In the cockpit of the [ The Radiant Feldspar ], a thrilling battle with the ' Lycurgus ' has come to an end.
"Damn it... So this guy's real body isn't even on the [ The Radiant Feldspar ], it's just a simulated projection, there's absolutely nothing we can do about him."
"It's okay, March 7th... We can't do anything about him, and he can't do anything about us either."
After enjoying an unforgettable time with the Origami Bird, March 7th left first for the main banquet hall, where Xing began to summarize the current situation:
"The meeting that would determine Penacony's future went much more smoothly than expected... it ended with almost no debate."
"This airship has quite a few treasures on board, a very fruitful haul... and that Intellitron administrator named ' Lycurgus ' is not to be overlooked."
"Sigh~ The opening ceremony of the Charmony Festival is still a while away, let's go chat with the other guests."
Reflecting on her experiences from the day before, Xing realized there were many people she hadn't actually met, so... Galactic Baseballer is about to begin her friend-making campaign!
At the first location, the bar on the [ The Radiant Feldspar, Xing rubbed her eyes while looking at the virtual images of Boothill and Aventurine.
"Oh my god, am I seeing things? You two actually showed up together at the same time! Do you know each other?"
"Sigh~ What do you mean 'know him' or 'don't know him'? This guy... is connected to some darling I'm investigating. What's that saying again? [The enemy of my enemy is my friend]."
"Tell me more." Xing decisively moved closer to Boothill, trying to get some gossip about this Galaxy Ranger.
"Look who's here! The great heroine of the Astral Express, Miss Star, the most dazzling star in all of Penacony right now!"
Aventurine brought the topic back to the stars, Boothill also felt that it wasn't a good time to discuss this:
"Forget it, let's put aside the less respectable things for now, lest we spoil the atmosphere of the Charmony Festival."
"Alright, then let's congratulate Miss Xing. I heard the Family plans to properly thank your Astral Express Crew at the Charmony Festival." He shook his head, "Ah~ it's such a pity I can't be there in person."
Xing didn't understand, "Didn't you have the protection of [ Eternity ]? Why did you leave so hastily?"
"Let's get to the main issue first. My task was simply to create an opening for the company to enter the market. Putting everything else aside, I believe I've done a fairly good job on this matter."
"I was actually nearby when you were staying at Dreamflux Reef. I'm so grateful to have a knowledgeable friend; otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to dig up so much dirt on you."
"Let me answer your earlier question, my friend... I was attacked from both sides by the two Emanator, and as you saw, the [ Eternity ] Holy Stone was instantly retrieved by that priest. Then, facing the [ Nihility ] Emanator... my body couldn't hold out for long, otherwise things could have been resolved even more decisively."
Xing then looked at Boothill, "Although we've only known each other for a short time, thank you for your help in the final battle."
"Ha, no problem." Boothill revealed his gleaming white shark teeth. "Punishing evil and upholding justice is of paramount importance; it would be strange if we weren't there."
"It's a pity the Church of Eternity came at us like that... The Galaxy Ranger didn't come out of seclusion again, but you'll probably meet quite a few [ The Hunt ] comrades on your journey in the future. Please give them my regards."
"So... what were you guys talking about just now?" Xing was still very concerned about this.
"Alright, let's not beat around the bush. The Astral Express should know this too: I have a grudge against an executive named Oswaldo Schneider, and this flamboyant guy can help me find him."
"The feud between the Market Development Department and the Strategic Investment Department is known throughout the galaxy, but I really didn't expect that even the Galaxy Ranger would have a chance to get involved."
"Um, wasn't this Oswaldo Schneider already... cough cough! vindicated by the [ Church of Eternity ]?" Xing asked.
"My friend, you don't understand. I don't know what grudge Oswaldo has against [ Eternity ], but [ The Hunt ] hasn't avenged himself yet."
Aventurine's lips curled into a slight smile; things seemed to be getting interesting.
"Alright, have fun too, Penacony's great hero!"
"I'll pass," Aventurine said, spreading his hands. "But have fun, and if you don't mind, we can play a couple more rounds later."
Before leaving, Boothill also gave Xing a cup of [ Asdana White Oak Milk Tea Special Edition].
The second stop was still on the [ The Radiant Feldspar ] airship, but this time it was the Jade Pawnshop branch, where Xing arrived.
"Hello, lively young lady. Welcome to [ Jade Pawnshop ]." Jade smiled at Star. "How should I address you?"
Ye Yan.
"Hehe~" Jade smiled slightly, "No problem, this name is fine."
"Ah... then just call me March 7th."
Xing then changed her mind, saying that she felt it was a bit disrespectful to say Ye Yan's name [ Eternity ]...
"No problem. So, Miss March 7th —what do you want? And what are you willing to give up for it?"
Xing pondered. If she were to now call herself Ye Yan, then saying "Make Nanook bow down to me!" would fit her character better. But since she now calls herself March 7th, she should say it like this:
"If I could, I'd like to be the company's chairperson!"
"Oh... is this your wish?"
Lady Bonajade didn't even blink after hearing this. Xing thought she might have just never been born with a sense of humor, which was a pity.
"That sounds simple and easy to implement," Jade responded. "Then, let's talk about the cost?"
"Huh? Is it really that easy to achieve?"
Jade smiled kindly. "Don't be too nervous."
"To fulfill this wish, what I need is very simple: an animal's Tail."
"What animal?" Xing asked.
"It's a bipedal creature... its fur is black, it has a round head and long ears. It's omnivorous, and its emotions are somewhat unstable... Most importantly, it has mastered human language and can communicate verbally."
Hearing Jade's description, Xing's lips twitched slightly. This was Pom-Pom!
"Use its Tail as collateral, and your wish will be granted."
Xing sighed inwardly. Well, it seems that [ Lady Bonajade ] is not without a sense of humor... She has to admit that her skill in using dark humor surpasses her own, and she has to concede defeat.
Hmm... Hopefully there are scissors on the train. If all else fails, I'll just ask the all-knowing Ye Yan for help.
Wait a minute, if I remember correctly, Ye Yan was punished by the Conductor... Even the [ Eternity ] Aeon has to avoid him? The Conductor is terrifying!
"Until we meet again, Miss Xing."
Watching Xing's departing figure, Jade's eyes sharpened, completely unable to read her thoughts... [ Cornerstone ] was nothing but decoration in front of her; the Nameless of the Astral Express truly possessed extraordinary skills.
However, there is another possibility... that the Nameless was also an [ Eternity ] traveler, which makes a much more reasonable explanation.
The [ Eternity ] restriction, on the surface, only halts the physical state of the Pathstrider, extending their lifespan indefinitely. In reality, it seals off much more, capable of isolating any negative status.
The perspective shifts back to Xing, and she suddenly stops, recalling the last words Jade had said to her...
So Jade already knew her name... Come to think of it, it makes sense, considering how famous the Nameless is.