Ark Simulator, don't I have no physical form?

After a long while, until the coffee in his cup was empty and the heat on his face gradually subsided, Su Rui finally let out a barely perceptible sigh of relief. He secretly glanced at Mostima out of the corner of his eye and found her gazing intently at the starry sky, her profile serene in the moonlight.

It doesn't seem so unbearable after all? A strange thought popped into Suri's mind. As long as she doesn't play any dangerous pranks and just stays quietly by her side... it doesn't seem entirely unacceptable?

This realization surprised even himself.

Just then, the discussion in the living room seemed to come to an end. Remian pushed her wheelchair to the balcony door, smiling at them: "What were you talking about? It was so quiet."

"Looking at the stars~" Mostima immediately chimed in with a grin, "And while I was at it, I fed a certain picky young master~"

Suri glared at her irritably (though it had no real force), but didn't argue back.

Volume 17, Chapter 1086: Mostima Doesn't Need to Take Off Today

Remien noticed that although Suri still had no expression, his aura was much gentler than usual. She then glanced at Mostima, who was grinning like a cat that had just stolen cream, and understood. She pushed her wheelchair over to Suri's side, naturally took his free hand, and softly asked, "Is the coffee good?"

Suri hummed in agreement and gripped her hand tightly in return. The slight coolness of Remien's fingertips calmed the last trace of agitation in his heart.

Fiameta followed her out, stretching: "Ah~ finally done! I'm exhausted!"

The four stood on the balcony, enjoying the night breeze and gazing at the starry sky. No one spoke, but a strange, warm, and harmonious atmosphere quietly permeated the air. Suri was led by Remian, with the chattering Mostima on his left and the yawning Fiametta on his right. He was still the most silent one, but the feeling of being excluded and lonely seemed to have faded considerably.

He looked down at Remian's hand holding his, then looked up at the starry sky. Perhaps... such occasional "liveliness" wasn't so bad? As long as they didn't cross the line, as long as Remian was by his side. He tightened his grip on Remian's hand slightly, thinking to himself. And the spot on his face where Mostima had brushed against him... didn't seem so bothersome anymore.

Night deepened. The late-night conversation on the balcony gradually subsided, and the coolness brought by the sea breeze grew stronger. Fiameta yawned widely, rubbed her eyes, and was the first to excuse herself and go back to her room to rest. Mostima also stretched, winked at Suri and Remian, and left with a "I won't disturb your private time~", before cheerfully and lightly slipping back to her room.

Only Suri and Remian remained on the balcony. The starry sky was still brilliant, and the gentle sound of the waves lapping against the shore was like an eternal background sound. Suri pushed Remian's wheelchair back to the living room. He carried Remian to the soft sofa, covered her with a light blanket, and then sat down beside her.

Only a warm yellow floor lamp was on in the living room, casting long, intertwined shadows of the two people on the wall. A tranquil and peaceful atmosphere filled the air.

Remien leaned back on the sofa cushions, her lake-blue eyes showing a hint of weariness, but mostly contentment and peace. She looked at the silent Suri beside her; he was slightly bowing his head, his silver hair falling down, obscuring part of his profile and making his expression unreadable. He seemed... to be thinking about something?

“Suri?” Remianne called softly. “What’s wrong? Are you tired?” She reached out and gently placed her hand on the back of his hand, which was resting on his knee.

Suri's body moved almost imperceptibly, as if startled from deep thought. He looked up, his dark eyes appearing much softer than usual in the warm yellow light, yet a subtle, complex emotion lurked deep within. He took Remian's hand in his own and shook his head: "...Not tired."

He paused, his gaze falling on Remien's legs, which were covered by a thin blanket. His eyes flickered, as if he had made up his mind. He was silent for a few seconds, then spoke in an extremely calm tone, as if stating a given fact: "We... can stay here for a few more days."

Remienne paused, somewhat surprised. Hadn't Suri always been uninterested in vacations, even finding them a bit of a hassle? Why was she suddenly suggesting staying a few more days? A hint of doubt flashed in her lake-blue eyes, but more so, delight: "Really? You're willing to stay a few more days? That's wonderful! I was worried you'd get bored." She assumed Suri had taken a liking to the tranquil atmosphere of Siesta.

Su Rui didn't explain why, only giving a faint "hmm," his gaze remaining fixed on her legs, his eyes focused and deep. Beneath his seemingly calm exterior, a silent storm was raging within him.

Just now, while gazing at the starry sky from the balcony, he subconsciously reviewed his upcoming schedule and available free time in his mind. As a highly authorized executor, his time wasn't entirely free, but he did have a relatively relaxed vacation that he could arrange himself recently. He had originally planned to leave as scheduled, but a strong, sudden thought, like a seed breaking through the soil, frantically occupied his mind—

He wanted to heal Remian's leg.

This thought didn't arise on a whim. It had been buried deep within him for a very long time, like a hidden thorn. Every time he saw Remian relying on a wheelchair, every time he saw the fleeting longing for running and standing in her eyes, this thorn would gently prick him. He possessed power and resources unimaginable to ordinary people, yet he had never been able to find a way to completely heal her. Remian's leg injury was unusual; it wasn't a simple bone or nerve damage. It seemed to involve something deeper, some remnant of Originium Arts or a curse, something even Laterano's top medical team couldn't cure.

But... just now, as he held Remian's hand, feeling the warmth of her fingertips and looking at her gentle smile, an unprecedented, intense impulse and... a vague, deep-seated intuition told him—he could do it.

No complicated instruments were needed, no tedious procedures. All that was needed was… his touch, and his will. An ability he had never tried, or even was unsure if it existed, seemed to slumber deep within his soul, now stirring, ready to burst forth. The feeling was strange, adventurous, even somewhat absurd, yet he inexplicably… believed in it.

He didn't want to tell Remien his plans. He didn't want to give her false hope, and what if... he failed? He couldn't bear to see the disappointment in her eyes. He just wanted to try quietly and discreetly. If he succeeded, it would be the biggest surprise for her. If he failed... then he would pretend nothing had happened.

“There’s still enough time,” Suri added, his tone still calm, as if he were simply stating an objective fact. He released his grip on Remian’s hand, his fingertips curling almost imperceptibly, as if gathering some kind of strength, or rather… courage.

Remien, unsuspecting, beamed with joy: "Hmm! That's great! We can visit more places. I've heard the sunrise in Siesta is beautiful, so we can get up early to see it..." She began enthusiastically planning the rest of the trip.

Suri listened quietly, his gaze never leaving her legs. He took a deep breath, as if making his final decision. He reached out and, with remarkably natural movements, pulled the thin blanket that had slipped down to Remien's waist back up, covering her again. Then, seemingly unintentionally and with extreme gentleness, his hand landed beneath the blanket, at Remien's knees.

His palms were warm, even... unusually hot.

Volume 17, Chapter 1087: Shifting Attention

Remi'an was getting into the conversation when she felt the warmth of Su Rui's hand and the gentle pressure. She paused slightly, looked down, and asked, "What's wrong? Is the blanket not properly covering you?" She thought Su Rui was simply helping her tidy up the blanket.

“…Hmm.” Su Rui’s voice was low, with a hint of barely perceptible hoarseness. His palm didn’t immediately move away, but remained gently covering his face. He lowered his eyelids slightly, his thick silver eyelashes concealing the complex and focused emotions surging within his eyes. He began to concentrate, gathering all his thoughts, all his expectations, and all his hidden strength into his palm.

A faint yet exceptionally warm energy, like a stream thawing in early spring, slowly seeped from his palms, gently and carefully flowing through the thin blanket and clothing into Remian's legs.

The feeling was wonderful; it wasn't pain, nor was it intense stimulation, but rather a deep, gentle, pervasive sensation. It was as if cold, long-dormant soil had suddenly been bathed in warm sunlight and nourished by sweet spring water. Remian didn't even immediately notice anything unusual; she only felt a comforting warmth emanating from where Suri's hand had covered her, dispelling the night's chill and causing her leg muscles, stiff from sitting for so long, to involuntarily relax.

"Suri, your hands are so warm," Remianne said with a smile, her tone languid and comfortable. "It feels so good to have them warm like this."

Suri didn't answer. Fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, his breathing became shallow and long, and all his attention was focused intently on the small area in his palm. He could "see" (or rather, sense) a faint golden ray of light, carrying an aura of creation and repair, hidden deep within his power. Guided by his will, it was like the most skillful weaver, carefully combing, repairing, and activating the damaged, dormant, and tangled energy channels and physiological tissues in Remian's legs. This process was extremely delicate, requiring unimaginable control and consuming a tremendous amount of his mental strength.

Time seemed to slow down at that moment. The living room was so quiet that only the two of them breathed softly and the eternal sound of the waves outside the window could be heard. The warm yellow light shone on them, and Suri's focused and tense profile, and Remi's relaxed and contented face, created a tranquil and strange scene.

A few minutes later, the warm, pervasive sensation gradually subsided. The unusual temperature in Su Rui's palm returned to normal. He withdrew his hand very slowly, with a barely perceptible tremor. Feeling utterly exhausted, he leaned back into the sofa, his face pale, the sweat on his forehead even more pronounced. He closed his eyes and let out a long, silent sigh. Had he succeeded…? He wasn't sure. The method of using that power was too unfamiliar; he had no idea how effective it would be.

"Huh?" Just then, Remian suddenly let out a soft, puzzled exclamation.

She subconsciously moved her legs, which had been covered by the blanket. A strange, slight tingling sensation, like a tiny electric current, spread from her knees down her calves! This feeling... she hadn't experienced in a long time! Due to an old injury, her legs mostly felt cold and numb, or occasionally tingling; this tingling sensation, imbued with "life," was almost... a miraculous sign!

She incredulously threw back the blanket and looked down at her legs. Outwardly, nothing seemed to have changed, but… an indescribable, faint yet real sense of connection had been re-established! She tried, very slightly, to contract the muscles in her calves—

There was a response! Although it was very faint, she could clearly feel the muscles twitching! It was no longer the powerless feeling she had before, where her commands seemed to disappear without a trace!

“Surrey…Surrey?!” Remy suddenly looked up, her lake-blue eyes filled with shock, ecstasy, and disbelief! Her voice trembled slightly with excitement, “My leg…just now…I think I can feel it again?! A…tingling, numb feeling! I…I think I can control it to move a little?!” She looked eagerly at Surrey beside her, wanting to share this sudden, enormous joy!

Then she saw Suri's pale face and the sweat on his forehead, and his eyes were closed, as if he were extremely tired.

"Suri! What's wrong?!" Remien's heart tightened, worry instantly replacing surprise. She quickly reached out to support his arm. "You look terrible! Are you feeling unwell?!" She suddenly recalled the unusual warmth of his hand and the prolonged covering it had been in earlier... An unbelievable thought struck her mind like lightning!

Could it be... that miraculous feeling just now... was Suri...?!

Suri slowly opened his eyes, his dark pupils revealing an undeniable weariness, yet deep within them gleamed a faint, relieved light. He looked at Remian's shocked and worried face, at the almost overflowing joy and hope in her eyes, and the heavy weight that had been pressing on his heart finally eased somewhat. He tried to force a reassuring smile, but it came across as strained from exhaustion.

“…It’s nothing.” His voice was hoarse and weak. “I’m just…a little tired.” He avoided her question, neither admitting nor denying it.

But Remien already understood! Looking at Suri's exhausted appearance and feeling the long-lost, faint but real sense of life coming from her legs, a huge wave of emotion and heartache overwhelmed her instantly! Tears welled up uncontrollably in her eyes and slid down her cheeks.

"It was you... wasn't it? Suri... you did it, didn't you?" she asked, choking back tears, gripping his hand tightly, her voice filled with love and unbelievable gratitude. "How... how did you do it? Your face... did it take a lot of energy? I'm so sorry... I..."

Suri raised his heavy arm, gently wiping away her tears with his fingertips, and shook his head, signaling her not to ask or say anything more. He didn't need her gratitude or apology. As long as she recovered, this little bit of exhaustion was nothing.

“Try it…” He looked at her, his dark eyes filled with encouragement and expectation, his voice still hoarse, “…Can you…stand up?”

Remien nodded forcefully, tears welling in her eyes. She took a deep breath, suppressing her excitement and nervousness, and braced herself on the sofa armrests, focusing all her attention on her legs. A faint sense of strength answered her call! She gritted her teeth and slowly, bit by bit, tried to channel her strength into her legs, supporting her body—

Volume 17, Chapter 1088: She did it.

An extremely slow, trembling, yet real... ascent!

Remian's buttocks lifted off the sofa cushion! Although it was only a few centimeters off, and she was wobbling precariously, threatening to fall back down at any moment, she had indeed managed to lift her body off the support using her own strength!

“I…I did it! Suri! Look! I…” Remi’an burst into tears of joy, her voice choked with sobs, unable to utter a complete sentence.

Su Rui watched her trembling yet determined figure, saw the smile on her face, a mixture of tears and unparalleled joy, and finally, a weary yet incredibly genuine smile, filled with relief and satisfaction, appeared on her pale face. He reached out and firmly supported her arm.

"Hmm," he responded softly, his dark eyes seeming to sparkle like stars. "...Take your time."

He knew this was just the beginning. A full recovery would likely require time and repeated treatments. But the spark of hope had been ignited. And it was all worthwhile. The night was deep, the living room bathed in warm light, witnessing a quiet, gentle miracle unfold.

The night was gentle, and a sea breeze, slightly salty and cool, drifted through the open French windows. In the living room, under the warm yellow light, Remy, supported by Suri, took her first, then her second, extremely slow and careful steps… Her legs were still weak and trembling with each step, like a newborn fawn learning to walk. But the feeling of her feet firmly planted on the ground, the long-lost strength from the contraction of her muscles, moved her to tears.

Suri held her hand tightly, his arm steadily supporting most of her weight, his dark eyes focused intently on her steps, a mixture of tension and encouragement in his gaze. His face was still somewhat pale, and fine beads of sweat clung to his forehead, clearly indicating the immense exertion of the previous "treatment," but his entire focus was now on Remien.

“Slow down…yes, just like that…” His voice was low and gentle, with a rare patience.

The two moved slowly, step by step, through the spacious living room. From the sofa to the coffee table, from the coffee table to the window, and back again… the distance was short, the process slow, yet filled with an indescribable sense of ritual and joy. Each step felt like climbing a staircase of hope. Remien's face radiated happiness, her lake-blue eyes sparkling with tears and laughter. She would occasionally look up at Suri, as if to confirm that this wasn't a dream.

After walking for about ten minutes, Remian's forehead was covered in a fine layer of sweat, and her breathing was somewhat rapid. Her strength was far from recovered, and standing and walking for a long time was a huge burden for her.

"Rest if you're tired." Su Rui immediately noticed her exhaustion, helped her sit back on the sofa.

"Mmm." Remy leaned back on the sofa, letting out a long sigh of relief, a satisfied smile on her face. "That's so good... Suri, really... thank you." She held his hand tightly, a thousand words condensed into those three simple words.

Suri shook his head, saying nothing, but simply tightened his grip on her hand. He got up, went to the kitchen, took two cans of chilled beer from the refrigerator, glanced at the grill and leftover ingredients from last night, hesitated for a moment, and asked, "...Are you hungry? Want to...grill something to eat?"

Remien looked at the beer in his hand with some surprise. She remembered that Suri had always avoided alcoholic beverages, especially beer, which was bitter and bubbly; he preferred water or black coffee. Besides, it wasn't mealtime yet.

"Beer? You... want to drink this?" she asked, puzzled.

Suri paused, his hand holding the beer bottle faltering. A complex, elusive emotion flashed in his dark eyes, so fleeting that Remian almost mistook it for a hallucination. He walked to the sofa, handed Remian a can of beer, and sat down beside her with the other. He didn't answer immediately, but instead clicked open the tab, releasing a burst of white foam. He tilted his head back and took a large gulp.

The slightly bitter, malty-scented, cool liquid slid down his throat. Suri frowned almost imperceptibly, clearly not enjoying the taste. But he swallowed it anyway, then turned to look at Remian, a faint smile playing on his lips, tinged with...relief and...reluctance?

“Occasionally… to change things up.” He said softly, his tone calm, but it made Remy’s heart sink for no reason.

She took the beer, but didn't drink it; she just held it in her hand, the cool touch spreading from her fingertips. She looked at Su Rui's profile; in the warm yellow light, his features appeared somewhat blurred, and an ominous premonition, like a dark cloud, quietly enveloped her heart.

Suri didn't say anything more, but silently picked up the portable grill from the coffee table, skillfully started a fire, and placed the marinated meat skewers and vegetables on the grill. The sizzling sound of oil and the tempting aroma quickly filled the air, dispelling a trace of the night's chill. He grilled with great focus and fluid movements, as if performing an important ritual.

Remy watched his busy figure quietly, her unease growing stronger. Suri was acting very strangely tonight. He offered to stay a few more days, he healed her leg, he drank beer—something he usually disliked—and he was grilling meat so late at night… It all felt like… a deliberately crafted warmth before parting, and… a final indulgence?

The meat skewers were quickly grilled, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with an irresistible aroma. Suri placed the grilled skewers on a plate, handed them to Remien, and took a few for herself. The two sat on the sofa, enjoying their late-night snack with ice-cold beer.

The atmosphere was somewhat quiet, broken only by the sounds of chewing and the soft crackling of the grill's residual heat. The sea breeze remained gentle, and starlight streamed in through the window.

Finally, Suri finished his meat skewers and put down the bamboo sticks. He picked up his beer, took another sip, and this time, his furrowed brows relaxed a little, as if… he had gotten used to the bitterness? He turned his head and looked deeply into Remian's eyes. That gaze no longer held its usual coldness or languor, but was filled with a heavy, resolute determination about to be spoken.

“Remian,” he said, his voice deep and clear, carrying an undeniable calm.

Remian's heart skipped a beat, and she gripped the beer can tightly, her fingertips turning slightly white. The moment she had foreseen was finally approaching.

"I... I should go," Su Rui said, looking at her and enunciating each word clearly.

Despite having a premonition, hearing those words still felt like an invisible hand was clenching Remy's heart, the pain almost suffocating her! Tears welled up instantly, but she forced them back, biting her lower lip hard, her lake-blue eyes filled with sorrow and confusion.

Volume 17, page 1089, was somewhat abrupt.

"Why... so suddenly?" Her voice trembled slightly. "Your mission... didn't you still have time? We... didn't we say we'd stay a few more days?" She wanted to watch the sunrise with him, to go to more places together, she wanted to... truly and steadily walk a path in front of him, to show him!

A flicker of pain crossed Suri's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a deeper resolve. He reached out and gently stroked Remian's cheek, his fingertips cool and damp with the scent of beer. "There are some things... that must be dealt with." His voice remained calm, yet carried an unwavering determination. "We can't delay any longer."

He couldn't tell her the truth. He couldn't tell her that healing her legs had consumed a primal power he had accumulated over time, a power that sustained his existence in this world, accelerating his "return." He could have stayed longer, but for her sake, he chose to use that power sooner, and thus, their separation came sooner. He didn't want her to feel guilty, didn't want her to worry. He only wanted her to remember this last, tender moment.

“We…will meet again.” He looked into her eyes and said with utmost seriousness, as if making a solemn promise, “Definitely.”

Remien finally couldn't hold back her tears, which streamed down her face. Looking into the unfathomable depths of emotion in Suri's eyes, and at his forced composure, she suddenly understood everything. She understood his sudden healing, his unusual behavior, all his unspoken words… He had known all along! He was using his last moments to create a miracle for her, to be with her through her final days!

“Su Rui…” she choked, unable to contain her grief any longer. She threw herself into his arms, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist and burying her face in his neck. Tears instantly soaked his clothes. “Don’t go… please… stay with me a little longer…” she pleaded desperately, like a helpless child.

Su Rui's body stiffened for a moment, then he sighed deeply, a sigh filled with endless longing and reluctance. He raised his arms and hugged her tightly, as if trying to meld her into his very bones. He lowered his head, burying his face in her fragrant hair, greedily inhaling her scent.

"I'm sorry..." he whispered in her ear, his voice barely audible, with a heavy nasal tone and... a barely perceptible sob.

The two embraced tightly, as if trying to imprint each other into the depths of their souls. Only Remi's suppressed sobs and Suri's heavy, labored breathing filled the living room. Time seemed to freeze at that moment.

After an unknown amount of time, Remien felt the arms holding her seem to be... weakening? Suri's body began to feel... lighter? Even... transparent?

She suddenly looked up, and through her teary eyes, she saw in horror that Su Rui's body, starting from the edges, was gradually turning into countless tiny, shimmering golden dust particles, like fireflies scattered by the wind, slowly drifting into the air!

"No! Suri!" Remien cried out in anguish, holding him even tighter in an attempt to stop the terrible dissipation!

Looking at her tear-streaked face, pale as she forced a reassuring yet incredibly weak smile. His dark eyes remained fixed on her, filled with reluctance, love, and...apology.

"Don't be afraid..." His voice had become extremely weak, almost a whisper, "Remember... I will... come back to find you... I promise..."

The moment his words fell, his body completely transformed into countless swirling, dreamlike specks of light, like fireflies on a summer night. In Remy's futile embrace, they quietly dissipated, ultimately merging into the air and vanishing without a trace...

In the living room, only Remien remained, still in the embracing position, her arms empty. The warmth of the barbecue lingered, and condensation dripped from the beer can with a crisp sound. The sea breeze remained, the starlight remained, as if nothing had happened.

Only the faint, lingering scent of Su Rui's chill in the air, and the tear stains on her cheeks, proved that the silver-haired boy had truly existed, had accompanied her, and then... left.

Remien slumped onto the sofa, staring blankly at the spot where Suri had disappeared, tears silently streaming down her face. A profound sadness and emptiness overwhelmed her like a tidal wave. But at the same time, a faint yet real sense of strength emanating from her legs acted like the only light in the darkness, supporting her broken heart.

He said...we'll meet again.

for sure.

She clenched her fists tightly, letting the tears flow freely, yet a faint but unwavering hope ignited in her heart.

Then, Remianne stood up. She no longer needed the wheelchair; she had only wanted Suri to spend more time with her.

A biting wind, swirling with fine snowflakes, howled across the perpetually snow-capped peaks and frozen canyons of Shelag. The sky was leaden gray, oppressive and heavy, as if an even greater blizzard might descend at any moment. In stark contrast to the warm, humid coastal scenery of Siesta, everything here exuded an aura of harshness, solemnity, and…sacredness.

At the foot of Mount Kjerag, inside a monastery built of massive granite and hardwood, a warm fire flickers in the fireplace, dispelling the chill outside. The air is filled with the faint scent of burning pine and a cool, minty aroma.

Deep within the monastery, in a simply furnished yet sacred meditation room, Saint Enya of Kjerag knelt on a soft prayer mat, eyes closed in deep concentration. She wore an elegant white robe adorned with traditional Kjerag patterns, her long, silvery-white hair, like the purest snow, cascading down her back, the ends almost touching the ground. Her face was serene and holy, like a lotus flower atop a snow-capped mountain, her long eyelashes casting soft shadows beneath her eyelids, radiating a peaceful yet powerful spiritual glow.

She was engaged in her daily meditation, communicating with the will of the Kjerag Mountains. This was an important duty of hers as a saint, and the source of her power. Her consciousness, like gentle tentacles, extended to the surrounding ice, rocks, and the ancient energy flowing in the air, sensing the breath and pulse of this land.

However, just as her meditation reached its deepest point, when her consciousness was at its most ethereal and acute—

An extremely abrupt sense of alienation, completely out of place in this icy and snowy landscape, suddenly shattered her meditative state, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake!

Volume 18, Chapter 1090: Cheese Snow Leopard