It's so painful! So hard! So difficult!

"I'm fine, but now, I want to tell you a story."

-

Bai Lin, reclining on the sofa, breathed a sigh of relief. This was her second night staying with the dwarves. Beside her, an iron cup of wine sat. The icy, yet intense liquid, like her eyes at that moment, was silent yet brimming with emotion.

Chapter 816 It’s Better to Be Later

Overall, this matter was handled very well. Bai Lin handled it according to his own wishes and got what he wanted.

After discussing the matter with the dwarves, the entire tribe quickly reached a consensus: they must support Bai Lin.

The reason is very simple, because their goals are generally the same as Bai Lin's, and even if there are some changes, they will be extremely similar.

It's known that some inexplicable entity destroyed the hero's world, and then the dwarves seemed to have discovered something and were threatened. Furthermore, the hero fought against this unknown entity and ultimately died, leaving not even a trace of dust behind.

If Bai Lin wants to save the world, then he will most likely have to fight against such things. For this reason, the dwarves have a reason to share the same goal with Bai Lin.

"Thinking back, although I don't remember the specifics, the story you told me felt as if it had happened to me. Back then, our entire clan had been planning to fight to the death together, but it was only because that hero once said he could return that we ended up like this."

This is what Snow Bear replied after hearing Bai Lin's words. Even if faced with a struggle, they would not yield. This was definitely the style of the dwarves then and now, and it has never changed.

Now that the hero is gone, the meaning of their lives is to follow her and continue to fight. It is only natural that when they learn of this, they will definitely want to avenge her.

Furthermore, the goal of protecting the surrounding area is also closely tied to Bai Lin. After all, Bai Lin also needs to quell a great deal of unrest, and there will always be common enemies. Therefore, the dwarves will provide support to Bai Lin, but aside from supplies, all other matters will be handled by the poet. After all, she can predict the future, so she will naturally know which enemies are common and when to coordinate.

However, whether or not to fully invest resources to support Bai Lin's goals would require long-term consideration. All of this was within Bai Lin's expectations. She had never considered using the blood and flesh of the dwarves to pave a path to salvation. The aforementioned content was already very rich.

There wasn't much disagreement among the dwarves regarding the hero, Bai Lin. She had already earned everyone's approval. Even if they didn't follow her, according to the dwarven tradition, they were expected to be close friends with Bai Lin. The dwarves were one of the races most closely associated with heroes.

According to the original plan, they were supposed to create a special weapon or armor for Bai Lin, but...

"It's better to do it later."

The dwarves all said so. They weren't being sympathetic, but rather, part of the problem lay with Bai Lin. Although Bai Lin had experienced enough, a mystery still lingered within her. It wasn't simply due to the mysteries of this world, but rather some other impurities.

"Only when you fully understand your future path can we proceed with our forging. Otherwise, the equipment we forge will not be a masterpiece worthy of a hero. I'll make you something else this time. When you feel it's appropriate, come back to us, great hero."

That's what the dwarves said. After all, it's a forging from another world, so a bit of idealism and metaphysics is normal. Bai Lin didn't raise any doubts or denials. She knew she still had a lot to learn.

That's about it. This could be considered the most fruitful harvest I've had recently, gaining the support of an entire race, and all I did was shoot myself three times...

The chaos in the other world is relative. There may be all kinds of people who want to attack you for various reasons, but it is also possible that like the current situation, there will be people who provide you with support.

Although Bai Lin still felt the warmth brought by the dwarves, she still felt like there was a hole in her heart. That's why she sat on the sofa, lost in thought. Suddenly, as if she remembered something, she stood up and walked straight to the door of the room.

The house he lived in was the top floor of a building. However, above the steel dome, there naturally needed to be a space where he could directly touch the starry sky to be considered perfect.

Although, the dwarves don’t have a starry sky here either.

Even without a rooftop, some people would still go up to the rooftop to get closer to the sky. A quiet place further away from the earthly world below always allows people to better express their emotions.

However, Bai Lin did not come here to express his emotions.

Walking through the porch and ascending the steps to the rooftop, she was greeted by the sound of music. The music was resonant, magnificent and soaring, evoking a sense of fantasy and beauty. But upon closer inspection, she discovered the main melody running through the music was mournful and hollow, reminiscent of the life of a small, powerless person.

Even from a distance, the music had already given Bai Lin a profound shock. But more than that, she was concerned about something else. Piano, keyboard, violin, bass, tuba, and electric guitar—that's roughly the instruments that made up the entire piece. Someone must be running a band on this rooftop, with all these instruments?

And when she actually reached the rooftop, the answer was, of course, that there wasn't the imagined band playing there. Beneath the chaotic, blazing dome, a single figure stood there. As the music began to ripple with her movements, that figure, infinitely smaller than the vastness of the rooftop, filled the entire night sky. It had nothing to do with "thinness."

Like an illusory red shadow, a circle of projections resembling piano keys appeared around her. Several panels, too numerous for Bai Lin to discern, were projected around the figure. She, like the rooftop, was dressed primarily in gray, yet a red glow flowed through her. The dark glow was blinding, as if a crimson storm blew in response to her movements.

But a closer look reveals that the only things moving are the performer's hands. Even though the movement appears incredibly restless, the core content remains the same, filled with a sense of silent powerlessness. If you don't want to move, and you don't want to move, then don't move.

Chapter 817 Sun and Shadow Follow

This figure was, of course, the poet. Bai Lin knew she was on the rooftop from the start. After all, the poet was with her every day, and if he disappeared without a clear whereabouts, she would definitely be uneasy.

As for why she came here now, it was only because the poet said that he "wanted to be alone for a while", so he didn't come.

When Bai Lin arrived, the poet's performance was nearing its end. A short but powerful glissando marked the end of the piece. The slightly uplifting design surprised Bai Lin slightly. She clapped her hands heartily, walked towards the poet with a smile on her face, and praised him.

"Very good, poet! You said before that your skills as a poet are impeccable, and now it seems to be true. I was wondering how you could be associated with those romantic poets who play a little tune or a little violin when you are dressed like this. I didn't expect you to have such a unique style. By the way, what instrument is this?"

Bai Lin started praising the poet fiercely. The poet naturally paused for a moment, and then said,

"This is a multifunctional mechanical creature I modified myself. It's usually mounted on my scabbard, used as a kinetic energy buffer and also provides event recording. To put it in a way you can understand, its properties as a musical instrument are extremely diverse, capable of accurately combining the timbres of various musical pieces. Once the data is imported and the format is pre-set, any form of music can be easily played."

"Of course, since it's a musical instrument, it's naturally one of the bard's important companions. Therefore, it also has AI and its own name."

As he spoke, the light surrounding the poet gradually dimmed, and the cylindrical sphere at its center gradually transformed into a small sphere. It had simulated light features similar to the poet's visor, and a pair of small wings in the form of light grew beside it. The small sphere, floating in the air, looked incredibly lively, even when it was just blinking.

"It's called Choco Donazz. I've never played the piano before, so I haven't had the chance to introduce it to you. But it's not too late to get to know each other from today."

The poet stroked the top of Chocodonaz's round head, as if caressing his pet. Bai Lin's eyebrows twitched.

What's... what's this name? It sounds so familiar. And this cyberpoet paired with a cyberpet, well... it's not unreasonable, right? Perhaps this is the diversity of this world.

Today, Bai Lin feels that nothing in this world is surprising. So, she directly picks up the topic,

"So, why did you think of playing the piano today?"

Bai Lin went straight to the point, but the poet looked away and said in a lowered tone,

"It's just to let out some emotions. Singing or playing the piano can actually really soothe a person's spirit."

"Son, you should be feeling a bit of that kind of repression, right? Just like Shancha said, why does someone like that have to die?"

The poet sighed and looked at the cloudy sky in the distance. She placed her hands on the edge of the rooftop and said slowly,

"The deeds of heroes may not always be good, and there are also villains among those who become heroes. But without exception, they all end up in a bad way. There are far too few heroes who get a good ending, but they should deserve a happy and satisfactory ending."

Just like good people don't get good rewards, even in fairy tales, there are few heroes with happy endings. This point, from Bai Lin's perspective, is also correct. She nodded thoughtfully, then replied to the poet,

"Indeed, heroes are called heroes because they shone at certain moments in their lives. They broke through their trapped mental states to do things, like ensuring others were fed even when they themselves were hungry, or successfully leading others through a siege despite knowing victory was impossible. The very existence of heroes is a miracle."

"People often overlook that, for the most part, every hero's life is similar to that of ordinary people. They also have their own daily lives to live. Once they experience something as dazzling as heroic deeds, their daily lives are bound to be disrupted. Things like enemies and interests will undoubtedly flock to them, preventing them from finding the stability they desire."

"So perhaps, ending one's life at its most glorious moment is also a good choice."

At this point, Bai Lin smiled again, but this time, her smile seemed a little bitter. The poet objected directly and loudly,

"Since the existence of heroes is a miracle, why can't miracles be bestowed upon them themselves? After completing their heroic deeds, can they still live happily? Isn't that possible?"

"No matter how glorious their heroic deeds, heroes should still want to live their own lives. That's what they deserve, and it's reasonable. Why can't they even guarantee their own happiness after being such great heroes?"

Bai Lin was silent about this question. He could not give a definite answer. Most people would not be happy to see good people get hurt. She had the same attitude towards heroes. After a long silence, Bai Lin slowly said,

"Well...if there really is a way to make everyone happy, that would be the best. However, many heroes are already doing things beyond their capabilities, and there's nothing we can do about it. Sometimes, if you don't risk your life, it's hard to get things done."

Bai Lin said so. The poet also sighed and continued Bai Lin's words.

"Indeed. Like the story I heard today... perhaps that ending is already considered good enough. She became a miracle in the eyes of others, but she didn't expect any miracle to happen, instead choosing to sacrifice herself like that."

"But is there really any way to do it better...? I can't find the answer."

The poet's tone gradually became hurt. Even Bai Lin could hear the confusion in his tone. Bai Lin jumped out of the situation, rummaged through her waist, and then took out two tin cans. She jumped in front of the poet, shook them, and said,

"You're a little tired, boss. This story isn't new to you. Saving the world is a heavy task, and hearing about tragedy is an even heavier psychological burden."

Chapter 818 I ask you again

"But who can say that our story is bound to be a tragedy? No matter what happened in the past or today, the sun will rise tomorrow as usual. So, it's better not to worry about it yet and relax a little."

There was no trace of gloom in Bai Lin's smile, and the small tin box in her hand looked very familiar. It was obviously the tin can that the dwarves used to store wine.

Seeing Bai Lin so cheerful, no matter who it was, it would be hard to refuse her kindness, especially the poet's words. She took the wine bottle handed to her by Bai Lin, took off her mask and hood, opened the bottle cap, brought it to her nose and mouth, sniffed it first, and then asked Bai Lin,

"I remember that when I drank it yesterday at noon, they also had sweet and fruity strong liquor, right? I'm not saying that you can't drink this bitter one, but still...?"

"Oh, I wanted to drink that too, so I gave you the one I don't like, hahaha."

Bai Lin smiled, tossing her drink toward the poet before accepting the one he offered. She'd always had a preference for wine, but wasn't picky. Even in this less formal setting, she displayed her usual clumsy, childish nature. The poet, accepting the drink, looked at Bai Lin, a little speechless and choking. Bai Lin, aware of her awkwardness, quickly offered the jug with a smile, clinking it with his.

"cheers!"

"cheers."

The strong liquor went down her throat, and the rich aroma of the liquor was swallowed down the poet's throat. The warm feeling of alcohol instantly hit her head. She breathed a sigh of relief, her eyes looking around, a little confused and lonely. However, this is much better than being sad. Bai Lin quickly struck while the iron was hot and said,

"It's okay to indulge a little after work. After all, you can predict the future and know when to stop, right? We're the kind of people who won't let alcohol and cigarettes interfere with our work. It's okay, just drink!"

The poet heard Bai Lin say this and replied,

"That's true. Although you sometimes drink a lot and get scolded by your partner, you haven't let it affect your work. It can't harm your body, nor does it wear you down mentally. So, it seems like alcohol isn't bad for you."

Bai Lin said that it was okay for the poet to drink, but the poet's words might be a little sharp. Bai Lin laughed dryly. She strode forward, leaned on the edge of the rooftop next to the poet, and replied,

"Don't insult me. I don't have many chances to be scolded by her anymore."

Working away from home, Bai Lin's visits home weren't excessive, perhaps more than many construction workers. Of course, they weren't infrequent either, but who would complain about going home too often?

Their hair danced in the night wind of this underground steel city. A dark red glow streamed down from the chaotic sky, forming a backdrop for their backs. As the alcohol continued to take its toll, their thoughts drifted away with the wind, seemingly flowing into the sky itself, sharing its same unfocused quality.

Neither of them was drunk, but neither was they too sober. Regardless, they continued drinking and chatting. Bai Lin offered questions like, "Isn't that wind coming from a blower?" The poet, with her own unique rationality and knowledge, responded.

It seemed like they were just killing time, and the topics between the two of them seemed like they could talk until the end of time.

"Son."

"Huh? What's wrong?"

Bai Lin reacted slightly to the poet's sudden call, looking over at him. Beneath the cascading hair, the poet's stature seemed less imposing, and her once handsome face was now flushed with the wine and her own expression. Her shimmering, gem-like red eyes made her look like an ordinary, lovely girl.

She leaned slightly towards Bai Lin, but seemed to feel that the distance was too close, so she put her weight back on the edge of the rooftop behind her, raising her body a little. Then, she stared at Bai Lin and said,

"Today, Dawn, I should have asked you this question. If you could maintain your daily life like this until the end of the world, would you be willing to give up sacrificing for the world?"

"Well...she did ask. But I think her problem is probably about her daily life being a little more relaxed than it is now. Physical fatigue is okay, at least it's not as stressful as saving the world, and she won't be unable to return home so often."

Bai Lin answered like this, she took another sip, and then said,

"Things like drinking like we did tonight, and things like that that make it easier, should probably account for a larger portion. After all, without such a huge goal, there's naturally more of a desire to relax. Honestly, it feels really good to do this, no matter how long we do it... It would be great if we could keep doing it forever."

Life is short, and who doesn't want to indulge in delicious food and wine every day? Of course, it's okay to be less extravagant, as long as there is simple happiness. When you are with the people who matter to you, the quiet night sky is like shooting stars accompanying the moon. At least, that's what Bai Lin thought.

"So, if you were given the chance to choose again, what would you choose?"

Just as Bai Lin was leaning against the edge of the rooftop, daydreaming about such a beautiful time, the poet's question brought her back to her thoughts. She saw that the poet had stood up straight and was looking at her straight. She put the wine pot against the wall, stared at Bai Lin, and asked,

"Son, the future is not unchangeable. The destiny that has already been written will be determined, but the missing parts of major events can be written by ourselves. As long as we understand what can be changed and what cannot, we can live the life we ​​want within the narrow gaps of fate."

"……What's the meaning?"

Bai Lin was stunned. She could clearly hear the poet's aura shift slightly. She seemed quite...aggressive at this moment. She had immediately seized control of the conversation.

It wasn't that Bai Lin couldn't understand the poet's words; she had some understanding of the concept of fate. But when the poet said this, she couldn't help but ask.

Chapter 819 Give Up

"Many in our clan have made this choice. They live in the intertwining gaps of fate, even turning inevitable events into conditions they can exploit. This is the extent of manipulation that those who can foresee the future can achieve."

With that, the poet took another step forward. Her eyes curled slightly, but her expression was remarkably calm. Her expression, softened by the alcohol, remained unwavering. Like a meteor streaking through the night sky, the piercing emotions pierced through her aura and into the heart of Bai Lin, who was staring at her.

Then, without giving Bai Lin a chance to breathe, she put her hand on her chest, tilted her face slightly, and then looked at Bai Lin again and said,

"What I mean is, I have a way to do that, Holy Son... Bai Lin. I have a way to realize that seemingly dreamlike hypothesis."

"So, I want to ask you again, are you willing to give up being a hero?"

The poet's words were incredibly light, her voice always so, ethereal yet elegant, possessing her own unique aura. But words imbued with heavy emotions were like the attacks of an idealist warrior, each one weighing more heavily than the last.

A rainbow of light suddenly appeared from the horizon, a light seeping through the haze, a light emanating from this steel city. It didn't seem so gentle, but it lingered warmly on the poet's hair and shoulders. All the light rested on her, and even the world seemed to stand still, reflected in her eyes.

Even in the abyss beneath the earth, amidst this grim world, the resoluteness reflected in her eyes seemed so tender to Bai Lin. After all, the poet's advice was undoubtedly for his own good, a fact Bai Lin couldn't fail to understand. Even during their first meeting, the poet had never been so assertive in their conversation, yet this assertiveness was something Bai Lin couldn't resist.

but……

"No, Latia."

Bai Lin's voice rang out softly, unlike her usual calm and confident voice, and the decibel level was naturally much lower. She looked away, then stood up straight, looked directly at the poet, and replied,

"Thank you for your kindness. I understand that you should be able to do it. But I really can't choose that."

"The specific reason isn't much different from when I fired those three shots. Now that I have the ability, even though the road ahead is bound to be full of thorns, I don't want my peaceful and happy life to be suddenly destroyed one day in an inexplicable way."

"So, I can only reject you here. Sorry."

The wind blew away the frozen image, scattered the poet's hair, and also scattered his thoughts. And Bai Lin's words also ended in this way, hastily.

This conversation, though complex, was actually a collision of their thoughts. Bai Lin had no choice but to reject the poet's thoughts in this way.

The poet didn't say much. Unconsciously, she lost her commanding presence, as if she had unknowingly stood before Bai Lin. She slowly picked up the wine jug and leaned back against the rooftop wall, her face showing neither joy nor sorrow.

She took another sip, and her fair face was still flushed. A faint smile appeared on her face at this moment. She looked at the chaotic sky and said,

"It's really nice to drink like this occasionally, Holy Son. I really think the day looks much better now. Perhaps this is what they say in your hometown, that sincerity brings blessings?"

"That word doesn't seem to be used that way, but it's not impossible to use it. Go ahead and drink. It's okay to drink a little more. We still have a long workday ahead of us."