About half a minute later, Yun Fan suddenly stopped what he was doing. Under everyone's puzzled gazes, he pointed to the elevator that had slowly started operating in the distance.
"Done."
"This..." This time, even Arlan couldn't remain calm. Though he didn't understand the technology, having stayed at Herta Space Station for so long, he still had the most basic discernment.
Yun Fan's feat—within Herta Space Station, no one except Herta herself could likely match it.
"You Astral Express folks... truly have no shortage of talent," Arlan exclaimed sincerely.
"Well, actually, Yun Fan isn't from our Express," March 7th replied awkwardly.
"Not from the Astral Express?" Arlan was surprised. But... if he wasn't with the Express, could he be invited to join Herta Space Station?
"Mr. Yun Fan, your abilities are remarkable—we've all witnessed it. Might you consider joining Herta Space Station?"
"Huh?" March 7th was stunned by Arlan's sudden offer, then nervously glanced at Yun Fan. For some reason, she felt an inexplicable reluctance at the thought of him staying here.
Dan Heng observed the scene thoughtfully.
"Join Herta Space Station? No, I has always preferred freedom and dislikes being constrained." Yun Fan shook his head. Herta Space Station was far too small to accommodate someone of his stature.
"Is that so? My apologies for overstepping," Arlan said regretfully.
"Alright, enough small talk. Since the elevator's here, let's hurry," March 7th interjected, pointing to the distant elevator as if eager to steer the conversation away.
"Then, I'll leave it to you all."
"Leave it to us? Aren't you coming along?"
At this, Arlan shook his head and showed his bloodied hands. The urgency of the earlier situation had made everyone overlook his injuries, but now, looking calmly, they saw how severely he was wounded—not just his hands, but his entire body was lacerated, blood seeping everywhere.
"As you can see, even if I accompany you, I'd only be dead weight," Arlan said bitterly.
"We..." March 7th hesitated, her words trailing off.
"We understand. Take care," Dan Heng clasped his fists respectfully, then tightened his grip on Cloud-Piercer. "Let's go. Captain Arlan is right—our priority is reaching the Master Control Zone to organize a counterattack." His analysis was clinical.
"But..." March 7th seemed about to protest, but Stelle, standing behind her, gripped her shoulders and shook her head.
"Fine... please be careful!"
Watching their reactions, Yun Fan rubbed his nose and remarked, "No need for such dramatic farewells. These are just minor injuries—leave it to me."
As he spoke, golden Imaginary energy coalesced in his palm. Before anyone could react, he pressed it against Arlan.
"This..." As if time were reversing, Arlan's wounds healed rapidly, leaving him fully restored within moments.
"Haah—" Arlan took a deep breath, then bowed deeply to Yun Fan. "Thank you for your aid, sir. I will never forget this kindness."
"Mm." Yun Fan acknowledged Arlan's gratitude with a slight nod—not out of disregard, but because this was trivial to him.
"Amazing! Yun Fan, are you a follower of the Path of Abundance?" March 7th's eyes sparkled.
"I don't think so," Dan Heng interjected. At this, Arlan, March 7th, and Stelle all turned to him.
"For some reason, I'm particularly sensitive to Abundance's energy. Yet when Yun Fan healed Arlan just now, I detected no trace of it. Instead, I sensed an unfamiliar Path energy. If I'm correct, this belongs to the Path of Causality, no?" Dan Heng stroked his chin, analyzing dispassionately.
"Causality? The same Path as the young mistress..." Arlan murmured.
"Indeed, this is the power of Causality," Yun Fan confirmed, seeing no reason to hide it.
"It's true?!" March 7th gasped. "Quick! Yun Fan, let's take a photo! This is my first time meeting a follower of Karma!"
"March..." Dan Heng facepalmed. Shouldn't they prioritize aiding Asta?
"Ah! Sorry, I got carried away..." March 7th scratched her cheek sheepishly.
Watching their banter, Yun Fan chuckled.
"Alright, everyone—let's head to the Master Control Zone first."
———————
"Life, death, reality—transformed in a single thought: Manifest, Cloudhymn Roar!" Dan Heng unleashed his technique, pulling the Voidrangers into the domain. Cloud-Piercer danced like a dragon, mercilessly reaping their lives.
"Rules are meant to be broken!"
As Stelle's declaration rang out, a sonic boom followed—she vanished, reappearing behind several Voidrangers. Her baton lashed out, decapitating them mid-air.
"Swoosh!" March 7th loosed an arrow, piercing a Voidranger's chest. Before she could steady herself, more enemies erupted from spatial rifts, charging with blade-arms raised.
"Leave it to me! Haa—!" A thunderous slash erupted as Arlan, wielding his greatsword, intercepted them, bisecting the attackers in a single sweep.
"Saved again..." March 7th clutched her chest, her voice tinged with guilt and sorrow.
Earlier, as they'd reached the elevator, a Trampler had ambushed them.
Caught off guard, March 7th froze—until Yun Fan shoved her out of harm's way. But he wasn't as fortunate.
The Trampler's strike sent Yun Fan flying dozens of meters, hurling him off the third floor and out of sight. His fate remained unknown.
"Sniff..." March 7th's eyes reddened, tears flowing uncontrollably.
Meanwhile, Yun Fan...
"Exhibit #752: Fixed-Point Gun... can 'score' people, though criteria remain unclear."
"Ah, the Wind Glider—an artifact from Teyvat..."
"Exhibit #269: Happy Packaging, Laughing Snail, Flowing Mist Essence... Herta's collection is quite eclectic."