Grace’s gaze turned solemn—with no reason at all, she felt this woman wasn’t a stranger.

Like Mushiyu, Grace had scoured her mind but found zero memories of her. A complete stranger. So why this odd sense of familiarity?

“They seem troubled,” Bak said, striding over.

Grace stayed rooted.

Just as Mushiyu thought the woman wouldn’t reveal her name, a cold yet lovely voice whispered in her ear: “I’m… Shirley.”

Warm, moist breath brushed Mushiyu’s earlobe, flushing it crimson. She jolted—when had she gotten this close?

Instinctively stepping back, she bumped straight into Ata behind her. Ata steadied her shoulders, his hands lingering as he glanced at her flushed ear peeking through dark strands.

Mushiyu shot him an apologetic look. Ata just smiled.

By then, the woman had retreated to her original spot, putting distance between them. Or was it Mushiyu’s imagination? She thought she glimpsed a trace of… something… beneath that blank expression.

“Miss Shirley, nice to meet you. I’m… Mu,” Mushiyu said, recalling Grace’s fake name for her.

“Mu…” Shirley tasted the syllable, then abruptly looked out the window. “Do you like rain?”

Baffled by the random question, Mushiyu followed her gaze. Rain lashed the glass, and beyond lay only darkness—nothing visible.

“I… don’t really like it,” she admitted. At least not this storm. On an airship flying through a downpour in another world, such weather only bred unease.

Shirley turned back, locking eyes with Mushiyu. Mushiyu stared back, sensing something flickering in those depths—something she couldn’t quite grasp. Then it vanished.

“Who’s this lady?” Bak approached, eyeing Shirley.

Shirley gave him a dismissive glance, then fixed her gaze back on Mushiyu. She said nothing, turned, and left.

Grace stood frozen as the woman walked toward her. They paused briefly when passing, eyes meeting. From those icy irises, Grace read only endless cold.

She couldn’t help glancing back at the retreating figure. Shaking off her tangled thoughts, she joined Mushiyu and the others.

“Mu, what did she say to you?” Grace asked, concerned.

“She asked if I liked the cake… then if I liked rain,” Mushiyu replied truthfully.

“Her actions make zero sense. Total weirdo!” Ata huffed.

Grace frowned slightly. “Did she say who she was?”

“Yeah. Shirley.”

Shirley…?

“Forget that oddball, Mu! Wanna try the airship’s entertainment?” Ata squeezed her hand excitedly. “It’s awesome!”

“Entertainment?” Mushiyu glanced at Grace.

Grace nodded. “Go ahead. Let Ata show you.”

Ata dragged Mushiyu to a nearby cabin—smaller than the last but still packed. Groups huddled around tables, murmuring with awe or cheers.

Peeking through the crowd, Mushiyu saw two players seated opposite each other. Cards lay on the table, vivid illustrations and tiny text covering them. One scratched his head in frustration; the other looked relaxed.

It resembled card games from her old world.

Ata halted, studying the table. He leaned close to Mushiyu’s ear. “That guy seems confident, but he’s got a fatal flaw. If his opponent spots it, he’s done.”

Mushiyu blinked at him. “What game is this?”

Ata stared. “Berg Cards? You’ve never played?”

Panic flickered in Mushiyu—had she slipped up?

No. Stay calm. Even famous things have newcomers. She shook her head calmly. “Never heard of it.”

Ata shrugged, accepting it. “Berg Cards. Invented by a guy named Berg. Based on the world map of the Heavenly Wonder Continent a thousand years ago—with historical figures and legends. Super popular in the Central Empire. Some cards are rare or meaningful, so they’re collectibles too. I’ve got a set. I’ll teach you sometime.”

Mushiyu smiled. “Sure.”

As they spoke, the frustrated player suddenly slapped his forehead. “Ah!” His eyes lit up, locking onto one card on his opponent’s side. He grinned, comparing it to his own field. The once-composed player visibly paled.

He rattled off game terms. Spectators gasped or nodded knowingly. His opponent chuckled ruefully. The table erupted from silence into lively chatter, drawing nearby glances.

“Mu, let’s try that!” Ata tugged her toward a crowded screen displaying split footage.

Mushiyu squinted. Wait—this looked familiar…

“Dragon Rider!” she blurted out.

Ata shot her another puzzled look. How did someone who didn’t know Berg Cards recognize Dragon Rider?

Of course she knew it. She’d played it—not here, but in her old world’s VR game, Heavenly Wonder Continent.