As a bustling metropolis, Sumeru City maintained a rapid daily rhythm. Most residents lived on a linear routine, either at work or at home.
The sun had barely risen, yet the streets were already teeming with pedestrians, reclaiming their daytime vibrancy.
Though the monotonous routine and the early sun were unwelcome to many, not a trace of fatigue could be seen on anyone's face.
This wasn't due to exceptional physical stamina; it was simply because Sumeru City's medical technology was universally acknowledged as the best in the Cosmos, beyond any doubt.
Consequently, the concept of sick leave was nonexistent in Sumeru City's workplaces, schools, and every other setting. Any illness was treated instantly on-site.
Interstellar tourists visiting Sumeru City had affectionately dubbed its workforce the "Chosen Laborers."
None of this mattered to March 7th and her companions. While these "Chosen Laborers" were walking to work, March 7th had finished organizing the data, left her room, and arrived at the hotel lobby.
Perhaps due to her Pathstrider nature, despite staying up all night organizing the data, March 7th showed no signs of dark circles under her eyes. Her skin remained fair and rosy, making one want to take a bite.
But this data doesn't seem useful at all...
It's all just records of various events Sister Lumina was involved in throughout the Sumeru Star System. None of it sheds any light on the "clue" Sister Lumina mentioned.
Ugh... Oh well, I'll look again today.
March 7th shook her head, dismissing the thought, and waited for Stelle to arrive.
If she still couldn't find anything, she'd be out of options and would have to seek redemption from Sister Lumina. ｡ﾟ(ﾟ´Д`ﾟ)ﾟ｡
"What's wrong? You seem a bit down today."
Soon, Stelle and Little Swarm arrived at the hotel lobby.
Seeing March 7th's downcast expression, Stelle asked with some concern, "What's wrong? You seem really down."
Since they'd met, Stelle had never seen March 7th so subdued.
"It's nothing," March 7th replied, shaking her head without elaborating.
Ding-dong~ Ding-dong~ Ding-dong~
Just as March 7th's voice turned unexpectedly somber, a melodious chime suddenly rang out.
"Hmm, Sister Lumina."
Hearing the sound, March 7th picked up her phone and saw Lumina's name on the caller ID. Her earlier gloom vanished instantly, replaced by cheerful eagerness as she eagerly answered the call.
"Huh? What's this?"
Instead of the familiar call interface, a [tree] icon appeared on the screen.
"Good morning, March," Lumina's voice echoed through the phone, her image materializing before March 7th as a digital projection.
"Wah! Sister Lumina, how did you learn that Xianzhou trick too?!"
Hearing that familiar voice and seeing Sister Lumina suddenly appear before her, March 7th recalled her first encounter with General Jing Yuan on the Xianzhou Luofu...
This... isn't this exactly the same?!
"It's a projection technology. As long as you're connected to the Sumeru Star System's network, it's very convenient to use," Lumina explained with a smile, noting March 7th's bewildered expression.
If she weren't just a projection at that moment, Lumina would have already placed her hands—those hands that were utterly pure and devoid of evil (scratch that)—on March 7th's head.
"Oh, oh, I see," March 7th nodded in understanding. So it's basically like a phone call, but with a projection? That makes sense.
"Stelle, Little Swarm, good morning," Lumina greeted them with a smile before continuing, "I've been observing your actions yesterday. To be honest, I'm not particularly pleased with them."
"Ah? Why not?"
Hearing Lumina's words, the trio—one person, one bug, and one Stelleron—were all filled with confusion.
"My main reason for bringing you to Apricot Grove was for you to relax and enjoy yourselves. Searching for clues was just a secondary objective—something we could do or not, as we pleased."
"But you three? You've turned this optional side task into your primary objective."
"What have you been doing all day? Wandering around aimlessly like headless flies, and then staying up all night digging through data."
"Do you think I'd be pleased with that?"
A hint of anger colored Lumina's voice, revealing her deep dissatisfaction with the trio's behavior the previous day.
"Sister Lumina..."
Hearing her words, the three lowered their heads like scolded students.
"In short, I want you to prioritize having fun. Think of searching for clues as a minor diversion along the way."
Seeing their contrite expressions, Lumina's stern expression softened.
I could never get angry at beautiful girls!
"Sumeru City has plenty of entertainment facilities and historical sites. I want you to go out and explore them today."
"As for finding clues or anything like that, it's not important. As long as you're having fun, I'll be happy too," Lumina said gently.
"I have other matters to attend to, so I won't keep you any longer. I hope you enjoy yourselves."
With those words, Lumina's projection dissipated, and March 7th's phone screen returned to its default interface, indicating the call had ended.