When Hiyakura opened her eyes again, she found herself in a completely unfamiliar environment.
It was a small wooden cabin.
Sunlight slanted through the gaps in the window, casting mottled shadows on the floor.
Hiyakura discovered she was lying on a simple wooden bed.
The bed was hard, covered with a thick layer of straw.
She carefully sat up and looked around.
The interior of the small wooden cabin was very simple.
On the table was an old-looking ceramic pot, with a few unknown wildflowers inserted inside, adding a touch of life to this plain space.
Several simple paintings hung on the wall, seemingly smudged together with charcoal.
Hiyakura couldn't quite understand the content of the paintings, but it seemed as though they depicted some strange symbols and patterns.
In the corner of the room were stacked some miscellaneous items, including a few worn-out books, some things that looked like tools, and a small wooden box, with its contents unknown.
The entire room gave off a sense of antiquity and mystery.
The air was filled with a faint scent of wood and the fragrance of wildflowers, making one feel inexplicably at ease.
As Hiyakura carefully observed everything around her, trying to find clues to determine where she was, suddenly, Shiro's voice rang in her ear.
"Don't dawdle, first check your surroundings."
Shiro's voice sounded somewhat distorted.
Yet still clear enough to understand.
This reminded Hiyakura that she was currently in the world of Old Flower Language.
She carefully got off the bed, stepping on the rough wooden floor.
Hiyakura first walked towards the wooden table.
She meticulously examined the tabletop.
Besides the ceramic pot with wildflowers, there were some scattered pieces of paper.
She picked one up and found it filled with writing in a language she couldn't understand, something akin to an ancient script.
Next, she turned her attention to the paintings on the wall.
Upon closer inspection, she realized that these seemingly random scribbles actually held deeper meanings.
Each painting seemed to tell a story.
But there were no explanatory texts, relying solely on symbols and patterns for expression.
Some of the patterns felt familiar to Hiyakura, as if she had seen them somewhere before, but she couldn't recall exactly where.
Hiyakura continued her exploration, moving towards the pile of clutter in the corner of the room.
She carefully rummaged through the worn-out books.
But found most of them in such poor condition that their content was unreadable.
The tools appeared to be parts of some kind of instruments.
Yet Hiyakura could not determine their specific purpose.
Just as Hiyakura was delicately sifting through the debris in the corner, Shiro's voice sounded in her ear again.
"These things seem interesting."
Shiro said with a hint of excitement in her voice.
"Those books, although they look extremely worn out, based on the remnants of the paper, they should be made from some special plant fiber. That's quite rare even in our world now."
Hiyakura picked up a relatively intact book and gently opened it.
The pages were filled with symbols and patterns that she could not comprehend.
"As for those symbols,"
Shiro continued to explain, "they look like some kind of ancient script system. Each symbol is composed of simple lines, but when combined, they become quite complex. This might be a language long lost to history."
Hiyakura's gaze shifted toward the items that resembled instrument parts.
"As for those tools..."
Shiro's voice carried a contemplative tone:
"From their shape and material, they should be part of some measurement or observation device. They seem specially prepared for observing something."
Hiyakura picked up a small metallic object, flipping it in her hand.
"That little thing is interesting."
Shiro remarked, "It must be a core component of some mechanism. Perhaps it's a key to unlock a hidden mechanism or a safe."
Just as Hiyakura was closely examining the small object, and at the same time sharing her perspective with Shiro outside the Old Flower Language, a familiar voice suddenly entered her ears:
"Hiyakura? Aren't you supposed to be patrolling at the city gate today? Why are you back so early?"
The voice carried a hint of confusion but was filled with warmth.
Hiyakura looked toward the sound and saw Tao Yao standing at the door, looking at her with a puzzled expression.
At the sight of Tao Yao, a surge of joy flooded Hiyakura's heart.
She almost wanted to rush over and hug her good friend.
But rationality told her to remain calm.
After all, this was the world of Old Flower Language, and things were different from what she remembered.
Noticing that Hiyakura didn't respond, Tao Yao's confusion deepened.
She quickly walked over to Hiyakura and gently touched her forehead with her hand.
"Are you feeling unwell? You usually don't leave early."
Tao Yao's tone was filled with concern.
Hiyakura felt the warmth of Tao Yao's hand, momentarily lost in thought.
This feeling of intimacy from Tao Yao was both familiar and strange.
Tao Yao looked at Hiyakura with a slightly scrutinizing gaze:
"Hmm... as beautiful as ever, doesn't look like you're sick!"
Hiyakura was taken aback by this comment.
In her memory, the Tao Yao in Old Flower Language, while kind, was never this close.
Now, Tao Yao acted as if she had known her for a long time, revealing deep friendship in her words and actions.
Under Hiyakura's puzzled gaze, Tao Yao suddenly flashed a mischievous smile and took Hiyakura's hand.
"Since you're back, let's play a game! I recently discovered an incredibly fun fighting game that you'll definitely love!"
Before Hiyakura could respond, Shiro's voice echoed in her ear: "Do as Miss Tao Yao says. Although I don't know why she is so friendly towards you, taking this opportunity is certainly a good chance to understand her."
So, Hiyakura nodded and allowed Tao Yao to pull her to the other side of the room.
There was an old-fashioned-looking game console connected to a small display screen.
Tao Yao excitedly turned on the console, operating it with ease.
"This game is called 'Fairy Fight', where you can choose different characters, each with special skills."
Hiyakura looked at the colorful character selection screen.
For a moment, she felt a bit overwhelmed.
Just then, Shiro's voice timely chimed in:
"Choose a character you find appealing, then follow your instincts."
Hiyakura chose a character named "Crimson Fairy", who wore a deep red combat outfit and wielded a heavy-looking great sword.
From the stylistic details, it bore some resemblance to her.
After the game started, Hiyakura was astonished to find she quickly mastered the controls.
Her fingers moved skillfully over the controller, as if she were already familiar with the game.
"Another loss!"
Tao Yao exclaimed, "As expected of Hiyakura, even not playing games often, you are this amazing."
Hiyakura also felt somewhat incredulous.
Clearly, it was her first time playing this game, yet she could maneuver so effortlessly, even predicting her opponent's moves.
After several rounds, she had already won against Tao Yao multiple times.
"Let's do another round!"
Although Tao Yao had been losing, her enthusiasm remained high, "This time, I'm definitely going to win!"
Just when the fifth round was about to start, a voice suddenly came from outside the door.
"Tao Yao, I'm back!"
This voice sent shivers through Hiyakura.
Because this voice sounded very much like her own.
Hiyakura abruptly turned her head toward the door.
Then, her eyes widened, and her mouth slightly opened, unable to speak for a moment.
Because at that moment, standing at the door was undeniably another Hiyakura.
This "Hiyakura" wore the exact same clothes as her.
She had the same hairstyle, and even the expression on her face was identical.
The only difference was that the "Hiyakura" at the door wore a relaxed and joyful smile, while the Hiyakura inside the room had a shocked and bewildered expression.
A strange silence fell over the room.
Tao Yao's gaze flitted back and forth between the two Hiyakuras.
Her expression gradually became more perplexed.
The "Hiyakura" at the door also sensed something was off.
Her smile froze, her eyes filled with disbelief.
The two identical Hiyakuras stood face to face, as if time had halted at that moment.
Shiro's voice sounded in Hiyakura's ear, carrying a deep sense of confusion.
"Are you also from the previous civilization?"
At this moment, Hiyakura stood frozen, her mind blank.
She looked at the "Hiyakura" at the door, filled with confusion and unease.
Shiro's question echoed in her ears.
Yet she could not provide any answers.
"I... I don't know!"
Hiyakura replied in her heart, her voice filled with bewilderment.
She attempted to sort out her thoughts, but the more she thought, the more chaotic it became.
What was going on?
Shouldn't this be something that happened in the previous civilization?
If it was a memory crystal left by the previous civilization, then why was there another version of herself appearing?
Is she real?
Could it be... I might also be fake?
These questions swirled in her mind, making her feel dizzy.
Shiro seemed to sense Hiyakura's confusion, and after a moment of silence, spoke again:
"Then this becomes interesting... the current situation is somewhat different from the memory crystal you explored before."
"The one you had before was when Tao Yao lost her memory, but the one I have now, Tao Yao isn't that amnesiac... so, is the timeline different?"
Just then, while Hiyakura felt disoriented by the situation.
Tao Yao, who had remained silent, suddenly spoke up, breaking the eerie silence in the room.
"Although I can't currently tell which of you is the real one..."
Tao Yao's voice was calm and firm:
"But according to the basic rules regarding 'Shadow Fairies', to prevent anyone among you from being a disguised Shadow Fairy, I must take corresponding measures now."
Hiyakura had looked over some material regarding fairies.
Among them was a brief description of the shadows.
In simple terms,
It was a very rare and dangerous type of fairy that could perfectly mimic others' appearances and behaviors.
Even more terrifying, they could replicate the memories and emotions of the one being imitated, making it difficult for even the closest individuals to distinguish the real from the fake.
Tao Yao did not continue further.
But her actions had already indicated her intentions.
She waved her hand gently, and pink petals appeared out of thin air, hovering around her.
These petals seemed soft and delicate, yet emanated an invisible power.
The next moment, the petals, as if alive, swiftly flew towards the two Hiyakuras.
They deftly wrapped around the wrists and ankles of the Hiyakuras, forming a strong yet beautiful binding.
The entire process was astonishingly effortless, almost as if Tao Yao was merely weaving a floral crown rather than subduing a potential dangerous foe.
What was even more surprising was that neither of the two Hiyakuras showed any signs of resistance.
The "Hiyakura" at the door seemed somewhat numb, almost as if accustomed to such situations.
While the Hiyakura inside the room—
The Hiyakura from the player's perspective—
She complied readily, seeming to understand that cooperating with the investigation was the wisest choice in this situation.
As Tao Yao skillfully manipulated the petals, she continued speaking:
"Both Hiyakuras are actually really nice... but right now, I need to know which one of you is real, and then eliminate the potential fairy threat!"
There was a hint of apology in her tone, but more determination.
"I know this might make you uncomfortable, but please understand, this is a necessary procedure. If you are indeed both Hiyakura, then you should understand this."
Hiyakura felt the bindings of the petals but did not experience any pain.
The petals were soft and warm, just like the feeling Tao Yao herself gave.
"Next," Tao Yao took a deep breath, "we need to conduct a series of tests. These tests will not only help me distinguish the real from the fake, but also ensure everyone's safety. I hope you will cooperate."
Just then, Shiro's voice resonated again in Hiyakura's ear:
"Stay calm and cooperate with her tests. As long as you pass and gain trust, there will be plenty of opportunities to retrieve information related to the previous civilization."
Hiyakura nodded gently, indicating that she understood.
She glanced at the other "herself," noticing that the other was also scrutinizing her.
Their gazes met in the air, both seeing the same confusion and vigilance in each other's eyes.
Tao Yao noticed the interaction between the two and continued:
"I know this situation must be very strange for you both, and it is for me too. But for everyone's safety, I must uncover the truth."
"Then, do you agree? Allow me to distinguish your true identities through questioning and other corresponding tests?"
As Tao Yao's words fell,
The player's perspective Hiyakura had yet to react.
The Hiyakura who had just appeared, however, effortlessly said: "If it's Tao Yao, she won't get it wrong!"
Seeing the memory crystal Hiyakura actively consent,
The player perspective Hiyakura also then spoke up.
"I agree, it should be like this."
But even as they said that,
Deep down, Hiyakura actually felt quite uncertain.
But then...
Can she truly answer Tao Yao's questions?