Still, words are just words.
This power was granted by an Aeon, after all.
There's no question that its depth far surpasses that of an ordinary Pathstrider.
And paired with Celenova, who was already a full-fledged Lord Ravager to begin with, it felt like going from 1 to about 1.3 or 1.5—a decent boost in strength, all things considered.
'Celenova' took a moment to get accustomed to the body.
Then she turned to Acheron: "I should get going now. Thank you, Mei, for standing in front of me earlier."
"Heh, it was nothing."
Acheron hugged her blade and smiled at Celenova.
'Celenova' nodded, actively resisting the pull of Nihility, and pulled herself free from that void-like rift.
--+--
Back in the cosmos, 'Celenova' immediately contacted Teng Xiao, asking whether any real Galaxy Rangers had shown up on the Luofu.
[Teng Xiao: A few, yes. But don't worry—they don't seem to be here to assign blame.]
[Nameless: There's something I'd like to ask. Can I meet with a representative of the Galaxy Rangers?]
[Teng Xiao: Of course.]
[Nameless: Oh, and one more thing—I've taken on a different identity now. Have them recognize me by a token when the time comes.]
[Teng Xiao: …Understood.]
Seated in the general's chair, Teng Xiao read the message from Bai Ming and let out a soft, helpless chuckle.
He really had no idea why this Miss Bai Ming kept switching identities like this.
So he opened the contact log for the Galaxy Ranger who had visited the Luofu recently.
A few days earlier, that Ranger had come to extend an invitation to Acheron—for some major undertaking.
For this matter, the Galaxy Rangers were already gathering and making preparations.
Of course, knowing Acheron's true circumstances, Teng Xiao had informed them that he'd lost contact with her, politely declining on her behalf.
But now, surprisingly, Bai Ming had reached out on her own.
Did she already know what the Galaxy Rangers were planning?
Teng Xiao didn't understand, but that didn't stop him from helping connect the dots.
--+--
Half a day later, on a bustling resort planet, 'Celenova' retracted the strange astral rings around her body, trying to appear less conspicuous.
But she'd slightly underestimated the impact of her own looks and aura.
Luckily, 'Celenova' was, after all, a Lord Ravager.
She gradually moved away from the crowds, and at a deserted stretch of coast, found the Galaxy Rangers' ship waiting for her.
The hatch opened, and a brown-haired middle-aged man stepped out, dressed in a way that just screamed "ranger."
"Hello, Miss Celenova? I'm Tiernan."
He reached out a hand toward Celenova.
'Celenova' lifted her head at his words, her golden eyes locking onto him. A shiver ran down Tiernan's spine, his hairs standing on end—he nearly jumped out of his skin.
"Hello. Celenova."
'Celenova' reached out, gave his hand a light shake, then released it, smiling as she said, "I know that name. Former Nameless, liberated Penacony, then got stranded in the cosmos by accident and never made it back. Never thought you'd become a Galaxy Ranger. Seems you carry yourself with even more nobility among them."
Tiernan's face stiffened.
His story wasn't exactly a secret among the Rangers, but how did this woman know so much?
"You flatter me. I'm just the closest one with free time at the moment. Anyway, Miss Celenova, please come aboard so we can talk further."
'Celenova' watched Tiernan sweating bullets and felt a laugh bubbling up inside.
Still, she hadn't expected it would be Tiernan who'd make contact.
She followed him onto the ship.
A few others were inside—likely Tiernan's companions.
At the same time, Celenova noticed an active communication line—seems there were others listening in.
"General Teng Xiao of the Luofu vouched for your trustworthiness, Miss Celenova. Would you allow us to verify the token?"
Tiernan spoke first, and Celenova produced the prepared tiger tally, handing it over.
After waiting a few minutes, once the tally was returned, Tiernan and the others looked at her with noticeably changed expressions.
"Our apologies for the earlier caution. Thank you for your understanding. Now, may we ask why you sought out the Galaxy Rangers?"
Tiernan offered a smiling apology and passed her a cup of hot tea before getting straight to the point.
'Celenova' sat back in her chair, stretching slightly.
She took a small sip of tea and said, "I'm going to kill Zulo. Care to join me?"
If not for General Teng Xiao's guarantee, the Galaxy Rangers present might have outright turned hostile then and there.
This matter was still in the preparation stages—strictly within Ranger circles, and everyone had been tight-lipped.
How did this woman know?
"Don't ask how I know."
'Celenova' tapped a finger lightly on the table.
The power of the Harmony spread out, a peculiar influence seeping through the ship's interior.
A few Rangers resisted Celenova's link, but Tiernan and the bolder among them accepted the attunement, allowing a partial exchange of thoughts and sensations with Celenova.
At the same time, they sensed that she bore no ill intent.
"This is the power of the Harmony. I can unite all Galaxy Rangers as one, unleashing strength rivaling that of an Emanator. What do you say?"
Some of them had witnessed The Family's power before—especially Tiernan.
He knew exactly what the Harmony could do.
But…
Was this woman really from The Family?
His mind flashed back to that earlier look she gave him.
Those golden eyes—they couldn't possibly belong to a follower of the Harmony.
"Then… who are you, really? The look you gave me just now—no one from the Family has eyes like that."
'Celenova' smiled.
Tiernan was bold yet perceptive—no wonder he'd accomplished what he had.
And no wonder he was sent to make contact with her.
"Well then, let me introduce myself properly. My name is Celenova. Lord Ravager, Celenova."
Bang!
The moment the words left her mouth, several weapons were instantly aimed at Celenova.
Every Ranger present except Tiernan was on their feet.
In their hearts, some were already drafting their final words.
Facing a Lord Ravager with so few people—what outcome could there be, besides death?
'Celenova' raised a hand and gently pinched the blade of a weapon resting near her fingers.
The one holding it was a tall, imposing woman.
Meeting Celenova's gaze, she couldn't help saying, "Aren't you afraid of being hunted by the Galaxy Rangers? Or are you so confident that even if we know your plans, it doesn't matter?"
'Celenova' pushed the blade aside, still smiling.
"No. I simply believe you won't attack me."
"And why is that?"
"Because I've done nothing. Don't the Galaxy Rangers pride themselves on upholding goodness and justice throughout the cosmos? Faced with someone who's committed no wrong, would you break your own oath?"
'Celenova' paid no mind to their defensive reactions.
Weren't the Galaxy Rangers known for their fiery temper?
But beneath that temper lay a pursuit of goodness and righteousness. Would they really pull the trigger on a Lord Ravager who had done nothing?
She watched as the Rangers slowly lowered their weapons.
She'd gotten the answer she expected.
They wouldn't.
--+--