Asta, of course, shook her head and didn't dwell on such minor details.
After bowing her head to issue a few more commands and arrangements over the comms, she finally looked back at the group.
"Would you all mind following me to the command platform? It's not ideal to keep blocking the elevator entrance like this."
Sylvia nodded, and no one else raised any objections. As for Mount No.1, it naturally fell into step silently beside Sylvia. Since Asta didn't mention it, Sylvia didn't make a fuss about it either.
The group followed Asta toward the command platform.
Ms. Himeko walked alongside and asked, "How is the space station's current situation?"
"For now, things are still under control. The security system sustained only minor damage and should be easy to repair. The real hidden risk lies with the researchers."
Asta's expression turned somewhat helpless as she said this.
After all, she couldn't expect these usually research-focused staff to bounce back immediately after a sudden life-threatening crisis.
"They have immense faith in Madam Herta… It never occurred to them that the station could be breached. Compared to physical injuries, the psychological panic is far more troublesome."
Although the evacuation during this attack was timely, there were still casualties. Sylvia had even rescued someone on her way here earlier.
Seeing that his leg injury hampered his movement, she gave him some basic treatment and settled him in a safe cabin.
There were surely others who hadn't made it out in time. Incidents like these likely hit the researchers hard.
"Have you managed to contact Madam Herta?"
"…No. I've sent numerous emails, but they've all sunk without a trace. Madam Herta only made an appearance some days ago; usually, she's incredibly difficult to reach."
Asta shook her head. Himeko let out a soft sigh. "I figured as much… No matter. I'll also try sending a message to Herta."
Most of the discussion was between Himeko and Asta.
Meanwhile, Sylvia was already eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Doomsday Beast.
Ever since acquiring the [Riding EX] skill, Sylvia hadn't used it much, and those few times were just with starships and the like.
So, she hadn't noticed anything particularly special about it. But today's test revealed just how overbearing this so-called 'Assimilation and Fusion' truly was.
The assimilated Mount No.1 even took on some characteristics of a Heliobus—it felt like forcibly infusing energy to push it up a whole tier.
It made Sylvia hesitant to even try fusing with the Stellaron. Who knows what kind of dangerous thing with Stellaron radiation might come out of that? That would really be a riot.
Thinking this, Sylvia silently gave thanks to Acheron in her heart. If she hadn't brought over such a large Heliobus, Sylvia might still be stuck using the Stellaron.
Sylvia's mind wandered, imagining the Doomsday Beast after assimilation—a massive, flame-wreathed dragon. Just the thought seemed awesome.
Maybe later she could ask Asta if there were any researchers at the station specializing in spatial folding.
Find someone to help make a couple of Poké Balls—would make it much easier to carry these assimilated mounts around.
As she pondered, Himeko and Asta's conversation drew to a temporary close.
The express crew decided to help calm the emotionally unstable researchers.
Of course, Sylvia suspected what Himeko really wanted was to get a good look at Stelle—after all, an amnesiac of unknown origins warranted careful observation.
As for Sylvia herself…
Considering Mount No.1, it was better if she didn't go chat with the researchers. Staying by Asta's side was wiser. That way, when others saw the creature, they wouldn't immediately panic.
"Once again, thank you for stepping in to help. Arlan's limbs are injured, and moving is difficult for him; he likely won't be combat-ready for a while."
Asta was deeply grateful that Sylvia had gone to retrieve Arlan.
Unlike the express crew, Sylvia was a guest formally invited by the station. Asta had already been wondering how to broach the topic of Herta's research with Sylvia, and now she owed her a personal favor on top of that.
"No problem, it was on the way."
Sylvia waved it off, then gestured toward Mount No.1, who stood idly to the side, arms crossed, pacing in place.
"Is the pressure from the Antimatter Legion heavy right now? We could put him to work as a temporary hand."
With a creature this bulky, finding placement for it before securing a suitable containment device was an issue. She couldn't very well take it down to the surface of The Blue.
Sylvia figured maybe she could get it an external member position with the station's Security Department.
It could stay at the station normally, and she could come pick it up whenever needed. That'd save her from dragging this huge thing around everywhere in her daily life.
Thinking this, Sylvia turned to Mount No.1 and sighed, "You're a fully grown mount now. It's time to get a job and earn your keep."
Mount No.1: ?
If it could talk, it would definitely protest bitterly—'I'm less than 24 system hours old! This is child labor exploitation!'
But clearly, Asta couldn't hear it; only Sylvia could catch its inner monologue in her mind.
And Sylvia's heart was pitch black.
"Uh, well…"
Having heard March 7th describe this creature's strength earlier on the way, Asta was certainly tempted.
She just wasn't sure if the Security Department personnel could accept it, and whether these already shaken researchers could really handle such a behemoth becoming their protector.
But right now, the pressure on the Security Department was immense. Herta Space Station was, at its core, a research-oriented institution.
While it had a Security Department, the numbers weren't particularly high; usually, they dealt more with the chaotic incidents caused by various Curios. Facing the Antimatter Legion now, the strain was no small matter.
If Sylvia's pet could join in, saying 'one mount against a thousand' might be an exaggeration, but 'one mount against a hundred' was definitely achievable.
Of course, Asta had always been someone bold in both action and thought.
"I'll agree to a trial. How about I offer your pet compensation equivalent to a Security Department supervisor?"
Asta smiled at Sylvia, then lowered her head to contact Security Department personnel to come collect the new employee for duty.
As for Sylvia, she had no issues—just finding this guy a long-term meal ticket and place to stay was fine.
She'd even expected only standard Security Department member treatment; she hadn't anticipated Asta offering such favorable terms.
"Sure."
Sylvia nodded, then turned to give Mount No.1 a meaningful look. The message was clear.
Although Mount No.1 would have preferred to stick with Sylvia, as its creator, Sylvia's order to temporarily work at the station had to be obeyed. Plus, Sylvia promised she'd visit the station often.
Soon, a Security Department member came jogging over. After hearing Asta's explanation, the man froze on the spot.
He looked up, meeting the creature's large eyes—both parties stared, utterly speechless.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.