Chapter 292: The Trailblaze Arrives at Omphalos
Omphalos. The mysterious "∞" ring flickered, isolated from the rest of the universe. An aura formed from the interweaving of three Paths permeated the air.
"Hahaha, isn't this just a second-hand computer thrown out with the scrap metal?" Aha burst out laughing. As a powerful Aeon, he saw through the essence of Omphalos in an instant.
"Aha," Kenji asked jokingly, "that one Annihilation Gang Lord who targets the Path of Elation... 'Jia' (Stillness)... is that your alt account?"
Himeko and the others looked at Aha curiously, wanting to hear his explanation. Posing as an Annihilation Gang Lord just to mess with his own Path... that was definitely something Aha would do. Totally in character.
When it came to playing the role of a Pathstrider, Aha was very experienced. He had once disguised himself as a mortal and lurked on the Astral Express for over a year, blowing half the train to smithereens.
"How did you know?" Aha asked back, feigning surprise, as if it were true. "Alright, cards on the table. I'm done pretending. Jia is my alt."
Aha immediately performed for them, transforming into that Annihilation Gang Lord, Jia. He held a hat, a purple hand was on his neck, and he held up a die.
They couldn't tell. Everyone really couldn't tell.
Pathstriders of Elation could easily transform into others. They couldn't tell if Aha was just joking around and seeking fun.
"Get lost!" Akivili suddenly shouted, his usual easygoing temper gone. The divine might of the Aeon of Trailblaze surged through the cabin.
"Boss, what's wrong?" Hoshi jumped. When the Boss got serious, his oppressive aura was really shocking. This was what an Aeon was like.
"Someone's trying to sneak onto the Astral Express. Do they think I, the Aeon of Trailblaze, don't exist?" Akivili said with contempt.
Before he won his "resurrection match," the Express's defenses were indeed lacking. But now? Unless it was an Aeon, even an Emanator trying to force their way in would be useless.
The Astral Express welcomes visitors, but not uninvited ones.
Kenji glanced at March 7th. They were probably after her. But they were discovered before they even got in. How unlucky.
Omphalos really must not have an internet connection. Many factions outside knew Akivili had returned and was traveling with the Express. No one would be stupid enough to cause trouble for them.
"Alright! This is my first time leading the team after my return! Let's all go together!" Akivili said excitedly. A long-awaited Trailblazing journey! Go! Go! Go!
Kenji held back a laugh. If Akivili was going, Aha would, of course, follow close behind. With two Aeons going, Fuli, carrying that camera, would definitely go to 'check in.'
Lagus: Readers, am I going to die?
It was a rare full-crew Trailblazing mission for the Express. Thanks to Akivili, even Pom-Pom could go.
A car detached from the Express and headed toward Omphalos.
Just as the car entered Omphalos, Lagus noticed it through his administrator privileges.
"Nameless of the Trailblaze... and a walker of Destruction! The variable has arrived!"
Sensing the aura of Destruction on the gray-haired Trailblazer, Lagus grew excited. Omphalos was about to start turning again.
As for the presence of the Aeons, he didn't sense a single one. They were all disguised as ordinary Nameless newbies.
Akivili/Aha: I'm a newbie.
No one but another Aeon could see through the true identities of these sly old dogs.
THUD!
Upon entering Omphalos, the car was immediately attacked. A spear hit it, but it only caused a slight tremor, no crash.
"Oh? What a warm welcome," Akivili said, looking in the direction the spear came from.
[Galactic Baseballer]: "Brother Scorching Sun, get ready to roll out the red carpet, we're here!"
Brother Scorching Sun: "That fast?"
[Galactic Baseballer]: "You've gotta believe in the speed of the Trailblaze."
Miss Pink Elf♪: "Bai'e, question for you! That Xilian you know... who's cuter, her or me♪?"
What kind of dangerous question is this? Can I choose not to answer? He felt his death flag flickering. No matter who he answered, he'd offend the other party.
But Xilian was killed by that black-robed person. She... probably won't mind... right?
[God of Justice]: "Hahaha, that's a real death-trap question."
[Stank]: "Saa, answer him, Bai'e. Give us your answer."
[Shizu-cute]: "Bai'e must be hesitating. After all, his online friend is about to show up in person. If he answers badly, he's in for an IRL confrontation."
[Star Forger]: "That's a deep question. I choose Elysia!"
Miss Pink Elf♪: "Heehee, Bai'e, Bai'e, hurry up and answer! You can only pick one, not both♪"
This was Elysia's "bad habit." Kevin wasn't fun to tease anymore, but Bai'e, this "Samoyed," was very fun.
Brother Scorching Sun: "Can I not answer?"
Brother Scorching Sun: "You each have your own beauty."
Bai'e was helpless. How could he answer this? In terms of maturity, of course Elysia had the edge. But in terms of youthful looks and a slender figure, it was Xilian.
[Naughty Xi]: "Then let me ask too. Who do you think is skinnier? Elysia or that Xilian?"
Naughty Xi was at it again, jumping in to fan the flames.
Brother Scorching Sun: "Hiss... that question..."
Bai'e felt his teeth ache. This one was even trickier. His death flag was flickering faster.
"Little Bai, is it our imagination, or did a 'Danger' sign just appear over your head?" Tibat looked at Bai'e, her head-tilting gesture adorable.
"Ahem... Teacher Tibat, you must be seeing things," Bai'e said awkwardly. He knew he was in danger; the other party was about to confront him in person.
Miss Pink Elf♪: "That's a good question, too. Bai'e, you'd better think carefully before you answer♪"
Although she knew Naughty Xi was just fanning the flames, she was also very curious to hear Bai'e's answer.
[Earth Wrecker]: "If we're comparing photos, Xilian is more slender." As a straight-laced guy, Gamu just stated the facts.
Elysia's smile vanished, replaced by a pouting expression.
Brother Scorching Sun: "Brother Gamu, you get this: [ThumbsUp.jpg]"
Bai'e gave Gamu a thumbs up. So direct. I admire it.
Miss Pink Elf♪: "Does that mean, Bai'e, you think so too?"
Brother Scorching Sun: "Ahem, I've gotta run. Talk later."
Bai'e immediately went offline, mentally preparing himself for the inevitable IRL consequences.
Miss Pink Elf♪: "Hmph. I was very slender back in the day, too♪."
[Gudako]: "So, Elysia, you gained weight again?"
Miss Pink Elf♪: "I DID NOT!!!!"
[Galactic Baseballer]: "A little extra is good, too. My Godfather definitely likes it."
[Star Forger]: "Mhm, I agree."
Kenji agreed. A softer Elysia was very nice to touch.