It looks like this is the abode of the mad robot.

The anomalous Mistweaver granted them an invitation, and Lindong and Rowena ceased their dispute, following Ethan one on either side, heading towards that modest wooden cabin.

"You've arrived."

The "robot" was inside, seated in the most conspicuous spot of the cabin, which was empty except for a basic table and bed, resembling a hermit's retreat. In stark contrast with the sparse furniture, the walls were covered with dense writings.

The "ancient texts" appeared once again.

However, the "robot" clearly wasn't a "player" or a Transmigrator. Ethan glanced at the "ancient texts" on the walls, finding them full of grammatical errors, improper word use, and chaotic discourse, like rough notes left by a beginner learning.

"Why not direct them back to the real world straight away?"

The "robot" raised his head, staring at Ethan, his eyes full of confusion mixed with a tinge of disappointment.

It sounded like he truly intended to upend the entire Misty Forest County, yet his method of guiding people left Ethan unimpressed.

Spreading disease, transforming everyone into half-flesh, half-mechanical monsters—this was his idea of the real world. However... what truly intrigued Ethan was how the "robot," being a native, managed to escape the influence of the Crimson Queen and perceived the rewritten rules.

Could learning "ancient texts" have a refreshing and awakening effect?

"I want to know your reasons."

"Reasons?"

The confusion in the "robot's" eyes deepened, "Because this world is false, is this reason sufficient?"

In his view, no one should wallow in a false world; no matter how good it appears on the surface, the greater the immersion, the deeper one falls, until completely assimilated into the illusion, becoming part of it.

"Assuming your theory is correct and you successfully awakened everyone, what then?"

"Afterwards…?"

The "robot" lowered his head, lost in thought.

He hadn't considered such distant matters; the Crimson Queen was the root of all illusion, severing this root would require unimaginable sacrifice. He might collapse midway through the transformation, unable to witness the real world, but someone would inevitably inherit his legacy.

Ethan was that chosen one, and the hatchling dragon emerging from the dragon egg was the key to the real world.

"After that, your lengthy lives would end, you'd frequently fall ill, battles would lead to casualties, sowing seeds of hatred that eventually evolve into war."

Ethan articulated what would transpire in the real world to the "robot."

If this was a "real" world, then their newfound friend with the white headscarf would have been smashed into pulp immediately after their first meeting.

Ethan admitted to an inner bias, disliking the brainwashing ruling style of the King of Gold, but the world created by the Crimson Queen… Up to now, those mechanical monsters that suddenly appeared, attacking towns, seemed more like heresy.

As a former Pokémon enthusiast, Ethan had yearned for a Pokémon-style world throughout various stages of his life.

While studying, countless Pokémon captivated him, immersing him in the joy of building teams and growing together with partners, and when he stepped out of school into society, he discovered more in the world of Pokémon.

It was undoubtedly a fairy tale world.

Because, according to his observations, people living there didn't need to work. They could embark on adventures from a young age, and if short on money during their journey, they could rob weaker trainers they defeated in battles without creating resentment. In every new city, you could freely enter private homes, and the residents wouldn't panic for having strangers suddenly intrude.

The most captivating aspect was the villainous organizations. Though they claimed to be wicked, when you broke into their lair, you could rest on their bed without worrying about attacks during sleep. Even if you were inexperienced and lost to their members, they wouldn't exploit your "blackout" moment but instead take you to the rescue center in the nearest city to recover completely before challenging them anew.

Ethan believed that only the most romantic idealists could construct such a world.

And should such a world become reality, he felt it wouldn't be bad. If he could choose where to transmigrate, he would indeed prefer a world as peaceful and serene as the one in Pokémon.

Honestly, the former empire was not a good transmigration destination.

If a Transmigrator's "landing spot" was unlucky, they might be burned as heretics on the stake before they even matured.

"I see, I see…"

The "robot" seemed to vaguely discern Ethan's thoughts, murmuring to himself. Soon, he rose and walked outside, leading the group.

The destination was the lakeside beyond the cabin.

As they approached, they saw the lake surface calm, without ripples.

The clear lake reflected blurred images amid the mist; Ethan saw himself.

Yet it wasn't his current self standing by the lakeside; it looked more like… a research station full of high-tech flair, with computers inside, but the working environment differed entirely from his memories, where everyone wore identical lab coats rather than the usual attire in his memory.

The researchers, including him, were as well.

Ethan squinted, examining more closely.

Before transmigrating, he was handling an important project, yet strangely, he couldn't recall the project's content when recollecting now.

"Memory can deceive you; it's the Scarlet Queen's trick."

Such a voice came by his ear, the "robot" was beside him, yet the voice sounded from afar.

Under the guidance of this distant voice, reality flipped with the lake's scene.

The scene on the lake became clearer, facing a mirror where the reflection presented a lake, with three people and a bat standing by its edge.

"Heard your project has gone astray again?"

Someone bumped Ethan's shoulder; although the teasing tone was gloating, the care in her eyes couldn't be concealed, and she held a cup of coffee.

"Here, bought from across the street, added a small cup of milk and three sugar cubes; there's a buy-one-get-one-free offer, so there's an extra cup."

This female colleague precisely mentioned his coffee-drinking habits.

But at that time, he likely didn't realize, being immersed in the gloom of his project being terminated.

"Misty Forest County, a fog-enshrouded small town, hmm… I personally find it amusing."

Their relationship was supposed to be closer than colleagues.

Ethan didn't reply, perhaps because he didn't respond back then, merely focusing on drinking coffee, inwardly cursing the clueless yet decisive higher-ups as idiots.

And now, he carefully observed the leisurely figure returning to the table.

Black hair, black eyes, yet so familiar.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk."

Such remarks came from her neighbor, "I don't recall any buy-one-get-one-free offer across the street."

"What, jealous?"

"Jealous? Me? You must be joking."

The woman behind the partition raised her voice sharply, with a hint of gnashing teeth, "How could I possibly be jealous of you? After all, I've been through over a dozen relationships; you're just getting started."