一套在民間熱度極高的幻想小說，似乎已被貝洛伯格查禁……

本帖包含中文版和英文版，還有相應的詞彙筆記

第一章 背井離鄉 片段一這一章節主要講訴貝洛伯格的「超新星」探險隊隊員阿爾喬姆，因為一場意外的原因捲入貝洛伯格外的暴風雪中，從懸崖之上摔下而陷入生命垂危之際……
 
阿爾喬姆剛進入古代遺物探險隊的時候，作為「探險隊有史以來最有潛力的年輕人」廣為人知。
 
他以畢業生第一名的身份從貝洛伯格最好的醫學院畢業，因為還同時拿下了考古學和地質學的學位。學識方面自不用說，身體素質也是運動員的級別。他作為醫學院的攀岩協會的會長，曾多次拿下過全國的攀岩比賽冠軍。
 
但在這些光鮮亮麗的履歷下面的則是一個性格異常固執的怪人，他極度痴迷於舊世界的遺物。阿爾喬姆剛進入探險隊時，常常對古代遺物的研究「過於投入」。他把自己關在研究所里兩三天完全不挪步，直到某一天被工作人員在研究室門口的地板上發現。
 
「什麼？我連吃飯都忘記了嗎！」
 
「對啊，阿爾喬姆，你連睡覺都忘記了！」
 
「那不行，我現在立馬去飽餐一頓，然後繼續去做研究。」
 
直到前一段時間，他終於學會了在研究室桌子抽屜里存上一些罐頭食物，但是因此蓬頭垢面不露臉的時間變得更長了。
 
最開始的時候，阿爾喬姆還是有不少追求他的年輕女性，不過那也僅限於「一段短暫的時期」。很快，大多數人都清醒過來了——這個叫作阿爾喬姆的人形生物，似乎沒有和其他人發展進一步感情的能力。實在是非常可惜。
 
用他自己的話來說：「目前的話就只想探險。」
 
古代遺物探險隊是貝洛伯格博物館下屬組織，是負責在貝洛伯格的周邊尋找舊世界遺蹟的探險小隊。由他們帶回來的各種文物，將被用於博物館的考古學家和歷史學家的研究之中。而這一切的前提正是在暴風雪的嚴酷環境中的考古作業。這項事業既需要智慧、更需要勇氣，還伴隨著風險和意外——考古隊員們無疑是貝洛伯格中真正的探險家。
 
所以在那種風雪中，探險家在任何時刻死去也不應該意外。
 
此刻也是一樣。
 
阿爾喬姆艱難地拖著自己的下半身靠近岩壁。儘管身體痛得不行，但是這裡的風稍小，至少能夠讓自己在死前呼吸得稍微輕鬆一些。他感覺視線有些模糊——是風雪還是眼睛受傷的問題呢…他嘗試抬頭看向懸崖上邊：自己剛才應該是從那裡掉下來了。
 
被自己拉上去的隊員現在獲救了嗎？肯定得救了吧——雖然他和探險隊其他隊員會合還要些時間，但也只是需要時間而已。應該可以放心了吧……
 
……
 
他感到睏倦，自己的視野逐漸被黑暗占據。倘若就此睡過去，在這暴風雪中必死無疑。腹部的大出血都已經凍成冰碴了——到底是哪一種死法會先行到來？這個問題的答案對此時的阿爾喬姆來說，幾乎已經沒有差別了。
 
風雪越來越大了。想到自己也會變成先前探險途中經過的一具屍體，那還不算很孤獨。這讓阿爾喬姆有些釋懷。
 
……

那還是三歲的時候，他就通過排水管爬到了天台上，讓父母驚慌得不行…什麼嘛，這麼快就已經開始走馬燈了嗎。啊，這一生到底能有多少回憶呢……
 
阿爾喬姆在岩壁下面逐漸睡了過去。
 
他的生命之火在風雪中不斷搖曳，即將熄滅。

Chapter 1: Far From Home (I)This chapter mainly talks about Artem, a member of the Belobog "Supernova" Expedition Team. He was accidentally dragged into a blizzard outside Belobog. After falling off a cliff, he began his struggle to survive...

When Artem first joined the Ancient Relic Expedition Team, he was known as "the most promising youth in the history of the expedition team."

He graduated at the top of his class from the best medical institute in Belobog, while also having degrees in archaeology and geology. His physical capabilities rival that of a professional athlete, and he has claimed multiple national rock-climbing championships as the head of the medical institute's rock-climbing association.

However, beneath the glamour and praise hides an extremely stubborn person, who's obsessed with the relics of the Old World. When Artem first joined the expedition team, he often became "overly devoted" to the studies of the ancient relics. He locked himself in the research institute for days, until the staff found him passed out on the lab floor.

"What? I even forgot to eat!?"

"Yes, Artem. You even forgot to sleep!"

"That won't do. I'm gonna fill my stomach and get back to my research."

It was not until recently that he learned to keep some canned food in his drawer in the lab. This only made him stay even longer in the lab than before.

In the beginning, many young ladies set their eyes on Artem, for a little while at least. But everyone soon realized that the humanoid organism named Artem seems to be unable to develop emotional connections with others. What a pity.

In his own words, "For now, I just want to adventure."

The Ancient Relic Expedition Team belongs to the Belobog Museum. They are a team of adventurers responsible for finding Old World relics in the areas surrounding Belobog. Retrieved relics will be studied extensively by archeologists and historians. However, their work must be done in a harsh blizzard environment. Dangerous situations and accidents are frequent in this line of work, which requires both wisdom and courage. Without a doubt, these archeologists are the true explorers of Belobog.

It shouldn't come as a surprise that the explorers may die at any moment.

This moment was no different.

Artem moved towards the cliff face as he dragged the lower half of his body with difficulty. The wind was much weaker here, making sure he can breathe a little easier before his inevitable death. His vision was blurry, but he couldn't tell whether it was due to the blizzard or if his eyes were wounded. He tried looking up the cliff where he probably fell from.

Did the team member he pulled up find safety? He must have, right? It was only a matter of time before he joined the other team members. That's a relief...

...

He was exhausted, and his vision gradually grew dim. If he fell asleep now, during this blizzard, he would never wake up, that's for sure. The heavy abdominal bleeding had frozen solid, and Artem was unsure of how he would eventually die. It hardly mattered to him at this point.

As the blizzard grew more violent, Artem would soon become a corpse just like the ones that he had passed by on previous adventures. It gave him some relief to think he wouldn't be alone.

...

He was just three years old when he climbed the drainpipe to the rooftop, much to the horror of his parents... What was happening? Was his life already flashing before his eyes? Ah, how many memories does one make in a lifetime...

Artem had drifted off to sleep under the cliff.

The flame of his life flickered in the blizzard. It was about to die out.

第二章 寒冰之都 片段一書接上文：阿爾喬姆被神秘父女所救，於不知名的醫療設施中醒來。他目睹了一個與貝洛伯格截然不同的奇異世界。這裡的一切都由「雨水」築成。居民與風雪和諧相處，藉助特殊的材料建成了許多超出阿爾喬姆想像的奇觀……
 
當時間再次開始流動時，阿爾喬姆發現自己躺在一處醫療設施里。

說是醫療設施，但這裡沒有一處與貝洛伯格的築城者仁愛醫院相似——在貝洛伯格，哪家醫院提供的床位都不會是猶如水晶雕琢而成的床。阿爾喬姆只能從自己手上插入的輸液管意識到自己正在接受治療。
 
耳邊隆隆作響。半睜開的眼睛只能感受到模糊又灼熱的光斑。顯然，身體的機能還沒能完全恢復。他從死後的世界回來了——只有這一點是毫無疑問的。
 
迎接他出院的正是之前一直幫助他的、存在於夢中的女子。
 
「恭喜出院。」

「感謝，請問這裡…你又是…？應該先介紹我自己…不對……」
 
阿爾喬姆想知道的太多了。詞句就像爭先恐後的魚群擠在一起，沒法拼湊出一句完整的話。
 
「我叫安娜。」
 
「我叫阿爾、阿爾喬姆……」
 
安娜並沒有像初次見面一樣把頭髮紮起來，而是任其自然垂下。她亞麻色長髮半透明的邊緣透出背光，髮絲就像是被微光輕輕托起。長長的如同刷子一般的睫毛和沉穩如有一潭池水的眼眸，在瘦削的臉龐上恰到好處……在阿爾喬姆過去的生活里，他總是嘗試去避免過分觀察同齡女性的面容。可他停不下來，直到兩人都害羞了起來。

也許是被救過一命的關係，阿爾喬姆心裡萌生了一種從未有過的情感。
 
就像阿爾喬姆猜測的一樣，這裡確實不是貝洛伯格。

這是一個在風雪中建立的城市——寒冰之都，這裡的人這麼稱呼它。
 
不同於貝洛伯格，寒冰之都的祖先們藉助了舊世界科技在風雪之中存活了下來，並延續了舊世界的火種。對阿爾喬姆來說，現在正是文化衝擊最甜蜜的階段：一切都是新奇的感覺——就像在博物館中沉睡的史前科技都在全部甦醒——正如他無數次在睡夢中經歷的一般。在安娜的陪同下，這座城市正逐漸在阿爾喬姆面前展開。
 
「在你手術期間，他們應該也給你的身體注射了『雪絨花』。」
 
「『雪絨花』…那是什麼？」

「啊，這個嘛…是一種很微小的，唔。怎麼說呢…機器？」

「機器？我以為機器統統都是些裝著齒輪鏈條、閥門冒著蒸汽的大傢伙？機器…竟然還能注射到血液里嗎？」

「你要問原理，我也不是很懂啦。我只知道每個冰都的子民打出生起，就接種了『雪絨花』。這樣我們就能不再畏懼風雪嚴寒了。我小時候聽探險隊說，異邦人得靠厚重的衣物來禦寒。看到你我才明白，原來還真是這麼一回事啊。」
 
「不知道穿著厚厚棉衣的我在你們眼裡有沒有異邦風情？…對了，說起異邦——除了寒冰之都之外，這個世界上還有其他城市存在嗎？」
 
「那當然，這個世界可是很廣闊的。」
 
正說著，安娜停下了前進的腳步。阿爾喬姆也隨她駐足。前方空地上，一群身著制服的人圍在炮台旁邊。炮台上的炮口朝著天空，似乎已經準備充分，只等人在導火索上點上一把烈焰。
 
「他們是打算朝對面的大樓開炮嗎？」
 
「哈哈哈哈哈！」安娜忍不住笑了起來。她並不習慣給異邦人做嚮導：「你這麼說也沒有錯。不過，他們只是打算在這裡建一棟建築。」
 
「建築？」
 
「嗯，建築。不過成型前，我也不知道那究竟是什麼建築。」
 
隨著炮擊連連，空地的上方迅速升起一片絮狀的厚雲。片刻之後，安娜稱為「雨」的流水自天墜落。
 
阿爾喬姆從未見過「雨水」，甚至極少耳聞這個詞，只有在博物館翻到的古老記錄中他曾讀過，明白「降雨」是舊世界時代頻繁出現的氣象。可在貝洛伯格，從天空中飄落的只有雪。

直到此刻，阿爾喬姆終於明白，故鄉那些冷厲的雪片在這裡竟可以用如此溫柔的方式落下。
 
雨水降落在空地上，並沒有立刻彌散開來，而是凝成了具體形狀——猶如被幾隻無形的手迅速堆砌成雕塑。雨不斷墜下，建築的輪廓也越發清晰——整棟大樓從地面拔起，造型大異於貝洛伯格的風格。
 
一棟數十米高的大樓在阿爾喬姆的眼前僅用了幾分鐘就已經完成了，猶如奇蹟。
 
對阿爾喬姆眼中流露出的震驚，安娜已不再奇怪。她說，寒冰之都中一切樓宇都由這些神奇的「雨水」凝結成。若有監測氣候的「雲船」帶來暴風雪的消息，這些建築會在一個指令下重新化為流水，等寒冰之都的人們遷徙至更適宜的地帶，再被塑造成重重樓屋。

人們互相交易彼此獨特的設計藍圖，千奇百怪的建築拔地而起。這對此地居民來說不過是再自然不過的風景。
 
……

Chapter 2: Frozen City (I)

Continuation: Artem was rescued by an unknown man and his daughter, and later woke up in a small medical facility. What he saw was a strange world unlike Belobog. Everything here was made from "Rain Water," and the residents here lived in harmony with the wind and the snow. Artem was amazed by the wondrous sights built from special materials...

As the flow of time continued, Artem found himself lying in a medical facility.

However, this medical facility had nothing in common with Belobog's Architects' Charice Hospital. No hospital in Belobog would have beds made of crystals. It wasn't until Artem noticed the IV drip attached to his arm that he realized he was being treated.

There was drumming in his ears. His eyes were only able to make out the blurred, burning lights around him. Apparently, his motor skills haven't returned. What's for sure is that he had almost crossed over to the other side.

The first person he met after being discharged from the hospital was the girl that helped him in his dreams.

"Congratulations on your recovery."

"Thank you. Could you tell me where... Who are you... I should probably introduce myself first... No, wait..."

Artem was filled with questions. His words became jumbled, and he was unable to form a complete sentence.

"My name is Anna."

"I'm A—Artem..."

Unlike the first time they met, Anna didn't tie her hair. The light shone through her long flaxen hair with translucent edges. The soft glow made her hair look as if it was delicately lifted. Her long eyelashes and calming eyes matched her thin face perfectly. In the past, Artem tried to avoid observing a woman's facial features for too long. With Anna, however, he couldn't stop until both their faces were flushed with embarrassment.

Perhaps it had something to do with his life having been saved, but Artem felt something he had never felt before.

Just as Artem had predicted, he was not in Belobog.

It was a city that had been built in the blizzard. People called it the Frozen City.

Different from Belobog, the Frozen City's forebears used the Old World technology to survive in the blizzard and preserve the spark of the Old World civilization. Artem was in the happiest phase of a culture shock. Everything was brand new to him, like in one of his countless dreams, in which the technologies of the past lying dormant in the museum come back to life. Accompanied by Anna, this city gradually unfolded before Artem.

"They should have also injected an Edelweiss into your body during your surgery."

"Edelweiss... What is Edelweiss?"

"Ah, how should I put it? It's like a small... machine?"

"Machine? I thought machines were big things with chains, gears, valves, and steam? They... can be injected into the body?"

"I don't understand the principle very well. I just know all residents of Frozen City are injected with Edelweiss at birth. We do not fear the cold because of it. When I was little, the explorers told me that outsiders wear heavy clothes to stay warm. It wasn't until I saw you that I realized it was true."

"So in the eyes of the local population, such warm clothes must be quite an unusual view... Right, speaking of which, are there other cities in this world besides Frozen City?"

"But of course, the world is a big place."

Anna suddenly stopped in her tracks, and Artem followed suit. In the clearing in front of them, a group of uniformed men gathered around a cannon, which was pointed at the sky, as if ready to fire, only waiting for someone to light the fuse.

"Are they planning to shoot the cannon at the building across from here?"

"Hahahaha..." Anna couldn't help but laugh at his genuine question. She wasn't used to guiding outsiders. "You're not wrong, but they're planning to construct a new building here."

"Construct a new building?"

"Yes, but since it hasn't taken shape yet, I don't know what it will be."

The cannon fired into the sky and thick clouds began to form above the clearing. Moments later, the water Anna called "rain" fell from the sky.

"Rain Water" was a rare term that Artem only read about in the museum archives. He had never witnessed it before. It was a common weather condition in the Old World. Only snow would fall from the skies in Belobog.

It wasn't until this moment that Artem understood that the cold snowflakes at home could fall in such a gentle way.

The Rain Water didn't disperse as it fell on the open ground. Instead, it quickly solidified into a concrete shape, as if sculpted by invisible hands. As the rain continued to fall, the outline of the building became clearer. The style was much different from those in Belobog.

A building tens of meters high was completed before Artem's eyes in a matter of minutes, like a miracle.

Anna was no longer surprised by the shock in Artem's eyes. She explained that all buildings in Frozen City were created from the miracle Rain Water. If the weather monitor Cloudship detected an incoming blizzard, these buildings would be converted into water on command, then transformed into new buildings as the people of Frozen City migrated to a more hospitable area.

Unique blueprints were traded among residents. Strange buildings rose every day. There was nothing more natural to the locals than that.

...

第二章 寒冰之都 片段二

書接上文：阿爾喬姆在安娜的帶領下，第一次見識了寒冰之都的『雨水』、寒冰隧道網等科技奇觀。在參觀途中，安娜向阿爾喬姆正式地傳達了來自女王的邀請：他將作為外賓接受召見。在這裡，他將遇到來自熔岩之國的達米爾……

受到傳召，阿爾喬姆來到寒冰之都的水晶宮殿。其實無需指引，任何人都能在街道上看到這座建築雄偉的穹頂。以此為路標，便不會迷失方向。
 
在負責接待的士兵的帶領下，阿爾喬姆穿過大廳，進入到水晶宮最引以為傲的歷史長廊之中。落日黯淡的微光在廊壁上勾勒出精緻的線條。

隨著阿爾喬姆前進的步伐，那些描摹古代英雄和諸王的浮雕動了起來。槍戟向前刺出，緩緩迎向獰惡的魔物；斗篷獵獵飄動，舞出勁風的流向。然而，一旦阿爾喬姆駐足，廊壁上的史詩又陷入停滯。

阿爾喬姆畢竟是博物館出身，平日的工作總是從沉默的文物上探尋過往的歷史。他熟悉這些過去的藝術家們慣用的技巧，習慣了忽略那些轉喻象徵的裝飾，徑直走向歷史本身。他忍不住放緩腳步，開始欣賞其中的細節：

神明自破碎的天空中現身，其身軀流淌出金色的血液。祂以冰冷的眼神俯瞰凡間……

與魔物大軍交鋒的冰之都的戰士們穿著阿爾喬姆從未見過的甲冑，手執發出熾熱死亡的武器……

山一樣巨大的戰車，如雪鷗般飛翔的雲船。這片潮水般的軍勢的頂端，一位頭戴鑽石冠冕的女性揮舞矛槍，槍鋒直指天上無情的神明……

阿爾喬姆幾乎被這凝固的一瞬中蘊含的力量壓垮。他長出一口氣，發現前方引路的士兵正微笑地看著入迷的他。他向士兵致以歉意的目光，加快了步伐追了上去。

到達會客廳之後，接待的士兵告訴他需要在這裡自由活動，並等候女王的傳喚。
 
他坐下不久，一個衣衫襤褸的外賓湊了過來，在他旁邊的位置上坐下。還沒等阿爾喬姆開口，那個人便開始自我介紹了起來。
 
「你好，我叫達米爾，來自遙遠的熔岩之國。請問……」
 
「我叫阿爾喬姆，來自貝洛伯格……另外，我也不算是外賓，只是一個遇難的冒險者。」
 
「貝洛伯格？我沒聽過，不過能遇到同行可真是太好了！」
 
「同行？真是意外之喜啊，看您的著裝，想必一定經歷過許多驚心動魄的冒險吧？」
 
「要說驚心動魄，那確實沒差。我是坐著大炮來到這兒的。真是令人大開眼界——我還是第一次見到雪花呢……」
 
「你說什麼？大炮？坐著大炮…來這兒？」
 
「是啊是啊，把人裝進炮彈，放進炮筒。然後砰地一下飛出去，咻——！明白了嗎？」名為達米爾的男子興奮地比劃了一個拋物線。
 
「沒明白。被當成炮彈打出去，人還能活命嗎？」
 
「來了來了，這是我最喜歡的時刻了。看著你們臉上不可思議的表情，讓我慢條斯理地給你們講講我的故鄉。哈哈，來這兒之後我都快習慣這套流程了。」達米爾雙手叉腰自豪地笑了起來。

「我來自熔岩之國。那兒從來沒見過雪花，氣溫和冰都也是天差地別。在我們那裡，存在著許多能量巨大的活火山。火山，你明白嗎？就是雪山的反面，燙得冒煙的山脈。火山口還會時不時朝天噴一陣火呢。」

阿爾喬姆完全無法想像一座熱到噴火的山脈。他只能茫然地點點頭，隨後又接著點頭。

「…就是那樣，我們藉助了火山的力量，製作了火山大炮。用大炮把我這樣的冒險家發射出去，去往其他遙遠的國家進行探索。不過我也是飛到了半空中才突然意識到——回去的路得靠兩隻腳了。原來那些前輩冒險家都是走回來的，哈哈哈哈！」

達米爾自來熟、健談，話語中充滿了火焰男兒的熱情。這讓阿爾喬姆油然升起一股親近感。一來一往的談話之間，他第一次知道了火山是什麼、地殼運動是什麼、火山大炮又是什麼……

熔岩之國的冒險者雖然分布在大地的四極，但是憑藉著永遠指向熔岩之國的羅盤，他們總是能夠找到回去的道路。然而，返鄉的旅途並不會比大炮飛行更加安全。能夠成功返鄉的冒險者屈指可數。而這其中的成功者，總是帶著可靠的異邦人夥伴，給熔岩之國帶去了他們自己無處獲得的知識、技術以及各種見聞。

「阿爾喬姆，我需要你的幫助。請和我一起回到熔岩之國，趕在歷史上最大的火山活動之前！」

「歷史上最大的火山活動……？」

「沒錯，那時我們會準備好最大規模的火山大炮飛出這顆星球，前往舊世界的『天外之境』！」

（未完待續）上一頁下一頁

Chapter 2: Frozen City (II)

Continuation: Following Anna, Artem witnessed the technological miracles of the Frozen City, including the Rain Water, frozen tunnel network, and many others. During the tour, Anna delivered the queen's invitation to Artem. He was being summoned as a foreign guest. This is how he'll get to meet Dalmir of the Lava Kingdom...

Responding to the summon, Artem arrived at the Frozen City's Crystal Palace. He had no issues finding the place, as the palace's grand dome could be seen from anywhere in the streets.

Under the guidance of the soldier in charge of guest reception, Artem passed through the main hall and entered the most prized part of the Crystal Palace, the hall of history. The glimmering light of the dawning sun cast a delicate outline upon the corridor walls.

Following Artem's footsteps, the sculptures of the ancient heroes and kings began to move. The spears in their hands extended forward, slowly reaching towards the evil monsters. Their cloaks swayed in the air, as if dancing alongside gusts of wind. However, all movement came to an end as Artem stoped.

Artem had spent his fair share of time in museums. Trying to uncover stories hidden within the silent relics was part of his daily work. He was familiar with the techniques used by ancient artists and got used to ignoring symbolic adornments, so he could get right to the history itself. He couldn't help but slow down to gaze upon the magnificent works in the corridor:

Emerging from the shattered sky, with golden blood running through THEIR veins, the God looks down upon the mortal word with cold and condescending eyes...

The warriors of the Frozen City were fighting the monster army. They wielded weapons emitting flames of death and wore armors that Artem has never seen before...

An armed vehicle the size of a mountain soared through the air like a snowgull. At the apex of this tidal wave of an army sat a woman with a diamond crown on her head. She was brandishing her spear, pointing it towards the merciless God in the sky...

Artem almost collapsed under the power emitting from the sculpture. He exhaled and noticed that the soldier leading him was observing his fascination with a smile. Artem gave him an apologetic look and quickly caught up with the soldier.

Artem was told by the soldier at the reception that he could move freely while waiting for the queen's summon.

Not long after he sat down, a ragged outsider came in and sat next to him. Before Artem could speak, the man introduced himself.

"Hello, I'm Dalmir of the Lava Kingdom. I'd like to know..."

"I'm Artem of Belobog. I'm not a guest, just an adventurer that ran into trouble."

"Belobog? I've never heard of it, but I'm glad to meet someone in the same line of work!"

"Same line of work? What an unexpected joy! Judging from your clothes, you must have experienced many thrilling adventures."

"I guess thrilling would be an accurate description. I came here as a cannonball. It was eye-opening! I've never seen snowflakes before..."

"What did you say? You came here... as a cannonball?"

"Yeah, yeah! You put a man inside a cannon, then BOOM! The man's flying through the air, get it?" Dalmir excitedly drew a parabola with his fingers.

"I don't get it. How could a man survive that?"

"Here we go! This is my favorite moment. That incredible look on your face. Now I get to slowly explain my hometown to you. Haha, I'm used to it by now." Dalmir smiled proudly with his hands on his hips.

"There are no snowflakes in the Lava Kingdom where I'm from. The difference in temperature is night and day compared to the Frozen City. There are many volcanoes where I live. Do you know about volcanoes? It's the complete opposite of snow mountains. Volcanoes have smoke coming out the top, and sometimes, they even spew fire."

Artem could not imagine a mountain so hot that it could breathe fire. All he could do was nod absently.

"...And so, we used the power of the volcano to create a volcano cannon. We use it to launch adventurers, such as myself, to explore other countries. But it was only in the air that I realized the only way back was by walking. I guess that's how the previous adventurers returned home, hahaha!"

Dalmir was naturally talkative. His words were full of passion that made Artem feel a sense of kinship. As they talked, Artem learned for the first time what a volcano was, what the movement of Earth's crust was, and what a volcano cannon was...

The Lava Kingdom adventurers are dispatched to explore the ends of the earth, but they can always find their way back with a compass that always points home. However, the trip back may be more dangerous than being launched by the cannon, and only a handful of adventurers make it. The ones who do make it always bring home reliable companions from foreign lands. The outsiders bring knowledge and technology that the Lava Kingdom would not normally have access to.

"Artem, I need your help! Please come back with me to the Lava Kingdom. We must get there before the biggest volcanic event in history!"

"The biggest volcanic event in history...?"

"That's right! We're preparing our biggest volcano cannon yet. We're going to fly to the Satelleden of the Old World!"

(To Be Continued)

第二章 寒冰之都 片段三

書接上文：阿爾喬姆走過寒冰之都的歷史長廊，在會客廳等候女王召見時，遇到了主動上前搭話的達米爾。兩人相談甚歡。達米爾順勢表達了自己的真正目的：他需要和他一起回到熔岩之國的夥伴，一起飛入天空……

阿爾喬姆的思緒就像被鼓槌狠狠錘擊過的鼓面——他再一次被徹底震撼了。

「離開大地…去往天外？」
 
未曾見識過的科技，未曾知曉的歷史，遙遠而又神奇國度——每個明晃晃的事實都不斷衝擊著阿爾喬姆認知的邊界。當他以為自己再也不會被任何事情震驚的時候，面前的這個人竟然又邀請他一起乘火山為動力的大炮飛離大地。他的選擇只剩下一個——

「恕我拒絕！」
 
「哈？我還以為你更有冒險精神，會一口答應呢！」
 
「這根本是兩碼事吧。去往遙遠的異國，或是向高處不停攀登——就算在旁人看來瘋狂，但那都在人類理性和冒險衝動的邊界內。要借著火山噴發飛往天空…這是什麼奇怪的自殺方式啊？」

寒暄幾句後，他和來自火山的冒險家匆匆別過。 

「這也許並不是什麼莽撞的愚行，年輕人。」沒走幾步，一旁又有人向阿爾喬姆搭話。那聲音聽起來威嚴又悅耳。
 
阿爾喬姆這才注意到，一名衣著華貴的女性正在不遠處駐足凝視著他。根據眼前人的衣飾判斷，阿爾喬姆無疑意識到了什麼——他連忙行屈膝禮。女士微笑著頷首。

「我能問你一個問題嗎？來自貝洛伯格的冒險者——你為什麼要踏上這趟生死未卜的旅行呢？」
 
「也許…是因為不安分的血液天生流淌著我的身體裡？」阿爾喬姆沉吟起來。片刻之後，他搖了搖頭。

「也可能是因為貝洛伯格的生活太過於安穩了——我們躲在溫室里，日復一日聽著演講家的宣講；鐵衛把守著疆域，不讓怪物踏入城裡，也不讓人們邁出邊界一步；勤奮工作確實可以衣食無憂——只不過每一天都會像前一天一樣，安穩的日子不會產生任何變化。那裡的人們害怕著不穩定的未來，害怕失去熟悉的生活。即使貝洛伯格擁有了數百年的歷史，也還沒有人真正離開過那裡。」
 
「我不想一天又一天地看著內容幾乎一成不變的報紙；我不想遮住眼睛、堵住耳朵，假裝這個世界只有一座城邦的大小。我想知道離開安穩的生活，我能不能活下去。」

女士笑了起來：「看來你生錯了地方。你和我了解的貝洛伯格子民完全不是一回事。」

「除了我之外，還有其他的貝洛伯格居民抵達過這裡？」

「那是百年前的往事了，結局也頗讓人遺憾。萬幸的是，寒冰之都並不停留於一地——它在風雪中不停遷徙，避免了雙方興起刀兵之災。」

阿爾喬姆震驚地聽著這位女士口中說出的一字一句：「你是說，貝洛伯格曾經差點與寒冰之都發生戰爭？」

「從那時起，我們戒備著所有來自那個國度的到訪者。」女士抬手，示意他暫時停止提問：「但正如你看到的：寒冰之都並非一成不變的冰塊——它以流水築就，也如流水般不拘泥於成見。」

「評判一個人，當如轉動一枚寶石，自不同棱面細細察考。我從安娜的描述里聽說過你。我們看過你撰寫的冒險日記，現在我又親眼見到了你。以寒冰之都的標準看，你確實是個出色的人。」

「感謝您的寬容評判，女王陛下。」阿爾喬姆低了低頭。

「回到剛才的話題吧。我問你為何要踏上冒險的旅途。你的回答證明了你不願囿於狹隘，不願重複度日。寒冰之都、熔岩王國……你已聽過、甚至見過這片大地上的許多景象，遠比大部分人夢見的還要多。但這片大地之於天空，就像貝洛伯格之於這片大地——你明白我的意思了嗎？」

「我…明白，陛下。我只是難以想像，人竟然可以踏入天空嗎？」阿爾喬姆喃喃道：「只有鳥兒才能辦到這種事情。我、我分不清達米爾的邀請是自尋死路的瘋狂還是獨屬於探險家的豪賭。」

「這兩者之間有嚴格的區別嗎？對於人類求存的本性而言，冒險從來都是得不償失的昂貴品質。但也正是因為這種精神，舊世界的人類才能抵達我們無法想像的高度。嚴格來說，冒險和探索，也是舊世界的遺產之一。」

「那個曾在貝洛伯格安然度日的你，恐怕也無法想像寒冰之都的景象吧？達米爾所說的『天外之境』並非妄語。那是舊世界的人類在肉眼不可及的深空中遺留的一處奇蹟……只是如今的人們早就忘記那是怎樣的存在了。」女王輕輕嘆氣，神色略顯遺憾。

「你追尋著那些古代遺物來到雪原中，正是為了繼承舊世界的遺產。回去的路已被大雪掩埋、不復存在了，阿爾喬姆。唯有前進——你如此、寒冰之都如此，從來如此。」

「我會考慮的。」冒險家沉思片刻，長長吐出一口氣：「我會去找達米爾談談。」

女王的神色突然嚴肅起來：「我並不是在勸誘你，年輕的阿爾喬姆。冒險可以憑藉衝動，但沒有人能僅憑衝動走到世界盡頭。無論你如何選擇，我都有一份禮物要送給你。」

女王自及地的斗篷中伸出雙手，捧起一截一腕尺長的短杖，遞到阿爾喬姆面前。短杖一端分叉，勾勒成雙頭鷹的形狀。

「年輕的阿爾喬姆，寒冰之都中本無跪拜的禮數。但就當是為了向舊世界的智慧表達些許尊重，單膝跪下吧。不是向我，是向舊世界。」

女王握住短杖，忽然有液體自劍格上方流動成形，凝成青藍色的寒冰劍刃。

她以快到不可思議的動作轉動劍刃，輕觸阿爾喬姆左右肩和頭頂各一次。阿爾喬姆感到冰霜在肩上跳躍、呼吸。

「祝你前路無礙。祝你幸運常在。祝你勇氣不衰。」

「這柄水鑄之劍的技術傳自舊世界。現在我把它贈予你，冰都的騎士。對於天空，它只是一根微不足道的針；對於大地，它只是一件劈開障礙的工具；但對於你，它是危難時前進的勇氣。」

「去吧，阿爾喬姆。」

Chapter 2: Frozen City (III)

Continuation: After walking through the Frozen City's hall of history, Artem arrived at the reception room where he was greeted by Dalmir as he waited for the queen's summon. The two hit it off right away, and Dalmir shared his true reason for being here. He was searching for a companion to return to the Lava Kingdom with to soar into the skies together...

Artem was once again blown away. His mind was like a drum head repeatedly pounded with new information.

"Leave the ground... and head for the skies?"

Each day, the world that Artem knew was repeatedly challenged by novel technologies, unknown histories, and distant, mysterious nations. Just as he thought nothing else would be able to surprise him, the man in front of him invited him to leave the land using a cannon powered by a volcano. He had no other choice...

"With all due respect, I refuse!"

"What? I thought you'd be more adventurous than that. I was certain you would agree."

"Those are two completely different issues. Going to a far and unfamiliar nation or climbing to heights never reached before may sound crazy to some people, but those feats are all within human logic and understanding. Using a volcano to launch yourself into the sky... that's just suicide!"

After a short exchange, he bid his farewell to the adventurer from the volcano.

"Maybe it's not that ruthless of an idea, young man." He took but a few steps when a commanding and soothing voice came from the side.

Only now did Artem notice a woman in expensive clothing staring at him from not too far. Based on what she was wearing, Artem immediately realized who it was and bowed. The woman smiled back.

"May I ask you a question? Adventurer from Belobog, why did you embark on this perilous journey?"

"Perhaps... restlessness runs in my blood?" Artem pondered for a moment, then shook his head.

"Perhaps life is too peaceful in Belobog. We hide in a greenhouse and listen to the preaching of the speakers day after day. Soldiers guard our borders, stopping monsters from entering our city and preventing our people from leaving. If you work hard, you don't have to worry about food or shelter. But every day is the same. Life is peaceful without any changes. People are afraid of an unstable future and losing the life to which they've grown accustomed. Belobog's history is hundreds of years old, but nobody has ever truly left."

"I don't want to read the same newspaper every day. I don't want to cover my eyes and ears and pretend the world is the size of our city. I want to know if I can survive a life that's not so peaceful."

The woman smiled. "It seems you were born in the wrong place. You are different from the other Belobog people I know."

"There have been other people of Belobog who arrived here?"

"That was over a hundred years ago, and it ended regrettably. Fortunately, the Frozen City relocates constantly, and the disaster of war was avoided."

Artem was listening to the words coming out of the woman's mouth in shock. "You mean to say, Belobog and Frozen City almost went to war?"

"From then on, we have been weary of all visitors from that country." The woman raised her hand to stop his questioning. "As you can see, the Frozen City is not built from unchanging ice. It is built from water, free of prejudice."

"A man must be judged like a gem, by being examined from all sides. I have heard Anna's description of you. We have read about your adventures. And now, I have seen you. By the standards of the Frozen City, you are a remarkable man."

"I thank you for your kind judgment, Your Majesty." Artem lowers his head.

"Let's return to the topic at hand. I asked you before why you embarked on this perilous journey. Your response proved your wish to be free of constraints and live a life without a mundane routine. Frozen City, Lava Kingdom... You have heard and seen many wondrous things that most people can only dream of. But this city is bound to the skies, just as Belobog is bound to the land. Do you understand what I mean?"

"I... understand, Your Majesty. I just have a hard time believing that people can fly through the air." Artem murmured, "I thought only birds could do that. I can't tell if Dalmir's invitation is suicidal madness or an adventurous gamble."

"Is there any difference between the two? The spirit of adventure is a precious quality that goes against the humankind's natural survival instinct. It may seem worthless, but it is this spirit that allowed the people of the Old World to reach unimaginable heights. Strictly speaking, adventures and explorations are part of the heritage of the Old World."

"You wouldn't be able to see what the Frozen City looks like, if you had decided to live peacefully behind the Belobog walls. Dalmir was not lying when he mentioned the Satelleden. It is a miracle, located so high up that it's invisible to the naked eye, left behind by the Old World civilization. People have long forgotten what it was like nowadays," the Queen sighed regrettably.

"You've walked through the Snow Plains in search of ancient relics, all so that you could obtain the Old World heritage. The way back has already been covered in snow, Artem. The only way is forward, for you... and for the Frozen City, as it always has been."

"I will take that into consideration." Artem mused for a bit and let out a long sigh. "I will go talk to Dalmir."

Suddenly, the queen's face turned stern. "I don't mean to persuade you, young Artem. Impulse will take you on adventures, but that alone will not take you to the ends of the earth. Regardless what you choose, I have a gift for you."

The Queen extended her hands from beneath her cloak. She held out a one-cubit long wand to Artem. The wand was forked on one end, the shape of which resembled a double-headed eagle.

"Young Artem, we do not bow here in the Frozen City. But, as a token of respect towards the wisdom of the Old World, kneel down on one knee. Bow, not to me, but the Old World."

The Queen took hold of the wand. Suddenly, liquid began to flow over the surface, forming a blueish ice blade.

She turned the blade with incredible speed and touched Artem once on each shoulder and on the top of his head. Artem felt the ice breathing and jumping on his shoulders.

"May your path be clear, your luck persist, and your courage prevail."

"This blade's technology comes from the Old World. I present it to you, knight of the frozen city. To the sky, it is but a needle. To the earth, it is but a tool to cut through obstacles. But to you, it is the courage to move forward in the face of danger."

"Go now, Artem."

第四章 春之牧野 片段一

書接上文：本章講述了離開雪山之後，阿爾喬姆一行三人來到了一片氣候溫暖宜人的草原。這裡的植被豐茂、土地鬆軟，但依舊危機四伏。他們在這塊豐饒的土地上，遇到了前所未有的巨型昆蟲……

得天獨厚的環境養育了瘋狂生長的植物。腳下的土壤就像踩在鬆軟的床墊上一樣。阿爾喬姆脫去外套，穿過雜草齊膝的草地。一陣微風從他的身旁經過帶著青草的氣味。他從沒想過，世界上竟然存在這般溫柔的風。

他輕輕牽著安娜的手。她沒有拒絕。

有那麼一個瞬間，阿爾喬姆似乎聽到自己的心在低語：「留下來吧，就在這裡和安娜一直生活下去吧。」但他迅速否定了這一剎的私念。阿爾喬姆凝視著身旁的少女。這個女孩深信和他同行就一定能抵達旅途的終點——自己若是迷於私念，實在是辜負了她一路的信任和幫助。

沒等三人充分享受短暫的寧靜，天空中傳來了急速的嗡鳴聲。仿佛細小的針尖扎著耳膜，異樣的嗡鳴帶來的刺痛湧上眾人的腦袋。一隻怪物如鳥般划過天空，卻以遠勝鳥類的頻率扇動著玻璃般透明的紗翅。

達米爾下意識地捂上耳朵趴倒在地上，口中不斷念誦著不知獻給何方神聖的禱辭——自從有被怪物帶走的經歷後，他總是第一個對危機起反應的人。阿爾喬姆忍著刺痛的耳膜，護著安娜俯下身子。他意識到自己似乎在哪裡見過這樣的怪物。

天空中的不速之客輕捷落地，不再扇動紗翅，如同一具令人毛骨悚然的雕塑靜止不動。

那是…蚊子？阿爾喬姆終於從記憶最冷僻的角落裡搜刮出一絲線索。他曾在舊世界遺留的百科文獻中看到過對於眼前這怪物的描繪。

在舊世界時代，世界尚有名為四季的節律之分。蚊子是出沒在夏季的吸血昆蟲，但其尺寸充其量不過是一指頭就能捻死的大小。可眼前這隻「蚊子」比他們站直了還高，細長的節肢上絨毛也清晰可辨。巨蚊以修長如劍的喙管刺穿地面，仿佛吮吸著什麼，對靜靜觀察的三人恍若不覺。

趴在地上的達米爾感覺到柔軟的土壤下隱然有液體流動。巨蚊的腹囊迅速鼓脹起來。他壓低的聲線中飽含驚懼：

「趁它還沒發現，我們趕緊逃走吧……」

「嗯，小心。」

阿爾喬姆盡力收束呼吸，緩緩在長草間移動。但這隻令人厭惡的生物似乎對土壤輕微的震動極為敏感——轉眼間，它警覺地將喙抽離地面，再次振翅騰空。細碎的嗡鳴伴著令人發麻的頭疼復又襲來。阿爾喬姆立即抽出冰都女王贈予的利劍，擺出守勢。

「阿爾喬姆，小心！它要來了。」

高頻的噪音隨著怪物接近拉長成了尖銳的厲嘯。阿爾喬姆揮舞水鑄之劍擋開巨蚊長喙迅疾的刺擊。這隻怪物在空中靈活自如：它不僅能懸停不動，還能快速變向。巨蚊警覺地退卻又俯衝，動作之快使它的身形模糊成一道虛影。眼看阿爾喬姆無力避開，火藥爆裂的巨震在他身後響起——巨蚊被這突如其來的轟擊打落在地，四腳朝天。

阿爾喬姆回頭，只見達米爾手上拿著一柄形制古老的燧發槍，槍管兀自冒著白煙。

「好樣的！」達米爾為自己精確的一擊頗感振奮。然而他的興奮很快隨著怪物蹬腿翻身變成了恐懼。

巨蚊拔高身形，在眾人頭頂劃出眼花繚亂的飛行路線。激烈的振翅聲宣示著眼前怪物的怒意——它如長針般尖利的喙管震顫著，預演著下一次突襲。

阿爾喬姆握劍的手忍不住輕輕發抖——這不是依靠靈敏反應就能躲開的一擊。

「安娜，你們快逃吧！」

「可是，阿爾喬姆——」

「逃？我看不必了。」

一個陌生卻有力的聲音響起。一支長槍緊隨著聲音自天而降，刺穿了巨蚊半透明的腹部，如鋼釘般將它牢牢釘死在地上。

戰鬥在一次心跳間結束了。阿爾喬姆長出一口氣——他們得救了。

聲音的主人是一名男性，身著奇異形制的服裝，威風凜凜；他胯下的坐騎更讓眾人吃驚——那居然是一隻有著甲冑外殼和發達後肢的昆蟲，背上架設著鞍具，其尺寸接近令他們陷入苦戰的巨蚊。

昆蟲坐騎以快如閃電的動作再度躍起。起落間，騎士從怪物屍首上拔出長槍，停在了阿爾喬姆面前——槍尖以不可思議的精準抵住了年輕冒險家的心臟。

他打了個唿哨，一隊同樣著裝的騎士自長草間現身。

三人正打算向騎士們表達感謝之情，卻只聽為首的騎士朗聲宣告：

「擅闖吾等聖地『春之原』的陌生人——你們被逮捕了！」

（未完待續）

Chapter 4: Spring Pasture (I)

Continuation: This chapter talked about Artem and his two companions arriving at the warm grasslands after leaving the snowy mountains. Though the soil was rich and the plantations ample, danger was still lurking in every corner of this pleasant place. Dangers such as never before seen gigantic insects...

The fertile environment gave birth to vigorous growth. The soil beneath his feet felt like a soft mattress. Artem took off his jacket and walked through the grass field with weeds as high as his knees. A soft breeze passed by with the scent of the fresh blades of grass. Artem never thought such a gentle wind existed in the world.

He gently held on to Anna's hand, and she accepted his advance.

For a split second, an idea passed through Artem's mind: "Stay, and spend the rest of the life with Anna here." But he quickly cleared his head of the selfish thought when he looked at the girl standing beside him, who had entrusted him with everything. He would be letting her down if he were to follow his selfish urges.

Before the three could enjoy more than just a sudden moment of peace, a rapid buzzing noise rose in the sky. The strange noise brought a prickling pain to their heads. A monster, like a bird, dashed through the sky flapping its glass-like transparent wings at astonishing speeds.

Instinctively, Dalmir covered his ears and dropped to the ground, and began praying to some god. After having experienced being taken away by monsters, he has always been the first to react to similar dangers. Artem fought the pain in his eardrums as he covered Anna with his body and knelt to the floor. He realized that he might have seen monsters like these somewhere before.

The danger from the sky lands softly on the ground, retracting its mesh-like wings, and stood still like a horrific statue.

Was that... a mosquito? Artem finally recalled from the depths of his memories the description he once read in an encyclopedia of the Old World regarding the monstrosity before him.

In the Old World era, the world was divided into four distinct seasons. Mosquitoes were blood-sucking insects that emerged during the summer, but their size was no larger than an average fingertip and could be crushed with ease. However, the "mosquito" before him was taller than he was, and he could see individual hairs on its slender limbs. Its long and thin sword-like proboscis pierced in the ground as if it were sucking on something, completely oblivious to the three people standing around it.

Lying flat on his stomach, Dalmir suddenly felt liquid moving below beneath the soft soil as the giant mosquito's belly swelled up. There was fear in his lowered voice:

"Let's escape quickly before it discovers us..."

"Yeah, be careful."

Artem slowed down his breathing and moved slowly through the tall grass. But the nasty creature seemed to detect even the slightest tremor in the soil. In the blink of an eye, it retracted its proboscis and flew into the air. The faint hum came again, accompanied by a numbing headache. Artem brandished the sword that the queen of the Frozen City gave him and readied himself for battle.

"Be careful, Artem! It's coming."

The high-pitched noise turned into a shrill scream as the creature approached. Artem parried the piercing attack from the mosquito's mouth with his sword. The creature was agile in the air, able to not only hover but quickly change directions. It flew back into the air and swooped down for another attack. Its movements were so fast that it became a blur. Just as Artem was unable to dodge it, a roar of gunpowder sounded from behind him. The giant mosquito was knocked to the ground, with its legs in the air.

Artem turned around to see Dalmir holding an ancient flintlock musket, with white smoke coming out of its barrel.

"Great shot!" Dalmir was thrilled with the precision of his shot. But his excitement soon turned into fear as the creature kicked its feet to turn itself over.

The giant mosquito turned upright and started flying back and forth in the air, enough to make someone dizzy. Artem could tell how angry it was by the fierce flapping of its wings. Its needle-sharp mouth quivered in preparation for its next attack.

Artem's hand shook as he tried to hold on to the sword. This wasn't going to be an attack that could be dodged by reflexes alone.

"Anna, get out of here!"

"But, Artem..."

"Escape? No need."

A strong but powerful voice sounded from out of nowhere. Suddenly, a long lance appeared from the sky and pierced the semi-translucent body of the giant mosquito, pinning it to the ground.

The battle was over in an instant. Artem let out a sigh of relief. They were saved.

The man who spoke was dressed in strange imposing attire, looked majestic. What's more surprising was his mount: it was an insect with an armored shell, developed hind legs, and a saddle on its back. It was nearly the size of the giant mosquito that they just fought.

The insect mount jumped up with lightning-quick speed. As it did, the man pulled his lance from the creature's corpse and stopped in front of Artem. He pointed it with precision at Artem's heart.

He whistled, and a team of similarly dressed knights appeared from the grasses.

The three of them were about to express their thanks when the first knight announced:

"Strangers trespassing on our sacred land, the Spring Weald. You are under arrest!"

(To Be Continued)

第五章 水之監牢 片段一

書接上文：在這一章里，阿爾喬姆一行人發現了可以和巨獸『春之原』直接對話的祭壇，還得知了去往巨獸肺部的道路。可是當他們到達肺部時，卻發現了一片舊世界的熱帶雨林和大量積水。為了探明巨獸肺積水的真正原因，阿爾喬姆和杜克嘗試下水探索。就在他們準備換氣的時候，卻遭遇了意外襲擊，被拖拽進了深水之中，再沒能回到水面……

……
 
阿爾喬姆從沉睡中醒過來，感到一種從未有過的奇妙體驗充盈全身，像是擺脫了沉重的軀體。他輕盈無比。漫長的昏睡中也有種奇妙的安心感，就像是嬰孩在母親的羊水中所感受的一般。
 
朦朧的感覺還沒徹底過去。意識在他大腦里逐漸清晰起來。
 
阿爾喬姆回想起了昏厥前最後的景象：他掙扎著想要游到水面之上，卻被什麼人拽住了身體掙扎不開——憋氣到了極限……
 
我是被淹死了嗎？
 
阿爾喬姆來不及清楚這個問題，因為他需要先去理解眼前的狀況：他發現自己整個人完全浸泡在水中，卻沒有一點窒息的感覺。他翻動自己的手腕，感受到水確實在他的指間流動。緊接著，他開始擺動雙腳，身體也隨之升起。
 
「咣！」地一下，他的背部撞上了鐵牢的柵欄。
 
儘管意料之外的撞擊讓阿爾喬姆疼得罵了出來，仍然活著的實感還是讓他感到輕鬆了不少。
 
「你醒了嗎，阿爾喬姆先生？」一個熟悉的聲音從後方傳來。阿爾喬姆循著聲音游過去，發現了同他一起下水的杜克隊長，以及橫亙在他們之間的鐵柵欄。
 
「杜克隊長，你也還活著嗎？我們現在到底是……」
 
「我們被水下住民抓起來了。」
 
「那我昏迷過去也是因為那些……」
 
「那是因為你自己憋暈的。你還沒發現嗎？這裡水是可以呼吸的。」
 
阿爾喬姆這才明白過來，他能活下來正是因為這神奇的水。之前他還在學醫的時候，了解過一點這樣的知識：只要水中溶解的氧氣足夠多，人也可以在水中自如呼吸。
 
似乎是對兩人對話起了反應似的，一個少年模樣的人從兩人的牢籠前面游過。他穿著緊身衣裝，手持魚叉，狠狠地敲擊了金屬柵欄。巨大的震動隨著水波擊中了阿爾喬姆。
 
「閉嘴，這裡不是你們閒談的地方！」看上去像是獄卒的人並沒有給兩人好臉色的意思：「不在水裡，還能在哪兒呼吸啊。你們兩個混蛋，過來看下這個！」
 
獄卒拽動他手上的漁網，被他拖拽的東西慢慢飄進了兩人的視野中——那是一堆白色、透明又肥大愚蠢的蟲子。說是蟲子，但其實阿爾喬姆也並不確定——他確實從未見過眼前這堆肆意蠕動的東西。
 
「知道這些蟲子是從哪裡來的嗎？」
 
阿爾喬姆和杜克四目相對，茫然地搖搖頭。
 
「嘖，沒用的廢物。我還以為你們知道點什麼呢……」
 
「…這是蟲子？」
 
「不知道，但是總得有個叫法吧。」獄卒忽然想起了自己的身份，再次用魚叉狠狠地敲擊柵欄：「住嘴！禁止跟我攀談！」
 
短暫的安靜之後，不知趣的阿爾喬姆繼續問道：「這蟲子看上去連內臟都沒有，也許不是生物？」
 
「這東西追著人跑，就像長眼了一樣，誰還管它是不是生物，」獄卒一臉不屑，「而且它們一旦裂開，就會釋放出將人溶解的液體。被液體污染後的水再也無法供人無法呼吸了。」
 
「被污染的水嗎……」
 
杜克冷冷地補充道：「所以你們並不攻擊蟲子，而是修建了這龐大的水中監獄……」
 
「哈哈哈，這不是有聰明人嘛！倒是你旁邊那個人跟個傻子一樣問個不停……沒錯，你們所在牢房下面兩百層全關著這些蟲子。」說到這裡，獄卒臉色沉重，一改先前嘲諷的語氣：「為了生存，我們還得繼續修建下去。」
 
阿爾喬姆嘗試去觀察他的腳下。雖然他眼力不如杜克，但是也隱約看出腳下數量驚人的牢籠——確實有無數的白色蟲子被關在其中。可是水太深了，他看不清最下面的牢籠在哪裡，只看到一片深淵。如果說水位是不斷升高的，那麼早先關押的蟲子可能早就因為壓力裂開了……想到這裡，深淵裡似乎只剩下了死亡的氣息。

阿爾喬姆似乎理解了「春之原」肺部積水的真正原因。

不斷出現的蟲子、不斷修建的龐大監獄群讓肺部積水越漲越高，而留給「春之原」交換氧氣的空間卻越來越小了。

「這監獄原本也不是關你們的，」獄卒再次用魚叉敲擊了金屬柵欄，「要是你們能幫我們找到這些蟲子的來源，我們可以讓你們從哪裡來滾回哪裡去。怎麼樣？」

「那，要是我說…我們其實是從水面上來的呢？」

（未完待續）

Chapter 5: Water Prison (I)

Continuation: In this chapter, Artem and friends discovered an altar that can be used to directly communicate with the giant monster "Spring Weald" and found out the entrance to its lungs. But what they found when they arrived in its lungs is an Old World rain forest with severe flooding. Artem and Duke dived into the water to find out the reason behind the flooding but was attacked and dragged into the depths...

...

As Artem slowly woke, a mysterious feeling ran through him, as if he was freed from the weight of his body. He felt light, and the prolonged slumber provided a miraculous sense of security, just as what infants felt when they rest in the water of their mother's womb.

He slowly regained consciousness but the drowsy feeling remained.

Artem recalled the last thing that happened before passing out: He struggled to return to the surface as someone was dragging him down deeper into the water. He held out as long as he could before finally running out of air...

Did I drown?

There was no time for Artem to figure out what had happened because knowing what was going on was more important: He was completely submerged in water, however, there was not the slightest sense of grasping for air. He turned his wrist and confirmed the flow of water between his fingers. Then, his body began moving upwards as he started kicking his legs.

"Bam!" his back hit the bars of the metal cage.

The sudden pain made Artem swear out loud, but knowing that he was still alive put his mind at ease.

"Are you awake, Mr. Artem?" A familiar voice came from behind. Artem. Swimming towards the sound, Artem discovered Captain Duke and the iron bars in the water between them.

"Captain Duke, you're alive as well? Where are we..."

"We've been captured by the underwater residents."

"So that's how I passed out..."

"No, you passed out because you were holding your breath. Haven't you noticed? We can breathe in this water."

Artem suddenly understood. He was only alive because of this mysterious water. When he was a medical student, he learned that it was possible to breathe in water if enough oxygen was dissolved.

It seems their conversation warranted a response from the nearby guard. A boyish figure swam past their cage. Dressed in tights with a harpoon in his hand, he banged hard on the iron bars with the harpoon, producing strong waves that sent Artem back.

"Shut up, this isn't a place for chitchat!" The guard wasn't playing around: "Where else would you breathe, besides in the water? You fools, come take a look at this."

The guard pulled on the net in his hand. The thing he was dragging floated slowly into sight. There were white transparent sluggish worms. At least Artem thought they were worms, for he had never seen anything like them.

"Do you know where these bugs came from?"

Artem and Duke looked at each other and shook their heads.

"Hmph, useless creatures. I thought you two would know something..."

"...These are bugs?"

"I don't know, but I have to call it something." The guard suddenly remembered his position and struck the iron bars again, "Silence! Don't talk to me!"

After a brief moment of silence, Artem asked the guard, "It doesn't look like it has any internal organs. Maybe it's not a living organism?"

"It chases people as if it has eyes. Who cares if it's living or not," snorted the Guard. "When the body is split open, it releases a liquid that can dissolve people. You also can't breathe in the polluted water."

"Polluted... water...?"

Duke added coldly. "So, instead of attacking them, you built this huge underwater prison..."

"Hahaha, so you're the clever one. That fool beside you keeps asking stupid questions. Yes, two hundred layers of the prison below you are filled with these bugs." The guard's tone suddenly became serious: "We must continue building the prison to survive."

Artem tried to see the water below him. His eyesight was not as good as Duke's, but he could make out the staggering number of cages beneath him, where countless white bugs were indeed being held. However, the water was so deep that he could not see the bottom, only a deep abyss. The rising waters could have already crushed the insects near the bottom with sheer pressure, leaving only the smell of death in the abyss.

Artem seemed to understand the real cause behind the flooding in the lungs of "Spring Weald."

The constant appearance of bugs and the expansion of the prison made the water in its lungs rise higher, leaving less room for oxygen.

"This prison wasn't meant for the two of you." The guard banged on the iron bars again. "If you can help us find out where these bugs are coming from, we can let you out of here. How about it?"

"What if I told you we were actually from above the water's surface?"

(To Be Continued)

第六章 熔岩之國 片段一

書接上文：在這一章里，阿爾喬姆一行人終於到達了地上旅途的最後一站——熔岩之國。在達米爾的信號彈指引下，從遠處的岩漿和巨石之間傳來隆隆的響聲，一隻身覆板甲的巨大蟲子停在他們的面前。他們即將乘坐這個大傢伙去往大炮的國度……

……
 
阿爾喬姆原本對無脊椎的環節動物並沒有討厭的情緒。
 
「他們看到信號彈了。你們看，那就是熔岩巨蟲，是來接我們回家的。」

達米爾言語中的喜悅和自豪的情感顯露無疑。
 
「接我們？可怎麼又是大蟲子啊…這一路上的蟲子可太多了。」
 
這條形似蚯蚓的巨大蟲子高約2米，長度接近20米。雖說是在停泊等候，但一刻也未有停止過蠕動。環形肌肉覆蓋著多層花瓣狀的甲片，在甲片上還覆蓋著細細密密的黑色岩沙，像是一種分泌物和熔岩混合形成的特殊塗層。

阿爾喬姆有些不情願地杵在原地。
 
「阿爾喬姆你說什麼呢！這哪有春之原上那些蟲子奇怪啊。」
 
「走吧，阿爾喬姆。」
 
安娜也跟上達米爾走上前去。
 
在環節肌肉的上方，立著一個老頭模樣的人。他一手拿著長杆，另一隻手則是一個鐵鉤，還拴著韁繩一樣的東西。他從巨大的蟲子的背上翻身下來，落地動作略有點浮誇。老頭張開雙臂，將達米爾抱在懷裡——看得出來，他們倆不僅早就相識，還都一樣熱情似火。
 
「嘿！達米爾！」
 
「巴比康會長！你怎麼親自來接我了！」
 
「哈哈哈哈，意外了吧！快給我介紹下你的冒險夥伴！」
 
「您好，我叫安娜。」
 
「安娜你好！我是巴比康！小姑娘真可愛啊……哈哈哈哈！」
 
巴比康見阿爾喬姆一動不動，便朝著他走了過去，扯著嗓子大喊道：「遠處的那個小伙子，快過來！我們要回熔岩之國了！」
 
阿爾喬姆看著老頭子就快一瘸一拐地過來牽住自己的手了，也只好盛情難卻地跟上去。
 
「…您好，我叫阿爾喬姆。」
 
……
 
就像阿爾喬姆擔心的一樣，在登上了熔岩巨蟲的背部之後，他發現這些不拘一格的金屬甲片和大蟲似乎並沒有很好的貼合。阿爾喬姆只有死死地抓住座位扶手，雙腿還緊緊夾住，避免從這鬆動的板甲上摔落下去。巴比康手持的長杆一頭髮出電極的聲響。他牽著韁繩確認身後的人落座情況。

「出發了！」
 
被巴比康的電極刺激後，巨蟲開始蠕動了。伴著有節奏的環節肌肉舒張和收縮，它的行進速度越來越快。這是一種奇妙的行進方式。阿爾喬姆身前是安娜、身後是達米爾，他們三人之間的距離隨著肌肉舒張變化不斷變動。

不得不說，這種特殊的交通工具有著意料之外的優勢。

巨蟲和鬆動的板甲可以有一定程度的積壓，這使他們一行人也能鑽進岩縫裡通過；巨蟲還可以環繞一些小火山以達到一定的高度，然後直接爬上原本需要繞行的岩壁。巴比康老頭用複雜的電極信號操作著巨蟲。而巨蟲也能自己做出一些靈巧細微的判斷。在兩者的相互配合下，一次次不可思議的動作得以實現。

阿爾喬姆還觀察到了巨蟲的獨特散熱方式：巨蟲板甲上的粘液是通過板甲上雕漏的網狀洞口中浸出來的——就這樣一邊將發燙的岩沙丟棄掉，一邊粘連起新的黏土和岩沙，完成了外殼散熱。

「真是不可思議……」

隨著旅途不斷深入，達米爾和巴比康的「熔岩之國雜談」也越來越有趣。
  
據達米爾介紹，熔岩之國的冒險家們一半鍾情於製造大炮，而另一半則執著於外出探險。巴比康老頭子是熔岩之國大炮促進委員會的會長，是痴迷於大炮技術的代表。在大炮促進協會裡能夠吹噓的事只有大炮的體積或者是射程的平方。
 
「在我們委員會，受尊敬的程度只和他研究的大炮威力有關。像達米爾這樣只會做燧發槍的水平，我們委員會根本就不要！哈哈哈哈！」
 
「我可是專業的探險家好吧！哈哈哈哈！」
 
巴比康會長粗獷的笑聲讓人感覺很有親和力。他丟了一顆眼珠、一隻手用鐵鉤子做成，還有一隻腳也是金屬義肢。直到他轉過頭來跟達米爾搭話，阿爾喬姆這才才仔細看清，他竟然還有一塊腦殼也是某種橡膠做的。
 
「你說這個腦殼嗎？之前大炮炸膛的時候，頭皮被炸沒了！但是腦子還是好用的，哈哈哈哈！」
 
隨著掌握身體夾住板甲越來越熟練，阿爾喬姆開始有些餘力欣賞旅途中的景色。數量眾多且尺寸不一的火山都似乎憋著一股勁兒——岩漿、熔岩遍地都是，光是看著就讓人燥熱難忍。要是按照常人觀點來看，這裡的環境實在太過惡劣——稱之為人間地獄似乎也不為過。黑色火山、滿是煙塵的天空、噴涌欲出的紅色岩漿，誰會想到這裡竟然還有著研究大炮的科學國度呢？

「好久沒有冒險者回來了。我特意囑咐了廚師：今晚我們舉辦慶功宴！」

聽到慶功宴，阿爾喬姆興致也跟著高起來了。只有安娜一直望著遠處的火山，眼中似乎有一層陰翳。

……

台下賓客滿座，大炮促進委員會和冒險家行會的人坐滿了宴客廳。巴比康會長在高漲的氣氛里介紹了阿爾喬姆一行三人。宴會廳里掌聲雷動、一片歡騰。阿爾喬姆發現一個特點：這裡基本沒有一個身體完整的人——要麼缺胳膊少腿，要麼就是裝了橡膠下巴或是鉑金鼻子。

在阿爾喬姆看來，達米爾簡直是一個奇蹟——他竟然全身完整。

「這幾年來，我們大炮促進委員會就一直在計劃啟動一項無愧於先祖的大炮活動！大家都知道，歷史上最大規模的主火山活動就要到了！」

「火山！萬歲！」宴會廳又是一片歡騰。

「我們要勇敢地把自己射向太空，拿自己的生命去完成這個世界上最偉大的冒險！」

「太空！萬歲！」宴會廳整個都顫動起來，隨時坍塌都毫不奇怪。

「通過達米爾旅途中的定位觀測數據，我們徹底完成了對天外之境的軌跡追蹤。我要欣喜地向大家宣布：我們現在能準確無疑地用大炮把自己打到天外之境上去！」

頓時，大廳里發出了無數次驚嘆，然後突然進入到一片奇妙的寂靜中。再之後又爆發出比之前更加熱烈的掌聲、歡呼聲和喝彩聲。即使現在宴會廳里的所有大炮一起發射，也壓不住人們歇斯底里的聲浪。

阿爾喬姆躲開宴會廳中的人群來到窗台。他看見安娜望著遠處沉靜的火山，一旁還放著他們從春之原帶回的氣泡酒。

「安娜……」

「阿爾喬姆，你先別說話。能過來一下嗎？」

阿爾喬姆在旅途中無數次見識過安娜超越常人的堅韌，而她現在的聲音卻像是求救信號一般——弱弱的喘氣聲似乎在表達著某種挽留。阿爾喬姆想要從身後抱住她。

「怎麼了嗎？」

「去太空，是不是再也回不來了……」

「也許是吧。畢竟天外之境再也不會有火山大炮了。」

「阿爾喬姆……」安娜轉過身來，臉上泛著紅暈——她好像哭過了。那一瞬間，宴會的聲音遠去——全世界都安靜下來了。

「我想家了。你能和我一起回家嗎？」


（未完待續）

Chapter 6: Lava Kingdom (I)

Continuation: In this chapter, Artem and friends arrived at the last stop in their voyage — The Lava Kingdom. Loud buzzing noises emerged from the distant lava and boulders responding to Dalmir's signal flares. A gigantic insect suited in plated armor arrives before them. It was their ride to the kingdom of cannons...

...

Artem originally didn't have any negative feelings towards these invertebrate annelids.

"They've noticed the flare. Look, that's the molten insect. It's here to bring us home."

A sense of joy and pride can be noticed in Dalmir's tone.

"Here for us? Another gigantic insect... there's too many bugs here."

The gigantic earthworm-like bug stood roughly 2 meters tall and 20 meters long. It continued to squirm as it was parked and waited to be boarded. Numerous layers of petal-shaped scales covered its circular muscles. The scales were coated in a special layer of fine black granite sand which looks to be made of part secretion and part lava.

Artem was reluctant to board this worm and stood still.

"What's wrong, Artem? This is not as strange as the bugs back on the Spring Weald."

"Let's go, Artem."

Anna followed after Dalmir.

An old man was standing above the rings of muscle. He was holding a long pole in his hand. In his other hand... was an iron hook, holding onto something like a bridle. He jumped off the back of the giant bug with style. The old man spread out his arms and embraced Dalmir. It was clear that they weren't just acquaintances, but great buddies.

"Hey! Dalmir!"

"President Barbicane! You came to see me!"

"Hahahaha, surprised, are you? Quickly, introduce me to your adventure companions!"

"Hello, I'm Anna."

"Hello, Anna! I'm Barbicane. Hahaha, this girl is adorable!"

Barbicane, seeing that Artem hadn't moved, walked towards him, shouting at the top of his voice. "You, young lad over there! Come quickly. We are heading back to the Lava Kingdom!"

Artem, seeing the old man limping over to him and grabbing his hand, reluctantly followed.

"...Hello, I'm Artem."

...

After climbing on the huge molten insect, it was as Artem had feared. The metal armors on its back didn't fit well on the worm. There was nothing Artem could hold onto, except the arms of the seat. He clamped his legs tightly to keep himself from falling off this loose carapace. There was the sound of an electrode at the end of Barbicane's pole, as he looked back at the people seated behind him.

"Off we go!"

The giant worm squirmed with the shock from Barbicane's pole. With the rhythmic contractions and relaxation of the ringed muscles, the worm moved forward faster and faster. Sitting between Anna and Dalmir, Artem thought this was a marvelous way to travel. The distance between them changed slightly every time the worm's muscles relaxed and contracted.

Without a doubt, there were some unexpected advantages to this special mode of transportation.

The large worm and its armor can be compressed to a certain extent, allowing it to crawl through the tunnels. It can go around some smaller volcanic vents, and also climb on rock walls that others would have to circle. Barbicane used complex static signals to control the worm, and the worm made some delicate maneuvers of its own. The two of them were like parts in a well-oiled machine, achieving some impossible movements together

Artem also noticed the unique way the large worm dissipated heat. A sticky liquid would flow out from the small reticular holes in its armor. The burning sand would then fall off its carapace, while new clay and sand would stick to it from the fresh liquids, thus taking away the heat from the armor.

"How incredible..."

As the journey continued, Dalmir and Barbicane's conversation about the Lava Kingdom grew more interesting.

According to Dalmir, half of the adventurers in the Lava Kingdom loved building cannons, while the other half loved adventures. Barbicane is the president of the Lava Kingdom Cannon Development Committee, a fine example of how obsessed they are with cannon technology. The only thing they could boast about was the size of the cannon or its firing range.

"In our committee, people respect you based on the might of your cannon. Dalmir is only interested in making flintlocks. We're not interested in that, hahaha!"

"Hey! I'm a professional adventurer! Hahahaha!"

President Barbicane's boorish laugh gave everyone around him a sense of kinship. He was missing an eye, and one of his hands and one leg were replaced by metal prosthetics. It wasn't until he turned to talk to Dalmir that Artem noticed part of his skull was also made from some kind of silicon.

"What happened to my skull? I lost a chunk of it when the cannon blew up! But it didn't turn me into a slow thinker, haha!"

As Artem got used to the bumpy ride, he finally had time to enjoy the sights. There were many volcanoes of varying sizes all looking like they were about to burst. Lava and magma were everywhere, and Artem felt scorching hot just looking at them. Any normal human would think the environment was just too harsh. It wouldn't be completely inaccurate to say this place was hell on earth. The black volcanoes, smoke-filled skies, red lava spewing everywhere... Who would have imagined there'd be a country here focused on the scientific research of cannons?

"It's been a long time since any adventurers returned. I've asked our cook to prepare a celebration feast tonight!"

Artem was excited that there would be a celebration. Only Anna, who had been watching the volcano in the distance, seemed to be preoccupied with something.

...

The banquet hall was full of people from the Cannon Development Committee and the Explorers' Guild. President Barbicane's passionate introduction of the three of them was met with thunderous applause. Artem noticed something: everyone was missing a body part, whether it be an arm or a leg. Some of them even had a rubber chin or a platinum nose.

From Artem's perspective, it was a miracle that Dalmir's body was completely intact.

"For years now, our Cannon Committee has been planning the greatest cannon event, one that's worthy of our ancestors! Everyone is aware that the greatest volcanic activity in history is coming!"

"Viva the volcanoes!" The banquet hall filled up with loud cheers once more.

"We will bravely shoot ourselves into outer space, risking our lives for the greatest adventure the world has ever known!"

"Viva the outer space!" The whole banquet hall shook as if it would collapse at any moment.

"Positional observations from Dalmir's journey have allowed us to track the Satelleden. I am pleased to announce that we can now reach it with complete certainty using cannon!"

Many people were shocked at the announcement, evident by the sudden silence in the hall. Then, it was followed by cheering and applause that couldn't be suppressed, even if all the cannons in the banquet hall were fired at once.

Artem sneaked away from the crowd of people in the banquet hall. He saw Anna looking out of the window at the quiet volcano in the distance. Besides her, it was the sparkling wine they had brought from the Spring Weald.

"Anna..."

"Artem, don't say anything. Can you come here for a moment?"

During their adventures, Artem had witnessed Anna's extraordinary tenacity a thousand times. But now, her voice sounded like a distress signal, pleading to him for help. Her soft breathes seemed to be conveying a desire to make him stay. It made Artem want to embrace her from behind.

"What's wrong?"

"If you go to outer space, will you ever come back again...?"

"Perhaps, there probably won't be volcano cannons in the Satelleden."

"Artem..." Anna turned around and her face flushed as if she had cried. At that moment, the sounds from the banquet hall faded away and the whole world fell silent.

"I miss home. Will you come home with me?"


(To Be Continued)

第六章 熔岩之國 片段二

書接上文：阿爾喬姆一行人乘上熔岩巨蟲終於抵達了熔岩之國，等待他們的是盛情的款待，在大炮促進協會巴比康會長的慷慨陳詞之下，他們明白長長的旅途就差最後一步了，而此時安娜卻產生了離開的心情，她希望阿爾喬姆也能留下……

……
 
達米爾現在感到非常困惑，但是他什麼都不敢問。
 
慶功宴的第二天，阿爾喬姆和安娜之間始終有著一種說不出的奇妙的氣氛。
 
在達米爾擅自的推測中，阿爾喬姆肯定是趁著宴會情緒高漲就去向安娜表白失敗了。他一直堅定地認為這兩人一定能成——沒想到自己的閱歷還是太淺。以前要是被大炮打出去很多次見見世面，他可能就會明白吧。
 
「那個…我今天帶你們到發射場來，就是去看看我們引以為傲的火山大炮。」
 
達米爾儘管察覺到了兩人低落的情緒，但他還是告訴自己也許現在不要問比較好。
 
「之前跟你們講起過的。火山的能量是星球本身的能量。」
  
「星球的內球始終在偏向引力的反向，且不在星球正中心，所以這種由內向外的巨大擠壓力會將岩漿和各種氣態物質噴發出來——這就是火山的能量。」
 
透過厚重的玻璃，阿爾喬姆和安娜遠遠地看見了主火山裡的岩漿。
 
它既像是海浪一般，時而升高時而降低；另一方面，它又像是燒開的水一般，氣體不斷地從岩漿中擠出來，聚攏成許多外涌的氣泡。過於灼熱導致空氣厚薄不均，折射後的景象也都歪歪扭扭——任何人都能一眼明白，這些不安定的、明亮又灼熱的液體很快就要壓制不住了。

不知不覺之間，阿爾喬姆已經流出了一身的汗。
 
「不穩定、難預測、力量過於強大等等一系列的問題，阻礙著過去的人類去駕馭這些根源性的能量。直到冰河期的出現，我們的先祖們終於改變了想法。」
 
「不要去控制，而是讓它釋放！」
 
「沒錯，阿爾喬姆同志！你說的對啊！這樣巨大的能量，我們就讓他痛痛快快地釋放。就好像……」
 
兩人異口同聲地說道：「不是將一個屁分好幾次放，而是一次就放出一個響屁！」
 
兩人哈哈大笑。像這樣沒有品位的段子，達米爾在旅途中早已經講了無數遍。

直到他們看著蓄勢待發的火山，這些愚蠢的解釋才像活了過來一樣。那些誇張的描述此時竟然離他們如此之近——阿爾喬姆覺得自己好像還在夢裡。

安娜走在後面，也輕輕地笑了出來。
 
「那個頂部的能量收容裝置。還有那邊，是火山活動促進器…別看它們造價昂貴，其實全都是一次性的消耗品……」
 
達米爾突然停下來了——他似乎對這個說法不太滿意。
 
「他們全是終其一生只準備一場戰鬥的傢伙。但是，只需要一場戰鬥就足以證明一切！他們不是消耗品，他們是究極的浪漫主義者！」
 
「浪漫主義者嗎……」
 
阿爾喬姆感覺好像有什麼就在他的胸中激盪，就像那些不安分的岩漿。達米爾的聲音也變遠了——他好像已經能夠感受到地幔的震動，想像著用那股巨大的能量實現一生一次的浪漫。
 
「請看這裡，這就是我們即將要乘坐的炮彈！」
 
那是一個直徑約7米的球型座艙，前方有著視野開闊的舷窗，裡面裝著放著各種精密儀表、操作拉杆以及各式按鈕。球型的兩側隱藏著一對可以展開的薄翼。

看起來完全不像是熔岩之國的風格。
 
「這難道說……」
 
「沒錯。這是舊世界做出的能夠載人的『炮彈』——找遍全世界也只有這獨一個！」
 
球殼外側覆蓋著能夠承受超出攝氏5000度以上高溫的材料；內部還分布著遙測、通信、能源、溫控的等各種精密的設備。阿爾喬姆已經挖掘過不少的舊世界遺物了。但他一眼就能明白，這就是舊世界科技中的頂點——是真正能將人帶到宇宙中的傢伙。
 
「這顆飛向宇宙的『炮彈』，也是有去無回的浪漫主義者。它也會在旅途中完成使命，然後成為一座永遠的豐碑，漂浮在宇宙之中……」
 
再一次地，阿爾喬姆感覺自己沒有在地面上。他已經投身在燦爛的星海之中了。

安娜看著眼前的這個男人，思緒仿佛已經先於身體一步離開了這顆星球。

她徹底明白了：阿爾喬姆的心已經在那穹頂之上了，自己是永遠夠不著的。那裡太遙遠了，比天外之境更遠，比宇宙的終點還要遠。她也暗下決心，在黎明到來之前就悄悄地離開——也許這樣才不會讓他那麼痛苦。

……

但是她還是沒能做到。

「謝謝你，安娜。」

在新日升起之前的小路上，她只能看到一個輪廓清晰的剪影——那是阿爾喬姆在等候她。她終究還是沒能悄悄地離開。

「自從你救下我的相遇之後，我一直都深深地喜歡著你。我從沒見過如此堅韌、獨立又溫柔的女性。我找了一萬個機會想要傾吐出來：我喜歡你，我想和你一輩子在一起。」

「但是，我還是不能和你一起留下來。如果說，我這一輩子中一定有一件事情必須去完成的話，那就是冒險——不斷地冒險。所以，對不起……」

「我想我也是一個浪漫主義者。我願意為了冒險燃盡我的一切。對不起……」

安娜眼裡噙著淚光。她是明白的。

——她從踏上旅程的那一刻就已經明白了：她喜歡上的也是這樣的人。

沒等到眼淚掉下，一隻溫暖的手就貼近了臉頰，並溫柔地將眼淚拭去。那是她再也熟悉不過的，阿爾喬姆的手。

「我也知道，不應該讓你為我流下了這麼多的眼淚。可是我的決心已定……」

「我明白的。我都明白……」

「我只有三件東西可以送給你。」

阿爾喬姆拿出自己隨身的日記。這上面細密地記錄著過往的冒險，以及和安娜的回憶。

「第一件是我的過去。我們一起經歷過的絕不是虛假的。」

阿爾喬姆又將女王贈送他的佩劍放到安娜的手裡。

「第二件是我的未來。這是我對女王的承諾：我想要永遠守護你。」

「最後一件，是我的現在——我喜歡你，安娜。」

他吻了上去。

他們是那麼深情，就好像時間在這一刻永恆——未來將不會到來。

（未完待續）

Chapter 6: Lava Kingdom (II)

Continuation: Artem and his friends arrived in the Lava Kingdom on the back of a molten insect. They were greeted with great warmth. After hearing the kind speech of the president of the Lava Kingdom Cannon Development Committee, Barbicane, they realized that their arduous journey was nearing its end, but Anna wanted to quit and wished Artem could stay as well...

...

Dalmir was confused, but he didn't dare ask any questions.

There was a delicate feeling in the air between Artem and Anna by the second day of the celebration.

Dalmir speculated that Artem saw the uplifted feelings of the festival as an opportunity and confessed his love for Anna, but was ultimately turned down. He had always believed the two would end up together, but reality has shown him how naive he was. If he had been launched from the cannons and seen more of the world, maybe he would've seen it coming.

"Umm... I brought you guys to the launching grounds here today to show you our pride, the volcano cannon."

Dalmir was aware that the two were not in a good mood, but he thought that it would be best not to ask.

"As I've said before, the energy of the volcano is the energy of the planet itself."

"The core of the planet is always pushing towards the opposite direction of gravity and not sitting at the center of this planet. This enormous outward compression force shoots out the lava and other gases from beneath the ground. This is the power of the volcano..."

Artem and Anna looked upon the distant lava in the main volcano through the thick glass.

Its characteristics were similar to ocean waves, rising and falling. On the other hand, it was like boiling water, with gases constantly pushing out of the magma and forming bubbles that soon bursted. The scorching temperatures heated the air unevenly and caused heat hazes to appear. Anyone could see that such an unstable, burning, and bright liquid could not be suppressed for much longer.

Without realizing it, Artem was sweating all over.

"Instability, unpredictability, and too much power were all reasons that humans in the past could not harness this energy. However, our ancestors changed their mind during the Ice Age."

"Don't try to control it. Set it free!"

"You're right, Artem! We should just set this immense energy free, like..."

They said in unison, "Like one big fart!"

The two of them laughed. Dalmir had told many cheesy jokes like this during their journey.

It wasn't until they were staring at the ready-to-erupt volcano that the foolish explanations came to life. It was unbelievable that they are standing so close to such outlandish descriptions. Artem feels like he's still in a dream.

Anna laughed lightly as she walked behind them.

"The energy container at the top, and the volcanic accelerators over there... They're expensive to make, but they are all disposable..."

Dalmir suddenly stopped. He wasn't pleased with that expression.

"They've prepared their whole lives for the one battle, but it only takes one battle to prove everything. They aren't disposables! They're the ultimate romanticists!"

"...Romanticists...?"

Artem felt as if something was stirring inside his chest like restless magma. As Dalmir's voice grew quieter, he could feel the vibrations of the mantle, all that immense energy to realize the once-in-a-lifetime romance.

"Look over here! This is the cannonball we'll be riding in!"

It was a spherical cockpit about seven meters in diameter, with wide windows in front. There were countless precise instruments, levers, and buttons inside. On the outside, there were a pair of thin wings that could open out...

It didn't look like anything from the Lava Kingdom.

"Could it be..."

"That's right. It was a cannonball created by the people from the Old World. This is the only one in the whole world!"

The outside was covered with material that can withstand temperatures up to 5000 degrees Celsius. Telemetry communications, energy, temperature control, and other precision equipment lined the walls of the interior. Artem had unearthed many Old World relics to know immediately that this was the pinnacle of Old World technology, something that could take people to outer space for real.

"This cannonball is also a romanticist, flying into outer space with no return. It will complete its mission during the journey, then float through the universe as a permanent fixture..."

Once again, Artem felt he was no longer on the ground. He was among the brilliant stars that filled the night sky.

Anna looked at the man standing before her, knowing that his mind had already left this planet.

She understood completely. Artem's heart had reached the heights of the firmament that she couldn't reach, no matter hard she tried. It was far, far beyond the Satelleden, far beyond the end of the universe. And so, she decided to leave quietly before dawn. Perhaps it would make him less miserable.

...

But she still couldn't do it.

"Thank you, Anna."

On the path before sunrise, she saw a clear silhouette — It was Artem, waiting for her. She couldn't leave quietly after all.

"I have been deeply in love with you ever since you saved my life. I have never seen such a tenacious, independent, and gentle woman like you. There were plenty of chances for me to tell you: I like you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

"But I cannot stay with you. If there's one thing that I must do in life, it is to go on adventures, continuous adventures. I'm sorry..."

"I think I'm also a romanticist. I'm willing to risk everything I have for the sake of adventure. I'm sorry..."

With tears in her eyes, Anna knew.

She knew the moment she embarked on this journey. It was the kind of man she fell in love with.

Before her tears could fall, a warm hand wiped away her tears. It was Artem's hand, which she knew too well.

"I don't want you to shed so many tears for me. But I've already decided..."

"I understand. I understand completely..."

"I can only give you three things."

Artem took out his journal, which carefully recorded all his adventures and memories with Anna.

"The first is my past. Everything we experienced together was real."

Artem placed the sword that the Frozen City Queen had given him in Anna's hands.

"The second is my future. This is my promise to the queen. I wish to protect you forever."

"And the last is my present. I love you, Anna."

He kissed her.

They were so affectionate as if time had stopped at this moment and the future would not come.

(To Be Continued)

最終章 天外之境 片段一

書接上文：本篇故事中，阿爾喬姆與達米爾一同搭乘舊世界的「炮彈」，懷著不復歸來的勇氣一同前往深空。

……
 
火山大炮的衝擊力並沒有在飛行器原本的設計考慮範圍內。

「炮彈」在發射的瞬間立刻達到驚人的速度，讓發射場的所有人都捏了一把汗——這樣真的沒有問題嗎？「炮彈」的內部也並不輕鬆：阿爾喬姆和達米爾就像承受了數十倍的重力，就快要被壓碎了。
 
那一瞬間，阿爾喬姆失去了意識，思緒甚至和雪原遇險時產生了連接。但是這個狀態並沒有持續很久——他憑藉著驚人的毅力和精神清醒了過來。經歷了瞬間的生死考驗之後，阿爾喬姆立刻意識到了飛行器中減震限制器的作用：要是沒有它，自己肯定已經徹底往生了。
 
不過，達米爾卻沒有這麼輕鬆。他翻著白眼，嘴巴微微張開，白色的泡沫從嘴角流了出來。達米爾究竟只是昏過去了，還是說沒有撐過去？阿爾喬姆在通訊器中呼叫了好幾次，可仍舊沒有得到回應。
 
「炮彈」的舷窗里不僅能看清楚上方迫近的天空，更能看清下方遠離的地面。

拔地而起的絕境就像畫卷一樣在阿爾喬姆的眼前快速展開。熟悉的景色正在不斷地收縮，不斷地變得陌生起來。儀錶盤的數字也在不斷地刷新，一次比一次更加誇張，絲毫沒有停下來的意思。

儘管種種跡象都說明了這個簡單的事實，但阿爾喬姆的理解仍然是慢了一拍——他們正在高速地離開行星表面。
 
——距離地面已有五千米了。
 
阿爾喬姆還是能看清熔岩之國的建築：尤為明顯的是發射「炮彈」的主火山大炮。

主火山因發射而造成的山岩崩碎，已經變成了滾滾的煙幕。在這一高度下，熔岩巨蟲已經是纖細難尋。山脊上的岩漿也變成了蛛絲紋理，原本灼眼的顏色也溫和了許多。
 
混雜著火山灰的空氣飛速流動，地面的景色也逐漸面目模糊。
 
——距離地面一萬米了。
 
阿爾喬姆已經能看到春之原了。

在萬米的高空上，阿爾喬姆勉強望見了巨獸脊背上的邊界。但即使如此，他仍然沒能看清巨獸全貌——不愧是巋然巨物！曾經走過的漫漫長路，現已盡收眼底。一種說不出的滋味油然而生。
 
順著來時的路線，阿爾喬姆的視線跨越了雪山，來到了風雪之中。寒冰之都就在在快速流動的行雲飛雪中——他已經完全看不清城市的輪廓了。

安娜曾經說過：在每一次漫長的冒險結束後，她總是和父親去外出捕魚，藉此放鬆自己。而這一次漫長的旅途結束後，她到底又會怎樣休息呢……
 
稀薄的雲層開始阻礙視線。逃逸的思緒又回來了——「炮彈」已經飛出去多久了呢……

——他們還在繼續攀高，進入到黑夜之中。
 
貝洛伯格在黑暗的大地上若隱若現。

萬家燈火看上去儘管只有一塊硬幣的大小，但是阿爾喬姆明白，那裡一定是貝洛伯格。與周遭的嚴寒格格不入的熱島氣候，從雲層上方看顯得更加明顯——正是這份溫暖支撐著貝洛伯格運作百年，但也是這份溫暖阻礙了她的子民外出一步。
 
貝洛伯格在行星上是如此渺小，就像是餐盤中的一枚豆粒。阿爾喬姆曾經也以為貝洛伯格和周邊的風雪就是全世界——回想起來，那不過是不願承認自己的狹隘而已。
 
在這樣高的尺度上，任何人都會理解這樣的狹隘簡直可笑。
 
——距離地面一百公里了。
 
阿爾喬姆已經清晰地看到了行星的弧線。
 
巨大的極光開始出現，絢麗的彩帶輕輕地罩在星球的表面。阿爾喬姆曾經站在貝洛伯格的大地上，仰望過那些如夢似幻的輕紗在天空中飄動。而現在，極光就在他的下方。
 
就在這時，通訊器里響起雜音……

「…阿、阿爾喬姆！我們！啊啊啊啊！到天上了啊啊啊啊…咳咳…咳……」
 
是達米爾遲到的尖叫聲。
 
阿爾喬姆感到哭笑不得。
 
……
 
——距離地面已經有四百公里了。阿爾喬姆已經看到了「天外之境」。
 
那是一個圓柱形的巨大空間，緩緩旋轉著。阿爾喬姆聽說過這樣的科學幻想，通過旋轉的離心力能夠模擬出重力的體驗——而天方夜譚的理論一旦變成了擺在眼前的現實，難以言說的激動之情就快要噴薄而出了。
 
不知道舊世界的人看到這顆「炮彈」到底作何感想——是驚慌嗎？還是驚訝？會被當成侵略者進行反擊嗎？

阿爾喬姆聽到了「炮彈」內部輕輕地播放起內置的音樂。鼓點聲和吉他聲既曖昧又愜意，像是旅程結束前的贈禮：

「遙遠的宇宙電台在呼喚」

「遙遠的宇宙電台在呼喚」

……

隨著「炮彈」越來越接近，「天外之境」的內側細節也越來越清楚。

如果將圓柱的內側展開，那「天外之境」將是一個巨大的方形區域。方形區域的對邊首尾相連形成了圓柱。在其中任意位置抬起頭，都能看到倒懸的街道。

在街道上，各種違反物理常識的建築鱗次櫛比；機械巨擘像是拼接積木一樣，將各種建築模塊自由地組合；規劃整齊的區塊化街道不斷地調整著位置。阿爾喬姆想著，整個「城市」仿佛有著呼吸和脈動、像是不斷轉動的魔方一樣，持續地進化著——其間透露著極致的理性。猶如被人遺棄已久卻纖塵不染的藝術品——「天外之境」孤獨地如此漂浮著，等候著人類讚嘆的目光。

仿佛感應到了「炮彈」的存在一般，這巨物彈出同樣比例驚人的對接支架，如同巨人向飛蟲伸出了手。阿爾喬姆的心隨著支架向他們所在的方向伸來而不斷捏緊，唯恐自己的旅程在最後一刻粉碎在慘烈的對撞中。

然而想像中的失敗著陸沒有發生。支架在微不足道的震動中將「炮彈」輕柔托住，引導它緩緩駛入天外之境的停機坪。

而通訊器里，舒緩的音樂仍然繼續……

……

「我踏上繁星的階梯」

「漫步在太空的畫廊之中」

「今夜的銀河註定無眠」

……

Final Chapter - Satelleden (I)

Continuation: In this chapter, armed with a conviction of never returning, Artem and Dalmir will ride a "cannonball" of the Old World into the sky.

...

The impact factor of the volcano cannon was not included in the original designs.

The "cannonball" instantly reached a shocking speed upon firing, leaving everyone at the launch site speechless. Is this really going to be okay? From the inside, Artem and Dalmir had to withstand 10 g's of crushing force. They were almost smashed by the power.

Artem lost consciousness the split-second upon launch and the memories of the dangers on the Snow Plains appeared in his mind. His lulled state did not last long as he woke himself up with impressive conviction and mental discipline. After experiencing the near-death moment, Artem immediately noticed the importance of the shock-reduction capacitor in the flying pod. Without it, he'd already be dead.

Dalmir on the other hand was having a much harder time. His eyes were rolled back and white foam was coming out of his slightly opened mouth. Is he passed out? Or is he... gone? Artem called for him over the radio several times, but Dalmir did not respond.

Not only could the approaching space be seen in the porthole of the "cannonball," but so could the distancing ground from beneath.

The spectacular view unfolds rapidly in front of Artem's eyes. The familiar sights quickly shrink till it becomes unfamiliar. The numbers on the instruments continue to climb, with no sign of slowing down whatsoever.

Artem was still unaware of what was happening even though everything pointed towards the same conclusion — They were leaving the planet at shocking speeds.

— They were 5000 meters off the ground.

Artem could still see the buildings of the Lava Kingdom, especially the main cannon that fired the "cannonball."

The launch caused a massive landslide, reducing the main volcano to a billowing cloud of smoke. At this height, the large molten insects were impossible to see and the lava on the ridges looked like a spider silk web. The bright colors that scorched the eyes had softened considerably.

The volcanic ash in the air sped by quickly, as the ground slowly became a blur.

— 10,000 meters off the ground.

Artem could see the Spring Weald.

At the height of tens of thousands of meters, Artem could barely see the back of the beast. Even so, he had not seen the monster's entire body! Such a giant beast! It was an indescribable feeling to have a panoramic view of the roads he had taken on during his long adventures.

Artem traced the route he had once taken on, saw through the snowy mountains, and looked at the blizzard. The Frozen City was within the quickly passing clouds and snow, and he could barely see its outline.

Anna once said she would go fishing with her father to relax at the end of long adventures. How would she relax this time...

Thin clouds began to obstruct his view and thoughts of escaping came back. How long has the "cannonball" been flying...

— They flew higher until they reached the darkness.

Belobog loomed over the dark land.

Thousands of lit houses were only the size of a coin, but Artem knew that it was Belobog. The urban heat island effect stood out against the surrounding chill, which was more evident when looking down from the clouds. It was this warmth that had sustained Belobog for a hundred years, but it also prevented its people from going outside.

Compared to the size of the planet, Belobog was but a speck of dirt. Artem once thought that Belobog and its surroundings was the entire world. Thinking back now, it was just the unwillingness to admit his narrow perspective.

At this height, anyone would agree that such a narrow perspective was laughable.

— 100,000 meters off the ground.

Artem could clearly see the curvature of the planet.

The great auroras started appearing. The brilliant ribbons gently covered the surface of the planet. Back in Belobog, Artem had gazed up at these dreamlike veils fluttering in the night sky. Now, they were below him.

It was at this moment that static came through the communication device...

"...A—Artem! We! Ahhhh! Are in the sky! Ahhhhh... Ahhh..."

It was Dalmir's screaming from earlier.

Artem really didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

...

— 400,000 meters off the ground. Artem could see the Satelleden.

It was a large cylindrical object, rotating slowly. Artem had heard of science fantasies that the effects of gravity could be simulated through rotating centrifugal force. He brushed it off as mere fantasy until witnessing the miracle before his eyes. The excitement was overwhelming.

I wonder how people from the Old World will react when they see this "cannonball." Fear? Surprise? Will they be treated like invaders and face retaliation?

Soft music began playing in the "cannonball." It was a mix of drums and guitars that make you feel warm and cozy, like a gift at the end of their journey:

"Distant cosmic radio is calling"

"Distant cosmic radio is calling"

...

As the "cannonball" got closer, Artem could make out more details of the Satelleden.

If the interior was spread out, "Satelleden" would be a large rectangular area. The opposite sides of the area would join to form the cylinder. Anywhere you stood, you could raise your head and see the streets hanging above.

In the streets, many buildings violated physics. The mechanical giants appeared to be connecting the building blocks by combining various modules. Neatly planned streets kept adjusting their positions. To Artem, the whole "city" was breathing and pulsing like a living organism and rotating as a Rubik's Cube. It was constantly evolving, showing ultimate rationality. As an immaculate work of art that had long been abandoned, "Satelleden" was floating alone in the universe, awaiting the gaze of human admiration.

As if sensing the "cannonball," the large object extended a docking port of the same astonishing proportions, like a giant extending its hand at a flying insect. Artem's heart clenched out of fear that the last moments of his journey would end in a fiery collision.

But the disaster he imagined didn't happen The docking port gently held the "cannonball" and guided it to the landing pad in Satelleden.

The music was still playing gently on their communication devices...

...

"I climb the ladder to the stars"

"And walk in the gallery of outer space"

"Insomnia awaits the Cosmos tonight"

...