To yearn for the sky, to draw near the sky—this is the world that awaits those who attain the incredible power to soar through the heavens: the Gardens. There is a legend that at the edge of the firmament, beyond the clouds, lies a golden land known as...

the Ediru Garden. …… On a tranquil hillside, a dazzling column of white light descended from the heavens.

Upon making contact with the ground, it shattered like cherry blossoms, and in the instant it dissipated, it revealed what had been contained within. “Phew, we finally made it to a new world.

I must say, even the air is different here. I’m so lucky to have made it.” Rin Tohsaka stretched widely, sighing contentedly.

“And you have the nerve to say that, you cheat.” Lin Luo couldn't help but roll his eyes. Using such despicable methods to 'defeat' the other four, Rin Tohsaka’s dark side seemed to grow in lockstep with her power.

“What are you talking about? I won through intelligence,” Rin pursed her lips, retorting.

“Lin Luo…” Ignoring the two’s bickering, Lei turned her gaze towards the surrounding environment, a faint trace of excitement coloring her face. Without a doubt, this was indeed the world she had originally existed in; that familiar aura, that familiar wind—even after five hundred years, it remained deeply familiar to her.

“Yes, we’ll find it soon enough. The Ediru Garden, definitely,” Lin Luo smiled faintly.

“Speaking of which, what exactly is the Ediru Garden that makes you so eager to go?” Gazing at the girl beside him, Rin Tohsaka’s eyes held a hint of confusion. Though she often heard Lei mention the Ediru Garden, she knew nothing about it beyond the name.

“It is a quiet garden, shrouded by clouds high above the sky…” Lei tilted her head back, her gaze fixed on the distant heavens, her eyes filled with anticipation and longing. “Faintly visible, without sorrow or weeping, illuminated by golden radiance, everything is utterly serene, waiting for new visitors, gathering momentum to spread like wildfire…” “Isn’t that just a utopian paradise?” Rin pondered for a moment, then asked, “Do you know where that garden is?

This world feels vast. Without a precise location, it might not be easy to find.” “I don't know exactly where,” Lei shook her head, then nodded again.

“But I can feel it; if we just keep walking forward, we will reach it.” “A special sense, then? That makes things much simpler.

But speaking of which, this world is really strange,” Rin suddenly looked up, watching an airship glide overhead, then glanced at the small mountain village with smoke curling from chimneys at the foot of the distant mountains, frowning. “They have such advanced aircraft, yet the architectural style of that village looks like it’s from ancient times.

What era is this world even in?” “Aircraft? That’s the first time I’ve seen a vehicle that can fly in the sky,” Lei also stared in surprise at the airship passing overhead.

After all, she had been sealed for five hundred years; airships probably didn't exist back then. The three currently stood on a hilltop with excellent visibility, allowing them to take in the surrounding environment with a casual glance.

At the foot of the mountain, not far below, was a small village, and beyond that, the outline of a city and the vast ocean could be discerned. “It seems to be a world where ancient and modern times are mixed,” Lin Luo remarked casually.

“I hope it’s not one of those ridiculously mixed-up worlds,” Rin couldn't help but grumble. “It is, actually, this Garden is exactly such a mixed-up world,” Lin Luo spread his hands in explanation.

“Just as you sensed, this world is incredibly vast, spanning several continents. Perhaps due to cultural isolation, some continents have developed rapidly, hardly differing from our own world, while others are quite backward due to slow development.

Of course, even on the same continent, the remote areas might be worlds apart from the central regions. Oh, and by the way, the Ediru Garden is probably the most technologically advanced place in this world.” Rin patted her forehead, then adopted her signature gesture, covering her cheek with one hand, her gaze shooting out between her fingers toward Lin Luo, sighing, “The more you talk about it, the more chaotic this world seems.” “You’ll get used to it.” While Lin Luo found the world setting of the Weapon Races quite bizarre—with some areas exceeding Academy City in technology while people in backward regions still used oil lamps—it felt jarring.

However, he had experienced this type of world quite a few times; he was almost naturally accustomed to it... well, in games, at least.

“Well, we can discuss the world later. Let’s find a place to settle down for now.

The sun will likely set in four or five hours. If we can speed up our journey, perhaps we can reach that big city before nightfall.” Lin Luo suggested.

Their sole purpose in coming to this world was to deliver Lei to the Ediru Garden; he wasn't interested in triggering any side quests. Although, based on the information he possessed, that place wasn't as wonderful as Lei imagined, since it was Lei’s wish, they had to go through with it, good or bad.

“Mm,” Lei nodded gently. She certainly had no objection to this; departing sooner meant arriving at the Ediru Garden a day earlier.

“That’s true. Coming to such a strange world and getting hung up on the bizarre settings would be foolish.

I should…” At this point, Rin’s expression suddenly froze, as if she had just realized something. Her eyes began to widen slowly and evenly, and she cried out in panic, “Oh no, something terrible has happened!” “What is it?” Lin Luo was startled, thinking they had triggered a side quest so soon, and quickly looked around.

“I left the gold behind…” Rin looked utterly dejected, on the verge of tears. “I was so focused on drawing lots that I forgot to bring the most important thing, the gold.” Rin Tohsaka was a very unique person.

Besides being calculatingly strong, she possessed one unique trait: she usually appeared perfect, but at critical moments, she always messed up. To outsiders, this might be considered a charming quirk, but to her, it was nothing short of tragic.

“...Yes, that’s very much in character for you,” Lin Luo paused briefly before nodding immediately. “Serves you right,” Lei still displayed her uncanny ability to speak the absolute truth with her sharp commentary.

“Waaah… my shiny gold pieces…” Rin was genuinely close to tears. …… As predicted, the martial and mystical power levels in this world were relatively too low.

Lin Luo’s Rule Power was severely restricted; forget using his Domain of Creation, even analyzing the world’s rules was extremely difficult. After all, if the hardware configuration is too low, high-end software cannot run—it’s like playing an ancient game on a dual-core PC that still lags painfully; if you use a single-core processor, you’re stuck playing the offline version.

Since Lin Luo’s Instant Movement was linked to the Rule of Creation, if his Rule Power couldn't be used, his Instant Movement was naturally useless. Thus, the three of them traveled the entire way on foot.

Fortunately, both Lin Luo and Rin had decent stamina, and carrying Lei on his back didn't slow Lin Luo down much. After nearly four hours, the trio finally reached the coastal city they had seen earlier.

“Ah~~ I’m so tired. If I had known this world was this awful, I wouldn’t have come,” Rin sighed again immediately upon entering the city, appearing completely listless.

This is punishment for your cheating. Lin Luo really wanted to say that, but the Red Devil seemed to be in a bad mood, so it was better not to provoke her.

Rin adopted a languid expression and asked, “By the way, are we going to have to travel on foot like this from now on?” “How could we? The area we just traversed simply lacked proper transportation,” Lin Luo had already set Lei down from his back once they entered the city.

Carrying her had been fine for travel, but continuing to do so now would definitely attract unwanted attention. Because she slept the whole way, Lei’s spirits were quite high, though she still seemed a bit groggy.

Lin Luo spoke as they walked, “Although this city isn't highly developed, it has most essential facilities. We can take a carriage, or ride an airship.

If we were feeling extravagant, we could even buy a plane and fly it ourselves… Oh, wait, none of us know how to pilot one, so that option is officially PASSed.” “Carriages and airships in the same city… this really is…” Rin stared at the horse-drawn carriages moving slowly down the street and the airship gradually approaching in the sky nearby, admitting she was speechless. “This kind of setting is strange, but if you look at it from a different angle, isn’t it quite interesting?” Lin Luo didn't seem too bothered.

“Alright, since everyone is a bit tired, and it’s getting late, let’s just find an inn to stay for the night.” This suggestion was unanimously approved, though Rin added a condition: “It had better be an inn with a hot spring. A soak after a long journey is the most comfortable thing.” “I despise humans… but I love hot springs,” Lei also showed a hint of slight anticipation on her face.

Was there a connection between those two statements? Lin Luo found it hard to understand; what Lei said sometimes lacked coherence.

A few minutes later, the three entered a seemingly decent inn. As soon as they stepped inside, the hostess, still possessing considerable charm, greeted them enthusiastically, “Welcome, esteemed guests.

Would you prefer to eat first, or bathe first? Or perhaps…” “……” Lin Luo grimaced.

Rin Tohsaka’s mouth twitched slightly, but her composure was better, and she quickly regained her senses, asking, “Do you have a hot spring?” The hostess smiled and replied, “Of course, we have mixed bathing, and separate baths for men and women. Would you like separate ones, or mixed bathing, or perhaps…” “Stop, stop, stop!” Lin Luo looked pained.

It seemed this hostess was quite adept at the ‘art of seduction,’ no wonder her establishment was popular. “Take us to the bathing area first.

I’ll go to the men’s side, and they can go to the women’s. Then, please prepare dinner for us.

Oh, and we don’t have any cash. Is this enough?” Saying this, Lin Luo flipped his hand, and a large chunk of gold appeared in his palm.

“Is this pure gold?” The smile on the hostess’s face immediately solidified, and she gasped softly, “Sir… this is a bit much. A piece of gold like this could cover lodging here for at least a month.” “Is that so?

I don’t have small change anyway, so a bit too much is fine,” Lin Luo waved his hand dismissively. To him, money was external; a piece broken off a building in the Sky City might be worth a fortune.

However, the twin-tailed girl beside him looked somewhat pained. “That won’t do.

We run an honest business, integrity is paramount. I can’t say about other establishments, but in Chun Shisanniang’s place, we absolutely will not take advantage of our guests,” the hostess said firmly, shaking her head.

Chun Shisanniang… what a name. Lin Luo hadn't expected a merchant to be so unmotivated by profit.

He spread his hands and said, “Well, I don’t have change on me either, madam. Are you going to throw us out?” The hostess considered for a moment, then smiled, “How about this: I’ll send someone to the pawn shop to exchange this for cash, and then you can pay with currency, how does that sound?” “Mm, that works too.

Thank you for the trouble then,” Lin Luo naturally had no objections to this; having common currency was certainly more convenient than gold. “You are most welcome.

Please follow me this way, guests.” After leading the three to the inner area, toward the passage to the baths, the hostess sent someone to exchange the money. “Uh.” The moment his feet stepped into the inner room, Lin Luo suddenly felt a cold glint flash behind him.

“Someone is watching us,” Rin had clearly noticed it too, blinking at Lin Luo and saying in a low voice. Lin Luo nodded.

“Yes, we’re being tailed. Most likely bounty hunters, right?” “Bounty hunters?” Rin Tohsaka looked puzzled.

Lin Luo explained in a low voice, “Weapon Races are very valuable in this world, especially Lei, being one of the Seven Splendorous Treasures. For those who seek power from Weapon Races, she holds unparalleled value.

That’s why the profession of Bounty Hunter exists in this world. Bounty Hunters specialize in hunting Weapon Races and selling them to various factions for huge profits.

Moreover, there’s a specialized radar in this world for detecting Weapon Races. It’s possible Lei’s identity was exposed the moment we entered the city.

They are probably scouting us out now.” “There’s actually such a profession? Isn’t that just human trafficking?” Rin was somewhat surprised.

“What should we do?” Lin Luo looked perfectly calm. “Nothing much, we’ll handle it as it comes.” “Huh?” “No need to worry about them.

If they want to come, let them,” Lin Luo waved his hand, unconcerned. This wasn't arrogance, but confidence in his own strength.

Although he couldn't use the Rule of Creation right now, he could utilize the Inverse Rule, coupled with various Contract powers and abilities gained after absorbing the Heart Codex. There was no power in this world worth his concern.

When the gap in power reaches a certain level, any conspiracy or trickery becomes useless. No matter how great the wisdom, it cannot defeat absolute force.

Thus, Lin Luo felt no worry. It would be best if the bounty hunters didn't show up, but if they ignorantly tried to steal Lei, they would only meet their demise.

“Well, that makes sense,” Rin said after thinking it over. “But speaking of which, where did you get that gold earlier?” “Nonsense, of course, you bring money when you go out.

I’m not as scatterbrained as you,” Lin Luo shot her a look, deliberately needling her. “You jerk…” A visible vein immediately popped on the girl’s forehead.

“Ah, I’m done talking. We’re at the bathhouse now.

Take care of Lei, will you?” Before Rin could fully explode in anger, Lin Luo swiftly slipped into the men’s bath area. “Hmph,” Rin snorted angrily, then took Lei’s hand and walked toward the other side of the bathhouse.

“Come on, let’s go wash up.” “Hot springs… so comfortable.” “Indeed. It’s a shame the Sky City didn’t have a hot spring.

That guy built so many useless things, but he never built a hot spring. What an idiot.

Doesn’t he know hot springs are a girl’s romantic ideal?” Hearing the conversation behind him, Lin Luo felt deeply perplexed. Is a hot spring a girl’s romantic ideal?

This was the first time he’d heard such a claim. …Although Chun Shisanniang had said the men’s and women’s baths were separate, in the end, it was only separated by a wooden partition.

He could hear everything coming from the women’s side clearly. Fortunately, he was alone in the men’s area at the moment, or he might have had to consider clearing the place out.

“Damn it, isn’t this deliberately tempting me?” Listening to the continuous sound of splashing water and the girls' laughter behind him, Lin Luo suddenly felt an unbearable itchiness. For someone who had only recently shed his Mage identity, this was a fatal temptation.

“Oh, right, peeping is also a man’s romance,” Lin Luo suddenly thought of a great idea. While he’d had opportunities to look before, peeping and looking openly were two completely different experiences.

Having such a rare chance, it would be a total failure not to take a peek. “Alright, let me have a look,” Lin Luo acted on his word and immediately leaned close to the wooden partition.

I knew it, these wooden planks must be flimsy… Leaning against the partition, Lin Luo discovered the gaps were quite large. Although he couldn't see the full view on the other side, the angle was perfectly centered on the women's bath area—truly a prime viewing spot.

Through the cracks in the board, Lin Luo saw Lei, completely naked, immersed in the hot spring, her snowy skin above her shoulders exposed. She was blowing bubbles with her mouth, and her vacant expression looked quite adorable… He immediately felt certain parts of himself beginning to react poorly.

“Strange, why isn’t the Little Devil here?” However, what puzzled Lin Luo was the absence of Rin Tohsaka in the bath. He had been quite looking forward to a naked picture of Flat-Chest Rin.

“The devil is right here,” Just then, a voice gritted out from behind him. Instinctively turning around, he saw Rin Tohsaka wrapped in a bath towel, standing there aggressively, and at the same time, a large wooden tub flew toward him.

Bang! Rin Tohsaka’s strength was by no means low.

If he couldn't use the Rule of Creation, Lin Luo might not necessarily defeat her. Thus, he couldn't dodge this impact; he took the hit squarely.

“No peeping, or else… death penalty.” Amidst the dizziness, Lin Luo heard that final declaration. What tragedy.

PS: The world of the Weapon Races is relatively difficult to write, as there are too few memorable supporting villains and mostly extras. Furthermore, with a less powerful system, it might be hard to create truly exciting plot points.

Therefore, the progress in this world might conclude quickly. A new world, a new story, and naturally, new characters are indispensable.

Guess who she is?