Zongman: The post-2D era

"Yukino, go back to school without worries, and remember to ask for leave for me."

Yukino stepped onto the black carpeted entrance of the train, turned around, her hair flying in the wind, and she used her hands to straighten it, and asked:

"What do you want to do by staying here, and how long do you plan to stay?"

Yukino's figure followed the train slowly into the dark tunnel, and the door slammed shut, separating the two people into two different worlds.

Standing there, Feng Feng looked at the train that was gradually moving away, his eyes showing both reluctance and determination.

He turned to face Mikazuki Jing, who was still standing there with a faint smile on her face, and said softly but firmly:

"I will take Sanri back with me. I hope to protect her until I can bring her back to school safely. Even if it takes ten years."

The afterglow of the setting sun shone on them, adding a layer of warm golden edge to the journey home that was about to begin.

Feng Feng stretched out his hand with his palm facing up, as if inviting or making a promise.

When Sanri Yue Jing saw Feng Feng, she was stunned for a moment, then smiled slightly, with trust and expectation flashing in her eyes, and gently placed her hand on his.

"Welcome aboard, my truant partner."

The two walked side by side and set out on the return journey. Their backs lengthened under the setting sun, interweaving into a warm and determined picture.

As night falls, the lights of the town gradually light up, outlining the soft outlines of the boy and girl who have decided to embark on an extraordinary journey.

Feng Feng and Mikazuki Jing sat on the terrace of an old inn, surrounded by vines swaying in the breeze and the silhouettes of mountains in the distance.

A yellowed map was spread out on the table, marked with symbols of the unknown and legends, as if it was a guide to their future.

"Jing, look here," Feng Feng's fingers gently slid across an island covered by thick fog on the map, with a gleam of exploration in his eyes.

"It is said that there are ancient ruins hidden there, holding one of the secrets of the world. Why don't we use this as a starting point, earning bounties from adventures while uncovering the mysteries of this world?"

Time flies, and two years have passed in the blink of an eye.

The moonlight was as bright as a mirror, sprinkling over the ruins of the ancient ruins. The silver light and the mottled stone walls intertwined to create a mysterious picture.

Feng Feng and Sanri Yuejing stood side by side, wearing specially made top-grade mithril adventurer armor. The armor shone with a cold and noble luster under the moonlight.

In their eyes, there is a desire for unknown challenges as well as a tacit understanding and trust between each other that does not require words.

A breeze blew by, causing the surrounding dead grass and sand to dance gently, as if even nature was cheering for their feat.

Feng Feng slowly drew out the long sword inlaid with strange gems from his waist. The tip of the sword pointed at the dark area deep in the ruins that was sealed by ancient magic.

He turned to look at Mikazuki Jing, his eyes showing both tenderness and determination: "Jing, are you ready? We are going to uncover another secret of this world."

With a slight sound of a mechanism being activated, the stone wall that had been sealed for thousands of years slowly cracked open, revealing a door leading to an unknown world.

Behind the door, it was not the fantasy scene imagined, but a room full of modern atmosphere. The light was soft and bright, which formed a sharp contrast with the surrounding ancient ruins.

Inside the room, a seemingly old computer screen flickered with soft blue light. Complex codes and constantly jumping data were displayed on the screen, as if it was a window connecting to another dimension.

Bookshelves line the walls, neatly arranged with yellowed programming books. The pages bear traces of time, but each book is preserved exceptionally well, as if waiting for someone to read it.

The air is filled with the faint scent of ink and the unique warm smell of electronic components, interweaving to create a strange and harmonious atmosphere.

Feng Feng and Sanri Yuejing stepped into the incredible room, and their eyes were instantly attracted by the stone tablet in the corner of the room.

The stone tablet was engraved with delicate and simple fonts, surrounded by tiny runes, as if it contained some kind of ancient yet modern power.

At the top of the stone tablet, a line of words was faintly visible in the dim light: "To future explorers, this is the gap where reality and virtuality interweave. I am Asuna, and I have searched for the answer to the essence of the world here."

The two of them slowly approached, their fingertips gently touching the cold stone surface, and a warm and familiar feeling surged from the bottom of their hearts.

Below the stone tablet, a half-opened programming book seemed to tremble slightly due to their arrival. A yellowed note slipped out from between the pages, with the following words written in beautiful handwriting:

“The real secret lies not in the depth of technology, but in the connection and understanding of people’s hearts. I hope you can find your own answers here.”

Feng Feng and Jing decided to stay and conduct research, which lasted for three years.

The moonlight shines through the half-open window lattice and onto the desk piled with books and electronic components, adding a touch of quiet blue to this space where the ancient and modern are intertwined.

Feng Feng and Sanrizuki Jing sat side by side at the table with a half-opened programming book spread out in front of them. Their eyes showed both a desire for knowledge and curiosity about the unknown world.

As your fingers touch the keyboard, the codes jumping on the screen seem to come alive, interweaving into complex and beautiful patterns.

Suddenly, a slight ripple appeared in the air, and an illusory figure slowly condensed in the center of the room. It was Asuna, her face was gentle, and there was a hint of sadness in her eyes.

"Welcome, future explorers."

Her voice was soft and clear, with a barely perceptible tremor. "I have tried countless times, but have failed to cross the boundary between reality and virtuality. But you, perhaps, can help me find a way home."

Mikazuki Jing silently turned off the computer, and returned again after being away alone for half a year, and began to research without sleep.

In the tenth year, the moon remains the same.

The moonlight poured down, and the light in the room was soft and deep. Mikazuki Jing sat at the table, her fingers unconsciously stroking the half-opened programming book, her eyes flashing with complex emotions.

She looked up at Feng Feng, with a hint of hesitation and desire in her eyes: "Feng Feng, can we... go back? Back to that modern school full of laughter and familiar faces."

Upon hearing this, Feng Feng stopped typing on the keyboard, turned around, and looked gently at Sanri Yue Jing.

He walked gently to her side, squatted down, and looked at her at eye level, his tone firm and warm:

"Jing, no matter where we are, the way home in our hearts will never be lost. Every line of code and every rune here is a bridge to the future."

“If we can find the key to connect the real and the virtual, then it’s only a matter of time before we return to school, or even beyond.”

"Or, you want to change back to your real name Sanriku Kan, and we can go back together?"

Chapter 768: Sword Art Online: Homecoming

Monday, August 5

The moonlight was as bright as water, gently sprinkling on Sanri Yuejing's soft face, and her eyes were flashing with unprecedented firmness and tenderness.

She slowly stood up and approached Feng Feng, the two of them were so close that they could hear each other's breathing. In this quiet and miraculous room, time seemed to have frozen.

Sanri Yuejing spoke softly, with a barely perceptible tremor in her voice: "Feng Feng, from the moment you stayed in this world, you became my light."

"No matter what unknowns and challenges I face, as long as you are by my side, I feel safe."

"I want to tell you that I love you, not only because of the adventures we have experienced together, but also because you are you, the one and only you."

The moonlight poured down, gently stretching the figures of the two people, interweaving in this space full of miracles.

Sanri Yuejing's voice was gentle but firm, like the brightest star in the night sky, illuminating Fengfeng's heart.

She slowly raised her hand and lightly touched Feng Feng's cheek with her fingertips. The warmth spread instantly, melting the last trace of hesitation between them.

Feng Feng's eyes flashed with surprise and emotion. He gently held Sanri Yuejing's hand and said, "I have Xue No."

Upon hearing this, Sanri Yuejing's fingers trembled slightly, and she slowly let go of Fengfeng's hand. The eyes that once shone with a determined light now seemed to be covered by a layer of mist, losing their former colors and becoming as silent as death. The moonlight was still bright, but it could not illuminate the haze in her heart.

Seeing this, Feng Feng felt an indescribable pity in his heart. He took a step forward and gently placed his palm on Sanri Yuejing's head, as if comforting a frightened deer.

His movements were gentle yet powerful, trying to convey a little warmth and comfort to her in his own way.

"Let's go back to school." Feng Feng's voice was low and warm, with unquestionable firmness. His words were like a spring breeze, gently brushing through Sanri Yuejing's heart. Although it failed to immediately dispel all the haze, it also made her eyes have a subtle fluctuation.

Sanri Yue Jing turned around suddenly, and the mist in her eyes seemed to condense into frost. She forcefully brushed away Feng Feng's hand that was trying to comfort her, with a barely perceptible stubbornness and determination in her movements.

She turned and walked towards the bed, her back elongated in the moonlight, looking particularly lonely and strong. Her fingers gently ran over each piece of clothing, as if picking out memories, and finally stopped at an old coat, stroking it gently with her fingertips, with a gentle and complex emotion flashing in her eyes.

Feng Feng looked at her back with mixed feelings. He slowly closed the silver computer left by Asuna. The unfinished conversation window still remained on the screen, which looked particularly dazzling.

He sighed, his eyes fell on Mikazuki Jing, and he said softly but firmly: "I will take you back to school. There are our friends and our shared memories there. Maybe I can help you find some warmth."

His words were full of understanding and tolerance, as if he was silently promising that he would stay by her side no matter what the road ahead held.

Mikazuki Jing gently arranged several exquisite handbags and small suitcases in her hands, each of which carried different memories and emotions: "This is all of Mikazuki Jing's confession to you."

She handed them to Feng Feng one by one, her eyes flashing with unprecedented relief and playfulness.

"I'm Sangetsu Kan, so I've never confessed to you."

The moonlight shines through the gap in the curtains and shines on the corners of her slightly raised mouth, outlining a gentle outline.

She suddenly turned around, looked at Feng Feng who was busy taking over the luggage, stuck out her tongue playfully, and said with a smile:

"Mr. Fengfeng, you have to keep up, or I won't wait for you anymore!"

After saying this, she spun lightly, her skirt swaying in the wind, like the most agile elf in the night sky.

Feng Feng looked at her lively figure, a warm feeling surged in his heart, and the corners of his mouth rose unconsciously.

He quickly quickened his movements and carried the luggage safely on his shoulders. Although he seemed a little clumsy, the tenderness and doting in his eyes were beyond words.

He smiled and responded, "As you command, my lady. I promise I won't keep you waiting long."

The two smiled at each other. At that moment, the atmosphere in the room seemed to become warm and bright with their smiles.

Sanri Yuejing and Fengfeng stood side by side at the edge of the forest. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on them, giving the scene of their upcoming journey a warm golden hue.

The breeze blows gently, causing the leaves to rustle, as if it is nature's most gentle farewell song.

Feng Feng gently unfolded the ticket in his hand. The ticket swayed gently in the breeze, like a small boat about to sail away, carrying their hopes and dreams.

In the distance, an ancient and elegant train slowly approached, crossing the contours of the mountains, as if walking out of a painting, with steam rising, outlining a dreamy outline in the sunset.

As the train approaches, the low and long whistle echoes through the valley, announcing the beginning of a new journey.

Sanri Yuejing slightly opened her red lips, and a brilliant smile appeared at the corner of her mouth, as if brightening up the surrounding scenery a little.

She lifted her skirt lightly, tapped the ground with her toes, as if stepping on an invisible melody, and walked gracefully towards the quaint and mysterious train.

The car door slowly opened in front of her, revealing a faint woody scent and an unknown breath from afar.

Without any hesitation, she stepped steadily onto the stairs of the carriage, and every step seemed so firm and confident.

After boarding the train, she turned to face Feng Feng, who was standing on the platform and looking at her with a smile, his eyes flashing with anticipation and joy.

The afterglow of the setting sun danced on the tips of her hair, giving her a gentle golden glow.

"I am Sangetsu Kan, just Sangetsu's me."

She raised her right hand and waved it gently. There seemed to be light flowing between her fingers, conveying a silent call and encouragement to Feng Feng.

That smile, like the warmest flower in spring, instantly melted all the worries and concerns in Feng Feng's heart.

Feng Feng, carrying his luggage, stepped into the train compartment somewhat clumsily but steadily, his eyes quickly searching for Sanri Yuejing's figure in the compartment.

Finally, he found peace of mind in her gentle eyes. After placing his luggage, he sat down slowly, and his eyes inadvertently fell on the twins opposite him.

The twins wore similar school uniforms, but the subtle differences showed their individual personalities.