On the Deck
Mr. Yang and Luocha stood side by side.
The sea shimmered with gentle ripples as a breeze rustled their clothes.
"I must apologize for our previous... misunderstandings," Mr. Yang began.
"There's no need for concern, Mr. Welt," Luocha replied. "Truthfully, even I sometimes question what kind of person I ought to be."
His gaze drifted over the water, a flicker of uncertainty passing through his eyes.
Mr. Yang pulled out his phone.
"Doubt is natural for the young. Let me send you a book—perhaps it'll offer some clarity."
"Thank you. I appreciate your guidance."
Luocha opened the file transmitted to his device. The title read: "On the Meaning of Environment—No One is Born Evil."
He blinked, then chuckled softly. "My thanks."
Just then, March 7th burst onto the deck, tugging at Mr. Yang's sleeve.
"Mr. Yang! The new character PV is out! You'll never guess who it is!"
He glanced at Luocha. "...Is it him?"
"Nope! It's Silver Wolf!"
"Come on, let's watch it together!"
---
Inside the Cabin
Silver Wolf stood up, arms crossed. "Since everyone's so curious, I'll project it on the holo-screen."
"Let's see what nonsense Yu Ling cooked up for my PV."
"Feel free to roast it."
The group exchanged amused glances as they gathered around the display.
March 7th waved at Yanqing by the window. "Hey! Join us!"
The young swordsman shook his head.
"The General is currently with three highly dangerous individuals. I must remain vigilant."
"Dan Heng isn't dangerous!" March protested.
Silver Wolf rolled her eyes. "His loss. Let's start."
She hit play.
A pulse of electronic music kicked in as the screen showed a pair of hands rapidly manipulating a game controller. Then—
Gameplay footage.
A character strikingly similar to Silver Wolf battled a mechanized foe, her rabbit-ear headset bobbing as she wielded a laser rifle and drones.
Silver Wolf froze.
"What game is this?"
"I've never played this before."
"Is that... supposed to be me?"
The others looked equally baffled. How does she not recognize herself?
But Mr. Yang's face paled.
He recognized it instantly.
That was Honkai Impact 3rd.
That mech was unmistakably from Earth—his homeworld.
Why was a game from his universe appearing here?
And why did Silver Wolf seem completely unfamiliar with it?
This had to be an Easter egg deliberately inserted by Yu Ling.
Had Yu Ling been to Earth?
The implications sent shockwaves through his mind. For a fleeting moment, he wanted nothing more than to confront the elusive developer.
But he knew better.
March and the others had tried contacting Yu Ling countless times—no response.
This creator was operating on a level beyond comprehension.
First, Mr. Yang suspected ties to the Erudition. Then, the game's depth suggested Remembrance. Its themes echoed Trailblaze.
Now, he wondered if a new Aeon of Gaming had emerged.
Finding Yu Ling was impossible.
---
Meanwhile, the PV reached its climax.
Colorful cubes materialized mid-air as Silver Wolf flashed a smug "L" hand sign and a duck-faced emoji.
The effects screamed arcade nostalgia.
"Nice! Yu Ling, have you been to Punklorde? This is peak cyberpunk aesthetic!"
Suddenly, a Voidranger: Trampler descended, firing energy arrows at her head—
Only for the projectiles to disintegrate into pixelated blocks.
"The weaker they are, the louder they bark," Silver Wolf deadpanned.
Her fingers danced across a holographic interface, transforming the monster into a retro boss sprite.
Barrages of digital attacks shredded its health bar.
"You think you can challenge me?"
"Try again in a century."
- VICTORY -
As the victory jingle played, Silver Wolf's smirk widened.
She loved this.
The music. The style. The effortless taunting. It captured her essence perfectly.
She opened the comments:
"Silver Wolf, my internet queen!"
"Youngsters these days—all bark, no bite."
"No matter how OP you are in-game, touch grass!"
"What was that opening game? Looked fire!"
"If she actually acted like this, I'd simp so hard."
"MUST PULL FOR STELLARON HUNTERS!"
"This soundtrack?! Yu Ling needs to make a rhythm game ASAP!"
Though internally ecstatic, she maintained her aloof facade.
"So? Thoughts?" she asked the room.
Kafka chuckled.
"Do you even need to ask? It's like they stalked you for footage and added special effects."
"Ugh. Not what I meant." Silver Wolf turned to Jing Yuan.
The general nodded. "To trivialize combat as mere gameplay—even against the Antimatter Legion. Remarkable."
March 7th pouted. "Why does she get the coolest theme?! Yu Ling, you BIAS!"
"Where's our hype PVs, huh?!"
"Mr. Yang, back me up!"
But Welt had already opened a window, taking deep breaths.
"I... need a moment."
"Huh?!"
"It's just a video! Why so dramatic?!"
Silver Wolf turned away—hiding her grin.
Perfect.
Her banner was dropping soon. Five-star tier guaranteed.
Her signature Light Cone? [Incessant Rain].
The artwork showed her gaming under a stormy sky.
"Well played, Yu Ling."
"Rainy days ARE for gaming."
"I'm pulling ten copies. Minimum."
To be continued…
Advance 1oo Chapters are up on my Patreon!
pat reon.com/AlphSenatus