According to the boatman, all the ships in Ragunna City are Echo ships.
The gondola, as it's called, is one of them.
As one of the independent city-states of Rinascita, Ragunna City's residents spend a third of their lives on gondolas.
The route from the Beacon of Dawn to Ragunna City wasn't long; in just a few minutes, the gondola brought them to the city.
The most eye-catching feature was, naturally, the Resonance Nexus at the center of City Square.
Within the influence of the Resonance Nexus, Echoes could exist for extended periods without relying on a terminal.
This was quite different from the terminals in Jinzhou.
Of course, Lucian and Rover's terminals had been modified, allowing their Echoes to move freely away from the terminals as well.
For example, the Crimson Vanguard left in Jinzhou's frontlines, fighting alongside the Midnight Rangers.
Of course, Abby was also an Echo that didn't require a terminal.
"So beautiful…" Abby's eyes sparkled as he took in Ragunna City.
The architectural style here reminded Lucian of Venice, the water city from his previous life.
Buildings were constructed along the water, primarily made of brick and stone, with vibrant, colorful facades and arched windows forming a striking characteristic.
"No wonder it's the nation of Echoes—so many unique Echoes!"
The only difference from Venice was that public Echoes were everywhere.
For instance, there were Bathtub Hounds that could carry people and goods, Phonograph Players blasting music in the streets, and the exclusive guards of the Order of the Deep, the La Guardia, among others.
"It's a pity there's no Echo in Abby's form; otherwise, it could keep Abby company."
Abby crossed his arms, dissatisfied, "Hey! Even in the nation of Echoes, this Abby is the most special Echo!"
With that, Abby let out a burp, swayed, and fell into the Tacet Mark on the back of Rover's hand.
Rover said with slight concern, "It seems Abby's condition is getting worse. This time, he didn't stay out long before falling asleep again."
Lucian nodded slightly, "So we'd better find Imperator as soon as possible."
"Otherwise, how about we cause a scene after entering the city? That way, Imperator might show up quickly, right?"
Rover glanced at him, "Are you trying to talk to Imperator or pick a fight with Her?"
"Not to mention, that guy earlier… what was his name?"
"He said Imperator doesn't like to show Herself."
"What if we cause a scene and don't get to see Imperator, but instead get hunted down by the entire Order of the Deep?"
Lucian pondered, "If that happens, I'll just claim to be Scar and let them take it up with the Fractsidus."
Rover shook her head slightly, "The Fractsidus really hit the jackpot running into you."
"Poor Scar, sitting in prison and taking the blame out of nowhere."
As they spoke, the two ascended the stone steps, where two priests of the Order of the Deep were inspecting every tourist entering the city.
"…Inspection passed. Welcome to Rinascita."
After queuing for a few minutes, it was finally Lucian and Rover's turn.
A stern-faced female priest stopped them, "First-time visitors to Rinascita, please cooperate with the entry inspection."
Before Lucian or Rover could respond, the female priest looked at Rover's Pangu Terminal with confusion:
"What's… this?"
After Rover's modifications, the terminal had been completely reshaped to resemble her, looking like a small figurine.
"Is this a terminal? It looks a bit different… Is it a new model from some region?"
At that moment, the Pangu Terminal flew out from behind Rover and said in a broadcaster's tone, "Pangu Terminal, a truly user-friendly intelligent voice assistant, at your service."
The two priests were startled by the flying, talking gadget, "What… what is this thing!?"
"Could it be… an unseen public Echo? But how can it speak human language?"
Lucian cleared his throat, placing a hand on his chest with a serious expression, "You two, we are tourists from the New Federation."
"This little gadget is called the Pangu Terminal, the most popular artificial intelligence in the New Federation right now."
The female priest patted her chest, letting out a sigh of relief, "I see, it's technology from the New Federation. No wonder… no wonder…"
In their public terminals, the New Federation was depicted as a technologically advanced region with significant wealth disparities.
Judging by their neat and refined attire and this… Pangu Terminal AI, they must be from the wealthier side.
The female priest cleared her throat to mask her embarrassment at being startled:
"Do you carry personal terminals?"
"Bringing personal terminals or similar items into Rinascita requires prior declaration."
Lucian nodded politely, "We're aware of Rinascita's rules and naturally didn't bring personal terminals."
"And… we have this…"
Rover presented the invitation letter from the Montelli family.
The two priests exchanged a glance. As expected, these tourists were either rich or influential, even invited by the Montelli family to attend the Carnevale.
"…I see. The Montelli family has already vouched for their invited guests."
"Please forgive our intrusion."
"Since you two aren't carrying personal terminals, you may use Rinascita's public terminals."
"Echoes are divine envoys granted by the gods. The Echoes of Ragunna City have all been baptized by the Order and are sheltered by Imperator."
The male priest's words were deeply reverent.
[Option 1: Mock the Order of the Deep as frogs in a well. Reward: Paper Airplane]
[Option 2: Mock the Order's faith in Imperator, calling Her a reclusive, overweight shut-in. Reward: Force Field]
[Option 3: Praise Rinascita in line with the priest's words. Reward: Sentinel's Attention]
[Option 4: Profess faith in Imperator and speak fervently. Reward: Sentinel's Blessing]
Before Rover could speak, Lucian's eyes lit up as he asked, "Imperator? You mean the Sentinel Imperator?"
The older male priest was taken aback, "Uh… yes, yes, you know of Imperator?"
Lucian raised his clenched fists, his pupils trembling as if in a frenzy, "Of course!"
"Imperator, She is so brave, merciful, wise, just, and generous!"
"It is such a supreme deity who brought us a city-state like Ragunna City, an artwork in itself—a true blessing!"
"Do you know? The canals of Ragunna City aren't ordinary waterways; they're the Milky Way, flowing with starlight, exhaled by the Sentinel!"
The two priests stared dumbfounded at Lucian, his face radiating faith, unsure where to interrupt him.
Lucian continued:
"I'm from the New Federation, and I love Rinascita, I love Imperator! Rinascita and our Sentinel are just too amazing!"
"You might not believe this."
"Though I'm from the New Federation, faith in Imperator saved my life and even gave me a wife!"
"I'm willing to offer Calcharo's heart for Imperator!!"
The priests: "???"