Strange Voyage: Summoning the Fourth Disaster.

Chapter 809 Does loving someone need a reason?
Candlelight Island.

Zhang Ming still went online on time as usual.

As one of the earliest and most diligent Curse Master players on Candlefire Island, Zhang Ming's strength naturally rose to the level of Fire Saint, reaching the Burning Spirit Ignition Point.

His recent focus has naturally been on the Primal Flame Scar dungeon in the Long Night Divine Realm.

After all, the Blood of the Sleeping Ones is something that is so tempting that almost every player can't resist its allure.

Of course, Zhang Ming hasn't gone in yet; he's still making preparations, and it would be best if he could find some strong teammates.

However, the difficulty of the Long Night Divine Realm goes without saying. With Zhang Ming's current strength, he probably still has a long way to go before he can successfully conquer it.

Of course, improving one's strength is one aspect.

For Zhang Ming, there is another important thing to do after he goes online every day.

Good evening, Sekashi.

After sending the message to Sekashi's anchor, Zhang Ming was about to put it down, because Sekashi rarely had time to reply to his messages.

Of course, it's not that she doesn't reply; she replies to each message whenever she has free time, which just shows that she's genuinely busy.

I have no idea how many tasks she actually gave him for this so-called altar firewood gathering project; it's like she's using him like a nuclear-powered ox...

However, today's situation was somewhat beyond Zhang Ming's expectations.

"Good evening."

Sekishi replied to his message instantly.

"Wow, you actually have time?" Zhang Ming was somewhat surprised.

"Yes, I do have some free time today," Sekashi replied.

In fact, Sekashi never intended to lure Zhang Ming into a trap, nor did he even plan to obtain information about Candlelight Island through Zhang Ming.

However, Zhang Ming liked to use their chat box as a memo.

Of course, this is also the "will of the candle," otherwise Zhang Ming would not have been able to send the message.

Regarding Zhang Ming, Sekashi's attitude had always been very clear: he regarded him as a bridge and mouthpiece for communicating with Candle Island in his work.

It will be much more convenient if needed.

But... Zhang Ming kept sending her messages and chatting every day, and in his spare time, he naturally helped Sekashi relieve some of her boredom. So, their relationship naturally reached the stage of familiar friends.

However, Sekashi's conversation was still awkward, consisting of a series of declarative sentences without any emotional impact.

Fortunately, Zhang Ming has gotten used to it.

The two chatted for a while, and the atmosphere was quite pleasant. Zhang Ming wisely refrained from asking Sekashi about the mission, since the other party wouldn't tell him anyway.

Zhang Ming was actually prepared to chat for a few more minutes and then the other person would disappear.

But to his surprise, Sekashi suddenly asked him a straightforward and strange question.

"You contact me every day because you want to develop a romantic relationship with me, right?"

Seeing this straightforward information.

Even though Zhang Ming was quite familiar with Sekashi's style, he couldn't help but be momentarily stunned.

Isn't this just like Sekashi asking himself if he likes her?
"..." Zhang Ming didn't know what to say, so he could only send a string of ellipses.

Regarding Zhang Ming's attitude.

Sekashi didn't seem to care; she continued talking to herself.

"I'm a little curious about this kind of feeling."

"What exactly is it? I think you might know something about it, could you tell me?"

Although he couldn't see the other person's face or expression, Zhang Ming could easily guess that she was asking this question very seriously.

This relieved Zhang Ming. He realized that the other person wasn't being direct, but rather asking for his opinion on love.

So he pondered for a while.

"To be honest, I don't really understand it either; I haven't experienced much love."

"But based on my past memories and observations of other people's love, I think it might be an inexplicable emotional stirring that makes you unconsciously want to be with someone forever, to be with him (her) every moment..."

Zhang Ming said very seriously.

Sekashi didn't respond immediately, probably pondering the meaning of his words.

"So, what do you think is the root of this emotional stirring?"

"Is it driven by the biological instinct to mate? Or by a yearning for beautiful things?"

Sekasi still makes no attempt to avoid certain words.

"Maybe..." This time, Zhang Ming was less talkative.

But Sekashi didn't let him go.

Soon after, another fatal question was asked.

"Then why do you feel that kind of emotional flutter for me?"

"You are unable to mate with me and cannot obtain the usual pleasure."

Hear this.

Zhang Mingzhen wished she could find a crack in the ground to crawl into; her toes were so embarrassed they were practically digging out a three-bedroom apartment.

For some reason, the chat I had been looking forward to all day now felt like torture, like being drowned in a pig cage.

"I know..." Zhang Mingren was numb.

"But you still feel this flutter in your heart for me, don't you?"

"Hmm... that's probably because my appearance matches your aesthetic standards."

Sekasi analyzed the matter ruthlessly and seriously, completely disregarding the romantic and hazy veneer on it.

Zhang Ming was powerless; he couldn't even send out an ellipsis. He was truly at his wit's end.

but!

Sekasi soon gave him another surprise.

"In that case, I might as well give this so-called love a try."

"What do you think?"

"what?!"

Zhang Ming's eyes widened in surprise.

……

After some time, Zhang Ming put down the Sekashi anchor next to the milestone candle.

Even now, his mind is still a little fuzzy.

He couldn't believe it at all that he actually had a girlfriend, achieving his initial goal of finding an online girlfriend when he first entered the game.

To be honest, Zhang Ming did come with this idea in mind the moment he saw Sekashi.

Sekish really fit his aesthetic, and he was also an important NPC in the game. The combination of these two factors made Zhang Ming's feelings somewhat indescribable, but he still subconsciously wanted to contact him.

However, although I do yearn for it deep down.

But he never expected to establish a relationship so successfully today.

When the moment actually came, he was somewhat bewildered and didn't know what to do.

He does indeed like the character of Sekashi.

But... the other party is just a dynamic NPC in a game, not a real person!
He did want to be in a relationship, and he definitely wanted to find a girlfriend in the game, but who would have thought he'd actually start a relationship with an NPC?!

So, Zhang Ming was completely bewildered while explaining the concept of "love" to Sekashi.

"Xiao Ming, we meet again."

Just then, a familiar voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts.

Zhang Ming turned his head and saw that the other party's ID was "Iron Pestle".
That is, Brother Iron Pestle. This means it's already midnight.

"I've seen you spacing out for a while now, what are you thinking about?" Iron Pestle asked curiously as he put on his gear.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Ming hesitated for a moment, and instead of answering his question directly, he asked in return, "Brother Tiechu, do you think the game 'Spirit Candle' is interesting... I mean, in terms of real life?"

Hearing this, Brother Iron Pestle was a little surprised, wondering what was going on.

However, he shrugged and replied, "Of course."

“In the past, when we slept, we could only dream or fall into a deep sleep unconsciously.”

"Now, we have twice as many lives and can experience a completely new life."

"That's certainly interesting."

"Especially this kind of... structured life with timely positive feedback!"

Having said that, Iron Pestle Brother had already put on his equipment. Without any delay, he mentioned it to Zhang Ming and then hurriedly disappeared into the Milestone Candle.

After listening, Zhang Ming seemed to understand, but still sighed.

After much hesitation, he sat down next to the milestone candle.

……

Spirit candle public screen.

To relieve his distress, Zhang Ming reluctantly spent a lot of money to buy a megaphone from the Spirit Candle Shop, and then posted a message on the public screen.

[Xiao Ming: Bros., I'm dating an NPC, what do you guys think?]

This statement came out.

A stone stirred up a thousand waves.

No, it should be said that it aroused a lot of question marks.

Emperor Yongle: "?"

Commoner Zhu Chongba: "??"

Big Banana: "???"

A bunch of players typed question marks in unison. Their brains were momentarily overloaded, as if they had been pierced by two peaks, and their heads were buzzing.

But some players are quick-witted.

Roses are hard to grow in Northwest China: "Wait a minute, this is a lot of information..."

Ah Zheng couldn't speak: "What did you say?! You're talking to an NPC? Let me ask you, let me ask you, let me ask you... Who is it? Male or female? A Candlekeeper or a Candlekeeper Witch? (Confused)(Confused)"

"Give Auntie a cappuccino: Are you showing off? You absolutely are showing off!"

Big Maha: "Tch, you guys believe everything this guy says? If you did, save one of those green bubble pills for me, I'll sell them to you as health supplements when I'm old. (picking nose) (disdainful)"

Sichuan and Chongqing scallions, ginger, and garlic: "I certainly wouldn't believe you if you told me about someone else, but I have no choice but to believe this ID."

Xiao Gang: "Holy crap, Xiao Ming!"

Dada Strange Sauce: "I envy Xiaoming."

"..."

Seeing that many players had noticed his message, Zhang Ming quickly considered it and then posted the whole story in the public chat.

It has to be said that being a gossipmonger is truly human nature.

After seeing the gossip on Zhang Ming's screen, the once bustling public chat, where a message from an ordinary player would be immediately buried, suddenly became much quieter.

Everyone is waiting for Zhang Ming to continue.
Some players who deliberately cause trouble will not only be verbally abused, but may even be confronted in real-life situations on the spot.

Fortunately, Zhang Ming was already feeling frustrated and had been holding it in for a long time, so he didn't delay and quickly explained the situation to everyone.

The other players also understood Zhang Ming's concerns.

Wooden House Shopping Spree: "Phew, thank goodness it wasn't the Candlekeeper Witch, she scared me half to death."

Braised Shrimp in Oil: "666, you've really fallen in love online, and it's even an 18+ game! You should be secretly happy!"

Stinky Chicken Fried Chicken: "This 18+ is not that 18+."

Fear Chaos: "So... you think having a cybernetic wife is shameful? You damn bastard! I challenge you to a duel! Give her to me if you don't want her!!! (gritting teeth) (angry)"

At this moment, even the usually cowardly Lingzhu became unusually assertive, which clearly showed that he was truly angry.

Other players mostly made jokes.

Of course, some players also gave their answers after careful consideration.

"Hmm... it's normal to have such concerns. After all, Spirit Candle is a game, and it deals with NPCs in dynamic storylines. If it's real-time rendering, that's fine, but I'm afraid it might be like those news reports, where a burly man is having a one-on-one romance game on the other side of the screen... (vomits)"

"It shouldn't be that bad, otherwise it would have been exposed long ago."

One player offered an answer based on recent bizarre news stories.

This sent a chill down Zhang Ming's spine, but for some reason, he couldn't put himself in Sekashi's shoes.

"I'm impressed! You dare to talk to them like this? What are you hesitating for? What are you afraid of? Let's talk!"

"That's it!"

"Is Sekashi not real? Is she not pretty? Is she unable to give you the feeling of being in love? She's even more real than you... And you've already agreed, haven't you? What are you asking now? Are you planning to start something and then abandon her, deceiving her feelings?"

The hot-tempered guy and the players who like pure romance started cursing at Zhang Ming, trying to wake him up.

Seeing this, Zhang Ming did indeed fall into deep thought, and he also began to examine his own heart.

"...Actually, I think the reason he has this concern is more like he's afraid that if he invests too much emotion, he might suddenly discover one day that the other person is 'just an NPC,' which would negate all his past feelings and be an unprecedented blow..."

Some players also analyzed Zhang Ming's psychology from his perspective.

Upon seeing this player's comment, Zhang Ming fell silent; the other person had struck a chord with him.

He liked the impression Sekashi gave him, and for that reason, he didn't want Sekashi to show more of his NPC side; he was afraid, even terrified, of that.

"So... that's what I'm worried about..." Zhang Ming gave a wry smile.

Besides these players, there were also some who took a mocking or curious attitude.

"666, someone actually falls in love with a two-dimensional character? That's incredible..."

"Hey, let's be more precise. This isn't some paper doll; this 3D one is more like a cyberpunk silicone doll, hahaha..."

"It's hard to stretch."

"You guys are treating a fighting game like a dating game, really."

Regarding such remarks.

Before Zhang Ming could even speak, the other players immediately began laning.

"Heh, Sober-up Bro and Superior Bro are here again."

"Of course, that's when they're playing with butter, that's when they're calling out 'baby' the most."

"A bunch of idiots, pure shit."

"I***!"

The entire chat instantly erupted into chaos.

But Zhang Ming was surprisingly unmoved at this moment. Perhaps he had guessed that such words would come from the beginning, or perhaps it was simply not something he cared about at all.

In contrast, one of the players' words struck a deeper chord with him.

"Is the modeling realistic? Is the tactile feedback realistic? Are the emotions realistic? If everything is realistic, then what are you still worried about? Even in real-life love, what good can it possibly have? So why are you thinking so much? Is it for love, or for some damn side quest?"

"Do you need a reason to love someone?"

Seeing this, Zhang Ming remained silent for a long time.

Then, his gaze became more resolute than ever before.

(End of this chapter)