Hmm, it doesn't really matter. No matter how the plot changes, it will always remain within the bounds of causality. As long as it stays within causality, it won't escape my control.
With that thought, Yun Fan turned his gaze back to Stelle. With his perception, he could clearly sense that the injuries within the young girl were slowly healing—perhaps due to the power of Preservation, or perhaps because of the Stellaron.
Even without his help, she would probably wake up on her own eventually. Though "eventually" could mean a few days, or even years or decades.
"Wake up, Stelle." Just as he had done with Asta, Yun Fan placed his hand on Stelle's forehead and gently channeled the power of causality.
"Mmm..." Under the influence of Yun Fan's power, Stelle, who had been in a death-like state, opened her eyes and slowly sat up.
"What happened to me..." Still disoriented from her severe injuries, Stelle barely had time to process her surroundings before she felt a soft, fragrant warmth press against her, nearly knocking her over again.
"It's so good... Stelle..." The one who had rushed to her was March 7th, who hugged her tightly, tears glistening in the corners of her eyes.
"March, don't cry. I'm fine, see?" Stelle awkwardly patted March 7th's back. To be honest, at the moment she had acted to save her, she hadn't even known why she'd done it. Perhaps it was just fate.
"Fine? You were dead just now! If Yun Fan hadn't brought you back, we'd never have seen you again!"
"I... died?" Stelle's eyes widened in shock, but then it occurred to her—if she hadn't died, how could she have seen that god-like giant?
Recalling everything she had witnessed in "heaven" and the transformative experience she'd undergone, Stelle blankly stretched out her hand and instinctively summoned a surge of power.
"This is... the power of Preservation!" March 7th, who was closest to Stelle, stared at the "burning flames" in her hand and couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. As a fellow Pathstrider of the same Path, her perception couldn't be wrong.
"It is indeed the power of Preservation." A weakened Asta, supported by Arlan, stood up and slowly walked over to Stelle. "Most likely, when Stelle protected March with her life, she caught the gaze of Qliphoth the Preservation. That's why she awakened to this Path."
"That's amazing! Now Stelle's a Pathstrider too. Stelle, come to the Astral Express! Let's become Nameless together!"
Ahem. "Stelle, on behalf of Madam Herta, I'd like to formally invite you to stay at the space station. Rest assured, you'll receive the best treatment we can offer." Asta, not to be outdone, presented her own conditions. Talent was invaluable, no matter where you were.
"Wha—?! Asta, you're trying to poach my teammate?!"
"Tit for tat."
"..."
Watching the two "argue," Yun Fan and Dan Heng exchanged a smile before shaking their heads helplessly. It seemed this matter could finally be put to rest.
"Well then, I'll take my leave—hmm?" Just as Yun Fan was about to leave, he noticed Stelle had somehow appeared in front of him, stretching out a hand to block his path.
"Um... I... uh, thank you..." Stelle's eyes darted around nervously before she finally managed to stammer out her gratitude.
Yun Fan: ???
Hearing Stelle's words, Yun Fan fell silent. Then, under the girl's puzzled gaze, he placed his hand on her forehead.
"Mmm..." The intimate contact with a man seemed to make Stelle uncomfortable, and she reflexively jerked her head back, escaping Yun Fan's grasp.
"No fever, huh..."
Yun Fan looked at Stelle's reaction in confusion. Could this person be an imposter? The Stelle he remembered was the "King of Trash" who'd dare dig through garbage bins and even "scam" her own friends! How could she possibly be acting shy now?
"Speak! Who are you really? Why are you pretending to be Stelle?!" Yun Fan shouted with a completely serious expression.
"Huh?" Stelle froze for a moment, but she quickly realized—was this guy making fun of her?
"Ugh... you're really... the worst!"
—————————————
Three days had passed since the upheaval at the space station. During this time, all post-war reconstruction had been proceeding steadily. As the primary contributors to the victory, the Astral Express crew had become celebrities at the space station, receiving the highest level of hospitality.
Not only were their daily needs attended to by dedicated staff, but even their casual outings drew a crowd of followers.
For March 7th and Stelle, this emperor-like entourage had been fascinating at first. But less than two days in, they were already too exhausted to even consider going out again.
"Ugh... I never knew being famous could be so tiring..." March 7th pouted, her voice dripping with exhaustion. No matter where they went these past two days, people would greet them. Ignoring them felt rude, but responding to everyone in the space station was just too much.
"Ah... yeah..." Stelle lay sprawled out, her eyes vacant as she mumbled in agreement.
"Haha..." Himeko and Welt, watching the two from the side, laughed warmly. As the senior members of the Express crew, seeing March 7th and Stelle reminded them of their own younger days.
Knock knock knock...
Just as the group was sharing a lighthearted moment, the wooden door nearby suddenly sounded with knocking. In an instant, even March 7th and Stelle turned their gazes toward the closed door.
"It seems Mr. Yun Fan has arrived. March, could you get the door?" Welt adjusted his glasses, his tone slightly more serious.
"Oh, sure, Mr. Yang." March 7th stood up from the couch and hesitantly walked toward the door. To be honest, she wasn't exactly eager to open it—after the embarrassingly heartfelt things she'd said to Yun Fan the other day, seeing him again was bound to feel awkward.
"Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for the invitation—Yun Fan has arrived for the gathering." The moment March 7th opened the door, Yun Fan abruptly stuck his head in, startling her so badly she nearly slammed it shut again.
"Waaah! Don't scare people like that! You could give someone a heart attack!" March 7th planted her hands on her hips, her eyes a mix of resentment and bashfulness.
"Haha, my bad, my bad. I brought gifts." With that, Yun Fan shook the bag in his hand.
"Gifts?" x2
The moment they heard "gifts," March 7th and Stelle immediately perked up, jostling each other to get a closer look.
"Heh heh, pay close attention now—don't blink." Yun Fan smirked mysteriously and, under their eager gazes, reached into the bag.