Himeko's Investigation Diary

Topaz trudged across the snow-covered plains outside Belobog, chasing the mysterious streak of light that streaked across the sky.

When she pushed aside a patch of withered bushes covered in snow, the sight before her made her stop in her tracks.

A uniquely designed interstellar train, emitting a faint glow, lies quietly parked in the snow, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding icy environment.

The train doors slid open with a soft charging sound, and Himeko and March 7th stepped out one after the other.

Himeko was dressed in a smart exploration outfit, exuding a calm and composed demeanor.

March 7th looked around curiously, her pink hair standing out against the snow.

Topaz immediately recognized them—members of the Astral Express.

A deeper doubt welled up in my mind:

Why is the Astral Express here?

This unremarkable planet, having just been freed from its icy slumber, should not, in theory, be on the train's regular route.

Why did the Astral Express target this location for its jump?

Topaz composed himself and decided to go forward and ask for clarification.

The two sides met face to face in the snow, and the atmosphere was initially somewhat delicate and wary.

After everyone gave brief self-introductions, the tense atmosphere gradually eased.

Topaz cut straight to the point, looking at Himeko:

"Excuse my bluntness, Astral Express is renowned for its ability to travel between various important planets. I wonder why it would land on such a... remote planet?"

Himeko's reply was calm and composed, yet contained crucial information. "We are here at the invitation of a friend."

"An invitation?" Topaz's intuition told her to immediately press, "Did Lin Hai invite you here?"

"It was him," Himeko readily admitted.

Topaz's brow furrowed even more. She took a deep breath of the cold air, and her tone became serious:

"Ms. Himeko, there is something I must inform you. This Mr. Lin Hai has recently engaged in actions that have seriously damaged the interests of Interastral Peace Corporation. The company headquarters... has issued an interstellar arrest warrant for him."

"A warrant for arrest?"

A flicker of surprise crossed Himeko's eyes, but she remained calm. "Is there perhaps some misunderstanding? As far as we know, Mr. Lin Hai is helping to rebuild this world."

"A misunderstanding?" Topaz shook his head. "The details of the conflict may be disputed, but the fact is that he destroyed several of the company's small ships and personnel, causing enormous property damage, in order to protect a woman named Sparkle. That's an established fact."

Himeko asked, "To protect someone? Miss Topaz, could you please explain the situation in more detail?"

After a moment's thought, considering the possibility of maintaining communication with the Astral Express Crew, Topaz chose to give a general account of the events, including Lin Hai's astonishing fighting prowess in the lava zone.

After hearing Topaz's account, a look of shock flashed across Himeko's eyes.

March 7th, standing nearby, covered her mouth and exclaimed softly, "Wow... is he really that amazing?!"

Observing their reactions, Topaz asked the most crucial question, "So, is the Astral Express here to support Lin Hai and stand against the company?"

Himeko shook her head slightly. "The Astral Express is on this journey in response to a plea for help, to support the people on this planet who yearn for a new life. Our primary goal is to ensure that civilization in this world can continue and move towards a better future."

Hearing this answer, Topaz secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as the Astral Express Crew doesn't directly intervene, the situation isn't too bad due to the personal feud between the company and Lin Hai.

"I understand. This stance... is very good!" Topaz nodded, but the turmoil in his heart had not subsided.

Lin Hai is not only incredibly powerful, but he can also command the Astral Express. The energy network behind this mysterious man seems to be becoming increasingly complex.

Himeko and March 7th followed Topaz, crossing the vast snowfield outside Belobog, gradually approaching the majestic city.

When the tall and magnificent city walls were fully revealed before her eyes, even the well-traveled Himeko couldn't help but show a hint of admiration in her eyes.

The walls are built of huge rocks, and the marks of time tell of a long history, exuding a calm yet majestic aura.

On March 7th, she excitedly took out her camera and snapped several photos of the city wall, muttering to herself as she did so:

"How magnificent!"

"It must have been built by people a long time ago!"

"It's been preserved for so long..."

The group arrived at the city gate and encountered the Silvermane Guards on duty.

The soldiers conducted their routine checks, their expressions showing the necessary vigilance.

Upon hearing the name "Astral Express," the soldiers showed obvious confusion, clearly having never heard of this organization.

Himeko wasn't surprised. She calmly added, "We came at Mr. Lin Hai's invitation."

Lin Hai, this name seems to be a special pass.

The soldiers' confusion was instantly replaced by respect.

In Belobog today, you may not know the latest decrees of the Upper District, but you will definitely have heard of Lin Hai's name.

The head of the guards saluted and quickly sent someone to report to the inner city.

Before long, Himeko and the others obtained permission to enter the city.

Passing through the heavy city gate, the view suddenly opened up before me.

The city shows signs of reconstruction and is bustling with activity.

The streets were bustling with traffic, and pedestrians hurried along, their faces beaming with hope.

It presents a scene of everything waiting to be rebuilt and full of vitality.

After a brief conversation with several passersby, Himeko and March 7th followed the directions to the other side of the southern part of the city, where a new urban area was under construction.

The closer you get to the new city, the more breathtaking the scene becomes.

The new city was far larger than Himeko had imagined; as far as the eye could see, there was a bustling construction scene.

Various large-scale construction machinery roared as they efficiently traversed the air and ground.

What particularly caught Himeko's attention was the extremely ingenious technical principles employed in some of the devices.

Examples include silent, levitating transport platforms and energy beams that precisely manipulate matter.

Its technological sophistication even surpasses some records in the Astral Express database.

"These technologies..." Himeko frowned slightly, her eyes filled with inquisitive curiosity despite her vast knowledge, "Are definitely not something an ordinary power could possess."

She asked a member of the Wildfire organization next to her who was operating the equipment, and the answer she received was:

"These designs were provided by Ms. Herta."

"The Herta?"

Upon hearing this, Himeko suddenly realized what was happening, and her heart was filled with even greater turmoil.

The technology of that being, renowned for his wisdom and capable of building a space station, is naturally unfathomable.

However, what truly made Himeko ponder deeply was:

Who exactly is Lin Hai?

What kind of charisma and ability does he possess to persuade someone like the Herta to personally participate in such a trivial matter as the construction of a city on a remote planet?

She remembered what Lin Hai had once said: that he and the Herta had researched the Contract Lucky Star and had hugged and kissed.

Could it be that their relationship was more than just hugging and kissing?!