Wu Chang couldn't help but ask, "Professor Shi, after the Erosion Dungeon ends, will the natives of the dungeon plane stay on Blue Star?"
Shi Ning answered naturally, "Of course, where else can they go if not stay on Blue Star?"
Since Shi Ning confirmed this, a second question naturally followed.
"So are there other plane natives on Blue Star now, and where will they be arranged?"
Shi Ning sorted through the materials in his hand and replied casually:
"On the way here, you should have already noticed that the Erosion Dungeon brings not just an additional space, but also modifies people's consciousness for the two merging sides to accept each other."
Wu Chang nodded and said, "I do feel that way."
Shi Ning continued, "This modification of consciousness is effective not only for Blue Star's people but also for the natives of the dungeon. Some of them will think they belonged to Blue Star from the start. Such people will be concentrated and controlled by organizations like the Management Bureau, and they'll look for a place or relic of the Erosion Dungeon for them to settle."
"There are others who have awakened extraordinary powers, able to resist to some extent the power of modifying consciousness like players of the Abyssal Game. Some will refuse to cooperate with Blue Star people, trying all means to escape our surveillance, blend into the crowd, and engage in shady dealings."
"Such unstable factors are the focus of the Management Bureau's prevention efforts."
Wu Chang asked, "And what about those willing to cooperate with the Management Bureau?"
Shi Ning paused his work, looked up at Wu Chang, and said slowly:
"With your current level of authority, I wasn't supposed to tell you this, but I see potential in you; you possess a rare Breaker mindset, and it's only a matter of time before you access this information, so I'll reveal a bit of inside information to you ahead of time."
"Those uninvolved in other planes, every Transcendent who wants to cooperate is a gem. We can learn a lot of extraordinary knowledge from them that can't be exchanged with Rotten Silver Coins. They can be teachers, instructors, and every major organization has such people."
Shi Ning paused for a moment here and said to Wu Chang, "In the past, due to various reasons, the existence of the Abyssal Game had to be concealed. But maybe it won't be long before this secret, either proactively or passively, will come into the public eye, and by that time, the existence of these outsiders will also be put on display."
"And what our Management Bureau needs to do is to ensure as smooth a landing for that future as possible."
With the manpower from Wanghai City's branch joining, Wu Chang and others could leave early for rest and recovery.
Before heading home, Wu Chang checked his phone to see about the health status of the 426 trio.
Fang Hui had an appointment with Meng Yawen today, stayed out of school, and was not affected.
Gao Xuezong stayed at school for Shi Ning's lecture; though affected by the Erosion Dungeon, he didn't experience any danger and could be heard working out in the gym during a voice call.
As for He Wei, despite being targeted by the Miracle Committee, Wu Chang's interference helped him evade the fate of becoming Miracle Committee food.
Though spared from death, He Wei still faced consequences, ending up in the hospital with a mild concussion.
Not blaming Sword Star for being heavy-handed, it was the undisciplined Miracle Committee's dolls, like careless delivery workers, who threw him around casually, his head hitting the ground first when tossed out of the vehicle.
Wu Chang called and asked in a confused tone, "Old Four, how did you end up in the hospital? Is it serious?"
A feeble voice from He Wei came through the phone:
"I don't know either. I just remember that after lunch, as soon as I left the cafeteria, I heard a scream behind me, and the next moment I fainted. When I opened my eyes, I was already lying in the hospital; must be some dumbass rode into me and fled the scene. I'll definitely catch him when I get out."
Wu Chang sighed, "That's really hateful. I'll join you when you come out. Since there's nothing major, just rest for now."
"Wait a sec, Boss, during the time I was unconscious, I seemed to have a long dream, and met you in the dream," He Wei said.
Wu Chang frowned slightly, could it be this chap retained memories from the Erosion Dungeon?
"What did you dream about?"
He Wei said with a mischievous tone, "I can't remember the specifics, just that you were particularly annoying, more annoying than usual."
"Get lost!"
After confirming the trio's status, Wu Chang headed back to Golden Scenery Garden, and while walking on the street, he perceived a streak of deep crimson near a café, resembling the scarlet of the Blood-Colored Will.
He stopped, glanced through the glass window towards the interior of the café, spotting a big fat man sitting by the street-facing seat, but no trace of resentment was seen on him.
Not believing he might be mistaken, he walked into the café, looked around, but still found no signs of resentment, so he gave up and bought two coffees to go.
Did I really see it wrong?
Two minutes later, from a painted mural of a Scandinavian Town on the café wall, the door of a house opened, and a Painter walked out.
The surrounding guests had no reaction, as if they didn't see a real person coming out from the wall.
The Painter returned to the street-facing seat, tapped the table with his index finger, and said, "You need to move, this is my seat."
"Alright." The fat man stood up obediently and switched to another seat.
Back in his seat, the Painter gently placed his hand on the table, and when he lifted it, a magic paper figure, five centimeters tall, appeared on the table.
The paper figure had an eye mark on it, indicating it was exposed and locked by some ability.
He snapped his fingers, and the paper figure ignited, turning to ashes in an instant, and the subtle lock on him dissipated accordingly.
"What a perceptive little guy, he noticed me just from a glance. I originally wanted to go up and say hello, but I guess I'll have to wait until next time."
"This city is much more interesting than I imagined."
Wu Chang was unaware that he had just brushed past the Painter. He returned to his room in the Golden Scenery Garden, lit some incense, and entered the Inner World amidst the smoke.
In the Inner World, Erin had finished learning the junior high content and was becoming proficient with using a computer. Even without the help of her True Self, she could search for the information she wanted.
It's unknown whether she was able to adapt so quickly to the Blue Star because of her inherent excellence or if she was also affected by the consciousness correction brought on by the Plane fusion.
Erin raised her head from the screen and looked at Wu Chang, a hint of concern on her face.
"Mr. Sekos, your spirit seems poor. Have you encountered some difficulty?"
Since Erin took the initiative to ask, it wouldn't be polite for Wu Chang not to respond.
So he spread his arms, looking despondent, and said, "Miss Erin, I need comfort."
"Ah?" Erin blushed at Wu Chang's gesture. After hesitating for a moment, she decided to give the lost lamb in front of her a hug.
"Miss Erin, due to some recent events, I am very confused and need to seek your guidance and insights."
Erin nudged Wu Chang and said, "Guidance is fine, but could you change your posture first?"
Wu Chang looked at Erin with a puzzled expression and asked, "Why change posture? I remember the Great Statue of the Holy Mother in Briff Town extends open arms to embrace the world."
Erin, knowing Wu Chang was feigning ignorance but having no way to counter, helplessly said, "The origin of the Great Statue of the Holy Mother is on the golden fields of the Celestial Kingdom, embracing lost lambs."
Wu Chang: "Baa~"
Erin sighed, giving in to Wu Chang, and asked, "Mr. Sekos, you still haven't stated your confusion."
Wu Chang leaned closer to Erin's ear and recounted everything that had just happened.
In both the real world and in the Abyssal Game, Erin, who had fused with the Saint's Legacy Mask, was the only person he could fully trust.
Because of their special relationship, he could confide all his secrets to Erin without worry of being betrayed.
Having been brought to the Blue Star from the Peaceful Town Plane, Erin also experienced believing in everything only to have it all collapse. Her experience was more thorough and more despairing.
Compared to Erin, Wu Chang's problems seemed insignificant.
Wu Chang wanted to know how Erin managed to overcome her issues and pull herself back together.
After listening to Wu Chang's concerns, Erin looked at him seriously and said:
"Mr. Sekos, in my view, you may not need to worry about whether your perception has been altered, because even if our perception isn't altered, the people we meet, the experiences we have, and the knowledge we gain might not all be true, filled with illusions, distortions, errors, and lies."
"But it is these very mistakes that form each individual's unique self. You should firmly believe in your present self, shaped by countless experiences, not changed by one or two events. Even if something is altering your perception, misleading you, as long as you hold steadfast to your beliefs, you will quickly discern them."
Wu Chang said, "But I'm worried that, like the citizens of Wanghai City, I might believe the altered version of myself is the true me, and be unable to notice what has been changed."
Erin revealed a warm smile befitting a Saint, placed her hand on Wu Chang's head, gently stroking it, and said, "It's okay, I will always watch over you. If you can't find it, I will help you."
Feeling inexplicably reassured by Erin's smile, Wu Chang released his arms, let go of Erin, and then kneeled on one knee with a solemn expression, saying, "To repay the Holy Daughter's guidance, I have a gift I'd like to give you."
Erin looked intrigued.
In the next moment, she saw Wu Chang kneeling with a massive two-handed warhammer in his hands.
Erin: "?"
"Are you sure this is for me?"
Wu Chang nodded vigorously, "It's tailor-made for you. Come, try it out, it's a perfect fit!"
Receiving a gift from Wu Chang should have been a happy occasion, but looking at the large warhammer in her hands, Erin didn't feel as happy. In fact, for the first time since gaining complete emotions, she felt a hint of displeasure.
She received the Light of Steadfastness, finding that although the warhammer appeared heavy, it felt weightless in her hands. Holding the warhammer, she felt her Will became more resolute than before, and her Holy Light Magic also received some enhancement.
Ignoring the appearance, based on its Attributes alone, it truly could be considered tailor-made for her.
Erin swung the warhammer with great vigor while Wu Chang dared only observe from four meters away, afraid that accidentally brushing against it might break a few bones.
Putting down the warhammer, Erin said, "Though it's nice, while learning about the Blue Star, I don't recall hearing of a custom where hammers are given as gifts to girls."
Wu Chang casually waved his hand, saying, "On the Blue Star, we prioritize practicality above all forms. And since it's weightless in your hands, we could dismantle the hammerhead, tie it to a string, and make it a necklace right away."
After giving the gift, he was about to discuss with Erin the use of the Stone of Miracles when he suddenly received a call from Sword Star.
After hanging up, his brows furrowed deeply.
Well, now there's a direction for using the wish.
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