Chapter 37: Awakening Passion Amidst the Thunderous Beat
The performance began!
Drumbeats pulsed rhythmically, resonating deeply with the unfolding scene. They carried an air of inevitability, infusing the moment with a sacred gravity.
Stelle tightened her grip on the spear.
Buzz!
For a split second, it felt as though a sledgehammer had struck her mind, leaving behind a flash of intense clarity. Startled, she gasped for breath, wincing as if burned by something unseen. Without missing a beat, she surged forward.
With firm resolve, flames erupted around her like a spiraling inferno. At the same time, layers of frost crystallized at the spear's tip, attempting to consume both weapon and wielder in their icy embrace.
"Ahhhhh!" she screamed, her voice raw with determination.
The ice shattered into countless shards, like broken glass scattering in all directions. A colossal pillar of fire shot skyward, illuminating the battlefield. Suddenly, a towering figure appeared briefly on the screen—a celestial presence exuding immense power. In its left hand was a massive hammer resembling a volcanic peak.
The Aeon of Preservation—the Amber King!
Instantly, everyone watching recognized that name. Among them were high-ranking IPC executives whose emotions churned at the sight. Their corporation, devoted entirely to the Amber King, had risen to become the most dominant economic force in the universe. Yet despite their success, they struggled to earn his notice.
Meanwhile, it was this very Trailblazer who had captured the attention of Nanook, the Aeon tied to Destruction, during the climactic fight against the Doomsday Beast. And now, history seemed to repeat itself—this time involving Qlipoth, another pivotal Aeon.
As soon as Qlipoth touched the gunstock, Stelle swung her hammer, ushering in a new era under the Amber King's divine blessing. Descending from above, she held her blazing riding spear aloft. White steam swirled around her, framing her descent like a celestial aura.
Instead of attacking, the Creation Engine moved protectively toward Stelle, cradling her as though shielding her from harm. Gone was the relentless guardian that once obeyed Cocolia's commands—it now behaved more like a cautious partner, hesitant and caring.
This transformation wasn't subtle; it was as if two entirely different machines existed within the same frame. Her teammates watched in astonishment, their delight evident. Stelle herself seemed aware of the change, a knowing smile playing on her lips before her expression hardened with purpose.
Raising her right arm, she pointed the fiery tip of her spear directly at Cocolia mid-air. Time froze—the stage set for the final confrontation.
"Wahh..." Unexpectedly, Guinaifen burst into tears. Wiping furiously at her face, she continued fighting through blurred vision, unable to explain why she cried. Perhaps it was awe or the sheer weight of emotion overwhelming her.
This eruption of hope descending upon them felt volcanic, consuming every other feeling. As events unfolded, the background music swelled, the drumbeats growing faster and more urgent.
"This..."
"It can't be..." Panic crept into Cocolia's usually icy tone.
"The will of Preservation has already chosen its champion…"
Cocolia pressed on, her voice rising in desperation, "You know nothing of this world's suffering… Nothing of the fate awaiting it!"
"An entirely new future!" The Frost Ring activated, locking onto March 7th among the team members.
[Team Member Locked. Use Stelle's Skill.]
[New Skill: Taunt Enemies – Redirect Cocolia's Attacks.]
At that moment, Stelle's weapon transformed from a simple baseball bat into a flaming riding spear. Guinaifen noticed the prompt but paid no heed to the tutorial message flashing on-screen.
Her eyes glowed red as she exclaimed, "I don't even want to fight anymore! I just… Aaahh, this music is absolutely electrifying!"
Viewers flooded the chat with their reactions.
"What kind of soundtrack is this? My ears are about to explode!"
"These drumbeats are pounding straight into my soul!"
"It's just a turn-based game—why does it feel tenser than anything else I've ever played?"
"Suddenly, my office feels like Everwinter Hill, and my pen turned into a shield and flame spear!"
"Holy crap, this is insane!"
"This. Is. Unreal!"
"All hail the Amber King!"
Suddenly, the flame spear in Stelle's hands let out a sharp clang, as though activating some hidden mechanism. Above, the Creation Engine's visage lit up with a crimson glow. Responding to the command, it raised its colossal fist—not targeting the protagonist, but Cocolia instead.
[Creation Engine Activated. Use It to Destroy the Lance of Eternal Breeze.]
BANG!
The iron fist crashed down, obliterating chunks of ice and snow in its wake. With its devastating Fire attribute damage, it effortlessly dismantled both of Cocolia's constructs.
"What just happened…?" Guinaifen muttered, momentarily forgetting she was live-streaming.
"How did I suddenly gain control over the Creation Engine?! And why is it so much stronger than when Cocolia used it?!"
"With this battle hymn roaring in my ears, my strength feels limitless—spanning across the entire cosmos!"
While the previous protagonist aligned with Destruction, their abilities often felt fragile in practice. Now, wielding the Destiny of Preservation, activating Stelle's Skill rendered March 7th's frost attacks completely harmless to the team.
They didn't even need her shield anymore. Holding the flame spear felt like carrying an impenetrable barrier, repelling everything in its path.
"This feels unbeatable!"
"Next…"
"Let's unleash the ultimate ability of Preservation!"
Energy fully charged, Guinaifen tapped the fiery red icon representing the flame spear, brimming with excitement and anticipation.