"Matsuri?" Mithra found the name curious.
"It's a temporary name. I've forgotten my real name. I have no memories. I don't know how I ended up in Dreamland and was brought here," Matsuri said.
"Are there many returnees here?"
"Very few. At least during my time here, I've only met two others. They were trapped in Dreamland due to accidents and were recently found and brought back. They recuperated for a few days and then left."
It seemed that most returnees were like that, similar to missing persons being found.
Mithra and Matsuri's situations were more complicated.
"Were you originally a Planet Blue citizen? Ah, I guess my question could be interpreted in different ways..." Matsuri asked curiously, but then realized her wording wasn't quite right.
But Mithra knew what she meant. "I'm not from Planet Blue, at least not in my memories. But now, whether I am or not, I am."
Matsuri said, "I also feel that I'm not, but I saw those cross-shaped stars. You can travel from there to Planet Blue."
"Do you want to go back to Dreamland?" Mithra asked, seeing her expression.
"Actually, it doesn't really matter where I am. Because I have no memories, it's the same anywhere. I can't find my way back in Dreamland either," Matsuri said, her fingers tracing the book in her hand.
Mithra watched her for a moment, then asked, "You've been here for two months and haven't been able to leave?"
Planet Blue was a good place to rest and recuperate, but she was only here out of curiosity and anticipation. She planned to return to Dreamland and fulfill her agreement with Safin after a few days.
She hoped her stay wouldn't be too long.
"Usually, after the initial identity procedures are completed, you can leave the university. Traveling back and forth to Dreamland won't be restricted. It only takes a few days. But to freely live in Planet Blue, like we are, you need to complete a series of educational assessments," Matsuri explained.
Matsuri was easy to talk to, and she willingly answered Mithra's questions.
Perhaps it was because they had found a kindred spirit.
Someone came looking for Matsuri, and she stood up to leave.
As she stood, Mithra realized that Matsuri was very tall and slender, likely over 1.8 meters tall. Mithra, at just over 1.8 meters, was considered tall, but Matsuri was even taller.
Mithra glanced at her back and lowered her head to continue reading.
"No Ki..."
With her heightened senses, Mithra's Ki sense extended beyond herself; she could sense the Ki of other beings within a certain radius.
Any living being, even the resurrected cursed creatures fueled by their flesh, had Ki.
But Matsuri didn't.
It wasn't appropriate to conclude that she was dead.
But considering the concept of Ki, one could deduce that there was nothing moving within Matsuri's body.
No movement, no Ki.
Planet Blue was truly remarkable.
...
As Matsuri had said, three days later, Mithra received a certificate, a temporary ID card specifically for returnees.
With this certificate, her movement was no longer restricted to the university.
The university wasn't very interesting, even though Nie Hong had dragged Mithra around for a few tours.
But judging from the situation, Mithra felt that he simply wanted to show off to his classmates that he had brought back a "savage" from Dreamland.
And then he almost had his hair pulled out by Mithra.
The resettlement center was quiet, but she often saw Matsuri while walking around.
They would chat when they met, after all, they were the only two of their kind.
Matsuri said she had no memories, but she knew a lot, whether about Planet Blue or Dreamland. She could talk about various topics, which was very helpful to Mithra.
In return, Mithra could only share her memories of Earth.
Now, with the certificate in hand and her movement restrictions lifted, Mithra didn't intend to stay any longer. She informed the resettlement center staff of her intention to leave.
Currently, Mithra was in Chén Shào's office, waiting for his stamp.
Although the procedure was somewhat troublesome, it felt very much like something that would happen in a modern city, so she obediently complied.
Chén Shào looked at Mithra's stated reason for returning to Dreamland. "You plan to return to the tunnel to save the friend you mentioned?"
"Not to save, just to help. To be precise, to let him rest peacefully," Mithra replied impassively.
Chén Shào's expression was strange. He finally stamped the certificate. "It's not uncommon for people to have their own unique relationships in Dreamland. We hope you can achieve your goal."
"Thank you," Mithra simply said.
Chén Shào looked at her and said, "We've tried posting your request on Dreamland's exploration forums, but due to the unclear conditions, the high risks, and the lack of rewards, it's difficult to find anyone willing to help you in such a short time."
"It's already very kind of you to help me ask. Thank you for your assistance," Mithra said again.
Mithra had been upfront with them about the situation in Gross Town, but it was clear that the secrets of a small mining town weren't very attractive.
The resettlement center staff helped her post a recruitment request on a general online forum, but after a few days, they still hadn't found anyone willing to help.
Mithra had been very honest, outlining the dangers, such as being cursed and trapped in the tunnels forever, being chased by powerful cultists, and added the condition of no reward. After all, she was broke.
As a result, Planet Blue citizens didn't show much enthusiasm. It turned out they needed substantial benefits as kindling to spark their enthusiasm.
Dreamland was vast. There were countless ongoing and upcoming events, as well as hidden secrets.
Mithra's recruitment post about Gross Town had sunk without a trace.
"Be careful," Chén Shào said, nodding.
Mithra thanked him and left the office.
She didn't have anything to pack. The most important items were stored inside her body. Mithra decided to go to the cross-shaped star, the teleportation point where she had arrived.
At the entrance to the resettlement center, she encountered Matsuri, who also seemed to be going out.
As Mithra saw her, Matsuri also turned and waved gently.
Mithra nodded in response and was about to pass by.
Matsuri's eyes narrowed. She quickly caught up. "You seem to be able to go out today. Are you planning to return to Dreamland?"
"Yes. Are you also going out?" Mithra finally responded.
"I'm going to buy some sewing supplies. I want to make some clothes," Matsuri said.
Matsuri was very interested in clothes and such. Mithra knew that most of the books she read were related to that topic. It was good to have hobbies. People like Mithra, who didn't have any hobbies, sometimes felt empty. But that was fine; the big shots behind the scenes would help solve that problem.
"I hope you find what you're looking for."
"I feel like it's a bit troublesome to find the right tools here. Planet Blue's technology is a bit too advanced for me. I can't seem to get used to sewing machines, for example," Matsuri said with a frown.
"Are you looking for more traditional needles and thread?" Mithra asked.
Matsuri nodded. "It would be great if I could find something suitable."
"I'll keep an eye out for you when I'm on the other side," Mithra offered.
"That would be wonderful! Thank you so much!" Matsuri's eyes lit up.
They walked to the gate together and parted ways.
Matsuri, with her striking hair, was very noticeable. Mithra, objectively, was still within the realm of ordinary.
Shuǐxiù University had a bus that went to the square where the teleportation point was located. She borrowed some coins from the resettlement center and was boredly counting them while waiting for the bus, when she heard someone call her name.
She turned and saw Nie Hong.
"Mithra! Mithra!"
"...What?" Mithra asked coldly, showing no emotion.
"What... You're leaving without telling me?" Nie Hong complained.
"I don't have any communication device."
"Didn't I take you to my dorm?"
"It's too much trouble to go there specifically. Don't worry about it."
"You really are…!" Nie Hong gritted his teeth, but finally relented. "I joined your quest when I saw your post. Don't refuse. Although my strength is what it is, I can still provide cover for you. Mr. Safin was very kind to me. I can't just stand by and do nothing."
Mithra stared at him for a moment, then said, "Do you usually not have any friends?"
The determined look on Nie Hong's face immediately faltered. "Why are you suddenly asking about this! Weren't we talking about something important?"
"Someone with more friends wouldn't stick to a person who has crushed their head," Mithra turned to look at the road.
Nie Hong had visited her at least once a day while she was at the center. She found it somewhat annoying.
"Uh..."
"But if you want to be a meat shield, then come. Don't complain if you die."
As she spoke, the bus arrived. The door opened and Mithra got on.
Nie Hong quickly followed, "Hey! I've mastered Ki Absorption Hand! I'm much stronger than before!"
Mithra ignored his chattering.