Tribbie stayed in the hidden carriage for a while longer. Only after confirming that no more sound came from behind that door did she clutch her chest and slowly relax.
Maybe she was just being too nervous.
She sat back on the sofa, hugging her knees, trying to shift her attention away from the scare she just had.
Madam Herta had left, and Miss System seemed busy; she was the only one left in the vast carriage.
Though it was safe, it was... a bit too quiet.
(What should I do?)
Tribbie rested her chin on her hand, her azure eyes scanning the carriage.
Read a book? The topics from her conversation with Madam Herta were still swirling in her mind. The discussions about the tragedies of different worlds had left her thoughts in disarray; at this moment, she didn't feel calm enough to dive into those heavy tomes.
(Right! The "Elysian Realm" Madam Herta mentioned before!)
Tribbie's eyes lit up.
It contained the memory data of warriors from another world. They were said to have distinct personalities and many stories to tell.
Since she had nothing to do anyway, why not... go take a look?
As soon as the thought appeared, it grew rapidly like a vine.
She remembered Madam Herta saying that as a "liberated" Chrysos Heir, she had certain activity permissions within the System Space, as long as she didn't touch the core areas or perform dangerous operations.
Tribbie closed her eyes and tried to concentrate, recalling that faint sense of connection with the System Space—as the Chrysos Heir of the "Gateway," she seemed able to reach "operation permissions" within this space.
With a slight movement of her mind.
When she opened her eyes again, a door emitting white light silently slid open on the carriage wall in front of her, its edges flowing with pale golden patterns.
(It really works!)
Tribbie felt a surge of joy, mixed with a bit of trepidation.
She took a deep breath, straightened her skirt, gently pushed the door open, and walked in.
Instantly, the warm scene of the carriage was replaced by an infinite "whiteness."
This was one of the areas of the System Space: vast, silent, and lacking any landmarks, with only a white "ground" that seemed to stretch infinitely beneath her feet.
Tribbie steadied herself and looked around curiously.
Not far away, she saw Miss System standing with her back turned, facing an incredibly massive translucent screen that occupied almost her entire field of vision.
On the screen, an endless stream of data flashing with various lights poured down like a waterfall at a dizzying speed. It was interspersed with a large number of complex geometric shapes that made one's head spin at a glance, along with constantly refreshing coordinate parameters and strings of meaningless symbols.
Tribbie only took one look before her head began to throb. She quickly looked away and instinctively rubbed her temples.
(The things Miss System is processing are terrifying... Is this what Madam Herta has to face normally?)
She didn't dare go forward to say hello. Miss System's posture, as if she were one with the entire torrent of data, made her feel that disturbing her now might not be a good idea. She lightened her steps and began to cautiously explore this pure white space.
Before she had gone far, a "device" that was starkly different from the surrounding pure white environment caught her eye.
It was an extremely complex metallic structure, its surface shimmering with a dim but deep glint. Its overall silhouette vaguely resembled architectural elements like castles, towers, and cloisters, but they were stacked in a way that defied physical common sense, forming an independent and complete model of a "world."
Countless pale golden bands of light, resembling nerve bundles, extended from the base of the device and vanished into the white "ground" below.
(The Elysian Realm... this must be it!)
Tribbie recognized it immediately, her heart beating slightly faster.
The external appearance described by Madam Herta matched the device before her perfectly.
She stepped closer and looked up at this creation, which was countless times taller than her, her heart filled with wonder.
Is this the place where the memories of the thirteen heroes from another world are stored?
Tribbie walked halfway around the base of the device but found no obvious door or control panel.
She tried reaching out her hand to gently touch the metal surface, which was covered in fine patterns.
The moment her fingertip made contact—
Hum.
A sense of resonance, as if coming from the depths of her soul, washed over her.
Immediately after, the small area she touched suddenly lit up with a soft white light, which quickly spread into a circle of light that enveloped her entire body.
Tribbie felt her vision blur, and the surrounding white scenery vanished like a receding tide.
In the next second, the feeling of solid ground returned, and the light became soft.
She found herself standing in a wide, ancient corridor.
On either side were towering stone pillars carved with exquisite but unfamiliar reliefs.
(I'm in!)
Tribbie was both surprised and delighted as she curiously examined her surroundings.
Is this the inside of the Paradise?
It was just as Madam Herta had described—like the ruins or palace of some ancient civilization.
She walked a few steps down the corridor, her footsteps echoing softly in the empty environment.
Rounding a corner, she saw a petite figure with sea-blue hair not far ahead, walking slowly with her back turned.
The girl held a paintbrush in one hand and seemed to be carrying a small paint box in the other.
(Griseo?)
Tribbie immediately matched the appearance from the records.
That Flame-Chaser who was said to be able to express and influence "colors" and "emotions" through painting. She looked very young and was always very quiet.
Tribbie felt relieved; encountering a seemingly gentle Flame-Chaser was a good opportunity to ask for directions or learn about the situation.
She quickened her pace, a friendly smile on her face, and called out softly, "Hello? Excuse me..."
The little blue-haired girl stopped in her tracks and slowly turned around.
When she saw the other's face clearly, Tribbie's prepared greeting got stuck in her throat.
It was indeed Griseo's youthful and delicate face.
But those purple eyes, which were supposed to be like tranquil lakes, now held a coldness that was completely out of place with her age and appearance.
She looked Tribbie up and down, her gaze like she was evaluating a novel object.
"Hmph..."
Griseo spoke. Her voice was still the clear, childish tone of a young girl, but her delivery was exceptionally flat, even carrying a slightly cold, drawn-out quality. "Let me guess... red hair, azure eyes, and an expression that seems full of unnecessary curiosity... You must be the one mentioned in the files—the Chrysos Heir from Amphoreus who represents the 'Gateway,' Tiresias, right?"
Tribbie was stunned and nodded instinctively. "Y-Yes... you can also call me Tribbie."
She started to feel uneasy. (The records said Griseo is quiet and introverted, even a bit shy around strangers, and that she speaks directly but simply... This tone, this gaze... why does it feel like something's wrong?)
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