With a skeptical heart, the young man carrying the bow and arrow ignited the "fuel rod" granted by the Ancestors and groped his way into the interior of the starship wreckage.

The silver disk in his hand projected a faint blue light forward.

Tiny particles of light gathered in the air to form an arrow-shaped icon, guiding him onward.

Meanwhile, Jiang Xuezhou, sitting in the bridge of the Orion Missile Cruiser, was munching on a compressed biscuit while remotely directing the native young man.

The whole process was like playing a first-person perspective RPG game.

If Night Ten were here, she would surely complain about it.

Not just first-person; when necessary, she could make the "drone" in the young man's hand fly back, switching to a third-person view.

Just as Jiang Xuezhou was enjoying the game, the ship's server suddenly received a message, appearing as a pop-up on the holographic screen in front of her.

[Investigation Report on "Tree of Yenshof," Forest People Tribe, and the unique "Psychic Ability" of the locals]

Upon seeing this pop-up, Jiang Xuezhou's eyes lit up, and she gently coughed, speaking into the communication channel.

"I'm out of power—what I mean is, my magic is not enough; you explore on your own for a while. Remember to mark the explored areas when you come out for a break from the ruins, and place the silver metal disk in the sunlight."

Qiu Ridge: "?"

Jiang Xuezhou, having dropped this line, didn't wait for the native young man's response, and eagerly clicked on the investigation report uploaded by Night Ten.

In the report, Night Ten detailed the explanation of the Doma Tribe Temple Maiden about the "Tree of Yenshof," and the series of events that occurred during the "Era of Wilderness" and "Era of Awakening."

[For some reason, the locals forgot the language and history of the Human Alliance Era. My speculation is that most of those who survived the war were children whose traits were not fully developed, or even newborn infants. Gaia, or rather the Tree of Yenshof, altered the genes of these children, granting them the ability to perform photosynthesis under specific circumstances, allowing them to survive the aftermath of the war. However, without parents, the transmission of civilization and knowledge was interrupted.]

[Conversely, that gene modification granted some of the surviving newborns the special ability of "mental induction," henceforth referred to as "Spiritual Energy."]

[Through this special ability, they can directly communicate with each other using mental induction, communicate with other living beings in nature, communicate with the Tree of Yenshof, and even connect the past and the future.]

[This special ability accelerated the civilization process of the locals to some extent, even though they were not aware of the existence of this special ability. Boosted by "Spiritual Energy," they quickly invented a new language, forming a large tribal community through the cohesive power of the new language and culture.]

[The timeline arrived at the Awakening Era, with the landing of surviving crew members of the Gemini Missile Cruiser as a watershed. With the assistance of 17 Gemini crew members, the local survivors fully comprehended the "Spiritual Energy" talent and truly recognized the existence of the Tree of Yenshof, interpreting it as some higher-dimensional existence using dimensional theory.]

[With the help of the Tree of Yenshof, the locals relearned the forgotten history and summarized past memories as the Era of Wilderness, calling the memories after "becoming aware of the existence of myself and it" as the Era of Awakening, until the arrival of the second judgement day.]

[Regarding the Tree of Yenshof, the Gemini's crew had disagreements. Some people left the forest with the "Sinners" who seemingly couldn't sense the Tree of Yenshof, while the rest stayed in the Forbidden Forest Valley with the believers of the Tree of Yenshof, living and recuperating under the original Sacred Tree sprout—namely the Tree of Yenshof.]

[The exact cause of the disagreement among Gemini crew members is not clearly recorded in the temple mural. The history visible through the temple mural by the temple maiden seems not to include this part.]

[According to her words, the foundation of "Spiritual Energy" induction must be built on mutual recognition, and the information that can be exchanged must also be concepts understood by both parties. My understanding is... this spiritual energy is like a teleprompter in both hands, and thus when the connection is established between the past and the present, the present can transmit more information to the past, but relatively has less influence on the future. The past receives less information from the present, but relatively makes more impact on future decisions based on the known information.]

[This is quite similar to our encounter in the "Hyperspace Passage," but not entirely the same.]

[However, although establishing a "Psychic channel" with Gemini crew members seems unlikely, I can still make rough speculations based on limited information: their argument might be related to whether to continue assisting the locals in awakening and whether to take the Gemini back to the Solar System. Ultimately, this argument also concluded with the crash of the Gemini Missile Cruiser into the atmosphere, forcing the forest people to leave the Forbidden Forest Valley, surrendering their ancestral sacred land to the current Valley people.]

"I see... no wonder the forest people call the valley people sinners, and the valley people call the former 'defectors.'" Jiang Xuezhou's lips curled into a smile of admiration as she read the report from start to finish.

Especially the word "report," which greatly satisfied her desire for conquest, easing her temper significantly.

"Hmm, not bad, not bad; it seems this guy is not just staring at the fat meat, but working diligently."

Returning to the report itself.

This defector, does it refer to those who betrayed the United Human?

Although the term United Human has been replaced by "Ancestors" in the "Qiu people's" culture, just as the concept of "dimensions" has been replaced by "higher existence" in forest people's culture, the hatred between the two has been passed down through generations.

To this day, the Forbidden Forest Valley remains both the forest people's sacred land and old shame.

It must be said, it was truly a bad idea for Night Ten to stir up this war out of ignorance.

And this little cleverness might eventually backfire on him.

The Ancestors' palace destroyed the forest people's Sacred Tree, and although they still respected the Ancestors, they clearly revered the "Tree of Yenshof" more.

If there was a conflict between the two, or combined with other factors like territory, secular prestige, and property, she didn't even need to think to guess that the group of forest people would definitely stand on the side of the "Tree of Yenshof" without hesitation.

"Even if the Qiu people returned the 'Sacred object,' the forest people probably wouldn't let it go... When that time comes, if that guy can't get over his conscience and wants to hit the brakes, he might end up pleasing neither side."

Although Night Ten had complained about her being a "saint" more than once, she could actually feel that he was not really cold-blooded, just occasionally a bit clever and impulsive.

If this war really starts, once he sees the scene of corpses strewn everywhere and realizes these people are also descendants of humans, he might start regretting again.

This constantly changing mind, saying he wants it at one moment and then doesn't the next, one moment thinking it's too weak and then too cruel, is actually a sign of immaturity, and it comes at a cost.

Of course, her complaints weren't to say she was much more mature herself.

Especially in terms of honest expression...

"Spiritual energy... sounds like a really convenient ability. If only I could awaken that special ability too."

Leaning back on her office chair, Jiang Xuezhou sighed softly and tapped her index finger on the holographic screen.

"Forget it... better remind that guy."

In consideration of him admitting his mistake...

As Jiang Xuezhou thought about this, a line of pale blue text suddenly appeared in the window.

Looking at the pop-up in the holographic screen, Jiang Xuezhou's face instantly changed, and she reflexively jumped up from her chair.

"Connection lost?!"

What's going on?!

...

The official forum of "Wasteland OL" featured a hot topic discussing a world five light years away, and the title of the post was exactly what Jiang Xuezhou saw on the ship's server—

[Investigation Report on the "Tree of Yenshof", Forest People Tribe, and the Locals' Unique "Psychic Abilities"]

Quit smoking: "Holy crap, psychic energy?!"

Mosquito: "Mind over matter!!! (screaming)"

Gnome King Riches: "Fast forward to the end of the reincarnation. (funny)"

Elena: "Life is fifty years, right? I signed it on behalf of the Alliance. (funny)"

Edge Shoveling: "Damn, your memes are getting harder to understand. (terrified)"

Not only Edge Shoveling, even Night Ten didn't get it this time, maybe because he hasn't awakened any spiritual energy, and didn't establish a "psychic channel" with these bastards.

But looking at the warm-hearted replies, his original anxiety seemed to ease a lot.

Fang Chang had the same suspicion as him, he might have fallen for some kind of hypnosis trick.

It's not some particularly outrageous ability, just a hypnosis effect through psychological suggestion.

Not to mention the "psychic energy" settings in the Game, even in reality without "psychic energy", similar situations exist.

Fang Chang: "... Based on your description, those little green men can understand parts of the United Human language and even Chinese through psychic energy, so it's also possible to hypnotize you with similar principles."

Night Ten: "They can even do hypnosis? (bitter smile)"

Fang Chang: "At least a mind interference device can do that, I feel psychic energy is something similar, so it should also be possible, right?"

Mole on the run: "Speaking of which, I remember that the mind interference device doesn't have much effect on mentally active creatures?"

Wild Wind: "I remember the specific explanation should be, the higher the mental level, the less influence, the more specific the information received."

Debt Giant Eye: "Goodness, you guys are secretly roasting Night Ten again. (manual funny)"

Night Ten: "??"

Fang Chang: "Similar doesn't mean exactly the same, the signals from the mind interference device are after all mechanically simulated, and there should be a difference from true 'psychic energy' talent. I tend to think it's because your guard was too low and those natives took advantage, don't take it to heart too much. (smile)"

Night Ten: "Get lost!"

Looking at this bunch of guys who can't speak anything nice, Ye Wei wished he could roll his eyes to the sky.

At this moment, his peripheral vision glanced at the helmet he had set aside, he took a deep breath and finally picked it up.

It had been five or six hours since he got disconnected, if it were hypnosis, he should have woken up by now.

Let's try again…

Thinking so, for the Nth time, he put the helmet on his head, then mustered all his strength to extend his consciousness into the pitch-black domain, trying to find a way through that darkness.

This was the "technique" he found after countless attempts to log back on.

When the in-game body falls unconscious but isn't comatose, by putting on the Game Helmet and trying to extend his consciousness to the surrounding darkness, he can vaguely perceive the status of the in-game character.

For instance, now he felt a warm and comforting touch emanating from the back of his head.

The warm feeling became increasingly clear, hinting that the seal of the [Connection Abnormality] seemed to be loosening.

Feeling a rush of hope, Night Ten imagined himself as a tadpole, struggling to swim through the impenetrable darkness.

It was at this moment, a gleam of light finally appeared before his eyes, getting brighter and brighter!

In the next instant, he suddenly opened his eyes, waking up from his slumber.

At that very moment, two plump fruits leaped into his sight.

"You're awake?"

A gentle voice came from above his head.

Kneeling on the ground, Dora slightly bent over, a serene smile appeared over those abundant peaks.

By the glow of the fireflies, Night Ten saw that gentle and beautiful face.

It seemed his head was resting on her lap.

At this realization, Night Ten felt no emotional ripples in his heart, let alone to admire that serene smile, instead, his face changed dramatically and he blurted out a "What the hell".

These natives—

They stole his power armor?!

For him at this moment, nothing seemed more terrifying.

Dora slightly tilted her head, seemingly unable to fully comprehend the complex meaning behind "What the hell", but she did understand the reason behind the shock in his eyes.

"The chief removed your armor, he hopes you'll stay here… until it's all over."

She paused for a moment and continued in not-so-perfect United Human language.

"Doma City meant no offense, we... will return the object from the heavens to you unscathed once everything ends, apologize, and... offer you compensation."

Before she finished speaking, Night Ten had already bolted upright from her lap, landing his feet on the ground.

The temple was still the same temple.

But there was now a Table on the ground and two chairs, plus a bed woven from vines.

"How did you guys know how to unlock power armor?"

Looking at the vigilant expression of the Ancestors, Dora maintained her kneeling posture and spoke in a gentle voice.

"It's what you... told us."

What I told you?

Night Ten was momentarily confused, but quickly realized that the "you" referred to the "Ancestors"!

They established contact through spiritual energy with the past "Ancestors" — some or someone among those 17 crew members!

Thinking of the encounters in the hyperspace passage, Night Ten immediately understood what had happened.

Without a moment's hesitation, he grabbed a sharp stone, took a step forward, and pressed it against Dora's neck, threatening her in a cold voice.

"Take me away from here!"

Looking at the menacing Night Ten, Dora said nothing, and quietly closed her eyes.

The leader had instructed her to fulfill all his demands, which naturally included dying for him.

She would have no complaints.

Seeing her ready to sacrifice herself, Night Ten suddenly lost his temper.

What's the point of killing her?

This person is just a maid.

Tunnan wouldn't care, and might even send another maid for him to vent his anger.

Talking about human rights in the primitive tribe is a foolish thing; there, the difference between people and items is just that people can speak.

Those who command spiritual energy are merely more expensive items.

At this moment, Night Ten felt as if he had punched into a piece of cotton, grinding his teeth for a while, and finally threw the stone in his hand fiercely against the temple wall.

The root-entwined wall made a dull "thud", but left no trace.

There's no metal nearby.

If there were, he might even manage to blast this wall to pieces with one shot.

Of course, this wasn't his only skill.

Apart from the railgun, he could also deliver a shock to this damned tree with electrical therapy.

Yet expecting to carbonize a sacred tree as tall as a skyscraper with that little electricity is quite unrealistic.

People outside wouldn't just wait.

Even if the natives might not understand what electricity is, once they realize he caused trouble, they might use their old method to put him back to sleep, and maybe even sustain continuous spells.

After waiting for a long time without the arrival of death, Dora slowly opened her eyes and looked at the solo brooding "Ancestor".

A gentle trace of concern appeared on her face, and she spoke in a very soft voice.

"You are a... kind person, you don't bear to kill me, even though you could."

Night Ten glanced at her, gave a self-deprecating chuckle, and said hoarsely.

"Is this what they say about good people not being rewarded..."

Alright.

He couldn't really be considered a good person; perhaps saying good and evil will be rewarded is more accurate.

Looking intently at him, Dora continued in a soft voice.

"Why don't you want to follow the leader's orders... we're not planning to harm you, and were intending to help you."

"Help me?" Night Ten sneered, sarcastically responding, "This is how you help me?"

Dora gently nodded, softly continuing.

"The tribes in the forest are gathering, we will soon unite again, to reclaim the sacred object in the sky from the sinners and return it to you. Our leader also said, to satisfy all your demands... except for leaving here, you can do anything to me."

Looking at that obedient and charming face, Night Ten coldly replied.

"I'm not interested..."

Besides, he couldn't really do anything.

Bah.

Even if he could, he wouldn't.

Unlike Debt Giant Eye, he's a man of principle, and has always been.

Seeing Night Ten unmoved, Dora did not force herself, just quietly waited there.

Time passed, second by second.

As time went on, Night Ten became increasingly anxious.

The biggest problem now is that he didn't know what's happening outside, maybe war mobilization is underway, or possibly the exterminating battle between Forest people and Valley people has already begun.

Not to mention he's been lying there for so long, he didn't even know what's going on with Jiang Xuezhou.

He actually worried more about her, especially fearing she'd do something irrational.

What to do?

Night Ten's mind spun rapidly, countless thoughts flashing through his brain in just a few minutes.

As he paced back and forth before the temple mural, Dora suddenly spoke again with her gentle voice.

"Is there something I can do for you?"

Not thinking this person could really help him, Night Ten impatiently tossed out a remark.

"What can you do for me?"

Dora replied respectfully.

"Anything."

Night Ten chuckled coldly.

"Release me then?"

Dora softly replied.

"Except that."

Night Ten pursed his lips.

"Then visit Forbidden Forest Valley for me."

He said this casually, not really expecting her to go.

Besides, what's the use of going?

A temple maiden, could she really mediate between two tribes on his behalf?

Not to mention that he's not certain if he possesses such capability himself.

Yet to Night Ten's surprise, Dora gently nodded and stood up.

"If it is for you, I am willing to go there."

Night Ten was stunned.

He turned to look at Dora, eyes intently fixed on her clear and pure eyes, only managing to squeeze out a sentence after a long pause.

"Are you serious?"

Dora nodded again, speaking in a gentle voice.

"You can't leave, you'll just be sent back by the leader's men outside with a flick of his finger, even if I want to help you leave, you can't get out of this temple..."

She paused, looking into Night Ten's eyes, and continued in a sincere tone.

"But I can leave... the leader instructed me to fulfill all your demands, I will do anything for you."

The sincere voice carried a hint of cunning.

Clearly, she realized that by doing so she might betray the leader's real intentions.

But Dora believed that the Ancestor before her was a kind-hearted person.

Besides, she had believed so since the moment she first saw him.

Even if not every word he said was true.

"I can feel you are serious, you truly wish to assist us through difficult times, treating us as your children... just as it was at the beginning of the Awakening era."

"We... are actually all the same."

Night Ten blankly stared at the serene and devout face, suddenly recalling what Jiang Xuezhou had told him before—

They can understand things beyond language!

Even things language cannot express...

In a certain sense, "psychic ability" is indeed a handy skill.

The bridge connecting hearts, greatly reducing the trust costs within their community.

If a counter-example must be found, Poluo Province might be one, where the actual cohesion among people is forever just poles apart from the imagined cohesion.

As for a positive example, Giant Stone City might count as half, which is already a unique miracle on the wasteland.

Such incredible levels of cohesion, not even the Alliance has achieved.

Perhaps only by narrowing the "valuation range" to players who've completed newbie tasks can a similar situation be found...

Night Ten felt a myriad of emotions.

Looking at the earnest face, he finally made up his mind and decided to entrust his hopes to her.

Which in truth was also as it should be.

Just like the crew of the Orion entrusted him with the control of the starship—

Though the mistake started because of him, ultimately it belonged to the locals and their fate.

"I need you to help me with something..."

"For the survivors living in the forest, and the survivors living in the valley...

"And for all living beings on this land!"

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