Qingni gazed excitedly at the members of the Astral Express crew before her. After all, this opportunity was something she had worked hard to "earn."
Hunting the Stellaron Hunters was an extremely dangerous mission. Given Yukong's protective nature toward her beloved daughter, how could she possibly allow Qingni to take such a risk?
'If I can do this well… will Mother finally let me become a real Sky-Farer?' Qingni mused hopefully.
Yet the girl didn't realize—even if she succeeded in this task, Yukong would never agree to let her become a Sky-Farer.
Because the root of the problem… had nothing to do with Qingni herself.
——————————————
Some time later, at Stargazer Navalia…
Kafka and Blade stood at a vantage point, looking down at the trio of Trailblazers and the foxian girl following the "Tingyun" automaton in search of clues. Their demeanor was one of absolute control, as if everything in the world unfolded according to their will.
Just as Kafka continued observing the Nameless' every move, Blade suddenly spoke from behind her.
"Kafka. I don't understand."
Hearing this, Kafka turned around. A flicker of surprise crossed her beautiful face, but it soon melted into an intrigued smile.
"Oh? Tell me, Bladie. What don't you understand?"
"After the birth of the Aeon of Causality, even Elio—the so-called 'Slave of Fate'—can no longer foresee destiny's path. If that's the case, the original script has lost all meaning. So why are we still performing like clowns, acting out scenes from a play that no longer applies?"
Kafka fell silent for a moment. Blade was right—the original script had already undergone earth-shattering changes.
Stelle, who was supposed to awaken the power of Destruction at Herta Space Station, had instead awakened Preservation's strength while protecting March 7th.
Then, on Jarilo-VI, the script—which was meant to involve only the Astral Express and Belobog's two major factions—had been completely derailed.
The unruly Blade. The Nameless of the Astral Express. The Masked Fool, Sparkle. Topaz of the Interastral Peace Corporation's "Stoneheart Ten."
A single backwater planet had somehow drawn in several of the universe's most powerful forces. In the end, the Express crew failed to secure the Stellaron, and Stelle—who already wielded Preservation's power—never obtained the Architects' Flaming Lance.
"Yes… the script has long since gone off the rails," Kafka sighed helplessly.
"Then why are we still—"
"Perhaps it's because we're unwilling to let go." After a pause, Kafka gave an unexpectedly emotional answer.
It truly was hard to accept. To set the script in motion, Stelle and the Hunters had spent years preparing, expending endless effort and resources. And now, the emergence of a new Aeon had rendered the future unknowable. To abandon all their preparations just like that… it was simply too bitter a pill to swallow.
"I see." Blade didn't press further. He simply leaned against the wall, silently cradling his shattered sword.
——————————————
"The Diting has gathered enough clues. We can use it to track the Stellaron Hunters' location now."
Qingni skillfully operated the automaton. After confirming that all necessary factors were in place, the girl turned to the three Trailblazers behind her with a pleased expression.
"Thank you for your help, Miss Qingni," Welt said courteously.
"No, no—I should be thanking you."
Qingni shook her head vigorously, then spoke earnestly:
"Thank you for giving me this opportunity. If we can successfully capture the Stellaron Hunters this time… I might finally become a real Sky-Farer."
"Sky-Farer? What's that?" Stelle asked curiously.
"They're soldiers who pilot starskiffs in combat. They got their name from chasing and repelling enemies in the skies. Among the forces fighting the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, Sky-Farers are one of the most important Xianzhou military units."
"Wow! That sounds so cool!" March 7th's eyes sparkled. Fighting while piloting a starskiff? That sounded downright amazing!
"So, Qingni, are you currently—"
"QINGNI!"
Just as March was about to ask more, an angry shout cut through the air, startling her.
Turning toward the source of the voice, they saw Yukong—the Sky-Faring Commission's current Helm-Master, who had received them the day before—standing at the dock, her face a mask of fury.
Her expression was icy. Even under the blazing noon sun, the sight sent a chill down everyone's spines.
"M-Mother… I mean, Helm-Master…"
Recognizing the figure before her, Qingni's heart sank. She instinctively lowered her head, not daring to meet Yukong's gaze.
"You have some nerve! Stealing the Helm-Master's seal, taking on a high-risk mission without authorization—do you have any idea what you're doing?!"
Yukong stormed up to Qingni, her hand raised as if to strike. The Astral Express crew gasped in alarm. March and Stelle immediately rushed forward, each grabbing one of Yukong's arms to stop her.
"Helm-Master Yukong, please calm down! Let's talk this through!"
At this, Qingni finally looked up, her eyes red and brimming with tears. The foxian girl, who had long suppressed her emotions, finally exploded:
"I know exactly what I'm doing! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have to do this!!"
Her shout—filled with both anguish and rage—made Yukong freeze. The Helm-Master's lips parted in shock.
"You—how dare you speak to me like—"
"Yes! I am speaking to you like this, my dear, beloved, gentle mother!"
"Eh? Mother?!" March and Stelle exchanged glances, confusion flashing in their eyes. If these two were mother and daughter… why did they seem like enemies right now?
Unlike the two less perceptive girls, Welt—the Astral Express's strategist and former Herrscher of Reason—lingered his gaze on the pair, as if sensing some hidden truth behind their conflict.
Hearing her daughter's furious words, Yukong sighed wearily.
"Qingni, you don't understand. Mother is only—"
"Ha… haha…! Right, of course it's for my own good. How wise of you, Mother."
Qingni tilted her head back, refusing to let her tears fall. Then, with a bitter laugh, she turned and ran off without another word.
"Qingni!"
Yukong reached out toward her daughter's retreating figure… but in the end, no words came. She could only watch silently as the girl vanished from sight.
Once Qingni was gone, Yukong took a moment to compose herself before forcing a smile and bowing apologetically to the Astral Express crew.
"My apologies. You shouldn't have had to witness that."
"It's alright," Welt said, shaking his head. Then, after a thoughtful glance at Yukong and the direction Qingni had fled, he added cautiously:
"Forgive my bluntness, Helm-Master Yukong, but… is it really wise to let Miss Qingni leave like this?"