I Will Never Submit to Miss Grim Reaper - Chapter 402

Chapter 402: Whispers from Teresia

 

Nida and I talked late into the night before returning to our respective rooms to rest. Through my conversation with this native of the other world, I gained a rough understanding of the situation here.

 

This other world, like Earth, also has a concept similar to the “universe.” Just as Earth orbits the sun, this life-bearing planet happens to be in the habitable zone and is called “Grandis.” “Grandis” seems to be a concept rather than just a name for a planet.

 

Unlike “Earth,” which refers specifically to our home planet, “Grandis” is a universally recognized term in this world, found in demon, human, and elven languages, all referring to “this world.” It can mean “our Earth” or “our world.” Given that astronomy isn’t well developed here, the concept is rather vague. From my “Earthling” perspective, “Grandis” is equivalent to the “other world.”

 

The “sun” of Grandis doesn’t seem to be a red giant as I understand it. The specifics are still unclear, as it’s impossible to determine the nature of the sun from Nida, who lacks astronomical knowledge.

 

I only know that the sun here is somewhat redder and larger than Earth’s. It’s said that at sunset, the entire world is bathed in a deep red, much more intense than Earth’s sunsets.

 

I showed Nida some pictures on my phone of sunsets that Momo and I had taken, and she said that if the weather is normal here, the evenings are even redder than those in the pictures. I tried using a filter on my phone to turn everything red, and Nida said it was about right.

 

Additionally, Grandis has four satellites. One of these satellites is very mysterious and can only be seen from specific locations at specific times. The other three satellites are similar to Earth’s moon. Each race has different names for the four satellites in their languages.

 

The hardest-to-see satellite is universally known as something like the “Lucky Star” or the “Guardian,” revered by the faithful as a symbol of good fortune that appears once in a lifetime.

 

In addition, according to Nida’s description, Grandis feels about 50% to 80% larger in area than Earth. There are extreme temperature differences in different regions.

 

The island where I am currently located, named “Maha” in the Lizardfolk language, seems to be situated south of the equator. Nida mentioned that the human cities she and her father visit are much colder, requiring more clothing each time they go. I suspect those cities might be even further south.

 

In terms of time, this world has approximately 32 hours in a day, equivalent to about 35 to 40 days in a month. I haven’t fully understood the conversion here yet because even Nida is unclear.

 

In Elvish, a year consists of 13 “Daisy Days,” with each “Daisy Day” containing 35 to 40 “Grandis Days.” The exact number depends on the Elven algorithm for the sun, somewhat resembling our old calendars.

 

The Elves have their own algorithm, the Demons another, and humans also calculate dates differently. The Lizardfolk, on the other hand, don’t even have an algorithm. They wake up when the sun rises and rest when it gets dark. So even Nida, who has some cultural knowledge, can’t say how many hours are in a Grandis day or how many days are in a month.

 

What I’ve figured out is that a day here is about one-third longer than on Earth, plus about one-fifth of a month. In a year, it adds up to an extra month or two.

 

This confirms what I previously estimated — according to Xiao Mo Fei Luo and their mention of “over six thousand years,” in Earth terms, it might actually be over ten thousand years. This realization has sparked quite a bit of inspiration in me because I’ve become aware of a problem that seems overlooked by all authors of time-travel novels: the biological clock.

 

If characters in novels really did travel through time and had physical bodies, adjusting to a world different from Earth would be quite a challenge. Unless the alternate world is set up exactly like Earth, just adjusting the biological clock alone would be a major ordeal for the protagonist.

 

Dealing with jet lag would be manageable, having over thirty hours in a day, sleeping for eight hours would still leave twenty-four hours, waking up to darkness again — would you sleep or not?

 

Moreover, I can vaguely sense that the gravity in this world seems to be a bit stronger than on Earth, and the oxygen concentration also seems richer.

 

Based on my poor astronomy knowledge… if a planet has a large mass, its gravity would indeed be relatively stronger, but mass doesn’t directly equate to volume. Grandis is so much larger in area than Earth, yet its gravity is only slightly higher. Does that mean this planet’s density is lower than Earth’s?

 

However, the gravity here is indeed a tad stronger than on Earth. Generally, in places with high gravity, it’s unlikely for organisms to grow very large because larger organisms find it harder to overcome gravity, their internal organs are easily crushed. Yet, Grandis even has dragons…

 

Wait, that’s not the right perspective. There are magical factors here as well. What if the physics and astronomy of this world are influenced by magic? Even Earth’s scientists haven’t figured out what “dark matter” and “dark energy” really are, or what role they play in the universe. Could magic in this world affect the planet itself? For example, could earth elements permeate the planet’s interior and affect its mass?

 

The most frustrating thing is that the nature of “magic” itself is elusive. Even great mage like Xiao Mo can’t define a specific magic like physical laws. Does this mean that this world itself is fundamentally unpredictable? Is that why everyone gave up on studying science?

 

Regarding what Gabriel previously mentioned about transplanting Earth’s technological products to the alternate world… is that really feasible?

 

As I lay on the small bed Nida had helped set up, covered in a fluffy feather quilt, all these messy thoughts swirled in my mind before falling asleep.

 

Ah… If Xiao Mo doesn’t return in the next few days, my novel will probably have to go on hiatus. Losing popularity during such a critical time would be disastrous, right?

 

Before crossing over this morning, just to be safe, I updated a chapter. There are several drafts stored on our computer. I’ve set up automatic updates, so around 11 PM, the backend will automatically upload the novel.

 

But drafts run out eventually. With days being so long in this parallel world, if I can’t contact Xiao Mo for ten days or even half a month, my new book might really be in jeopardy.

 

“……”

 

In a daze, I dreamt that I arrived in that beautiful world of the “Dream of Elves.”

 

The sky was a gem-like clear blue, vast grasslands spread out, and atop a small hill in the center of the grassland stood a large tree.

 

?Teresia, it seems you’ve found your own path.?

 

The ethereal voice echoed again from the sky. I walked slowly towards the large tree ahead and sat down on the soft grass beneath.

 

I was no longer wearing the clothes I wore before sleeping. When I lowered my head, I could see my light green hair hanging on both sides of my face.

 

On my bare skin behind me was a sensation akin to the caress of long silk-like hair.

 

“But I seem to have lost my way.”

 

I murmured softly to my slightly developed chest, “I can’t find her.”

 

?The Ring of Destiny will guide you on your path, my child.?

 

The ethereal voice gently said, ?For now, you can take a little break and have a sweet dream…?

 

I closed my eyes and lay down on the grass.

 

The tingling sensation of delicate skin being pricked by green grass spread across my body.

 

Warm sunlight filtered through the branches above, casting dappled patterns on the ground.

 

?Are you the king of the elves?? I quietly asked in my heart.

 

?I am the king of your inner world, child. When you close your eyes, the entire world will open up for you.?

 

?Do you live in the dreams of all the elves? Does Xiao Mo have a similar little world on her side??

 

?Curiosity shapes our world, and the dreams of the untainted allow responses to your desires…?

 

Just as I was about to drift off to sleep on the grassy lawn with my eyes closed, a familiar voice seemed to echo in my mind—

 

?Nuo’er? Nuo’er, where are you??

 

?Xiao… Mo??

 

?Nuo’er! Can you hear my voice? What’s happened? Why didn’t I find you on this side of the altar??

 

?……?

 

?I mobilized my forces and searched all over Grandis! I’ve also asked Fei Luo to look on Earth. Where have you gone??

 

?I’m in ‘Maha’.?

 

?Maha??

 

?It’s a language of the lizard people… Do you remember those lizard people who were exiled to the Forbidden Lands years ago? You placed a magic prohibition barrier here, or something else, maybe you yourself can’t detect it…?

 

?Forbidden Lands? The exile lands of Grandis? I did indeed use a curse to create a barrier there… Wait, you’ve been transported to that place??

 

?Well… yes, I’m living with the lizard people in one of their villages and have made many friends.?

 

?I see, that explains why none of my magic could detect your presence. Thank goodness… Stay there safely. I’m coming over right now.?

 

?There’s no need to rush. The lizard people here are very friendly, and I’m doing well.?

 

?With your harmless little kitten-like self, of course everyone seems friendly to you. Naive as ever. Who knows, they might have plans to eat you, and here you are speaking kindly on their behalf.?

 

?Who’s naive! I can tell not all lizard people are bad!?

 

?Anyway, stay put right where you are! Don’t go anywhere, don’t take off your clothes, don’t eat anything given to you by anyone, got it??

 

?I… I already ate a few fruits and some roasted meat.?

 

?See, that’s what I mean by naive! How do you feel now? Any dizziness or discomfort??

 

?No, they ate those fruits and roasted meat too. We’ve had a magical storm here, and most of the lizard people are taking shelter underground. I’m helping the village chief’s daughter manage the village finances in the largest house above ground. If you come over, be careful of the magical storm…?

 

?Why are you worrying about me at a time like this? I’m not as weak as you think. Remember what I’m saying, take care of yourself. From now on, don’t eat anything given by anyone, don’t use any magic-related items, don’t take off the protective clothes you’re wearing. I’ll fly there using traditional methods due to the magic prohibition. It’ll take up to eight hours. During this time, be good and obedient, okay??

 

For some reason, in the dream, Xiao Mo’s voice, despite being impatient, carried a tone similar to coaxing a child.

 

?Okay, I won’t wander around. I’ll stay put obediently and listen to you, my dear Momo, Mom!?

 

?That’s right. By the way, how did you manage to contact me? Isn’t magic prohibited over there? Nuo’er, did you break the prohibition spell on your own??

 

?I’m not sure either. I just… asked in the elf dream.?

 

?It seems your soul is indeed special, Nuo’er.?

 

?What’s so special about it! I’m just an uncle…?

 

?Yeah yeah… an uncle loli, alright, alright, you’ve said countless times, I know.?

 

?Evasiveness?

 

?At least things haven’t gotten worse. I’m going to head out now, Nuo’er, keep in touch.?

 

?I don’t know how to keep in touch. This is in my dream, I… I’m starting to feel more and more sleepy.?

 

?Nuo’er? Nuo’er, don’t fall asleep, Nuo’er…?

 

?……?

 

After that, I couldn’t hear Xiao Mo’s voice anymore.

 

I just remember that I seemed to have slept a good sleep.

 

Before falling asleep, I was constantly pondering why the planet “Grandis” in the other world is so massive but hasn’t increased proportionally in gravity, and why it hasn’t become more terrifying, even giving birth to many large creatures. I didn’t continue to think about these problems.

 

Even before consciousness disappeared, the last question I thought of was — if the gravity in this world is relatively high, then for me, who weighs only about 30 kg on Earth, I should be able to reach around 50 kg here, weighing over 100 kg. Yay.

 

The next day, I was woken up by Nida.

 

Looking at the sky outside, it was grayish, with a hint of dawn.

 

“Sister Diwu, Sister Diwu?”

 

Near the bed, not far from the room’s doorway, came a polite knocking sound, “Knock, knock, knock.”

 

“Sister Diwu, are you awake?”

 

“Ah…” I quickly got up and straightened my clothes, “I’m here, come in.”

 

Actually, I didn’t really need to straighten my clothes. After all, it’s all lolita dresses, just without the hoop skirts, more like nightgowns. Although Nida is also a girl, I couldn’t bring myself to undress and sleep in a completely unfamiliar environment.

 

With a “click” sound, Nida walked in from outside, “I received a distress signal.”

 

“Huh?”

 

I instinctively glanced outside the window, “Where did the distress signal come from?”

 

It was only then that I noticed the rain outside had stopped at some point, leaving only the sound of wind.

 

“It came from a lizardfolk village near the coast. The village chief there is my father’s uncle,” Nida said with concern on her face, “The distress signal said… pirates.”

 

Pirates?

 

“I’ve already sent the signal’s contents to everyone, so they should be coming out of the basement now.”

 

Nida assessed me, “Dad’s decision is to send twenty people, including myself, to check the situation at my uncle’s village. Sister Diwu, are you staying here?”

 

“What about the magic storm?”

 

I rolled off the bed and quickly pulled up the sleeves of my clothes. “Has it passed already?”

 

“Yeah, it’s already over. This magic storm wasn’t as severe as Tam said. It passed overnight,” Nida frowned.

 

“Those pirates probably decided to attack us after seeing Tam fly out of ‘Maha’.”

 

“Pirates… Why would they raid such a place?” I puzzled. “Is the lizardfolk village wealthy?”

 

“Maha is rich in resources, with plenty of fruits and animals. Like the dragonfolk, we lizardfolk also have a habit of storing food. Those pirates must know this,” Nida explained earnestly, looking at me. “So…”

 

“If I and dad go later, and Sister Diwu stays here, I can’t guarantee there won’t be another ambush team attacking our village. But if you go with us… we can’t guarantee your safety either, because from the current intelligence, none of us know the detailed situation of these pirates.”

 

“Take me with you,” I recalled what Xiao Mo said in my dream last night.

 

“I’ll be there in eight hours.” Subconsciously, I checked my phone for the time. “I’ll be fine.”

 

Just as Nida said, in this lizardfolk village, the ones I trust most right now are her and her father. If both of them go to support her uncle’s village and leave me here, if the pirates have a hidden plan like landing early, I’ll be even more at risk. I can’t rely on the lizardfolk in the village who’ve only seen me briefly.

 

It’s better to go directly with them to where the pirates are causing trouble. If something happens, these pirates are out in the open, and my mana is still full. I can escape using “Mobius Circle” at any time.

 

And now it’s been almost eight hours since I went to sleep last night. If Xiao Mo is reliable, she should be arriving at this island soon. Once Xiao Mo arrives, everyone will be safe.

 

“Do you want to come with us?” Nida asked with concern.

 

“Sister Diwu, these pirates must have come prepared. They took advantage of Tam’s absence from Maha to land and seize things. Their intelligence network is strong, and their strength might not be lacking.”

 

“It’s okay,” I reassured, patting Nida’s shoulder. “I’m going with you.”

 

“Well… since that’s the case, I’ll go talk to my father now,” Nida nodded and hurriedly ran towards the house’s entrance.

 

Meanwhile, I quickly grabbed the underskirt and put it on, quickly tidied up my clothes and personal items, then followed suit and ran outside.

 

“Is she going too?”

 

Outside, a large group of lizardfolk had already gathered under the overcast sky. Although it wasn’t raining anymore, the wind was strong. Nida’s father held a spear, looking vigilant.

 

“She’s our guest. Is it not better to keep guests in the safe village?”

 

“Since the pirates were discovered by Uncle and they fired a distress signal, how do we know they haven’t arranged for someone to come around from another place, to attack from behind?” Nida said seriously.

 

“Dad, I think we must keep Sister Diwu close to us to maximize her safety.”

 

“……”

 

The adult lizardfolk, holding a spear in the wind, fell silent for a few seconds, glanced at me, then at his daughter, and sighed lightly. “You’re right.”

 

“These pirates are likely the pirates named “Cote” who have been lurking nearby recently. They raided a noble’s transport ship months ago, have been wanted ever since, and dared not come too close to the human mainland or land ashore. They probably ran low on food, which led them to target us. Among them are at least two magisters and numerous high-level mages.”

 

Nida’s father walked up to me, looking into my eyes.

 

“Child, promise me, you’re special. If something really happens later, don’t worry about our safety. Protecting yourself is the most important thing, understand?”

 

“……”

 

……