Train Jump

Astral Express - Parlor Car

The members of the Astral Express Crew had gathered here, and the adorable conductor, Pom-Pom, extended a warm welcome to the two new passengers.

"Xiao Xi, Stelle, from today on, you are members of the Astral Express, pome! Ahem, on the train..."

"That's how it is. Welcome aboard, and may we embark on the journey of Trailblaze together, pome! Now, the conductor must go and prepare for the jump, pome."

"Don't let the conductor's small size fool you; he's actually very capable. Pom-Pom solves a lot of the problems on the train," March 7th chimed in, leaning closer.

"That is indeed the case," Dan Heng added with a nod from the side.

"The conductor is a very important member of this train," Himeko added with a smile, seeing that we were chatting happily.

Just as everyone was making small talk, the conductor's voice echoed through the Parlor Car via the intercom.

"The train is about to initiate a jump. Please sit tight and hold on. Moving about the cabin during the jump is strictly prohibited..."

"This time, I'll definitely succeed."

Seeing March 7th stand up to stretch, Xiao Xi asked with some confusion, "Didn't the conductor say to sit tight? What is March doing?"

Dan Heng explained with a helpless tone, "March has always wanted to try standing during a jump without falling over. Of course, she has never succeeded once."

"March, it's better to sit down. It's still too dangerous," Welt advised.

March rubbed the back of her head and laughed sheepishly. "Ah, Mr. Yang, let me try one more time. I'll definitely succeed this time."

"Sigh," Dan Heng sighed helplessly beside her.

Amidst this joyful atmosphere, the conductor began the countdown for the jump.

"Five, four, three, two, one---"

A pale blue light emerged around the train, as if draping it in a mysterious veil. Accompanied by a violent tremor, the very space seemed to be torn apart, and the Astral Express began to move slowly. It followed the correct star rail, accelerating until it finally vanished into the depths of the galaxy.

"Whoa!" With a sharp cry from March 7th, her body tilted forward uncontrollably. Just then, Xiao Xi reacted with lightning speed, reaching out to steady March 7th and preventing her from falling to the floor.

"Ah, failed again," March 7th said with a hint of annoyance, a look of frustration crossing her face.

"Since you know you'll fall, don't make such dangerous attempts during the next jump," Dan Heng said, looking at her with a helpless sigh.

March 7th laughed guiltily. "Hehe, got it."

The galaxy was vast and magnificent. One only needed to look through the train windows to observe wonders that ordinary people would never have the chance to see in a lifetime.

The galaxy resembled a flowing ribbon of light stretching across the horizon, composed of countless stars packed closely together, emitting a soft, silvery glow. Occasionally, a shooting star would pierce the night sky, leaving behind a brief, brilliant trail like a hurried traveler in the heavens.

"It's so beautiful," Stelle remarked, unable to help but sigh at the sea of stars.

"Clap, clap." Himeko clapped her hands to draw everyone's attention back. "Alright everyone, the train has successfully completed the jump. You are now free to move about. March, Dan Heng, please take the new passengers to familiarize themselves with the environment."

"Don't worry, Himeko, we'll get the job done," March 7th replied, full of energy.

"I'll take you to your rooms first, then show you the facilities on the train."

After settling into their rooms with March 7th and the others, and curiously browsing the Data Bank on the train, the group felt tired and prepared to head to bed. The train continued to travel steadily while everyone slept.

At dawn, accompanied by soothing morning music, the train slowly decelerated along the star rail. After a slight push of inertia, it came to a gentle stop.

Through the train's glass, a planet covered in ice and snow came into view—the destination of the Astral Express Crew: Jarilo-VI.

Looking at the planet in the distance, Himeko said with some surprise, "After thousands of years, has Jarilo-VI really turned into this?"

March 7th was clearly shocked by the destination they were about to reach. "So, that snow-covered planet down there that looks freezing cold is our destination?"

Before March 7th could express any more thoughts, the conductor, Pom-Pom, walked over and announced sternly, "Spatial readings are abnormal. Star rail stability is dropping. Passengers, our stop duration has been extended from seven days to indefinitely."

"What should we do now?" The veteran passengers were unfazed by such incidents, but the newcomers were a bit panicked.

"Don't worry. We just need to find the source of the problem and resolve it," Himeko said calmly.

Meanwhile, Welt returned with the diagnostic report. "According to my preliminary analysis, the cause of this incident is highly likely to be the influence of a Stellaron."

The [Stellaron], known as the "Cancer of All Worlds," is a weapon deployed by Nanook of the [Destruction] to annihilate planets. Wherever it exists, it obstructs the progress of the Trailblaze, and the members of the Astral Express must seal it.

"I see. Then, I'll leave this Trailblazing mission to Stelle, Xiao Xi, Dan Heng, and March. As for Welt and me, we will remain on the train."

"Yay! Off to explore a new planet!" March 7th prepared herself, full of vigor.

Guided by the power of the Trailblaze, the four of them successfully landed on the surface of Jarilo-VI.

"Uh, what should we do now?" Xiao Xi asked with some hesitation.

"Based on our previous observations, there are still survivors on Jarilo-VI. Our top priority should be to find the locals to help guide us," Dan Heng suggested.

"Phew, I have to say, Dan Heng, you're reliable. Let's head toward the survivor base we spotted earlier," March 7th agreed.

On the way, Xiao Xi and March took many photos of the beautiful snowy scenery with their cameras, planning to develop them as souvenirs once they returned to the train.

"Wait, everyone, I think I heard something," Xiao Xi said with a puzzled expression while they were walking.

"Ah, a sound? No way. Where would there be any sound in this frozen wasteland? Xiao Xi, don't scare me," March 7th said, looking around nervously.

"No, something feels wrong." Xiao Xi frowned and channeled the power of her Path. Suddenly, golden flames erupted from the snow pile ahead.

"Ouch, hot, so hot!" A man with blue hair suddenly burst out from the snow, rolling on the ground several times before finally extinguishing the flames on his body.

Just as Sampo put out the fire, he looked up to see the four people in front of him staring at him with blank expressions.

"Ahem, look, you brave heroes, I'm truly sorry. You have to believe me, I really didn't mean anything by it."

Seeing that we didn't react, Sampo tried to divert our attention, "Uh, may I ask if Captain Gepard has arrived yet..."

"Cut the nonsense and tell us your true purpose for hiding here." Unswayed by Sampo's attempt to change the subject, Dan Heng drew his spear and asked coldly.

"You aren't familiar with the Iron-Mane Guards? Well, what a coincidence, I'm Sampo Koski. I just came out to the snowfields to find something to sell for a bit of cash..."

"You mentioned the guards just now. Do you have a grudge against the people in charge here?" Not wanting to listen to any more of his fabrications, Stelle interrupted Sampo to ask.

"Oh my, this, well, a grudge? I wouldn't exactly call it that..."

Before Sampo could finish his sentence, a squad of Iron-Mane Guards arrived from the distance.

"Wanted criminal Sampo spotted, and he has accomplices. Silver-Mane Guards, prepare for combat!" The armored figure at the front of the guards, who appeared to be their commander, waved his hand and issued the order.