Meanwhile, on the other side, Vya remained blissfully unaware of how much fun her big sisters were having behind her back.
After saying goodbye to little Griseo, Vya continued to wander around the base by herself.
As she strolled along, she noticed a researcher standing there with a troubled expression, looking deeply worried.
So she quickly toddled over on her short little legs and greeted her: "Sister Kaline, what's wrong? Are you unhappy?"
"Huh? Oh, little Vya?"
Kaline looked up, a flicker of surprise crossing her face when she saw it was Vya. She hadn't realized her emotions were so plainly visible.
"I'm fine, just a little bothered by something. It's nothing, really."
She waved her hand, thinking it best not to show negative feelings in front of a child.
But she truly was concerned. The project she was responsible for—the macroscopic modification device for microscopic particles, designated Model 3145 and named the 'Durandal Series'—had recently run into major trouble.
To this day, the project had only yielded one successful prototype.
Initially, Durandal's performance was exceptional, far exceeding expectations.
Under MOTH's guidance, it continued to evolve through a process of constant learning.
It started with only two control units, which were modeled after Herrscher Cores.
Later, through learning, it somehow managed to self-replicate, increasing the number of control units to seven.
The entire device was made of Divine Key material. In a sense, it could even be used as a weapon. It could enhance a compatible user's vitality, alter the structure of macroscopic matter, and even slice through space...
But recently, Durandal seemed to have suddenly fallen into some abnormal state. None of its functions were working properly anymore.
It wasn't just her; every researcher involved in the project had tried everything they could think of, testing all sorts of solutions, yet they still couldn't restore its functions. It was giving everyone a headache.
"Ah? Really?"
Vya blinked her big eyes, her expression serious.
"If there's something making you unhappy, you can tell Vya. Maybe Vya can help."
Kaline smiled faintly.
"Hmm... let me think. This matter probably isn't something you can help with. It's a bit too complicated."
"Okay, Vya understands."
Vya felt a little disappointed but didn't press further.
"Well then, I'll take you to see the thing none of us can fix. Consider it a learning experience."
Kaline didn't think much of it. After all, Vya was just a child. How much could she really do? Besides, given Vya's standing within the base, there were hardly any places she couldn't go.
...
Inside a containment vessel, a sword hung quietly suspended.
Its shape was that of a typical combat sword, the blade not overly long.
But its guard was unique—spherical, adorned with golden filigree patterns, with a spherical core embedded in the center that shimmered with a rainbow-like glow.
The moment Vya saw the sword, her eyes instantly lit up. She stared at it happily, unable to look away. "What is that? It's so pretty!"
"Mmm, it's called Durandal."
Kaline introduced it from the side, her tone carrying a hint of pride mixed with helplessness.
"Then why is sister unhappy?"
Vya turned her head, remembering the earlier question.
"Ah..."
Kaline sighed.
"How to put it? Originally, it was supposed to have amazing abilities. But now it's like it's fallen asleep, with no reaction at all. Several of my colleagues are just as worried as I am."
"I see..."
Vya listened and began to think seriously, but rack her brains as she might, she couldn't think of a solution.
However... Vya could see things others couldn't.
She clearly saw a faint, blurry shadow inside the sword. It looked like it was sleeping.
Without thinking, Vya reached her hand towards that shadow. Unexpectedly, the shadow whooshed and flew right into her palm.
Kaline didn't keep Vya there for too long. After all, she had plenty of work to do, and soon took her leave.
On the way back, Vya kept the shadow clutched in her hand, patting it every now and then, her mind still on Sister Kaline's worried face.
"...!"
Suddenly, the shadow in her hand reacted.
"Ow, ow, ow, could you stop patting like that?"
A tiny voice spoke up.
"Disturbing someone's sleep is very rude, don't you know?"
The shadow in Vya's palm instantly changed form, becoming a small, delicate short sword with two little wings.
This little thing had suddenly started talking, its tone carrying a note of annoyance.
"...?"
Vya was puzzled. She hadn't expected this development, but she remained quite certain this was the sword named Durandal.
"But... but because you were sleeping in, lots of big brothers and sisters became unhappy. That's why Vya woke you up."
Vya pouted her little mouth, explaining seriously.
"That still won't do. No one is allowed to disturb my sleep!"
The little sword planted its hands on its hips (if it had hips), looking like it wanted to teach Vya a small lesson.
But the moment it thought about taking action, it found itself instantly locked onto by something. An inexplicable pressure rendered it completely immobile.
It didn't dare act tough anymore. Hurriedly dropping its haughty demeanor, it seriously mobilized all its control units. After a thorough scan, it determined that the source of the pressure was emanating from Vya herself.
From this child with the serious face, it sensed an unprecedented level of danger—though, to be fair, it hadn't encountered any real danger before.
...
And so, it didn't take long for the little sword to be utterly deflated.
"So, Durandal, you need to go back quickly and not make the big brothers and sisters worry anymore, understand?"
Vya looked at the little sword in her hand, speaking with a stern expression.
The sacred sword gave its wings a little shake, its tone becoming obedient. "Ahaha, just call me Dudu."
"I promise, I'll be good and listen, live up to everyone's expectations, and shine brightly in my assigned role!"
Dudu's attitude now was a world apart from the tsundere little thing from a moment ago.
It had been like a mischievous child, but under Vya's "reasonable persuasion," it finally turned into a well-behaved, obedient kid.
"Mhm, mhm. Being obedient means you're a good child."
Seeing it had come to its senses, Vya nodded happily, a smile blooming on her little face.
"So... Sister Vya, can I follow you from now on?"
Dudu blinked its big eyes (if it had any), asking hopefully.
Its calculations were clear: this was a reasonable way to latch onto a powerful ally. By sticking with Vya, it definitely wouldn't be forced by those humans to learn all sorts of things anymore. (≧∀≦)
Although its current operational principles were nearly perfect, this was still better.
Hearing the address "Sister," Vya felt a sweet delight in her heart and was quite tempted by the proposal.
"Hey, I'm really useful!"
Seeing Vya hesitate, Dudu hurriedly promoted itself.
"As long as Sister Vya uses your spatial power, I can slice space apart, even create an independent pocket dimension!"
Vya listened with a bewildered look.
"What does that mean? Vya doesn't really understand."
Dudu paused, a bit embarrassed. "Uh... it's like a place you can carry with you?"
It suddenly realized that for Vya, it probably didn't have much to offer. The only thing it could boast about was likely this.
Sigh, maybe it should just go back and sulk in isolation.
Just as Dudu was inwardly moping, Vya happily clapped her hands.
"Okay! Then you can follow Vya!"
…
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