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Seeing everyone's faces lit up with joy, I had a sudden idea and proposed: "To celebrate this major research breakthrough, and to celebrate our 'family' finally being at ease, why don't we... have a celebration party in the villa courtyard tonight? Let's relax!"
My suggestion was immediately met with everyone's approval!
"Yay! A party! I want to eat so many good things!" March 7th was the first to cheer.
"Sounds good. A bit of relaxation for the nerves," Black Swan smiled.
"Yes, an occasional break is good," Jingliu nodded.
"I can prepare some special Xianzhou delicacies for everyone," Lingsha said gently.
"Hmph, I guess you guys have a heart. I'll reluctantly participate; just make sure there are games and snacks!" Silver Wolf said coolly, though the excitement in her eyes was hard to hide.
"It is indeed worth celebrating," Himeko agreed with a smile.
Even Herta nodded: "Fine. A good chance to test the villa's entertainment facilities."
Everyone agreed in unison! It looked like tonight would be a lively and unforgettable evening.
Night fell quietly, but the villa's courtyard was brightly lit and bustling, a sharp contrast to the daytime peace. A party to celebrate the research breakthrough and the new "family" members was in full swing.
In the open-air kitchen corner, Lingsha was showing off her skills. Various exquisite Xianzhou dishes were constantly created in her hands like magic, the aroma so pervasive it made everyone's mouth water. Not far away by the grill, Himeko was wearing an apron, skillfully flipping various meat skewers and vegetables. The charcoal crackled softly, oil dripping and sizzling, releasing a tempting aroma.
On the other side of the courtyard, Big Herta and Black Swan—two exceptionally intelligent women—were sitting together, talking in low voices. Seeing how they occasionally frowned in thought or had flashes of realization, they were likely exchanging deep topics about memory and consciousness. I could almost foresee Herta's endless project library adding new items.
Even the usually ice-cold Jingliu had relaxed tonight. She leaned against a vintage lamp post in a corner of the courtyard, a glass of what seemed to be fruit wine in her hand, her face carrying a faint flush from the drink. She didn't participate much in the noise, standing quietly, her crimson eyes reflecting the festive lights as she watched the laughing crowd. A tiny, relaxed smile seemed to play on her lips.
The noisiest were, naturally, the duo of March 7th and Silver Wolf. They were circling Himeko's grill, bickering over a freshly cooked, fragrant meat skewer, pushing and laughing, adding countless amounts of energy to the party.
The puppets summoned by Herta and the villa's own domestic robots acted like professional servers, weaving through the crowd with trays, delivering delicacies and various drinks prepared by Lingsha and Himeko. There were even three puppets programmed with entertainment routines, performing somewhat clumsy but quite amusing dances in the center of the party.
And I, as the casualty of last night's "excessive depletion," could only sit in the wheelchair pushed by a puppet. I was placed in a relatively quiet and comfortable corner of the courtyard, playing the role of the "patient." Sitting next to me was Ruan Mei, who also needed special care with her large belly. On the small table before us were light foods and fresh juices Lingsha had specially prepared for health and absorption.
Although my movement was restricted and my food choices limited, being able to sit quietly with Ruan Mei, feeling this long-lost, close companionship—watching her side profile, which looked even softer and more beautiful in the joyful atmosphere—brought me immense relief and satisfaction. From time to time, I would reach out and gently cover the back of her hand on the armrest, feeling her skin's delicacy and slight coolness. Or I would lean in a bit closer, secretly catching the unique, cool plum-like scent on her.
Ruan Mei naturally noticed these slightly "clingy" small actions, but she didn't stop me or show any displeasure. She simply allowed these touches of attachment, her gaze still fixed tenderly on the joyful people in the courtyard, seemingly moved by the festive atmosphere.
The party's atmosphere reached a climax amidst laughter and chatter. Later, someone (I don't know who) suggested setting off fireworks in the center of the courtyard. Colorful lights bloomed one after another in the night sky, illuminating everyone's smiles and capturing the beautiful moments of our unique and warm "family."
The joyful atmosphere lasted until late at night, lingering long after.
The noise of the party finally subsided in the deep night, and everyone—carrying satisfied smiles and a bit of exhaustion—returned to their rooms. In the courtyard, only Herta's puppets and the domestic robots remained, meticulously cleaning up the aftermath and restoring the villa's peace.
I was sent back to my bedroom by a puppet. Although my body had recovered significantly after the "recuperation" and I no longer needed a wheelchair, the series of "big events" left me mentally exhausted. Lying on the freshly made, clean, and soft bed, I didn't fall asleep immediately. My heart was still thinking of two other important family members far away.
I picked up the communication terminal by the bed, dialed the encrypted line, and initiated a three-way video call with Kafka and Firefly.
The call was soon connected, and both their figures appeared on the screen. Kafka's face was as beautiful as ever, but her belly was clearly another size larger than when she left. The rounded curve was evident even under her loose, comfortable maternity wear, exuding a motherly glow. Beside her, Firefly had a gentle, tranquil smile on her face. Her belly wasn't as pronounced as Kafka's, but there was already a very clear bulge, no longer flat, radiating the joy of nurturing a new life.
Seeing that they were both in good spirits and the babies seemed to be developing well, half of my worries were eased.
"My dear, things look quite lively over there?" Kafka leaned languidly on the sofa, a teasing smile on her lips.
"Trailblazer, is everyone... okay?" Firefly was gentle as ever, asking with concern.
I smiled and shared Ruan Mei's research results with them in detail—the temporary nature of the Path-switching ability, the mechanism of absorbing "life factors," and most importantly, the news that our offspring would permanently inherit this special power.
Listening to my narrative, Firefly's face showed a smile of relief and joy. Kafka, meanwhile, revealed a meaningful, mysterious smile, as if she had known all along. She gently stroked her protruding belly and spoke slowly: "I see... Elio once predicted that in the future, there would be a powerful walker capable of freely switching Paths, who would succeed him as the new guide for the Stellaron Hunters... Now it seems I know who that candidate is." Her gaze was full of confidence and a hint of subtle pride.
Firefly looked tenderly at me through the screen, comforting me with a voice like a clear spring: "Don't worry, Trailblazer. Both Ms. Kafka and I will take good care of ourselves, and our children. You take care of yourself too."
Listening to their reassurances and concern, my heart felt warm. We chatted briefly about each other's current situations, said our goodbyes and shared our misses, before reluctantly cutting the connection.
Putting the terminal down and thinking of Kafka and Firefly being well far away—thinking of the children in their bellies inheriting my power and having a bright future—and thinking of the family members in the villa who, despite their differing personalities, truly stayed with me... my heart was filled with unprecedented peace and satisfaction.
With this peace and anticipation for the future, I closed my eyes and soon fell into a deep sleep.
This night, there were no more waves.