(T/N): Bit of a late update today because I got too immersed in the new uma musume update that I temporarily forgot about posting more chapters..
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Mydei was using torn strips of cloth to firmly secure the unconscious Elio to his broad back.
His movements seemed rough, but in reality, every knot was tied with exceptional precision and stability.
He ensured that in any violent movement, this fragile 'scriptwriter' would not fall off.
Taking advantage of this lull, Phainon closed his eyes, forcing himself to sort through the chaotic clues in his mind.
Entering the Simulated Universe, his objective was clear—to find the 'key'.
Erudition had set up a card game for this, luring him into a trap, which was an undeniable open scheme.
Yet, contradictorily, the world's operating mechanism was sparing no effort to stop him.
From Rick pressing the pause button to Zandar sacrificing his own data, triggering a higher-level 'firewall'.
It felt like the game designer wanted the player to complete the game, but the bosses in the game were desperately trying to kill the player.
Elio might be the cause, but he was definitely not the root.
Phainon's fingertips tapped unconsciously.
Either there were other players in the Simulated Universe.
Or, the Simulated Universe itself had undergone an unforeseen anomaly.
He recalled Elio's words when they first met,
"The three of us... are the true companions."
"He is... The Hunt!"
Phainon, Elio, the Aeon of hunt.
Three names bound together by an invisible thread.
And there was also the biggest variable—Nanook.
That guy, after taking a punch from him, not only didn't get furious but instead showed an expression of appreciation.
The phrase he left, "You need my help," now sounded full of an indescribable strangeness.
His attitude was too problematic.
Phainon opened his eyes, cutting off all distracting thoughts.
At present, there were only two most important things.
First, wake up Elio.
Elio's entrustment before he fell unconscious, "You must wake me up," proved that his 'offline' state was not permanent.
Once he was awake, he would surely be able to provide more crucial information.
A charming figure appeared in Phainon's mind.
Kafka.
A woman who was also terrifyingly clear-headed.
Perhaps, this matter required her help.
Second, and the most core objective.
Find Cyrene and get the key!
This was his sole purpose for entering the Simulated Universe.
Before leaving the Genesis Vortex Studio, he remembered Cyrene should still be there.
"Let's go."
Phainon uttered two words, his gaze sharp,
"Back to the Genesis Vortex Studio, that's where Cyrene and I last parted."
"Mhm."
Mydei had completely secured Elio. He stood up and tried to move, Elio remained as steady as a mountain.
He didn't care about data or the truth of the world now.
His only clear goal was to smash all obstacles in front of Phainon!
The two no longer delayed, stepping out of the prop warehouse and onto the street again.
However, this time.
The world had changed.
On the street, the people who were originally rushing about, playing passersby, vendors, and tourists, all froze.
They stopped, stiffly, one by one, turning their heads.
The movement carried a grating 'ka-ka' sound.
No superfluous movements, no hint of emotion.
Hollow eyes, like countless black lenses, precisely locked onto the two walking on the road.
In their gaze, there was no curiosity, no surprise, only a dead, program-like coldness.
They looked like humans, but in reality, they were no longer.
They should be called 'Pseudohumans'!
Phainon and Mydei exchanged glances, both seeing the solemnity in each other's eyes.
"Be careful."
Phainon's voice was calm, without a ripple.
The next moment.
All the frozen passersby moved.
Their movements were uniform, taking stiff steps, silently and determinedly surrounding the three from all directions.
No screams, no roars.
Only a dense, chilling sound of footsteps, converging into a tide of death.
"You protect Elio." Phainon's voice cut through the silence.
Mydei twisted his neck, and golden flames flickered faintly above his clenched fists.
"You protect yourself, Deliverer." He grinned, with a touch of arrogant battle intent.
Hearing this address, Phainon's steps paused slightly, then a bitter smile appeared,
"Deliverer? I didn't expect you'd call me that here too."
Mydei snorted coldly, his tone full of familiar tsundere, "I'm just stating a fact. Just take care of yourself!"
The moment his words fell, the Pseudohumans at the forefront of the encirclement had already rushed forward!
They were no longer unarmed passersby; they held various tools—wrenches, iron rods, and even heavy camera tripods!
Phainon said no more.
He actively met them.
His figure left an afterimage in place, a golden glow flashing past.
A 'Pseudohuman' wielding an iron rod struck down, his movement swift and precise, entirely unlike what an ordinary person could do.
However, his iron rod only swung halfway before it stopped forever.
A golden sword light flashed across his neck.
No blood.
The severed head fell to the ground, the body still maintaining an attacking posture, eventually dissolving into a scattered data stream and vanishing into the air.
The Invasion Dawn greatsword carved a deadly arc in Phainon's hand.
He was like a golden meteor, charging straight into the dense crowd!
Wherever the sword light reached, data shattered.
He showed no mercy, each sword strike precisely aimed at the enemy's vitals, reducing these puppets controlled by the world's will, one by one, back to their original code.
On the other side, Mydei steadily guarded his back.
He did not actively attack, intercepting all attempts to approach from the flanks and rear.
A 'Pseudohuman' swung a heavy tripod, smashing it towards his back.
Mydei didn't even turn his head, his left arm violently blocked backward!
Bang!
With a muffled thud, the steel tripod bent on impact.
The 'Pseudohumans' arm was shattered by the immense recoil, turning into specks of light.
Mydei's right fist then blasted out!
The punch stirred the air, and a golden flame flashed past!
Three 'Pseudohumans' rushing from the front had their bodies explode into a sky full of data fragments, as if struck by an invisible heavy cannon!
The power of 'Strife' was overwhelmingly absolute!
One was like a spear, unstoppable, tearing open a path in front.
One was like a shield, impregnable, stabilizing the rear.
The two, one in front and one behind, cooperated flawlessly, as if they had memorized it thousands of times with their bodies.
In this deathly tide composed of data, they forcefully carved out a path towards the Genesis Vortex Studio!