Star Rail: Single Draw Acheron at the Start

Chapter 31: Online? Checking Browsing History

"Ah, um..."

Caelus felt a bead of sweat trickling down his temple. The Space Station's security measures were actually perfect, but his hacker aunties were up to no good. When they visited before, they'd turned off all the security systems. Otherwise, the Voidrangers wouldn't have been able to get in, and they wouldn't have caused any chaos.

Caelus felt he had let Asta down. His mother and aunt were undoubtedly on the evil side, otherwise, their wanted posters wouldn't be flying everywhere. They were the type to stop at nothing to achieve their goals. Now that Asta had encountered this situation, it was like a landmine laid by those two. As their son, Caelus had to resolve this trouble for Asta.

"Don't worry, leave this investigation to me. Do you have any clues?"

Caelus comforted Asta for a bit, and Asta, knowing he was capable, gradually calmed down.

"Before Ms. Herta went missing, her puppet mentioned losing a curious object. It has no physical form but possesses life."

"You don't know what it is?"

"No, I don't qualify to research curious objects, and I don't want to court death."

Asta was quite self-aware. Her duty was as a warehouse manager. In the beginning, she wasn't even meant to manage the researchers. The researchers had come to conduct research themselves because of Herta's reputation. Over time, Asta had become the station master. Therefore, the idea that she would harm someone was sheer nonsense.

"Then I'll go ask those researchers who study curious objects, like Er Yi III Wu Qi Jiu Liu III2. Don't worry, I'll get results quickly."

Caelus said, releasing Asta's hand. Many things were inconvenient for her to do given her identity. In fact, confidantes should be handling this, but Asta only had two confidantes: one was Peppy, a dog, and the other was Arlan, a bodyguard. Arlan was decent in combat, but using his brain was asking too much of him.

Asta didn't say it out loud, but her heart felt warm. Caelus, being in a place like Penacony, could still come to her aid with just a call. His actions were all for her sake, not out of respect for Herta, but because he liked her.

Caelus, with Acheron, quickly arrived at the researchers' gathering place. He was an unfamiliar face, and no one thought he was a spy from management, so the researchers continued their conversations. Caelus eavesdropped for a while and discovered that the situation was not simple.

The missing people hadn't vanished into thin air. Someone had personally witnessed them being engulfed by flames, leaving nothing behind. There was something like a will-o'-the-wisp haunting the Space Station, and no one knew if they would be next, which was why everyone was in a panic.

"Interesting."

Caelus stroked his chin, then found Arlan, who was patrolling the Space Station. As Asta's confidante, Arlan really wanted to help. However, without any clues about the culprit, he could only resort to the most primitive method: patrolling to prevent the will-o'-the-wisps from harming anyone.

"Take me to the missing people's dormitories."

Caelus explained his intention to Arlan. Arlan knew Caelus was here to help Asta deal with this trouble and didn't ask further questions, leading him to one of the dormitories.

After entering the dormitory, Caelus turned on the computer. This was private property, so it naturally had a password. Clearly, there was something unsavory inside. But who was Caelus? His aunt was one of the top ten hackers in the entire galaxy. So, he took out his phone and opened a software his aunt had installed for him earlier.

The software scanned the screen through the phone's camera, and then a chibi avatar of Silver Wolf appeared, automatically cracking the password. According to Silver Wolf, this software could crack any security below the level of the Interastral Peace Corporation's banks, and she didn't need to do it personally. Any casually written software could achieve this; it was a gift for Caelus to play with.

A moment later, the password was automatically entered on the computer screen. Caelus could only say that his aunt was truly skilled at doing bad things. With this software, he could even moonlight as a super hacker.

After opening the computer, Caelus immediately checked the browser history. Peppy also curiously rested his head on the desk and started watching. Then, the expressions of both the person and the dog gradually became serious. Caelus was serious because he saw something dirty, while Peppy was serious because he saw his own kind in adult films.

The browsing history didn't reveal anything unusual, so Caelus opened the chat software and started looking through the chat logs. This did reveal something to him: the missing person was actually a hater, someone who hated Asta and the management.

Caelus had chatted with Asta before and knew her personality. She was so bored that she would even infiltrate groups dedicated to hating her and stir up trouble herself. This also proved that there were many people on the Space Station who were dissatisfied with her, venting their emotions in the group chats every day. Caelus hadn't expected to meet them in person.

After closing the computer, Caelus went to this dormitory and then moved to the next one to do the same thing. This time, he also looked at the chat logs and found that this missing person was also a hater. Caelus could barely contain himself. These scoundrels were badmouthing his girlfriend every day; they deserved to die. Even if he could save them, he would kick them out of the Space Station.

Next was the third, then the fourth. After reviewing the chat logs, Caelus found their commonality: they all liked to badmouth Asta in the hater groups. Then, Caelus took out his phone and reported this discovery to Asta.

"The commonality is that they hate me? Your investigation is so fast! We couldn't find any common points before, no matter how hard we looked."

Asta said in surprise. But she wondered if hating her was considered a common point. She did have quite a few haters, and she didn't expect four of them to disappear at once. How much fun would she miss out on in the future?

"Ms. Asta, I think you might be in trouble."

Dr. Ratio, who had been listening intently nearby, voiced his opinion.

"Logic: Agreed," Screwllum also said.

"What do you mean, Mr. Dr. Ratio?"

Asta had already guessed what was happening, but she wanted to hear Dr. Ratio's explanation and also wanted to know who her enemy was. The researchers couldn't possibly have such means. Could Herta's curious objects be used by anyone who wanted them? What was the point of the Space Station then?

"If the investigation is accurate, and the missing people are all those who were dissatisfied with you, coupled with the Anti-Matter Legion's attack, the trust crisis on the Space Station will become irreversible. The researchers will believe that you used Herta's curious object to eliminate dissenters, and no one wants to be the next target. Naturally, they will strike first."

Dr. Ratio stated frankly. Asta's expression was one of helplessness. She wasn't scared, but she thought of the Space Station's destruction. Once the management was controlled, and if someone continued to fan the flames, there would surely be people driven to madness who would do irrational things, such as causing the Space Station to crash onto the blue planet below. Human nerves are very fragile, and under constant threat, they would definitely do foolish things.

PS: Seeking collections, recommendations, and monthly votes.

PS: The story with the "Laogong" happens after Ruan Mei, but due to chapter length, Ruan Mei will be moved later.

Chapter 32: Weak and Loves to Play

"This is all calculated, it's all a conspiracy, but who is behind it?"

Asta felt that ever since Herta's puppet disappeared, it was the beginning of a conspiracy. But she couldn't figure out who the enemy was. Her first thought was that Herta had offended someone, because the researchers and the station master were all working diligently. It couldn't possibly be her who had attracted trouble, right?

Just as Asta was wondering, her phone suddenly vibrated. She picked it up and saw that a news flash had been inserted into the Space Station's internal chat network.

"There's finally an update on Ms. Herta's attack! The Nihility Cult has claimed responsibility for the entire incident and will take further action. The Association strongly condemns this."

This bizarre news flash left Asta utterly confused. Following the news was a speech, as they had claimed responsibility, it wouldn't end with just a text message.

The video began with a dim scene, and then a flame suddenly lit up the screen. A sheep-headed demon, completely engulfed in flames, appeared. It wore a crown of flames on its head, signifying its leadership. This confused even Caelus.

"The Aeons of the cosmos have departed from worldly customs, unconcerned with the fleeting lives of mortals."

"Only the wounded benefactor is permitted to bathe all realms in the flames of Destruction."

"There will always be cowardly wretches who vainly attempt to refuse grace and escape the bestowed wounds."

"Run, run as you may, no matter where you flee, Oblivion will eventually arrive!"

After the sheep-headed demon uttered these lines, the video ended. Caelus was completely bewildered, both internally and externally, his mind filled with the question: Who is this?

"Is this person a riddle-teller?"

Caelus looked at Peppy beside him and asked. Peppy could only tilt its head, indicating it didn't recognize the fellow who looked like a roasted whole lamb.

"Allow me to explain."

Screwllum's voice came from the phone. Caelus had forgotten that there was a genius here, as famous as his grandmother. With him around, he would be able to understand the riddle-teller's words.

"This Grand Duke of Fiery Purgatory Afleed is a life born from the deceased planet Tuofei'er. The fire demons, who are burning all the time, regard Nanook as their emperor and call him their benefactor, yet they have never received a glance from the Aeon."

Screwllum truly lived up to his genius reputation. Caelus didn't know information that Screwllum had it all. At least he learned that the roasted whole lamb's name was Afleed, and he seemed to be a follower of the Destruction faction, yet he also seemed to have been labeled a sycophant without his knowledge.

Thinking about it, Afleed called Nanook his benefactor and spent all his time trying to do things for his benefactor, but the Aeon didn't even bother to look at him. He was so loyal, he was simply a galactic sycophant.

"Asta, do you understand?"

Caelus asked Asta on the other end of the phone. Asta nodded, but she only found Afleed's speech to be full of riddles. However, by combining it with the fact that the Space Station had survived the attack by the Anti-Matter Legion, she could draw a conclusion.

Afleed was a follower of Nanook. He had learned from somewhere that the Space Station had repelled the Anti-Matter Legion. Seeing this, he was displeased. In his eyes, Destruction was a blessing from the Aeon, and the Space Station had refused such a blessing. As a sycophant, he naturally had to save some face for his benefactor, so the plan targeting the Space Station began.

Although this sounded very strange, it made perfect sense if one thought from the perspective of an evil person. Caelus was dumbfounded after hearing the explanation. He didn't even know how to mock Afleed's sycophantic nature.

"Fire demons are naturally ferocious; burning and destruction are their instincts. Afleed is particularly evil and cruel. As a fire demon, he is naturally skilled in the trick of spontaneous human combustion. The disappearances of crew members and puppets were also part of the plan, and after this, that video will soon spread throughout the Space Station. Just watch, it won't be long before the Space Station turns into a sea of fire."

Dr. Ratio made a concluding statement about the matter. Caelus and Asta exchanged glances, suddenly feeling helpless at being targeted by a sycophant.

"If he is so capable, why doesn't he come and destroy the Space Station himself?"

Caelus asked doubtfully. He felt that Afleed had at least the combat power of a Doomsday Beast. In the current situation, the other party seemed to be... bored out of his mind?

"Because his main body is within the Ever-flame Manor. What has come to the Space Station now is a clone of his flame. Guess why he wants to create a crisis of trust?"

Dr. Ratio explained. In fact, his meaning was that Afleed himself did not have the courage to directly confront Herta. Therefore, he did not even dare to come in person, fearing that he would be toyed to death by Herta's puppets, which was why he was plotting these schemes in secret.

In fact, it was true. If Afleed had come in person, Herta might have also come in person. Previously, Afleed had ambushed a puppet, and Herta had only gotten a question mark above her head before ignoring it and continuing with her own business.

"Because his abilities do not support him destroying the Space Station with his own hands, but how did he get into the Space Station? Is the security system here on the level of the Land of the Light?"

Caelus was starting to get a clearer picture. He looked at Asta and asked. Asta returned him a pouting expression, her big blue eyes making Caelus's heart flutter.

"The Denizen of Creation that Ms. Herta lost, it has no form but possesses life. Isn't that a characteristic of fire demons?"

Asta said after pondering for a moment, touching her chin. This remark enlightened many things, and one could continue to think along this line of reasoning.

"You mean Afleed projected his flames here through that Denizen of Creation, which might be related to fire, thus causing the spontaneous human combustion trick?"

Caelus found it somewhat unbelievable because the explanation was rather far-fetched. If this explanation were to hold true, it would require more explanations, as it involved human lives, and one couldn't make rash conclusions.

"Yes, that's right. As long as we search the list of Denizens of Creation and find one related to fire..."

Asta said, intending to search Herta's list of Denizens of Creation. At this moment, Screwllum beside her raised his hand, signaling her not to bother.

"It's Phase Fire, the creation of the Genius Society's 29th member, Sissik'al," Screwllum said.

"Is that Denizen of Creation our enemy?"

Caelus immediately asked upon hearing Screwllum's words. This was no joke. A creation of a genius from the Genius Society, a space station couldn't withstand it, and it was questionable if a galaxy could withstand it.

Chapter 33: You're Courting Death

"Not exactly. The Denizen of Creation that Ms. Herta lost should be the seed of Phase Fire. Ms. Sissik'al is a remarkable genius, intelligent, kind, and humble. Unfortunately, by human standards of time, she only lived for 29 days."

Screwllum explained patiently. This confused Caelus. He felt like mocking how short-lived that genius was, but to be ranked among geniuses with such a lifespan, how brilliant must the wisdom within that person be.

"As soon as Phase Fire was born, it shifted to another phase. By the time it returned, Sissik'al had already passed away. Since then, it has continued to shift phases, making it difficult to capture."

Screwllum continued. At this moment, Dr. Ratio also began to display his knowledge. Although he was not a member of the Genius Society, he was already an unparalleled genius compared to ordinary people.

"It is said that it burned through myriad worlds, leaving behind many fiery descendants. The seed of this flame... must be the Denizen of Creation that Herta lost, and the Grand Duke of Fiery Purgatory is a descendant of the flame."

Dr. Ratio chimed in with Screwllum. Caelus and Asta were stunned. The current situation was that, to make a bold guess, Afleed wanted to attack the Space Station, but instead found the flame seed left by his mother here, which was his wild brother.

Then, Afleed and his wild brother put their heads together, felt that this matter had potential, and then projected his flames onto his wild brother to control him. Because it was the same source of fire, controlling it was naturally effortless. This was likely the truth behind the disappearances.

"Someone once accidentally glimpsed the trace of Phase Fire and captured a wisp of flame. Herta took it and lent it to Ruan Mei for research. Unexpectedly, the seed of Phase Fire was lost because of this. If Afleed is also a descendant of Phase Fire, the full picture of this matter becomes clear."

"As its descendant, the Grand Duke of Fiery Purgatory possesses abilities similar to Phase Fire. It is likely that he cannot achieve phase shifting, but can achieve a degraded form of spatial transfer. This is the truth behind spontaneous human combustion. The crew members did not disappear; they were transferred."

After Screwllum and Dr. Ratio finished speaking, Caelus felt as if his intelligence was being rubbed on the ground. This was not a derogatory term; it was literal rubbing. These two people were too smart. Compared to them, he felt like an idiot, but it was also unavoidable. Wisdom always needed to be honed, and Caelus had never practiced it, so it was normal for him to be inferior to them.

While Caelus was complaining in his heart, the Space Station's work group had already exploded. Afleed's declaration was followed by chat records of the missing crew members. Their blackening of Asta was exposed, and then they disappeared due to spontaneous combustion. At this time, information about the fire seed Denizen of Creation was also sent to the group.

The crew members were not stupid. They immediately saw the connection between the fire seed Denizen of Creation and Afleed. Coupled with the Space Station's seemingly useless defense measures, their emotions were easily guided to the same place: Asta deliberately shut down the defenses, inviting wolves into the house, first eliminating Herta's puppet, and then using the fire seed Denizen of Creation to expel dissidents. She was killing people.

"It's still not enough," Dr. Ratio suddenly said.

"What's not enough?"

Asta asked subconsciously, only to see Dr. Ratio staring intently at her, making her feel a little creeped out.

"If Ms. Asta is willing to explain properly, some people will still be willing to listen. If I were Afleed, I wouldn't give you this opportunity."

As soon as Dr. Ratio finished speaking, Asta's body was engulfed in blue flames. She let out a startled cry and then disappeared before everyone's eyes.

"Asta!"

Caelus immediately shouted upon seeing this scene. He felt as if he had turned cold from head to toe. His girlfriend had just disappeared, gone. This scene was a perfect replica of the last person who disappeared, who was called Tingyun.

"Calm down, Asta has only been teleported away; she is not in any danger."

Screwllum calmly caught Asta's phone, which she had forgotten when she disappeared, saving it from being smashed. Screwllum was gentle with everyone, especially mechanical devices.

Screwllum's words undoubtedly gave him hope. He could only rely on this genius at this moment. He believed that with Screwllum's abilities, he could definitely help him rescue Asta.

"Through direct contact, I've confirmed that Afleed's flame is merely a spark from the primordial spirit fire, lacking the ability for phase transformation. Logic: Asta is still on the Space Station."

Screwllum continued speaking. In that brief moment, he had already recorded Afleed's flame in his data. The way an intelligent machine observed was entirely different from how a human did.

"What do we do now?" Caelus asked anxiously.

"That flame must still be somewhere in the module. Find it, and there will be a way to bring her back," Dr. Ratio said.

"I will activate the folding space of the Oddity Containment Room in Herta's office. With a slight modification to the parameters, it can be used to block the opponent's transfer route and seal it within the Space Station," Screwllum added. These words completely eliminated the possibility of Afleed rampaging within the Space Station. The reason it couldn't leave the Space Station was due to the characteristics of the storage facility here. Herta's warehouse for storing Oddities wasn't a place they could just escape from.

"Mr. Ratio, please accompany Mr. Caelus to contain it."

"The primordial fire is also an energy lifeform; its traces will be captured by the imaging device."

As Dr. Ratio spoke, he took out an instrument that Caelus couldn't understand, then left Herta's office and went to the module corridor to meet up with Caelus.

Through the imaging device in Dr. Ratio's hand, Caelus could indeed see the traces of the flame on the ground. He eagerly followed the traces everywhere and found the location of the fire seed. However, it possessed a powerful ability to escape, and after being found, it transferred away.

While the fire seed was escaping, Screwllum folded the surrounding space, reducing its transferable area. It kept moving between the same few locations, and the area continued to shrink, eventually cornering it by Caelus on a dead end.

"Run, you damn thing, keep running!"

Caelus glared at the fire seed in front of him and shouted. He was both angry and anxious, afraid that something might happen to Asta if she wasn't rescued soon. At that moment, he wished he could tear the fire seed to pieces, but he also feared harming Asta.

"No wonder this place couldn't be purified even by the Lord of the Hunt. It truly has its unique aspects. I admit my mistake this time."

The azure fire seed spoke. Caelus felt that this thing was just being stubborn. With its current state, let alone the genius Screwllum being here, even if only Dr. Ratio were present, it would be enough to toy with it to death, yet it still acted so high and mighty.

"Give Asta back to me!"

Caelus pointed the City Builder's spear directly at the fire seed in front of him, as if he would kill Afleed's clone if they disagreed. The fire seed didn't say much and directly transformed into a human figure, spitting Asta out and tossing her towards Caelus.

Caelus immediately dropped the weapon in his hand, raised his hands, and caught the flying Asta, embracing her shoulders and the backs of her knees in a princess carry.