Chapter 52 – The Algorithm's First Lock
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Decrypting the Future's Warning
Luo Fan stood in the depths of the Vault, staring at the glowing remnants of the symbol—the Core Algorithm of the Multiverse.
His own future self had left this message behind.
Why?
What was he supposed to find?
> "So, let's break this down." EchoStar's voice cut through the silence. "We just had a conversation with your older, more cryptic self, who casually dropped the most classified knowledge in the multiverse into our lap. I dunno about you, but I'm feeling a little out of my depth here."
Shen Mu nodded. "We need to understand what this Algorithm actually controls. If it governs the laws of the multiverse itself, then tampering with it could mean…"
Luo Fan exhaled. "Total collapse. Or…"
> "Total control," EchoStar finished. "And considering how much the Architects love playing god, I'd wager they're not thrilled that you got a peek behind the cosmic curtain."
Luo Fan clenched his fist. "Then let's test something. EchoStar, analyze the data you unlocked from the Vault fragments. What's the first restriction?"
> "Running decryption now… Oh. Oh wow. Okay, that's some high-tier bullsh—"
"EchoStar."
> "Fine, fine. Looks like the Algorithm is locked in layers. First restriction: We need to find the Echo Keystone."
Shen Mu frowned. "And what exactly is that?"
> "A foundational piece of the Algorithm. Think of it as a key to accessing deeper functions. And get this—the last recorded location?"
EchoStar's interface glowed ominously.
> "It was hidden inside a Forgotten Realm."
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The Forgotten Realm of [Null Abyss]
Luo Fan's expression darkened.
He knew what that meant.
Forgotten Realms weren't just lost places in the multiverse. They were deleted.
Sealed away. Erased from memory, time, and existence.
If the Echo Keystone was inside one…
That meant someone had gone to extreme lengths to make sure it was never found.
> "I don't like this," EchoStar muttered. "I can't even pull up a single record on this place. Whoever deleted it did a damn good job."
Shen Mu crossed his arms. "Then the only way to learn… is to go there ourselves."
Luo Fan nodded.
"Then that's our next destination."
> "Uh, yeah, one problem, boss. You can't just walk into a Forgotten Realm. They exist outside normal space-time. You'd need a high-level Void Anchor, or—"
Luo Fan raised a hand. "I know where to get one."
EchoStar paused. > "Wait. What? You already have a lead?"
Luo Fan smirked. "Let's just say… I know someone who dabbles in things that shouldn't exist."
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A Dangerous Deal
Not long after—
Luo Fan stood at the edge of an ancient market, deep within the Shadowed Expanse.
Shen Mu stood beside him, scanning the eerie surroundings. "Are you sure about this?"
Luo Fan nodded. "If anyone can get us into a Forgotten Realm… it's him."
They walked forward until they reached a secluded stall, surrounded by black mist.
And sitting behind it—was a hooded figure with a skeletal grin.
The Merchant of Lost Things.
The figure tilted its head. "Ah. A familiar soul. I wondered when you'd return."
Luo Fan crossed his arms. "I need a Void Anchor. One that can bypass the locks on a Forgotten Realm."
The Merchant chuckled. "Oh, you ask for quite the forbidden thing. But I do love a good deal…"
> "Oh, I don't like where this is going," EchoStar whispered.
The Merchant leaned forward. "I will grant you what you seek. But in return… I ask for a memory."
Luo Fan's eyes narrowed. "Whose memory?"
The skeletal grin widened. "One of your own. One that was erased."
Silence fell.
Shen Mu's expression hardened. "You don't have to do this."
Luo Fan considered his options.
But in the end—he already knew his answer.
He extended his hand.
"Deal."
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[Chapter End.]