Chapter 545: The Forest Sea Returns to Tranquility (3)

"I don't think the family can extract useful information from Zhadeweike's mind, Ms. Xing. Because…"

Luosi Gumu hesitated for a moment and didn't follow up the word "because."

"…The walls probably have ears; some matters aren't suitable for discussion here. The hound's hearing is quite keen." Luosi Gumu turned to Xing and said, "You have the right to know the whole story, Ms. Xing. If you don't, in good faith, inform Hei Ta of your findings, Dr. Zhadeweike may remain confined in the dream prison for an unknown length of time."

"Therefore, Ms. Xing, I'd like to make a request—you would deliver something on my behalf to Dr. Zhadeweike, who is trapped in the dream. I believe this item can help him… regain his senses."

"And you?" Xing asked.

"I will try to negotiate with the family's higher-ups to get Zhadeweike's memory bubbles out of Pinokangni. After that, I hope you can learn the full picture of the incident from Zhadeweike—including what happened after he went missing."

Saying that, Luosi Gumu handed a bottle of an unknown drug to Xing.

After entering the dream, Xing went straight to Zhadeweike and asked whether he still remembered Luosi Gumu.

"Luosi Gumu…? Luosi…?"

As if struck by lightning, Zhadeweike's pupils suddenly dilated to double size—then quickly contracted. The gray mist shrouding his whites cleared, and everything in his expression became lucid.

"Luosi Gumu… where is he? He promised me… he said he would help…" Zhadeweike shook his head, fell silent for a moment, then seemed to recall something, "No… that's not right. He did keep his promise; he didn't betray my trust. The one who vanished is me… my ears and mouth were blocked, and my eyes were covered…"

Zhadeweike only remembered being a member of the Genius Club, but he had no recollection of what he had done, what he had forgotten, or who had bound him… He knew nothing. Finally, Xing showed him the pill she held and said that Luosi Gumu wanted to help him.

"I understand… this is the method he came up with, right?"

——

Sword Art Online.

At the lakeside of the twenty‑second floor of Aincrad, Kirito was casting his line, fishing from the shore. Unlike his relaxed demeanor, Asuna beside him furrowed her brows tighter.

The family has imprisoned Dr. Zhadeweike; aren't they afraid the Genius Club will someday come after them?

Although that hound's attitude toward Zhadeweike could be called courteous, house arrest is still house arrest; a power as large as a corporation probably wouldn't do such a thing, right?

Kirito stared at the soft light dancing on the distant water and said lightly, "Perhaps the family never expected Zhadeweike to expose himself in this way. Moreover, the Genius Club may not be as united as we imagine."

He paused, then continued, "We've only seen a few Genius Club members: Ruan Mei, Hei Ta, and Luosi Gumu—three in total—plus other geniuses across the universe, including the possibly introverted Stephen, whom we've never met. Hei Ta is with Luosi Gumu and Ruan Mei because they share the Simulated Universe project—meaning, without that project, the three probably wouldn't have intersected."

Asuna tilted her head, "But Luosi Gumu is actually quite good; he even promised to help Dr. Zhadeweike."

"Um… a good person like Luosi Gumu is an exception; you can't use a single case to prove the whole. Do you remember the original doctor? Though we only heard them mention him briefly, from Hei Ta's attitude toward him… he's probably not a saint either."

The original doctor… Hanabi said he loves bananas, and we have no idea what kind of saint he is; we just hope he isn't a troublesome person.

——

Zhadeweike was willing to trust Xing and Luosi Gumu, and resolutely swallowed the pill.

This time, Xing intends to enter his emotional space, where his past experiences reside.

Upon entering, Xing arrived at a place resembling Hei Ta's space station; in the distance stood a group of people, with a few researchers and soldiers from the Interstellar Peace Company faintly visible.

The young Zhadeweike stood before Xing, yet he seemed unable to see her, his face etched with anxiety.

"Exactly, Dr. Zhadeweike. Starting from here, we—the Technology Development Department and your team—will jointly forge the galaxy's future," the company's head said.

Zhadeweike: "Don't speak so definitively, Du Lide. As for this project, I can't claim a hundred percent confidence."

"Hahaha… don't worry, we don't need a 100% success rate—we need you on our team." Du Deli laughed heartily.

Zhadeweike, looking worried, said, "Honestly, Du… I'm a bit concerned. The thing you want—a weapon that exists only as a theoretical concept—could it really overturn the galaxy?"

"…Of course, Zhade. Don't underestimate the Technology Development Department; we may lack your genius mind, but we certainly aren't short on foresight." Du Deli looked out the station's window, "The Amber King just swung his hammer, heralding a new era and signaling that the legendary universal cataclysm draws ever nearer…"

Du Deli stated that since the Cancer of Ten Thousand Realms began spreading, activities of groups like the Legion and the Oblivion Gang have become increasingly active. Our work here is to prepare to counter those threats.

"—I don't want to say things like 'our cause is righteous'… I know you're not that naive, Zhade. I just think people can sometimes view things more simply… and life would be much easier."

——

Jujutsu Kaisen.

Why is it the company again? The company really does everything bad!!

The moment company personnel appeared, Itadori couldn't sit still; he had thought only the family was involved in Zhadeweike's case, but it turned out the company had a big hand again.

Based on his understanding of the company, the so‑called 'threat of opposing the Legion and the Oblivion Gang' is surely another pretext; perhaps the real aim is simply to crush targets the company dislikes. He even prays to the Amber King before striking, comforting himself that everything he does serves the cause of preservation.

Hypocrisy…

Since learning how Shajin's Evijin tribe was annihilated, he finds this company that constantly spouts 'preservation' utterly hypocritical.

Although the company is undeniably important, that doesn't stop Itadori from disliking it.