Unfortunately, in the end, Lynelle still couldn't win against Stelle and was "forced" to accept the reality of the two of them sharing a bed.
Of course, the main reason was that Lynelle wasn't all that unwilling to begin with—truth be told, she was quite willing.
Though compared to Stelle's build, she was bound to end up being the one treated like a hugging pillow…
But she'd just discovered during the "test sleep" that Stelle seemed to be a bit bigger than The Herta!
Now that was comfortable.
Like those times she'd shared a bed with Kiana before, setting aside the parts where she got "bullied," simply resting her head on Kiana's soft chest to sleep had been rather enjoyable.
For some reason though, just as she reached this conclusion, the Herta puppet's gaze seemed to sharpen abruptly.
In any case, since most of the furniture was just basic models, assembly and arrangement weren't too complicated.
The two of them quickly finished setting up the room's basics, and aside from items like the bathtub that weren't so convenient to test out, they'd tried out all the other furniture.
But speaking of the bathtub… it was a massive one, easily big enough to fit two or three people.
Almost instinctively, Lynelle had a feeling that some… popular kind of scenario would probably happen in it someday. But that wasn't something for her present self to worry about.
Aside from the full set of basic furniture Mr. Yang had sent over, the pieces Herta gifted were perfectly suited to Lynelle's tastes.
Perhaps because she knew the girl loved gaming, Herta directly gifted a complete set of the company's internally supplied high-end computers and game consoles. Rumor had it the total value was equivalent to a few minutes' worth of Asta's… pocket money.
Let's just say, she really was the little rich girl everyone acknowledged.
"Hey, Lynelle, Lynelle."
Stelle, who was busy with the computer, suddenly seemed to have an epiphany and whipped her head around.
"Hm?"
"Lynelle, didn't you say before that your ability is to control electronic devices and devour data?"
"It's not quite that simple. What you described is really just the surface manifestation of my corruption ability…"
Lynelle shook her head gently.
"Once you reach a certain level of power, the act of devouring itself isn't exactly a rare ability. To put it plainly, based on the analysis results Herta gave me, I actually feel my corruption ability is somewhat similar to proliferation on a data level…"
"After all, contact, analyze, assimilate, replicate, backup… For data entities, the nature of my ability is just like the Swarm Disaster—devour one piece of data, assimilate and produce two or three more… In fact, the Swarm really does have a type of bug that operates on a data level, called the Computer Sting, but its functions are much more limited than mine."
"But, Stelle, why are you suddenly asking me this?"
"Uh…"
Judging by Stelle's blank look, she clearly hadn't understood Lynelle's explanation. But that didn't dampen the whimsical idea that had just popped into her head.
"Actually, I was just thinking, looking at it this way, wouldn't that make you, like, a human-shaped computer?"
"...Huh?"
Stelle's unique perspective made Lynelle realize she was probably about to sprout another one of those delightfully bizarre little thoughts that would even make Aha do a double-take.
"Then…"
Stelle pointed at a familiar-looking green icon on the screen.
If Lynelle wasn't mistaken, it was a powerful antivirus software called 720, developed by the company. Its performance was flawless, with the only downside being its tendency to generously install its whole family of sibling software—like Birdie Wallpaper—onto your computer.
"If we installed this on you… would it automatically install a full 720 family bundle inside your body? The kind you can't uninstall?"
Following Stelle's train of thought, an image surfaced in Lynelle's mind.
Something like: after being hypnotized by some mysterious app wielded by Stelle, Stelle, with a wicked grin… downloads the 720 Security Master for her. Then, the Birdie Wallpaper logo materializes on her lower abdomen.
Damn, isn't that just a cyber tattoo for data lifeforms?!
Lynelle finally understood how those NPCs felt back when she chose those weird dialogue options in games.
This is insane!
--+--
"Passenger Lynelle, Passenger Stelle, have you finished tidying your room? Huh? Why does Passenger Stelle look so dejected?!"
"It's nothing. I just had to… correct a certain someone's whimsical idea, that's all."
A dangerous smile played on Lynelle's lips. "After all, early education is very important."
"Mm, although I don't really understand, my gut tells me I shouldn't get involved in this matter right now…"
Pom-Pom wiped a bead of cold sweat that wasn't actually there from its forehead, then cleared its throat. "However, you two have perfect timing. The jump is about to begin, and before that, we have a ritual to perform."
"Huh? A-again? That thing again?"
March's face instantly showed embarrassment. "P-Pom-Pom… can't we change that ritual?"
"No can do! This ritual was passed down by the First Nameless and the Second Nameless themselves!"
"Gulp…"
With that from Pom-Pom, Lynelle immediately understood what was coming next. "Akivili and Aha, this move of yours is just too cruel…"
"Oh, before that, I need to confirm one more time. Passenger Lynelle, Passenger Stelle, do you truly wish to join the Astral Express, embark on the Path of Trailblaze, and become Nameless?"
"Becoming Nameless means you no longer cling to the past, but choose to pioneer the future. It means caring more for exploring the world than for your own comfort."
"It means bidding temporary farewell to the familiar and venturing into unknown worlds on adventures."
"It means ceasing to yearn for the ground beneath your feet, and instead seeing the distant stars as your homeland… And most importantly—becoming Nameless means the responsibilities you bear will far outweigh the rewards from this day forward."
"Even so, do you still wish to become Nameless?"
"Of course."
Stelle nodded firmly. "I want to become Nameless."
"Mhm, a lifetime train crew!"
Lynelle planted her hands on her hips and declared without a moment's hesitation.
"Then, please take these first."
Pom-Pom rummaged in its pocket and pulled out two glittering golden train tickets, handing them to Stelle and Lynelle.
"These are special tickets for the Astral Express, and also the symbol of being a passenger aboard this train. You must carry them with you at all times, and try to keep them visible."
"Although there's only one Astral Express still operating now, for the vast majority of factions across the cosmos, the Astral Express is an organization to be treated with friendliness. Wearing these tickets can save you a lot of trouble on your trailblazing journey."
"As for the Path of Trailblaze… once you complete a jump aboard the train under the identity of [Nameless], you will step onto the Path of Trailblaze. Of course, this isn't the only way to embark on this Path, but it's the most convenient one for you."
"The abilities of the Path of Trailblaze have many practical uses."
Dan Heng picked up the explanation. "After we arrive at the next planet, you'll probably be able to feel that you've stepped onto the Path of Trailblaze. I'll explain it in more detail to you both then."
"Mhm mhm, Passenger Dan Heng is very reliable in this area. So now…"
Pom-Pom gestured for everyone to gather in a circle. "Let us begin the ritual for joining the Astral Express."
"Passengers, please recite the Trailblazer's Creed with me."
"One, no matter the ebb and flow of fate, stop staying within the lines. Two, even in the face of tempestuous seas, we always align."
"Three, even if we don't gain the upper hand, we'll fight for right. Four, even if forgotten by the world, never care a rap for hindsight."
"Five, no matter how break the cosmos may get, let us light the night. Six, even when there are wheels within wheels, go ahead!"
"May this journey lead us starward."
"Then, Passenger Lynelle, Passenger Stelle, we welcome you formally as Nameless!"
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.