But—
The mastermind behind the Stellaron incident is, nine times out of ten, an Emanator of an unknown Aeon.
This is almost certain.
Most in the galaxy see Emanators as agents of an Aeon's will in the mortal realm.
This doesn't apply to all.
Take the Abundance Aeon, Yaoshi, for example.
Yaoshi never takes life.
Yet their Emanator, Shuhu, is the exact opposite, reveling in plundering miracles imbued with Abundance's power.
Why invade the Luofu, if not for the miracles Yaoshi bestowed upon it?
Regardless of whether Aeons are bound by the primal force of their Path, Emanators face no such restrictions.
With their power, they act as they please.
This is why Leon doesn't jump to conclusions and pin the blame on Destruction.
It's not like there haven't been Elation Emanators causing trouble.
Even gods might take the lead.
Right, Aha, who blew up the train?
"Darling, I was just joking with Akivili, accidentally blowing it up~~"
"Why explain? I didn't say I don't believe you."
"Aw~ Darling's so sweet~~"
"Don't gross me out. Go play somewhere else."
" The happiest thing for Aha is staying by Darling's side, being a dainty little sister~~"
Leon remained unmoved, long immune to such talk.
If it didn't understand human speech, he'd ignore it and focus on the matter at hand.
Emanators may not be human, "^^but they're at least alive.
An Emanator invading the Luofu would have intelligence.
With intelligence comes desire, driven by want.
Preservation Emanators don't always preserve.
Remembrance Emanators aren't always just historians.
Enigmata Emanators don't just weave mists.
Equilibrium Emanators don't always uphold balance.
—And Nihility Emanators don't always descend to save the suffering.
Excluding the above and Destruction, only the Hunt and Harmony are unlikely to be the masterminds behind the Luofu's Stellaron crisis.
The former are allies, not necessarily in harmony with each other but never enemies.
The latter is too unique—Harmony Emanators typically aren't a single person.
In other words, Harmony Emanators are the closest to being agents of their Aeon's will.
When needed, they can embody any member of their Path's "family."
As for the rest, who can say?
At this thought, Leon decided it was time.
Seeing him take out the familiar incense burner, Himeko froze.
"You're…"
"Yes, I'm uneasy."
"No!" Himeko instinctively objected. "Your injuries are severe. If—"
Before she could finish, she met Leon's seemingly calm gaze and sighed helplessly.
"You said you'd act with discretion."
"That's why I'm going. I didn't say it in front of everyone earlier because I didn't want them to worry, just like you're doing now."
Leon smiled.
That warm curve was enough to melt countless players' weak spots.
But the players couldn't see it yet; the time wasn't right.
Himeko's eyes showed unmasked concern. "How are your injuries now?"
"Not as bad as you think. A few days after Jarilo-VI's crisis ended, I was already mostly recovered."
"Even if I can't use healing winds on myself, I'm still a doctor."
Himeko locked eyes with him silently for a moment, finding no trace of a lie.
But she didn't fully believe him.
If he was mostly recovered, why not say so in front of everyone?
If they knew he was fine, how could they not welcome him along?
She didn't urge him not to overdo it or try to change his mind.
All her myriad concerns condensed into four words.
"Be very careful."
"Of course. I promised everyone."
"I'll see you to the docking car," Himeko said, standing.
"No need. Too much fuss. I'll board the Luofu my own way, likely acting alone in secret for a while. Don't tell Dan Heng."
With that, Leon vanished from the car.
Himeko let out a long sigh, sitting on the sofa to think.
About half an hour later, she stood again and headed to the think tank.
Unexpectedly, Dan Heng stood at the think tank's door, brows furrowed, looking burdened.
He didn't even notice her footsteps.
Recalling Leon's instructions, Himeko reined in her emotions, making her expression seem normal.
"Rare to see you so worried. Concerned about the kids' safety?"
Dan Heng started, looked up, and let out a soft hum.
"…Yeah, Himeko. You saved the Stellaron Hunters' remote transmission, right? Can I see it?"
"Sure."
Himeko pulled up the record.
From Kafka's arrival, the entire process played.
Dan Heng watched quietly until a man in black appeared.
"Stop!"
Himeko tilted her head. "You know him?"
"This man, this man—"
Dan Heng's face was heavy with solemnity and a touch of worry.
"If he's on the Xianzhou, then everyone—Mr. Welt, March, and Stelle—are in danger!"
No wonder nightmares had plagued him.
Had that man followed him here?
He wasn't afraid of trouble for himself, but if it harmed his companions…
Dan Heng didn't dare think further.
That man, no matter how many times he was killed, always came back.
It was the first time Himeko saw Dan Heng with such an expression, her tone unconsciously lowering.
"He's tied to… what you're running from, isn't he?"
Dan Heng nodded directly.
Himeko closed her eyes.
As expected…
A coincidence?
Probably not.
That woman, Kafka, wasn't just scheming against Leon but Dan Heng too…
Thinking of Dan Heng's unique connection to the Luofu, Himeko's brow gradually furrowed.
Dan Heng took a deep breath.
"I can't leave everyone to fend for themselves… I'm just afraid my burdens have finally caught up, dragging everyone into it."
"Who doesn't have burdens? Leon, Stelle… even little March, who remembers nothing, carries heavy weights."
"We walk an unseen Path, and all we see, hear, and Trailblaze becomes our baggage."
"It's both a heavy load and the strength that keeps us going."
"Don't overthink, Dan Heng. Do what you feel you must. It's better than regretting later."
After some thought, Dan Heng nodded silently and turned.
Himeko called after him.
"After this is over, you'll return to the train and travel with us, right?"
"…Yes."
Another person left.
Himeko walked to the window, gazing at the Xianzhou Luofu's Jade Gate.
Only when she saw another familiar landing shuttle vanish into the barrier did she look away.
"Sentimental Nameless… you're all quite alike…"