Chapter 145: Trial
On the other side of the universe, on a pale, lifeless star, four virtual projections of the Lord Ravagers lit up in the center of shattered ruins.
"Everyone," Zirnitra's voice was as beautiful as a celestial melody, yet carried the rhythm of destruction, "I presume you all felt it—the Aeon of Destruction's gaze has turned to that frozen planet on the periphery."
Dubra's white flames danced in the projection. "Another lucky one is joining us? How exciting."
"Exciting?" Phantylia's voice was ethereal. "What I'm more curious about is what's so special about that seed that it drew Nanook's personal attention."
Asat Pramad stood with his hands in his pockets, seemingly nonchalant. "Perhaps it's just good luck. After all, being chosen is sometimes just that… random."
"Asat Pramad, mind your words," Zirnitra gently reminded. "The Aeon's choices always have deep meaning. We should follow His guidance and prepare a… fitting trial for this soon-to-be-born colleague."
"A trial?" Asat Pramad chuckled softly. "Let him prove his worth in destruction? Interesting."
"In that case," Zirnitra looked around, "who is willing to go to that planet and design a magnificent destruction for our new colleague?"
After a moment of silence, Zirnitra sighed. "I am currently leading my legion on a mission; the distance is too great."
"What a coincidence," Dubra said. "I'm also busy."
Phantylia chuckled softly. "You all are truly busy. But I also can't spare a clone; I'm preparing a grand gift for the Alliance…"
Three gazes simultaneously turned to Asat Pramad.
"...Don't look at me," he said after a few seconds. "I'm not interested in welcoming newcomers."
"Asat Pramad," Zirnitra's voice became serious. "This is the will of the Aeon of Destruction. And… you should be familiar with that planet, right? After all, you once borrowed a Stellaron from me and placed it there."
Asat Pramad's movements stiffened slightly.
"You originally intended to destroy that world," Zirnitra continued, "but now an unexpected variable has appeared. As the instigator, you should deal with it, shouldn't you?"
Asat Pramad looked at the three of them, finally shrugging helplessly. "Alright, alright. Then let me go welcome our new colleague. I hope he won't be too boring."
"Then it's settled," Zirnitra nodded in satisfaction.
"Wait," Phantylia suddenly spoke. "There's something I'm very curious about—how did that seed manage to come so far on the pure Path of Destruction?"
"Who knows?" Asat Pramad's voice was already distant. "Perhaps… he was born for destruction."
The projections extinguished, and the dead star returned to silence.
Meanwhile, in distant Belobog, Orion was on his way back, completely unaware that Nanook and several Lord Ravagers had just arranged a "welcome ceremony" for him.
…
Soon after, Orion appeared punctually in the Goethe Hotel lobby. "Morning, everyone. Are you ready to go to the Stellaron seal?"
March 7th yawned. "So early… But for the sake of saving the world, I'll do it!"
The cold wind of Everwinter Hill was not as biting as yesterday. When the group finally reached the summit, Orion suddenly stopped. The restraint device in front of them was shattered, and the transparent container in the center was completely fragmented.
"The Stellaron… it's gone?!" Orion quickly stepped forward, his expression changing from shock to solemnity.
"What's going on?" March 7th asked, puzzled.
Dan Heng frowned, observing the damage. "From the marks, it looks like it was destroyed from the inside…"
Just then, all three of their phones rang. It was a message from the Astral Express.
[Himeko: Everyone, good news—the Express can move forward. The Stellaron energy field obstructing the warp has disappeared.]
[Welt: According to the instruments, the Stellaron's signal vanished late last night. How are things on your end?]
"The Stellaron really disappeared?" Stelle seemed strange. "Why?"
No one knew the answer. Orion stood aside, a worried look on his face. "I need to report this to the Supreme Guardian immediately."
"Oh, if the Stellaron is gone, isn't that a good thing?" March 7th quickly regained her cheerfulness.
"It's strange," Dan Heng was still thinking. "Where did it go?"
"Maybe it flew away?" March 7th said confidently. "I get it… it was scared away by us!"
"Although I don't know what happened," Dan Heng said after a moment, "it seems our adventure can come to an end."
"Huh? We're leaving already?" Stelle's face was filled with disappointment.
Just then, March 7th noticed Stelle unconsciously looking at Orion with an indescribable fondness. A light bulb went off. "Hey, since we're already here, why don't we stay a few more days?" She nudged Stelle. "What do you say?"
Stelle immediately nodded. "Yes, I also want to… learn more about this city."
Orion spoke at the opportune moment. "Things happened too suddenly. Please stay a few more days, and let us entertain you properly."
Dan Heng pondered for a moment. "Alright, in that case… we will stay."
"Yay!" March 7th cheered, then leaned close to Stelle's ear and whispered, "Go for it. Take advantage of these few days."
"Huh? I didn't!" Stelle's face flushed slightly.
[Inorin Note:
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