Chapter 1171: Z-One
Chapter 1171: Z-One
This could be the most important day in Sherry Leblanc's life since her family was torn apart, the second moment that would alter the course of her life.
It was also the first time in years that the thought of rescuing her parents had crossed her mind.
A time machine, altering the past—could such a thing really be possible?
If it were possible...
At this moment, she truly realized that Godevin was right. Revenge, uncovering the truth—suddenly none of it mattered. Was this what she truly wanted? No, it wasn't.
Losing everything, Sherry had also lost her reason to live, turning herself into a hollow shell driven by revenge. But now she saw a glimmer of hope, a faint ray of light, and immediately pushed thoughts of revenge aside.
But she didn't lose her reason: "You mean we need to use Daichi's power?"
"Yes. Continue investigating Daichi. If we can find another time machine, we can achieve your goal."
Youxuan pointed at the card in Sherry's hand.
"With the power of that card."
Sherry looked at the card, the very card that had led to her father's murder.
"Do you know what this card is for?"
"Of course." Youxuan nodded. "This card is one of the keys Daichi uses to activate the time machine. Find the time machine, and you can use it."
"How do I know you're not lying to me?"
"You have no other choice." Youxuan smiled. "Is there another way to fulfill your wish?"
Sherry's expression darkened, but she didn't argue.
"Fine, if you want proof, it's not impossible."
Youxuan held out his hand.
Sherry remained cautious. "What do you want?"
"The card." Youxuan said calmly. "You came to the Security Maintenance Bureau to analyze this card, didn't you? I'll help you."
Sherry didn't move immediately, still distrustful. But thinking about her recent defeat, she realized that if he wanted to take the card by force, she couldn't stop him. His request, in a way, proved his sincerity.
So Sherry said nothing and handed the card, named "Z-One", to Youxuan.
"Please, follow me."
Youxuan turned and led the way. The other three exchanged glances and followed.
Deep within the Security Maintenance Bureau lay a state-of-the-art supercomputer. In the original anime, Sherry had also infiltrated this place, using the computer to analyze the card in her possession.
And the results of that analysis, as well as what would happen next, Youxuan remembered all too well.
This was exactly his goal.
The "Z-One" card was placed on the computer's analysis station. Everyone remained silent, waiting for the supercomputer to complete its analysis.
Then the computer gave its answer.
Normal.
Ordinary, normal, nothing special. That was the supercomputer's verdict.
Sherry's eyes widened. "Nothing? The analysis result is... just a normal card?"
"Patience." Youxuan smiled confidently, having anticipated this outcome. "The real trick is about to begin."
As he spoke, red lightning spiraled and struck the sky outside the Security Maintenance Bureau, the ionized storm threatening to shatter the building's reinforced glass walls. Thunder, carrying a stream of data, surged into the sky, converging above the building into a kilometer-wide Dimensional Vortex.
The Magic Card lying on the computer suddenly burst with energy, transforming into pure energy in an instant.
Everything in front of the group—the computer, the room, and even the entire Security Maintenance Bureau building—bent and folded within the warped space. The streets surrounding the building seemed to flow like ribbons toward the center of the Vortex.
But that was just a visual distortion. The true changes brought by the dimensional pull did not affect the building or the streets, but rather the four people at the heart of the event.
A terrifying gravitational force sucked them into the rift, and all the surroundings vanished from sight.
Youxuan gently closed his eyes, allowing his body to drift like a feather within the Vortex.
When the storm subsided, he felt his feet touch solid ground again and slowly opened his eyes.
An infinite space.
Not a hyperbolic metaphor, but a literal infinity. A sacred, pure white light enveloped everything, extending to the edges of the world. The floor beneath his feet was white, as was the ceiling above.
In this infinite space, only one thing existed.
A series of nested bronze metal shells, each curved plate etched with intricate patterns, floated unsupported in the center of this pure white expanse, resembling a nautilus shell. Sharp eyes seemed to peer through the gaps in its head.
Youxuan knew he had finally found the real deal.
This was "Z-One."
The last human on Earth from a shattered timeline, a failed savior burdened with the tragedy of all humanity.
Youxuan let out a long breath.
Lucky, and the plan went smoothly.
In truth, he wasn't certain it would work, but in the original anime, Z-One's first appearance was indeed like this.
Sherry had infiltrated the Security Maintenance Bureau to use the supercomputer's power, analyzing the card named "Z-One." The analysis showed no abnormalities, but the card immediately burst with incredible energy, sending the present group—Yusei, Sherry, and others—to this otherworldly space.
This was where they first met Z-One.
"Z-One, huh? You were quite a pain to find."
Youxuan spoke up.
"Especially your companions, those Three Emperors and Daichi, the three avatars of Aporia. They are so reclusive and unfriendly. I almost found them, but they went to great lengths to alter history and erase any traces to avoid me.
Honestly, I just wanted to have a chat. Am I that terrifying? Why go to such lengths to hide from me?"
Youxuan shook his head in exasperation.
For a moment, there was no response from the massive metal shell, but the eyes behind the armor continued to fixate on Youxuan.
This person knew Aporia's name.
Not even within Daichi's organization did anyone know that their leader, the Three Emperors, was originally a single person split into three. That person's name was Aporia, one of Z-One's companions. The Three Emperors were merely parts of him.
And this person knew Aporia's name.
After a brief silence, Z-One finally spoke.
"You used Paradox's D-Wheel to come here, an interdimensional being?"
Z-One asked in a flat tone.
"Then, what have you done with Paradox?"
(End of Chapter)
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