Elegy from Another World

Faced with the dual pressures of the threat posed by R-Muteko and the need to repair our companions, we quickly divided the tasks. I instructed Edsys, who remained on the Drei, to assist Mia Reilly with her research via remote connection, leveraging his extensive knowledge and calm analytical skills. Noreljung, meanwhile, was eager to get started, his scarlet electronic eyes flashing with a belligerent light: "I'm going to meet that R-Muteko thing and see just how powerful it really is!"

I immediately stopped him: "Don't be impulsive! Even the specialized protection program can only barely suppress it, this is definitely not something you can handle alone. If you're bored, there's a more important task—we're currently short of energy, the pleasure converter is broken, and the Ringband's energy needs to be replenished on-site. M-Tini Guquera can use her plant properties to create temporary power generation equipment, go help her, and quickly replenish enough energy for us."

Noreljun let out a disgruntled snort, but he was well aware of the situation. Muttering "boring chores," he turned to find M-Tini Guquera, who was busily growing glowing vines and energy-collecting spores on the hull. Watching the giant mechanical puppet and the petite plant girl begin an awkward "cooperation" was quite a sight.

Several days passed, and Mia Reilly's research made unexpected progress, but also brought new mysteries. She discovered that the R-Mutek fragment from my body in the isolation chamber had drastically decreased in activity, completely losing its aggressiveness and becoming like a harmless, inert mass of data.

"Has the sample mutated?" Edseys's voice came through the communicator.

"I've compared them," Mia Leili said, pulling up the data. "The fresh sample Noreljon brought back these past few days (Noreljon couldn't resist provoking R-Mutko at the edge and brought back some fragments) is still extremely aggressive. Only the one Miss Liscia brought back has become unusually docile."

"What's going on?" I was also puzzled.

Mia Leili tilted her head, her blue-green eyes suddenly lighting up as they focused on the tiny white flowers that were faintly visible on my body: "Could it be... because of you, Miss Liscia? Or rather, because of these magical flowers of yours?"

This conjecture stunned everyone. So, the focus of the research temporarily shifted to the symbiotic flower on my body. I cooperated by having Mia Leili collect samples of the white and red flowers, including nectar, petals, and even a little bit of root tissue.

A few days later, Mia Reilly excitedly announced an astonishing discovery! She had analyzed the nectar and found an extremely complex, almost miraculous, combination of substances. This substance had a powerful calming and restorative effect on the conscious mind. The nectar of white flowers tended to have a deeper calming effect, repairing wounds and bringing peace of mind; while the nectar of red flowers was more stimulating, invigorating the spirit and awakening vitality.

"Incredible!" Mia Leili twirled joyfully in the air. "Theoretically, with proper refining and concentration adjustments, we could try to awaken Ms. Zoimem and Mr. Kavey directly using this nectar, without even needing that complicated equipment!"

This was undoubtedly fantastic news! Being able to awaken our companions without having to confront that terrifying R-Mutko was a wonderful surprise. We immediately sprang into action, and Mia Reilly carefully began concocting the nectar potion.

A day later, an exhilarating scene unfolded! Shortly after the carefully prepared nectar potion was dripped into Zoymem's mouth and into the core of Kawi's sword hilt, Zoymem's long eyelashes fluttered a few times, and she slowly opened her eyes; while Kawi's sword also began to glow again, and the focus in her mechanical eyes gradually sharpened.

"What...what's wrong with me?" Zoemem's voice was weak as she looked around at the unfamiliar surroundings and at us, completely bewildered. Kawi also let out a buzzing sound, expressing similar confusion.

I was overjoyed; I hadn't expected the effects to be so remarkable and rapid! Yisen and Edsys (via video) quickly stepped forward and briefly explained how we had escaped our original world, encountered compatibility issues, and come to this virus-infected world to seek medical treatment.

Having understood everything, both Zoemem and Kawi wore complex and grateful expressions. Zoemem bowed deeply to Mia Reilly: "Thank you very much, Miss Reilly." Kawi's sword also hummed softly, expressing his gratitude.

Mia Leili waved her hand sheepishly, "It's nothing, it's just that Miss Liscia's nectar is so amazing, I only processed it a little."

The biggest problem is solved; now only repairing the pleasure converter remains. Looking at my two companions who had regained consciousness, I offered a new suggestion: "Now that you're awake, you can lend a hand. The Dree has the Night's Eye reconnaissance ship on board; you can use it to dispatch drones to search other worlds for experts or technology that might be able to repair the pleasure converter."

"Understood!" "Leave it to us!" Zoemem and Kave immediately accepted the order; they too needed to take action to readjust and contribute their strength.

Mia Leili flew up to me, her eyes gleaming with intense curiosity: "Miss Liscia, um... could I study these flowers a little more? I'm particularly curious about how they formed in your body and how they convert energy? It's simply a miracle of biology and data science!"

I looked at this little imp, brimming with research enthusiasm, and nodded: "Okay, sure. But this place is too dangerous. Let's leave the T-917 world first and return to the Drew."

At this moment, M-Tini Guquera, who had been quietly waiting in the corner, shifted her body, composed of Venus flytraps and sundews, making a rustling sound. "Um... can I come with you?" Her voice held a hint of hesitation. "Although you no longer need to provoke R-Mutko, it's still a huge threat. My duty is to guard it, and now that I'm leaving my post..."

Her words revealed a deep unease. Indeed, R-Muthkow's existence was like a time bomb, and ignoring it was far from a wise move.

I hesitated for a moment, then looked at her: "What do you mean?"

"I want to follow you," the sand particles floating on M-Tini Guquera's abdomen swirled slightly faster, "until you...until Mia Leili has a more thorough understanding of R-Mutko and has found its weakness. I hope we can work together to completely destroy it. After all, that is my core mission."

Noreljung's mechanical head turned, its crimson electronic eyes flashing, seemingly showing some interest in the proposal. Yisen and Edsys (via video) also expressed their agreement. Eliminating a potentially enormous threat entirely was in our long-term interest.

"Alright," I made my decision, "we agree. Once we have a better understanding of R-Muthkow and have developed a feasible plan, we will assist you in completing your mission. Until then, you will return to the Dresden with us."

The Venus flytrap on M-Tini Guquera's abdomen opens and closes slightly, as if expressing gratitude: "Thank you."

So, our somewhat strange team—me, Yisen, Norrelljohn, Mia Leili, and the newly joined daemon M-Tini Guquera—along with the awakened Zoymem and Kawi, piloted the Ringbelt and successfully left this bizarre virus incubation site, returning to the Drei hidden in the network tunnels.

Zoemem and Kave immediately began searching for repair specialists. I, on the other hand, took a deep breath and headed towards a specific room inside the ship—a place Noriljung had prepared beforehand. It was time to fulfill the promise I had made in exchange for his help.