Chapter 39 Corsica: The author who doesn't want to slack off isn't a good cook...
This sculpture is excessively useful.
By the time you realize this, you've already used it countless times.
Unlike the somewhat bloody and sordid self-devouring that preceded its acquisition, now you only need to roll your eyes, and your spirit can travel through time, see all the possibilities of the future, and then avoid the risks.
For example, you are now enjoying a muscle massage from a bubble machine in the shimmering deck pool, just as you saw last night, with the shadows of palm trees planted in flowerpots swaying gently in the sea breeze brought by the cruise ship's voyage.
Looking down at the water's surface, the crystal-clear ripples suddenly became somewhat blurry, as if something was slowly moving beneath. The feeling was indescribable, like someone was watching you from underwater.
You gripped the ouroboros sculpture tightly in your hand. The next second, you felt a subtle suction coming from the sculpture, and your consciousness was instantly transported to the future.
Your vision suddenly darkens, and you enter an infinite space with no direction or boundaries, only countless "you" running, struggling, and even perishing in a cycle.
Every attempt, every choice, is infinitely refined and simulated by the power of sculpture.
You're like someone at the captain's dinner, torn into countless versions, trying to jump into the pool in every possible future.
In some "futures," you see yourself being dragged from the surface of the water to the bottom of the pool by some unseen force, suffocating, struggling, until you disappear. In other futures, you find that the pool water suddenly "swallows" swimmers at some point, sending them into unknown darkness.
However, there are also a few futures where you swim across the pool unharmed, probably because the entity in the pool only randomly selects some "lucky ones".
Now, let's get back to reality.
Your body jolted slightly, making you appear to an outsider as if you had just woken up from a nightmare.
With one hand supporting you, you climb to the edge of the pool, beckoning Xiaoming, who is still in the water, to come over quickly, and take the drink from her hand with your free hand.
"What?" Xiaoming was confused, but he still followed your advice and climbed ashore. You walked hand in hand to the sun loungers where Xiaofang and Xiaola were sunbathing.
"Be careful, don't go into the water later. If you still want to go in, try to stay near the left side of the pool; the right side doesn't look right," you whispered a reminder.
Everyone paused for a moment, then immediately became alert: "What's wrong? Did you notice something?"
"The water flow on the right is a bit strange." You thought for a moment, then rationalized the information you gained from the sculpture before speaking.
Xiao Fang and Xiao La both nodded emphatically and didn't ask any more questions. Since the pool was dangerous, they simply wouldn't go in. A cruise trip was supposed to be a vacation, and as long as they enjoyed the sunshine and leisure, it wouldn't be a waste or a violation of the "original purpose of the trip."
Xiaoming looked at you with a puzzled expression several times, but didn't say anything.
"?" You tilt your head at Xiaoming. She waved her hand, unusually playful, and snatched the non-alcoholic sweet drink from your hand, taking a few sips.
You strike an exaggerated pose as if to say, "Is this a robber?" Then you spread a towel on the ground, sit on the sun-warmed stone bricks, and wait for the pool to react.
Sure enough, a few minutes later, a passenger near the right side of the pool suddenly let out a short scream, and then his figure disappeared underwater, as if he had been dragged down by something.
The other passengers seemed oblivious to the unusual situation and were even enjoying the tranquility of the pool.
Xiao Ming squeezed the hand that was on your shoulder; it seems everyone is observing the pool.
You look down at her along her arm; there's no sign of panic on her face, but her palms suddenly turn icy cold.
So even Xiaoming can have these kinds of emotions because of these things, you think to yourself.
And you just hold the sculpture tightly in your hand.
No one can see it, but its cold touch gives you a strange sense of peace.
Yes, no matter how dangerous the situation, you can use it to find a way out in advance.
It will be your last lifeline on the cruise ship.
This is the second day of your cruise. You'll be spending the whole day enjoying the ship's food, drinks, entertainment, and exploration.
You showed little interest in exploring: "Whatever it is, just take a look." But you didn't say anything discouraging; after all, even holding the sculpture, you didn't feel like you were in control of the cruise ship. The spirit and strength of the team were the most important things.
Of course, you didn't forget to nervously let go of the sculpture in your hands before the spa, putting it back in its place so that you could get the sculpture back to reality last night.
After the spa treatment, the sculpture that had been on the table was back in your hands, and you finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Lunch and dinner were at Yazhou Restaurant. After eating so many gourmet dishes, it was quite a treat to try some simple Western cuisine, haha.
The storm arrived as expected that night, and the cruise ship roared in the waves, just like the night before, like a giant beast struggling in the darkness.
You and Xiaoming, along with Xiaofang and Xiaola from next door, are sitting in the center of the room, having completed all the preparations.
Several small emergency lights were cleverly fixed in the four corners of the room, and the soft light illuminated every corner. Although the light was not bright, it exuded a warm and reassuring feeling.
Nodding, Xiao Ming showed a satisfied expression: "It seems that the light really works. Now we have our own safe house."
You replied "Yes," pushed open one of the wardrobe doors, and said to Xiaoming, "Come on, let's hide inside."
The wardrobe's interior was more spacious than it appeared from the outside, not at all cramped as one might have imagined, and even had a hint of woody fragrance, making it unexpectedly comfortable.
Close the wardrobe door, and the soft, green light in the room shines through the gap in the wardrobe door, gently illuminating your faces.
As long as you're inside the light, you're safe. Information bought with a tip is never wrong.
To save space, you both curled up as much as possible: Xiaoming pressed her legs tightly against her chest, leaning against one side of the wardrobe, while you faced her, your head gently resting against the wall, minimizing your footprint. Your knees were almost touching Xiaoming's thighs, and the wardrobe felt slightly cramped due to your presence, yet it was surprisingly comfortable.
“So… it’s not so bad after all,” Xiaoming said softly, his tone relieved. “I was worried during the day that I would feel uncomfortable in the closet, but now I find it’s not so bad.”
You smiled gently, without responding. In fact, you also felt an unexpected sense of relaxation in this posture, almost like some kind of innate instinct, as if your curled-up body had returned to its original safe haven.
The head-to-tail posture even evokes a strange association—as if you are lying in some kind of warm embrace, completely wrapped and protected.
“It’s a bit like…” Xiaoming hesitated for a moment, speaking slowly, “like returning to…my mother’s womb.”
Her words startled you, and a tension that had been building up inside you eased even more.
You close your eyes, feeling the warmth and tranquility inside the wardrobe. The roar of the storm and the strangeness of the corridor seem to be shut out, with only this small space becoming your sanctuary.
A minute passed, then ten minutes, then an hour. The sounds outside remained terrifying; the roar of the storm mingled with the scraping of the cruise ship's metal structure, as if the entire vessel were struggling in the dark sea. Occasionally, a faint creaking sound came from the corridor, but these did not disturb you.
Time continued to flow in this tranquility, and in this small space, you and Xiaoming were closer than ever before. Even without much verbal communication, your mere presence brought an unexpected sense of peace.
"What are you thinking about?" Xiaoming's voice suddenly broke the silence.
"It's nothing," you replied softly, then hesitated for a moment before adding, "I was just thinking that this feeling is a bit strange... It turns out that after going through so much, we can still always find a little peace."
Xiao Ming let out a soft laugh and said, "Maybe this is human instinct. We can always find a way to survive in difficult situations."
"Live on, okay?" Xiaoming said. "You must live on too."
“Ordinary people can live a good life too,” she continued. She seemed to have a lot to say.
This was a bit strange, but you didn't think much of it; you were simply moved by the resilience of humanity.
No matter how chaotic the outside world is, as long as you can find a place to curl up, you can find a moment of peace.
You are asleep.
The third day of the cruise.
The housekeeper arranged a wake-up call for you and knocked on the door early this morning.
You've had a good sleep, and when you crawl out of the closet, rub your sleepy eyes and sit up, you see Xiaoming already energetically fixing his hair at the dressing table.
Her expression was full of energy, clearly indicating that she was ready for today's shore excursion.
"Get up quickly, today is a big day. The guide said there are many mysterious places worth seeing on Corsica." Xiaoming turned to look at you, urging you with a smile.
"Sigh, I'd really like to enjoy the sightseeing instead of constantly preparing for emergencies." You yawned, turned your back to Xiaoming, and started changing your clothes. "What do you think might happen on the island?"
"Of course," Xiaoming sighed. "I hope something good will happen, and it would be best if we could get some kind of equipment that would help us survive on the cruise ship."
Xiao Ming said, "Your heart skipped a beat." What does that mean?
"I've heard of things like this before. This kind of nested doll scenario can often provide clues or props for survival in the main scene," Xiaoming continued to explain.
You secretly breathed a sigh of relief: "So that's how it is." You had thought Xiaoming was hinting at something.
After a quick breakfast, you and Xiaoming head to the main lobby of the cruise ship to meet.
A number of tourists had already gathered in the lobby, standing in small groups, excitedly discussing today's itinerary. The cruise guide was a middle-aged man, dressed in a neat uniform with a gold badge pinned to his chest. His smile was professional and courteous, and he held an itinerary in his hand, patiently explaining it to each group of passengers.
"Xiaoming, Xiaofang, come over here!" You called to Xiaofang and Xiaola, who had just arrived. They had clearly had a good night's rest and joined your group looking radiant.
"Today's itinerary sounds very interesting," Xiao Fang said excitedly. "Napoleon's birthplace! Historical figures and places like this are usually not visited when I want to travel, unless it's in a movie or a video game."
"Even in a dungeon, I still feel very excited." Little La nodded in agreement.
"But that last monastery felt a bit strange," Little La muttered. "Why is it a 'little-known' place? Aren't these the places tour groups usually avoid? Could the most terrifying things happen here?"
"Not bad, you've made great progress." Xiaoming patted Xiaola on the shoulder. "Don't worry, with so many of us together, we'll definitely get through this safely."
You could have opted for a small group tour, but ultimately decided to join the large cruise group, hoping to see how the locals reacted. They can be dangerous, but sometimes they are excellent teachers.
The guide raised a small flag and smiled, attracting everyone's attention: "Good morning, everyone! Welcome to our shore excursion today. Today, we will take you to some famous attractions on Corsica to experience its authenticity and mystery."
“Here’s the itinerary: First, we’ll visit an ancient Genoa tower to learn about its defensive significance in the Middle Ages; next, we’ll explore Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon and a cultural treasure trove of French history; finally, we’ll travel to a monastery in the Corsican mountains, a place rarely visited by tourists, where we hope you can discover another side of Corsica.”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Ming immediately whispered to you, "Are you ready?"
You nodded. As long as you have the sculpture in your hand, you have nothing to fear.
With a "beep," the cruise ship docked, and the guide led everyone down the gangway one by one.
The air at the pier was filled with the salty smell of the sea, and in the distance stretched rugged mountains and azure bays—a typical Corsican landscape.
Xiao Fang and Xiao La excitedly raised their phones to take pictures, while Xiao Ming stood quietly to the side, occasionally glancing around, clearly very alert to his surroundings. You're drinking a beverage, and you always feel dry under the scorching sun and sea breeze.
The guide led everyone up a winding mountain path, and soon they arrived at a Genoese tower. The tower was built of gray stone blocks, with clear signs of age, and the walls were covered with moss, exuding a heavy sense of history.
“This Genoa tower was built in the 16th century,” the guide explained as he stood in front of the tower. “At that time, Corsica was frequently attacked by pirates, and defensive towers like these were scattered along the coast for lookout and early warning. The signal from the campfire on the tower could be transmitted dozens of kilometers away.”
"That's so cool!" you exclaimed. When there was no danger, everyone was willing to enjoy the experience as ordinary tourists.
Xiao Fang looked up and tried to photograph the tower from various angles: "Imagine what kind of sea the guards standing here would have seen back then."
"They could also be enemies," Xiao La added quietly.
Amidst the laughter and chatter, you didn't miss a single detail.
The tower stands atop a rugged cliff on the island of Corsica, facing the endless Mediterranean Sea. As you slowly approach with the group, sunlight filters through the clouds, casting dappled shadows on the tower's stone walls, making it appear even more ancient and mysterious. Moss and climbing plants cover the tower's walls, and the jagged cracks in the stones seem to tell tales of centuries of weathering.
The guide stood in front of the tower, his voice slightly solemn, "In the Middle Ages, these towers were used to defend against pirate attacks and to keep watch for the distant sea. The signal of a lit campfire would be quickly transmitted to the neighboring towers, forming an invisible defensive line."
Xiao Ming listened intently and laughed, "It's a bit like the prototype of an air raid siren, except that it uses fire to transmit the signal."
The tour guide seemed to have overheard this. Although he didn't understand the language of flowers, he still winked at you and said, "Just like the Great Wall of the ancient flower kingdom from which these guests come."
Suddenly called on by the tour guide, all eyes turned to you. The four of you were embarrassed and didn't know where to look, so you just laughed it off and slipped to the back of the group.
"It's all because you guys gave too many tips this morning." Xiao Fang gently pinched you.
You slammed your fist back in frustration.
Your gaze is once again drawn to the top of the tower. The deep, dark windows there seem like several eyes silently watching the visitors below. A sense of oppression pervades the air.
“The tower guards have special duties,” the guide continued, his tone becoming more mysterious. “They must keep watch over the sea day and night. If they spot any pirates, they must immediately light a campfire. Legend has it that once, a campfire wasn’t lit in time, leading to the entire village being captured. And that guard disappeared without a trace.”
"Disappeared?" Little La felt a chill run down her spine and couldn't help but ask.
The guide twitched his mustache, blinked his wrinkled eyes at you, and without offering any explanation, led you into the tower: "Please follow me. There are steps leading to the top of the tower, but please be careful."
Once inside the tower, the air became noticeably colder.
In the space that can only accommodate one person at a time, rusty iron rings and dilapidated torch holders hang on the spiraling walls. The stone steps underfoot are rugged due to the erosion of time, and you have to lower your head and carefully take each step.
You notice that the interior of the tower is dimly lit, with only a few weak beams of light shining through the narrow window openings, barely enough to make out the path under your feet and the mottled marks on the walls.
"This place is a bit oppressive," Xiao Fang said softly, glancing around. "It feels like these walls are staring at us."
"Stop talking!" Little La cried out, trembling. "Sisters, please do something about her! She tells me ghost stories every night!"
Xiao Fang ignored everyone and, taking advantage of the moment when the people in front of him were walking faster, darted up the wall in a few quick steps. Then, he poked his face out from behind the spiral wall and said, "Hehehe."
"Ugh, do something about her!" Little La wailed, her usually meticulously groomed and fluffy green hair looking rather listless today.
"This child has really been terribly abused," you exclaimed.
Xiao Ming grasped your hand and nodded repeatedly.
Although the two were making a ruckus, it also reduced the tense and uneasy atmosphere. The locals laughed along with them, and for a moment, the interior of the tower didn't feel so oppressive anymore.
You continue your ascent, your fingers gently brushing against the stone wall, discovering scratches of varying depths on its surface. These scratches, as if etched by some sharp tool, form strange symbols and lines. You stop and examine them closely for a while, but still cannot decipher them.
"Hurry up and catch up," Xiaoming urged you, turning back. "Don't fall behind."
"Okay," you replied, and hurried up the steps.
Upon reaching the top of the tower, a panoramic sea view unfolds before your eyes. Standing here, it's as if you can see the entire Mediterranean Sea undulating, and the air is filled with the faint scent of sea salt.
The tourists in the group also dispersed in twos and threes, and they all raised their mobile phones to take pictures.
“This used to be the best spot for observation.” The guide stood on the edge of the tower, pointing to the distant sea. “The guards would take turns watching day and night, and if the weather was clear, they could see ships dozens of kilometers away.”
Xiao Fang quietly walked up to you and whispered, "This place seems a bit strange. I have a feeling there's someone else here..."
"It's not even evening yet, and you're already telling me ghost stories?" you teased.
Xiao Fang didn't speak. You turned to look at her and found that her gaze was fixed on a corner of the tower, and a hint of unease appeared on her face.
Following her gaze, you see a dilapidated stone seat with faint traces of scorching. You instinctively walk over and touch the surface of the stone seat, feeling a strange temperature on your fingertips—not the coldness of the stone, but a slightly warm sensation.
It's like someone just set it on fire.
"Who's here?" you murmured, turning to look at Xiao Fang. This little thing is nothing, but the strangeness starting so early is not a good sign.
"What are you two doing?" Xiaoming walked over and saw the two of you acting suspiciously, so he reached out and touched you too, then his face darkened.
"Let's wait and see." You shook your head and told Xiao La what had just happened, reminding her not to just focus on taking pictures, but to stay with everyone else.
Just as you were about to leave the top of the tower, the guide appeared out of nowhere and began to tell you another story: "There is an ancient legend here. It is said that the guard who disappeared because the campfire was not lit was not punished, but because his soul was trapped in the tower because the campfire was not lit."
"What?" Little La's eyes widened, clearly frightened by the tour guide's sinister tone.
“It is said that whenever there is a storm at sea, the figure of a guard will appear in the tower. He will wander on the top of the tower, trying to light a bonfire, but the bonfire will never burn, because his mistake has become eternal.” The guide’s tone suddenly became a little somber. “Of course, this is just a legend, but the residents here still light bonfires when storms come, saying it is to appease the spirit of that guard.”
"This is the stone seat that our distinguished guests just touched." The tour guide resumed his polite demeanor, as if his previous tone had been a joke.
Really? His appearance was perfectly timed. But what does he have to hide?
As you leave the tower, you look back one last time at its towering silhouette, your mind still replaying the guide's words, his identity, and his motives. In that instant, you seem to see a faint glimmer of light in a window at the top of the tower. You rub your eyes, but when you look again, there's nothing there.
"What's wrong?" Xiaoming asked.
"It's nothing," you replied softly.
Was that firelight just your imagination, or... some unsolved mystery? It was just a supernatural event in a small scene, never mind, it shouldn't be a big deal.
Next, you will travel by bus arranged by the cruise ship to Ajaccio—Napoleon's birthplace.
This city is located in the southwest of Corsica. The streets are lined with typical Mediterranean-style buildings. Compared to the buildings in Corsica, their colors are not as colorful, just ordinary yellow and white, but they exude a leisurely atmosphere under the blue sea and sky.
As the vehicle entered the city, the guide began to explain the city's history.
“Ajaccio is one of the cultural centers of Corsica and the birthplace of Napoleon. The place we are about to visit is his family’s old house, which has now been transformed into a museum, preserving many items related to his childhood.” The guide’s tone was tinged with pride. “This city is famous because of him, and he also laid the foundation for his early character because of the environment and culture here.”
The tourists in the car started discussing among themselves. Xiaoming called a few of them over and they discussed it together: "This island is famous for Napoleon, so, for example, the tower, that unlit bonfire, and the legend of the guardian's soul... could they also be related to Napoleon?"
"It's possible, or it might just be a smokescreen." You shake your head, finding it hard to draw a conclusion. "To be on the safe side, let's start learning about his life and deeds now."
Everyone sighed and groaned.
"Why do we still have to study when we're already in an infinite-flow dungeon?" Xiao La complained.
"Liu Zi's task is to study," Xiao Fang said, pursing his lips.
Soon after, the car stopped in front of a low-key but rustic stone building, and the guide led everyone out of the car.
The building's exterior walls are weathered and worn by the sea breeze, and the iron window frames look old and sturdy. A small sign hangs at the entrance, reading "Maison Bonaparte" (House of Bonaparte) in French. You tap the AI translation button next to your smart glasses—glasses you bought specifically for attending classes.
When you pull this out of your suitcase, your phone simultaneously displays the corresponding purchase and chat logs. These records allow you to learn more about "you" and better understand your travel plans, ensuring everything goes smoothly.
"This is Napoleon's birthplace," the guide explained. "His family lived here for a long time. There are many precious collections here, such as his childhood books, family portraits, and early letters."
The four of you entered the building together, the air carrying a faint dampness. The room was dimly lit, with several family portraits hanging on the walls, the figures in the oil paintings staring blankly with wide eyes, and the wooden floor creaking slightly with each footstep.
"Sisters, look at this portrait." Xiao La pointed to a painting on the wall. It depicted a young man in military uniform with distinct facial features, a firm gaze, and an undeniable confidence between his brows.
“This is an early portrait of Napoleon.” As an art student, Xiao La sighed from the perspective of aesthetics and art theory, “Although portraits are always embellished, everyone has a youth. Thinking about his later fate and history, it’s still a bit sad.”
"It also creates a very oppressive feeling of being watched." Xiao Fang frowned. "It feels like the eyes in this painting are constantly staring at us."
You glanced at the portrait, and Xiao Fang was right. Napoleon in the portrait had sharp eyes; it seemed that no matter where you stood in the room, his gaze could accurately meet yours.
"It's a matter of drawing skills," you laughed. Fortunately, everyone's mood wasn't affected by this little oddity.
The museum wasn't very big, and the guide quickly led everyone to a simply decorated study.
There was an old desk in the room, once used by Napoleon. Several yellowed books were placed on it, and a map hung on the wall next to it, its edges curled, clearly showing the ravages of time.
"This map shows Napoleon's early observations of Europe, and his interest in geography was closely related to his later military strategies," the guide explained. Everyone took another round of photos, and you were no exception.
You approach the desk and examine the books closely. A book with a worn cover, placed on a raised platform beside the desk, catches your eye; its title translates to "War and Domination."
This isn't an ancient book with centuries of history, but rather a display piece in a museum for visitors to browse. You readily reach out and turn the pages, only to feel a chill creep up your fingertips the instant you touch it.
The entire book carries a certain indescribable sinister power.
Suddenly, some words appeared in the center of the page, as if ink had just been dripped on them, wet and deep black:
"All losers are those who lack foresight."
You were stunned for a moment, but quickly realized that this was a rule of the scenario.
As you process this statement, you notice the map on the wall begins to tremble slightly, as if an invisible force is pushing it.
"Xiaoming—" You wanted to call her, but your voice seemed to be suppressed by some force and became indistinct.
Xiao Ming seemed to have been observing you from outside the scene. At this moment, he quickly walked to your side and asked urgently, "What happened? You look so pale."
“The book… there’s something wrong with this book.” You covered your mouth, coughed a few times, and pointed to “War and Domination” on the table.
Xiao Ming reached out and opened it without hesitation, but nothing unusual happened.
She frowned: "Did you see something again?"
What does "again" mean?
Xiao Ming himself didn't seem to realize what he had asked, and quickly moved on from the topic.
She just came over, and then left after finding you were alright.
You shook your head; a force within your mind was preventing you from thinking about certain things.
Only their gazes involuntarily fell upon the map. At that moment, several places marked on the map—Corsica, Paris, and Waterloo—suddenly lit up with a faint light, forming a faint trail.
Napoleon's life unfolded in my mind, from his rise from Corsica to the pinnacle of Paris, to the turning point of his fate at Waterloo. That trajectory seemed to tell you about a cycle of destiny, carrying a sense of inescapable fate.
Snake with its tail in its mouth.
You feel a chill creeping down your spine as you hold the sculpture in your hand.
You continued your tour with the group, and you secretly glanced at Xiaoming and her two friends, who showed absolutely no signs of unease. That's strange; shouldn't you be the only one feeling completely carefree?
As the guide led everyone into the corridor, a series of heavy footsteps came from afar, each step penetrating your mind.
The sound was very rhythmic, reminding you of the marching steps of an army during a military parade on television.
"Xiaoming, did you hear that?" he whispered.
Xiao Ming finally nodded affirmatively, his expression becoming tense: "Yes, it looks like there are many people walking."
The footsteps grew closer, but no one could be seen. At the end of the corridor hung a large mirror, in which a blurry figure could be vaguely seen.
You can only vaguely make out that it is a man in military uniform and wearing a bicorn hat. Even though the image is blurry, you can recognize who it is at a glance.
"Napoleon?" you blurted out almost immediately.
The image in the mirror disappeared, and the footsteps stopped abruptly, but you could feel a chill enveloping the entire corridor, as if the air itself had become heavy.
As the tour neared its end, the guide led everyone toward the exit. Just as you passed the last exhibition hall, a painting caught your eye out of the corner of your eye.
It was a portrait unlike any other painting; the man in the painting had a solemn expression and sharp eyes.
Unlike the portrait of the young Napoleon at the entrance, which seems to be looking down on everyone, this one depicts him clearly piercing through time and staring directly at you.
He held a sword in his hand, and a burning globe stood at his feet.
You stop and can't help but examine the painting closely.
When Xiao La saw you stop, he came over to admire the painting and, as always, commented on its artistic merit, praising it: "The Napoleon in this painting is more vivid than in other portraits. Ambition, desire, and the blazing earth—it brings this ambitious man and warmonger to life."
"Indeed," you nodded in response, but your mind was elsewhere.
The man in the portrait is not merely lifelike; his eyes are practically alive. His ambition, his desires…
Want to take the ouroboros sculpture? No way!
Anger burns in your eyes. This is your sculpture! This is the vital prop you've acquired to protect everyone!
The tour guide urged everyone to leave the museum, and you only had time for one last look.
Napoleon's lips curled up slightly, adding a touch of sinister glint to the solemn atmosphere.
You respond with a defiant grin, and who cares if it's a ghost or a phantom in a painting? Don't even think about going against you! And certainly don't…
After leaving Napoleon's birthplace, you went to the arranged restaurant and ate some authentic Mediterranean-style French cuisine. Of course, the four of you still had to eat fish and chips, which attracted the attention of the waiters, who were from Cotai.
After drinking some sweet water, the next stop was the monastery.
Along the way, Xiaoming, Xiaofang, and Xiaola all seemed unusually quiet. Each of them had their own thoughts, but you knew your task was more important.
Looking out the window at the rolling hills of Coloane, sunlight streaming onto the stone paths, and the tranquil bay in the distance, everything is unbelievably beautiful, yet your heart remains restless.
It wasn't fear, it was excitement.
You're like a battle maniac, eager to crush your enemies under your feet. This is to protect the sculpture, that's right, exactly.
"Wouldn't the monastery be even scarier?" Little La suddenly broke the silence, scratching her head a little embarrassedly. "I know I might sound cowardly saying this, but even if I'm mentally prepared, I still feel like all the sightseeing we've been doing today is just setting the stage for the monastery."
"What are you afraid of?" Xiao Fang patted Xiao La's head and said with a smile, "Can a monk turn into a ghost? Even if he is a ghost, it should be at night. How about it, want to bet? I think this trip is just a bluff to scare us, there shouldn't be any too difficult challenges. After all, we still have to go back to the cruise ship tonight."
You know, Xiao Fang just doesn't want Xiao La to be too nervous. This child has been trying hard to fit into the seemingly "effortless" atmosphere of the three of you, which actually makes her more nervous and afraid of making mistakes.
"I bet we'll just go to the monastery, light some candles, listen to a ghost story, and that'll be it," Xiao Ming said with a laugh. "What about you?" Xiao Ming asked you.
"Ah, um, I don't think it's a big problem," you said.
Xiao Ming is looking at you with a strange expression again.
Touching your face, you frowned slightly: "Why have you been staring at me all day?"
Your question seemed to go unspoken, because Xiaoming didn't reply and instead started chatting with Xiaofang. You tilted your head back and gulped down a large glass of water, then stuffed the third bottle of mineral water you'd drunk that day back into the mesh pocket on the front seat.
As the car drove into the mountains, the scenery gradually became desolate and solemn.
A winding mountain road leads you to a secluded open area where an ancient monastery stands.
The monastery's exterior walls were whitewashed and covered with plants you might not recognize, perhaps ivy or something similar. The stained glass windows reflected a soft glow under the bright sun.
“This monastery was built in the 12th century,” the guide said with a smile, his tone as proud as if he were introducing his own home. “It used to be a settlement for local monks, and a few monks still live here today. They are not interested in outside interference and only wish to maintain a peaceful life.”
Upon hearing this, Xiao La complained to you, "A few cultivators? This place looks so big, but there are so few people living here."
"Maybe they prefer quiet," you casually replied, because Xiaoming's strange looks today made you reluctant to talk to anyone.
My gaze was drawn to a stone plaque above the monastery entrance, inscribed with an ancient Latin phrase. Although some of the words had been weathered, the smart glasses still accurately deciphered the meaning: "Truth lies hidden within light."
Upon entering the monastery, you are led to a spacious hall. Several religious paintings hang on the walls, the ceiling is decorated with exquisite wood carvings, and the tall arched windows let in light throughout the building, enveloping the entire space in a sacred atmosphere.
“This is the core area of the monks’ daily life,” the guide said softly. “This is where they pray, study, and communicate. Please keep quiet and do not disturb the monks.”
Following the guide's directions, you wandered through the different rooms of the monastery. Each room was simple and solemn, seemingly containing a heavy history. The paintings and furnishings on the walls were all normal, everything seemed too ordinary.
"That's strange," Xiao Fang said. "Nothing has happened here at all."
“Isn’t it great?” Little La glanced at her, her tone arrogant, but her behavior was obedient as she followed her. “If strange things really happened everywhere, we would be too unlucky.”
Xiao Fang nodded, but you could tell from her expression that she wasn't entirely reassured by this "normal" situation.
Ahead lies the prayer room, one of the most central areas of the monastery. The prayer room has a smooth stone floor, and the walls are decorated with murals depicting biblical stories. In the center stands a row of neat benches facing a statue of the Virgin Mary at the far end.
The statue of the Virgin Mary has her head bowed, her hands clasped together, and her expression compassionate.
“This prayer room is 800 years old,” the guide exclaimed. “It is the earliest part of the monastery and a place where the monks’ souls reside.”
Xiao Fang cautiously approached the statue of the Virgin Mary, carefully examining her face, and continued to ask, "Don't you all feel that this statue of the Virgin Mary seems to be looking at each of us?"
“Here we go again.” Little La covered her ears. “Of course statues can have this effect. It’s called good technique, not weird.”
The two women were as noisy as ever, so you and Xiaoming took the opportunity to look around the room. Your gaze fell on a stone slab on the floor. The color of that slab was slightly different from the surrounding ones, as if it had been repaired, but upon closer inspection, you could see some faint engravings.
“This floorboard…” you murmured, crouching down to try and see the markings on it, only to find that it seemed to be some kind of ancient symbol, similar to a patterned script.
It looks a bit like the ones in the tower.
"Did you find anything?" Xiaoming walked over.
You shake your head and take a picture of all the runes; they might come in handy later.
The tour concluded smoothly without any incidents.
The guide led everyone through the monastery's refectory, library, and gardens before returning to the main hall, where he gave a brief summary: "The life in the monastery is one of ultimate tranquility and purity. I hope you can feel the inner strength here."
Xiao Ming turned to you and said, "It seems there really is no problem here. Maybe we were overthinking it."
I don't know why, maybe it's because I think Xiaoming is strange, and you can't help but feel that every word she says is a test.
You manage a weak smile, your thoughts drifting. You can't help but recall the Latin inscription on the wall—"Truth lies hidden in light."
Is it Napoleon? What tricks is he going to pull?
When will it appear?
"Guests."
Words become law; just as you were anticipating the enemy, an elderly monk called out to the guide.
They communicated in Famille, and you then noticed how similar their noses were. The guide was probably from Koh Larn; no wonder he was so passionate and enthusiastic during his introduction.
"Alright, everyone, we have been granted permission to freely visit and rest at the monastery. If you are still interested, you can explore on your own or return to the bus to rest." The guide clapped his hands, announcing this exciting news to the tourists.
Xiaoming and the others were all preparing to go back to the bus, not wanting to cause any more trouble.
“I think I want to explore this further,” you said.
The enemy hasn't even appeared yet, how can you just leave like this?
Xiao Ming seemed to relax a bit, and he came over affectionately, taking your arm: "It's too dangerous for you to be alone, you should go back to the bus." Xiao Fang and Xiao La nodded in agreement.
Your insistence on continuing the search only made Xiaoming happier. He touched his forehead with a slight look of distress and then decided to go with you. Xiao Fang and Xiao La joined in as well.
Let's do it together then.
You know where you're going. The basement.
You come directly here, a wise warrior, and can find his enemy.
The air in the monastery's basement was stuffy, and instead of electric lights, flickering oil lamps were used.
In an instant, the four of you cast your shadows on different walls due to the different light sources, making the room seem as if there were many more people.
There is an old stone table here. You walk straight up to it, clutching the ouroboros sculpture in your hand. Behind you are Xiaoming, Xiaofang, and Xiaola. They were originally by your side, but as you walk, you leave them behind.
Ancient artifacts were piled up all around, and maps and tattered battle flags hung on the walls.
Yes, this is the place.
A familiar yet oppressive figure slowly appeared.
The ghost of Napoleon, dressed in a tattered military uniform, the medals on his chest gleaming with a cold, eerie light, stares intently at the sculpture in your hands.
His thoughts travel directly to your soul, and the word "rebirth" explodes in your mind like blood.
“Donne-moi a. (Give it to me.)” he said in a hoarse and authoritative voice.
You swallowed hard, forcing yourself to suppress the rage within you. You knew this standoff was a battle of wits and endurance.
“Napoleon,” you begin calmly, trying to divert his attention, “you are one of the greatest military commanders in history. Even here, your presence is awe-inspiring. But if you want this sculpture, we’ll have to have a fair fight.” You know he will understand your words.
"Very well, let me see what you're capable of." A cold smile appeared on his lips.
You quickly glance around, your gaze landing on a map on the stone table. It's a topographical map of Oregon from the Napoleonic era, clearly marking mountains, rivers, cities, and strategic locations.
That's it. You pointed to the map and said:
"This is a battlefield. You represent the Fae army, and I represent the Allied forces. Let's have a war simulation. If you win, this sculpture is yours. But if I win, you must let us leave." You struggle to resist the urge to utter the word "surrender," a word that might enrage a ghost.
Napoleon narrowed his eyes, seemingly assessing your proposal. After a moment, he nodded: "Very well, but be prepared to fail."
You quickly unfold the map, using a few stones and old coins on the table to represent the positions of the two armies. Napoleon positions his army in the center of the map, setting up a precise defensive line. You, on the other hand, disperse your troops on both flanks in the name of the Allied forces, attempting to form an encirclement.
"Your troops are too widely dispersed and can be easily defeated piecemeal," Napoleon said with a sneer. He quickly moved his central forces, attempting to break through your lines, while simultaneously sending cavalry directly to your rear.
You gritted your teeth and quickly adjusted the formation on both flanks, trying to encircle his central forces. But Napoleon's deployment was precise and decisive; his center not only did not collapse, but he also cut off your left-wing reinforcements. Several stones were swept off the map, symbolizing the complete defeat of your left flank.
“C'est la guerre. (This is war.)” His tone carried an undeniable sense of victory.
Despite the first round defeat, you quickly discover Napoleon's weakness—his overconfidence in his strategy and failure to make full use of the terrain.
You quickly adjusted your strategy, using a river on the map as a barrier to hide your right flank behind the river, while sending a small force to feign a counterattack and draw his attention.
"Is this your plan?" Napoleon sneered, moving his cavalry to your right flank, preparing to destroy your defenses in one fell swoop.
But he didn't realize that the river would slow down his cavalry, exposing gaps in his rear during the attack. You immediately mobilized hidden troops to flank him from the center, cutting off his reinforcements.
Napoleon's expression changed; he clearly hadn't expected such a swift counterattack. He glanced down at the map, immediately adjusted his troops, withdrew the cavalry to the center, and re-established a defensive line.
This ghostly figure displays unparalleled military intuition, but you discover he is not invincible. His thinking still follows 19th-century warfare logic, while you utilize modern knowledge and psychological tactics to gradually approach victory.
“Your defenses are solid, but I have a question.” You deliberately slowed your speech, speaking with a hint of doubt, “Have you noticed that your left flank is actually a bit…short?”
Napoleon frowned, looked up at you, and asked with a hint of confusion in his eyes, "What do you mean?"
"What I mean is, your perspective might be a bit off," you said, spreading your hands as if to feign nonchalance. "Because of your height..."
Before the words were even finished, Napoleon's expression instantly darkened. His fingers trembled slightly, clearly angered by your teasing. But that's exactly the effect you wanted.
The stone representing the left wing of the French army on the map was subtly moved as you deliberately insulted his height, creating a small opening. Napoleon's attention was diverted by your words, and with your hands in front of him, he certainly didn't expect this to happen.
“On the battlefield, perspective and information flow are key to victory or defeat,” you continue, casually fiddling with your troops, “and your command style… seems a bit limited.”
The ghost stares at you, its eyes filled with coldness. It tries to calm itself, but the delirious consciousness of dying from arsenic poisoning makes it difficult for it to always make the right judgments.
Taking advantage of Napoleon's brief reorganization, you swiftly launched your final attack. You concentrated your troops on his weakest point on the left flank, breaking through his defenses in one fell swoop, while simultaneously sending a small force to feign an attack on his center, further confusing his judgment.
"Impossible!" Napoleon's ghost roared, slamming his finger heavily on the map.
The situation was irreversible, but he still tried to salvage it with his last bit of strength.
“This is war,” you said with a smile, mimicking his previous tone. “Pride and impatience are the greatest enemies.”
You swept away his core forces in the center with the last stone, marking a complete reversal of the battle. The ghost was stunned, his eyes fixed on the map, clearly unwilling to believe his defeat.
The ghost remained silent for a moment, then suddenly looked up at the sky and sighed deeply. His figure began to fade, his voice low and resigned: "Vous avez gagné. Mais cette guerre n'est jamais finie. (You've won. But this war is never over.)"
"Perhaps." Watching his figure gradually disappear, she tried her best to hide her elation. "But you need to let go of your obsession."
"Look!" Xiao Fang exclaimed, pointing to the ground where the undead had perished.
Those are symbols that have appeared on towers and monasteries.
"So, this is a resurrection formation?" After taking a picture, Xiao Ming muttered to himself, "Is this a reward for defeating the undead? But what do we need this for?"
They analyze their own, while you simply stand in the shadows, gently stroking the sculpture in your hand.
The reward is actually that your understanding and use of this sculpture has been further enhanced.
You can not only vaguely see the future and the past, but you can now truly influence them.
You understand now, the three times you disembarked were to do these three things.
Using sculpture, mastering sculpture —
Fusion sculpture.
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Author's Note: Type 1 to check Da Hu's mental state.
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