Chapter 76 New Life 09 The world is their dance...
After trying various methods, Ayana and Chrollo finally reached the island of greed.
The familiar dizziness enveloped Ayana, but it was unlike any other time before.
This time, amidst the bizarre and distorted space, a sharp pain suddenly pierced her mind.
[Host, it's been a long time.]
Thanks to this game world, I was able to contact the host and explain things clearly.
You must be very curious about why I'm here, right?
Next, I will answer your questions.
Ayana's head was throbbing, and she could barely stand. Kuroro, noticing the unusual condition of the person beside him, immediately tightened his arms around her waist and whispered, "Ayana?"
Ayana, however, seemed not to hear; her pupils contracted sharply as her vision was filled by the images that were forcibly flooding in.
In fact, you were born in this era, not decades ago.
Two people appeared before Ayana.
A woman with gentle eyes hummed a lullaby with a melody she vaguely remembered, and gently patted her back.
A tall man lifted her above his head, his hearty laughter tickling her cheeks with his stubble.
Those were her father and mother.
[Your identity in the first world is, in fact, your true identity. These two are your parents, and they created me.]
Then, the screen suddenly changed.
The cozy room was ripped apart by the piercing red light of an alarm.
The parents' faces were filled with an anxiety and determination that Ayana had never seen before.
With tears streaming down her face, the woman tightly fastened a metal piece resembling jewelry to Ayana's wrist, while the man rapidly operated the complex equipment, shouting something under his breath.
"We have to send her away! She has to live, Ayana, she must live!"
[Your parents sensed that a power struggle was about to erupt within the family, and that their authority had been usurped, rendering them unable to protect you. Therefore, they chose to send you to another era, so that at least you would have a chance to survive.]
Now, my mission is complete.
The cold, mechanical voice continued speaking slowly.
I can no longer accompany you, but you now truly possess the ability to protect yourself, and I believe that both you and your wife will be greatly gratified to see this.
Goodbye, host.
I'll go keep the master and mistress company now.
The truth, like a tsunami, completely overwhelmed Ayana.
She was never an unloved eldest daughter.
In order to save her life, her parents went to great lengths to send her back to decades ago.
The so-called system was nothing more than an auxiliary program set up by her parents to protect her and enable her to survive in an unfamiliar era and environment.
The enormous impact made Ayana's legs go weak, and she could barely stand.
Kuroro's strong arms became her only support.
She leaned against Kuroro's chest, her body trembling slightly, her voice hoarse and choked with sobs: "Kuroro, I remember now."
Ayana raised her tear-filled eyes and looked at the man who had given her her only support.
“I’m not from this world…no, I am, but not entirely.” She stammered, struggling to organize her thoughts. “My family suffered a catastrophe. My parents foresaw the danger and sent me decades ago to save me…”
She gripped Kuroro's clothes tightly, choking back tears, and her words were barely audible.
Kuroro listened quietly, gently patting Ayana's back until she calmed down.
As her tears gradually subsided, Ayana leaned against Kuroro's chest, listening to his steady and powerful heartbeat, her chaotic breathing slowly synchronizing with his.
The fog that had long troubled her finally dissipated, and although the truth was so cruel, it felt as if Ayana was stepping onto solid ground for the first time.
She learned where she came from and how deeply she had been loved.
“They came to save me,” she murmured, no longer in a state of collapse, but with a firm conviction. “They didn’t abandon me.”
Kuroro didn't speak, but simply tightened his grip on her arms.
Ayana slowly raised her head, her tear stains still wet, but her eyes were no longer unfocused.
She looked into Kuroro's deep eyes, where her disheveled yet remarkably clear reflection was mirrored.
Ayana took a deep breath, broke free from Kuroro's embrace, and although her legs were still a little weak, she insisted on standing on her own.
She looked around, the realistic sunlight of Greed Island shining on her, carrying a slight warmth.
This is a completely new and unknown world, just like the entirely new life she is about to face.
“The past cannot be changed,” she said softly, as if speaking to Kuroro, or as if declaring to herself, “My parents did everything they could to give me the chance to live, not so that I could wallow in sorrow.”
Her gaze gradually hardened, and an unprecedented clarity and strength gathered within it.
"I want to live." She looked at Kuroro, her eyes filled with a question, but also with a budding determination. "To truly live as myself."
Kuroro quietly watched her transformation, walked to Ayana's side, extended his hand to her, and said...
"No matter which era you are from, no matter what past you carry, I will walk with you on the path you choose."
He didn't offer any sweet words or excessive comfort; he simply stated his position in the most direct way.
Ayana looked at Kuroro's hand, then into his eyes, and the last trace of unease in her heart quietly dissipated.
She placed her hand in Kuroro's palm, her slightly cool fingertips enveloped by his warm hand.
"Mm." She nodded, a genuine smile of relief finally appearing on her face, faint yet brimming with the power of new life. "Let's do it together."
The shackles of the past have been loosened, and the guidance of the system has disappeared.
The road ahead is an unknown adventure on Greed Island, and also the true chapter of her own life.
With Kuroro around, Ayana no longer felt lonely or afraid.
The sunlight was perfect, falling on their clasped hands.
The adventure on Greed Island became a unique journey for Ayana and Chrollo.
They didn't deliberately follow in Gon's and Killua's footsteps, but explored this wonderful world at their own pace.
The island's scenery is ever-changing, from dense forests to barren deserts, from bustling towns to eerie labyrinths, all bearing their footprints.
During this process, Ayana's smile became more and more relaxed, and the gloom in her eyes was gradually replaced by the light of adventure.
Finally, they left Greed Island under certain conditions and returned to the shores of Whale Island.
Life continues peacefully, but the rhythm has subtly changed.
Members of the Phantom Troupe occasionally appear outside the cabin.
Nobunaga would casually come to Kuroro to report some things, and incidentally nitpick about how Aiana's tea wasn't strong enough.
Machi would sit quietly to one side, observing Ayana in her own unique way, occasionally exchanging a few simple words.
Feitan would occasionally whisper with Chrollo outside, his sharp gaze sweeping over Ayana from time to time.
Ayana gradually got used to these dangerous visitors.
Sometimes, with Kuroro's tacit approval or even invitation, she would briefly join some of the Phantom Troupe's activities.
She once followed them into a heavily guarded private museum, just to catch a glimpse of a lost artwork under the moonlight.
I also stood at a distance, watching them crack down on a certain unruly underground force.
That powerful, efficient, and independent style gave her a deeper understanding of Kuroro and the group he led.
These experiences allowed her to see a wider and more realistic side of the world.
However, the tranquility of Whale Island could not ultimately bind two hearts that yearned for the wider world.
For Kuroro in particular, stillness meant boredom.
After learning about her origins and experiencing the wonders of the outside world, Ayana also developed a strong desire to explore life beyond the island.
One evening, watching the sunset sink below the horizon, Kuroro said softly, "This place is nice, but it's time to leave."
Ayana wasn't surprised. Looking at the magnificent sunset where the sea met the sky, she nodded gently: "Yes, let's go take a look, let's see this world."
There was no grand farewell; they simply left Whale Island quietly one morning.
Ayana left a letter for Aunt Mitt and Little Jie, thanking them for their care and promising to come back to visit often.
Their journey has no fixed destination; they go wherever they please.
They boarded a passenger ship bound for an unknown continent, and on the deck, the salty sea breeze blew.
They boarded an airship, traversed a sea of clouds, and looked down upon magnificent mountains and rivers.
They hiked deep into remote ancient sites, searching for lost history amidst the ruins.
Kuroro remains the same thief leader with a strong desire to collect interesting things, but it seems that new items have been added to his collection list.
They once mingled with the lively celebration crowd in a desert kingdom one night and kissed under a sky full of fireworks.
I also watched with great interest the intense battles at that famous Sky Arena as a spectator.
They even showed up at the underground auction in Yokers, not to steal anything, but because Kuroro wanted her to experience the absurd yet interesting atmosphere firsthand.
Members of the troupe will still appear from time to time, bringing news from the outside world or matters that require the leader's decision.
Sometimes, they would travel together for a short period of time.
Ayana gradually discovered that this nomadic and uncertain life actually gave her a strange sense of security.
Because no matter where I go, there's always that man with black hair and black eyes by my side.
The world is their stage.
There is still a long road ahead, but Ayana knows that no matter what lies ahead, she will never be alone again.
The sun will still rise, illuminating their path as they walk hand in hand toward the next unknown and exciting destination.
-The End-
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