While spouting misleading words, March 7th sprinted toward Wu Tong.
Her eyes burned with desperate longing, and the flush on her face could easily be misinterpreted.
No—
It had already been misinterpreted.
Feeling the teasing gazes from those unaware of the truth behind him, Wu Tong's urge to murder Zhang Chulan reached new heights.
This guy…
Angry!! (╬ಠ益ಠ)
BAM—
A loud crash echoed.
Wu Tong glanced at his still-smoking fist and lightly blew away the dissipating smoke. He paid no further attention to Zhang Chulan, who was now embedded in the wall.
He knew his own control better than anyone.
Besides, he hadn't even used any real force. The guy would wake up with nothing worse than a headache.
Wu Tong then shifted his gaze to the others who had stepped through the dimensional portal.
Though equally eager, they quickly suppressed their excitement after witnessing Zhang Chulan's fate, adopting obedient expressions as they awaited Wu Tong's instructions.
When asking for a favor, humility isn't shameful.
"Let's eat first. We'll talk after."
Seeing their restless eyes, Wu Tong's lips twitched.
Are you guys not hungry? It's been a long day.
With a wave, Wu Tong summoned the divine artifact—the Gourmet Tablecloth—and a grand feast began.
Honestly, having the Gourmet Tablecloth was ridiculously convenient.
Just name a dish, and it would appear—countless delicacies, completely free and unlimited.
As Wu Tong mused, he leisurely examined the famous Genshin dish in his hands: Sweet Flower Brewed Chicken.
Back when he played the game, he'd always been curious about its taste. Now was his chance to try it.
The golden-brown chicken glistened invitingly, its aroma tantalizing.
Wu Tong couldn't resist taking a bite—
Then he froze.
Silence was the bridge tonight.
…Is this thing too sweet?
I don't get Mondstadt's palate. Never trying this again.
As the overwhelming sweetness lingered on his tongue, Wu Tong made a silent vow.
Meanwhile, the others dug into the feast with gusto. After a day of exhausting work, their bodies screamed for sustenance.
With unlimited gourmet food at their disposal, who would bother with those awful instant meals?
After Dinner
Stuffed and content, the group lounged around the table, reminiscing about the extravagant meal. Smiles of satisfaction adorned every face.
"Can we start now, Tong-ge?"
After a brief rest, they finally remembered their main objective and turned eager eyes toward Wu Tong.
Zhang Chulan, ever the fearless one, spoke up first—completely unbothered by his earlier punishment.
Wu Tong side-eyed him. "Sure. You're last, Zhang Chulan."
"Wha—? Nooo!"
Ignoring his wails, Wu Tong laid out the materials needed for Martial Spirit awakening, arranging them meticulously.
Damn, why didn't I simplify this ritual? It's such a hassle.
If the AI Core wasn't busy analyzing this world's Protagonist's Authority, I'd have streamlined this already.
Wait, does analyzing a world's framework always take this long? Or is it just the first time?
Despite his internal ramblings, Wu Tong's hands never stopped moving.
Once everything was set up according to the records, he finally addressed the impatient crowd with a smile:
"Ready. Since we're doing this in order, start with the person to my left and go clockwise."
No one objected. The sequence didn't matter—what was important was the awakening itself.
"Yay~!"
March 7th cheered instantly, as she was the first in line.
"Let's begin, March. Step into the array and leave the rest to me."
Without wasting time, Wu Tong gestured to the formation on the ground.
March 7th didn't hesitate. She strode into the awakening array, curious about what Martial Spirit she'd manifest.
The moment she entered, she experienced the same sensation Wu Tong had during his own awakening.
It was like soaking in a hot spring—soothing and warm.
Gradually, she closed her eyes as her Martial Spirit began to take form within her.
Before long—
Flash—
A golden light erupted, and a Spirit Seal materialized on the back of her right hand.
As the seal glowed, an object slowly materialized in her palm.
What could it be?
The crowd leaned in, eyes wide with anticipation.
The object's shape grew clearer—until it fully manifested.
Then, everyone froze.
Especially Welt Yang, Stelle, and Dan Heng. Their expressions were indescribable.
Floating in March 7th's hand was a miniature model of a train's front carriage.
The trio recognized it instantly.
After all, they'd just arrived on that very train a few days ago.
Yes, the model in March 7th's hand was a perfect replica of the Astral Express's locomotive.
The sight left the group's faces twisting into odd expressions.
Because March 7th holding the Astral Express like this reminded them of certain… fan creations.
Train Impact.jpg.
Ram Them with the Astral Express.jpg.
Unlimited Train Works.jpg.
…
Holy hell, is March 7th's fighting style now just running people over with a train?
What an abstract combat method.
They'd thought the in-game memes were surreal enough, but reality had outdone itself. Whose idea was this?!
"Am I done?"
March 7th's voice snapped them out of their daze.
But the stunned crowd remained speechless, unsure how to respond.
Hearing no answer, March 7th grew impatient and opened her eyes—
"Is this… the Astral Express?!!!"
She gaped at the train floating in her hand.
Why is her Martial Spirit the Astral Express?!
She'd assumed her deepest desires would manifest as the Star-Severing Cosmos-Shattering Great Colored Glass Sword—a technique she'd fantasized about day and night.
Not that the Astral Express was bad, but it was utterly unexpected.
Still…
Maybe this wasn't so bad?
March 7th stared at her Martial Spirit, her gaze distant as memories of joyful days aboard the train resurfaced.
...
Read 50 advance at patreon.com/CNBLUE
(End of Chapter)