The discomfort came and vanished in an instant.
While Lin Shuang's sensitivity to memory was notable, she was also highly adaptable.
Yet, even though the dizziness faded, the strange sensation of floating through a dream lingered, like drifting on your back in an unknown world.
As long as Lin Shuang doesn't keep activating the [Secret Pattern to Break Delusion], she could find peace.
But that pattern creates a mark in her eye, making it somewhat noticeable.
Simply keeping it activated drains her energy.
For now, though, since it doesn't seem dangerous, there's no need to turn this instant skill into something passive.
However, this strange occurrence still made Lin Shuang more cautious of Penacony.
Whether this feeling stemmed from the environment or something more human-made, Lin Shuang wasn't sure.
What she did know was that triggering the [Secret Pattern to Break Delusion] meant that the entire galaxy carried the risk of inflicting large-scale mental damage.
The Asdana star system might be more dangerous than Lin Shuang had anticipated.
She silently pondered, wondering if the mastermind behind Penacony was using this environment to manipulate dreams or distort perceptions.
And if what Lin Shuang felt was truly a problem...
Then the ones most likely to exploit the environment of Penacony were undoubtedly the Family with the greatest suspicion.
It wasn't an impossible thought.
In any case, she would have to remain cautious.
After organizing her thoughts, Lin Shuang stood up and opened the door to the medical compartment.
To her surprise, someone unexpected stood ahead in the corridor.
The figure before her was clad in tight attire, emphasizing her voluptuous form, with long silver-blue hair flowing behind her.
Black Swan walked toward Lin Shuang, playing with a card, her high heels clicking rhythmically on the floor.
Da-da-da-da.
The sound echoed as she approached.
"Hello, little sister. You're neither a Vidyadhara nor a Memokeeper, yet you can peer into memories. This galaxy certainly isn't lacking in interesting things."
Black Swan reached Lin Shuang and smiled.
Her fingers gently caressed Lin Shuang's cheek.
Leaning in slightly, her captivating eyes—blending deep blue and gold—scrutinized Lin Shuang with an almost tender gaze.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm a Memokeeper from the Garden of Recollection. You can call me Black Swan."
Lin Shuang blinked, surprised by Black Swan's sudden appearance but unsurprised she knew about her.
After all, her role was to retrieve memories.
"Why is a Memokeeper from the Garden of Recollection here?"
"Of course, I'm here to find you, little sister. You're more intriguing than you seem."
Black Swan's voice was smooth, velvety, and unhurried—soothing, yet persuasive.
She raised the glittering card in her hand, smiling.
"Would you care for a free divination?"
"No, there's nothing I wish to know at the moment."
Lin Shuang took a step back, evading Black Swan's touch, rejecting the divination offer.
Seeing Lin Shuang pull away, Black Swan smiled and withdrew her hand, continuing calmly.
"Don't be so quick to refuse. This offer stands for quite a while. I know you can peer into fate as well, but a doctor can't heal themselves. Surely, you'll want to add a little more to your journey to Penacony?"
Her voice, gentle and inviting, seemed designed to sway anyone.
But it was clear Lin Shuang had no intention of following Black Swan's rhythm.
"I don't think a divination counts as a bargaining chip. And besides, Memokeeper, your presence is rather suspicious."
Although Lin Shuang had expected to meet Black Swan, that didn't mean she was ready to trust her.
"I'm a Memokeeper from the Garden of Recollection, dedicated to collecting the memories of the universe and restoring history. So, tell me, why have you come to me?"
What was Black Swan after? Her memories? Or was it her Light Cone's power?
Besides, a Memokeeper could manipulate memories—something Lin Shuang didn't want to experience.
"I'll turn your words back on you, Black Swan. What about you? Want a free divination?"
"Hmm... You're rather blunt, but I do like those who speak their mind."
Black Swan's smile remained, though her expression held a slight frown.
"Your ability to alter the Light Cone is fascinating. And the memories shrouded in mist... Blocking a Memokeeper's sight in the Asdana system is no simple feat."
The Asdana galaxy was rich with memory matter, and for a Memokeeper, it was the perfect environment to enhance her abilities.
Yet, Black Swan couldn't even perceive Lin Shuang's memories. They were hidden beneath an impenetrable fog.
Additionally, Lin Shuang had shown she could deconstruct and reconstruct her Light Cone, making her all the more intriguing.
It was clear that, while Black Swan was focused on history, Lin Shuang's uniqueness had captured her attention.
After hearing this, Lin Shuang paused.
Shrouded in mist? Was something blocking the Memokeeper from seeing her memories?
She thought of the system, which often interfered with her, but considering the mess she was in, it made sense the system might protect her from such prying eyes.
Seeing Black Swan's expression, which didn't seem forced, Lin Shuang sighed in relief.
But that didn't mean she was fully at ease.
"This is my secret, and it's none of your business. Could it be that the Garden of Recollection has designs on me?"
"Hehe~ Seems like little sister has some misunderstandings about the Garden of Recollection."
Black Swan laughed softly, brushing off Lin Shuang's caution.
"The Garden of Recollection controls Light Cone technology to prevent memory abuse, not to monopolize it. How you did it doesn't matter, as long as you don't misuse it."
"So, you're saying you came simply because you're interested in me? To be friends?"
Lin Shuang didn't buy Black Swan's story. If the Garden of Recollection were so open-minded...
It wasn't like only corporations could produce Light Cones. With the Genius Society around, it was hard to believe no one had ever been interested in them.
Lin Shuang suspected Black Swan's interest lay in her ability to resist memory manipulation. Since that ability couldn't be erased easily, Black Swan was likely trying to change her approach.
After all, an organization that played with memories was unlikely to be entirely truthful.