[Heavenly Martial Training Base, Celestial-Tier Training Zone, Floating Skywalk]
The skywalk was suspended in mid-air. Below, a stream of Star Energy flowed in a protective barrier, emitting a pale blue, soft glow.
The wind passed through the metal railings on both sides of the skywalk, carrying the unique Star Energy scent of the training zone, rustling the fringe on Tendo's forehead.
"Tendo, what's wrong?"
Caroline stopped, her emerald pupils filled with curiosity.
She looked at Tendo, who had suddenly paused beside her. His gaze was fixed on a spot in the void, as if he were staring at some invisible scene.
Only Tendo knew that he was reviewing the conversation between the Raccoon Administrator and the Owl Administrator through his 'Dimensional Screen.'
These two figures, who appeared harmless on the surface, were anything but. Just as the Raccoon Administrator's true form was the Calamity-Grade Star Beast—Phantom Nightmare, the Owl Administrator's true form was equally extraordinary—a Calamity-Grade Star Beast named Azure Winged Owl, capable of shaking the New Federation.
Were it not for Enite's seal, if these two were to reveal their true forms, their aura alone could flatten all cities except for the Seven Great Floating Cities.
What Tendo was concerned with, naturally, was not this conversation, which he had read countless times before.
In the original novel, due due Tendo's absence, the conversation between the two administrators revolved around 'Chen Kong.'
Though they didn't pay much attention to Chen Kong during this assessment, the perception of Star Energy and other Star Beast auras by Calamity-Grade Star Beasts far exceeded the imagination of ordinary people.
Therefore, even though the Star Beast bloodline in Chen Kong was diluted to the point of being nearly undetectable, this faint aura shone brightly like a firefly in the dark to the senses of the two Calamity-Grades.
As for 'Bai Ling' and 'Chen Guang,' mentioned in their dialogue, Tendo already knew the answer: they were Chen Kong's parents.
The former was a Calamity-Grade Star Beast, similar to the Raccoon Administrator, who had been subdued by the Chairman General Enite.
The latter was a Star Envoy with astonishing talent.
According to his investigation from a while ago, although Chen Guang had been missing for thirteen years, there was no conclusive information to prove his death.
Given the characteristics of a Shonen-style series, Tendo was certain that this 'junior' of Dr. Dragon, who belonged to the same generation, must still be alive and doing well.
But no matter what he is doing or what he wants to do, as long as it doesn't interfere with my plans, it's fine.
"Tendo?"
Caroline's voice came again, her fingertip gently touching his arm.
This time, Tendo finally snapped out of it.
He retracted his gaze from the void and looked at Caroline's slightly puzzled face, a faint smile curving his lips.
"It's nothing, Caroline. Let's go, we shouldn't keep Liuli waiting."
As he spoke, Tendo stepped forward, walking toward the residential area. The metal floor of the skywalk let out soft 'tap-tap' sounds beneath his steps.
Caroline followed behind, looking at Tendo's back, her eyebrows slightly furrowed.
She could sense that Tendo's recent contemplation was by no means meaningless blanking out, but since he was unwilling to say more, she did not press him.
The outline of the residential area in the distance gradually became clear. White buildings were surrounded by Star Energy streetlights, and the air carried faint scents of coffee and sweet baked bread, sharply contrasting with the 'rugged' atmosphere of the training zone, exuding an air of 'leisure' and 'refinement.'
[Heavenly Martial Training Base, Celestial-Tier Training Zone, Residential Area]
"Caroline, Tendo, over here!"
At the entrance of the 'Stardust Cafe' on the corner of the residential street, Liuli waved her fair hand, a bright smile on her face.
She wore a pale pink dress, sitting under an outdoor sun umbrella. On the glass table in front of her was a steaming latte, its milk foam sprinkled with star-shaped cocoa powder.
Beside her sat a tall, lean man, nearly two meters in height.
His curly hair, resembling instant noodles, was plastered on his forehead. He wore a simple black T-shirt and cargo pants, with his sleeves rolled up, revealing faint blue Star Energy patterns on his forearms.
This person was none other than Jeremiah the Frost Giant, ranked NO. 7 among the Star Children, who had appeared in the recent theatrical movie.
An iced Americano was placed in front of him. He listlessly rubbed the wall of the coffee cup, his eyes very languid.
Tendo and Caroline quickly walked over and pulled out chairs to sit down.
The wooden chairs scraped against the floor, making a slight noise.
Seeing the two seated, Liuli immediately leaned forward, her beautiful apricot eyes staring at Tendo, her tone carrying obvious resentment.
"Tendo, Caroline, what have you two been so busy with lately?"
"I sent terminal messages several times, wanting to invite you out to play together, but you only replied with the word 'busy'!"
Faced with Liuli's accusation, Tendo immediately picked up the menu from the table, smiling to change the subject.
"That's not important. Let's order first. I'll have a caramel macchiato, extra sweet."
Caroline calmly replied, "We've been preparing for the Explorer Qualification lately, and investigating some old cases, so we haven't had much time to check the terminal."
Her tone remained steady, betraying little emotion, and her answer was impeccable.
"Old cases? What old cases?"
Liuli's curiosity was piqued, but she quickly pouted, complaining dissatisfiedly.
"But even if you're busy, you must have time to check messages, right? I think you're deliberately avoiding me!"
"Or are you keeping some little secret that I don't know about?"
Caroline: "."
Looking at Jing Liuli, who was brimming with complaints, Caroline knew it would be impossible to placate her quickly.
With that thought, she looked directly at Tendo sitting next to her.
If there was one among the Star Children who knew how to soothe Jing Liuli best, it was definitely Tendo.
In response, Tendo subtly flashed a 'got it' gesture behind the menu, then put it down, smiling as he spoke to Jing Liuli: "Liuli, let's not talk about that for now. Regarding the trial after the adaptation period ends, I assume you've already received news about it?"
Hearing this, Jing Liuli paused.
Although she clearly knew Tendo was deliberately changing the subject, she still shared the intelligence she had gathered.
"Yes, Aunt Mei sent me a message saying that this trial will take place in a newly fallen area called 'Long Life Island.'"
"Initially, they weren't too keen on this decision, since the annual trials are usually held in relatively simpler, already developed fallen areas."
"But after the Chairman General's secretary conveyed that this was a location personally chosen by the Chairman General, they didn't say anything more."
At this point, Jing Liuli looked at Caroline, asking curiously, "Caroline, the Chairman General is your master now. Do you have any news on your end?"
To this, Caroline calmly said, "Liuli, as you know, my master and I... rarely contact each other."