Chapter 162

In other words, there's only one reason why the other party would say that on purpose. Bai Jun nodded in agreement with Serval's guess and said, "That's right, just as you imagined, Serval, I'm old friends with those Nameless."

"Huh?! That means..."

A look of unprecedented shock appeared on Serval's face. She looked over, unable to hide her astonishment, only to see Bai Jun shrug, a slight smile playing on his lips as if deep in thought, "What would Ms. Serval think if I said my intentions were the same as theirs?"

So your real purpose is actually...

"The scientific name is probably 'Stellaron,' and that's what the Nameless and I are after."

"Ah! It's Stellaron! I was Cocolia why the Supreme Guardian treated them like that!"

After Bai Jun laid out all his thoughts, Serval, who was sitting next to him, looked dumbfounded, as if her doubts had been answered.

In fact, Bai Jun's idea was very simple—he knew that his status as a wanted outsider would easily cause unnecessary trouble for Serval and Pela, so there was no need to pester them. His original plan was to go down to the lower level to meet up with the Astral Express Crew, and after explaining the situation to Serval like this, he could leave under the cover of night.

However, Serval's answer surprised Bai Jun.

She didn't hesitate for long; she simply curved her eyebrows into a crescent shape and smiled as if she were genuinely happy.

"Hahaha, what an incredible coincidence! Hahaha..."

She clutched her stomach and laughed uncontrollably, patting Bai Jun's shoulder repeatedly with her left hand, as if she had discovered the funniest thing in the world.

"Hey, Bai Jun, let's work together!"

She wiped away the tears of joy that streamed down her face and reached out her hand to Bai Jun again.

Bai Jun was momentarily plunged into the illusion that time had stopped.

After finally understanding the sentence, he was stunned and couldn't help but tilt his head to show his incomprehension.

"Ah, sorry, this might be a bit hard to understand at first glance, but all you need to know is that I've long been dissatisfied with Cocolia... cough, the Supreme Guardian! At first, I even had questions about why she arrested those Nameless! Thanks to you, I finally know the reason."

Under Bai Jun's half-understanding gaze, Serval, with a face full of indignation and dissatisfaction, recounted the whole story in detail.

"... It's a long story. Back when I was a member of the Architects, working in the research department, I was researching 'Stellaron.' Few people in Belobog knew about the existence of 'Stellaron'; even if they did, they wouldn't connect it to the source of the Fragmentum and the Eternal Freeze."

Serval launched into her own monologue, leaving Bai Jun completely bewildered by her story. He only managed to understand parts of it, and the pieced-together tale was roughly as follows:

Serval was once inseparable from Cocolia, but she later became a researcher for the Silvermane Guards, while Cocolia became the current Supreme Guardian. During Serval's research on the "Stellaron," she discovered that the Stellaron was the source of the Fragmentum and the Eternal Freeze.

Just when Serval was very close to the truth, she was unexpectedly expelled from the Architects by Cocolia. The two had an unprecedented argument over this, which ended with a complete break in their relationship and Serval's discharge from the army.

"Although I don't know what's wrong with Cocolia, in order to see the Stellaron with my own eyes again and complete my inconclusive paper, how about we cooperate, Bai Jun? I'll take you to the western part of Belobog to search for the Stellaron, and in return, I need to study the Stellaron and draw conclusions."

"... Then let's have a pleasant collaboration."

Bai Jun, who was fully aware of the current situation, nodded and smiled back, gently taking Serval's soft hand in his.

"That's great! I love a man as forthright as you!"

"Mr. Bai, Mr. Bai Jun, I'm so sorry I soiled your coat. Please allow me to clean it for you tonight and return it to you!"

Just then, Pela, who had finished showering and changed into new clothes, came downstairs. A drop of water fell from her damp blue hair onto her white shirt. The girl gently hugged Bai Jun's coat, her cheeks flushing slightly. What she saw was an intimate scene of Serval and Bai Jun with their arms around each other's shoulders.

Click--

The girl, now a gray sculpture, had completely lost all warmth and color in her eyes.

Chapter 199 How did my Stellaron Spirit end up like this?

Countless stone-structured spaces are located deep underground, where Sun never reaches.

In the lower world, where cold air drifts, the roar of machinery fills the air. Buried within the towering, imposing rock walls are relics and structures from the old world, supported by massive pillars that connect them to the surface. Miners gather here in groups, responsible for extracting the rare energy ore known as "Geomarrow," which supplies heat to both the surface and the underground.

The hollow urban structure located underground, known as the Underworld of Boulder Town, is also radiating extraordinary vitality today.

Children running and playing, homeless people with their arms around each other, and unkempt miners discussing where to go for a drink after get off work—no need for further explanation. Just seeing this surging crowd, this noisy and bustling throng, immediately evokes the stereotypical image of something dirty, oppressive, and shrouded in darkness.

Northwest Street is located in a corner of the most prosperous area of Boulder Town.

Today, the area in front of what is commonly known as "Natasha's Clinic" is also full of workers preparing to head to the mines. The nearby facilities, a pure white clinic, also have many visitors seeking relief from the illnesses that result from long-term work in the Fragmentum mines.

They knew better than anyone that this was an incurable disease, but they were still willing to dedicate their last bit of strength to their family.

Among them, Natasha, the owner of the clinic, was in the consultation room at the back of the facility.

Standing before her were a variety of girls, each possessing a perfect appearance that would make others envious: the lively and cheerful March 7th with her long pink hair; the young and capable Silvermane Guards Commander with her silver spiral twin ponytails; and the strong and beautiful purple-haired girl with an unconventional style and a thin outfit that easily reminded people of butterflies.

Oleg, known as the Quick Fist, and Dan Heng, a man of few words and quiet demeanor, each occupied a spot on either side of the door to the negotiation room, like loyal gatekeepers listening to the conversation on the other side.

Oh, right, there's actually another figure in this room. The person is sitting idly on the sofa opposite Natasha, yawning like an innocent child and gently swinging their long, slender, fair legs.

However, this is enough to determine that the atmosphere in the hall is not tense or confrontational.

The three members of the Astral Express Crew were temporarily cornered in the Upper District, but fortunately, Sampo, Natasha and others came to their Wildfire. After fully understanding the miserable situation in the lower area, the Astral Express Crew, whose goal of obtaining the Stellaron was not conflicting with their mission, finally united with the Nameless under the mediation of March 7th and Dan Heng.

With Bronya and others whose resolve was gradually wavering, the team was reorganized. Their goal was now very clear: to save the liberated lower classes and uncover the mystery of the Stellaron.

"So, you're saying we have to negotiate with that guy named Svarog?"

Bronya's hesitant voice was the first to break the silence.

"That's right, Svarog possesses a large mechanical Antimatter Legion, and it's also a walking history archive for the entire Belobog. Perhaps the secrets of the Stellaron lie within its database..."

"Natasha is right. You want to know the whereabouts of the Stellaron, while we 'Wildfire' want to lift the blockade on the Underworld —in other words, our target is Svarog. Without dealing with that machine boss, everything else is just empty talk."

After Natasha, the de facto leader of "Wildfire," spoke, Oleg added with a shrug.

Dan Heng, who had remained silent until now, surprisingly spoke up and said, "Let's try diplomacy first, then force. Let's consider peaceful communication first."

"You're too naive, Cold-Faced Little Azure Dragon. Do you think we 'Wildfire' haven't negotiated with Svarog? It's just that every time that guy beats us up. With our strength, a direct confrontation is extremely risky. Svarog's robots aren't afraid of sacrifice, but we 'Wildfire' don't want to risk the lives of ordinary people."

Oleg's heavy tone shattered Dan Heng's illusions. Just then, Seele, a cadre of "Wildfire," stepped forward, patted Bronya on the shoulder, and wore a confident and handsome smile.

"What the boss and Cold-Faced Little Azure Dragon said makes sense. Of course, we want to resolve the issue peacefully as much as possible, but to avoid losses. If the situation changes, we must also be prepared to use force at any time."

"Please stop calling me by that awful nickname without batting an eye, especially since that gray-haired guy is leading the charge... Seriously, what do I even have in common with that name?"

"I think he's super handsome!"

"Dan Heng is being arrogant again."

"The culprit should shut up..."

Ignoring Dan Heng, who was sighing softly with his palm pressed to his forehead, March 7th and Little Grey Hair each gave their comments. Gentle Natasha looked at these children with strong personalities and couldn't stop smiling, but she still had to step in to mediate.

"Seele, hold out your hand."

"Hold out your hand? Ah... you mean that?"

As a cadre of the Wildfire, Seele instantly understood her meaning after years of working together, so she gathered everyone who participated in this operation together.

Although it may sound cliché, they have shared joys and sorrows, gone through many things together, and forged an irreplaceable bond. This bond can never be broken, no matter what happens in the future.

Under the gentle smiles of Natasha and Oleg, everyone involved in the operation, even the listless gray-haired Stellaron Spirit, formed a circle. Seele then took Bronya's hand and placed it on top of hers.

Under Seele's radiant smile, the group gradually regained their courage. Then, March 7th, Dan Heng, and Xing all reached out their hands, interlocking them, and uttered the same words in unison:

"May the tomorrow that everyone has been waiting for arrive as promised!"

To achieve this goal, Oleg arranged guides for the entire Astral Express Crew.

Honestly, Seele didn't quite understand why Oleg wanted to arrange for a guide, because everyone in the Wildfire crew knew where Svarog's lair was. As for the guide... Seele probably already had a plan in mind.

As expected, waiting for them at the designated location was that familiar dark blue figure.

"Hello, hello, ladies! Have you missed me, the dashing, negotiation-loving, and knowledgeable Uncle Cold Feet —the infamous Old Sampo...? Hey, hey, let's talk this out. What's with Miss Seele kicking me right off the bat?"

The easygoing, enthusiastic, humorous, and frivolous guy who was always cracking jokes was none other than Sampo Koski, whom everyone knew. He easily turned around and dodged Seele's flying kick, wiping away an unwarranted cold sweat.

"Although I don't know why the boss called you here, you'd better behave yourself, or don't blame me for being impolite!"

"Well, everyone has their own expertise. You Wildfire people may know where Svarog's base is, but you've never been inside."

"You've been inside?"

Faced with Seele's questioning gaze, Sampo chuckled and told the truth, "No, but I know how to get you in."

"You'd better be..."

Seele maintained her indifferent expression, coldly watching Sampo's smiling face. Then she sighed and finally decided to trust him one more time.

Despite its seemingly unreliable nature, Sampo's professional skills were still trustworthy. Through his explanation, everyone learned that entering the Svarog base required three levels of authentication, and these three authentications were stored on different robots.

In other words, to open the iron gates of the Svarog base, they must collect certification from the certification robots.

There was no other choice now; everyone could only follow Sampo on the journey to collect the necessary certifications.

The Level 1 certified robot was located in the homeless area of Mechanical Settlement, but it had long been scrapped and was now being treasured by a group of refugees who refused to hand it over. In the end, Seele used her personal prestige (and threats) to forcibly take the Level 1 certified robot from the homeless group.

The Level 2 verification robot was hidden in a corner of Rivet Town. With Sampo's help, the group finally found the Level 2 verification robot in the vast Rivet Town after much effort. As for the Level 3 verification robot, they found it along the way from the Great Mine.

At this point, all three levels of verification mentioned by Sampo had been collected. However, just as everyone arrived at the Mechanical Settlement and stuffed the collected verifications into the gate of the Svarog base, an unexpected sound came from the iron gate.

"Authentication failed... Individual not granted access."

This infuriated Seele, and even the usually mild-mannered Bronya frowned. Before they could demand an explanation from Sampo, he had already raised his hands to signal everyone to calm down.

"Don't worry, if I remember correctly, this so-called access permission is held by Miss Clara. You can only enter the base if she allows it, okay? I think you should know Miss Clara, so this last hurdle should be easy to overcome."

"Where is Clara now?"

"Great Mine."

"Huh? Why didn't you mention it when we went to the Great Mine earlier?"

"Oh dear, because I forgot!"

Sampo ran his fingers through the ends of his hair, a smile spreading across his face. When he grinned and revealed that the so-called individual access permission was Clara, whom the Astral Express Crew had dealt with before, and that Clara was located in the Great Mine, March 7th rolled her eyes at Sampo, criticizing his unprofessionalism.

If Sampo could finish what he was saying at once, they wouldn't have wasted time going in circles. This is one of the reasons why Seele doesn't want to work with Sampo, but now there's no other choice. The group rushed to the top of the Underworld — the Great Mine used for mining.

Despite the presence of lights along the way, the tunnel remained quite dark.

The exposed stone walls were cold and biting, and the narrow roads on both sides created a sense of oppression.

Bronya initially considered splitting up to operate in this Great Mine, which could easily accommodate more than two Boulder Town. However, Sampo brushed her off with the excuse, "Don't worry, I know where Clara is. I did a special investigation this morning!"

"How disgusting, they actually follow young girls' schedules..."

"You should just die! You stalker!"

"Hey, hey, hey? That's outrageous! Heaven and earth bear witness, I, Sampo, am truly full of enthusiasm--"

Sampo's good intentions were met with Bronya's disdainful gaze, as if she were trash, while Seele showed no mercy by giving him the middle finger and hurling insults. Deeply hurt, Sampo clutched his chest and forced out a few tears.

Upon witnessing this scene, Dan Heng couldn't help but press his palm to his forehead. March 7th, who had originally intended to confide in Xing, suddenly noticed that the gray-haired Stellaron Spirit, who had been lacking interest, seemed to have sensed something and looked around suspiciously.

"Xing? What's wrong?"

"No, I just... it's nothing, it must just be my imagination, right?"

Star, under everyone's gaze, hesitated for a moment before finally shaking her head. As she stomped her boots on the cold ground...

Thump thump thump thump!!!

A giant's roar, like the rumbling of the earth, echoed all around.

"Whoa! What... what was that noise?!"

Startled by the sudden loud noise, March 7th immediately hid behind Xing and Dan Heng, followed by a series of strong, rumbling tremors.

The incredibly perceptive Xing immediately sensed what had happened: a massive collapse had occurred directly above the Great Mine, at the passage connecting the upper and lower levels.

The beautiful girl, Hoshino, who seemed indifferent to everyone and everything, was the first to rush towards the source of the sound.

As her intuition kicked in, the gray-haired girl seemed to realize something, and an unusual anticipation appeared on her face. She strode towards the area where the collapse had occurred, reaching the cave entrance faster than anyone else.

They were currently very close to the passageway leading to the upper and lower levels.

She ran swiftly through the rubble and gravel, leaped over whole blocks of ore, and dashed out of the railway track entrance.

Then--

She saw a figure on the collapsed rubble.

The upper floor, which connected the upper and lower levels and was sealed with thick cement and ten-centimeter- Adamant Steel, was completely destroyed. Under the overwhelming dust, a large hole was smashed into the top of the passage, creating an exposed landscape resembling a sinkhole.

The stone slabs cracked and broke intermittently, like an hourglass counting down the days, while sand and stone chips fell from the broken walls all around, raining down like raindrops.

The figures standing atop the rubble were a silver-haired youth and a blonde woman.

The silver-haired youth stood on the rubble as if nothing had happened, supporting the blonde mature woman, whose face was flushed and who was uttering incoherently, in a princess carry. "You... you... you're too amazing! You actually smashed through such thick ground with one punch!"

However, throughout all this, Xing's eyes remained fixed on that pure white figure.