"Ugh... It's so annoying, but how does this woman still have such a powerful aura even without any makeup..." March 7th pouted, looking at Kafka, who remained as proud and aloof as a rose blooming from tasteless wax.
"..."
No one responded to March's complaint. Instead, they all watched Kafka's slow approach as if facing a formidable enemy. Even with restraints on her hands, even with so many Cloud Knights behind her... an aura of cold, murderous intent still radiated from the smiling woman.
"..."
Wende frowned, the muscles in his body tensing. He didn't know what was happening, but he was certain that the woman's eyes were locked dead on him. And from her gaze, Wende read a multitude of emotions... curiosity, resentment, jealousy, and... sympathy?
Wende raised an eyebrow slightly, but when he saw the distinct curve of her lips, he realized he was being played with.
It's so strange, why is she targeting me?
Wende was completely baffled, not even noticing that Stelle's small hand was still holding his.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk... still holding hands, are we? What is this, some cheesy family melodrama? I'm definitely giving it a one-star review," Silver Wolf's voice rang out once more.
"Little Wolfie, you're getting quite cheeky, aren't you? After we get back this time, I'm leaking your IP address to the Corporation."
"No, no, no! I was wrong! By the way, once this whatchamacallit Matrix of Prescience thing activates, I won't be able to talk to you anymore... Tsk, why would the Erudition give the Xianzhou... "
"Zzzt... zzt..."
Before Silver Wolf could finish her complaint, the communication was cut off.
Kafka's expression didn't change. She shifted her gaze back to Stelle. The sharp, piercing aura she had projected just moments before softened the instant she looked at her, her brow filling with gentleness and affection.
"..."
The corner of Wende's eye twitched involuntarily... So this is differential treatment?
"Since the person in question has arrived, please wait by the side for a moment."
Fu Xuan gave the confidently unfazed Kafka a deep look, then addressed the crew. She believed that with the power of the Matrix of Prescience, this cunning Stellaron Hunter would surely reveal the truth.
Kafka gave Stelle a gentle nod, signaling for her not to worry too much, then lowered her head slightly to look at Fu Xuan.
"#"
Fu Xuan crossed her arms over her chest. As expected of a Stellaron Hunter; she hadn't even said a word, and Fu Xuan was already getting angry.
"Hehe, isn't the Lady Diviner making a bit of a fuss? I already said I would cooperate with you," Kafka said with a casual, unconcerned air. An uninformed bystander might think she was just a tourist here for sightseeing.
"Hmph..."
Fu Xuan gave a disdainful snort, her gaze turning sharp as she stared at Kafka.
"You are a wanted criminal known for using the art of Spirit-speak to disturb people's minds. I will not believe a single word you say. You can say whatever you like for now, but... I will only trust the divination of the Matrix of Prescience."
Faced with Fu Xuan's imperious demeanor, the smile on Kafka's face remained unchanged. She simply closed her eyes as if recalling something, then opened them again. Her jade lips parted, and she spoke to Fu Xuan in a soft tone.
"Then please, Lady Diviner... witness my [Destiny]..."
Kafka walked very consciously to the center of the Matrix of Prescience, and the others cooperatively moved outside its effective range.
"Activate!"
Fu Xuan decisively activated the Matrix. As power surged into it, Kafka's figure gradually grew lighter. Under the Matrix's influence, she floated in the center of the formation, a blue radiance flowing and circling around her.
"..."
Fu Xuan's elegant brow furrowed. As the Matrix began to read information from the individual and transmit it to her, and just as Fu Xuan began to process that information, a smile bloomed on Kafka's lips.
"This is..."
Countless streams of data flowed past Fu Xuan's eyes, all of it information that Kafka knew.
"How could this be... You people."
After reading all the known information, Fu Xuan abruptly stopped the process. She panted heavily, looking at the placid-faced Kafka with utter disbelief.
"You did all this for this? For something like this?"
"How was it? Do you like this truth?" Kafka tilted her head slightly, a playful smile on her face as she spoke to the incredulous Fu Xuan.
Fu Xuan left. She left in a great hurry. She glanced at the Astral Express crew, told them they could now speak with Kafka, and then scurried away into the depths of the Divination Commission on her short legs.
"..."
Welt pushed up his glasses, watching Fu Xuan's retreating back in silence.
"Are you ready?"
Wende straightened the strands of Stelle's hair that had been mussed by the array's activation. He glanced at Kafka in the center of the Matrix, who had been looking at Stelle but turned her head away the moment she sensed his gaze.
"..."
Kafka's willow-like brows furrowed slightly.
"Mm," Stelle nodded.
"Hey, I have to remind you, don't let yourself get tricked by a mature big sister," March 7th chimed in from the side. She glanced at the waiting Kafka, tugged on Stelle's sleeve, and gave her a warning.
"Mm, don't worry. I won't be tricked."
Stelle gently patted March's shoulder and smiled at her. Then, under the watchful eyes of the crew, she slowly walked toward the waiting Kafka.
"Ah~ Kafka, what a maternal presence you are. The curve of your lips, your flawless face, so deeply moving even without a trace of makeup. That serene gaze, and the unexpected delight in your words when I showed you concern, how touching it all is! Looking at your bare shoulders, I truly, truly wish I could drape my own coat over your slender, delicate frame, to shield you from the wind and cold, to bring you... warmth..."
Watching Kafka reveal everything before her, Sister Guoguo was overcome with emotion. Unable to restrain herself, she began to chant an impromptu poem, her tone gentle and melodious, her words simple and rustic yet full of life, easily drawing people into the atmosphere her words created.
[I get it now, Sister Guoguo has Spirit-speak too!]
[Sigh, for some reason I'm suddenly a little jealous of the Trailblazer. To have someone who cares so much for you, and to have such good friends...]
[True! Just based on that! The MC has already surpassed 99% of other protagonists! Miles ahead!]
[This is reminding me of Goat Mom.]
[Crying...]
[Mom doesn't want you to spend money on her, Mom just needs you to be yourself.]
[And Dad was even a free gift...]
[Can Dad please get a rate-up on a banner?! I really can't pull him!]