After a round of conversation, Sampo led the small Trailblazing squad toward Belobog.
As for Nero's plan about the Fragmentum creature products, he really was interested.
After all, he was a Fool. Their philosophies about joy might differ, but without a doubt, most fun was shared fun.
Not to mention, there was money to be made.
Nero and the other three followed behind Sampo, walking unhurriedly across the snowfield. At this moment, the snowfall had become lighter.
If they kept walking in this direction, maybe the snow would stop at some point.
But if one turned back to look, they'd see that the snow behind them was still heavy.
Nero considered this. Judging from Jarilo-VI's global Stellaron-induced cold wave, this probably wasn't a natural phenomenon. It was likely caused by human interference and Klippe's protection.
Looking at it that way, they really were getting closer to Belobog.
The boy lifted his head and looked at the figure ahead, Sampo's back, which for some reason looked flamboyant and showy. The idea of giving Aha a prank in return surfaced again.
Mr. Cold Feet was a Fool, without a doubt the closest target available.
But how was he supposed to spread this catchphrase of "A-trash-ha" around?
Even if the target was a Masked Fool, this kind of plan seemed difficult, maybe even unrealistic.
Although the Masked Fools chased fun, they actually respected the Aeon of Elation quite a lot.
Trying to jabber with Aha as casually as he did would be difficult for them. It was impossible to say they'd feel no psychological pressure.
How should he carry out this plan?
The key points were, fun-loving people, their respect for the Aeon of Elation… and of course, the catchphrase…
Nero frowned slightly and pulled out the most crucial part of the plan. He needed to think of a statement that included all three points to persuade Sampo.
"A catchphrase has to be something you say all the time."
Nero muttered quietly, only loud enough for himself to hear.
"Maybe I should look for inspiration from some other groups that always keep their beliefs on their lips."
"I don't need to focus the emphasis on reverence toward Aha. It's enough if it shows that a little. For someone walking the Path of Elation, the final core must be placed on fun…"
"Got it!" Nero thought of a good idea.
He'd find a chance to tell Sampo later.
The persuasiveness didn't need to be realistic, it just needed to be fun.
The Knights of Beauty gave Nero the idea.
"By the way… is this really okay?" March's voice came from beside him.
"What is?" Nero asked.
"Letting him take us to the settlement…"
March narrowed her eyes, suspicion and worry shining within.
"From the information we have, the Silvermane Guards are this planet's military, the enforcers, right?"
"And what Sampo's been doing can be summed up in a few words, right? Just look at his sneaky behavior, 'stealing and skulking' describes him perfectly."
"He's that scared of the Silvermane Guards. If we bump into them on the road… won't we be treated as his accomplices?"
Nero was about to answer after thinking for a moment, but Sampo's voice came from ahead.
Sampo answered March first himself, "Don't worry, sister. It's no big deal. I only hid a few ancient relics, that's all."
"Blame those public-duty guys, they only ever think in a straight line!"
"You gotta trust Sampo's professional skills, how to sneak, how to find goods, how to appraise them, how to dodge Guards… these are all technical skills…"
"I've been in the business for many years, and customers praise me quite a bit."
"A meeting is fate, everyone's a friend. Sampo will definitely bring you all safely to Belobog!"
Hearing Sampo's speech, March and Nero exchanged a glance and rolled their eyes.
This guy had quite the spiel.
But how much of it was actually trustworthy was anyone's guess.
Even March was a little suspicious now, although they got along well, trusting him was another matter.
But ever since they arrived on Jarilo-VI, this was the only local they had encountered. If the four of them trekked their way to the city on their own, who knew how long it would take?
After all, the direction they saw from afar and the feeling of being inside the snowfields were completely different.
Everything here was a blank sheet of white, mountains and rocks full of cracks and branching paths. There were barely any animal tracks to follow, and with Fragmentum creatures around, humans came here even less. There was absolutely no sign of human activity, getting lost was almost guaranteed.
Under Sampo's guidance, they soon reached a large fork in the road, then moved up a snowy slope.
At that moment, Sampo asked again, "By the way, what exactly are all of you? I'm not trying to pry, just caring for friends. It's fine if you don't say anything…"
Fools had their own network and database, but Sampo still had to pretend he didn't know their identities, because that was reasonable.
But this time, no one responded to him.
Nero narrowed his eyes, looking at Sampo, and sighed inwardly, 'As expected of a Masked Fool, so dedicated. Jarilo-VI had long lost contact with the outside world because of the Stellaron, and after the cold wave and long war with the Antimatter Legion, civilization had regressed…'
'With such a civilization gap, even if the Astral Express had come before, an ordinary, sneaky, cunning merchant wouldn't think of "Trailblazers," "Nameless," or anything like that after hearing the word "train." It would be normal if he had never heard of any of it.'
If his system were in the hands of these Masked Fools, they might create a character a hundred times more popular than he was now.
Seeing that no one answered, Sampo laughed awkwardly twice and began talking to himself again, explaining the things people in his line of work needed to pay attention to, presenting the image of a smooth, slippery reseller vividly and realistically.
After some time, they finally climbed to the top of the slope, and ahead lay another flat snowfield.
"The seventh rule is, don't leave footprints. I've got a special technique, you know, walking on snow without leaving a trace, specifically for shaking off pursuers… You all saw it earlier…"
Sampo continued rambling about his merchant rules, but suddenly his expression changed. He stopped walking, unable to continue his so-called rules.
In Sampo's panicked gaze, several fully equipped people in standard uniforms, holding long spears, walked toward them and stopped as well.
"...Those are… the Silvermane Guards."
Dan Heng lowered his eyes slightly. Just from Sampo's reaction, he already knew exactly who they were.
"Uh… yeah, it's them…"
Sampo answered awkwardly, making panicked movements, he was just short of hiding behind the group.
"Help me out, friends, I don't want to get caught!"
"Suspect and his accomplices detected. Arrest immediately!"
The Silvermane Guards didn't give the group any chance to explain or communicate. The vanguards raised their weapons and advanced slowly, while the shooters lifted their guns.
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