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In the train, everyone looked at the man before them. Though they remained highly cautious, they had already eased up a little.
At the very least, this person spoke politely and didn't seem hostile.
It looked like today's fight might not be inevitable after all.
"Sir, the Astral Express welcomes any friend aboard, and we've provided help to many guests before."
Himeko carefully chose her words and said politely: "However, it would be best if you had a reasonable identity. Otherwise, it will be difficult for us to offer you assistance."
"And barging into the Astral Express without warning can hardly be called friendly."
She closely observed his movements, not missing even the smallest detail.
Unfortunately, though his clothing style was quite unique and aesthetically striking, she had found no clear faction insignia.
Useless Scholars, Molten Knights, Phantom Thieves… none of the major schools had any prominent figures matching his appearance.
Yes, a prominent figure—someone who could bypass domain anchors and slip into the train right under their noses must be one.
Sol didn't hesitate and said calmly: "I'm a native from another world. Aside from hearing bits about the universe, I'm basically alone in this world. There are very few who can vouch for my identity, and you're unlikely to ever meet them."
Those who could verify him… were just those Aeons who had spied on him.
But seeking an audience with an Aeon to ask questions—even for the Astral Express—was absolutely no simple task. Saying that aloud now? Sorry, he wasn't about to pretend in such a low-quality way.
Meeting two Aeons in succession then saying it out loud? That was just asking to be laughed at.
"Another riddler."
March 7th rolled her eyes and muttered quietly.
She'd met plenty of people like this—always acting clever and making her look less so.
Stelle nodded with great agreement and said: "Riddlers, get off the train!"
She hated riddlers the most—they always made her take so many unnecessary detours.
It's not like a game where she could skip the dialogue. So annoying.
At this moment, Welt Yang stepped forward and said gravely: "We are willing to accept your words with the utmost sincerity, but…"
A cold glint flashed across his glasses as his tone grew heavier: "But based on what you've said, we have no way of confirming your identity. For the safety of the Astral Express Crew, we must ask you to leave."
Because of Stelle's appearance, many factions across the galaxy were watching the train.
Letting someone of unknown origin aboard was irresponsible toward the crew's safety.
"That's right, Pom!"
Pom-Pom poked out its head and agreed strongly.
"It's really troublesome. Maybe pinning you all down and beating you once would be a good idea."
"While it isn't very polite, sometimes showing strength makes conversations easier."
Sol sighed, tapping his finger lightly into the air. "I just received a gift from Nous. Please, have a look."
"As everyone knows, I don't like violence."
He didn't use much force—just enough to display a hint of his strength. After all, this was only a friendly exchange.
A massive surge of Imaginary Energy stirred, twisting and condensing freely, forming golden threads that extended from the void.
Less than a millimeter thick, yet brimming with an unbreakable toughness.
They pierced through the air, agile like serpentine dragons, producing whistling sounds as they tore through space.
They folded and leapt in from every direction, binding toward the group at incredible speed.
"Careful!"
A staff weapon—Star of Eden—appeared in Welt's hand. Powerful gravity seized the golden threads, pulling their trajectories away.
Himeko's expression shifted as she raised her long rectangular weapon case before her. The golden threads climbed like vines, rapidly winding around it and forming several elegant golden patterns.
Dan Heng swung his Cloud-Piercer spear, knocking aside part of the threads.
Stelle and March 7th braced themselves, ready to smash them as soon as they came close.
"Eh?"
March 7th let out a confused cry.
"Why aren't they coming?"
Stelle tightened her grip on her bat, disappointed.
The golden threads froze in place before the two of them, as though someone had pressed a pause button—completely still.
"He held back."
Himeko looked at the weapon case wrapped in golden threads and sighed.
She understood that if he had exerted force, her weapon would have instantly been sliced to pieces.
And if that force were applied to a person… the result was unthinkable.
The strength of those threads, and the control over energy they displayed, far exceeded her expectations. This was no ordinary Pathstrider.
"Is that so?"
March 7th looked toward Dan Heng and Uncle Yang with uncertainty.
"Yes."
Welt nodded gravely as he observed the mass of golden threads trapped in his gravity: "If he fully controlled them, gravity wouldn't be able to affect them like this. He held back."
Anyone who could condense golden threads of that strength… the idea that he had no spare control was something only March 7th would believe.
"Then what does he want?"
Stelle grew excited—she felt this person was somehow similar to herself.
Sol smiled lightly, severing the energy supply and letting the threads of Imaginary Energy dissipate. "I already said, I have no hostility. I just want to hitch a ride."
"Now, everyone should have witnessed my ample goodwill, yes?"
Hey—I could hit you, but I didn't.
That's an act of non-violence, you know!
Such generosity—more than enough to count as a ticket.
Welt and Himeko exchanged glances. Though speechless, they both nodded lightly.
Himeko straightened up and said seriously: "We have witnessed your strength, sir. If you simply wish to ride with us once, we are willing to take you."
From his fierce strike followed by sudden restraint, it was clear this was a troublesome individual—possibly not just a Pathstrider.
Nous's "gift"… was he an Emanator of the Path of Erudition?
A sudden fight aboard the train might shatter it, and the young ones could suffer for no reason.
If he only wanted a ride, there was no need for mutual destruction. They would simply stay vigilant afterward.
Welt nodded, then added sternly: "However, if you believe that strength allows you to do whatever you please, we won't hesitate to correct that idea. The Astral Express inherits the will of Akivili. We are not something to be toyed with."
He understood the man's intent. Displaying strength while showing restraint—indeed, a good way to earn trust.
A bit forceful, yes, but effective. And he truly seemed to harbor no ill intent.
But warnings were still necessary.
"I already said, I dislike violence." Sol looked at the group seriously. "My earlier discourtesy was only to quickly establish a foundation of trust."
"As compensation for that discourtesy—and as fare for the ride—I will ensure the train's safety while I am aboard."
He really didn't want to use force. Too uncivilized.
But his super-brain had informed him: showing strength here would produce miraculous results.
The courtesy of the strong carried far more weight than the explanations of the weak.
Himeko softened slightly, offering her slender right hand with a gentle smile. "I'm the navigator of the Astral Express. You may call me Himeko."
Although the earlier events left some lingering unease, she still displayed proper grace.
At the very least, the train now had a powerful external ally if trouble arose.
Sol smiled lightly and extended his right hand as well. "Sol Mercer, a traveling tourist."
Their hands met, and the conflict temporarily dissolved.
Welt, Stelle, March 7th, and Dan Heng watched Sol with lingering vigilance, but they accepted his presence for now.
After brief introductions, Sol's clear lack of malicious intent helped ease the atmosphere considerably.
At this moment, Himeko said with a smile: "Though we had a few minor bumps, it seems this was all just a misunderstanding. Since that's the case, please everyone continue enjoying the afternoon tea."
Welt, March 7th, Dan Heng, and Stelle, who had just relaxed moments ago, all stiffened instantly and snapped their gazes toward the table.
The fish head looked lifelike, the tree roots still floated, the pudding was full of organs…
It was over—they hadn't escaped!
Why didn't they "accidentally" destroy these things earlier!?
Stelle looked toward Sol, her eyes pleading: Mr. Sol… please fight with us again!
And then Himeko turned her head toward him. "Mr. Sol, you're a guest. Please have a taste as well. I prepared everything with great care."
She believed that a delicious and comforting afternoon tea would make this mysterious guest gentler… perhaps even willing to share more information.
"..."
Sol's mouth twitched. It was getting hard to maintain composure.
Wait—giving him this to eat… was this punishment for using force earlier?