Story Reader / Main Story / 34 Dream till the Timeless End / Story
Bane's Capital
Yuqin Hotel
5:50
Line Spacing: 2
Inside the vintage room with its elegant furnishings, soft night lights glow, watching over the person sleeping on the bed.
Hm...
Iris rubs her forehead and sits up from under the covers. Outside the window, the sky is pitch black, with no hint of dawn.
It's the first time she's had a deep sleep in a long time. She sits cross-legged on the bed, hugging her blanket, staring out the window as she slowly untangles her thoughts.
The four of them arrived safely in Bane's capital last night. Thanks to the conductor's various identities, not only Lueya, but even the United Government cannot trace them.
For now, the United Government only knows from the schedule that Jonathan must have entered the country, but nobody knows his exact location.
At this thought, Iris smiles, and slowly lies back down.
It's so nice...
She touches her shoulder, gently tracing the patterns painted there with her fingertips.
To have you by my side...
A detailed action plan that leaves no room for error, always setting up everything one step ahead, just like...
Just like when we fought side by side in the past.
Lost in her thoughts, Iris begins to envision scenes of their future together.
After that...
A word that promises something beautiful is followed by a reality that chills one to the bone.
After this comes the final step—they can hide all they want, but Jonathan must eventually contact the local government.
And the moment he appears in public, Enora Lueya's replica will come for him.
Defeat Enora Lueya's replica and send the conductor away before Enora Lueya arrives. That's the destined future for the two of them.
For her and the conductor, there is no "after"... there never was.
The smile on Iris's lips fades as her gaze sharpens, clearing away the dreamy haze.
Don't lose yourself in dreams... Iris, fate has shown you mercy with its last tenderness. This is already a blessing you never dared wish for.
Iris whispers as she rises to her feet, determined. Fatigue vanishes from her expression as she begins to dress and get ready.
With her back to the window, Iris ties her hair as the first light appears, softly illuminating the room. Her gaze falls on the letter by the bed.
Her movements are slow. A thought flashes through her mind— Should I write a letter to Conductor before saying goodbye?
Her fingertips brush against the letter as reason and emotion clash within her.
A letter... to reveal my true identity, or keep it a secret and just say goodbye...
Reason stands at her left with a stern warning: You've sacrificed so much—wasn't it all for the conductor's safety? If you create more complications and something goes wrong, how will you live with yourself?
Emotion stands at her right, tugging at her hair: Nothing will go wrong... You've sacrificed so much... don't you deserve a place in the conductor's heart... or to leave a tiny trace? Can you live without it?
While she's caught in the conflict, another doubt surfaces.
If she were to write... how should she sign it? Should she write as Selena, or "Iris"?
A very faint knock at the door interrupts her.
Sorry, Cond—Sorry, F.O.S., please give me a moment.
Iris's body relaxes after responding. She closes her eyes and slowly exhales. When she opens them again, there's no hesitation in her gaze.
She'll... She'll just leave one line for the conductor without being seen.
This is her little, secret indulgence and her final solace...
<size=40><i>The nightingale sighs at dawn, roses burn, moonlight hides</i></size>
<size=40><i>Though the journey has reached its end.</i></size>
Royal blue ink and her characteristically delicate handwriting. She takes one last look at the letter before leaving at once.
After rambling on for a while, you finally notice Iris isn't responding. You look up to see her staring at you, motionless.
<size=40><i>In the dawn that clings to time.</i></size>
<size=40><i>In the mirror where farewells are whispered.</i></size>
Iris's gaze remains fixed. She makes no attempt to explain herself, only offering a faint smile.
...I am listening, please continue.
Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Iris's gaze grows increasingly intense as she stares at the person before her, as if trying to burn their image into her eyes.
<size=40><i>But my love, please forgive me.</i></size>
<size=40><i>But my love, please don't be sad.</i></size>
Bane's Capital
City Hall
7:30
Line Spacing: 2
Standing across from the City Hall plaza, Jonathan nervously clutches the terms of agreement he hurriedly drafted overnight.
The signing of "The New Earth Codex" is not an overnight process. It requires many teams to negotiate for days or weeks. In some extreme cases, it may take months just to establish the general direction, followed by years of implementation.
Today, however, the terms of agreement in Jonathan's hands and his actions will determine whether Bane is going to begin this process—or more importantly, with what attitude they'll approach it.
Jonathan resorts to his usual habit to boost his confidence and takes a deep breath.
Chill out.
Dandelion's voice suddenly appears at his ear as she straightens Jonathan's collar.
Iris and F.O.S. will take care of everything. Just focus on your task. Don't worry.
...Sure.
Jonathan nods slowly but seriously. He takes out his phone and walks forward.
This is a dedicated line for the Bane delegation of the United Government Legal Affairs Department. How may I assist you?
Hello, I'm...
As you watch Jonathan walk away, your hand resting on the holster quietly flicks the safety off.
Soon, but it'll be different from before.
Enora Lueya can traverse time with her domain intact if she's fully prepared, so...
Bzz—
Before she can finish, a familiar white noise pierces your ears, followed immediately by white mist coming out of nowhere.
Dandelion bolts for the exit without responding or looking back.
A stage suddenly materializes.
