The war ended before it even began?
The explosion in the deep sea, being separated by a vast dimensional distance, naturally didn't affect Earth's space. Unlike the majority who watched in confused bewilderment, Sakura had completely held her breath.
She knew what the final sight was. No, even without seeing it with her own eyes, an inner voice had told her the answer:
That was Sa, the entity that had fought the Fire Moth-Chaser for thousands of years, who had never revealed His true form, let alone been faced directly.
The war was not as cruel as the Previous Era, but it certainly wasn't easy. Mei was wary of Him, believing that maintaining a balance was the best outcome, and that solving the problem completely would have to wait until Ryan woke up.
'Ryan woke up just as she expected, and then Sa was instantly defeated? All the hundreds of plans Mei set up were completely obsolete??'
Sakura felt her brain lag, like she was dreaming and couldn't distinguish reality from illusion. There was also a tiny bit of resentment.
If she had known this would be the result, why had she trained so hard for all these years? She should have just slept like Pardofeliss. Waking up, the dark cloud that had hovered for thousands of years was already swept away.
"Don't believe it? Want me to pinch you?"
The slightly teasing voice pierced her ear, finally pulling Sakura back to reality.
The deadly silent battlefield remained. The man in front was smiling at her. Her previously expressionless face slowly reacted. She woodenly shook her head.
"No need. I just find it a little hard to accept. Sigh. I never thought that after practicing for over a thousand years, not only did I not close the gap, but I've grown even farther from you."
Wow, that resentment is practically overflowing.
Ryan knew what Sakura was distressed about. Perhaps she was secretly delighted by the existence of Sa, thinking she could once again fight alongside him and recapture the feeling of the Previous Era.
What a pity. Playing the fool and hiding one's strength doesn't suit me, and my greed for the unknown won't let me tolerate it any longer.
Ryan certainly could have led the Fire Moth-Chaser to toy with Sa, put on a grand show, and then deliver the fatal blow. But the Path of Trailblazer was fiercely pushing him forward. All those things were just a waste of time.
Since he had acquired invincible power, why not use the most efficient method to solve everything?
'I wonder if the Kiana the Great Sage of the original timeline could have done this. Hmm, it shouldn't be a problem for her.'
He subconsciously glanced at the distant battleship. Among the thousands of warriors on the entire battlefield, very few dared to look directly at him. The white-haired, pigtailed girl was clearly one of them.
After a brief calculation, he felt that Kiana could probably do it, but definitely not better than him.
That is the difference between the limit and transcending the limit.
Ryan turned his head, seeing Sakura hesitate, and knew what she wanted to say.
"That's right. I will leave this world for a broader stage. This road has only just begun. It's far from time to rest."
"Then when can you rest?" Sakura quietly clenched her fist.
Ryan thought for a moment, genuinely not knowing when he could rest.
Become an Aeon? Transcend an Aeon? Climb the Imaginary Tree? Or step on the Sea and hold down the Great Tree?
"Never stop. Extend this road toward the stars and the void, until all the unknown becomes known, and there are no more backs to follow ahead." Ryan paused slightly, seeing Sakura's gloomy expression, and then tilted his head slightly.
"But this path is not about charging blindly. Appreciating the scenery along the way is just as important. And I can't stand being alone, Sakura. Are you willing to join me to enjoy the view, guard me with your sword, and journey with me?"
Sakura instantly raised her head, her face flushed, her breathing rapid. Without a second thought, she steadied the long blade at her waist.
"Of course I'm willing!"
Her voice was resolute. Her only fear was that the difference in strength was too vast, and she would become a burden to Ryan. But she understood the meaning of 'journeying together.'
Ryan would Trailblazer the path ahead, and she could follow behind, just as the members of the Fire Moth-Chaser did during the End War.
Even the weakest ordinary engineer—could you say he wasn't useful?
"Very cool, but did you forget someone?"
A sarcastic voice accompanied applause. A bolt of emerald lightning streaked across the battlefield, heading straight for them.
Mobius approached, her hands in her pockets, a benevolent smile on her face. Inwardly, she was cursing Ryan profusely.
I missed out twice, acted as background scenery twice. Fine, showing off, are we? Do you know what three percent daily interest compounded for fifty thousand years means? Even if I dismantled you into cells and sold them, it wouldn't cover the debt.
Such fierce killing intent! Is this the resentment of fifty thousand years??
Ryan turned his head, his eyes twitching as he saw the smiling Mobius. He also felt nervous.
He could instantly defeat Sa with one strike, but he couldn't touch a hair on Mobius. Besides, I'm the one at fault... No, I'm not at fault! I immediately resolved the situation after waking up. I just happened to run into Sakura along the way.
Besides, if you had just helped out honestly, how would I have missed you?
But watching Mobius, with her long, black-stockinged legs, approaching through the void, he knew arguing now was pointless.
Should I simulate 'divinity' and use absolute rationality to scare her off? Or should I let Sakura block her and retreat into the sea to avoid the edge?
For a moment, Ryan felt his mind was working harder than when he locked onto Sa. Just then, he caught sight of Fu Hua behind Mobius, his junior sister wearing an amused expression.
Tears flowed, but it's fine. You did your best.
The Wooden Pole's expression had never been so vivid, causing Ryan to sigh softly.
Forget it. I can't dodge it anyway. I crossed the Cocoon of End. Should I be afraid of them?
Ryan also stepped forward to meet her head-on. Every step was resolute and decisive. This, ironically, caused the aggressive Mobius to slow down, her eyes flickering.
She genuinely hadn't expected Ryan to meet her head-on. It made her nervous, and she relied entirely on her pride to maintain her aggressive stance.
Walking toward each other, the two quickly closed the distance, stopping within half a meter of each other.
"W-What are you doing? Let me make one thing clear. I'm your creditor. So many people are watching. D-Don't you dare..."
Your presence is fierce, but please straighten your tongue first.
Ryan sized up the paper tiger. After all these years, Mobius looked even more mature and alluring, like a perfectly ripe peach on a tree, ready to fall with a gentle touch.
Uh, as for Fu Hua, my junior sister is still so young. No change at all.
Having clashed countless times, Ryan knew Mobius's limits. He decided to ignore her and look at Fu Hua first.
"Don't look like a sore loser, Hua. Why didn't you wait with Elysia for me to wake up? Why weren't you fighting on the front line, waiting for me to come to you?"
Ultimate Technique: Turning the Tables.
The question completely stunned Fu Hua. Of course, she wouldn't blame her Senior Brother, saying, who knew when you'd wake up? Instead, she regretted why she had foolishly waited on Earth.
After thinking for a moment, she subconsciously looked at Mobius: "The Platypus came looking for me. I was originally going to change shifts at the space station, but she insisted on coming to the academy, saying she wanted to see interesting experimental subjects."
"And when the battle started, I wanted to stay on the front line and fight alongside Sister Sakura, but she insisted on going to the Moon first to check the situation, so I agreed."
Oh, so you're redirecting the trouble and dumping the blame on me, are you?
Mobius was furious. This spineless piece of wood! We agreed to team up and settle the score with Ryan, but she defects with one sentence!
"How did you get even sneakier than before?"
"Did I? Look at Sakura. She just quietly did what she was supposed to do and waited for me to come find her." Ryan curled his lips, his smile cunning.
"Who said I wanted you to find me? Don't be so conceited."
"Then you mean Hua was lying just now? That she abandoned the fight? What if I hadn't woken up?"
"T-That's... No, the Fatty went to the Moon, too! Why are you only blaming me?"
"Elysia was on vacation, wasn't she? She just checked your duty roster for me."
Mobius was instantly speechless. Under the storm of logical attacks, she was overwhelmed and felt deeply wronged.
I-I really missed you. Who knew I'd miss you?
She couldn't voice the words in her heart. Just as she was about to genuinely flare up out of frustration, she felt her hand gripped. She tried to pull it away but couldn't.
"I'm truly happy. The moment I woke up, I saw all of you. Most importantly, time hasn't changed you. These fifty thousand years were like a fleeting dream. Everything is exactly as it was before."
"Although I've taken a huge step forward, your 'staying in place' makes me even happier. After meeting again, I couldn't find a single trace of unfamiliarity."
"Thank you."
Ryan's voice was soft but utterly sincere. This made Sakura behind him smile gently, and she winked at the equally delighted Fu Hua.
See? I told you. You don't need to be mature. It's best to stay as you are.
The gloom on Mobius's face instantly cleared. Her expression changed faster than turning a page. She gave a subtle smile: "Just words of thanks? That's so insincere."
"Hmph. Senior Brother is willing to say thank you. I'm satisfied. Platypus, don't be too greedy."
"Hey, hey, hey. Whose side are you on? Your allegiance changed too quickly."
"Ryan's (Senior Brother's), of course."
"Traitor!"
Ryan stood nearby, watching. The silence and illusion of fifty thousand years were being swept away in a short time. This feeling was truly...
"It is quite amazing, isn't it?"
Another familiar voice sounded. Ryan didn't need to turn around to know who had arrived.
Mei appeared in the void, her hand firmly held by Kevin. She gave her husband a subtle look, but he only gripped her tighter. Seeing his proud expression, she let him be.
"Ryan, I spent two thousand years planning, and it was all a waste of time. Sigh. You really are a person both loved and hated."
"Two thousand years was just the backup plan, right? Let me guess, was the first step to let me solve it?" Ryan continued watching Mobius and the others squabble, not turning around.
"Nothing ever gets past you. But it wouldn't have mattered if you hadn't woken up. Kevin would have taken your place." Mei slightly lifted her chin.
"Forget it. Leading humanity is too heavy a burden. I can't carry that." Kevin looked relieved, then licked his lips. "Hey, old brother, it's been tens of thousands of years. Aren't you going to look at me?"
"Why should I look at you? To make Ryan jealous?" Su also walked out, looking like he'd seen a savior. "You have no idea. Kevin parades his affection in front of me every day. He's changed his pendant several times. Should we punish him?"
"That's a great idea! This bastard dared to avoid me for two hundred years! Two hundred years!"
A furious voice burst forth with flames. Kalpas, wearing his mask, strode forward, but his left hand was tightly held by a white-haired girl. Her 'strength' was so great that the powerful Flame-Chaser couldn't move an inch.
"Tsk. Su, you chose to be alone. I'm just giving you motivation. And Kalpas, you're the least qualified person here to criticize me!" Kevin retorted. Kalpas wasn't much better. They were inseparable. Sometimes, I can't even find Mei!
"I'm different from you!" Kalpas stubbornly refuted.
"How are you different? Oh, I get it. You need Ludicyna to pour your water. You're more helpless than I am."
"Bastard! I'm settling the score with you today!"
"The Commander-in-Chief has just returned. Why are you behaving like this? A millennium has passed. Why haven't you learned composure?"
A young man in silver armor also appeared in space. Unfortunately, before he could fully display his mature aura, Destopia smacked him on the head.
"Don't speak to your seniors like that!"
"Hahaha! Kosma, you're just as childish as you were a thousand years ago. I'm different..." A certain cat covered her stomach as she followed.
"Pardo, you're always in hibernation. How are you different? And you should look at your face." Vil-V seemed to have been observing from the start, her face full of amused smiles.
"Huh? Who drew a mustache and a turtle on my face!"
"I report! Griseo came to play with you, but you wouldn't get out of bed, so she drew it."
From deathly silence to clamor, and from clamor to excitement, Ryan said nothing. He only listened with his ears, felt with his heart, and the smile on his face grew wider.
The path had been completely transformed, yet in the end, it was as if nothing had changed.
He suddenly turned around, seeing one familiar figure after another. Some were arguing fiercely, others were rushing over. With one sweep of his gaze, a subtle, profound feeling filled his heart.
Is this the legendary beautiful energy?
Ryan suddenly believed it. He even wanted to stay here, talk to them all, ask Hua why the Flat Chest couldn't break the bondage of time with a grown-up Griseo, or ask Rin if snatching a man from her sister would affect their bond...
He had many questions. His friends also had many things to say. The excitement returned to a profound silence. They simply looked at him with gentle eyes.
Uh, I'm usually bad with words. What should I say at a time like this?
Ryan hesitated for the first time. Delivering a victory speech felt too theatrical. Bowing in gratitude felt too distant. After hesitating for a few seconds, he smiled and raised his right hand, waving it like a shy youth.
"Everyone, I'm back."
The words fell, and there was no applause or cheering. It seemed to have stirred a deep emotion. From Elysia to Pardofeliss, they stared blankly. Eden hesitated to speak, Kalpas turned away, and Kevin wiped the corner of his eye.
The sentence was simple, yet it was filled with their mutual affection, packed with the time of tens of thousands of years.
The waiting, the gratitude, the worship, the love.
It was a heavy weight accumulated in their hearts, leaving them unsure how to reply. Just as everyone was at a loss, one person stepped forward.
Vil-V's joyful smile had never faded. She stepped forward, reveling in this beautiful emotion, walking straight to Ryan. She glanced at the wary Mobius.
"Don't worry. I'm here to complete a commission."
"What commission?" Sakura asked. She hadn't seen Vil-V in a long time. "Are you making counterfeit goods again, trying to trick someone?"
"Your things were all made by the 'Trickster.' I've been working on another item myself."
"Fine! You swindled so much funding from me! I knew it looked fine, but it easily breaks when used!" Mobius solved a problem that had plagued her for years. Before she could settle the score, she saw Vil-V present an item with both hands.
It was a golden key, which settled firmly in Ryan's palm.
"The tool for Trailblazer is complete. The path of the future is for you to open personally. I merely require the privilege of witnessing it."
The key was light, yet Ryan felt a heavy weight. He sent a grateful look toward Vil-V. Worthy of the 'Pleasure' who sees through everything. Giving a push at this moment is indeed brilliant.
Just as Elysia was reluctant to leave her friends, many people lacked the courage to leave their comfortable home. And he, too, would have hesitated.
"Thank you. But I'll still settle the score with the 'Censorship.' Tell her to be ready."
"Don't worry. She will use everything she has ever learned to resist. It won't be easy for you to defeat her."
I hope everything she has ever learned isn't something unhealthy.
Ryan was momentarily stunned, then decisively picked up the key. He gently turned it in the cosmic space. From the Flame-Chasers nearby to the warriors in the distance, no one knew what he intended to do.
Whoosh—
A sound like a whistle came. An antique train, elegantly styled, suddenly appeared in the starry sky. It smoothly drove along a radiant azure track, stopping steadily in front of Ryan.
"The 'Thousand Realms Train?' It fell into Vil-V's hands?" Elysia looked astonished, immediately becoming restless.
She saw the light track extending toward the Star Sea, disappearing into a tunnel-like space, as if having no end.
"Mhm. A masterpiece I spent over two thousand years creating. But to start it, it required Ryan's power." Vil-V nodded, grasping the handle and walking toward the open train door.
"I'll go adjust the equipment first. Elysia, you be the navigator. Please, those who wish to be passengers, hurry up."
"Heh heh. Then I'll give it a try. Vil-V, did you make my room cute?" Elysia didn't hesitate. She stepped onto the stairs, turned back, and winked. "Ryan, hurry up. I want a big dinner tonight. Don't make me wait hungry."
The second passenger boarded. Since Ryan promised her she could come back anytime, Elysia had no doubts. She happily accepted.
"I'll cook dinner. Ryan, I'll brew your tea. Remember to drink it while it's hot." Sakura immediately followed, pulling a small tea box from her pocket.
"Wait, Sister Sakura, I'm coming to help too." Hua leaped onto the steps. She wasn't thinking much. She'd just tell Ryan about everything that happened over the years once she was on the train.
Now there were four passengers.
Ryan stood by the steps, looking to his side. "Mobius, are you coming?"
"Hmph. The master hasn't even invited me. How dare I get on?" Mobius scoffed. Inwardly, she was already regretting it.
I should have been the first to charge, dragged Ryan aboard, and welded the door shut.
"You're too much trouble." Ryan rolled his eyes. Like a footman, he placed his right hand on his chest. "Please, my most esteemed guest."
"Be clear. It's Lady of the House!" Mobius emphasized, then took Ryan's hand and gracefully stepped onto the stairs. "Hurry up! And come to my room immediately. I have something to tell you. Don't worry, it's definitely good news."
The aura of lewdness was unmistakable. Ryan swallowed. He estimated he was going to be very busy soon.
After Mobius boarded, he straightened up, looking at the people in front of him. Almost all his friends were here, like travelers on a platform.
"Are you all coming too?"
"Sa is dead anyway. There's nothing else to do. And since we can come back anytime, seeing a different view is good." Mei stated flatly, her eyes filled with curiosity.
This woman has arranged everything again. That's right. Vil-V's research couldn't be hidden from her.
Ryan stepped aside, making another gesture of invitation. He watched Mei and Kevin lead the way, followed by Kalpas and Ludicyna, then Kosma, Eden, Aponia, Rin, Griseo, and the others, walking past him one by one.
Some chatted, some nodded, some looked around curiously, and others were utterly bewildered.
When he finally came to his senses, he realized all the friends who had come to greet him had boarded the train. Most didn't pause for a moment, as if embarking on an interesting long journey, all filled with enthusiasm.
Well, I guess I can't escape the celebratory drinking.I won't be able to get off the table without being completely drunk.
Ryan paused slightly. He actually had many things he wanted to say, but he wasn't willing to stop here. So, riding the train toward the unknown while chatting with his closest friends seemed like the best of both worlds.
He looked at the silent battlefield, and at the azure star not far away. It was still bright and magnificent. The light track coiled around it like a winding ribbon, one end connecting to Earth, the other disappearing into the azure vortex in the dark cosmos.
It looked like the relationship between a platform and a tunnel: one side was the known and the past, and the other was the unknown and the future.
Ryan narrowed his eyes, gazing for a long while. Then, he lightly brushed the train door, leaving behind a few words carved as if by a knife and axe:
"The Golden Courtyard Express."
As for why he chose this name, there was no need to explain. Leaving behind a legend was enough.
He turned toward the countless bewildered gazes, knowing the scene had been very strange to the people of this era.
They had seen countless legendary Flame-Chasers and were about to witness a new journey, but they were all utterly confused, not knowing what was happening.
Yet, no one dared to ask. They watched, like people seeing off travelers on a platform, watching the legends embark on another journey.
"Hey, wait up, Kiana!"
Ryan's foot paused on the first step. He could feel a white-haired girl charging toward him rapidly, and the urgent attempts of her relatives and friends to stop her.
The people of this era truly didn't know what had happened, but they understood this was not something they could be part of. Even understanding it was difficult. Explaining it would take days, maybe weeks, with no clear starting point.
Is this courage, or destiny?
Ryan slowly turned around. His gray eyes reflected the heavily panting girl. She looked nervous but was filled with courage. Seeing the impassive face of the man on the steps, the familiar figures behind her grew even more anxious.
Cecilia, Siegfried, Raiden Mei, Himeko Murata, Bronya... Is that the white-haired version of Durandal?
Ryan stood on the steps, looking at them. He wasn't releasing any oppressive aura, but he made everyone unable to breathe. After all, this was the super-powered being who had condensed a star-annihilating spear and instantly annihilated Sa. A mere breath could bring death.
Fortunately, this must be a high-ranking figure of the Fire Moth-Chaser, and a friend of Ancestor Kevin. At most, he'll chastise Kiana for being rude. The old man will forgive her after a little spanking.
But Ryan wasn't angry. He slightly tilted his head. "Kiana, it seems you have many questions?"
"Huh? You know me??"
The Paramecium's intuition was uncanny. The counter-question left Ryan at a loss for how to answer. He thought for a moment, then shook his head gently like a wise elder.
"I am omniscient. It is not important."
The pretense of gravitas was just right. Even Ancestor Kevin, who peeked out from the train, seemed to believe it. Naturally, no one questioned it.
"Mhm. I've been completely confused the whole time. If I let you leave like this, I definitely won't be able to sleep." Kiana nodded heavily. She simply couldn't hold it in.
Only you, Kiana.
"You are very honest and brave. How about I answer one question for you?" Ryan said with a smile, feeling a bit fatherly, as if looking at his niece.
"Huh? Only one? I have so many questions!" Kiana was disappointed, immediately upsetting the relieved Siegfried and the others.
Hey, how can you talk like that? And what's with Ancestor Kevin's expression? Why does he look like he's about to raise my seniority?
Fortunately, Kiana couldn't see Kevin's conflicted expression. She tilted her head, thinking for a long time, and then asked the question she cared about most, yet the most worthless one.
"Mister, who are you?"
Uh, didn't you just hear him say his name was Ryan? I just told you who Ryan was half an hour ago. Did you forget so quickly?
Bronya was speechless. Then she noticed that this prominent figure actually hesitated when faced with such an idiotic question, and his gaze even became distant.
That's right. Who am I?
Trailblazer? Savior? Hero who transcended End? Or a human named 'Ryan'?
Ryan didn't answer. He turned, stepping onto the stairs one step at a time. With every step, countless images surged forth.
Fifty thousand years ago, during the fifty thousand years, and fifty thousand years later. They contained not only himself but also Mei and Elysia, reviewing the path he had left behind from countless perspectives.
These accumulated footsteps, linked together, were exactly like the radiant track beneath the train, densely and continuously extending into the distance.
Just as Kiana was about to accuse Ryan of 'breaking his promise,' the figure paused at the open door, slightly tilting his head.
"Mhm. I am..."
His tone was slightly drifting, as if lost in memory. It wasn't until he took the final step, entering the train, that the resolute voice drifted out.
It reached Kiana, Raiden Mei, and all the warriors between Earth and the Moon, resounding with power and certainty.
" A Former Flame Chasers!"
(The End of the Book!)
Postscript
Dear readers, this should be my eighth postscript here, meaning my eighth completed novel.
I am always cautious at moments like this. Fortunately, each time I reach this point, the degree of completion is satisfactory. I haven't succumbed to self-pity due to fluctuating performance, nor have I abandoned the project halfway due to writing difficulties.
To be honest, this postscript is an account written for you, and also a summary for myself.
The concept for this book came about because the Sword Saint book didn't win the annual best award. I wanted to start a book with a larger reader base.
Later, I realized that this idea wasn't fully formed. After careful consideration, it boils down to a few points:
First, my core readership doesn't quite align with the mobile game's audience, or rather, the mobile game's focus is on 'characters' or 'sweetness', especially emotional content, which genuinely doesn't suit my style.
My writing style has been established over tens of millions of words and is fixed. My strengths do not lie in that area, making the writing quite challenging.
Second, the 'industry curse' and 'popularity-repelling' debuff is no joke. Sometimes I feel that if I had written this last year, when the Elysian Realm was at its peak popularity, it would have been much better. The courage to take this step came from reading a certain classic novel and believing I could write it better. Of course, I still believe I wrote it better (at least it's complete).
I must thank my 'Honkai Scholar,' Prime Minister's Ambition, for his dedicated assistance.
So, this book was difficult from the start. I am very proud that, despite occasional twists and turns and areas of dissatisfaction, I completed it with quality and quantity. Besides the issue of subject matter, there was another important reason:
After the middle stages, my body couldn't hold up. I was completely drained. I could have transitioned to Honkai: Star Rail, but I couldn't. I had to stick to the original outline to finish.
I was reaching the point where I would black out when closing my eyes (the doctor said I had a precursor to a stroke). Writing six thousand-plus words every day was a struggle, relying entirely on my long experience. I'm sure you noticed this during the reading process.
But I was afraid that once I stopped writing, I wouldn't be able to pick it up again (the opposite of a 'pigeon'—I would write even if I only had a breath left, even if it was just 1,000 words. Of course, that's not necessarily a virtue). So, I only started treatment toward the end. Health is the foundation of everything, and I must be careful in the future.
Thankfully, I finished it with all my strength, reaching a completion record of twelve million words!
What do you think of this book?
And so, the Tree is entering its recovery period. I'll adjust my schedule, actively seek treatment, and strive to recover to my pre-Sword Saint state. I'll also write some side stories when I have time.
The next book will likely be about Bleach. Well, it's tentative (I don't want to keep switching subjects). Barring any accidents, it should be out in March.
Finally, I wish everyone a happy Chinese New Year and a joyful family life!
沙罗双树
February 2, 2024, Afternoon