Shree sat cross-legged beneath the Plum Blossom Tree, gazing at the serene lake before him. The moonlight shimmered on the water's surface, creating a mesmerizing reflection of the tree's delicate blossoms swaying with the night breeze. The air carried a faint floral fragrance, soothing his mind. The waterfall's endless rhythm had become a comforting melody over time.
For a long moment, he simply sat there, taking in everything. This paradise, this place that had sheltered and nurtured him, was nothing short of a miracle. Yet now, after so much uncertainty, he finally had a way out.
Letting out a soft sigh, he stretched his arms and looked up at the sky. "Chat… do you realize how much has happened in just a single month?"
Chat's voice echoed in his consciousness, amused. "Oh? Is our young master finally feeling sentimental?"
Shree chuckled. "No, really. Just think about it. A month ago, I was just an ordinary guy. I was living peacefully with my family, hanging out with friends, and worrying about my future like any normal person. Then, suddenly, I was running for my life from a bear, fell into a cave, and somehow… I ended up here." He shook his head in disbelief. "Now, I've been through things I wouldn't have imagined even in my wildest dreams."
Chat hummed in agreement. "Let's see… you transmigrated into an unknown world, stumbled upon an ancient, heaven-defying artifact, created a ridiculously overpowered martial art style, formed a spiritual connection with me, discovered an entire paradise hidden from the world, and now—oh, right—you just casually found another mysterious disc that gave you a way to teleport outside. Not to mention, that artifact of yours once shook the heavens and caused a war."
Shree couldn't help but laugh at the way Chat summarized everything. "Hearing it like that makes it sound even more absurd. But yeah, it really happened. And now, I'm actually about to step into the outside world."
A comfortable silence stretched between them as he plucked a fallen plum blossom petal and twirled it between his fingers.
"You seem reluctant." Chat observed.
Shree sighed again, his smile fading slightly. "Of course I am. This place… it's more than just a paradise. It's the first place in this world where I felt at home." His gaze softened as he looked around. "Everything here—this tree, the waterfall, the lake, even that cave—I've lived here, trained here, and grown here. It's like this realm has become a part of me."
Chat was silent for a moment before responding. "You know, for someone who keeps saying he wants to go back to Earth, you sure have gotten attached."
Shree smiled bitterly. "I still want to go back. That hasn't changed. But that doesn't mean I can ignore what I have now." He leaned back against the tree trunk, staring at the sky. "This place… it's special. It feels alive. It's like it was waiting for me."
Chat's tone softened slightly. "You're right. Even I don't fully understand the nature of this paradise, but one thing is certain—it chose you."
Shree chuckled. "And now, I'm choosing to leave it behind… at least for now."
He let out a deep breath. "I need to leave. If I stay here, my growth will slow down. I don't know how this world works, but I can't afford to remain ignorant. If I want to become strong enough to return home, I need to explore, to learn." His fingers dug slightly into the ground. "But that doesn't mean I'll forget this place. This is my starting point. No matter where I go, I'll always have a home here."
Chat's voice was warm. "Then, it's decided. You'll leave tomorrow."
Shree nodded. "Yeah. But for today, I'll just enjoy my last day here. Who knows when I'll get to come back?"
He leaned back fully, staring up at the countless stars dotting the sky. "What do you think the outside world is like, Chat?"
"Hmm… Could be anything. Maybe it's an immortal world filled with cultivators who can shatter mountains with a flick of their fingers. Or maybe it's a martial world where warriors dominate with pure strength. Could even be a sci-fi world with flying cities and battleships."
Shree snorted. "That last one seems unlikely."
"Hey, you never know. You already have a talking AI in your consciousness."
Shree laughed. "Fair point." His expression turned thoughtful. "Honestly, I hope it's a world where I can grow strong, but not one where I have to struggle for survival every second."
"Wishful thinking."
"Yeah…" Shree smiled, closing his eyes. "Either way, I'll find out tomorrow."
As he lay there, the sound of the waterfall, the rustling leaves, and the gentle breeze wrapped around him. His final night in Plum Blossom Paradise was one of peace, nostalgia, and anticipation.
Tomorrow, a new journey awaited.