Inside the Fontaine Research Institute, Alain, controlling Sandrone's body, was continuously absorbing advanced knowledge.
You ask where the Autonomous Mechanical Energy Source Application is? Why, it's cleaning the toilets, of course!
The deeper Alain delved into the research, the more astonished he became.
He had only skimmed through it before, but now, upon serious study, he discovered that these research reports had already laid out a grand blueprint for Fontaine's future development across various fields.
For example, in his own area of expertise—mechanical life—the Fontaine Research Institute's archives contained similar studies. The lifeforms they had created possessed the intelligence of a normal eight- or nine-year-old child, whereas Alain himself could only create beings capable of understanding simple commands.
But that wasn't the most terrifying part. What Alain found truly unbelievable was that the research reports indicated these mechanical lifeforms had also been endowed with the ability to learn.
This meant that with just a little time to learn, the mechanical lifeform would become indistinguishable from a normal person—perhaps even smarter.
Truly... I'm so utterly crushed I don't even have the energy to be angry.
Suddenly, Alain began to understand why the researchers at the Fontaine Research Institute were always so enthusiastic when faced with difficult problems. It seemed they had grown accustomed to being humbled.
Alain recalled the interim head of the Institute mentioning that those with weak mental fortitude had likely left long ago. The ones who remained had all been tempered through countless trials. They had endured the toughest period and were now beginning to shine with their own brilliance.
At this moment, Alain felt much like them. The initial blow had been severe—after all, before coming here, each of them had been a highly acclaimed genius. Alain, a genius among geniuses, had felt the impact even more keenly.
But once he had completely calmed down, only one emotion remained in his heart: excitement.
For a researcher, what could be more captivating than exploring unknown technologies?
One of the reasons Alain had decided to secretly protect Sandrone was that his own research had hit a bottleneck, prompting him to retreat into the shadows. He never expected to have the chance to conduct research again. Now, Alain felt his passion reigniting.
Once he adjusted his mindset, Alain's progress was astonishingly fast. With his talent already far surpassing that of ordinary people, he could quickly grasp the essence of even the most difficult concepts.
In just two days, Alain had already made a name for himself within the Fontaine Research Institute. Many knew that a new, brilliant, and adorable little genius had joined them.
Alain paid no mind to this. Besides his old friends, the only thing in the world that could capture his interest was knowledge.
One day at noon, just as Alain was about to grab a quick lunch and dive back into his research, the Head approached him with a meal tray and sat down beside him.
"Miss Ann, you've changed so much. I'm truly happy for you."
"Mm."
Alain glanced at the Head and gave a cold nod to acknowledge the comment.
Accustomed to a solitary life, Alain wasn't skilled at socializing, nor did he enjoy wasting time on such meaningless interactions.
If he hadn't respected the Head's own talents, he wouldn't have even bothered to respond.
The Head, however, didn't seem to mind Alain's indifference and continued cheerfully.
"It seems what happened that day had a significant impact on you, Miss Ann. Fortunately, it was a positive one. I've clearly seen your progress these past few days."
"If your learning ability was a 1 before, it's now around a 7 or 8. That level of comprehension has already surpassed most people in our Academy."
"Hahaha, if I didn't see you every day, I'd suspect you'd been replaced by someone else."
"But with your current abilities, you should be able to transfer to any research area you want. Why haven't you submitted an application to me these past two days?"
Hearing the Head's question, Alain shook his head.
"That's not important."
"I don't have time to waste on such matters."
"If there's nothing else, I'll be taking my leave."
Without waiting for the Head's reply, Alain quickly tidied his bowl, then stood up to leave.
"Monsieur Rene will be back in three months."
Just as Alain was about to walk away, the Head's voice reached him from behind.
"I just wanted to let you know."
Alain's body stiffened for a moment before he resumed walking, quickly exiting the cafeteria.
Three months? he thought. That's more than enough time.
In Fontaine, the people erupted into a frenzy when Ron announced he would once again accuse Neuvillette.
Even after being kidnapped twice, he's still sticking to his guns. Mr. Ron, you've got real guts!
No one could have imagined Ron would take such a massive risk to accuse Neuvillette again. It wasn't just the kidnappings; before that, countless people had sent him threatening letters, hurled verbal abuse, scrawled graffiti on his door, and thrown trash into his home.
Yet, despite all this, the man remained utterly unyielding, his methods unchanged. He always targeted high-profile figures, as if nothing could break him or force him to submit.
This time, many people found themselves deeply admiring Ron.
"Mr. Ron, must you really go this far?"
Vinani gazed at the man before her, who seemed completely unaffected by the outside world. Her eyes filled with a mix of sorrow and confusion.
Just moments earlier, Ron had declared his intention to use himself as bait to lure out the Cult of the Dragon, his resolve unshakable.
In Vinani's view, simply testifying against Neuvillette in court was enough. There was no need to take such an enormous risk.
"I have no choice. Some things aren't what I want to do, but what I must do."
Ron smiled at Vinani and said, "I just happen to be in this position, and I just happen to be the best person for the job."
Vinani felt a tightness in her chest. The image of Officer Henry resurfaced in her mind.
He had been the same way—always with a somewhat cavalier attitude toward his work, yet spouting grand principles when trouble arose, then marching bravely to his death.
She couldn't bear to lose another friend. She didn't want to endure that pain again.
"What's wrong? Why the long face?" Ron grinned at Vinani. "You look like you're certain I'm doomed this time."
"Mr. Ron, please don't say such ominous things!" Vinani interrupted him in a panic.
"Heh, relax. I'm not that easy to kill," Ron chuckled. "And even if I were to die, it would be somewhere Miss Vinani couldn't see."
"Mr. Ron, that's not funny at all!"
Vinani felt helpless. Even now, Ron maintained his flippant attitude, making it almost impossible to believe he was about to risk his life.
"Alright, alright. Miss Vinani, even if you don't believe in me, you should at least believe in your own strength."
"You already have the power to protect me. All you need to do is step in if I'm in danger."
"The Cult of the Dragon is just a bunch of ordinary people, Miss Vinani. You don't need to be so tense."
"It's not that simple!" Vinani retorted, annoyed by Ron's casual dismissal. "You know as well as I do how advanced Fontaine's weaponry has become. Even ordinary people can be quite formidable."
"Scared?"
"This is about your life! Why would I be scared?!"
"So you are scared."
"Fine, fine, I'm scared of you, alright? Please, Mr. Ron, just don't do anything so dangerous and make me worry."
Her true feelings exposed, Vinani bristled and snapped.
"To have earned Miss Vinani's concern... this is all worth it, no matter what." Ron dropped the line before continuing, "If you're still worried, Miss Vinani, let's make a promise."
"I promise you, Miss Vinani, that I will come back from this alive and well. How about that?"
"What good is a promise like that...?" Vinani muttered to herself. But in the end, she agreed to the promise with Ron. For some reason, she felt her heart grow a little lighter.
"Since we have a promise, you'd better keep your word!"
"After this is over, I want to see you in one piece."
"Heh, Miss Vinani, didn't you just say promises were useless?"
"When did I say that? I never said anything of the sort!" Vinani's cheeks flushed slightly as she brazenly denied it. "Anyway, you have to keep the promise we made!"
"Alright, alright. Then I'll be counting on Miss Vinani to protect my humble life." Ron didn't press the matter, just smiled.
"Just hide behind me when the time comes. Leave the rest to me."
Hearing Vinani's words, Ron met her gaze, and they both broke into a smile.
-
Meanwhile, inside the Palais Mermonia...
"Furina, Ron says he's ready."
Hearing Focalors' words, Furina nodded. "Alright. I'll have everyone set up the ambush according to the plan."
"Whether this operation succeeds or fails, we must prioritize Ron's safety above all else."
At Focalors' reminder, Furina quickly agreed. "Don't worry about that. I've got it covered!"
Furina and Focalors' eyes met, and they nodded in unison.
"Alright. Let's move out now."
-
Meanwhile, in Sumeru City...
As expected, the Sabzeruz Festival was ultimately cut short. Just as Nilou was performing, officials from the Akademiya arrived and ordered everyone to return home immediately.
Many people already harbored resentment toward the Akademiya, and their heavy-handed response only fueled the fire. Some immediately started arguing with the officials, berating them until their faces turned red with anger and embarrassment. It was an immensely satisfying sight.
However, the conflict didn't escalate further. Most people still feared the Akademiya's authority.
In the end, everyone dispersed in frustration, returning to their homes and wondering if anyone would even remember the Sabzeruz Festival next time.
Dunyarzad was utterly dejected. After looking forward to it for so long—even running away from home to force her parents to change their minds—the festival had still been canceled midway through.
Back at Dunyarzad's house, Lumine took the medicine Dr. Edward had prescribed and returned to the bedside.
It was time for the daily "blind box" dream again. Since yesterday's dream had been surprisingly pleasant, Lumine felt a little more optimistic about tonight's.
"Today was such a disaster. Those Akademiya people are completely unreasonable."
"Dunyarzad and everyone else looked forward to this for so long, and they just canceled it on a whim. It's not like they were even paying for it!"
Paimon yawned and said to Lumine, "So sleepy... I'm going to bed. Good night, Traveler."
With that, Paimon leaned against the pillow and fell asleep almost instantly.
Lumine silently wished Paimon good night in her heart before closing her eyes.
The night passed uneventfully.
The next morning, Lumine sat up in bed, looking dazed.
Did I... not dream last night?
After a moment of stunned silence, Lumine cheered inwardly.
Yes! I'm finally free from the nightmares!
Then Lumine looked at Paimon, still snoring soundly, and couldn't resist slapping her awake.
Still sleeping? Get up! Time to party!
It was usually Paimon who woke her up with loud shouts. Now, the tables had turned. It was time for Paimon to get a taste of her own medicine.
"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"
"Traveler, save me!"
Startled awake by the slap, Paimon instantly panicked.
She thought the Akademiya had come for them in the middle of the night, but then she saw that the attacker was Lumine.
Paimon froze for a moment, then her expression turned to pure joy.
"Traveler, you're okay?!"
"This is wonderful!" Paimon exclaimed. "Dr. Edward really is a miracle worker! He actually cured your illness! We have to go thank him right away!"
Soon, Lumine and Paimon had tidied up their room and went to knock on Dr. Edward's door.
"The door's unlocked. Come in."
After hearing Dr. Edward's voice, Lumine and Paimon entered the room.
The first thing that hit them was the overwhelming scent of herbs, mixed with an intensely twisted and bizarre odor. Lumine scanned the room and traced the smell to a medicine pot simmering on the side.
Wait a minute... that medicine isn't for me, is it?
Just as the thought crossed her mind, Dr. Edward picked up the pot.
"Traveler, you've arrived just in time."
"Time for your medicine."
Lumine watched Dr. Edward's movements, her face paling as she caught a whiff of the brew—its stench now countless times more pungent than before.
Even after drinking it so many times, the smell of this new concoction was almost unbearable.
But thankfully, she hadn't dreamed last night, so she wouldn't need to drink it anymore.
"You didn't have any of those absurd dreams last night?"
"Alright, I understand. In that case, just drink it one last time. I've already brewed the medicine, and it would be a waste not to drink it."
Hearing Dr. Edward's words, Lumine's body stiffened for a moment. Then, with a wry smile, she took the medicine pot from his hands.
So I couldn't get out of it after all!
Lumine clutched the pot, took two deep breaths, then closed her eyes, tilted her head back, and poured the contents straight down her throat.
With the very first gulp, she felt hallucinations begin. By the time she finished, her mind was a chaotic dance of demons.
Soon, the entire pot of medicine was gone. Lumine couldn't help but let out a belch, and the resulting odor was so foul it sent Paimon, who had just flown back to her side, reeling away.
Lumine found Paimon's reaction strange. The medicine itself seemed tasteless, but it definitely caused hallucinations. For some reason, though, these visions felt both familiar and alien at the same time...
"You didn't dream at all last night?"
Dr. Edward's voice pulled Lumine back to reality.
She was about to nod when a fleeting image flashed before her eyes: the back of a girl with long, gray hair.
Who is she?
Lumine felt she should know the girl, but her silhouette seemed so unfamiliar.
"Traveler?"
Dr. Edward's voice snapped Lumine back to reality. She nodded repeatedly, but the image of the girl's back flashed through her mind again.
"It looks like you're cured," Dr. Edward said.
A flicker of joy appeared on Lumine's face.
Just then, another knock came from the door.
Dunyarzad and Dehya appeared at the doorway.
"I knew you'd all be here! Good morning!"
Hearing Dunyarzad's voice, Paimon instantly revived from her "playing dead" state on the sofa and flew over to her.
"Good morning, Dunyarzad! And Dehya!"
"Morning," Dehya replied coolly, her arms crossed.
"The parade float is about to start its route. We should hurry," Dunyarzad urged them. "The Sabzeruz Festival is a rare sight even for us in Sumeru. You absolutely have to see it this time."
"Dr. Edward, are you coming?"
"No, I'd draw too much attention if I went out. You all go ahead."
As Lumine listened to their conversation, a growing sense of unease settled in her heart. She felt as if she had heard this exact exchange somewhere before.
"Then I'll go ask Madam Faruzan!"
"Wait, Paimon!"
Soon, the group watched as Paimon was shooed away by Faruzan, and they couldn't help but stifle their laughter behind their hands.
However, this scene only intensified Lumine's sense of déjà vu. She felt as if she had experienced this exact moment before—perhaps even more than once.
Lumine clutched her head, desperately trying to recall every strange detail since she had woken up.
Suddenly, a shiver ran down her spine.
Am I really not dreaming?
Or am I actually in a dream right now?
Thinking back, Dr. Edward hadn't prescribed any new medicine yesterday. But this morning, he had given her a new prescription—a medicine that looked deeply unsettling yet had no taste when she drank it.
No, wait... The smell had been quite pungent, but that was it. It truly had no flavor.
But if this was a dream, it was far too vivid. She could clearly observe every single detail.
No, that's not enough evidence. I need more proof.
"Let's go, Traveler! We'll miss the parade float!"
Paimon's call from ahead snapped Lumine back to the present. She nodded and walked toward her.