"Money tree? Lucian, don't you dare touch my money tree—that's my treasure!"
Rover, standing nearby, asked, "Aalto, what's going on? Why has the ground been shaking nonstop?"
Aalto sighed and explained, "The frequency amplification of the Tethys System's stabilization anchors has suddenly intensified. Other anomalous frequencies originally contained underground are now rapidly dispersing outward."
"The analysts are still investigating the specifics, but we're already on emergency response duty."
"Originally, data recorded by the Tethys System would draw energy from the massive Tacetite in the Black Shores to materialize into physical forms, while real-world objects would be converted into data."
Aalto's holographic image glanced at the group. "Oh, everyone's here? That's good—we can restore the stabilization anchors even faster now."
"Camellya's still with Lucian too? If she can assist him, that'd be even better!"
Camellya frowned slightly. "What's that supposed to mean? Are you implying I never pull my weight?"
Aalto chuckled awkwardly. "You've always taken on the more thrilling missions, haven't you? This situation is definitely thrilling, but it might be beyond us. Since it involves the Tethys System, the Shorekeeper will likely have to step in eventually."
Rover asked, "If we help restore the stabilization anchors, can we meet the Shorekeeper?"
Aalto scratched his head. "Given your status… probably, yeah."
Lucian laughed reassuringly. "Don't worry. I've already met the Shorekeeper before—I'm sure we'll see her again soon."
Aalto's hologram grinned. "Oh, right! While KU-Money was inputting Lucian's records, they discovered he's already an honorary consultant for the Black Shores. Didn't expect you to keep that under wraps, huh?"
"In that case, we'll be counting on our dear colleague!"
Rover: "…?"
Rover narrowed her eyes at Lucian. "Since when were you a Black Shores consultant? How come I didn't know?"
Changli smirked coquettishly. "To think Intelligence Officer Lucian had so many hidden identities behind our backs… Though, honestly, I'm not surprised."
Camellya scoffed. "And here I was being accused of being a Fractsidus mole. With all these identities, isn't it more likely that you're the Fractsidus spy?"
Lucian: "..."
Aalto fell silent, watching as Lucian was bombarded with accusations. He hadn't expected that no one knew about Lucian's status as a Black Shores consultant. Had he misspoken?
"Ahem… Anyway, I still need to head to Mistrock for repairs. The stabilization anchor at Newbranch Grove is in your hands now, colleagues!"
"Oh, and if you need guidance, you can look for a robot named KU-Key first."
With that, Aalto hastily ended the transmission, his hologram vanishing.
Rover grabbed Lucian by the collar. "Explain. When did you become a Black Shores consultant?"
Lucian chuckled nervously. "Well… it's a long story…"
Rover pressed closer. "If it's long, then keep it short."
Lucian scratched his head. "You might not believe me, but… I became a consultant in a dream…"
Rover: "…?"
Changli wrapped her arms around Lucian's and smiled. "I believe it. No matter what happens with Lucian, nothing surprises me anymore."
Camellya rested a hand on her cheek, grinning. "My, Counselor Changli and Lucian really are close, aren't they? Poor Rover's being overshadowed…"
Rover snorted. "There are four stabilization anchors. We'll split into two teams—I'll go with Lucian, you and Changli can pair up."
Camellya: "…?"
Changli giggled. "Actually, Lucian and I should team up. Since the strongest here are Lucian and Rover, it's only logical for the two powerhouses to lead separate teams, no?"
Camellya raised both hands. "I agree!"
Rover shook her head. "No. The stronger individuals who are unfamiliar with the Black Shores should pair up, while Camellya—who knows the area—can guide Changli separately."
Lucian pondered. "Alternatively… what if we each restore one anchor on our own?"
Changli gently shook her head, kissed Lucian's cheek, and murmured affectionately, "That won't do. I don't feel safe going alone…"
Rover gritted her teeth. "Changli, you've gone too far! Lucian is my fiancé—how dare you act so shamelessly in front of me?"
"You said it yourself—'fiancé.'" Changli emphasized the word. "Meaning it's not yet settled, isn't it?"
"And if it's not settled, things can still change. Just like in a game of Go, where the 'ko fight' remains unresolved—until the board is finalized, anything can happen."
Rover: "…???"
Lucian coughed and declared, "Since we can't satisfy everyone, let's dissatisfy everyone equally! Rover and Changli will team up, and I'll go with Camellya!"
Rover and Camellya shouted in unison: "Absolutely not!"
Changli gazed tenderly at Lucian. "If it's Lucian's idea, I have no objections."
Two votes against two—the grouping remained undecided.
In the end, the four resorted to the most primitive method: rock-paper-scissors.
Coincidentally, the final grouping matched Lucian's suggestion exactly.
Neither Camellya nor Rover was happy, but since the decision was made through rock-paper-scissors, they couldn't argue further.
"Aalto mentioned earlier that we should head to Newbranch Grove first and look for a robot named KU-Key. It should tell us how to restore the stabilization anchors."
The four arrived at Newbranch Grove and found KU-Key near a site where anomalous data was manifesting.
KU-Key glanced at them and then spoke: "Kuku ku… (static noise)"
A series of electronic distortions followed—completely unintelligible.
Rover paused. "What did it say?"
Lucian, with his Language Mastery, translated: "It says this is Newbranch Grove, where Black Shores members usually live and rest."
"The stabilization anchors here function similarly to the Black Shores beacons connecting locations worldwide—they serve as communication hubs."
"Fortunately, the incident just occurred, so the contamination hasn't spread far yet. Containment officers are already mobilizing to assist."
Lucian turned to the group. "Though Aalto's explanation was complex, the gist is simple: anomalous data will materialize into reality, manifesting as Tacet Discords or similar entities. So everyone, be extra cautious."