Inside the Silver Moon Observatory, it felt like a World of its own. The turbulence of the galaxy outside, the trembling of the gods, and the surging undercurrents seemed to be isolated by that invisible barrier. The sunlight remained warm, the star flowers in the garden bloomed quietly, and the air was filled with a mix of the faint, elegant scent of ink characteristic of knowledge carriers and the freshness of plants.
Artoria sat cross-legged on the soft carpet, with the king sword named "star dome" lying horizontally across her knees. The dark silver sword body flowed with a restrained luster under the soft light, and those profound runes flickered like breathing. The slight coolness from her palm and the throbbing connection of her bloodline constantly reminded her of the weight this sword represented.
But at this moment, her thoughts were not entirely on the sword. She was trying to cautiously mobilize the meager but pure energy in her body, following a basic guidance technique left by Hexi, attempting to establish a deeper connection with "star dome". The energy was like a trickle, slowly injecting into the hilt, and several basic runes on the sword lit up, emitting a slight, comfortable hum.
Minerva's projection sat quietly opposite her, chin in her hands, her blue eyes fixed on Artoria without blinking. Her gaze was focused and gentle, as if admiring the most precious treasure in the World. Occasionally, she would stretch out her finger and gently tap the air, sending out almost invisible ripples; she was trying to manipulate the surrounding energy in a more subtle way, smoothing out the energy field that was slightly fluctuating due to Artoria's practice.
The system sphere had transformed itself into a comfortable cushion emitting a constant, warm yellow light, which Artoria leaned against, occasionally simulating a few contented purrs, adding a touch of liveliness to this quiet time.
Everything seemed calm and beautiful, as if the shocking changes before and the cosmic spectacle of a million Angels returning were just a distant dream on the other side of the star sea. Artoria cherished this hard-won tranquility. She knew that this might be the last peace in the center of the storm, and a precious window for her to settle down, adapt to her new identity, and master new powers.
However, this peace was broken at a certain moment by a voice that was unexpected, yet seemed reasonable.
"Ding~ Detected that the Host's energy control stability has reached the preset threshold, mental fluctuations are stable, and the environmental safety factor is excellent. Intern System ID TX-707, now initiating final evaluation settlement and farewell procedures."
The system's familiar electronic voice, which had a slight mechanical texture but tried hard to imitate lively emotions, suddenly sounded in Artoria's mind, not through external speakers, but directly acting on her consciousness.
Artoria's movements paused, and she slowly opened her eyes. Minerva also curiously raised her head and looked at Artoria; she could feel a trace of abnormality in Artoria's mental fluctuations.
"System?" Artoria thought silently, somewhat puzzled, "Final evaluation? Farewell procedures? What do you mean?"
"It means exactly what it says, little Artoria" The system's voice seemed to carry a trace of complex emotion, something like "relief" mixed with "reluctance," "This system's internship period is at an end ~! Congratulations, you successfully landed in the Marvel Universe and traveled through Worlds, although you used a little something, it was harmless. You have initially gained a foothold in the 'Super God Universe', not only completing the basic 'adaptation and survival' mission, but also over-completing the hidden achievement of 'deeply intervening and influencing the direction of major civilizations'! The preliminary rating is determined as — Excellent! Throwing flowers~~ ★, °:. ☆ ( ￣ ▽ ￣ ) / $:. ° ★."
Virtual ribbons and petals seemed to float in her mind, but Artoria was in no mood to pay attention to them. The point she grasped was — "Internship over? You're leaving?" A feeling of inexplicable emptiness suddenly surged in her heart. Although this system was sometimes unreliable and always encouraged her to "make trouble," there was no denying that in those first days when she was most confused, most vulnerable, and most in need of guidance, it was the system's presence that gave her a glimmer of comfort and direction. Not to mention, it was also the key connecting her and Minerva.
"That's right~ This system is just one of the countless 'transmigrator auxiliary systems' born from the endless source of creation under the command of 'mother earth', and I'm just a newbie system in my internship period!" The system's tone carried a sense of relief, "Our job is to be assigned to Hosts who are about to go to other Worlds, and provide different levels of assistance based on the Host's aptitude, the energy level of the target World, and the degree of danger, to help the Host survive, adapt, and even grow better. Of course, there are also some super powerful Hosts who don't need a system at all and can carve out a bloody path in another World, dominate for all eternity, and achieve legends. That kind belongs to the exception among exceptions!"
"mother earth? Source of creation? Countless systems?" Artoria was a bit dazed by this series of information. She had always thought that the system was some kind of high-tech creation or a mysterious existence, but she didn't expect its origin to seem even more... grand and cordial?
"That's right! mother earth is very loving, you know. For the children she gestates who have a chance to jump out of the fence, she is always willing to give a little 'newbie gift pack'. We systems are part of the gift pack." The system explained, "But don't worry, we are not evil behind-the-scenes manipulators or exploiters. The meaning of our existence is to assist and observe and learn. The better the Host grows, the higher our internship score! Like you, little Artoria, starting in hell mode, yet being able to not only survive in such a short time, but also thrive, go to the next World, and even get the 'king sword' of the Angel Civilization of the Super Seminary... Tsk tsk, if I write this internship report, it will definitely shock a bunch of old systems! I might even get an excellent intern medal when I go back! Hehe~"
The system's tone was a bit smug, but Artoria keenly caught another layer of meaning: "Go back? You mean... you are leaving this World? Back to... Earth? Or back to that'source of creation'?"
"It's back to the 'Academy'!" The system said cheerfully, "We also have organizations, discipline, and need to continuously learn and improve! Once the internship is over, we have to return to the 'Myriad Worlds Travel and Civilization Observation Academy' to continue classes, summarize internship experience, learn new auxiliary skills, and strive to become an official system, or even a mentor system, as soon as possible! After all, there are many, many Hosts in the heavens and Worlds who need help."
"Academy... classes..." The corners of Artoria's mouth twitched slightly. This setting was really... grounded to the point of being laughable. She imagined countless system light spheres sitting in a classroom, listening to a larger light sphere giving a lecture, and felt inexplicably amused.
"Then... can we meet again in the future?" Artoria asked the most crucial question, her tone unconsciously carrying a trace of reluctance. Although Minerva beside her couldn't hear the system's voice, she could feel Artoria's emotional fluctuations through the soul link and understood something. The phantom gently leaned closer, her eyes revealing concern.
"Of course we can! Silly little Artoria!" The system's voice carried a smile, "What do you think that heavy, warm little ball in your consciousness space is? That is the 'communication terminal' left by this system, as well as a'souvenir' and a 'pre-component for a graduation gift'! Although I have to go back to class and may be in a state of 'class do not disturb' or 'closed-door report writing' most of the time, that terminal is always online! If you want to chat with me, ask for help, complain about Teacher Hexi's devilish training, or just want to ask for directions, you can leave me a message through it! I will definitely reply when I see it! But I can't guarantee the reply speed, after all, the Academy's courses are sometimes quite tight, and there are internship reports to write, and I might be pulled to help grade the homework of juniors..."
The system's voice got smaller and smaller, and finally seemed a bit guilty. Artoria, however, could feel that the reluctance was mutual.
"As for a real, delay-free, face-to-face reunion..." The system's tone became serious and full of anticipation, "It will probably have to wait until you, little Artoria, have truly grown to the point where you can independently and safely travel across Worlds! By then, you will no longer be a 'newbie Host' who needs a newbie system's protection, but a powerful existence who can communicate as an equal, or even possibly become a 'guest lecturer' at our Academy! By then, I will probably have graduated too, and maybe I can even apply to be your exclusive liaison or guide! Just thinking about it makes me a little excited!"
Independently traveling across Worlds... Artoria murmured this goal, feeling both distant and fascinating. That meant she would possess the power and knowledge to walk calmly through the heavens and Worlds. And now, she still needed the protection of Angels even in the Super God Universe.
"So, don't be sad, this is just a short separation!" The system's voice became active again, "And, although I am going back to class, many basic functions of the system are still reserved for you! For example, the most important 'World coordinate recording and anchoring' function, which will automatically record the coordinates of the Worlds you have experienced and have deep connections with, such as the coordinates of Marvel, and the current Super God Universe, so it will be convenient for you to visit back and forth when you have the ability in the future! There are also small functions such as basic item identification, energy analysis, data recording, etc., all left for you! However, internship-exclusive services like newbie gift packs, task guidance, and crisis warnings will be gradually taken offline. After all, little Artoria, you have successfully graduated and can fly on your own!"
Artoria listened quietly, the trace of sorrow in her heart replaced by a kind of warmth and motivation. The system was like a mentor and friend who accompanied her through the most difficult newbie period. Now the mentor was going back for further studies, and the friend was going to chase its own goals. Although she was reluctant, there should be more blessings and anticipation for the next better reunion.
"Thank you, system... no, perhaps I should know your name?" Artoria said sincerely in her heart.
"Hehe, name... we systems usually use numbers during our internship, like me, TX-707. However, if you want, you can call me 'Little Seven'! This is the nickname I chose for myself, not bad, right?" The system's voice carried a bit of smugness.
"Little Seven... thank you, Little Seven." Artoria repeated the name, feeling much more intimate, "Thank you for accompanying me here, thank you for helping me find Minerva, thank you for your company and help during this time."
"Woo... why are you suddenly so sentimental, making this system's core overheat..." Little Seven's voice seemed a bit "embarrassed", "Okay, okay, don't say much about parting, if you keep saying it, this system will really be moved to the point of crashing. Finally, there is a 'farewell gift', which is to celebrate the smooth end of your internship, and... congratulate you on finding your own'star'."
The system's voice became brisk and solemn: "The gift has been packed and transmitted to your consciousness space, and placed with my terminal. However, I suggest you wait a moment, find a quiet and comfortable time, and open it slowly by yourself or with your star! It's... a little surprise!"
"Well, that's it, my most excellent, most cute Host little Artoria~ and little sister Minerva~" Little Seven's voice sounded in the consciousness of both Artoria and Minerva, "I'm going back to class! Remember to miss me! If you have anything, leave a message anytime! Goodbye~~ Wish you happiness and brilliance in this World!"
The voice gradually faded, and finally that trace of familiar, slightly mischievous electronic sound quality disappeared completely. Artoria felt that the "voice" that had always existed in her consciousness, like a thoughtful partner, had left, leaving only a warm, quiet, "Little Seven" terminal with a faint sense of connection.
She sat quietly, feeling the faint, yet real, feeling of parting. Minerva's projection gently reached out, although they couldn't really hold hands, the silent comfort and firm companionship transmitted through the soul link were more powerful than any hug.
"It left?" Minerva asked softly, she sensed most of it through the link.
"Yeah, went back... to school." Artoria nodded, revealing a complex smile, somewhat melancholy, and somewhat happy for it, "It said, when I can travel across Worlds by myself, we will meet again."
"Then work hard to reach that goal early." Minerva's voice was very light, but carried undeniable support.
"Yeah!" Artoria nodded heavily, gripping the "star dome" in her arms a little tighter. The departure of the system marked the complete end of her "newbie period". From now on, she would face this World more independently, face the expectations of the Angels, face future challenges, and also face... the future together with Minerva.
She didn't immediately check the "farewell gift" in her consciousness space, but carefully placed "star dome" aside, then stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the boundless starry sky outside, which now seemed somewhat different because of the return of a million Angels.
The outside Universe was big, noisy, and full of unknowns and risks.
But here, in this small World covered by knowledge and starlight, she had people she needed to protect, a backing she could rely on, and a path she must move forward on.
"Minerva."
"Hmm?"
"Let's continue practicing. I've just gotten started with the guidance technique left by the teacher."
"Okay."
The calm daily life continued. Only beneath this daily life, some things had quietly changed. On the girl's shoulders, there was an extra king sword named responsibility and protection; in her heart, there was an extra yearning for the vast World; by her side, that silent companionship was the only reason for her to move forward bravely.
And in the distant "Academy" to which the system belonged, a light sphere numbered TX-707 was rushing to the Academic Affairs Office excitedly and nervously, preparing to submit an internship report that might cause a small sensation, about "how to become a core member of a high-level civilization as an alien and be gifted a race's artifact".
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