After Bronya's speech ended, the people were still reeling from the overwhelming amount of information.
So much had happened in just a few short days, and the people would need time to slowly come to terms with all these changes.
Of course, those were the things Bronya would have to worry about. The Nameless aboard the train were already saying their final goodbyes.
Serval, Natasha, Seele, Hook... and all the many friends they had made on the planet Jarilo-VI.
Before they departed, Xiao Xi handed Bronya an invitation with a starry sea printed on the cover.
"This is an invitation from the Hope Mutual Aid Society. It's an organization formed spontaneously by people who believe in the Aeon of [Hope]. Its purpose is to preserve and pass on the torch of 'hope' among the stars. By now, it's become one of the largest organizations in the universe."
"As an Emanator of [Hope], I was naturally invited to join. For them, having an Emanator join is a blessing. Personally, having an organization backing me is a good thing, too."
"With this, Belobog's future should be a little smoother. Of course, you'll have to work out for yourselves how to communicate and cooperate with the organization. I'm only giving you an opportunity."
Bronya reached out and accepted the beautifully designed invitation. "Thank you, Xiao Xi. I don't know how I can ever repay you. Rest assured, Belobog won't let you down."
Astral Express — Parlor Car
By now, everyone had said goodbye to their friends in Belobog and returned to the train.
Sitting on the sofas in the Parlor Car, they excitedly told Welt and Himeko about the many memorable things that had happened during their Trailblaze journey.
Meanwhile, the Conductor, Pom-Pom, was checking the stability of the star rail again to make sure the train could depart safely.
"The star rail stability rate is steadily rising. 85%... Great! Passengers, the star rail stability rate has returned to normal. The train is ready to depart at any time."
"Wonderful! The train's all set. We can finally begin a new journey. But now that the day's actually here, I'm still a little reluctant to leave." March 7th sounded excited, but there was a hint of sadness in her voice.
"We're just leaving, not saying goodbye forever. We can always come back when we get the chance." Xiao Xi smiled as she reassured her.
Pat, pat. The Conductor walked over. "According to our observations, the Fragmentum's influence has disappeared, and the star rail stability rate is normal. To avoid any further complications, the train will depart immediately. Passengers, please prepare yourselves. The train is leaving."
During the train's jump, March 7th predictably fell over again, and Dan Heng caught her with an exasperated look.
Once the jump was over and the train was traveling smoothly, Pom-Pom came pattering over again and announced proudly, "Passengers of the Astral Express, the next destination the train will be stopping at is..."
Just as Pom-Pom was about to announce their next Trailblaze destination, a sound of machinery turning suddenly rang out aboard the train. A flash of blue light followed, and a projected figure appeared.
"Uh, what's going on?" March 7th cried out in alarm.
"March 7th, stay calm." Dan Heng stared intently at the figure. "Who are you?"