Elegy from Another World

The next few days passed relatively peacefully. Mia Reilly was engrossed in her research, while Zoemem and Kave diligently piloted the Night's Eye's drones, searching the vast network for clues that could repair the pleasure converter. M-Tini Guquera and Yisen also assisted, using their knowledge and understanding of the data world to sift through the data.

My main tasks, besides monitoring the overall condition of the Draenor, were keeping an eye on Noriljun. This former demon lord was now completely engrossed in that rudimentary pixelated RPG. We watched his massive mechanical body stand motionless, his consciousness conquering the virtual world, while we discussed how we could improve the game—adding more complex storylines, more diverse enemies, a richer equipment system, and even introducing online functionality so he could "rule" the virtual player community. This seemed like a good way to channel his excess energy.

That day, Edessis went to rest, leaving Xiaobei and me to watch over Noriljung. Just as Noriljung was shouting "Submit to me!" at a pixelated boss in the game, Mia Leili flapped her wings and flew over, somewhat excited and nervous.

"Miss Liscia! There's been a major discovery!" she whispered, careful not to disturb Noreljon, who was engrossed in her work.

I told Xiao Bei to keep an eye out, and then followed Mia Leili to the makeshift research station that had been set up for her on the Drei. It was filled with all sorts of glowing instruments and data screens, and the air was filled with a faint scent of energy and flowers.

Mia Reilly projected a complex holographic report in front of me, her large blue-green eyes gleaming with the light of discovery: "Lysya, during a deep scan of your body samples, especially the roots of those symbiotic flowers, I discovered some extremely unique fragments of code embedded in the deepest structure of your consciousness!"

"Code fragments?" I frowned, looking closely at the flowing, star-like specks of light on the screen.

"Yes!" Mia Leili excitedly pointed to several key data nodes. "These fragments are very peculiar; they seem to... contain a mechanism similar to a 'wishing machine'! Under certain conditions, they can 'realize' your deepest desires in some form!"

I stared in shock, my eyes wide: "Really? Wishes granted? If I said I wanted to become a god, could that happen too?" It sounded unbelievable.

"Uh...sorry, it might not be that exaggerated." Mia Leili quickly waved her hand, her face flushed with excitement. "According to my analysis, the wishes these fragments can fulfill are more 'conceptual,' acting on yourself or closely related things, and are relatively simple 'state changes.' Like..."

She brought up several comparative cases:

"For example, 'not wanting to feel pain'—so your body experiences 'constant burning,' transforming pain into pleasure."

"For example, 'I want to stay awake forever and not lose consciousness'—so you no longer need any sleep."

"For example, a strong desire deep within you to 'heal others' and 'protect yourself' gives rise to white and red flowers, which have healing and calming effects!"

As I listened to her analysis, recalling my past experiences, a storm raged within me. Could these seemingly strange phenomena all stem from my subconscious desires?

"Then... why do I have these strange code fragments?" This is my biggest question.

Mia Leili shook her head, her wings drooping. "This... I don't know either. The origin of these fragments is very mysterious. Moreover, I also discovered that these fragments seem to contain some discontinuous, broken pieces of information, but because they are too scattered and strange, I cannot decipher their meaning. They don't seem to be regular memory data."

Fragments of information? My heart skipped a beat. This immediately made me think of the hidden agenda that Dr. Jie Zhou might have included when she secretly uploaded the "Jasmine" unit's consciousness, or perhaps, a mark left by some "upper-level" being?

"Do you need me to study this further?" Mia Leili looked at me expectantly. "If we can decipher the secrets of more fragments, perhaps we can not only better understand the origin and limits of your abilities, but also perhaps glimpse some special information?"

"Of course we need to!" I nodded without hesitation. It is crucial to understand the source of one's own power, as well as any potential hidden dangers or secrets.

"Well... now we'll need your cooperation." Mia Leili rubbed her hands together a little shyly. "The upcoming research will require real-time monitoring and deep scanning of your entire body, not just relying on isolated samples. It might be a bit... invasive. Are you willing?"

"Okay, sure!" I readily agreed. When faced with the unknown, it's always better to actively explore than to passively wait.

So, for the next few days, I worked with Mia Reilly, becoming her most direct research subject. Lying on a sophisticated scanner, I felt various energy flows passing through my body, and my consciousness was deeply connected with the research equipment so that she could capture the activity of those hidden "fragments of wishes".

However, on this day, Edseys hurriedly found me while I was cooperating with the scan, with a hint of helplessness on his face.

"Lady Liscia, Zoimem and M-Tini Guquera... are arguing in the observation room."

"Huh?" I immediately sat up from the scanner. Zoe Mem was mild-mannered, and M-Tini Guquera, though a bit stubborn, didn't seem like the type to cause trouble. How did they end up arguing?

"I'll go take a look." I gestured to Mia Reilly to pause, straightened my clothes, and strode towards the observation room.