Space station 42: Silver Wolf: My home is quite spacious; we can rest directly after tiring ourselves out

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[Over the next few months, you form a small team with Silver Wolf and undertake missions together.]

[As you cultivated your teamwork and intentionally chose challenging missions, your already notable reputation quickly grew even more.]

[Silver Wolf didn't give up either; she continued seeking opportunities to challenge you during breaks from missions.]

[Naturally, the outcome each time was predictable, always ending with Silver Wolf's defeat.]

[During this period, your relationship became increasingly familiar.]

[With your guidance, Silver Wolf's abilities rapidly improved.]

However, as Silver Wolf progressed, she realized that the gap between herself and Su Qing only widened.

Despite this, her admiration for Su Qing inevitably deepened.

At the same time, she pondered that since she couldn't surpass Su Qing in their current domain, she had no choice but...

[Firefly: To gracefully accept defeat?]

Silver Wolf: No, I had to create a new arena for competition!

[Firefly: A new arena?!]

[Himeko: First losing online battles, then offline matches, followed by real-life confrontations, and now creating yet another arena?]

[Stelle: As long as there are enough arenas, eventually, victory will come!]

[Kafka: @Silver Wolf, darling, how about we introduce a 'shortest height' category? Su Qing definitely wouldn't stand a chance against you.]

[Seele: Exploiting every opportunity, huh.]

After some contemplation, Silver Wolf naturally decided to make gaming the next battlefield.

***

As you gradually become more familiar with each other...

One day, Silver Wolf invites you over to her house for a gaming session. She mentions that her home is spacious, equipped with advanced computers, and if you get tired from playing, it's perfectly fine to just sleep there.

Knowing that Silver Wolf lives alone, you cautiously inquire if this would be appropriate?

Silver Wolf responds with a dismissive smirk, "Don't be so uptight, okay?"

With hands in her pockets, she looks up at Su Qing and says, "It's just gaming; do you think I'm gonna eat you or something?"

Hearing Silver Wolf's casual remark, Su Qing feels his tension ease. "Alright, let's go then."

Silver Wolf finds this reaction odd. "Is your girlfriend going to get jealous or something?"

Su Qing hesitates briefly before replying, "...I don't have a girlfriend right now."

[Suddenly, Himeko feels the coffee in her hand isn't as appealing anymore.]

This is news to Silver Wolf. "Oh? So does that mean you've been in relationships before?"

Su Qing nods slightly.

"I see."

Silver Wolf's question was casual; she isn't particularly interested in Su Qing's romantic history at the moment, focusing instead on how to win him over.

[Bronya: By the way, what's Su Qing's current mindset?]

[Fu Xuan: What mindset could he have? The one right after a breakup, obviously.]

[Fu Xuan: I doubt he'll be interested in dating for a while.]

[Bronya: Ah, that's true...]

[Himeko: ??]

[Stelle: ??→???!, Huh?!]

[March 7th: @Stelle, why did you take off Sister Himeko's sunglasses?!]

[Stelle: Oh, sorry—it was just instinctive. My apologies! (hastily puts them back on)]

[Stelle: ??←???, Oops!]

[Herta: Are you performing magic tricks now?]

[Seele: hhhhh]

[Qingque: If Stelle keeps practicing like this, she might soon remove her sunglasses subconsciously every time.]

Seeing Su Qing's reaction, Himeko suddenly felt her stomach ache again.

[Himeko: Can't bring myself to drink coffee anymore, here you go, @Stelle.]

[Stelle: Ah???]

[Stelle: D-does this mean...a punishment for my earlier action? Is this...my destined demise...?]

[Stelle: (drinks it all in one gulp)(collapses instantly)(unusually serene)?]

[Qingque: Isn't coffee supposed to keep you awake?! Why did Stelle drop like that immediately after drinking it?!]

[March 7th: Ha...ha... Well, um, that's not important. Stelle must've been tired, right? How wonderful to be young—just nodding off anywhere!]

[Himeko: Did Stelle stay up late last night?]

[March 7th: P-probably... (changing the subject) Anyway, what's Silver Wolf's take on this?]

[Silver Wolf: Su Qing doesn't want romance, and that suits me just fine. No need for all those mushy feelings—can love even compare to gaming?]

[Bronya: It seems like Silver Wolf's current mindset isn't about whether she'll enter the race or not anymore.]

[Bronya: Rather, it's between showing up to compete on race day or staying home to play games.]

[Seele: Ha ha, true enough!]

[Firefly: As expected of Silver Wolf?! I always felt her personality wasn't suited for romance anyway.]

[Kafka: I've consistently trusted Silver Wolf, knowing she wouldn't disappoint.]

[Himeko: Great attitude, keep it up. @Silver Wolf, hang in there—you will find happiness.]

[Silver Wolf: ...Am I mistaken, or is this supposed praise actually veiled criticism?]

[Firefly: Absolutely not!]

In the past, Silver Wolf could only play multiplayer games with AI personalities or by controlling both characters herself.

[Qingque: That sounds tough...]

[Silver Wolf: It's okay, I still have fun alone. ?]

Now, with Su Qing present, she finally had the chance to genuinely enjoy multiplayer games.

Since both of them were fully focused on gaming,

their interaction felt natural and effortless, just like any other day, even at Silver Wolf's home.

Silver Wolf's petite frame leaned back on the sofa, legs tucked beneath her, holding a square cushion in her arms.

With a controller in hand, she wrapped her arms around the cushion and her legs, engrossed in the game. As she became absorbed, despite it not being a motion-controlled game, she couldn't help but sway along with the action.

Sipping drinks, enjoying takeout, playing games—hours flew by swiftly.

During a break, Silver Wolf stretched lazily while still holding the controller. Her slender white legs extended straight, toes slightly tensing, delicate as jade.

Relaxing afterward, she leaned against the sofa and glanced sideways.

Silver Wolf flashed her unique, carefree smile, "Like I said, why overthink it? It was just an invitation to play games."

"Look, aren't we having a great time?"

Su Qing nodded, agreeing, "Indeed."

[Seele: Silver Wolf: Hey, all buddies here!]

[Qingque: Silver Wolf: Hi, all pals!]

[Fu Xuan: Ha ha, it seems we're indeed moving towards becoming friends.]

[Kafka: @Silver Wolf, well done! Keep it up.]

[Silver Wolf: Being effortlessly cool like me, emotions never get in the way.]

[Bailu: By the way, why is Stelle still asleep? How can she nap at her age?]

[Bailu: (rubbing hands eagerly)(CPR symbol) Wake up quickly, time to continue streaming!]

[Stelle: Ah!(resurrected) What... just happened?]

[March 7th: You drank Sister Himeko's coffee earlier, and Bailu revived you...]

[Stelle: Wow! Thanks, Dr. Bailu, for your miraculous recovery skills!]

[Bailu: Huh? It was just some coffee, right?]

Silver Wolf checked the time and realized, unintentionally, they had been playing their two-player game for quite a while.

She usually preferred solitude, as her independent nature made her enjoy being alone. However, interacting with Su Qing didn't feel uncomfortable to Silver Wolf; rather, it was quite enjoyable.

Of course, this excluded moments when she lost in battles or got outwitted by his pranks...

During such times, Su Qing could be truly infuriating, often leaving Silver Wolf feeling helpless, on the verge of tears, and deeply unsatisfied. This might also explain why Silver Wolf was determined to win at least one round against him, no matter what.

In any case, it was time to move on to today's main event.

Silver Wolf navigated the screen. "Let's try this newly released fighting game instead. Since neither of us has played it, it'll be more fair."

She paused briefly before adding, "Oh, let's take this one seriously."

Su Qing raised an eyebrow. "Determine a clear winner?"

The corner of Silver Wolf's mouth curved into a smile, knowing Su Qing understood: "Of course, giving it our all."

Since Silver Wolf had set this tone,

Su Qing, out of respect, naturally decided to go all-out and took the challenge seriously.

[Stelle: Theoretical Deduction, activate!]

[Seele: Growing Genius, activate!]

[Qingque: Ether's Friend, activate!]

[March 7th: Hhh, everyone's showing off their prized abilities.]

[Bronya: Doesn't it feel slightly cringe...?]

[Stelle: Bronya truly doesn't get it. Naming techniques aloud adds impact and flair!]

Honestly, at this point, Su Qing felt that selecting the Swift Shadow Hand talent was unnecessary.

With Potential Unleashing, his physical attributes increased significantly, including speed, which wasn't far behind the benefit provided by Swift Shadow Hand.

Maintaining a composed expression, Su Qing watched the tutorial level on the TV screen.

Simultaneously, with lightning-fast movements barely visible to the eye, he pressed buttons swiftly on the controller, following the tutorial instructions precisely.

On the side,

Silver Wolf once again found himself puzzled by Su Qing's display.

Su Qing's learning process was akin to a series of explosive leaps, with rapid improvements occurring at short intervals. Her proficiency increased swiftly.

[Fu Xuan: Indeed, choosing the right Talent makes all the difference.]

[Fu Xuan: The combination of theoretical deduction and Growing Genius ignites bursts of inspiration, significantly speeding up progress.]

[Qingque: Grand Diviner's insights are truly profound!]

Silver Wolf couldn't resist asking, "By the way, you haven't played this game before, have you?"

Su Qing nodded, "No, I haven't."

If anyone else had said this, Silver Wolf might have doubted its truthfulness. But she knew that Su Qing, being as formidable as she is, would never stoop to such a lie.

However, uh...

Why did she keep feeling an ominous premonition of impending defeat...?

Ah well! Silver Wolf shook her head, deciding not to dwell on it! Surely after playing a few more rounds, she'd win at least once, right?

"Anyway, let's start another match!" exclaimed Silver Wolf.

Five minutes later.

"...Let's play one more!" said Silver Wolf.

Another five minutes passed.

"One more..." muttered Silver Wolf.

"Yet another..."

"Just one mo..."

Silence fell.

Time flew swiftly; before they knew it, nearly two more hours had passed.

Su Qing set down his controller and glanced at the small screen's score tally: [20-0].

[Seele: Shocked! Another twenty straight losses!]

Each match lasted roughly five to six minutes, yet despite playing for so long, Silver Wolf hadn't won even once.

Su Qing suggested, "Why don't we call it a day?"

However, Silver Wolf was already intensely focused, gripping Su Qing's arm with a snap! "Don't leave, one more game... Just one last round!"

Moved by her determination, Su Qing couldn't help but feel impressed. Consequently...

He decided to take it even more seriously, giving his all at 120% strength!

[Qingque: Joyfully touched, now unleashing my full power!]

And so, he engaged in that final match against Silver Wolf...

The ultimate showdown within the last match...

The definitive endgame—absolutely no further rounds after this...

Su Qing became completely absorbed as well. When he finally snapped back to reality, he noticed light streaming through the window.

How did dawn break already?!

"Really, we can't play any longer."

Even Su Qing felt slightly weary. He put down his controller but received no response.

He glanced to the side and saw Silver Wolf with her legs curled up, weakly holding the controller, her face buried in her knees.

At that moment, it seemed as if all color had drained from Silver Wolf, turning her into a silhouette of grayish-white lines.

She had completely burned herself out.

[Stelle: No! Silver Wolf!!]

Su Qing remained silent for a moment before getting up and gently draping a blanket over her.

Then, standing beside the couch, he solemnly bowed with a serious expression.

[The chat erupted in laughter!]

[Sparkle: Hahahahahaha!!!]

[Stelle: Silver Wolf! Are you dead?!]

[Seele: Haha, I can't handle this—Su Qing even bowed...]

[Bronya: His expression is so earnest! That's what makes it hilarious!]

[March 7th: Ha! Just like I said, Su Qing has a sense of humor after all!]

[Firefly: @Silver Wolf, don't be dead!!?]

[Silver Wolf: Not dead yet!!]

In a daze, exhausted and famished, Silver Wolf felt someone gently nudging her arm.

Opening her eyes, she discovered it was Su Qing.

Su Qing placed breakfast on the table in front of the sofa. "I got you some buns and congee; enjoy them while they're hot."

Silver Wolf gradually regained her senses. "I'll pay you back later..."

"Sure, no problem," Su Qing replied. "Just make sure to eat it warm first."

Silver Wolf glanced at the nearby screen again. "97 losses to none. We played nearly a hundred games last night, and I didn't win even once..."

"Don't worry, there will be wins in the future," Su Qing reassured her. "For now, have your breakfast while it's still hot, then take a break."

Could she really win someday? After almost a hundred consecutive losses, Silver Wolf herself began to doubt it.

Additionally, she noticed how insistent Su Qing was about eating breakfast warm...

[Stelle: Su Qing: You mustn't miss the perfect moment to savor food!]

Holding the bowl, Silver Wolf took a sip of the hot congee, instantly feeling warmth spread through her stomach.

She then tasted one of the steamed buns, finding it equally delicious.

Her exhausted body seemed to regain a slight bit of energy.

Silver Wolf curled up her petite frame on the sofa, legs tucked together. Tilting her head, she looked down at the blanket draped over her.

It was the first time experiencing nearly a hundred consecutive losses...

For the first time, she had lost so miserably...

But it was also her first time gaming all night with friends. And for the first time, someone bought her breakfast in the morning and showed genuine concern.

Silver Wolf took another sip of the warm porridge, feeling a peculiar sensation in her heart.

She couldn't quite pinpoint what this emotion was exactly.

Nevertheless,

this feeling was certainly not unpleasant.

***

Another evening arrived.

Outside the window, colorful neon lights flickered, mirroring the city's relentless energy, never tiring.

As usual, no lights were on in the bedroom. Silver Wolf sat in her gaming chair.

However, today her attention wasn't focused on the digital screen before her.

Silver Wolf summoned the "Demon King" persona from her smart pistol and proceeded to edit it slightly.

Moments later, the original "Demon King," modeled after her own appearance, transformed into Su Qing's likeness.

[Himeko (smiling): The unbeatable Su Qing indeed makes a perfect Demon King.]

[Stelle: Ah, and you as the hero, right?]

Rubbing her chin, Silver Wolf scrutinized the figure for a while.

A mischievous grin suddenly spread across her face, and she reached out to flick Su Qing's miniature forehead.

The tiny Su Qing figure performed a somersault on the table and stumbled.

Immediately after, displaying remarkable intelligence, it began protesting and resisting.

With one hand, Silver Wolf pressed down on the little Su Qing's head, watching as its arms flailed but failed to overcome him. Unable to suppress his smug laughter, he exclaimed, "Ha ha ha!"

"Who knew, mere Su Qing is no match for me."

[Sparkle: LOL.]

[Sushang: Hilarious.]

[Bailu: Absolutely dying of laughter, hahahaha.]

[Stelle: Proud little silver wolf? More like childish little silver wolf!]

[Herta: What kind of mental victory tactic is this?]

[Herta: Can't beat the real person, so you resort to playing with miniatures, huh?]

[Herta: Feels genuinely pitiful.jpg]

[Fu Xuan: Agreed, feels genuinely pitiful.jpg +1]

[Silver Wolf: ?]

[Kafka: @Silver Wolf, could you send me the data for this Su Qing miniature model later?]

[Himeko: @Silver Wolf, ahem, please send me a copy too.]

[Firefly: @Silver Wolf, I want one, me too!]

[Silver Wolf: ...I have to repeat myself again: only at times like these do you all unite.]

[March 7th: It's Su Qing! Su Qing broke the barriers, bringing everyone together!]

[Herta: But isn't he also the root cause of the conflicts?]

[March 7th: Uh... seems like that might be true...]

[Seele: Hahahaha.]

After playing for a bit with Su Qing's miniature avatar, Silver Wolf's mood significantly improved.

She then turned her attention to the screen before her, displaying two rows of completion objectives.

Punklorde, although not yet fully cleared, was nearing its end.

As her strength continuously increased, even the final sub-level, the neon city, had reached two power bars.

Silver Wolf found herself increasingly focused on the top row of objectives.

Next to her chibi profile picture, there were currently three symbols: goggles, a sword and shield, and a game controller.

All three dynamic icons showed one power bar each.

[Seele: Wow, Silver Wolf isn't afraid to aim high.]

[Stelle: It reminds me of shooting games—basically, meeting with just a sliver of health left, and one touch would leave you critically damaged, right?]

[Bronya: Can't beat the hacker, can't win in combat, and now even failing in virtual games. Truly getting crushed by Su Qing.]

[Firefly: Humph! Who does this little Silver Wolf think she is, daring to challenge my Su Qing?]

[Kafka: Your Su Qing? More like mine.]

[Himeko: Actually, @Kafka and I could reconcile.]

[Kafka: Really?]

[Silver Wolf: Somehow, I don't quite believe that...]

[Himeko: Considering Su Qing's presence, I might indeed accept Kafka as my daughter.]

[Himeko: (elegantly sipping coffee) We'll all be one family then; what could prevent reconciliation?]

[Silver Wolf: hahahahahahahaha!!]

[Sparkle: LOL.]

[Seele: LOL.]

[Kafka: @Himeko, enough with your ex-girlfriend's boring fantasies already.]

[March 7th: Ha ha, Sister Himeko's thinking is spot-on! By being with Su Qing, you'd gain a well-behaved and obedient Stellaron Hunter daughter!]

[Herta: "Well-behaved and obedient"? Whoever takes that position should always watch out for Kafka's backstabbing.]

[Stelle: Ah? Wait, uh... this feels really confusing...]

[Silver Wolf: ?? No matter what, this one will forever be seated at the kids' table.]

Silver Wolf clicked on the three symbols—goggles, compass, and shield—to view their detailed information.

As Silver Wolf interacted more with Su Qing, she increasingly felt that he was akin to an intriguing game she had discovered. As long as she was willing to understand and challenge him, there would always be new content to explore.

At this point, Silver Wolf fully regarded Su Qing as a game needing completion, meticulously analyzing and studying him:

Close combat abilities and fighting style... Strong Ether affinity, focus attention...

A reliable teammate... Very attentive to details...

Feels like there's more to his story... Wonder what experiences he's had...

As Silver Wolf continued writing, she suddenly realized her notes were veering off-topic.

Especially the last line—seemed unrelated to defeating Su Qing; it would only satisfy her curiosity.

Moreover, under which category should this fall? Hacker, combat, or gaming?

None of them seemed quite right.

Silver Wolf's hand hovered over the delete key, contemplating for a moment but ultimately didn't press it down.

Ah well, I've already written it. Let's keep it for now.

After further analysis, Silver Wolf found that across hacking, combat, and gaming, none offered immediate prospects for victory.

In that case, the only option was...

[Stelle: Forge a new race track!]

[March 7th: Open a new front!]

[Bronya: They're even anticipating each other's moves.]

Leaning back in her gaming chair, Silver Wolf gazed out the window.

Outside, on the billboard of a nearby building, the words "Legendary Hacker Challenge" flashed brightly.

This was one of Punklorde's most renowned competitions, perfectly suited as their next battleground.

However, at that moment, Silver Wolf couldn't have known:

This competition wouldn't just forge a new arena for their duel—it would also pave an entirely new path for their relationship.

Considering Su Qing's recent breakup and Silver Wolf's competitive nature, whether she would even participate or find out about this track was uncertain...