Arcane: Twin Cities Mechanic

The interior structure of Dawnkeep is rather unique. Despite the massive open space spanning several dozen meters in height, it still only counts as one floor. This, however, is only true for the grand hall on the first floor. As you ascend, the upper levels resemble a more conventional building, with each floor being a few meters taller than usual.

Under the curious gazes of a few nobles who were chatting and drinking, Sona pulled Li Lin along as they climbed the magnificent staircase inside the Hall of Radiance for quite some time, eventually arriving at the rooftop.

The previous levels' open platforms were filled with couples engaged in romantic or flirtatious conversations—definitely not the right place for their purpose.

After checking to make sure no one was around, Sona turned back. "Let's do it here."

Just as she was about to open her instrument case, she felt the warmth in her hand. Looking down, she realized she had been holding Li Lin's hand the entire way up.

Like being struck by lightning, Sona quickly pulled her hand back, half-turning away. Her face, lightly touched with makeup, was instantly overtaken by a deep blush, resembling a ripe red apple.

At first, Li Lin was slightly surprised by her holding his hand, but knowing she had something important on her mind, he hadn't given it much thought. Now, seeing her reaction, it seemed she was still very conscious of such physical contact with a man.

"Sona…" 

Li Lin was about to say something, but he didn't even get her name out before she, clearly flustered, changed the subject. "Yes, I think this place is perfect."

Her voice carried a hint of nervousness, almost pleading, as if to ask Li Lin not to continue with the previous topic.

After a moment of reflection, and to avoid making things too awkward, Li Lin decided to let go of the hand-holding incident.

He watched as Sona carefully removed an oddly shaped ancient zither from a simple wooden case.

Because they were at Dawnkeep, Sona refrained from using any magic. To keep things simple, she sat on a stone bench against the wall of the open-air platform, placing Etwahl on her lap, which her long dress covered.

Etwahl was very different from the more commonly seen rectangular zithers.

The instrument had a golden, bow-like arc shape, with strings that were cut off in the middle. The two ends of the panel resembled outstretched wings, decorated with intricate, unknown patterns made of antique gold.

Under the silver moonlight, a faint blue glow seemed to emanate from the instrument's dark blue strings, as if the lingering magic was subtly blending into the surrounding environment.

As Etwahl was revealed, Li Lin suddenly felt a serene calm settle over him.

More accurately, it was his soul that felt at peace. His earlier anxieties about the future dissipated, and the burdens he had carried on his shoulders felt significantly lighter, as if he were basking in the warmth of a gentle winter sun, his mind at ease.

"Li Lin?" 

Sona looked at him in surprise, noticing the obvious change in his demeanor.

She knew very well that it was Etwahl, now unsealed, that had affected him in this way. Yet she hadn't even started playing.

"How do you feel?" 

"It's a strange feeling, like I share a natural connection with it."

Li Lin didn't know how to describe this inexplicable sensation. He only knew that his entire body felt comfortable, and even the deep-seated fatigue in his mind and muscles had completely vanished.

"Why is this happening?" 

He was curious. This was his first time coming into contact with Etwahl.

"I don't know…" Sona bit her lips, shaking her head. "This is the first time I've seen Etwahl respond in such a special way. It's never reacted to anyone but me before."

"That's odd." 

Could it have something to do with me being a traveler from another world, burdened with this world's hopes? Too bad my data-driven mind can't figure out anything useful…

Li Lin raised an eyebrow and took a few steps forward. "May I touch it?"

Sona's gem-like eyes narrowed slightly as she smiled and nodded. "Of course you can."

Taking a deep breath, Li Lin, feeling slightly nervous, knelt down on one knee and reached out his right hand to touch Etwahl's surface.

The moment his fingers made contact with the instrument…

Nothing happened.

"What's going on?" 

Seeing Li Lin's disappointed expression, Sona couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh softly.

"Were you expecting something to happen?" 

Li Lin responded with a heavy sigh through his nose, not saying a word.

"If Etwahl truly had something special, I would've noticed long ago." 

Sona gently placed her delicate hand on top of Li Lin's for comfort. 

This time, she did it consciously to offer solace, unlike the earlier incident when she was shy and embarrassed.

"Etwahl is like family to me, an inseparable part of who I am. If it were to leave me the moment you arrived, wouldn't that be unfair?" 

Sona's ethereal voice carried a trace of playful reproach, her smile adding to her already adorable appearance.

Although Li Lin knew she was joking, he never intended to "steal" the instrument from her.

According to the few abilities shown in his "data-driven mind," Etwahl was already bound to Sona's soul. No matter what he did, it could never be controlled by anyone else.

Sona couldn't simply stand by and let something she cherished, something that had been with her for so long, be destroyed by those with malicious intent.

Li Lin stared into Sona's clear, lively eyes for a moment, only breaking away when her cheeks began to flush under the moonlight. Finally, he averted his gaze.

He sat down cross-legged on the ground and asked softly, "Can you play something for me?"

Sona's beautiful eyes curved into crescent moons. "Of course! What would you like to hear?"

"Just play what you're best at."

"I've recently composed a new harmonic variation. Would you like to be my first listener?"

"Of course."

Li Lin and Sona exchanged a smile.

Soon after, the silver moonlight shone down, draping the quiet night in a hazy veil.

Sona's slender, jade-like fingers gently plucked the strings of her instrument, made from an unknown material. Crisp and melodious notes began to dance, their echoes lingering in the air.

As if warming up, Sona relaxed her mind, her spirit merging with her Etwahl. Her delicate hands brushed over the strings, and a new melody, completely different from the previous notes, began to unfold—the harmonic variation she had composed.

Her fingertips danced across the instrument like fireflies, gracefully plucking at the strings.

The beautiful melody resonated with the tranquility of the moonlit night. Even the small nocturnal creatures seemed influenced by the music, dancing to the rhythm in the air.

As the music flowed on, Sona immersed herself deeper into her world of strings.

The tune began to flow like a clear, blue stream—dissipating, gathering, stretching endlessly. It was like the fleeting illusions of forest sprites, giving Li Lin an experience unlike anything he had felt before.

The melody from her Etwahl gained more layers, transcending what a single instrument could typically achieve.

Sona glanced up at Li Lin, who had closed his eyes, fully engrossed in the music. The serene smile on her face deepened, and her gaze carried an indescribable emotion.

Could you be the one destined for me?

She did not send this thought to Li Lin.

Even if she had said it, he likely wouldn't have heard her in his current state.

Sona maintained her posture, her gaze fixed on the young man before her.

It wasn't until the piece ended that Li Lin reluctantly returned from the enchanting melody. The two exchanged glances, each carrying different emotions in their eyes.

"What do you think of this piece?" Sona asked, her slender fingers gently stroking the strings. Her sweet voice carried a hint of nervousness.

Li Lin didn't hesitate for a second. He immediately clapped and praised, "It's absolutely wonderful! What's the name of this piece?"

"Hmm…"

When it came to naming her music, Sona hesitated, a slight awkwardness creeping onto her face.

"To be honest, I've never given my pieces names."

"How can a great piece go without a name?"

Li Lin lowered his head, rubbing his smooth chin in thought for a moment.

Suddenly, as if struck by inspiration, he looked back up and met Sona's gaze. "How about calling it 'Hymn of Valor'?"

Sona tilted her head slightly, her face filled with confusion. "Valor...hymn?"

"I could feel it. The purpose of your composition was to inspire, wasn't it? After hearing it, I'm filled with energy—this is what you've given me!"

Li Lin's voice, charged with emotion, was completely different from before. It was full of passion and resolve.

He even felt like he could now charge into battle, leading his mechanical troops straight into a showdown with the 'Void Empress' Bel'Veth.

"You've summed it up perfectly. That's indeed what I intended when I composed this harmonic variation! 'Hymn of Valor'... I love that name!"

Sona's expression brightened with joy. It was rare for someone to understand her so well, to resonate with her and Etwahl...

A surge of emotion rose in her heart as she placed her Etwahl back into its wooden case.

Then, summoning her courage, Sona took two steps forward, gently pressing her slender finger against Li Lin's chest. Her misty eyes looked up just in time to meet his stunned gaze.

"Sona…"

Sona noticed Li Lin's nervousness, but she simply reached out with her left hand, placing her slightly cool finger against his lips.

Then, she buried her face in his chest, the grievances she had silently endured for so many years pouring out like a flood. She sobbed quietly, without a sound.

"Sona... are you alright?" Li Lin, flustered by her sobs, was at a complete loss. "Did I do something wrong? Or did I say something that upset you?"

"No…"

Sona lifted her tear-streaked face, her smile mixed with the joy hidden deep in her eyes—a stark contrast to her current tears.

"Meeting you has made me incredibly happy."

[End of Chapter]

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