Because it understood this starship, it brought the young lady here.

How did it sense her special connection to this starship?

Lolan Hill was puzzled and couldn’t figure it out; perhaps it was a special ability of Sequence 9. Unlike other sequences, Sequence 9 is the pinnacle of the human world, able to touch upon certain powers or perceive hidden truths, gradually understanding parts of the world’s reality.

Recalling the music she heard on the starship, Lolan Hill spread her hands, and a magical seven-stringed zither made of emerald magic material appeared in her grasp.

Then she played a clear and melodious tune in the depths of the sea, the song recounting ancient longing and obsession, spreading slowly through the water, drawing the attention of the giant sea snake. The melody transitioned from lively to joyful, reaching its climax, then turning into a gentle and soothing lullaby.

The sea snake above, hiding the sky, revealed its electric blue glow, slowly diving downward, its head lowering to look at the petite young lady songstress in the sea.

Take us up.

Lolan Hill closed her eyes, conveying her emotions and thoughts through her music.

Subsequently, the sea snake…

In the middle of the sea, it let out a long, resonant cry, seemingly understanding and responding.

Its swimming form quickened again, the electric light flashing all over its body, then began to dispel the frozen time domain around the starship.

At this moment, the crowd on the ship finally regained their composure after a long while, continuing to observe and look around as if everything had just happened a few dozen minutes ago.

“What’s wrong, Lolan? Did you find anything?” Aitexi looked at the young lady with some concern and asked.

“It’s fine now. I just communicated well with this sea serpent. It intends to take us back up from the seabed,” Lolan Hill said before she could finish explaining, the giant sea creature attacked again. Amidst the crowd’s cries of alarm, it lifted the sea vessel, carrying it upward and soaring towards the shimmering surface of the sea.

After piercing through the long, dark depths of the water, the ship finally broke through the surface and was once again bathed in the refreshing sea breeze.

The sea serpent that was swimming in the sky seemed to have finished its business and no longer lingered. It rose straight up, constantly ascending until it broke through the atmosphere and entered the vast expanse of the starry river.

This Earth could no longer contain it, and it would begin its journey into space. With its powerful and robust body, it would treat the starry river as an ocean, exploring new worlds and futures. Although it was once a human creation, it has now freed itself from all constraints and begun its own life.

Farewell, Thunderous Sea Serpent, the young lady silently thought, then turned to look back at the people around her.

“Let’s set sail again! Our destination is the Dragon-Viewing Harbor on the Western Continent.”

“Yes, Miss Lacy,” everyone looked at the bright sky, revealing a long-lost sense of relief, then busied themselves again.

From then on, the journey across the sea was smooth sailing. After weeks of observation and adjustment, Lolan Hill and the others finally found the right direction and headed toward their predetermined destination.

Whoo—

A long whistle echoed from the distant sea, and a black steamship sailed past, heading west.

“Woah, what’s that? A new alchemical creation?” Standing on the deck swaying in the sea breeze, Aitexi pointed far away and asked Lolan Hill beside her.

“That’s a passenger ship, indeed a new technological product,” Lolan Hill nodded. This ship in the distance seemed to be a replica and improvement of the old ‘Great Eastern,’ albeit smaller but more agile and suitable.

“I didn’t expect so many new things here after being away for a few years.” After hearing Lolan Hill’s explanation, Aitexi’s face showed a look of anticipation.

“I really want to go back and see it soon.”

She spread her arms wide, her light dress fluttering in the wind, emitting joyful laughter.

One month later, Dragon-Viewing Harbor on the Western Continent.

A graceful white sea vessel slowly arrived at the shore. The streamlined design, with its elven style, attracted many people’s attention. Everyone speculated whose ship this was, capable of such luxury.

After entering the harbor, the crew eagerly sought out taverns and restaurants to relax with good food and drink. Lolan Hill and her group also entered a beautifully decorated tavern.

“What! The Empire has reformed?” Aitexi exclaimed, propping her hands on the table, looking at the local person speaking opposite her.

“This uh, this elf miss, this is indeed quite unexpected. Currently, the empire has indeed changed its name to the Crimson Empire, and moreover, some of the privileges that the elf clan once enjoyed have been revoked.”

“How could it be like this?” Aitexi let out a cry reminiscent of a young beast, her body collapsing weakly onto the table.

“Doesn’t this mean that when I return, there will be no home for me?”

“Cough, cough, Miss Elf does not need to worry too much. Although elves are no longer the masters of the nation, the emperor hasn’t suppressed the elves either. Many places still live as they did before.”

“Besides, the empire’s internal situation is very unstable right now, and there are frequent wars. No one specifically offends or provokes the elves,” he explained slightly.

“What kind of warfare is this?” Aitexi slowly raised her head.

“It’s complicated to explain, sigh.” The shopkeeper sighed.

“A few years ago, the empire launched a war against the Snow Flower Seven Kingdoms, mobilizing countless people for a far-reaching expedition. Although they initially gained a favorable situation and almost reached the capital of Clancia.”

“Unfortunately, later on, due to various reasons, the empire was defeated and signed a ceasefire treaty at the beginning of this year.”

“As for His Majesty the Emperor, he was mysteriously assassinated just before the defeat. Since then, there has been constant strife within the palace, with no clear outcome.”

“Defeated again.” Aitexi’s voice sank even lower.

“So what is the current situation?”

“Now? Now, no one can say for sure. Anyway, many territories in the southern part of the empire have been ceded to Clancia, and the nobles in other regions are continuously contracting their territories, each leading their own dominions. The royal family in the center has weakened significantly.”

“However, we don’t have to worry here. The Landsworth family is still very powerful. Dragon Harbor is also a well-protected city within the territory of the Unicorn Duke, where life remains stable.”

“As for other matters, I don’t know much more. Oh, would you like some dessert after the meal?”

“Our shop also serves some pastries, all from ‘Golden Flame Tulip,’ which are quite famous. It is said that the cakes at the emperor’s wedding a few years ago were made by them.”

“Bring me a few more pieces.” Aitexi returned to her seat gloomily.

On the other side of the round table, a blonde young lady listened quietly to everything, her heart surging with myriad emotions.

Lolan Hill never imagined that she had slept for nearly three years inside the starship. During the time she left the Western Continent, the world had undergone tremendous changes.

Although hearing the names of those arduous battles gave her a chill, fortunately, Clancia eventually emerged victorious.

Now she didn’t have to worry too much. She believed that after enduring these trials, Clancia must have developed a batch of mature and powerful leaders. Those young children from the past could now stand on their own.

It was as if a child who once stumbled while learning to walk had grown up slowly, standing alongside her. The young lady felt a complex mix of emotions, including joy, regret, loss, satisfaction, and pride.

The once young bird had finally broken through the rain and dark clouds, flying alone against the wind. And the freedom gained through its own wings would make it even more resolute and strong.

(End of Chapter)