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When mentioning Belobog, people invariably think of blizzards and bitter cold. However, what truly stood out in March 7th's memories was the grand entrance hall of the Goethe Hotel.
Belobog, Administrative District.
Snowflakes danced wildly, enveloping the city in a shimmering blanket of silver.
The biting wind pierced through to the bone, howling fiercely as it assaulted streets and buildings, seemingly intent on swallowing the entire city whole.
Pedestrians hurried along the roads, their figures fading in and out amidst the swirling snowstorm.
The road beneath their feet was covered with snow, its thick layer making walking quite challenging.
Wrapped in warmth, the Goethe Hotel felt like a secluded sanctuary, isolated from the outside world.
[A Memokeeper from the Garden of Recollection is secretly obstructing your pursuit of truth for March 7th.]
[Under the guidance of their master Fuli, the Memokeepers transcended their physical forms and now exist as memes.]
[With this unique gift, they freely traverse the multitude of worlds within the star sea, unbound by material limitations.]
[Often disguising themselves as natives of various realms, they engage in transactions, replication, theft, deception, employing all means to collect precious memories.]
[Of course, there are ways to counter these Memokeepers.]
[Their flaw is evident: if you can disrupt their memory fate paths, causing the "memes" constituting them to become unstable, they will be at your mercy.]
[For a Memokeeper lurking in the shadows, consider using unconventional methods to force her emergence.]
Su Jinyan rubbed his chin, deep in thought.
Garden of Recollection?
Could it be that the Memokeeper from the Garden of Recollection had taken interest in March 7th's valuable memories? The Memokeepers undoubtedly possessed exceptional treasures.
If she tainted this precious memory, perhaps she could force the Memokeeper to reveal themselves.
Coming back to her senses, March 7th couldn't help but grumble, "Oh my gosh, that was scorching!"
"I thought you said I wouldn't get burned by anything that hasn't happened in reality!"
Su Jinyan shrugged. "Shizun's explanation is quite straightforward."
"Not being burnt in reality does not mean you won't feel heat in your memories."
Fu Xuan nodded. "A-Yan speaks my mind; indeed, that's precisely what this venerable one meant."
"We only stated you wouldn't sustain burns, not that you wouldn't experience heat."
"As long as you comprehend 'heat,' your memories will naturally fill in the sensation."
March 7th puffed out her cheeks indignantly. "This makes me so mad!"
"Are you two deliberately ganging up on me with these word games?"
Fu Xuan pondered for a moment. "I recall stumbling upon Belobog's name while examining the star charts."
"There are many similar planets along Xianzhou's trade routes."
"Unfortunately, after the Antimatter Legion's appearance, all contact with them was lost."
As soon as March 7th pushed open the door to the Goethe Hotel, she shivered uncontrollably from the freezing blizzard outside.
"Yes, Belobog is a snow-covered city, isolated amidst apocalyptic conditions," Su Jinyan remarked leisurely.
"That's why heaters like these can be found everywhere; otherwise, it would be unbearable for people to live here," Fu Xuan added mildly.
"You know, aren't you two feeling cold at all?"
"This venerable one isn't cold, perhaps because I've never truly experienced such harsh winters," Fu Xuan replied indifferently.
"In our hometown, there's a custom," Su Jinyan began slowly. "When feeling chilly, we simply strip down and embrace each other, using our body heat to keep warm."
"With this, the cold won't bother us anymore. Would you like to give it a try, March?" he asked.
March 7th's expression turned slightly skeptical. "Hey, Little Su'zi, do you think I'm that gullible, or just plain stupid?"
Fu Xuan also grabbed his ear, scolding him sharply, "Impudent disciple! Your schemes are far too transparent!"
"Not only are you trying to flirt, but you dare to do so right under this venerable one's nose?"
Inside a room at Goethe Hotel, March 7th crouched by the warm fireplace, holding her hands out to bask in its heat.
At Su Jinyan's request, she slowly recounted their experiences in Belobog.
Cocolia, the Supreme Guardian of Belobog, had succumbed to the Stellaron's allure. She withdrew the Silvermane Guards from the Underworld to amass forces for a decisive assault on the rift, indirectly leading to chaos when it was subsequently invaded.
In response to the situation in the Underworld, Cocolia chose to impose a lockdown, prohibiting movement between districts. During her rule, she also banned all research related to the Stellaron.
To seal the Stellaron, the Astral Express Crew journeyed to the storm-ravaged planet Jarilo VI and arrived in Belobog.
After stating their intentions, Cocolia feigned hospitality while secretly plotting their capture.
The night before, the crew was lodged at the Goethe Hotel, only to find themselves accused by Cocolia of harboring rebellious intent the next day.
After being pursued by the Silvermane Guards of the Overworld, the Astral Express Crew had no choice but to flee into the Underworld.
During their escape, they successfully united the people of the Underworld and gained the support of its armed forces, "Wildfire," as well as Svarog, the robot leader.
Upon returning to the Overworld, the crew managed to persuade Gepard Landau, commander of the Silvermane Guard, to join them at Everwinter Hill. Together, they defeated Cocolia and sealed the Stellaron.
Following Cocolia's death, her adopted daughter Bronya Rand became the nineteenth Supreme Guardian, leading to the gradual opening between the Overworld and Underworld.
In the end, to prevent Belobog's citizens from succumbing to despair upon learning the truth and to maintain the credibility of the title "Supreme Guardian," Bronya and the Astral Express Crew decided to conceal the fact that the previous Supreme Guardian had turned traitor. Instead, they proclaimed publicly that "Cocolia sacrificed herself to seal the Stellaron."
Fu Xuan's soft lips parted slightly. "It was indeed a wise decision."
March 7th seemed discontented. "Really? I still feel like hiding the truth isn't right."
Fu Xuan shook her head gently. "Too naive, Miss March."
"Do you truly believe that relying solely on the city's geothermal heaters could fend off the chilling cold brought by the Stellaron's erosion?"
"The true guardians of Belobog were the people's belief in Preservation."
"Revealing the truth to ordinary citizens would shatter their faith and lead Belobog inexorably toward ruin."
March 7th's beautiful eyes widened with surprise. "Eh? So that's how it was? No wonder Uncle Yang and everyone agreed with this decision."
"This must be from our first day in Belobog."
"On the very next day, we became wanted fugitives, pursued relentlessly by the Silvermane Guards."
"Lady Fu Xuan, what should we do now?" asked March 7th.
Su Jinyan gestured for both March 7th and Fu Xuan to come closer. "Shizun, I've figured out who is interfering with little March's memories," he whispered. "But to expose them, we'll have to think big."
"Think big?" Fu Xuan echoed, puzzled.
Su Jinyan nodded. "Yes, after all, this space is constructed from little March's memories."
"March, you wouldn't mind if I played around a bit here, would you?"
Blushing shyly, March 7 twisted her fingers hesitantly. "Well... To be honest, this maiden is somewhat concerned."
"Could you at least tell me how far you intend to go? So this maiden can mentally prepare herself."
Is he planning to wreak havoc within my memory space?
Su Jinyan instantly realized that March 7 had misunderstood him.
"March, what are you thinking? This is your memory space," he reassured her. "Nothing you haven't genuinely experienced in reality will manifest here."
Despite occasional glimpses of impure thoughts, March 7 remained a pure-hearted and virtuous young woman. Since this was her memory space, it essentially mirrored the dreamscape formed by her subconscious.
In other words, given her lack of certain experiences, even if Su Jinyan harbored any malicious intent, he simply couldn't act on it.
Fu Xuan discreetly glanced at Su Jinyan and spoke firmly, "Rest assured, Miss March. With this venerable one accompanying you, A-Yan won't dare do anything untoward."
Since A-Yan already misconstrued the Matrix of Prescience, there was no need to correct him further. It would only risk him inadvertently causing some scandalous incident within little March's memory space, leaving this venerable one to clean up his mess.
As they pushed open the inn's door, a bone-chilling wind hit them head-on, making March 7th shiver uncontrollably.
"Hissss, it's freezing! I'm sure Belobog wasn't this cold before?"
Fu Xuan snorted. "Clearly, another trick by whoever tampered with your memories."
"A-Yan, what's your plan?"
"We'll first head to Qlipoth Fort; I wish to meet the Supreme Guardian Cocolia," Su Jinyan said firmly.
March 7th was taken aback by Su Jinyan's decisive and swift approach.
"Huh? Straight to Qlipoth Fort?"
"You're planning a direct strike against their leadership?"
"Is that even feasible? Won't we get caught?"
Su Jinyan glanced at her briefly and replied coolly, "Idiot, I'll explain later."
March 7th glared at him indignantly, holding back her words. How dare you look down on me?! You're the real idiot—more than just an idiot, you're downright mean.
However, just as they took a few steps, they were intercepted by an elegantly dressed young woman with exquisite features.
"Hello, we need to see the Supreme Guardian Cocolia," March 7th blurted out anxiously.
"Greetings, I am Bronya Rand, acting commander of the Silvermane Guard."
"Dear guests from beyond the skies," Bronya said expressionlessly, "with the blizzard raging outside, please rest at the Goethe Hotel for the night. You can meet with the Supreme Guardian tomorrow at noon."
March 7th leaned close to Su Jinyan's ear and whispered discreetly, "Bronya showing up now is suspicious."
"She should arrive with her troops to capture us only tomorrow morning."
Su Jinyan reassured her, "Don't worry, leave it to me."
"Bronya, don't you recognize me? Take a good look at my face."
Bronya's delicate features froze, feeling increasingly familiar as she studied Su Jinyan.
"You...you are..."
Since the Memokeeper wanted to conceal March 7th's precious memories, he couldn't be blamed for stirring them up instead.
Prior to this encounter, Fu Xuan had granted Su Jinyan access to the Matrix of Prescience.
Thus, not only could he interfere with March 7th's memory retrieval process, but he could also modify data within it.
Of course, these altered memories would not affect March 7th's actual recollections in reality.
The true brilliance of the Matrix of Prescience lies in its ability to maintain consistency: after changing one piece of data, the system automatically adjusts other related data accordingly.
Thus, Su Jinyan assigned himself a new identity: Bronya's father.
Satisfied, he nodded and stepped forward, gently taking Bronya's delicate hand:
"That's right, child, I am your father!"
Familiar memories flooded Bronya's mind.
She furrowed her brow and said, "Father...?"
Fu Xuan looked on, puzzled. March 7th also stared, bewildered.
Just as Su Jinyan anticipated a heartwarming father-daughter reunion scene,
Bronya's expression darkened, and she raised her rifle, aiming it at him.
"You lying bastard, you're not my father at all."
March 7th sighed with relief, thinking, Oh, so he was just joking around?
Su Jinyan rubbed his chin, wondering if he had gone too far with the data modification.
As he pondered how to explain himself, Bronya, suppressing her anger, spoke softly:
"I never had a father."
"From a young age, I was abandoned in the Underworld's orphanage, without any parents by my side."
"Later, I was adopted by Lady Cocolia, the Supreme Guardian, becoming her foster daughter."
"Right now, I am the successor to Belobog's Supreme Guardian."
"You've misunderstood, Bronya..." Su Jinyan began.
Bronya interrupted coldly, "Since you claim to be my father..."
"Why did you abandon me back then?"
"And why have you been associating with outsiders from beyond our world?"
Su Jinyan sighed, his voice filled with guilt. "Bronya, you've misunderstood."
"There was a reason your father had to leave you behind."
"In truth, right after your birth, you were afflicted with an incurable illness, and your mother passed away due to complications during childbirth."
"To find a cure for your ailment, I traversed nearly every corner of Belobog but could not discover any means to heal you."
"Just when all hope seemed lost, I encountered a divine healer from the Astral Express."
"That is her, Miss March 7th, standing beside me."
"The Astral Express possessed a special medicine that could completely cure your disease, but they had one condition."
"I had to work tirelessly aboard the Astral Express for eighty years."
March 7th's eyes flickered subtly, as if asking, Can you make it even more far-fetched?
Bronya scrutinized her, her brows furrowing deeper in suspicion.
When it came to concocting tragic tales, Su Jinyan effortlessly spun them on command, while the Matrix of Prescience diligently worked to correct his narrative.
In a momentary daze, Bronya seemed to vividly recall Su Jinyan holding her as a young child, his expression anxious, desperately seeking medical help everywhere.
Confronted with her incurable illness, the once handsome and proud man bent his spine, relinquished his dignity, and knelt before March 7th, pleading fervently.
March 7th, with a haughty demeanor, initially ignored him. However, unable to withstand her father's persistent entreaties, she reluctantly agreed to assist.
As compensation, Bronya's father, Su Jinyan, had to laboriously work for the Astral Express for eighty years to repay the debt.
At that time, Bronya was too young, and life in the Underworld was impoverished; no one was willing to adopt her.
Left with no choice, Su Jinyan could only place Bronya in an orphanage, hoping she would grow up healthy and safe.
Bronya's eyes welled with tears, turning slightly red. "How could I forget such an important matter...?"
"Father, please forgive Bronya's transgressions. In this world, even if I were to forget anyone else, I must never forget you!"
Su Jinyan embraced Bronya warmly, gently patting her back with satisfaction.
"Sigh, Bronya, how swiftly time flies," he murmured. "It feels like just yesterday, yet fifty years have already passed."
Fu Xuan stood speechless, wondering, Why start with such a dramatic twist? How will you resolve this now?
March 7th covered her face, mumbling, "This must be a dream; it has to be."
Bronya wiped away her tears, puzzled. "Fifty years?" she asked. "Father, I'm only seventeen."
Su Jinyan's expression remained unchanged. "The flow of time on Belobog differs from other planets," he explained with a sigh. "Ah, let's not dwell on it now. How is Cocolia doing? I'd like to see her."
Hesitantly, Bronya replied, "Mother, she..."
"Cough, cough. Father, what exactly is your relationship with Lady Cocolia?"
"What's my relationship with Cocolia? That's something we'll need to discuss face-to-face," Su Jinyan responded.
Bronya looked perplexed. "What do you mean?"
In a serious tone, Su Jinyan continued, "I mustn't hide this from you, Bronya. We've come here specifically to address the Stellaron Crisis in Belobog. Time is of the essence; could you please take me to see Cocolia promptly?"
"But wait," Bronya interjected, still confused. "You haven't answered my question yet. Who are these two by your side, and what is their relation to you?"
Clearing his throat, Su Jinyan began introducing them to Bronya. "This is Fu Xuan, my first wife. And this is March 7th, my second wife."
Fu Xuan, embarrassed, chided him gently, "You cheeky disciple! Wh-who said I'm your first wife?"
March 7th also expressed her discontent, "How did I suddenly become your second wife?"
Bronya's charming features instantly clouded over.
Father, how have you become so fickle-hearted?
In truth, Bronya didn't oppose her father remarrying after her mother's passing.
It was likely that March 7th herself had been drawn to Father's striking appearance, leading her to propose those intentions with ulterior motives.
But why did Father have connections with this short-statured girl as well?
Bronya sighed, "Alright, Father. I will take you to meet Lady Cocolia."
"However, whether she agrees or not depends solely on your own abilities."
"Although I am the successor of Belo's Supreme Guardian and Lady Cocolia's adopted daughter..."
"...once she makes a decision, no one can persuade her otherwise."
At Qlipoth Fort.
Bronya respectfully knocked on the door.
"Enter," came Cocolia's voice from within the office.
Bronya pushed open the door and stepped inside.
"Lady Supreme Guardian, three outsiders wish to see you again."
A stunning blonde beauty with amethyst eyes, holding a steaming cup of coffee, sat behind the desk. Her captivating features were accentuated by full, red lips, slender legs, and graceful curves that outlined her perfect figure. The exposed snow-white shoulders stirred one's imagination.
It seemed that Cocolia, the Supreme Guardian of Belobog, possessed exceptional beauty and allure.
Well then, being her boyfriend wouldn't be such a bad deal, Su Jinyan thought, feeling relieved. He began crafting his new identity: Boyfriend of Lady Cocolia, the Supreme Guardian.
Noticing Su Jinyan's move, Fu Xuan couldn't help but clench his fists tightly.
Su Jinyan's eyelid twitched slightly, and he quickly revised his status to: Ex-boyfriend of Lady Cocolia, the Supreme Guardian.
Cocolia pursed her red lips, gently blowing away the steam from her coffee.
"Bronya, haven't I already made it clear?" she asked softly. "Arrange for our esteemed guests to rest at the inn first; we can discuss matters tomorrow at noon."
She avoided making direct eye contact with Su Jinyan and his companions, the dismissiveness evident in her tone.
Su Jinyan stepped forward, swiftly snatching Cocolia's coffee.
"Cocolia, do you remember me?"
Cocolia frowned, lifting her chin to scold him but paused upon seeing Su Jinyan's face.
"Is it really you...?"
Su Jinyan smiled slightly. "Indeed."
A complex mix of emotions flickered in Cocolia's beautiful eyes. "How did you end up with them?"
Bronya watched Cocolia and Su Jinyan, puzzled—how did they know each other?
Unwilling to elaborate, Su Jinyan responded, "It's quite a long story..."
Cocolia raised an eyebrow. "Bronya, please escort the other two guests out first. I have matters to discuss privately with this gentleman."
Despite her confusion, Bronya knew that obedience was the Silvermane Guard's foremost duty, without room for questioning. She complied, leading Fu Xuan and March 7th away.
"Yes, Supreme Guardian."
"Gentlemen, if you please, the Supreme Guardian wishes to speak with him alone."
Feeling disgruntled, Fu Xuan called out, "Wait! This venerable one has something to say to him first."
"A-Yan, come here."
Cocolia narrowed her eyes, visibly displeased. How dare this woman address him so intimately?
Fu Xuan forcibly dragged Su Jinyan to a secluded corner outside Qlipoth Fort.
"You disobedient disciple, just what game are you playing?" Fu Xuan demanded angrily. "Isn't simply eliminating 'Distortion' enough? Why make it so complicated?"
"Indeed, Lady Fu Xuan undoubtedly understands the Matrix of Prescience better than anyone," agreed Cocolia.
"You're right to trust her; she's certainly more reliable than your blind meddling," March 7th chimed in, showing her support.
Su Jinyan explained, "Please believe me when I say that if we merely follow protocol and eliminate 'Distortion,'"
"we'd be playing right into their hands, easily manipulated at every turn."
"What I need to do now is shatter the 'beautiful memories' experienced by young March, forcing her true self to emerge."
"Once she reveals herself, I have ways to deal with her."
"Besides, these are mere fabricated memories—why should Shizun worry?"
Fu Xuan's cheeks flushed red. "You insolent disciple! Th-this venerable one isn't worried at all!"
Smiling softly, Su Jinyan replied, "All thanks to Shizun's guidance and instruction."
"My mastery over the Matrix of Prescience continues to improve steadily."
Proudly puffing out her small chest, Fu Xuan huffed, "Well then, how will you thank this venerable one?"
"How about I kneel tearfully and lick your feet as a sign of gratitude?" suggested Su Jinyan.
Face still red, Fu Xuan scolded him, "Are you thanking this venerable one or expecting praise yourself?"
March 7th timidly raised her hand. "Um, excuse me..."
"Lady Fu Xuan, while you two flirt, could you please spare a thought for us outsiders?"
Fu Xuan fell silent, momentarily speechless.
Back in her office, Cocolia crossed her slender, snow-white legs and lounged on the sofa in an exceedingly indecorous pose.
"Su Jinyan, how did you end up associating with those outsiders?"
"Lady Cocolia," Su Jinyan replied calmly, "I'm here to negotiate with you."
Cocolia let out a cold laugh. "Lady Cocolia? How heartless you've become! Back at Belobog Military Academy, what did you used to call me?"
"Uh..." stammered Su Jinyan.
Would you believe me if I said I don't know either?
Su Jinyan spoke solemnly, "Lady Cocolia, please compose yourself."
Cocolia angrily rushed towards Su Jinyan, grabbing him by the collar.
"Before, you used to call me 'dear,' but now it's 'Lady Cocolia, please compose yourself'?"
"Tell me, why did you leave without even saying goodbye back then!"