Hanxing looked down from the mountaintop. "Looks like they're here."
Soon, the Astral Express Crew looked ahead and saw Cocolia and Bronya. Cocolia was saying something to Bronya, but Bronya was holding her forehead.
"Enough, witch!" Seele rushed forward and interrupted Cocolia. "Bronya! I don't know what happened between you two, and even if you explained it right now, I wouldn't understand all that mysterious stuff. But there are two things I know for sure-
"First, these guys went through all kinds of hardship to get here so they could seal this thing called the 'Stellaron.' Second, remember what I said? If anything happened to you, I'd come and save you. So, do you understand? Even if that woman over there has brainwashed you and made you forget everything between us-I'll knock you out and drag you back!"
"Seele, everyone..." Moved by those words, Bronya looked at them. "That's enough, isn't it? I've given you plenty of time... time to say goodbye. It's time I told you the other reason I brought you here, Bronya. I wanted to witness your choice." Cocolia then told Bronya about herself and the Stellaron, before revealing the true purpose of this trip.
"Lady Cocolia, thank you for raising me. But I'm sorry, Mother. This one last time, I can't stand by your side," Bronya said to Cocolia. "What a pity... what a pity you won't get to see the beautiful new world. You can't break free of the shackles on your mind... Do you know? You were meant to be... the 'mother' of the new world." There was a trace of indescribable resolve in Cocolia's voice.
In an instant, Cocolia drew a spear. "What's happening? The ground's shaking!" March 7th was a little frightened, and everyone drew their weapons. "The old must be destroyed before the new can be built. As the Supreme Guardian, I command you to rise-the Engine of Creation!" With that, she raised her spear, and a giant hand appeared as Cocolia floated into the air.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa~" Hanxing struggled to keep his balance. Only then did he realize that the mountain itself was a gigantic robot-the "Engine of Creation" Cocolia had spoken of. This is the only way, Hanxing thought silently. He then slashed twice to open a spatial gate and hid in the space beyond.
"Everyone, watch out! That's an ancient machine of the Architects!" Bronya warned everyone. At the same time, a hand swept across from the side, and everyone hurried to get out of the way.
"Engine! Crush them!" Cocolia commanded. The Engine of Creation fired a laser at the group, and everyone hurried to dodge. "How are we supposed to destroy something that huge?" Bronya looked at the enormous Engine of Creation before her, a trace of despair rising in her heart.
Suddenly, a laser pierced the Engine of Creation's left shoulder. "Himeko, it's Himeko!" March 7th exclaimed. "Hello, hello! Can you hear me? The signal's terrible..." Himeko's voice reached their ears. "You finally remembered us, Himeko," March 7th complained.
"What are you talking about? Mr. Welt and I have been up in orbit worrying about you all this whole time. This Trailblaze journey has been quite exciting. How did this big guy start moving...? But for now, wouldn't it be better to make it stay put? The rest is up to you!" When she finished, everyone picked up their weapons again.
Just then, Caelus tried to run along the Engine of Creation's arm toward Cocolia. The Engine of Creation restarted at the same time and flung Caelus off. Seele appeared at the side and threw Caelus back onto the ground, while the Engine of Creation tried to grab Caelus with its other hand.
Dan Heng covered Caelus, then hurled his spear into the Engine of Creation. Caelus used the spear to swing forward and leaped in front of Cocolia. She seemed to have entered another form, with icicles appearing around her.
"Listen... this power is surging... singing... The promise the Stellaron gave me is this world's only hope... The Antimatter Legion seven hundred years ago, and you now... I shall grant you despair!" With a wave of her hand, several ice spears flew out. Caelus dodged several of them, but was still pierced by one.
At that moment, Hanxing looked at the wounded Caelus and felt a surge of delight. He then teleported to the top of the Engine of Creation's head and threw down his dagger. A vast domain spread out, separating everyone except Caelus and Cocolia.
"Now, the real battle begins!"