Chapter 196: Obsequies Performed, A Long Road Ahead 『 Part Three 』
「 Yukong invited the members of the Astral Express to select a few of Tingyun's personal effects to be placed within the starskiff.
Tingyun left behind a few possessions. Aside from some daily necessities, there were only a few gifts she never had the chance to deliver—packets of tea seeds, a kitchen knife, and a bow…
Guided by what they believed would be Tingyun's wishes, the tea seeds were gifted to the owner of The Sleepless Earl, and the kitchen knife to Yancui of Spices Supreme. As for that final bow… Welt had an idea.
Upon arriving at Stargazer Navalia, the group met Yukong, who was overseeing the starskiff construction. After explaining their intent, March 7th placed the bow into Yukong's hands.
Gazing at the bow, Yukong seemed momentarily lost in a daze. After a long silence, she gently shook her head. "She understood my pain, yet I can do nothing more for her…"
"In the war against the Denizens of 『 Abundance 』 thirty years ago, Guangyuan fell in battle, and Caiyi departed, leaving me all alone. After the war ended, it was as if we feared touching the scars left behind. The Luofu Xianzhou sailed along its trade routes, resting, recuperating, breathing in the commerce…"
"Though I was promoted to Helm Master, I came from the rank and file; I was never adept at such delicate management. Tingyun, however, was a born merchant. Officially, my subordinate, yet she loved to discuss business with me, offering her counsel."
"I used to think that Xianzhou had changed with the times. Geniuses like Tingyun were the future for the Sky-Faring Commission's next generation — they would bring prosperity to the Luofu. I was only ever suited to the flames of war."
Yukong's gaze suddenly sharpened, her tone shifting with it. "I was wrong. Only when the last minions of the Antimatter Legion are wiped out, will I become useless to the Xianzhou... The Xianzhou needs people like me — those willing to cruise the sky and fight the flames." 」
「 .....」
〜Bleach World〜
The setting sun dyed the wooden corridor outside the Squad 1 barracks in amber hues. Shunsui Kyōraku leaned against the vermilion railing, lazily swirling a bottle of sake.
In the sky above, Yukong's eyes, brimming with sorrow and hatred, were reflected in the clear sake, shattering into rippling fragments.
"Since Destruction is so detestable, why not twist all the forces opposing Him into a single rope? Even if they cannot extinguish an Star God, getting rid of His Emanators(Lord Ravagers) would still be quite good, wouldn't you say?"
Shunsui sighed softly, watching the reflection in his cup.
"An absurd notion."
Byakuya Kuchiki stood silently in the distance, his ginpaku kazahana no uzuginu fluttering gently in the evening breeze.
"Among the currently revealed factions, aside from the enigmatic Genius Society, the largest are likely the Xianzhou Alliance and the Interastral Peace Corporation, are they not? The Alliance seeks to hunt down The 『 Abundance 』, while the IPC seeks neutrality amidst cosmic struggles… Even if they possess great power, they will absolutely never stand together."
"As for the Stellaron Hunters…"
Byakuya's fingertips unconsciously brushed the tsuba of Senbonzakura.
"They may possess certain methods, but before the power of an Emanator, they remain too insignificant."
"Furthermore, these various cosmic factions… they remind me of the Noble Council in the Seireitei."
"Oh?"
Shunsui approached him with keen interest.
"I didn't expect Captain Kuchiki to use such a spicy metaphor."
Byakuya turned slightly, avoiding the Head Captain, who reeked of alcohol.
"It is merely a fact. In reality, even facing a common enemy, these factions will calculate their own gains and losses, preferring to maintain a dangerous balance rather than surrender authority."
"Can you imagine the Xianzhou Alliance handing over full military command to the IPC or other factions when fighting Nanook? If the different factions are scattered… in a situation like a tray of loose sand, the odds of victory are scant."
"To fight Nanook together, I fear the Emanators would need to knock on quite a few more doors."
—
「 "Tingyun, the Sky-Faring Commission shall not forget you…"
Yukong stood at the end of the jetty in Stargazer Navalia. The long wind curled around the hem of her robes, like a remnant feather refusing to fall. She stared at the starskiff laden with Tingyun's belongings, her gaze as cold and hard as meteoric iron, as if a cluster of imperishable fire burned within. "I will find the truth. If you have met with misfortune, I will avenge you."
As she spoke, the hour for the Soul-Soothing Ceremony arrived.
Accompanied by the roar of engines, thousands of starskiffs crossed the distance like meteors, flying toward the Jade Gate on the horizon. Each vessel carried a name that could no longer return home.
Yukong stood upon the Kunyu Platform. She looked up at the firmament, the long wind curling around the hem of her robes, like a remnant feather refusing to fall.
Watching the starskiffs vanish, the ceremony concluded. Jing Yuan, his wounds not yet fully healed, approached the group. Ignoring Yanqing's dissuasion, he insisted on speaking a few words to the Astral Express crew.
"Before you depart the Luofu, there are two things I wish to present to the Astral Express."
March 7th's eyes lit up. "Gifts? Has he finally found his conscience and decided to compensate us for all our hard work?"
The group arrived at the Seat of Divine Foresight. After reiterating his gratitude, Jing Yuan stated that the Luofu could never fully repay what they had done. Thus, on behalf of the Luofu Cloud Knights, Jing Yuan presented them with a Jade Abacus symbolizing the [Bond of Alliance].
"Millennia ago, when the Alliance was formed, the Xianzhou ships swore a common oath, inscribed upon the Jade Abacus as witness. Though the heavens and earth may perish, this oath shall not change."
"This Jade Abacus is much the same. It records the promise of the Luofu Cloud Knights to the Express Crew. It is also a beacon—grasp it tight, and it will send a message to the paired Jade Abacus in my hand."
Jing Yuan looked at the crew with solemn gravity. "No matter the vastness of the galaxy, or the arduous length of the journey, the Luofu Cloud Knights will come to rendezvous with the Express and fulfill your request." 」
「 .....」
〜OVERLORD World〜
In the Throne Room of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, Ainz sat upon the Throne of Kings. His crimson pupils flickered slightly, his phalanges tapping rhythmically against the armrest.
(A contract item capable of transmitting information across planes? With such an item… couldn't the Express Crew roam the galaxy with impunity?)
(I'm so envious… If only I could possess such an item.)
Sigh. Ainz heaved a great sigh in his heart. Ever since witnessing the battles of this group on the screen of light, the unease and confusion had caused his nonexistent stomach to ache constantly. And the thought of sharing a universe with guys who crush stars at the drop of a hat made it hurt even more.
Actually, the Guild was not without coordinate-type items. The problem was that these items could only summon monsters of Level 80 or higher. While perfectly sufficient for the current world, if one cast their gaze to the cosmic galaxy… they would likely be extinguished by an Emanator with a snap of their fingers, wouldn't they?
"Ainz-Sama, there is news from Sebas."
Demiurge bowed respectfully at his side.
"Oh… what did he say?"
"The ritual in the Roble Holy Kingdom petitioning the 『 Abundance 』 Yaoshi has concluded. The result is… nothing happened."
"Petitioning…The 『 Abundance 』?"
Ainz's voice hitched.
(Do these humans want to become Abominations of 『 Abundance 』?? A local chapter of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus? No, are they trying to lure the forces of the Luofu Xianzhou here? To crusade against me?)
In an instant, countless thoughts surged up, crowding into Ainz's empty cranium.
—