The photograph captured the most beautiful moment on a thin sheet of paper, preserving memories and emotions within it.
Together with Hook and her little friends from the Moles, everyone explored the entire Underworld. Compared to the Overworld, the place looked rather dilapidated and desolate, yet it had a charm all its own.
One way or another, people here were doing their best to live. They made their home here, filling it with a different kind of vitality.
Before anyone knew it, time had flown by, and the day of Bronya's succession arrived.
"Wow, is this Bronya's succession ceremony? It's quite the spectacle," March 7th exclaimed.
"After all, it's the first major ceremony since Jarilo-VI was reborn. It's only natural to make it a grand affair," Dan Heng said. "It'll also help Bronya establish her authority."
"Either way, the rebirth of a lifeless planet is something worth celebrating," Stelle agreed.
Before the Everwinter Monument, Bronya attended the succession ceremony in full regalia.
Standing on the high platform with a smile, Bronya spoke in a steady voice. "Everyone, I am Bronya, Belobog's new Supreme Guardian."
As the ceremony began, sustained applause rang out from the crowd below.
Bronya raised a hand and motioned for the audience to quiet down. "I know how excited you all are right now. The changes on Jarilo-VI are so astonishing that everyone fears this beautiful sight will vanish in the blink of an eye, and that tomorrow we may once again be plunged into an endless winter."
Bronya's voice suddenly grew impassioned. "I ask you not to keep thinking that way. I, Bronya, can promise you that the snow and ice have been driven away, and winter will not return."
"And we have the Nameless of the Astral Express to thank for all of this. They helped us destroy the Stellaron. Afterward, the Emanator of [Hope] was moved by the Architects' centuries of perseverance, and could not bear to see Belobog continue struggling in the snow and ice."
"So the Emanator wielded divine power of immeasurable might to melt the snow and ice, bringing new life to this planet."
Listening to Bronya speak onstage, March 7th turned her head toward Stelle, her cheeks uncharacteristically flushed, and whispered, "Ahem, Bronya's praising us so much that I'm getting a little embarrassed."
"I'm different. Praise me more! Keep it coming!" Stelle teased.
Dan Heng could only shake his head helplessly at the sight.
Bronya's speech continued. "Today, we have finally bid farewell to the endless winter and welcomed the hope that belongs to us, to Belobog, and to Jarilo-VI." Her voice rang out, impassioned and resolute, as if it could reach into everyone's soul.
"There may still be countless obstacles ahead of us, but I believe that just as winter will eventually pass, and just as Jarilo-VI has finally been reborn, our future will surely be filled with light and hope. With our own strength, we will create a brilliant tomorrow of our own."
Bronya made an inviting gesture to the crowd. "Finally, I, Bronya Rand, ask you all to stand by my side in the days to come. Let us join hands and contribute our strength to Belobog's recovery."