Chapter 147: “Appeared in the Real World?”
This translation is hosted on bcatranslation.
In the warmth and excitement of the morning, Nina eagerly descended the staircase, her footsteps echoing with anticipation. As she reached the landing, she spun around, waving cheerfully towards the second floor to signal her Uncle Duncan that she was off to school again.
The relaxed days of holiday breaks and weekends had ended, and it was time for Nina to return to her school routine.
But just as she approached the front door, ready to start her day, she suddenly stopped in her tracks. Her eyes widened in surprise as she noticed a trembling figure hiding behind a nearby bookshelf. Recognizing the familiar face, Nina’s initial shock turned to delight. “Shirley!” she exclaimed, gesturing for the young girl to come out of her hiding spot, “I was wondering where you disappeared to. Want to come to school with me?”
Shirley’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Together?” she blinked, genuinely puzzled, “Where to, exactly?”
“We’re heading to school, silly,” Nina responded with a chuckle, though midway through her sentence, she caught herself, her expression shifting from amused to sheepish. “Oh, I’m sorry. I momentarily forgot…”
Nina knew well that Shirley wasn’t a student at her school, yet she often found herself mistakenly thinking otherwise, sometimes forgetting the pretense under which they interacted.
A brief awkwardness crossed Shirley’s face, her eyes showing a mix of sadness and apology. However, she quickly dispelled the tension. “I won’t be joining you,” she said gently. “My tasks at the school are complete.”
Nina’s smile faltered slightly as she realized her oversight. Moving past the discomfort, she put on her signature bright smile. “Of course, I understand. I should get going then, right?”
Shirley nodded in agreement but then added, remembering something, “Oh, and Nina, I should let you know… I’ll be going home today.”
Nina’s cheerful demeanor wavered. She had grown accustomed to Shirley’s presence over the past few days, and the news was unexpected. “Leaving?” she echoed, taking a moment to absorb the revelation. “So, you won’t be staying here any longer?”
Shirley shook her head gently, her voice soft, “My stay was only meant to be brief. I’ve informed Mr. Duncan as well, and he understands.”
For a few moments, Nina remained silent, processing the information. Finally, she spoke with a hint of hope, “Will you be coming back someday?”
Shirley, feeling an urge to escape, sensed the weight of an unseen gaze from the second floor. Perhaps aware of Duncan’s watchful eyes, she quickly reconsidered. With a hesitant smile, she replied, “If the opportunity arises, I promise to visit. My home isn’t too far away, after all.”
Nina, slightly puzzled by Shirley’s behavior, didn’t dwell on it long, her naturally bubbly nature focusing on the promise. Waving enthusiastically, she pivoted on her heel and dashed through the front entrance, soon blending into the hustle and bustle as she rounded the street corner.
Shirley stood there for a moment, watching Nina’s swift departure, feeling a bit bewildered by her sudden change in demeanor. As her thoughts began to drift, an instinctual jolt of alertness brought her back to the present. She sensed a familiar presence approaching from the stairs behind her.
Turning around, she met Duncan’s watchful gaze. Straightening up, she greeted him with uncharacteristic formality, “Captain… Oh! I mean, good morning, Mr. Duncan!” It wasn’t often that Shirley reached for her manners, but she felt it necessary now.
Duncan raised an eyebrow in amusement. “Such politeness today,” he remarked, descending the stairs. “Have you informed Nina about your departure? Will you be leaving today?”
She nodded, her gaze lowering, her voice barely audible. “Yes, I’ve told her. And since you’ve given your consent, I plan to leave today.”
Sensing her apprehension, Duncan chuckled lightly, “Why the sudden nerves? You were perfectly fine yesterday. Do you reset your anxiousness every morning or something?” As he neared her, he gently patted her frail shoulder. “You know, Shirley, I never intended to confine you here. You were invited as a guest, and guests are free to leave when they wish. Remember, our door is always open to you.”
Trying to articulate her feelings, Shirley replied, “It’s not really what you think. It’s Dog’s influence. Whenever you’re near, he becomes protective and anxious, and I end up feeling those emotions too.”
Duncan’s expression softened, “Ah, Dog… Well, that’s the nature of shadow demons; they’re more perceptive. But think about my offer, Shirley. Staying here might be a better option. The place where you and Dog currently reside sounds quite basic, even unsafe.”
The idea of subspace shadow being safer struck Shirley as almost comical. Finding herself at a loss for words, she couldn’t help but giggle, “I… um… ahaha…”
Duncan, realizing his attempt at persuasion might have been too much, waved it off, “Never mind what I said. I was merely suggesting. Don’t stress over it.” He knew convincing her wouldn’t be easy, especially with Dog’s protective nature. “Whenever you’re ready to leave, just go. And remember, if you gather more information about these Suntists, don’t hesitate to get in touch.”
Shirley nodded silently, lost in her thoughts.
The past two days had felt like a dream. She had found refuge in this place, shielded from the menacing figure she had fled. But now that she was free to leave, a sudden unease gripped her heart.
She had enjoyed the simplicity and warmth of this life—sharing laughter with a new friend, feeling cared for by a guardian figure, enjoying the comfort of a cozy bedroom, the glow of bright lights, indulging in delicious meals, and most of all, sleeping without the fear of nightmares or having to evade those chasing her.
Yet now, as the door to this sanctuary stood open, an irrational thought crept into her mind: was the radiant world she had longed for now slowly dimming and closing its door on her?
As she pondered, a deep voice resonated through their shared consciousness, “We are returning to our path, Shirley.” Dog’s low murmur brought her back to the present.
“Yes, we need to find our path again,” Shirley whispered internally. Lifting her gaze to bid Duncan farewell, she was startled to see a serious expression clouding his features.
In the room’s shadows, Duncan had noticed a fleeting glimmer of an aura from afar. The aura… it matched one of the signatures he had left behind!
“Mr. Duncan? What’s wrong?” Shirley’s voice trembled with concern.
Without waiting for her to finish, Duncan replied, “I detected a specific aura. It’s coming from that direction.”
A moment of confusion passed over Shirley, “An aura?”
“It’s the residual energy I left on that troublesome entity,” Duncan paused, locking eyes with Shirley. “Do you remember the mysterious figure with the umbrella, the one who ambushed you on the fringes of your dream?”
Recognition dawned on Shirley, and her eyes widened in shock, “Are you talking about the fragment you sent ‘home’? But… wasn’t that encounter only in the dream world?”
Duncan’s voice deepened with significance, “While that being did manifest within your dream, the mark I sensed just now was in the real world.”
Chills ran down Shirley’s spine. Memories of that nightmarish encounter surged forward, and Duncan’s words echoed in her mind: the possibility that the dream might have been more than just an illusion.
“Shirley,” Duncan’s voice cut through her reverie, “Before heading home, would you be interested in another adventure with me? If you’re not comfortable, then—”
Before he could finish his sentence, Shirley blurted out with unexpected determination, “I want to!” Realizing the intensity of her reaction, she quickly added, “The entity you’re referring to… after the fire incident, it must be connected to the events from eleven years ago.”
Duncan placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, “Then we embark on this journey together.”
A hesitant question formed on Shirley’s lips, “But how will we get there? Can you pinpoint its exact location? We aren’t going to rely on public transport like last time, are we?”
Duncan’s lips curved into a smile, shaking his head, “Don’t worry. I’ve found a much faster means of transportation.”
Shirley stood frozen, her mouth slightly ajar. She was about to ask about Duncan’s mysterious mode of transport when suddenly, a small, dark figure darted down from the staircase above. Before she could react, it landed gracefully on Duncan’s shoulder.
“To Erxian Bridge we go! Down Chenghua Avenue. And look! There’s a large seat in the back, snacks like melon seeds and refreshing mineral water at the ready. Just remember to keep those feet tucked in!” the figure chirped in an almost musical tone.
Shirley, losing her balance, nearly toppled over. The voice’s animated and slightly chaotic demeanor left her reeling. Regaining her footing, she blinked in surprise, recognizing the little creature: the peculiar dove she had once seen devouring French fries – each nearly as big as itself – in a single gulp!
As she watched in amazement, the dove, known as Ai, took to the air once more. As it did, a brilliant green flame enveloped it, transforming its body into a skeletal form.
Shirley’s eyes widened, her thoughts racing, “What in the world…?”
Before she could process the transformation or turn to Duncan for an explanation, a bright flash engulfed the room. The next thing she knew, she was lifted off her feet.
All aboard! The Ai Express!
Man i love how ai talks, it makes my day
The way Ai talk is quite like how my own thoughts run – random chaos.