Opening the "manhole cover" went smoothly. The cover was secured with a combination lock, the code obtained by solving a given calculus equation—well within Long Yixiang's mathematical capabilities, having done it before in his first playthrough.
As he input the code, gears turned, and the interlocking teeth gradually separated. The "cover" opened, revealing the long-buried base beneath, finally seeing the light of day after years of concealment.
"There's actually such a vast space down here..."
The knowledge of a Truth Church priestess quickly proved insufficient. In this world where most farmers were illiterate, her education surpassed that of the majority, yet now her jaw hung open in astonishment. Even the Church's treasured texts had no detailed records, only vaguely mentioning the geoglyph's ability to open "another space" without specifying the method. The scene before her defied common sense, and Lilith felt that even members of the Creation Domain would share her expression if they were present.
Earlier, she had felt a hint of disdain for Long Yixiang's ignorance of the Astralea Geoglyph, but now she dared not look down on him anymore. Her intuition told her that the Church's records might only scratch the surface of reality...
Long Yixiang, however, paid no mind to her thoughts. His heartbeat quickened as he drew closer to his goal. After shielding himself with wind-attribute magic, he stepped downward.
Lilith hesitated for a moment but followed.
At first, she remained guarded, but her intense curiosity about the new surroundings soon consumed her attention.
The passage was smooth and, despite the years, remained fully functional. Yet the vast space was devoid of other life, with only the echoes of their footsteps filling the silence.
"These moonstones are impressive. To have so many installed across such a large space, on the walls and ceiling—the owner here was truly extravagant," Lilith remarked as they walked.
"Those are LED sensor lights. It's amazing they still work after all these years. There must be a power station down here," Long Yixiang explained.
Lilith opened her mouth but found no words.
They continued onward. Over the next few hours, they first visited the database to retrieve the documents Long Yixiang sought, then proceeded to the armory, where they collected rifles, grenades, and ammunition. In the storage room, they gathered honey and wine for provisions, while Long Yixiang had brought his own meat and vegetables. The base, once operational, must have had a small self-sustaining system, but now, abandoned and desolate, time had rendered many things unusable.
Lilith found herself unfamiliar with the uses of many items but was thoroughly astonished. Several times, her curiosity nearly compelled her to ask, but she held back, fearing it might be too forward, and instead quietly took notes. As her initial shock subsided, she began to grasp the value of their surroundings, pulling out a notebook and pen to sketch everything as quickly as possible.
"Since we're here, would you like to try on some different styles of clothing?"
A handbag was extended toward her.
Lilith froze. Earlier, while passing a certain room, she had paused briefly, her heart racing at the sight of unconventional outfits displayed in a glass case. The desire for beauty is innate in everyone, especially for girls. Every girl spares no effort in pursuing beauty—an instinct deeply ingrained, regardless of age or personality. When faced with beautiful clothing, any girl would behave like a child enchanted by toys, pure and adorable.
She hadn't expected the young man beside her to notice her subtle reaction.
Hesitantly, she reached out, withdrew her hand, then slowly extended it again...
Inside were denim shorts and sandals, paired with a short-sleeved top for summer—ordinary modern women's attire, yet it made Lilith's cheeks flush.
"Clothing from the ancient kingdom. Their girls would expose their legs and navels during the hot summers," Long Yixiang explained, though he had no real knowledge of the ancient kingdom, such attire was undoubtedly foreign to this world.
"What a strange custom..."
Lilith felt her cheeks burn. As a priestess, she held a relatively high status in this world, yet she couldn't help but feel shy.
"You can use the changing room over there," Long Yixiang pointed to a room along the corridor. "I'll start eating first. Take your time."
"Then I won't hold back," Lilith replied with a grateful smile, taking the handbag and heading to the changing room.
Long Yixiang sat on the floor and began his meal. As a modern base with various facilities, the space was vast. Even with both of them protected by magic, a break was still necessary.
"Hey... how... how does it look...?"
The girl's face was as red as a ripe apple. Her restless hands pressed against her abdomen, her intertwined fingers fidgeting incessantly, betraying her nervousness. When Long Yixiang glanced over, she instinctively turned her face away, avoiding eye contact.
Long Yixiang's heart rate instantly skyrocketed to 120 beats per minute. It wasn't just butterflies in his stomach—it felt like a whole herd of deer was stampeding. If Lilith had looked at him then, she would have seen his face flushed like burning embers.
Lilith already had a naturally lovely appearance, and at her age, while her usual dress conveyed a playful cuteness that somewhat restrained her youthful vivacity, the summer outfit combined a bold yet innocent charm. The exposed skin of her waist and legs radiated a vibrant energy, overflowing with youthful vitality.
"Ahem... It looks great. It suits you well."
Long Yixiang suppressed his inner excitement and offered his praise.
"Did all the girls in the ancient kingdom dress like this...?" Lilith asked, her face still red.
"There are other types of clothing, with many styles. It's not limited to just one."
Lilith nodded gently. "The girls of ancient times were so fortunate..."
Long Yixiang sighed softly. This world was drowning in doctrines, and people lived in constant fear, making such a lively atmosphere impossible. In his first playthrough, he had risen to the rank of high priest in the Creation Domain, dedicated to research, yet he met a tragic end simply for conducting studies outside the Church's sanctioned scope—let alone the countless oppressed and vulnerable people in this world.
He handed the food to Lilith.
"I have many questions now," Lilith said, sitting down across from him.
"Don't tell anyone else. Once I've taken what I need, feel free to take whatever you like," Long Yixiang said.