「 "On the Luofu, all matters concerning airspace, navigation, and trade are handled by the Sky-Faring Commission, one of the Six Commissions. As the largest port, the Central Starskiff Havenis also under our jurisdiction."
Upon arriving at the Central Starskiff Haven, Tingyun enthusiastically introduced the area to the group.
Various Starskiffs shuttled back and forth in the sky, as if one were in a sci-fi movie. But looking at the distant buildings, they were in a classical style with upturned eaves, carved beams, and painted pillars, giving off a "cyber-wuxia" vibe. 」
「 .....」
〜Frieren: Beyond Journey's End World〜
"What a convenient tool… it seems even faster than flight magic. Is this also human technology?"
Serie widened her eyes, carefully observing the Starskiff suspended in the sky. This tool, similar to a "ship," could achieve such astonishing speeds.
This mode of transportation was far more convenient than a carriage; riding it would probably allow one to travel across the entire empire in just one day.
Crucially, it didn't require magic to maintain its altitude and speed, making it quite useful for mages.
If mages could ride a Starskiff and use magic to bombard the ground from above… could the current demon lord forces on the continent last three days?
"Lady Serie, what are you anticipating?"
Sense saw a meaningful smile on the great mage's face.
"Nothing, just marveling at how humans always manage to create surprises."
"That's a tool from another world; it might be difficult to replicate…"
"It's fine, I have all the time in the world."
Serie shrugged, her expression as if to say,
"What's the big deal?"
From a thousand years ago, when humans knew nothing about magic, to now fully analyzing "killing magic" in just a few decades and incorporating it into their own magic system.
Over a long period, humans had created one miracle after another, and Serie believed that it was only a matter of time before humans on this continent could manufacture a Starskiff.
—
「 With that, Tingyun eagerly led the group to the audience, her hasty actions making it difficult for everyone to adapt.
Fortunately, Uncle Yang stepped forward at this moment, stating that he needed to make some preparations for the audience. Not only did he send Tingyun away, but he also bought the group some time to catch their breath.
"First, a heads-up for the two of you. During the upcoming audience, you must stay sharp and respond carefully," Uncle Yang said seriously.
"Is Uncle Yang worried that we'll repeat the Belobog fiasco when we meet the Xianzhou officials this time?" March 7th recalled their last trailblazing journey with lingering trepidation.
"No, the Xianzhou Alliance wouldn't be so rude. But when Madam Yukong receives us, she will definitely ask a series of questions—"
Uncle Yang paused, then continued, "Why did we choose this time to come to Xianzhou? How did we learn that this disaster is related to the Stellaron? Who revealed Xianzhou's information to us?…"
"If the answers are not careful, it's very likely to result in vigilance and hostility, making things much more difficult." 」
「 .....」
〜Zenless Zone Zero World〜
"…What meticulous thinking, was Mr. Welt really an animator before? Are animation companies all so full of hidden talents?"
At a barbecue restaurant in Plaza Walkway, Asaba Harumasa leisurely sipped his drink and teased Tsukishiro Yanagi, who was sitting diagonally opposite him,
"Deputy Chief, maybe we should interview some animators for the Air Defense Division's next recruitment round?"
"Harumasa, it's not animators who are impressive—it's Mr. Welt. Being an animator was just a cover for his true identity."
Tsukishiro Yanagi skillfully flipped the meat on the grill and, at the same time, blocked Soukaku's chopsticks from reaching for the grill.
"Just like some people, on the surface they're video store owners, but in reality, they're Phaethon."
"Uh… Ms. Yanagi, you're praising us too, right?"
Belle wiped the sweat from her forehead. Although she had already revealed her true identity to the Public Safety Bureau and the Air Defense Division, hearing them truly discuss her identity as an "Inter-Knot" still made her feel a slight nervousness.
"Of course."
Tsukishiro Yanagi expertly placed the grilled beef into Soukaku's and Belle's bowls.
"I think it's good to show more of Mr. Welt's perspective. Mr. Welt not only has good skills, but his way of handling problems is also particularly worth learning from. I hope someone can learn more from him…"
"Deputy Chief, I understand, I understand, you don't have to worry about this."
While Soukaku was momentarily engrossed in eating meat, Asaba quickly got up, snatched a piece of burnt meat from the grill in front of him, and put it into his mouth with lightning speed.
In less than ten seconds, Asaba's face turned from white to yellow, then from yellow to black, and finally, he could only gape, as if his soul was floating out of his mouth.
He smoothly pulled out a pre-prepared leave report from his pocket,
"Boss, I have food poisoning… I won't be able to attend tomorrow's meeting…"
"…"
Hoshimi Miyabi, who was already used to such antics, calmly drank her tea,
"Hmm, so this is your escape plan? A brand-new excuse, I see."
—
「 Upon arriving at the entrance of the Palace of Astrum, Tingyun was already waiting for them there.
"This humble one has already reported your situation to Madam Yukong, so I won't go in~" As if a burden had been lifted, Tingyun's tone became much lighter.
The three entered the Palace of Astrum under the guidance of a Cloud Knight soldier.
Yukong, who had just been sternly giving orders, slowly turned her head upon hearing footsteps, a tired yet warm smile appearing on her face,
"Guests of the Astral Express, greetings."
Yukong, like Tingyun, was a Foxian, but unlike the budding, younger Tingyun, Yukong was not only beautiful but also possessed the mature aura of a woman, elegant and grand, like a ripe fruit, exuding a sweet yet hazy fragrance.
"Tingyun has fully reported your intentions to me. Originally, my duties did not include receiving travelers. But since you know about the Stellaron and have stated your intention to help Luofu, then by all accounts, I must give you a face-to-face opportunity… to personally decline your offer." 」
「 .....」
〜Overlord World〜
"Decline? Why decline? Isn't it a good thing to have help?"
Inside the Great Tomb of Nazarick, among the Guardians watching the screen, Mare was the first to ask.
In her opinion, Yukong's refusal was simply incomprehensible.
"I find it very understandable,"
Demiurge said, pushing up his glasses with his index finger.
"Firstly, although the Astral Express has unilaterally shown goodwill to the Xianzhou, human hearts are unpredictable, and Lady Yukong does not have mind-reading magic to see their true intentions."
"Moreover, the current situation in Xianzhou is a mess. If this group were to cause more trouble… the consequences would be unimaginable."
"That is indeed the meaning."
Cocytus, who had been listening, suddenly interjected,
"However, in my opinion, the Xianzhou probably has another layer of meaning."
"Oh? Do tell, Cocytus."
"Mr. Welt once said that the Xianzhou Alliance's strength far surpasses that of the Astral Express. Possessing the blessings of a Star God, they probably wouldn't bother seeking help from those weaker than themselves, would they?"
—