Chapter 167: Farewell to Belobog
Stelle's mind was blank, her golden eyes wide with shock. She thought she was hearing things. "You... what did you just say?"
Just then, the train door slid open. March 7th poked out half her body, a teasing smile on her face. "He said he wants to join us on the train... I heard it all clearly from inside! What's wrong, Stelle, are you overwhelmed by the sudden happiness?"
Stelle finally snapped out of it, her cheeks instantly flushing. She stared intently at Orion. "Why? I thought you..."
Orion looked at her surprised and delighted expression and smiled. He deliberately leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Of course, it's because... I can't bear to leave you, my good buddy."
"Eh?!" Stelle's heart skipped a beat.
"Just kidding," Orion laughed, stepping back. "Actually, Himeko invited me to join... and I also wanted to see the wider world."
"That's right," March 7th stepped off the train. "Himeko officially invited Orion yesterday! She said he was reliable and felt an indescribable sense of familiarity. Plus, he's the great hero who saved Belobog!" She whispered in Stelle's ear, "Of course, Himeko did this mainly for you, you know."
"So, you all knew and ganged up to keep it from me?" Stelle changed tack, rolling her eyes, but the curve of her lips couldn't be suppressed.
"We just wanted to give you a surprise!" March 7th stuck out her tongue.
Just then, two clear voices came from behind them. "Wait a moment!"
They turned to see Bronya and Seele rushing over, with Cocolia quietly following.
March 7th gave Orion a 'you're on your own' look and dragged the still-stunned Stelle onto the train. "Alright, let's go set up the welcome party!"
On the platform, only Orion and the three who came to see him off remained.
The first to step forward was Seele. She grabbed Orion's collar, her purple eyes fixed on him. "Are you really leaving? Are you... abandoning us?"
Just as Orion was about to explain, she shoved a heavy cloth bag into his arms. "When you travel, make sure you stay safe and don't go hungry! These are snacks from the Underworld... take them and share." She turned her head. "Don't worry about things here. Natasha told me everything. Wildfire... I've already taken over for you."
"Seele... aren't you going to ask me to stay?"
"I want to," Seele looked back at him, her fiery eyes now reflecting water. "But... do you remember? You longed for freedom. You told me your dream was to go on adventures to those distant worlds in stories. That's your dream. You go out and see for me first... When the time comes, remember to bring back souvenirs."
"Seele... I'll be back, soon."
"No!" she interrupted. "Travel more, go to those places you long for... If it's on the way, then come back and see me." She then abruptly turned away, not letting him see her reddened eyes.
Just then, Bronya walked up with a smile. "That's right, Orion, just go. Mother... is planning to formally let me take over as Supreme Guardian soon."
"Is that so... Bronya, you're also going to stand on your own now."
"I'm not the orphan who was bullied when you first met me," Bronya's gaze became distant. "Ever since the Stellaron disappeared, I've remembered things from my childhood." She took out a glass cup of colorful "soda ice cream" and brought a spoonful to Orion's mouth, her eyes curved just like back then. "Still so delicious... Here."
Orion ate it. The cool, sweet flavor burst on his tongue. A tear suddenly slid from Bronya's eye. She quickly wiped it away. "It's a pity I can't be with you for your birthday tomorrow. I've prepared a gift for you... Remember to open it then." She handed him a beautifully wrapped box and also turned her head away.
Finally, it was Cocolia. She walked up to Orion, her eyes full of reluctance, yet also relief. "Orion, will you... come back?"
"Mm," Orion nodded solemnly. "I will become stronger... and do my best to make Belobog more prosperous."
Cocolia smiled, incredibly gentle. "Thank you... Just remember me and come back to see me. If you help me with a massage again, I'll be content."
"Alright, time's up," Bronya urged softly. "Your new companions are waiting... Go."
Seele turned around and vigorously waved her fist. "Orion, get stronger, or don't come back to see me!"
"Okay." Orion looked at the three women, his heart filled with emotion. "Then... goodbye."
He turned and stepped onto the train. The doors closed, and the Astral Express let out its departure whistle, rushing onto the void track of starlight, flying towards the boundless star sea.
Inside, Orion stood by the window, looking down at the planet. The outline of Belobog gradually shrunk, and finally, the full view of the planet came into his eyes—half crystalline ice-white, half newborn dark green, utterly beautiful.
[Inorin Note:
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