The lights in the train car flickered, and moments later, a holographic projection suddenly appeared among the group. The figure held a black umbrella, draped in a long coat, standing with their back to the others. Their fingers rhythmically tapped on the nearby counter, as if habitually playing a piano tune.
Though the figure's upper body was largely obscured by the umbrella, seeing such an elegant style and movement, Stelle was already certain in her heart—she was finally about to meet Kafka!
She was really looking forward to it, Mommy Kafka.
"Who's that?"
Seeing the sudden appearance of the holographic projection, everyone present immediately grew wary. Eden's Star and Cloud-Piercer were already poised for action, but Himeko, with her arms crossed, showed no trace of panic. She casually waved a hand, signaling everyone to stay calm.
"That outfit—it's practically identical to a certain sky-high bounty poster, isn't it, Stellaron Hunter?" Himeko calmly stepped forward. "But the train doesn't welcome your kind. If you're just here to play tricks, you can leave now."
Noticing Himeko approaching, the figure slightly tilted their head, revealing a glimpse of a fair, alluring chin in everyone's view. "It's an honor to meet you, Navigator of the Astral Express."
Hearing the voice, Stelle's expression froze, as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head, dousing her anticipation and shattering the image of a certain figure.
"Good morning, everyone… Oh, my apologies, I forgot to introduce myself."
The figure folded their umbrella, gave a slight bow, and moved with the grace of a knight. The silver armor they wore gleamed brightly, adorned with rose patterns, exuding both sanctity and elegance.
Even the revolver at their waist felt like a work of art.
"I am a Stellaron Hunter. My name is Boothill. A pleasure to meet y'all."
Boom—
Stelle froze on the spot, as if a thunderclap had exploded in her mind, shattering her completely.
She had thought this was Mommy Kafka, but upon seeing this [Pure Beauty] armor, she felt a pang of regret: Oh, what a pity. But fine, even if it was Argenti making an early appearance, that was still okay—he was, after all, the beloved Rose of Charm.
But why did it have to be this "beloved by all" guy?!
"I come with no ill intentions. I humbly request a moment of your time to make a plea: The people of the Xianzhou Luofu are about to face a great calamity, and it all stems from a Stellaron. I hope you will go there and lend them your aid."
(Boothill explained the reasons behind this in a polite, gentle, and elegant manner.)
"…Heh, so after all that, your real goal is for us to save the Luofu and, while we're at it, rescue your companion named Blade, right?"
Himeko let out a soft hum. "Speaking of Blade, we're quite fated to cross paths. About half a month ago, my companions encountered him at the Herta Space Station. His condition back then… I don't need to elaborate, do I?"
"I deeply apologize for that incident," Boothill said, removing his hat and bowing again. "But… he's actually a good person. As his companion, I hope to save him."
Himeko pondered for a moment before saying, "Alright, you can go back for now. We'll need to discuss this internally, but you'd better prepare yourself."
"If we decide to head to the Luofu and your companion happens to lose control… I won't care what kind of person he is."
"If anyone dares to harm my passengers, taking down someone like that wouldn't even take me a second."
…
Stelle lay dejectedly on the sofa. Throughout the rest of the meeting, she barely said a word. She felt so foolish, truly. She had thought Boothill's drastic personality change was bad enough, but she hadn't expected Himeko, who was supposed to be in the "minor contrast zone," to reveal such an invincible side in her words.
Stelle suddenly realized that no one had ever told her before that the strongest person on this train was Welt.
It was just her preconceived notion that Uncle Yang could surpass everything.
"Stelle? Is something on your mind?"
A slender, fair hand waved in front of Stelle's face. Himeko leaned closer, her voice tinged with concern. "Are you okay? Did the appearance of that Stellaron Hunter remind you of something?"
"N-No, nothing," Stelle quickly explained. "I was just…sentimental, you know? That Boothill guy looked so menacing, but he was surprisingly polite, haha…"
Welt lightly tapped Stelle's head with his cane. "You can't judge people by their appearance."
Stelle nodded silently: You're so right, Uncle Yang.
"Now then… let's vote," Himeko said softly. "I don't want to be led around by a Stellaron Hunter, but we are Nameless. Wherever someone needs us, we will go. That will never change."
"So, I vote to head to the Luofu. And as the first to vote, I'll personally disembark at this stop to ensure your safety."
Himeko's voice was gentle, yet it carried an undeniable air of dominance and confidence.
…
The Luofu, Shackling Prison.
The dark prison never saw sunlight, and the air was perpetually damp. From the depths of the abyss below, faint, inhuman wails echoed.
In one corner of this place, two squads of heavily armed, burly Cloud Knights escorted a man in black. Though the man's stature was almost childlike compared to theirs, every Cloud Knight tasked with his transport was inwardly tense, not daring to let their guard down for even a moment.
According to rumors, this man bore the power of [Abundance], undying… immortal.
Capturing him had come at a significant cost.
The Cloud Knights brought the man to a grand hall, forcing him to stand under the only source of light. Before him, a petite figure lounged lazily in a high-backed chair, her jade-like hand propping up her cheek, her voice even carrying a hint of childishness. "…Do you still remember this place, Stellaron Hunter Blade? Shackling Prison escapee?"
Blade's gaze shifted forward, his dark red eyes landing on the figure. He suddenly grinned. "…Ha, hahahahahaha! Where's Jing Yuan? I finally make a trip back to the Xianzhou, and he doesn't even show his face? Instead, he sends a wet-behind-the-ears little girl to interrogate me?"
"Insolent! You stand before the General of the Divine Strategy! How dare you speak so boldly!" one of the Cloud Knights raised his glaive in a threatening gesture.
"General of the Divine Strategy? Pfft, hahahahaha…"
"You—"
The "General of the Divine Strategy" nonchalantly raised a hand, signaling the Cloud Knight to calm down. She then slowly stood, hands clasped behind her back, and walked to Blade's side. "Jing Yuan, huh? That name sure brings back memories."
"But what a pity. Old relics like him should've stepped down long ago. This world needs bolder young people to take charge."