"So, you met her at Herta Space Station, but she's not an employee… and she's lost her memory?" After listening to March's explanation about Stelle's origins, Himeko turned her gaze to the gray-haired girl before her, her eyes carrying a hint of scrutiny.
As the navigator of the Astral Express, the power of the Aeon of Trailblaze, Akivili, granted Himeko insight far beyond that of an ordinary person. She could sense that this girl named Stelle was… rather extraordinary.
There was a familiar aura about her, almost like… a Stellaron!
Noticing Himeko's gaze, Stelle tilted her head in confusion.
Why was this lady looking at her so strangely? Could it be… she likes girls?!
In an instant, Stelle's expression changed. Had she just escaped the clutches of that wolf named Yun Fan, only to fall into another trap?
Himeko, intrigued by Stelle, was about to strike up a conversation when she noticed the sudden shift in the girl's demeanor—almost as if she was… afraid of her?
Though unsure why, Himeko decided it might be best not to press further for now.
Just then—
"Honored guests of the Astral Express, Miss Asta has requested your presence at the Master Control Zone. She would have come herself to express her gratitude for your assistance, but due to the ongoing attack by the Antimatter Legion, she is currently unable to step away. Please forgive any impropriety."
The speaker was Arlan. After returning to the Master Control Section earlier, he had left the group to report to Asta alone. Now, he had come on her behalf.
"It's no trouble," Himeko replied with a shake of her head. "The Antimatter Legion's assault on Herta Space Station is a grave matter. With Lady Herta absent, Miss Asta, as the acting stationmaster, carries immense responsibility. It's understandable that she cannot spare the time. Let's go, everyone. I have a feeling… the greater threat may still lie ahead."
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"So it's true?" Herta gave Yun Fan a surprised glance. The rumors about the Aeon of Causality's personality were something she'd only seen in online gossip—hardly scientific evidence. Yet… it was actually true?! This was absurd. The Aeon of Causality… was a pervert?
"Of course. Who understands the Aeon of Causality better—you or me?"
"Hmm… fair point." Herta nodded thoughtfully. The man before her wasn't wrong. As an Emanator of Causality, his words held far more authority than hers.
"Then, what about the latter part? The one that says, 'If you spend a night with—'"
"Also true." Before Herta could finish, Yun Fan cut her off. Emanators? He could make those by the dozen. Trading an Emanator's title for a legal loli like Herta? That was a bargain!
Herta fell silent for a moment, then gave Yun Fan a strange look that made him increasingly uncomfortable.
Just as he was about to crack under the pressure, Herta spoke: "So… is that how you became an Emanator?"
"Huh?" Yun Fan froze for a second before realizing what she meant. Wait—what the hell?!
"No, no!" He waved his hands frantically. "The Aeon of Causality isn't into guys! I became an Emanator because I knew him before he ascended. After he became an Aeon, he pulled me up out of old friendship."
"You knew the Aeon of Causality before his ascension?!" Herta's eyes lit up. She had been troubled by the lack of early records on the Aeon of Causality, which hindered her efforts to upgrade the Simulated Universe. And now, the solution had walked right into her hands.
"Decision made!" Herta planted a hand on her hip and pointed at Yun Fan. "I want you… to test the Simulated Universe!"
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"Attention all personnel, the Antimatter Legion's offensive is showing signs of weakening. However, according to analytical predictions, we may still face several consecutive waves of attacks. Everyone, hold your ground!"
Master Control Zone…
Asta monitored the data panels while listening to reports from her subordinates before issuing directives to the entire space station via the public channel.
"Phew—" After completing a new round of deployments, Asta finally allowed herself a brief moment of relief.
"Hm?" Sensing someone approaching, she turned to see Himeko and the others led by Arlan walking toward her. Behind them was an unfamiliar gray-haired girl.
"Asta, we're back!" March 7, ever energetic, was the first to greet her. Asta smiled warmly. "Welcome back, everyone. Thank you for your hard work."
Himeko shook her head. "The Space Station and the Express have always been on good terms. Friends help each other—no thanks needed. How is the situation now?"
"Not optimistic," Asta sighed.
"To be honest, the station's security forces are too weak. We're barely holding our own against the Antimatter Legion. As for Lady Herta… I've tried contacting her, but so far, all messages have gone unanswered."
"Unanswered? Hmph, I suppose I didn't notice them."
Just as Asta finished speaking, a voice both haughty and cool rang out from the entrance. Recognizing it instantly, Asta turned in delight.
"Lady Herta!"
At her exclamation, everyone's attention shifted.
Especially Stelle's. Throughout the journey, she had heard countless mentions of Herta, and her curiosity about this elusive figure had grown. Following Asta's gaze, she finally saw the legendary genius—a very "imposing" little girl.
But behind her… Why is HE here?!
"Yun Fan?! You're okay—that's great!" March 7 rushed forward and, to everyone's surprise, threw her arms around him in a tight hug. A weight in her heart finally lifted.
"Uh, yeah, I'm fine. Lady Herta saved me." Yun Fan was momentarily stunned by March's sudden embrace but quickly recovered, smiling at the group.
His explanation was deliberate. While the title of Emanator was useful, it could also create distance. Since he wasn't yet close to everyone, it was better to keep that identity under wraps for now.
But fate had other plans.
"Tch! Don't flatter me. A high-and-mighty Emanator of Causality like you doesn't need me to save you."