Facing the group, Gepard raised one hand, palm up, fingers pointing diagonally backward, to introduce the enormous building before them.
"This is the Qlipoth Fort, the heart of Belobog, the headquarters of the Builders."
Stelle looked confused. "The Qlipoth Fort?"
Gepard nodded slightly. "Qlipoth is the symbol of Preservation. Under His calling, the Builders established Belobog, protecting the spark of civilization from natural disasters and the cold wave."
"To show reverence, we named this fortress after that Star God. The Builders under Qlipoth's protection have always led this city forward, fighting the various calamities from outside."
"This fortress is also the residence of the Supreme Guardian."
Hearing Gepard's explanation, the rest of the Trailblaze Squad and Sampo all simultaneously turned their eyes to Nero.
If they followed the same logic… then was this kid always saying 'Ah-trash-ha this' and 'Aha-trash that' out of respect for the Aeon of Elation?
The Trailblaze Squad narrowed their eyes. That thought only stayed in their minds for one moment.
After spending a long time with Nero, they all felt it was probably just a strange verbal quirk. And no matter how they thought about it, they never sensed even the slightest hint of "respect" in his tone when he said those two phrases.
Saying he just thought the phrases were fun would be far more believable than saying he was honoring Aha.
Sampo's eyes flickered, then he showed a smile.
No one knew what he was thinking, but clearly, combining Gepard's explanation with Nero's catchphrase had given him some new idea.
"Ever since we met you, you've been calling her 'the Supreme Guardian'…" March looked at Gepard and asked, "The Supreme Guardian… is she something like the ruler, like an emperor, on this planet?"
Gepard nodded.
"The Supreme Guardian is the leader appointed by the Builders. For generations, they have watched over this city and provided protection for the people.
"The current Guardian is Lady Cocolia Rand. All major decisions within the city are issued by her."
"Oh~" March put her hands on her hips and looked at her companions. "Sounds like she's quite an important figure!"
"I have a question!" Nero said.
Gepard turned to the boy. "Please speak."
"Can I take pictures? Of this place, you, and inside."
Nero still remembered the matter of taking photos for Mr. Yang. In fact, he had already taken plenty of pictures on the way here, including the Everwinter Monument.
Besides showing them to Mr. Yang, these travel photos could also serve as material for Mr. Xiyan's stories. Nero was already planning to send copies to both Lord Aha and the Express group chat later.
As for why he had to ask this question now, well, the Qlipoth Fort in front of him was the political center of this planet, after all. And the Supreme Guardian was the one in power. Taking photos without asking anything would feel somewhat presumptuous.
"Pictures?"
Hearing Nero's question, Gepard froze for a moment, then said, "If it's only taking pictures of me, there's no problem. But for the Qlipoth Fort and its interior, you should ask the Supreme Guardian directly."
"I'll lead you to Lady Cocolia now. You should all organize your words beforehand. Her time is precious, so she prefers concise reports."
"Eh? Eh? We're meeting her already?"
March blinked twice, her pretty eyes looking clear…
"Can I find a place to tidy myself up first?"
Stelle glanced at March, who suddenly cared about ceremony for some reason, then lightly flicked her own hair and smiled.
"It's fine, my hair isn't messy."
Dan Heng half-squinted at the two lively clowns, then sighed softly and asked, "Are there any formalities or etiquette we need to observe?"
Gepard shook his head.
"No need to feel restrained. The Guardian does not care much for those tedious formalities. And besides, you are newcomers, being unfamiliar with Belobog's customs is perfectly normal…"
Speaking up to this point, Gepard paused, then turned to Nero, scanning him up and down.
At this moment, Nero was floating in midair, supported by the power of the wind, so he could conveniently keep watch over Sampo, his walking bag of money.
"But don't relax too much… at the very least… please keep your feet on the ground in front of the Supreme Guardian."
"Oh."
Nero nodded softly, then said to Sampo, "Then don't run off."
"No problem, absolutely. Besides… in this situation, even if I wanted to run, I couldn't."
Sampo first made an "OK" gesture at Nero, then spread both hands helplessly.
Nero nodded at Sampo's reaction, then returned to the ground.
Gepard continued speaking, "I already sent an envoy ahead with a message. Lady Cocolia should know of your arrival. Follow me."
After saying that, Gepard turned around and led the group up the steps of the Qlipoth Fort.
He quickly guided them inside and finally brought them into a very spacious room. The entrance faced a huge window that overlooked Belobog. Below the window was a platform, and on the table placed upon it were piles of documents.
The room was relatively dim, with only a few windows on the wall opposite the doorway letting in a harsh yet not-bright white light.
The large room looked cold and empty. There weren't many decorations, just a few mechanical models of unknown purpose, some bookshelves, and small tables.
When the group followed Gepard inside, two women in the room were talking.
Both wore white military uniforms similar to Gepard's. The girl below the platform had silver-gray hair, braided into three spirals hanging down her back.
The woman on the platform had blonde hair and a green cape draped over her shoulders. Her expression was stern, her demeanor composed. She should be the Supreme Guardian Gepard spoke of.
The three-spiral-braid girl spoke, "…But this sacrifice is meaningless. You cannot..."
Before she could finish, she was interrupted. The Supreme Guardian behind the desk on the platform spoke in a voice full of authority, "You may withdraw, Bronya. Our visitors have arrived."
Bronya finally noticed the Trailblaze Squad entering behind them. She frowned slightly and pressed her lips together.
"Yes, Mother."
Bronya then turned and left, sweeping her gaze over each member of the Trailblaze Squad before going.
Once Bronya left the room, Gepard finally spoke, "Supreme Guardian, I have brought the four outsiders to meet you."
Cocolia glanced at everyone present, then her gaze returned to Gepard.
"The envoy has already informed me of the situation. Well done, Gepard. You may withdraw as well."
Gepard made no unnecessary movement and turned to leave with Sampo (the Silvermane soldiers had not entered; to stop Sampo from escaping, Gepard held him personally).
Nero looked up and exchanged a glance with March, and both smiled.
Nero, 'Looks like we're getting that reward!'
March, 'We're buying good food as soon as we leave!'
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