Mount No.1 followed the panicked security officer away, albeit with great reluctance.
Sylvia felt at ease for two reasons.
First, she maintained that special connection with it, able to sense its condition and mood at any time. She'd also drilled all the necessary precautions into its head.
Second, the creature was far cleverer than she'd anticipated. It clearly displayed an understanding of the conversations around it, reacting with appropriate emotions.
Watching her steed depart, Sylvia silently willed it to make her proud.
"Sylvia, you've been an immense help," Asta said, her tone noticeably softer and more personal than her official demeanor.
"Saving people, bolstering the security team… I truly don't know how to thank you."
With a grin, she pulled out her phone and presented a QR code. "Let's exchange private contacts. Hehe, we can discuss your proper reward later, just between us."
Who would refuse a connection with a lady who could casually transfer two hundred million Credits? Sylvia didn't hesitate to add her.
Seeing Asta's name appear in her contacts, Sylvia suddenly realized she hadn't yet exchanged info with the Express crew.
The idea of traveling aboard the Astral Express for a time held a genuine appeal for her—though certainly not right now.
"Oh, by the way," Asta began, holding her phone and unconsciously positioning it near her mouth.
Her beautiful, expressive eyes blinked as she asked, "You don't mind if I contact Madam Herta using your name, do you?"
"…Didn't your email say Herta was interested in me?" Sylvia scratched her head, puzzled by the question.
"Isn't notifying her the whole point of me being here? Unless you expect me to take up permanent residence on the station."
"Hehe, just checking!" Asta chuckled, deftly moving past the topic.
Just then, Sylvia's phone chimed. A notification from Acheron popped up.
Recognizing the name—Acheron, the 'Galaxy Ranger,' at least according to the files—Asta politely excused herself.
"I'll go contact Madam Herta now," she said, turning away to give Sylvia privacy.
The reports said that Acheron and Sylvia had resolved a Stellaron crisis together, clearing a blocked shipping route.
Regardless of who contributed more, both were clearly formidable. Their relationship also seemed exceptionally close, hence Asta's discretion.
Sylvia nodded, staying put as she opened the chat window right beside Asta.
[Acheron: Are you there? Busy?]
[Sylvia: Not busy, but dealing with some trouble. I'm on Herta Space Station.]
[Acheron: Seen Herta yet?]
[Sylvia: No. Ran into the Antimatter Legion instead…]
[Acheron: ?]
[Acheron: Need me to step in?]
[Sylvia: No, no! It's just a Doomsday Beast. I can handle it…]
She gave Acheron a quick rundown of events since arriving at the station.
After hearing the summary, Acheron sent a string of ellipses.
[Acheron: …]
[Acheron: You really… find trouble wherever you go. It's genuinely worrying.]
[Acheron: Be careful. Call me immediately if there's any danger.]
A smile touched Sylvia's lips as she read the concern.
[Sylvia: You weren't like this before. You used to want me seeking out trouble for experience.]
[Acheron: …]
Another trail of dots appeared. Then, the 'typing…' indicator lingered for an unusually long time without any new message.
--+--
Passing through a shattered stellar region, Acheron first allowed herself a small smile upon reading Sylvia's message.
But as she began to formulate a reply, the sheer magnitude of her own shift in attitude dawned on her belatedly.
Undeniably, Acheron had always been kind-hearted, offering help even to strangers.
That's how it began with Sylvia. Later, upon discovering Sylvia's newfound power, that same impulse drove her to push the girl, to temper her through challenges.
At its core, it was all born from good intentions—the training, the trials, all of it.
Now, things were clearly different.
While part of her felt reassured by Sylvia's strength and hidden cards, another, stronger part had grown more anxious for Sylvia's safety.
If Sylvia were to declare now that she wished to die for some ideal, Acheron couldn't be sure she wouldn't try to stop her.
It was this sudden, stark realization that left Acheron momentarily at a loss for words.
After fumbling internally for a while, it hit her. Even if she couldn't immediately sort through these complex feelings, she could simply carry on as usual for now. She had plenty of time.
Sylvia had a long road ahead too. They had ample opportunity to navigate these emotions. Not everything demanded an instant answer.
Letting out a soft breath of relief, Acheron quickly typed and sent her reply.
[Acheron: That was different. Last time you attracted the attention of an Emanator. Who's to say it won't happen again?]
Still, she felt a flicker of nervousness as she sent it. What if Sylvia asked about the long pause? How could she answer naturally?
Fortunately, Sylvia didn't press the matter, acting as if the lengthy delay hadn't registered at all.
[Sylvia: Alright, alright, I'll be careful. I'll call you right away if anything comes up.]
[Acheron: Mm.]
Ending the exchange swiftly, Acheron glanced around and decided to continue on her way.
--+--
Sylvia had just put her phone away as she finished talking with Acheron when Himeko was the first to return to the control console. She and Asta exchanged a nod, no words needed.
Himeko's gaze then settled on Sylvia.
"Come to think of it, we haven't had a proper greeting," Himeko said.
"Once the commotion dies down, if you have time, Sylvia, you should come visit the Express."
Ms. Himeko wore an elegant gown with a jacket. While it wasn't revealing, the high slit running up to her waist and the gown's low neckline exuded the unmistakable charm of a mature woman.
"I'd love to," Sylvia agreed readily. "I've long admired the Astral Express. I'll definitely visit given the chance. If you'll have me in the future, Ms. Himeko, I've even considered boarding as a Nameless."
Himeko covered her mouth with a light laugh. "The Express welcomes all who yearn for the Trailblaze's path. I'll look forward to your potential membership, then."
--+--
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.