Chapter 13

Helping unconditionally and without bottom line is called being a nanny.

Jarilo-VI, due to its weakness, was nearly wiped out. Even if the Stellaron disaster is averted, how will they, marked by the Antimatter Legion, defend themselves after the Express crew leaves?

Natasha gazed at Shirou Emiya, remaining silent for a long time. She seemed to understand his meaning.

If there were food, the people of the Lower City could survive, living peacefully and obediently, becoming truly compliant citizens.

No, It should be called domestication.

Taming livestock with feed.

"...I must do something, by myself."

Shirou Emiya's intention was clear: his goal was to resolve the "Stellaron," and he needed a "partner." Most importantly, he hadn't gone to the "Supreme Guardian" but had come to the Lower City to discuss cooperation with her, the unremarkable leader of the "Fire."

"Counterattack... at least, it's about uniting the Lower City completely, returning to the surface, and standing in opposition to the 'Supreme Guardian.'"

After Shirou Emiya left, Natasha sat in her clinic. Her expression was blank, and she remained silent, but she paced back and forth, ran, and even rolled on the sickbed, muttering "No, no," "Absolutely not," "It will kill everyone" ... In the end, she couldn't help but rush out...

Then, she grabbed the two protectors of the Fire guarding the door and pulled them into the room.

After an unknown amount of discussion, when all three walked out of the clinic with solemn expressions, Natasha stood before the large door, gazing at the children playing innocently in the distance. She suddenly made up her mind.

"Seele, have you ever seen the real sky?"

She suddenly asked the girl beside her. The latter was slightly startled and, unusually, fell silent for a moment before saying stubbornly in a low voice, "I'm not interested in that."

This was a lie.

When she was a child, she had visited the Upper City once. At that time, Oleg was the person in charge of the Lower City for the Silvermane Guards, so he had let her pass. During those two days, she had witnessed the prosperity of the Upper City, everything the Lower City had never possessed, and... the sky covered by lead-colored clouds.

It was the first time she had seen the sky, but it didn't have the beautiful colors described in the orphanage storybooks. Later, she asked Oleg. At that time, Oleg just rubbed her head and smiled, saying he would take her to see it when the time was right.

Later, the Upper and Lower Cities were completely sealed off, and she never left the Lower City again, nor did she have another chance to look at the sky.

"The Lower City is also a part of Belobog. Every inch of land here is the result of the pioneers of the 'Geodust Pioneers.' They were all people who lived under the sky of Belobog."

"Seele, whether it's you or the children born after the lockdown order was issued, you all inherently deserve the right to look up at the sky."

"That 'Rice Bag' might bring us enough food, but once the news leaks, the Upper City will definitely send people to demand the food. At that time... we will have to resist."

"In the past, the Upper City blocked the passage to the Lower City, and we were powerless, barely surviving until now. But now, we have the people from the Astral Express. For us, they are a turning point, the only key to breaking through the predicament of the Lower City. Therefore, we cannot miss this opportunity."

"As a doctor, I know that the number of patients I can save in my lifetime is extremely limited. Moreover, in this Lower City, medical facilities and resources are scarce. Treating those patients in such a rudimentary environment is like walking on a tightrope every time."

"We need a safer medical environment, clean water sources, and educational institutions where children can receive education with peace of mind. We need so many things. In the past, I dared not even hope... but now, with the appearance of that person, perhaps we must consider if this is the only chance in our lives."

"As he said, the Stellaron destroyed everything we had. And now... with this fleeting opportunity, it's time for us to take it all back."

She looked at the underground dome that sealed the sky. The jagged rocks faintly visible in the dark shadow were like the bars of a prison. Natasha paused slightly before speaking again.

"No matter the cost, we must defeat the 'Stellaron' and reclaim our future."

"The second beacon has also been triggered? Lucky."

As soon as he returned to the inn, before he could even meet March 7th and the others, Shirou Emiya felt the faint connection of the "Drifting Beacon." Broken murmurs came from the other end.

With the existence of the Synesthesia Beacon, when the unfamiliar voice entered his mind, it would be automatically translated. For this alone, Mr. Emiya had to praise the minds of the geniuses in the Genius Society for being truly effective.

"...Kill!"

"Kill! I want to kill all the Uchihas!"

"...Senju! Senju!"

Like a dream's delirium, the words from the other end were chaotic, disordered, and lacked logical organization. Even when he transmitted his thoughts, there was no response. Helpless, Shirou Emiya could only frown and start analyzing the nouns within the disordered words.

"Senju, Uchiha. It seems there's no suspense. Did a regular 'Drifting Beacon' land in the ninja world?"

Shirou Emiya couldn't help but raise his eyebrows slightly. Although the world view of Naruto wasn't very strong at the beginning, after Madara Uchiha appeared, there was a gradual era of Naruto and Sasuke ascending and the Otsutsuki family appearing crazily.

In the early stages, it could only be described as a legend of conflict between several villages. Although these villages did possess 'nuclear weapons,' conventional ninja combat was still at the level of spitting fire and water. By the time Old Man Madara appeared, slicing off dozens of mountains with a single sword and trimming the continental map, the combat power began to soar to the level of Dragon Ball.

Although the Otsutsuki clan that appeared later was limited in their combat performance, such monsters that could roam the universe unimpeded by themselves could probably contend with Bu Li Ren Shou. Especially Otsutsuki Shibai, who is rumored to be close to Otsutsuki God, this ultimate Otsutsuki... likely possesses the power of an Emissary, or even higher.

In the main story of Boruto, he has shed his physical form, transcended the boundaries of life and death, and has gone beyond the dimension of his native world to a higher dimension.

"Individuals who transcend dimensions on their own. I remember Sinbad from Magi... directly interfering with the flow of world destiny, altering the fundamental rules and matter of the world, and interfering with others' fate lines as easily as flipping a hand... Loki, who became the God of Stories, has similar capabilities. Fei Yu Zhen, who became a Superman with the All-Purpose Fantasy Book, is similar. Dio and Jotaro's Heaven Plan transcends limitations..."

"Come to think of it, although my basic combat abilities are good now, I do lack these conceptual, rule-based abilities. If I could complete this ability, I should be able to reach the Emissary level."

"The eyes in the ninja world might be very good 'biological samples.' If I could obtain the genetic data of those people in the ninja world, I could directly self-modify any Kekkei Genkai into my own body..."

"It will take some time for a deeper connection with the 'Beacon.' I estimate that after the events on Jarilo-VI conclude, I might have the opportunity to travel to the new worlds where these beacons are located."

Chapter 027: Is Pretending to be a City Builder Viable? (3/4)

"Rock Town was a settlement established by retired members of the 'Geodust Pioneers.' In the early days, it only served as a supply point and couldn't be considered a town in the true sense. It was only in recent years, after the Upper and Lower Cities of Belobog were sealed off, that miners and wanderers gradually gathered here, expanding it to its current scale."

"Besides Rock Town, there should have been several other small towns established around major mining areas. However, with the invasion of Abyss monsters in recent years, only Rock Town, protected by the 'Fire' organization, remains safe. Gradually... people from other towns also came here. Apart from a region called the Mechanical Settlement, where a large population is gathered, basically all the people in the Lower City have piled up here."

Dan Heng told everyone the information he had collected. Although he was taciturn, his clear and handsome features were quite appealing to many people. He had also served as an intelligence officer on multiple pioneering journeys, collecting useful information.

"The conflict between the Lower City and the Upper City is severe. While gathering intel, many wanderers mistook me for a Silvermane Guard and attacked without a word."

"I investigated and found that the Lower City has very little arable land. Their daily diet primarily consists of edible insects found in the mining areas. Grain-based food sources are extremely scarce. Underground resources heavily rely on smugglers like Svarog, but the surface's crackdown on such merchants is also quite severe."

"Furthermore, as time passes, the superiority complex, sense of alienation, and even hostility between the upper and lower cities are intensifying. Aside from Svarog, there's no one else currently smuggling supplies to the lower levels."

Hearing Dan Heng say this, March 7th's expression immediately turned a little uneasy.

"No way, did we just bully a good person?"

"Not quite a good person."

Shirou Emiya waved his hand. This girl's understanding of good and evil isn't very clear yet. Some people don't necessarily intend to do good deeds; they just happen to do things that benefit certain individuals. It's like a capitalist giving you a salary; you earn your compensation through your work, which is a rightful gain. Unless this capitalist, out of kindness, lets you rest at home every day and still pays you your full salary, then they'd truly be the best father figure.

"It's worth mentioning that according to an old former Silvermane Guard, the 'Geodust Pioneers' were once part of the 'Silvermane Guards,' and the 'Silvermane Guards' themselves seem to be related to the 'City Builders.' Not only that, but Belobog's birth and continued existence appear to have an indelible connection to the 'City Builders.' When joining the Silvermane Guards, they also pledge oaths to the 'City Builders' and the 'Amber Lord' to express their utmost respect."

"City Builders?"

Miss Asta looked confused at the mention of this term. However, March 7th proactively began to introduce the origin of the "City Builders" to her.

"The 'Preservation Aeon,' Klippers, also known as the Amber Lord. The factions that follow its path and gather under its banner are mainly two: one is the 'Interastral Peace Corporation,' which wholeheartedly serves Klippers by collecting building materials throughout the universe; the other is the 'City Builders,' who emulate Klippers' actions by constructing 'walls' for weaker civilizations across the universe."

"Got it, the internal affairs manager and the civil engineer bros."

She didn't understand the cosmic technical terms, but she inexplicably remembered common internet slang, etched into her DNA.

It's all Silver Wolf's fault!

"I have an idea."

Dan Heng looked at Shirou Emiya, organized his thoughts slightly, and spoke again.

"This planet has been isolated for a long time. Perhaps they can't truly recognize the 'City Builders.' We could impersonate 'City Builders' to make contact with the people in the Upper City."

"Seizing the high ground of seniority first, huh."

Shirou Emiya understood Dan Heng's meaning. The Astral Express might not have much standing on this isolated planet, but since the Silvermane Guards have records of oaths to the 'Amber Lord' and the 'City Builders,' representing the 'City Builders' would be equivalent to directly becoming the unit they swore allegiance to... these visitors from beyond the stars would instantly become a 'superior unit' to the Silvermane Guards.

"You guys go ahead."

After a moment of thought, Shirou Emiya smiled. Everyone's journey of exploration should be chosen by themselves. Trailblazers are by no means saviors or destroyers of worlds; it's fine to consider them mere travelers. Therefore, as travelers, they naturally have the right to decide what they want to do on their journey.

"Aren't you coming with us, Shirou Emiya?"

March 7th's tone held a hint of disappointment. Dan Heng's plan struck her as very practical, and she intended to join. But if Shirou Emiya didn't join this plan, for some reason, she suddenly felt Dan Heng's plan seemed a bit dull.

"We are all searching for the meaning of life through travel, March. The goal we hold is our original intention, but all the choices made during the journey are the most precious things belonging to an individual."

"I'll say it again: do what you believe is right, what makes you happy and able to laugh out loud. Even if it's rolling around in the mud or enjoying elegance with an empty wine glass on a rainy day, as long as you feel happiness and joy, nothing else matters."

"None of you are my subordinates, and neither am I yours. March, this is a trial. A person only truly grows when they overcome their past, immature self."

The Masked Fool believed that the truth of the universe was merely a joke, and the ultimate meaning of all things lay in simple laughter. From this perspective, Shirou Emiya was only slightly more conservative than those Masked Fools in his pursuit of amusement, possessing a baseline of personality and morality.

"Okay, okay."

The little pink-haired girl waved her hand helplessly. Although Mr. Emiya didn't want to play with them, what he said made sense. The essence of the trailblazing journey is to see new things and witness new changes. Just following others and waiting for the storms they stir up to hit your face would indeed be rather uninteresting.

"Dan Heng impersonating a 'City Builder' probably won't be exposed, but we might give ourselves away."

March 7th looked at her companions and suddenly burst into laughter.

"Asta, how about we change our identities too and go play in the Upper City?"

"What identities?"

"Let me think... Never mind. Teacher Dan Heng, you're the smart one, you think of something for us?!"

Teacher Dan Heng sighed. He really wanted to leave these two burdens with Shirou Emiya to take care of, but Captain Shirou Emiya's stance was clear: he wanted them to go solo and have their own fun. Dan Heng rubbed his forehead, thought seriously for a moment, and then felt his phone vibrate. He took out his phone and looked at it, seeing a private message from someone in the group.

[I Really Can Pole Vault: Let them be Sea Rangers. Wandering stars who are not bound need not care about anyone's attitude; they only need to act according to the justice in their hearts. And don't they happen to possess such justice?]

Chapter 028: Four People Formed Four Races (4/4)

Sea Rangers?

Dan Heng fell silent for a moment upon seeing this name. He knew this name. Having inherited a significant portion of Dan Feng's memories, he was no stranger to the Xianzhou and the Hunt.

Sea Rangers were the second-largest group belonging to the Hunt's path.

Much like the relationship between the City Builders and Klippers.

They followed justice, using the principles of the Hunt as their vanguard, to resist all unjust, oppressive, and destructive forces in the world. Unlike the City Builders, they did not offer protection; they only excelled at wielding swords, launching the most direct and effective counterattacks against oppression and violence.

In terms of their modus operandi, Sea Rangers were indeed suitable for all those who harbored justice in their hearts. Moreover... the Sea Rangers had been inconspicuous for a century. By impersonating Sea Rangers, as long as they didn't commit any wrongdoing, no organization would have any objections to people impersonating them.

Although he didn't understand why Shirou Emiya didn't tell the two girls directly, Dan Heng didn't ask further. He simply nodded and explained the situation of the Sea Rangers to Asta and March 7th. March 7th's eyes immediately lit up, and she raised her hand like an elementary school student eager to be called on by the teacher.

After Teacher Dan Heng and the two youngsters decided on their class cards and plan, the three of them began to make preliminary preparations to go to the upper level of the surface.

The three of them got busy, while Mr. Emiya became idle. Although he wasn't mingling with the trio, he didn't intend to just lie around until the events on Jarilo-VI concluded.

The disaster on this planet originated from the Stellaron, but the Stellaron was not the sole cause of the catastrophic disaster. The Stellaron only altered the dynamic stability constants of space, gradually tilting towards an unstable Abyss-like form.

This unstable Abyss-like form could erode creatures in the real material world. Animals, mechs, elementals, and even humans could become its pawns.

In essence, this description was already quite close to the "Honkai Impact" phenomenon, a traditional art from Old Mi's original work. However, it differed from a simple erosion phenomenon in that its operational program might have been inherently endowed with additional functions, or perhaps other foreign objects had been squeezed into it.

A mark.

It was like a flare, and as soon as it began to create a Rift, the Antimatter Legion's hyenas would follow the scent. This was true on Herta Space Station, and it was the same on Jarilo-VI.

However, just like the Honkai events, Stellaron would also respond to some life forms with "strong desires," granting them the ability to realize their wishes. It was like creating a Herrscher; the Stellaron's wish-granting mechanism might be no different from a corrupted Holy Grail, offering no positive outcomes.

But if your wish was to cleanse the entire world, in line with its operational principles, then you would truly become a "Stellaron Jinchuriki," an "Ultraman Stellaron" united with the Stellaron.

Mr. Emiya had no intention of changing the script for the final battle between the two Ultraman Stellaron. After all, their little Stellaron spirit still needed to find a way to meet that big rock-like Klippers. Without the charge of the flame gun, wouldn't their trip to Jarilo-VI be in vain?

"Antimatter Legion."

Mr. Emiya was now thinking about this. After the cold wave receded, Belobog would inevitably usher in a wave of revival. Once the Stellaron was taken away by the Express crew, and the cold wave was gone as a protective net, the Antimatter Legion present throughout Jarilo-VI would undoubtedly thaw and reawaken. There might even be new reinforcements.

"Last time, they slapped the Iron Tomb's face, and that old guy probably marked the Astral Express. While the Express crew's universe-hopping isn't a concern, Jarilo-VI can't exactly push itself away like the planet in 'The Wandering Earth,' can it?"

Therefore, a way had to be found to deal with the Antimatter Legion, and it was even necessary to ensure that the Express crew members did not show themselves.

After finally dealing with the Stellaron and dispelling the cold wave, everyone could happily have a reunion and celebrate. But now, because of the Express crew, the Iron Tomb had marked a gathering point for the Antimatter Legion. Then, with Jarilo being quickly overrun by a large group of Void Trotters and Doomsday Beasts, its civilization would be GG. Wouldn't all their efforts here have been in vain?

If this happened, and Svarog broadcasted it to the Masked Tavern, he himself would become a laughingstock.

Aha had given him a mask. While he didn't want to be as unscrupulous as the Masked Fools in their pursuit of amusement, if he were to become someone else's amusement, that would be a different story.

"So, I can't be a nanny."

"Only when they learn to resist themselves will they be qualified to survive in this universe."

Therefore, the City Builder would only teach you to build walls, not help you slaughter foreign enemies.

Therefore, the Sea Ranger would only lead you to revenge for justice, not simply act out of dislike for someone.

The Masked Fools would create trouble and spread panic without regard for the consequences, finding amusement in it. But if your actions themselves surpassed their expected outcome, they would also applaud you wholeheartedly.