Chapter 73: Singing, Dancing, Rapping...

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Bochang brought this toy back to life solely because the "Dating Options" compelled him to do so. He still held some hope for her abilities, which prompted his question.

Otherwise, he would have immediately withdrawn the power of the Mouse Talisman.

Ultimately, she was just a toy, and Bochang could handle her as he pleased.

After hearing their exchange,

Thumbelina pondered carefully. Unable to determine if they were being truthful or not, she decided to mention her strengths, saying, "I can sing, dance, rap, and also..."

"Basketball?" Bochang couldn't resist adding jokingly.

Thumbelina vigorously shook her head.

"What basketball? No, my special ability is communicating with small animals."

Bochang considered this; indeed, it sounded quite princess-like, but...it seemed rather useless, although there might be some minor benefits...still, not particularly significant.

Stelle chimed in, "Communicate with small animals? That sounds like a remarkable ability..."

"Uh-huh," Thumbelina nodded repeatedly, her eyes expressing admiration, "That's exactly it."

"What is your name?"

"Sophia."

Stelle and Thumbelina engaged in a brief exchange.

Seeing that they seemed to hit it off well, Bochang decided to place Princess Sophia gently into Stelle's hands, allowing them to continue their conversation freely.

"The Mouse Talisman's ability is indeed intriguing..." Bochang stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I should be able to use this power to create suitable familiars..."

In the black-haired youth's view, the toys he brought to life using the Mouse Talisman's power were no different from familiars.

At any rate, they could certainly make his life more convenient.

"If there's an opportunity, I could try experimenting with one of Herta's dolls... If it's just for research purposes, I think... Herta probably wouldn't refuse."

Bochang's gaze flickered.

If Herta knew he could bestow life upon inanimate objects, she would undoubtedly support further study.

While Bochang pondered these thoughts,

Dan Heng emerged from the Goethe Grand Hotel and joined them.

"Bochang, Stelle, what are you two doing here? And who is this little one?" The stoic little azure dragon's pupils slightly contracted upon seeing Sophia. "Isn't this the popular Princess Sophia toy among Belobog's children?"

"Why would..." Hearing Dan Heng immediately identify her, Bochang exclaimed in surprise, "You're truly impressive... knowing even that."

"It was part of my initial intelligence gathering." Dan Heng continued probing, "The question is... how can she move? Bochang, do you also have skills in modifying toys? Did you implant a chip, modify her limbs, or install..."

"Hold on, hold on, I don't know anything about those things..." Bochang waved his hands repeatedly to stop further wild guesses. "I just used a bit of special power, and it brought her to life."

"Special power... alright then."

Dan Heng didn't press further, instead examining Princess Sophia closely with a puzzled expression.

No matter how one looked at it, this was truly astonishing and almost unbelievable.

Yet the reality stood before them, leaving Dan Heng with no choice but to accept it.

Sophia also noticed the appearance of another giant nearby, as Dan Heng scrutinized her closely. Clearly...

Sophia still felt frightened, following Stelle's hand up until she reached his shoulder for safety.

Dan Heng diverted his gaze and remarked, "Bochang, you certainly have a multitude of unique abilities."

"Average, just average. It's not really that many," Bochang replied with a modest smile.

Listening to their conversation, Sophia remained skeptical even now, convinced she had been kidnapped by a group of giants.

"My knight will surely come to rescue me; until then, I only need to wait quietly."

Nobody could discern Sophia's inner thoughts.

Bochang suggested, "Alright, let's head back and rest for a while... Don't forget, we have Bronya's victory banquet tonight..."

As she spoke, Bochang withdrew the power of the Mouse Talisman.

Ever since Sophia's revival, her existence had continuously drained magic from the black-haired youth's Mouse Talisman. Fortunately, the consumption was minimal and negligible, allowing Bochang to sustain it without interruption for twenty-four hours.

The moment the power was retracted,

Sophia felt an overwhelming sense of fatigue, exhaustion washing over her.

With closed eyes,

the princess remained motionless once again.

Under their gazes, Sophia transformed back into a toy, looking identical to those found in stores.

Stelle gently removed the toy from her shoulder and asked, "Bochang, did you withdraw your power? Then... is she dead now?"

"Um... I should say, she was always technically dead. If Stelle wants her alive, it's quite simple..."

Bochang extended his hand to take the toy version of Sophia.

Stelle calmly shook her head.

"The decision to bring her back to life is yours, Bochang. You don't need to consider me. You're right... Sophia was indeed dead all along, much like digital pets on a phone. No matter how realistic or lifelike they appear, they are merely strings of data."

Dan Heng seemed to want to respond but, after some thought, remained silent.

Noticing this, Bochang decided not to revive Sophia but instead tucked her away in his pocket—without simply discarding her.

As such a toy,

Bochang felt he could collect quite a few of them. In specific situations, they might prove unexpectedly useful.

"However... these lives resurrected by the Mouse Talisman won't obey commands..."

This posed a bit of a headache, and Bochang lacked the ability to alter that aspect.

The group of three returned to the Goethe Grand Hotel, each retiring to their rooms for rest. Soon, night fell.

Bronya personally led a contingent of Silvermane Guards from the hotel, heading straight towards Qlipoth Fort. Among the Silvermane Guards, Bochang spotted Pela, closely following alongside Bronya.

Upon meeting with Bochang and the others, they exchanged greetings.

As Dan Heng returned to Qlipoth Fort once again, he vividly recalled his previous visit when he had been tasked with sweeping and cleaning. Now, however, he was treated as a distinguished guest of the Architects.

This shift in status didn't surprise Dan Heng at all. Having experienced numerous unexpected events, such occurrences seemed increasingly commonplace to him.

In the brightly lit grand hall, countless elegantly dressed individuals gathered, cheering for the triumphant return of heroes. Originally used for council meetings, Qlipoth Fort had been temporarily transformed into a banquet venue.

Long tables were set up around the room, laden with various desserts, pastries, beverages, and wines. Attendees could simply help themselves to whatever caught their fancy.

Uniformed maids and butlers, clad in simple black-and-white attire, moved through the crowd, ensuring the food tables remained well-stocked.

Bochang, along with March 7th and Stelle, indulged heartily, savoring the exquisite culinary delights offered.