### Chapter 30: Third Wheel Extraordinaire
Next up was Wen Ren Zuo. At that time, he was busy researching mechanical objects and quickly understood the various principles left behind by his ancestors.
But simple gadgets didn’t satisfy him; only devices that brought convenience to humans were what he truly sought.
He had plenty of ideas in his head, but the problem lay in the power source, which made actualization difficult.
The power plants available weren’t up to his standards, forcing him to continuously think and research.
Kuro arrived with Shen Tu Xiu Ming and Si Ma Yi Nan by his side and claimed he could solve the power source issue.
However, it wasn’t through scientific principles but mysterious unknown forces.
Wen Ren Zuo initially refused. He held deep reverence for mechanics and science, aspiring to discover new knowledge through his own work that would benefit humanity and make his mark in history.
Without a scientific explanation for the crucial power source, how could others use it?
That would merely be pseudo-science.
But Kuro proposed the concept of a perpetual motion machine, generating energy out of thin air.
If the durability of the mechanical parts was high enough, it could be used continuously without worrying about energy issues.
Wen Ren Zuo found himself drawn to this theory of generating energy from nothing.
Although these theories were heretical, if it helped realize his dreams faster, why not?
So, Wen Ren Zuo eventually decided to follow Kuro.
Kind of like going down the wrong path.
Finally, all three were complete after half a year.
This was the story thus far.
Back to reality.
Kuro approached Night Star Lan, wearing a smirk.
“What do you think, my friend? Don’t you feel a connection? My instincts tell me we’re both from the distant Eastern continent. You should feel at home.”
“Meh, not really, I’m indifferent to strangers.”
Even though these three would become the first generation favored by Luo Xi later, Night Star Lan felt no particular attachment.
As long as they didn’t bother them while snuggling—third wheels can be pesky.
The plot unfolded just as before.
Luo Xi and Kuro bestowed their power upon Si Ma Yi Nan, Shen Tu Xiu Ming, and Wen Ren Zuo, letting them go their separate ways.
Now all nine first-generation members were gathered.
Night Star Lan turned to Kuro, who was smiling.
“Kuro, what’s next after gathering the nine?”
She was quite concerned.
If Kuro stayed here after finding the first generation, there’d be no time alone with Luo Xi.
Though Night Star Lan secretly wanted to hang Kuro on the ceiling as a third wheel at the theater, she didn’t want him disrupting their snuggle time.
Thankfully, Kuro never stayed put.
Unlike Luo Xi.
“Of course, I’ll continue traveling. I need to see firsthand what choices those powered humans will make. My passion never wanes!”
“Yeah! Go for it!”
Night Star Lan clapped, excited.
As long as he went anywhere else.
Otherwise, she’d feel uncomfortable and less snuggle-happy.
Kuro grinned at Night Star Lan.
“My friend, seems like in your heart, I rank below White. Your intentions are too obvious.”
“Huh? No way! You must be mistaking!”
“Mistake? No, no, I’ve never been wrong.”
“Ah, forget the details. Let’s talk about something else. Why choose those humans for the power transfer?”
Night Star Lan quickly changed the subject, curious.
She sensed Kuro picked the first generations on a whim.
While fate might explain it, it seemed too random.
Kuro answered Night Star Lan’s question.
“My friend, there’s no special reason. It’s all about destiny! I didn’t actively seek them. As long as we met, it was meant to be. The ones I chose aren’t top-notch. Many are better in various aspects, but it doesn’t matter. You, my friend, are special. You’re different.”
“Um… So it’s just serendipity.”
Night Star Lan mumbled.
For Kuro, spreading enthusiasm wasn’t hard.
Anyone could accept the Origin of Stars’ power.
When Kuro appeared around the first generation, they usually felt helpless.
In some ways, Kuro had a godlike presence.
“Anyway, thanks for your answer. To some extent, you’ve helped me, and I’ll ‘enthusiastically’ return the favor someday.”
“Heh, looking forward to it.”
Kuro left after saying that.
Night Star Lan moved on from Kuro’s antics and waited for more interesting stories.
Each story at the start of the first generations’ journey was like dessert for Night Star Lan—it always tasted good.
Since Kuro brought back three first-generation members at once, three stories should begin soon if she fast-forwards time a bit.
Though these three came from the same place, even if they don’t live nearby, it’s not a huge distance.
Their activities in the Eastern continent might get quite lively.
Whether they turn into chaos depends on their ideals.
Night Star Lan urged Luo Xi to speed up time, skipping ahead two weeks to check on Si Ma Yi Nan, Shen Tu Xiu Ming, and Wen Ren Zuo.
She didn’t dig deep; a quick overview was enough.
Si Ma Yi Nan hadn’t gone home but remained in the capital city, close to the court. She got reliable intelligence via star powers.
Whenever important events happened, she’d go to the scene immediately and report the gist accurately.
Night Star Lan felt an uncanny déjà vu.
Si Ma Yi Nan reminded her of modern journalists, rushing to scenes of major events to report.
But unlike journalists, she recorded privately and left silently.
If this trend continues,
future significant events likely wouldn’t happen unnoticed by Si Ma Yi Nan.
Battles, coups, births of celebrities… she’d probably attend.
Like a historical witness.
