Chapter 349

The nameless travelers then held a brief discussion and decided that Dan Heng and March 7th would stay behind to explore the local customs and act as liaisons, while Ai Yue would take Pardofelis back to the train to proceed with the next step of their plan.

Cocolia was a decisive person, so Natasha received the message from the ground just one day later.

"The Star Core has been sealed, Belobog will soon usher in a new spring," Seele, acting as the liaison, repeated the information she had received, a slightly puzzled expression on her face. "Nata, what is the Star Core?"

"I don't know the specifics either, but it's said to be the culprit behind this Eternal Winter," Natasha's brow relaxed slightly. "It seems this is Mr. Ai Yue's doing."

Aside from the sudden appearance of extraterrestrial visitors, Natasha couldn't think of any other force on this planet that could suddenly resolve this damned source of all evil—after all, even the Creation Engine at its peak ultimately succumbed to this harsh winter, and the current Creation Engine certainly couldn't do such a thing.

"What else did the Supreme Guardian say?" After regaining her composure, Natasha spoke again, her face filled with an expectant smile. "I guess there's more good news than just this today, isn't there?"

"I don't know," Seele shrugged, then handed an envelope to Natasha. "After all, my vocabulary is... rather limited."

"I'm sorry," Natasha glanced at Seele apologetically, then smiled, "But you'll have plenty of time to study from now on."

"This doesn't sound like a good thing," Seele said with a hint of exasperation. "You know, Nata, I hate studying. I'd rather spend a day fighting those Abyss creatures."

"But you can't give up, you know?" Natasha glanced at Seele, and seeing that the other girl showed no remorse, she suddenly remembered something and asked, "What was that girl's name again?"

"Bronya?" Seele blurted out the name instantly, even pausing for a moment before hurriedly trying to cover it up, "Ahem, I guess you're asking about her, the future Supreme Guardian. She's the one who handles all my contacts when I go to the Upper City to meet the Builders."

"Yes, Bronya Rand, the future Supreme Guardian, and I suspect her time at the helm of Belobog isn't far off," Natasha nodded, then added with a half-smile, "If she successfully inherits the title of Supreme Guardian, I'm afraid you'll have very few opportunities to work together again."

"Is that so?" Seele turned her head slightly, revealing an indifferent expression. "That's perfectly normal. She's a high-class noble lady, while I'm an orphan from the lower city. We're not from the same world."

Then she heard Natasha utter two deliberately drawn-out characters in a meaningful tone: "Unless—"

"Well, on another note," Seele realized she'd been tricked, but could only awkwardly steer the conversation back on track, "Unless what?"

"Unless you can take over my responsibilities, become the next leader of the Underground Fire, and then enter the management of Belobog in that capacity." Natasha didn't make things too difficult for Seele and quickly revealed the answer. "But you know, to become a qualified leader, you can't do without sufficient knowledge."

"I'm really exasperated with you." Seele sighed helplessly, then held out her hand. "Alright, give it to me."

Natasha blinked. "What?"

"You must have books for learning to read here!" Seele said shyly. "And you'll teach me, right, Nata?"

"Of course." Natasha smiled gently at Seele, who was blushing slightly. "The clinic probably won't be too busy from now on, so we'll have plenty of time."

"But before that..." Natasha glanced at the letter again, "Perhaps we should make some preparations and go to the Upper City."

"Huh? I just came down from up there..."

Just as Belobog began his grand revival campaign, the Stellar Train, docked outside the planet, also welcomed its own guests.

"We meet again, Mr. Ai Yue." Topaz, with his short white hair, boarded the train again, flashing a bright smile at the nameless passengers. "And Miss Himeko, you are as elegant as ever."

"Thank you for your compliment, Miss Topaz," Himeko, sitting at the bar and raising her cup in greeting. "Would you like a cup of coffee I just brewed?"

"Uh, that's not necessary. Business is more important." Upon hearing the word "coffee," Topaz instinctively flinched, then calmly changed the subject, presenting Ai Yue with an old-fashioned document. "Mr. Ai Yue, you're right. The company does indeed have a copy of the loan agreement signed with Yalilo-VI."

Her expression was somewhat strange, clearly she had something else to say—if she hadn't specifically searched the relevant files on Yalilo-VI, she probably wouldn't have been able to find this contract at all, so how did Ai Yue know about it?

Could it be that the civilization of Yalilo-VI is so committed to contracts that, even under such harsh conditions, they still remember the debt owed seven hundred years ago?

"This is indeed a very meticulous contract... After seven hundred years, the debt must have become a Tianwen figure by now." Ai Yue glanced at the contract, then nodded. "If I want to take this contract, what do I need to do?"

"As the Honorary Chairman, you only need to say a word, and the ownership of this contract can be transferred directly from the company to your personal name—no need to worry, it's just a small matter, Mr. Ai Yue," Topaz said simply, then showed a slight hesitation, "However, if I may be so bold, how does Mr. Ai Yue intend to treat this contract?"

Ai Yue didn't answer the question directly, but instead showed a look of interest. "It seems you have some suggestions?"

"I wouldn't call it a suggestion, just a small thought," Topaz paused, then said, "Knowing you as I do, there's a good chance you'll cancel this contract after you get it, and return freedom to the people of Arilo-VI, right?"

"Yes," Ai Yue nodded directly, "But it sounds like you don't really agree with this approach?"

"No, I don't mean to question your decision, it's just..." Topaz shook his head, but finally decided to voice his thoughts, "Abandoning it altogether would be a waste, both for the company and for this planet."

"I must admit that such a debt spanning seven hundred years is an utter disaster for Yalilo-VI right now," Topaz said after organizing his thoughts. "But it is also an opportunity, a chance to quickly recover and return to the star stage."

"If you're going to talk about joining the company or something like that, I think it's unnecessary," Ai Yue shook his head slightly. "I said this before in Belobog: this expansion model has its reasons, but I don't like it."

"I know this explanation won't satisfy you," Topaz said, mustering his courage. "So I hope you can give me a chance. After gaining a deeper understanding of the civilizations on this planet, I might be able to give you a satisfactory answer."

"Sure, sure." Ai Yue nodded, then gave a subtle smile. "However, you probably wouldn't mind having one more competitor, would you?"

"Huh?" Before Topaz could even feel happy about Ai Yue's permission, he was confused by the second half of the other's sentence, "A competitor?"

There are competitors for something like this?

The answer to this question was quickly found in Belobog.

After Cocolia announced the resolution of the "Star Core Crisis," Belobog began operating at an unprecedented pace, throwing himself into a brand-new revival plan.

After receiving some information, she herself, along with Bronya, Seele, Natasha, and others, arrived at the area where the Creation Engine was located.

Since no new round of restoration work has yet begun, the site is empty and quiet, and there is no one else present except for them.

"Mother, why did Mr. Ai Yue send us here?" Bronya turned her gaze away from Seele and then looked at Cocolia beside her. "Could it be related to the Creation Engine?"

"No, Mr. Ai Yue only said that we should find a sufficiently open space," Cocolia said with a subtle expression, recalling the voice that had entered her mind, "So that he could deploy... a teleportation beacon?"

As soon as she finished speaking, a red dot of light appeared on the ground in front of everyone. Cocolia subconsciously looked up and saw something had already passed through the thick clouds and was falling rapidly towards them.

After the unknown object decelerated in three stages in the air, it landed precisely at the location marked by the red dot. Even so, the impact of its fall still kicked up a large cloud of snow and mist, making it difficult for Cocolia and the others to recognize its figure at first glance.

After the snow and fog cleared, they were able to see several figures slowly emerging from the fallen debris.

The leader had the same golden curly hair as Cocolia, a tall and voluptuous figure, and—the same face.

Furthermore, upon seeing her, the other person also showed the same surprised expression as her.

Another... me?

Chapter Twenty-Five: What Does It Mean the Antimatter Legion Won't Come?

"What a memorable photo!"

Inside the room on March 7th, the pink-haired girl was admiring her masterpiece, which she had just captured in a candid shot.

The photo shows Cocolia and others welcoming extraterrestrial visitors at the experimental site of the Creation Engine. The Belobog, led by Cocolia Rand, stand on the left side of the image, while the mysterious extraterrestrial visitors stand on the right side. They stand facing each other, their faces filled with astonishment.

The source of this emotion is quite simple: although they wear different clothes, have different identities, and have different experiences, they are like mirror images, able to find a figure similar to themselves on the opposite side. It feels as if they are seeing themselves in another world.

Indeed, this is true. The universe is so vast that, according to the concept of probability, it is quite possible for one or even more strangers to appear who are exactly like oneself.

Without the power of exploration, they might never have been able to imagine what kind of life their other selves were experiencing. But the appearance of the Stellar Train, by a twist of fate, allowed them to meet their other selves in a life they should never have met.

What kind of story will unfold when these different versions of ourselves meet? I'm really curious.

Unfortunately, what happened next can only be learned from others later.

On March 7th, she gathered her thoughts, placed the photo in her hand on the photo wall, and then turned and walked out of her room.

At this moment, they have set off again, leaving behind the planet Yalilo-VI, which has just escaped the catastrophe. Although March 7th is full of curiosity about the future story of Cocolia, the nature of the nameless travelers means that they cannot stay in one place for too long.

Fortunately, Stellar Train currently maintains a fairly good relationship with the company and the Terran Alliance, so through Ai Yue, there is still a chance to learn about the rest of the story.

Moreover, the star core has now been sealed by Ai Yue, and the power of pioneering has left its mark on Belobog. Therefore, there is still a chance to return to Yalilo-VI in the future and catch up with old friends.

"But is this really okay?"

Inside the observation car, Dan Heng looked at Ai Yue and asked, "I thought you would stay and oversee the direction of the aid plan, Mr. Ai Yue."

"The company has extensive experience in post-disaster reconstruction of planetary civilizations, and as for the Terran Alliance... they are equally experienced, so I wouldn't be of much use to them," Ai Yue shrugged, saying nonchalantly. "Strictly speaking, if I stayed, I might actually hinder their efforts."

"In that case, we might as well let them do it—I've already set the rules anyway."

As long as they don't cross the bottom line set by Ai Yue, it won't matter even if these two groups turn Yalilo-VI upside down. Ai Yue is even very curious about how Belobog's future will develop with the arrival of powerful external aid that far exceeds the original storyline.

However, considering Belobog's current population size, it will likely take a long time to revitalize the area.

"Even if Ai Yue really wanted to stay, I'm afraid it wouldn't work," Himeko interjected at the opportune moment, a smile on her face. "After all, on the other side, someone is already getting impatient."

"Who is it, so impatient?" March 7th, who happened to enter the carriage at that moment, overheard the conversation and joined in, "Could it be Ms. Herta?"

Himeko didn't speak, she just nodded.

"That's the only possibility left," Dan Heng shook his head slightly. "It's hard to imagine what kind of message she received that made her so... desire you."

"You'll know when you meet them. I'm actually quite curious about the Genius Club myself." Ai Yue raised an eyebrow dismissively, then focused his gaze on March 7th. "But before that, we should still have some time to do some interesting experiments, right?"

"Hey, why are you looking at me?" March 7th felt a chill run down her spine under Ai Yue's gaze, her lips twitching as countless images flashed through her mind. "Could it be that he's going to use me as a human test subject...?"

"Why is your head full of such a jumble of nonsense?" Ai Yue interrupted the other person, somewhat speechless, but a subtle expression appeared on his face. "However, from a certain perspective, it doesn't seem like it's not entirely wrong to understand it this way?"

"Huh?"

A moment later, March 7th carefully cupped her hands together, as if supporting something. With her movement, a faint white light began to shine from her hands. The light flickered, as if it might dissipate at any moment, but no one would underestimate the power it contained.

When March 7th revealed her weapon, the longbow, its light transformed into a slender arrow, which she nocked on the bow, poised to be released.

And so, on March 7th, she drew her bow and nocked an arrow, her eyes scanning the surroundings as if searching for a suitable target for the arrow—with almost no hesitation, she locked her gaze on Dan Heng.

There was no other way. This power came from Ai Yue, so it was impossible for March 7th to use it against him. Himeko and Pom-Pom were important people on the train who needed to be protected, so they couldn't be considered either. After thinking it over, only Dan Heng, who was a train guard, remained.

Dan Heng, who was being targeted by March 7th, was clearly becoming somewhat nervous.

If it were any other day, March 7th, he would naturally be fearless. Even if he were frozen, he could simply warm himself by the fire. But things are different now, since the opponent is wielding power from Ai Yue!

"Don't be nervous, Dan Heng, this arrow won't hurt anyone!" Seeing Dan Heng summon his Strike Cloud, March 7th quickly explained, "I'm not stupid, how could I possibly hurt my own companion!"

"I believe you," Dan Heng nodded, but did not loosen his grip on the spear. "This is just a... necessary safety measure."

He didn't doubt March 7th's intentions, but considering the other party's... well, all the signs, it was hard for him not to doubt whether March 7th had truly grasped the nature of the power in his hands.

Perhaps March 7th's idea was good, but did the arrow in her hand know that?

Seeing that Dan Heng didn't trust him, March 7th pursed his lips, knowing that further words were useless, and simply released the bowstring.

The next second, the arrow of light shot out and accurately hit Dan Heng. The boy subconsciously tried to block it with his spear, but could only watch helplessly as the arrow of light passed through the spear shaft and then pierced into his body.

However, instead of feeling pain, he felt a warm current flowing through his body. Dan Heng subconsciously raised his spear, and then felt the warm current surge up his arm, and then—

With a clang, a white flash suddenly appeared on the tip of the spear!

"Wow!" March 7th exclaimed, then puffed out her chest. "See? I told you I wouldn't hurt you! Look at this light blade, isn't it amazing!"

"You obviously only just determined the nature of this power, right?" Dan Heng glanced at March 7th with a hint of helplessness, but then couldn't help but twirl his spear, listening to the sound of the blade cutting through the air, a smile appearing on his face. "However, it does feel much more powerful."

"Right? Right?" March 7th proudly raised her head, then looked at Ai Yue, "Brother Yue, is this how you use this power?"

"The use of the Power of Light depends mainly on your will; assistance is just one manifestation of it," Ai Yue said with a smile, observing everything before him. "You're just starting out, so you're not very skilled yet. You'll get used to it with practice."

"Okay, I'll try again!" March 7th nodded, then looked at Dan Heng, "Dan Heng, you'll help me, right?"

Dan Heng sighed, but this time he didn't refuse, because he was also very curious about what secrets this power originating from Ai Yue might still hold.

However, someone couldn't stand it anymore. "Passengers from March 7th and Dan Heng, fighting is prohibited on the train! If you want to fight, go outside and fight!"

Suppressed by the train conductor's imposing presence, the two men had no choice but to behave themselves, put away their weapons, and begin to study this power through other means.

Looking at the scene before him, Ai Yue couldn't help but smile.

This is what he noticed in Belobog — the Power of Light and the power of destiny do not affect each other and can coexist in one person.

If Ai Yue hadn't simultaneously sensed the power of destiny and the Power of Light from Cocolia Rand, who was protecting destiny, he wouldn't have realized this possibility for a while.

As we all know, a person can only walk on one path of destiny, and therefore can only control the power of one path of destiny at a time.

For example, on March 7th, she is now an unnamed traveler exploring her destiny, and naturally, she uses the power to explore her destiny. Even though her fighting style uses ice-attribute power to protect her teammates or restrict enemies, it does not mean that she simultaneously possesses the power to preserve or protect her destiny or other destinies.

However, it now appears that the Power of Light is not subject to such restrictions. Even those who have already embarked on their destiny can gain additional power, thus achieving a "dual destiny" effect.

Of course, whether the Power of Light can be combined with the power of destiny to achieve a greater effect is a topic that still needs further research.

However, based on the current situation, this possibility is almost beyond doubt. The only question is what kind of effect this addition will actually have.

Watching March 7th studying the Power of Light, Ai Yue couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

The second problem that this incident raised stemmed from his own actions.

Because he initially subconsciously believed that the Power of Light and the power of destiny were incompatible, Ai Yue had not considered contacting the power of destiny. But since there is no conflict between the two, does that mean he also has a chance to become a Destiny Walker?

Thinking of this, Ai Yue couldn't help but turn his gaze to Pom-Pom. When he became the Nameless Guest, he should have accepted the power to open up his destiny path and become a Destiny Walker, but nothing happened at the time.

This is why Ai Yue believes that those who possess the Power of Light can no longer obtain the power of destiny.

But since such a conflict no longer exists, why didn't I become a Fate Seeker back then?

Is it because his "status" is too high?

As he pondered this, Ai Yue sensed that the train was slowing down.

Soon, the train conductor's voice reached his ears. "Attention passengers, the train is about to arrive at its destination, Herta Space Station. Passengers wishing to disembark, please prepare to proceed. Repeat..."

Ai Yue looked up and saw a huge mechanical construct that had appeared outside the window. It was shaped like an inverted tower with a huge circular structure at the top and connected to a relatively slender cylindrical structure at the bottom, giving it a unique aesthetic appeal.

It looks much more spectacular than in the game.