Describing her previous world was easy. Firefly simply referred to it as her "previous life," an existence so utterly ordinary and unremarkable that it perfectly suited the persona she wanted to project. Even if Wesley had a lie detector on her right then, it wouldn't register a thing—because it was the truth.
Soon, the image of a typical high school girl living in a similar world untouched by Dimensional Rifts formed in Wesley's mind. After all, Firefly had just mentioned she was eighteen, which was clearly high school age.
Probably a senior, or just graduated and hadn't started university yet, Wesley thought.
With that in mind, he said, "I apologize for interrupting your studies. Would you like me to help you apply to a better university in the European Union?"
"No, no, no! That won't be necessary!" Firefly immediately refused. Aside from having no intention of repeating her studies, she knew that European universities were notorious for their grueling graduation requirements.
Getting in was relatively easy, but failing the final exams could trap students for a decade or more.
Wesley didn't press for details about Firefly's past. Instead, he changed the subject. "The country you lived in before... it's very similar to the Dragon Nation in this world, isn't it?"
"Um... yes," Firefly nodded.
In truth, every Outsider possessed a natural "national affinity," a common phenomenon deeply rooted in the culture and history of their former world.
Wesley continued, "Regardless of your feelings about the European Union, the fact remains that you are now a citizen of this nation."
"Since you're here, we have a responsibility to take care of you."
"If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to contact me. I'll do everything I can to help you. Consider it our way of compensating you for what you've been through."
"I can even assist you in obtaining a long-term residence permit in the Dragon Nation. However, securing full citizenship will be more challenging. After all, Dragon Nation citizenship is notoriously difficult to acquire."
In Wesley's view, these Outsiders were victims, forced to abandon their homes and arrive in a completely foreign place due to the Dimensional Rift. He considered this a problem originating in his world, making all Outsiders fundamentally innocent.
In a way, Wesley's perspective was the complete opposite of the Fuguang Society's "Xiao." Ironically, the European Union was actively researching the mystery behind the Outsiders' appearance, seeking ways to safely return these displaced individuals to their homelands.
After taking one final, adorable close-up photo, the "Outsider Investigation" officially concluded. Wesley said, "Your documents will be ready by noon tomorrow at the latest."
It's worth noting that lie detectors had existed in Firefly's previous life, though they weren't very accurate. By 2045, this world naturally possessed far more sophisticated and precise lie detection technology. However, these machines were primarily used for interrogating criminals, not for questioning Outsiders.
When dealing with Outsiders, three scenarios typically arise: first, everything they say is true; second, they conceal their true abilities; and third, they exaggerate their capabilities. In any of these cases, using a lie detector is pointless.
The first scenario is self-explanatory. For the second, let's take Firefly as an example.
If a lie detector were used and Firefly's statements proved true, confirming she was merely an ordinary high school girl, no further action would be necessary. However, if she lied, her relationship with the European Union would plummet to freezing point the moment the deception was detected.
Forcing someone to reveal information they clearly wish to keep private only leads to the worst possible outcome.
As far as the European Union is concerned, as long as an Outsider isn't an antisocial troublemaker causing daily chaos, they're free to do as they please.
If they're willing to cooperate, great. If not, that's fine too—the European Union wouldn't mind supporting another idle resident.
As for the third possibility mentioned earlier—exaggerating one's capabilities—this is exceedingly rare. The truth inevitably comes to light over time. Perhaps only arrogant, narcissistic Outsiders might attempt such a deception.
With the investigation concluded, Wesley escorted Firefly to her new residence: a fully furnished, immaculate house of approximately 130 square meters. Notably, the European Union doesn't recognize the concept of "shared common areas," so this was the actual living space.
Wesley handed Firefly a bank card, explaining that Evolvers in the EU also received a monthly subsidy similar to that in the Dragon Nation, amounting to €10,000. When Firefly later checked the exchange rate, she found that this was equivalent to roughly 60,000 to 70,000 Dragon Nation currency—a surprisingly generous sum. Is this country really that wealthy? she wondered.
"It's getting late. Get some rest. I'll come by tomorrow morning with your identification documents," Wesley said with a wave before departing.
It felt just like when Firefly had first manifested in this world as Robin. Assuming this new identity had triggered a series of events that now seemed to have reached a temporary conclusion.
Firefly entered the bathroom and found a full-length mirror. It was the first time since acquiring this new body that she had taken a good look at her appearance.
Silver-gray hair cascaded down her back, gradually fading to cyan at the ends. A black headband adorned her forehead, and her slightly chubby cheeks looked so adorable that one couldn't resist the urge to pinch them. At first glance, her features might not be as striking as Robin's, but they possessed a timeless charm, like the girl next door or a childhood sweetheart—someone who grew more endearing the longer you looked.
Though... Firefly seemed more like the mysterious transfer student archetype than the girl next door.
Her upper body was predominantly black, while her lower half featured a dark cyan skirt that faded into a lighter shade. Black thigh-high socks gradually transitioned to cyan as they rose up her legs.
Firefly vaguely remembered owning several pairs of stockings back in her Dragon Nation home, but she had never had the chance to wear them. She never imagined her first time wearing stockings would be with Firefly's body, not Robin's.
Facing the mirror, Firefly muttered to herself, "Overall, she's definitely a top-tier beauty! I'm so cute~!"