---o---
[Your current Resonance Progress with the [Lance of Preservation] is—(10/10)]
[You have successfully resonated with the [Lance of Preservation]. As the heir to the Supreme Guardian, you have gained the right to use it.]
The text on the light screen faded, and a new scene emerged:
In the image, Bronya's hands were tightly gripping a great lance encased in hard ice. This weapon, belonging to the first Supreme Guardian Alisa Rand, had been sealed in ice as generations of Guardians fell into despair. The amber-colored magma that once flowed upon it was long gone, the burning flames completely extinguished, leaving only a cold, azure frost.
But now, the hard ice on the lance was beginning to crack. Fissures spread across its surface, dense and overlapping, like a spider's web enveloping the entire weapon.
Within these cracks, a faint emerald-green radiance flickered...
As the fissures spread, the emerald light leaking from within grew brighter, more brilliant. A gentle breeze began to seep from the cracks, then grew into a gale.
Finally, the ice could no longer contain this power. It shattered abruptly in the fierce wind, the azure shards exploding into a mist of ice before being scattered and erased by the surging gale, ceasing to exist.
What remained was a lance in Bronya's hands that was more slender than before, as if cast from pure jade. The amber-like body of the spear shimmered with a hazy emerald light, and a tempestuous gale coiled around it, like an arrow forged from the storm itself. One could feel its sharpness with a single glance.
The emerald light, carried by the gale, swept through the entire factory. The Silvermane Guards, training according to the "One-Punch Guard Training Method," suddenly felt as if they had divine aid. The wind seemed to be pushing them forward, and all their training movements accelerated several times over, so fast that their afterimages were nearly invisible.
Bronya herself stared blankly at the lance, at its emerald glow, feeling the violent gale buffet her body. She slowly tightened her grip on its shaft.
...The power she needed was now hers.
Watching the scene on the light screen, the great stone that had been weighing on Bronya's heart finally fell.
"I finally succeeded..."
She murmured to herself, her eyes still reflecting the gale that coiled around the Lance of Preservation in the image, reflecting its emerald brilliance.
This power... was the small blessing from the Amber Lord, passed down since the founding of Belobog, the Divine Power unique to the Supreme Guardian.
The majority of the Supreme Guardian's strength stemmed from this. The Divine Power itself had not changed much, from the clear, amber-hot flames of Alisa Rand's era to the cold, azure ice it became as generations of Guardians fell into despair.
She never expected that in her hands, it would transform into a completely new form...
"The wind, symbolizing 'change'?"
Bronya murmured, clenching her fist tightly.
"Although I have only just obtained this power, and it is likely no stronger than my mother's, it is enough..."
She looked at the screen before her, her heart filled with confidence.
"I will bring change to Belobog... I am certain of it."
The wind of change would blow through Belobog today—on this very day!
---o---
And at the same time, on the other side—
A brilliant golden meteor streaked across the night sky, then came to a halt.
The Astral Express's star rail, condensed from resplendent golden light, froze as if it were a stuck film, unable to play. The golden radiance struggled to gather, but it could not form the rail needed to carry the Express forward.
The train was forced to stop, suspended in orbit above Jarilo-VI.
"After several hundred years... has Jarilo-VI become like this?"
Himeko stood before the window of the observation car, looking at the stark white, frozen planet outside, feeling a wave of emotion.
Nearby, March 7th, who had been testing her balance during the warp jump and lost, rubbed her head and got up. She also walked to the window, her voice full of curiosity.
"Eh? That pure white planet, is that our destination this time?"
Himeko nodded, her expression slightly worried.
"That's right... I'm afraid this 'Trailblazing' journey won't be an easy one either."
"Spatial readings abnormal! Star rail stability has dropped to 12%!"
Pom-Pom the conductor came waddling over on his short legs, his tone grave.
"Attention, all passengers! Change in docking plans! The stop at this station has been extended from seven days to indefinitely!"
"Indefinitely?"
Stelle tilted her head in confusion. Having just boarded the train, she hadn't experienced many of the common situations the Astral Express encountered. Himeko saw her confusion at a glance and explained with a light smile.
"It's because the Imaginary Domain this world is in has encountered... a certain situation. The train's tracks are blocked by something."
"How should I put it... Using a regular land train as an analogy, it's like the tracks ahead have suddenly broken, with a bottomless abyss beneath..."
"At a time like this, we have no choice but to make an emergency stop, right?"
Little Pom-Pom nodded his head in agreement, his paws on his hips in a super-serious pose as he warned Stelle.
"If we force our way forward, it could lead to terrible consequences!"
"Su~per terrible!" March 7th poked her head out. "Needless to say, the cause of this star rail anomaly is also—"
"The preliminary test results are in... That's right, it's a [Stellaron]."
A mature and steady male voice spoke up. Welt placed a thin stack of reports on the table, pushed up his glasses, and looked at the Trailblazer, who had visibly perked up at the mention of the word "Stellaron" and was pointing at herself.
"You're right, Stelle. It's the same substance as the [Stellaron] that was implanted in your body."
"The same substance... huh?"
Stelle murmured, thinking of everything she had just experienced at the Herta Space Station, a trace of worry in her eyes.
"Then what should we do..."
"Don't worry. We've actually dealt with this kind of thing many times."
Himeko gently patted Stelle's head, comforting her.
"Although there are many mysteries surrounding [Stellarons] that even Herta can't fully analyze, we at least have the means to counteract their influence."
"The arrival of a [Stellaron] brings drastic changes to civilizations and ecosystems, and it also creates spatial distortions like the Fragmentum. The reason Jarilo-VI has become such a frozen planet... is inextricably linked to the influence of a Stellaron."
Himeko paused, then chuckled softly.
"According to our theory, [Stellarons] are seeds of disaster sown across the worlds by a certain Aeon. If we don't uproot the source of the calamity, 'Trailblazing' is out of the question."
Hearing the hidden meaning in Himeko's words, Stelle paused.
"What you mean is...?"
"It means the Express Crew has a job to do~"
March 7th said with a cheerful grin. Himeko nodded and made her request.
"For this [Trailblazing] mission, I'd like to entrust it to you, March 7th, and Dan Heng."
"The objective of the journey is also very clear: find the [Stellaron] that has brought disaster to this world and caused the spatial distortion, and bring it back to the train. Leave the rest to us."
...
Under the protection of the power of [The Trailblaze], the three of them landed safely in the icy expanse, steadying themselves in the thick snow.
Dan Heng silently observed the unique, heavy snow on this planet, feeling the biting cold on his skin. He spoke softly.
"Jarilo-VI—we've arrived."
March 7th stretched, fearlessly feeling the biting cold under the protection of [The Trailblaze].
"—It really is a world of ice and snow."
Stelle nodded silently and also stretched.
"It really is a world of ice and snow."
March 7th looked at her, speechless. "Are you a repeater?"
Stelle shrugged with a smile. "Just kidding... It's all white here. Which way should we go?"
Dan Heng recalled the monitoring data. "Hmm... According to the coordinates, it should be just ahead. We just need to go straight through this snowfield."
March 7th was full of energy. "Alright! What are we waiting for? Let's go now!"
Stelle looked at the energetic March, a little curious.
"Why didn't we just land at the destination? The power of [The Trailblaze] should be able to do a pinpoint drop, right?"
Hearing this, Dan Heng glanced at March.
"...Do you want to tell her about the time you put a hole in the Tycodyean Grand Stadium, or should I?"
March looked a bit embarrassed. "Ugh, let's not bring that up. Anyway, it's best to land in a place with no living creatures."
The stoic dragon mercilessly delivered the final blow. "Unless you want to experience the Trailblazing path of half a month of community service."
March's face turned red. "I said don't bring it up!"
Seeing that March was about to crack under the weight of her past embarrassments, Dan Heng's tone became serious, steering the conversation back on track.
"Remember... be cautious with every step. We know very little about this world. No one knows what we will face next."
March patted her red cheeks, quickly forgetting her minor embarrassment.
Hearing Dan Heng's serious advice, she said with a grin.
"Relax, with the three of us, what can't we solve?"
"The Trailblazer has a [Stellaron] in her body, I have the unique [Six-Phased Ice], and Dan Heng has... uh, a mysterious past of some kind."
"If anyone really gives us trouble, we'll just use our hidden powers!" March waved her little fists. "We'll beat them so badly they won't know what hit them! It'll be their unlucky day!"
Stelle also waved her fists, punching the air three times. "It'll be their unlucky day!"
March looked at the innocent-faced Stelle, completely exasperated.
"...How long has this repeating symptom been going on?"
"Forget it," she turned her head, looking into the depths of the vast snowfield, at the giant city whose silhouette was faintly visible through the blizzard, her eyes sparkling.
"Let's go. To bravely explore the unknown—that is the spirit of [The Trailblaze]!"
...
"So this is 'Trailblazing'... getting chased by the planet's natives and thrown in jail to experience the trailblazing path of a half-month detention?"
Stelle muttered under her breath as she looked at the Silvermane Guards standing at attention not far away. Beside her, March 7th and Dan Heng also looked helpless.
"This kind of thing does happen from time to time... I've found that a situation like this occurs once every four worlds."
March said, her tone slightly annoyed.
"But it's totally not our fault this time! We were tricked by that Sampo guy for no reason. I'm super mad..."
Not far away, a Silvermane Guard tightened his grip on his spear and shouted sternly at the trio.
"Suspects! Cease resistance and surrender!"
A small cross popped on March's forehead. "Being treated like a criminal makes me even madder!"
"If you can't bear it, then you don't have to..."
Stelle comforted March, then shouted at the guards.
"We're not with that blue-haired guy! In fact, we're not even citizens of Belobog. Look at our clothes! Can you people of Belobog dress like this in a snowfield? You have to be reasonable when you're convicting someone, right?"
A guard tightened his grip on his axe and yelled back.
"Silence! What nonsense are you spouting—"
But he was cut off by Gepard. The young and promising Garrison Commander's sharp gaze swept over the three of them. After seeing their thin clothes—especially March's youthful and beautiful outfit, her bare legs adorned only with thigh rings—he was certain of the unease he had been feeling.
"No, we can't be so rash. Look at their attire. That is indeed not the style of Belobog."
He said softly.
"It is said that a long time ago, interstellar travelers often came here... But after the 'Eternal Freeze' occurred, no one has passed through the snow curtain to come to Belobog..."
A guard asked, confused, "But these people..."
Gepard shook his head. "This is no longer a matter for us to decide. If what they say is true, then only Her Excellency the Supreme Guardian can decide what to do."
"What we should do is bring them before the Supreme Guardian."
He took a step forward, standing before the trio.
"Outworlders, come with me. Belobog is just behind this curtain of snow."
Led by Gepard, the three of them passed through the snow curtain and beheld the City of Everlasting Winter, a city that stood firm in the ice and snow, enveloped by the protection of the Amber Lord.
"It doesn't feel so cold anymore, huh?"
Walking inside the city, March rubbed her hands and was surprised to find that she felt warm, clearly not feeling the same cold as outside.
Gepard led the way, explaining as he walked.
"...Because you are in Belobog, the last bastion of humanity."
Curious March's tail of curiosity began to wag.
"The last bastion?"
Gepard was silent for a moment, then explained.
"Seven hundred years ago, monsters from beyond the sky set the planet aflame. The land became scorched earth, filled with burning magma and boiling black smoke."
"At the moment of life and death, the Eternal Freeze suddenly descended. A sweeping gale came without warning, and the invading Legion was buried in the blizzard. The only thing that remained was Belobog—"
"The steadfast [City-Builders] established this city. Under the protection of [The Preservation] Qlipoth, Belobog, though battered by the blizzard, is forever warm."
Listening to Gepard's introduction, which sounded like the opening of a musical, March shrank back and whispered to Dan Heng and Stelle.
"...What's with him all of a sudden? He talks so weirdly."
Dan Heng said flatly, "That's not his usual tone. He must be quoting from some scripture."
March nodded in understanding, but still looked confused.
"Oh, then why is he telling us all this?"
"Because you asked."
Gepard's voice came suddenly from ahead. He stopped walking.
"Alright, we've arrived."
The three of them came to their senses and followed him. They were now deep within Belobog, having passed through crowds of onlookers to arrive before a majestic and exquisite fortress.
"This is Qlipoth Fort, the heart of Belobog and the headquarters of the City-Builders."
Gepard pointed to the fortress and explained seriously.
"The Aeon Qlipoth is the symbol of [The Preservation]. Inspired by It, the City-Builders established Belobog, protecting the flame of civilization from natural disasters and the eternal cold."
"To show our respect, we named this fortress after that Aeon. The City-Builders, protected by Qlipoth, have always led this city forward, fighting against all kinds of disasters from the outside world."
"At the same time, this fortress is also the residence of the Supreme Guardian."
March's tail of curiosity wagged once more.
"Supreme Guardian? What's that?"
"The leader of Belobog, appointed by the City-Builders. They have watched over this city for generations, providing protection for the people."
Gepard explained patiently.
"The current Guardian is Lady Cocolia Rand. All major decisions in the city are decreed by her."
March was impressed, though she didn't fully understand. "Whoa... she sounds like a big deal."
Gepard nodded and said decisively.
"I will take you to see Lady Cocolia now. You may prepare what you wish to say in advance. Her time is precious, so she prefers concise reports."
March was a little flustered by Gepard's briskness. She subconsciously fiddled with her snow-covered hair and said pitifully.
"Eh, eh?! We're going to see her so soon? Can I find a place to freshen up first?"
Beside her, Stelle silently raised her hand. Her head was also covered in a layer of snow, which was beginning to melt in the warmth of the city.
"Count me in..."
Dan Heng sighed helplessly and put a hand on both their shoulders.
"Don't waste time. No one will notice such trivial things."
Gepard nodded in approval.
"Lady Cocolia does not get bogged down in details. Relatively speaking, she is a Supreme Guardian with... very unconventional ideas."
"I have already sent a messenger. Lady Cocolia should know of your origins by now. Come with me to meet her."
Without hesitation, he led them up the long flight of stairs and into the historic fortress...
...
"How is it? Are the Titans I requested assembled?"
Cocolia asked a logistics officer beside her as she dealt with the official business at hand.
"...Ten units, Your Excellency. Ten Titan mechs have been assembled."
The officer saluted Cocolia and reported sternly.
"The blueprint you provided was extremely detailed, and the construction method was surprisingly simple. We just disassembled some scrapped automatons from the army for parts, took what was usable, and temporarily fabricated the missing modules. We've already assembled ten Titan mechs..."
"Following the suggestion on the blueprint, we have selected blade fragments recovered from slain Antimatter Legion soldiers from the City-Builders' collection and installed them on the Titans' chainswords, increasing their lethality..."
As he spoke, an unstoppable excitement shone in his eyes.
"We conducted a test at the front lines last night. A few of the lads piloted the Titans into the Fragmentum and charged through the tide of creatures several times, as if it were an unmanned territory..."
"The parts used for one of the Titans were severely aged, and it was surrounded by creatures and unable to escape. Just when we thought the test would end in an accident, that Titan said something like 'Trust me, Pilot,' and ejected the pilot back towards the Restricted Zone, where they were caught safely by another Titan..."
"The AI is that good... Alright, I understand."
Cocolia nodded thoughtfully. "Leave all those Titans at Qlipoth Fort. I will temporarily hand my personal guard over to you. Go and teach them how to pilot the Titans—"
Knock, knock, knock.
A knock came from the door of the Supreme Guardian's office. Cocolia waved her hand, dismissing the officer, then said loudly.
"Come in."
Gepard pushed open the door and led the trio into the office. They looked around curiously at the room, at the mountains of documents, the giant planetary globe, and the steely-eyed military officer who brushed past them, leaving in a hurry...
"Your Excellency the Guardian—I have brought the three outworlders to see you."
"The messenger has already informed me of the situation. Well done, Gepard. you may also be dismissed."
Cocolia looked up from the complex documents, waved Gepard away, and had him close the door on his way out.
She looked at the three members of the Express Crew, her face slightly weary, forcing a gentle smile.
"Welcome, visitors from beyond the Eternal Freeze... no, from beyond the stars, is that right?"
"I am Cocolia Rand, the Guardian of Belobog. I am here to listen to the purpose of your visit."
Stelle was a little curious. "You don't doubt our origins?"
Cocolia chuckled softly. "Do you wish for me to doubt them? Are you so unconfident in your own claimed identity? No, I do not doubt you. I can see that you are not of this world."
"The [City-Builders] remember history in order to strengthen their own resolve. I know that in the distant past, before the Eternal Freeze descended, before the [Legion] invaded, this world was once incredibly prosperous..."
"The Aeons connected our planet with other worlds. We learned of the countless possibilities in the vast galaxy, and we heard of [The Amber Lord] Qlipoth. Under Its gaze, we began to build our walls."
"...So, do not be surprised. Although the [City-Builders] have not received any news from the stars for seven hundred years, I know of your existence. State your purpose. I am listening."
"We are here to trailblaze this planet, for the [Stellaron]..."
Cocolia was slightly taken aback at the word Stellaron.
"...Stellaron?"
Dan Heng explained carefully. "It is a substance that suddenly descends upon various worlds. Its appearance signifies disaster. Many planets we have passed through have suffered from the poison of a Stellaron."
"You just mentioned the invasion of the Antimatter Legion. Shortly after they arrived, the Eternal Freeze appeared on this planet. And when the Eternal Freeze was born, the spatial corrosion phenomenon known as the Fragmentum occurred, is that correct?"
Cocolia was silent for a moment. "...That is correct."
"It was the Aeon of [The Destruction] who sowed the Stellarons. That is why the Antimatter Legion appears alongside them, and the Fragmentum follows," Stelle said, repeating the knowledge she had just learned from Welt and Himeko. "You can think of us as kind-hearted people who travel between the stars, specifically offering a helping hand to worlds troubled by Stellarons, to resolve the crises they bring..."
"That's right, that's right! We Trailblazers have always been like that~"
March 7th grinned, draping her hands over Stelle's shoulders and poking her head out, trying to lighten the serious atmosphere. But the result was seeing Cocolia sitting there, looking at the three of them without joy or sorrow, an inscrutable emotion in her eyes, her thoughts unreadable.
After a long silence, she spoke.
"...We will discuss this matter later. I have some interest in cooperating with you, but not now."
Her tone softened slightly.
"Everyone, it would be best for you to rest at the Goethe Hotel for this period. Do not go out随意 (suíyì - casually, as you please)... Belobog is not very safe recently. I will come find you in a few days."
She waved her hand, and several guards appeared from nowhere.
"See our guests out. Take them to the Goethe Hotel to rest..."
The guards saluted Cocolia loyally, then flanked the Trailblazers and led them away...
Watching their retreating backs, Cocolia whispered softly.
"Stellaron... huh?"
"Not yet... just a little longer."
She stood up, looked through the window of Qlipoth Fort at the street scene outside, and sighed softly.
"The wind of change is about to blow..."
---o---
And at the same time, on the other side—
Bronya looked at Qlipoth Fort in the distance and murmured with a hint of apology.
"I'm sorry, Mother..."
She tightened her grip on the Lance of Preservation. The march of the guards beside her quickened, their movements becoming silent under the blessing of her Divine Power.
"But this is how I save Belobog."