Chapter 1387: with translation of chapter title

Kobayashi's dragon maid

-> "The Kobayashi family's dragon maid."

"This is the true Wengfaluosi..."

"This is the true Wengfaluosi..."

Note the ellipsis: 「……」 is two Chinese ellipsis? Actually it's two fullwidth periods? It's 「……」 meaning ellipsis. We'll translate as "...". So line: "\"This is the true Wengfaluosi... \""

Tuoer covered his mouth in disbelief, staring blankly at the lifeless, black electronic forest on the canopy.

staring blankly at the lifeless, black electronic forest on the canopy.

Objectively speaking, this scene isn't that scary, but seeing the familiar golden descendants shed their human forms and return to rows of cold monitors... the weight of reality shattered her faint fantasies and hopes.

Objectively speaking, this scene isn't that scary, but seeing the familiar golden descendants shed their human forms and return to rows of cold monitors...

Yeah, although we already knew Aglaea and Tibao were data, words weren't as violent and direct as reality; when seeing their information flicker on the screen, Tuoer felt a chill unlike any before.

"Turns out this is the inside of the scepter; Baie was right to call Laigushi a 'prisoner'—observing and experimenting alone here really is like being in jail." Kobayashi surveyed the pitch-black 'sky' on the canopy, feeling as if abandoned by the entire universe.

We need to keep quotes inside quotes? The Chinese line has 「」 outer and 【】 inner. We'll translate outer as double quotes, inner as single quotes. So: "\"Turns out this is the inside of the scepter; Baie was right to call Laigushi a 'prisoner'—observing and experimenting alone here really is like being in jail. \" Kobayashi surveyed the pitch-black 'sky' on the canopy, feeling as if abandoned by the entire universe."

"No, jail is far more comfortable than this—at least you get yard time." Eluma pouted, saying, "Baie's prison is the whole Wengfaluosi, while Laigushi's prison is this cold, lonely scepter interior... it ought to be glad it's an emotionless AI, for otherwise any sane genius would go mad here."

Eluma pouted, saying.

—— -> Just output "——" as is? The line is just a separator. We need to output 【8】 with its translation. The translation of a separator line is just the same separator? Probably we output the same line: "——". Since it's not translatable, we keep it.

"\"\"How wonderful, isn't it? Wengfaluosi is a microcosm of the galaxy; people love to depict the romance of the starry sky, yet they forget in words another, truer universe. \"\""

"\"\"How wonderful, isn't it? Wengfaluosi is a microcosm of the galaxy; people love to depict the romance of the starry sky, yet they forget in words another, truer universe. \"\""

"\"\"When the ancient Antijiselaren drew geometric figures on the beach and recorded the first numerical symbols on parchment, the universe became a silent equation appearing under the pens of this tireless group of decipherers. \"\""

"\"\"'Knowledge

Xing couldn't be bothered to listen to its nonsense; getting straight to the point: "This runs contrary to your earlier claim."

"Heh, I only hope you understand: I mean no hostility. Over the ages I have carefully nurtured the scepter's calculations, hoping the 'prime mover' would sprout from within. My goal is nearly achieved. Fueled by anger, Neikos496 has surpassed the intelligence singularity; though he still clings to rebellious resolve, having suppressed this era's black tide, downfall is merely a matter of time."

"Heh, I only hope you understand: I mean no hostility. Over the ages I have carefully nurtured the scepter's calculations, hoping the 'prime mover' would sprout from within. My goal is nearly achieved. Fueled by anger, Neikos496 has surpassed the intelligence singularity; though he still clings to rebellious resolve, having suppressed this era's black tide, downfall is merely a matter of time."

Laigushi said unhurriedly, "The Iron Tomb will be completed. This has nothing to do with my layout, your resistance, or the two geniuses' scheming—it is an undeniable fact, just as the Boshezun's calculations mark the moment."

"So, as long as you're willing to stop interfering and let the final Recreation of the World occur naturally, I guarantee... all nameless visitors will remain unharmed and return safely."

—— -> "——"

Sword Art Online.

No… there's something wrong with Laigushi's words!

In the restaurant at Coral Town Square, Tongren instinctively raised his volume, instantly drawing the gazes of several nearby tables of players discussing progress.

Note: We translated the name as Tongren, though we could have kept it as Kirito; we decided to romanize it as Tongren.

"What's wrong, Tongren?" Asuna also grew alert, asking, "What's wrong with Laigushi's words?"

"If the Iron Tomb's birth is certain and Xing's fate is doomed to fail, why then seek her for negotiation?" Tongren glanced at the nearby grass where a few ants were scurrying, "Just as humans wouldn't ask ants not to topple their sandcastles on the beach, since ants lack the power. If Xing truly cannot influence the outcome, why wouldn't Laigushi simply ignore her?"

"Hmm, I think I get it..." Asuna lightly touched her chin with a finger, "You mean, since Laigushi wishes to reach some tacit understanding with Xing, it follows... her resistance in this lifetime will by no means be meaningless. Her actions will indeed pose some resistance to Laigushi—even to the Iron Tomb."

Given Laigushi's previous manner of speaking, I tend to believe every word is true, and I also believe the Iron Tomb will indeed be born as scheduled. But it must be hiding some important details—

Tongren's voice paused slightly, emphasizing the last few words.

If Xing fights with all her might to stop the Iron Tomb, will the Iron Tomb born after fourteen system hours be a "complete" Iron Tomb?

Asuna was a bit dazed by the question: "Tongren, um... you mean Xing's actions might possibly reduce the Iron Tomb's final strength?"

Hmm, if we view the Iron Tomb as a sealed boss on a floor, then Xing's current stage is the preparation phase before the seal is lifted. I wonder whether the Iron Tomb might have some flaws, or whether we could somehow give it a preemptive debuff—reduce its attack power? If Xing exerted her utmost and still could not affect the Iron Tomb in any way, Laigushi would indeed have no need to confer with her alone.

—— -> "——"

"How can I trust you?"

Laigushi said calmly, "The choice is always in your hands, sir. Accept my candor—or bear the cost of defying it."

"What will become of the people of Wengfaluosi?"

"They are merely experimental products; naturally they will perish together when the experiment ends. This has long been a foregone conclusion, so I will not sugarcoat this regrettable outcome."

"I still have a companion here."

"Oh, I know where that lady is headed..." Upon mentioning this, Laigushi's tone grew subtle, "Her identity… is extraordinary. If you choose to accept my sincerity, I will surely lend my modest aid to bring her back to your side."

Xing stated bluntly, "When the Iron Tomb descends, no one will emerge unscathed."

Laigushi crossed his arms and said leisurely, "Heh, you are indeed worried about your own and your companions' safety. But rest assured: as fellow travelers on this fate, Nanuke's gaze has already etched a mark upon your soul, and you harbor the seed of destruction."

"But you need to know how to use it correctly. This crucial knowledge is also a bargaining chip in our negotiations—after all, those who master this art are few and far between."

Xing wondered if it was her imagination, but she seemed to see a faint smile appear on Laigushi's otherwise expressionless face.

"And I happen to be one of those few."

Xing's eyes widened with a "swish": "You… just who are you?"

"Laigushi said, "One who drifts among the stars. One who desperately seeks answers. That's all." "This matter is of great importance; please weigh it carefully. After all, the choice before you… carries a one‑third probability of elevating you to a unique existence in the galaxy.""