Elegy from Another World

The world of succubi, the "City of Pleasure".

Time here seems to lose its linear flow, stretched and distorted, steeped in the eternal twilight glow and cloying fragrance. For Zoymem and Yisen, the "unforgettable experience" promised by Sakhozon is being delivered in ways beyond imagination.

The accommodations arranged for them by Sakhozon were the epitome of luxury. The rooms were carpeted with plush carpets so soft you could sink your ankles into them; the walls were made of a magical material that changed color and pattern according to the mood of its inhabitants; and the air was perpetually filled with a carefully blended fragrance that evoked the deepest, most pleasant memories. Through the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, one could overlook the city's ever-present splendor—neon lights flashing, figures moving about, and various wondrous flying machines streaking across the pink and purple sky like streaks of light.

But what surprised and even shocked Zoemem and Yisen the most was the unique economic system of this world. The common currency here was not precious metals or energy crystals, but purified and materialized emotions.

A standard unit of currency might be a gram of crystal-clear, sun-kissed "pure ecstasy," a drop of mercury-like weight reflecting complex light as "melancholy sweetness," or a wisp of ethereal, icy-cold "quiet fear." These emotional currencies are encapsulated in specially made transparent containers, circulating in the market like gemstones. Completing a transaction might require paying a few milligrams of "excitement and curiosity" or a small piece of "satisfying peace."

As a merchant, Yisen showed great interest in this. He soon discovered that the "profit-driven thrill" he felt upon completing a transaction, a mixture of accomplishment and greed, could actually be condensed into a fairly high-quality currency here, which made him even more adept at it. He frequented various strange markets, exchanging his emotions for all sorts of unheard-of succubus specialties—silk that could weave dreams, wine that allowed one to briefly experience the memories of others after drinking it, and even service dolls with basic intelligence whose appearance and gender could be customized.

Zoimem, however, was drawn to another form of "consumption." Dragons are born with a strong curiosity and a need for sensory experiences, and the City of Pleasure was practically a paradise tailor-made for her. She spent "currency" to experience "Illusory Dive," which simulated the ultimate sensations of soaring through the sky and diving into the deep sea; she tasted delicacies prepared by master succubus chefs, each bite of which could ignite the taste buds and even induce mild hallucinations; she even watched a mysterious dance performed by succubus dancers, which directly stirred the audience's emotions through body language, and the powerful artistic impact left her unable to calm down for a long time.

"Kawi, are you really not going to give it a try?" After experiencing a simulated cosmic birth, Zoimem's cheeks were flushed, and her dragon eyes gleamed with excitement. She extended an invitation to Kawi, who had always followed her like a shadow, "This feeling... is so wonderful! It's as if I personally participated in the creation of the universe!"

Yisen had just finished a thrilling "virtual gladiatorial combat," still radiating the afterglow of his fighting spirit. He chimed in, "Yeah, Old Ka, don't always have such a tense face! When in Rome, do as the Romans do, relax a bit! Look at the purity of my 'victory exhilaration'!" He proudly shook a small jar of golden-red emotional crystals, like molten amber, in his hand.

Kavey's sword, still gleaming with a cold metallic sheen, hovered not far from Zoimem. Faced with their enthusiastic invitation, his unwavering resolve remained, carrying his usual calm and detachment: "No need. Excessive sensory stimulation dulls vigilance, and unrestrained emotions create openings. My duty is to ensure your safety and the equipment's security, not to indulge in the illusory pleasures of this place."

His refusal was crisp and decisive, leaving no room for negotiation. Zoemem and Yisen exchanged a glance, both shrugging helplessly. They knew Kawi's stubbornness, and understood that his concerns weren't entirely unfounded. Temptations are everywhere in this world; someone definitely needs to stay clear-headed.

Thus, while Zoemem and Yisen reveled in the wonders of the succubus world, immersed in a storm of intense senses, Kawi remained the eternal "outsider." He spent most of his time near the hangar where the "Comma" was docked, or inside the ship, his cold gaze constantly monitoring the succubus engineers who were busy repairing the pleasure converters.

He was like the most precise instrument, recording every person entering and leaving, every equipment adjustment, and every energy fluctuation. He refused any succubus's approach or advances, completely immune to the alluring atmosphere surrounding him. His presence was like a block of ice thrown into warm spring water, completely out of place in the atmosphere of the entire City of Pleasure, yet forming the most solid support that allowed Zoimem and Yisen to "enjoy" in peace.

Days passed. The restoration work proceeded methodically. Sakozun would occasionally come to report on the progress. Watching Zoimem and Yisen's increasingly relaxed and even absorbed state, a subtle, enigmatic smile would always flicker in her dark purple eyes. As for Kawi, she was like a silent nail, firmly fixed on the blurred boundary between safety and danger, reminding her intoxicated companions that this place was ultimately not a place to linger.