Belobog, Qlipoth Fort
After finally defeating the Stellaron, the Astral Express crew spent the night resting at the Goethe Hotel. They set off for Qlipoth Fort the next day.
By then, Supreme Guardian Cocolia was already preparing to step down. Once she did, Bronya would take over as the next Supreme Guardian.
"Mother, are you really going to step down?" Bronya asked, a little worried.
Cocolia nodded. Her calm voice carried a trace of pain. "I was once deceived by the Stellaron and have made far too many mistakes. Now that everything is over, it's time for a sinner like me to step down. Bronya, the future belongs to young people like you."
"The future of Belobog, the future of Jarilo-VI, is in your hands."
Meanwhile, after defeating the Stellaron, Seele hurried back to the Underworld without stopping. With the upper and lower districts on the verge of reconnecting, the Underworld was in turmoil, and Wildfire was short on people to keep order. She had to get back and help.
"Natasha's really short-handed right now. I'd better hurry back and help."
After saying goodbye to us one by one, Seele used a quantum leap and sped off.
So, the next day, when Xiao Xi and the others arrived at Qlipoth Fort, they found Bronya dressed in formal attire.
As soon as they walked in, March 7th asked in surprise, "Huh, Bronya? Why are you the one receiving us this time? Isn't Cocolia the current Supreme Guardian?"
Bronya hadn't expected March 7th to ask that as soon as they met. She paused before answering, "Oh, Mother already announced her abdication. I'm now the new Supreme Guardian."
"Speaking of which, my succession ceremony is coming up soon. If you're interested, you can come and watch."
"We'll definitely be there. Congratulations, Bronya," Stelle said with a smile.
"Mm." Their congratulations lifted Bronya's spirits. "This time, besides thanking you for your contributions to defeating the Stellaron, we also have a gift we'd like to give you."
"A gift! You're too kind! Hehe, um, can I ask what it is?" March 7th waved her hands and asked curiously.
"I'll keep the kind of gift a secret for now. Just come with me and you'll see," Bronya replied with a mysterious smile.
Bronya led everyone to a snowy plain. In the distance, a long golden-red spear caught our attention.
"This is the gift we'd like to give the Nameless: the Flame Spear, which has accompanied this planet throughout its history and holds the power of the Architects. We offer it to thank you for sealing the Stellaron and saving Jarilo-VI."
From the moment Stelle saw the Flame Spear, her consciousness grew hazy. "I can feel it. This weapon is calling to me."
After saying that, Stelle walked forward as if in a daze. The moment she gripped the Flame Spear, everyone seemed to feel a distant, weighty gaze fall upon them.
"Build the wall." As the sound of a massive hammer striking rang out, Stelle successfully lifted the Flame Spear. At the same time, the power of the Path of Preservation appeared within her.
"Stelle, just now... did the Amber Lord look our way?" March 7th asked in astonishment at the sight before them.
"It seems so," Dan Heng said, his tone far from calm. "But given the circumstances, it probably isn't a bad thing."
"When Stelle comes back, let's give her a thorough checkup. As the Stellaron's vessel, she might... no, she must have all sorts of unusual traits."