In the end, Tiernan decided to return to Penacony.
As for whether he'd ever come back again—
La Mancha couldn't help but laugh out loud:
"Once a Galaxy Ranger, always a Galaxy Ranger. I don't believe for a second that if the Signal Flare lit up somewhere in the cosmos, you'd be able to resist rushing to answer it!"
Hearing that, Tiernan—who had been feeling somewhat sentimental—also broke into a smile.
"You're right. I may be a former Nameless, but I'm still a Galaxy Ranger. This time, I'll carry the will of the Rangers and bring fairness and justice to my former companions."
"Well said."
La Mancha grinned and clapped Tiernan on the shoulder.
Then he pulled a bullet from his breast pocket and handed it over.
"This…"
No further words were needed. One look was all it took.
Tiernan recognized it instantly.
It was a Signal Flare. And La Mancha's meaning in giving it to him was clear.
The Family on Penacony has been blocking your return home—something's definitely wrong.
The Galaxy Rangers can't just storm in based on suspicion alone.
But if, Tiernan, you discover something there…
If injustice is unfolding in Penacony…
If you need help…
Then, in the depths of the long night, fire this bullet.
It will light the way for every Ranger, and lead us all to tear through the pitch-black darkness.
And he, La Mancha, would charge at the forefront.
Firing the first shot of rebellion for his comrade.
"Thank you."
All the words in Tiernan's heart condensed into a soft "thank you."
He took the bullet with quiet understanding.
Tucking it carefully against his chest.
It was like a talisman.
A blessing from the Galaxy Rangers upon him.
--+--
'Celenova' didn't join the Rangers' farewell.
Instead, after settling on a departure time, she found a secluded spot, clutched the token she'd received from Acheron, and let the Nihility slowly consume her, descending smoothly into that barren world.
The moment her feet touched the ground, Acheron's voice came from behind:
"Back so soon? I thought I'd be seeing you on the run."
'Celenova' turned and smiled.
"The other Emanators of Destruction didn't lift a finger—just watched the whole battle from the sidelines. And… I think I understand why."
"Why?"
"Zulo was born from Destruction to devour Harmony. But he is Order, and I, as it happens, represent Harmony…"
'Celenova' didn't go into great detail.
Harmony had absorbed Order.
Yet Order had left faint echoes within Harmony.
That's why, among those who now followed Harmony, followers of Order would occasionally emerge and stir up trouble.
Zulo had always adhered to Order and Destruction, trying to use them to subvert the concept of Harmony.
And Celenova happened to be an 'Emanator of Harmony'.
Nanook probably set this up deliberately, to see what would happen between the two of them.
"Then you're quite lucky to have avoided being hunted down."
'Celenova' just shrugged with a light laugh.
Call it luck if you like.
But it was really thanks to good intelligence.
She hadn't known which Path Zulo represented before fighting, but it was written in stone that Celenova would replace him.
Even if her past self hadn't understood the reason, there was clearly some connection between the two. And by using that clue to seek out Zulo, she was hardly stumbling in blind.
"Still, you should be careful."
Acheron's gaze fell on Celenova's right arm.
What was once a lovely arm was now a mechanical limb. Striking in its own way, yet jarring and pitiable.
"I know this isn't your real body, but you shouldn't make a habit of this."
'Celenova' blinked, then smiled and took Acheron's hand.
"Thanks for your concern. This really was an accident—it was Zulo's dying struggle, after all. Losing just an arm… I'd say I got off light."
Phase Flame wasn't all-powerful, either. The violent clash of Paths had thrown the entire battlefield into chaos.
'Celenova' couldn't just flick away a self-destructing Emanator like swatting a fly.
And as the one who'd initiated the fight, she couldn't rely on Phase Flame to close in, either. If the fight became unstable, the Hunt's forces would've suffered heavy losses.
Anyway, Celenova's body was only temporary.
She didn't think her choice was wrong. But she was still touched that Acheron cared.
Acheron raised a hand and gently patted Celenova's head.
She didn't press the issue, instead asking: "So, what will you do next?"
Though she hadn't asked directly, she could guess—it wasn't yet time for Bai Ming to change identities.
"I'm planning to go to Penacony."
"Penacony? Why?"
Acheron tilted her head in puzzlement.
"I met someone among the Hunt's forces—a former Nameless who was deeply involved in Penacony's independence. But now the Family is blocking them from meeting their old comrades."
"And your own reason?"
"As for me… The Family used a Stellaron to stabilize the region. I'm curious about that technology. Since I'm an Emanator of Destruction and know a thing or two about Harmony, I want to go study it."
Besides that, there was another reason she couldn't easily share.
That part of the story had so much going for it, but when it came to the Stellaron, the ending felt rushed and incomplete.
So much buildup, only for the plot holes to be left unfilled.
Now, with her current identity and abilities aligned just right, she was determined to go see for herself.
Not that she'd get the full picture, of course.
The main story was still centuries away from beginning.
But to see the Stellaron…
Oh, and a living Mikhail—she could check on him too.
It would help make up for some regrets.
Hmm…
She just didn't know what would become of Penacony by the time the future Astral Express crew arrived.
She wondered what changes would unfold now that Tiernan hadn't died in the war against Zulo, but was returning to Penacony instead.
When it came down to it, it was still unclear whether Dan Heng would board the Express, or whether Blade would become a Stellaron Hunter.
'Celenova' rubbed her smooth chin.
It hadn't been long since she arrived in this world, and already the future main storyline seemed headed for chaos.
Ah, well.
Never mind.
Her lifespan now was only a century—whether she'd even live to see the main story was anyone's guess.
--+--
After spending a day with Acheron, she returned to reality and found Tiernan, ready to depart.
And beside Tiernan…that sword-wielding older sister was standing there too.
"Kamu, a trusted companion of mine. She's decided to come to Penacony with me—says she wants to see the place for herself."
Tiernan introduced his comrade warmly.
The Galaxy Ranger named Kamu, clad in light armor, gave Celenova a slight bow.
"I hope our numbers aren't too many, Lady Celenova."
"It's no trouble. Board the ship—I'll take you to Penacony."
'Celenova' didn't know what changes these two Rangers would bring to Penacony.
But things were bound to shift, one way or another.
The future of Penacony…
--+--
T/N: The Galaxy Rangers have so much romance its actually crazy
--+--