'Protocol Program Number Three? Doctor, why would you let Caroline install such an anti-human program?'
'Anti-human? Tendo, this is a specialized program almost every mecha Star Envoy has. After all, without such a program, no one would dare to trust a mecha Star Envoy by their side.'
'But Star Envoys aren't machines, they're people. I don't think this kind of program is a good thing for Caroline.'
Hearing Tendo's words, the Doctor didn't seem too concerned.
After all, the so-called specialized protocol program required the mecha Star Envoy's personal consent.
If they didn't agree, outsiders couldn't implant such a 'protocol program,' which was almost like fundamental code, deep within their brains.
'Tendo, if you think this program is problematic, you can have Caroline deactivate it herself.'
'After all, the content of this protocol is that when the program is activated, she can only act according to your commands.'
'And these commands naturally include instructing her to delete this program protocol.'
'However, I think before you do that, you should ask for Caroline's own thoughts. After all, some things aren't just about what you think; you also need to respect the wishes of the person involved.'
'And that's a principle you taught me.'
'Alright, I understand.'
'No, Caroline, a brain-dead program like this, one that lets others control you, and you still insist on keeping it? Are you dumb from being a mecha for too long?!'
Tendo stared, dumbfounded, at Caroline, who consistently refused to delete Protocol Program Number Three.
He had thought that as long as he talked to Caroline, she would definitely agree to delete this 'brain-dead program.'
But to his surprise, Caroline not only refused adamantly but also stated that it was a special protocol between her and Tendo.
She wouldn't allow anyone to touch it, not even Tendo himself.
Tendo was speechless.
He couldn't understand: how foolish would someone have to be to intentionally leave a fatal weakness for others to exploit?
Caroline apparently guessed Tendo's thoughts.
She immediately retorted: 'Tendo, will you ever harm me in the future?'
Tendo said without hesitation: 'Why would I harm you?'
'Then it's fine.'
'???'
Looking at the bewildered Tendo, Caroline smiled and said: 'Tendo, perhaps in your eyes, that so-called Protocol Program Number Three is an invisible shackles on me.'
'But in my opinion, it's not a shackles at all; instead, it's a kind of invisible bond.'
'Because I can't guarantee that I can always understand your thoughts, but I hope to always cooperate with you in doing what's right.'
'And that is the meaning of Protocol Program Number Three's existence.'
'It can ensure that I always stand by your side and guarantee that I will never do anything that could possibly harm you.'
'For me, these two points are enough.'
'Besides, as long as you don't use it, what does it matter if the program is deleted or not?'
'...'
Looking at the foolish Caroline, Tendo sighed, then pointed at her and said, 'Just you wait, Caroline, just you wait, you'll regret this sooner or later.'
With that, Tendo left in a huff.
But watching Tendo's retreating back, Caroline wasn't angry; instead, she smiled even more happily.
'Regret? Tendo, I believe I will never regret it.'
'Besides, even if I do regret it, it won't be because you did something wrong, but because I temporarily can't understand your intentions.'
'Because I believe you wouldn't harm me.'
Caroline once thought she would never regret her original choice.
And she would absolutely never question any decision Tendo made in the future.
But now, she had to admit, she regretted it.
At the same time, the moment she saw the holographic projection trigger the 'Protocol Program Number Three' in her mind, Caroline immediately understood one thing.
Tendo had not only seen this future long ago, but he had also made thorough preparations to ensure that this future would arrive as scheduled.
This included activating Protocol Program Number Three once before, without her knowledge.
And pre-setting a condition that even a holographic projection could activate this protocol.
Otherwise, a mere holographic projection couldn't have triggered Protocol Program Number Three so easily.
Looking at Caroline, who had switched to her mecha personality due to [Protocol Program Number Three], 'Tendo' said apologetically: "I'm sorry, Caroline."
"I said I wouldn't use this program, but I broke my promise in the end."
"Because if I didn't use it, I couldn't guarantee that I, as just a holographic projection, could make you understand and accept my upcoming arrangements."
At this point, 'Tendo' took a deep breath, then with an extremely serious expression, gave Caroline a firm assurance.
"Don't worry, Caroline, I never do things without certainty, nor do I do things that will make you sad."
"Although I don't know the current situation of my main body, I believe there's definitely still room for a turnaround."
"Because besides seeing that 'perfect' future, I also saw a faint but bright light."
"A light called... 'Miracle'."
"However, I always prepare for the worst, so please forgive my willfulness until I'm certain I've grasped that 'light'."
Having said that, 'Tendo' gave Caroline clear instructions.
And this instruction was not only beyond Caroline's expectations, but also beyond the expectations of all dimensional viewers.
Because the purpose of Tendo activating Caroline's Protocol Program Number Three was surprisingly to temporarily seal memories related to him.
And Tendo's sealing method was very unique.
Because what he did was not to make these memories 'disappear.'
Instead, he first archived the original memories, and then used the plot involving 'Chen Xing' and 'Yun Meng' from the original work to fill the 'blanks' in Caroline's current memory.
Caroline's main personality was unwilling for this situation to occur.
But constrained by Protocol Program Number Three, she could only watch as all the days and nights spent fighting alongside Tendo, and the moments of smiling at each other, were scattered like sand art blown away by the wind, replaced by unfamiliar scenes—those scenes from the original work… that did not include Tendo.
What's more, Tendo even thought that this wasn't enough.
He directly commanded her mecha personality to pick up her phone.
And began to process, one by one, the photos related to Tendo.
Doing her best to erase Tendo's traces from her life.
Yet, she was powerless to stop it this time.
And after seeing her complete all of this, even though Tendo knew that even if he spoke, the future Caroline wouldn't remember it for a while.
He still changed his previously apologetic expression.
His face not only regained its usual arrogance, but also… that self-confident air of being unrivaled in heaven and on earth.
He also spoke words that perfectly matched his character and persona.
"Caroline, believe me, as long as I'm certain I've grasped that 'faint light'."
"Then no matter where you are in the future, and no matter how difficult the process may be, I will definitely find you and apologize to you in person."
"And this, is my promise to you..."
As his words fell, Caroline followed the instructions Tendo had given earlier.
She emotionlessly headed to the Quantum Shuttle Room deep underground.
And after Caroline's figure disappeared from the control room, Tendo's holographic projection, surprisingly, spoke again.
And this time, the series' camera eerily shifted, pointing directly at 'Tendo''s front face.
From this angle, it was as if what Tendo was about to say wasn't to himself, nor to Caroline or anyone else within the series.
But rather, to them—the dimensional viewers outside the screen.
This also made the dimensional viewers seem to understand something.
"Caroline, although miracles are rare, I believe I can definitely grasp it."
"For no other reason than the name Tendo Simei."
"And before that miracle arrives, let me present these final fireworks to that group of ill-intentioned individuals."
"Want to steal the secrets of the Stars? Then let's see if you have the ability, because it's not so easy to pull back a hand once it's been extended."
With that, Tendo's holographic projection dissipated into the air.
At the same time, a cold mechanical voice echoed throughout the entire underground base.
[Base self-destruct program initiated]
[05:59... 05:58... 05:57...]
Although the current scene of the series was filled with the sadness of parting, the reactions of the dimensional viewers were completely different.
Because upon hearing Tendo's words, not only did they not feel like crying at all, they even wanted to laugh, and loudly at that!
Celebrating halfway through?
Impossible!
Because if Tendo was really going offline, he wouldn't have bothered saying these things!
So, there was no doubt that what 'Tendo' said in the end.
Was definitely some information the Starfield Production Team was forced to reveal early to fully protect their 'family'!
With this realization, the atmosphere in the live comments instantly underwent a drastic change.
The time for joy... had begun!
'Everyone stand up! Tendo is on a whole other level with this one!'
'Is this the victory declaration after waking up? Tendo, you really know how to entertain.'
'Hahaha! I knew it! Tendo is so popular, such a meme-worthy character, how stupid would the production team have to be to kill him off?!'
'Brothers, pop the champagne!'
'Put it away, put it away! Who allowed you to hold a wake for Tendo? Didn't you see he's coming back to life later? Bad luck!'
'Season Two: Chasing-Wife-in-Cremation-Grounds arc, confirmed!'
'I don't care about any of that, brothers, next season... see you!'
'Um... is no one concerned about Chen Kong? Wasn't he the protagonist...?'
Amidst the excited expressions of the dimensional viewers, the entire series' camera slowly zoomed out to a high altitude.
Boom boom boom—!
Then, amidst a series of violent explosions and flashes of fire, Embers Base, the most important plot location of the first season, transformed into an incredibly magnificent and brilliant 'fireworks display,' completely vanishing from the sight of all dimensional viewers.
Although Starfield Prequel: Embers still had one final episode to be released, everyone knew that the unreleased final episode would, in all likelihood, tie up some loose ends from earlier plot points.
And hint at some content for the second season.
Therefore, the main storyline of the first season had truly concluded.
As for the reception of this ending, it could be seen from the dense stream of comments on the dimensional screen at that very moment.
Because, just as Tendo had said before, audiences don't like tragedies.
At the same time, a group of Starfield Production Team members, who had been watching the comment feedback in front of their computer screens, first secretly wiped the sweat from their brows, then let out a long sigh of relief.
Fortunately, fortunately, it seemed their 'family' had been saved.