When Stelle woke up, March 7th had already finished washing up and even put on her makeup. The latter glared at her with a huff. "Are you really that sleepy? Hurry up and get out of bed! Keep sleeping, and I won't go easy on you!"
March 7th's eyes carried a deep resentment. She was very displeased about last night, hmph!
At the breakfast table, Himeko took a sip of black coffee and said, "I just received a message from Helm Master Huohuo. The Cloud Knights have spotted traces of that Stellaron Hunter at Stargazer Navalia. They've completely locked down the area. We'll head there later to rendezvous with the Cloud Knights and aim to apprehend her before she causes any trouble."
"This way, we can also figure out why they lured us here and clarify the relationship between that Stellaron Hunter and Stelle."
Stelle was quietly eating her morning tea. She was familiar with this part of the plot, so she had no questions. She'd even mentally prepared herself in advance: Hey, wasn't it Boothill who showed up on the Express and guided us here?
In principle, Boothill should be standing in Kafka's position right now, which means the person they're about to capture is definitely Boothill!
With that thought, Stelle tilted her head back, chugged her bowl of soy milk in one go, and slammed her right fist into her left palm, brimming with determination. "I'm done eating… burp! I can't wait to go catch that precious Stellaron Hunter!"
March 7th's body jolted as she keenly caught the keyword: Why "precious Stellaron Hunter"?
Could it be that Stelle still had some lingering memories of that Kafka? Doesn't that prove Stelle and Kafka had some kind of special relationship before?
At that thought, March 7th cleared her throat and said to Himeko, "Himeko, since our target is a dangerous figure like a Stellaron Hunter, for safety's sake, why don't we let Stelle stay here and wait for us? The two of us should be enough."
Himeko considered it for a moment, then mused, "Little March makes a fair point… But Stelle, what do you think?"
"Whatever decision you make, I'll support it."
Stelle was a bit puzzled. Is March that worried about my safety? I'm not that weak… But if the target was Boothill… Ugh, maybe staying behind isn't such a bad idea.
The thought of Boothill mimicking Kafka's tone, calling her "darling" and "dear"… Enough, I can't picture it anymore—what a scene!
But if she wasn't there and Boothill got rough with March and the others, what then?
Stelle shook her head. No, why am I worried about March and Himeko's combat skills? Those two have never let me down since we met. I should be worried about Boothill's safety!
"I think I'll…" As Stelle began to speak, she caught March 7th blinking at her with those hopeful pink-blue eyes, looking unusually soft and endearing.
Stelle felt like an arrow had pierced her heart. That contrast—so cute!
No, wait, how is that a contrast? It's just her reverting to her original self.
"Sigh." Stelle let out a helpless sigh. "Alright, alright, I know I don't have much combat ability right now. I'd just be a bystander if I went… I won't make you worry, March. I'll stay here and wait for your triumphant return, okay?"
March 7th smiled. "Mm, don't worry, I won't keep you waiting long."
…
"Speaking of which, back in Belobog, we resolved the Stellaron crisis with minimal cost, but it cost me my Firelance."
Watching the two leave, Stelle wandered aimlessly around the tavern, feeling a bit wistful. The Luofu's weekly boss was likely a dual-Path Emanator, yet she was the most idle one here.
With her body's base stats, clearing small mobs was no issue, but facing elite enemies or higher gave her the frustrating feeling of playing a turn-based game—tedious.
"Hm? Miss Stelle? What a coincidence, you're here too?"
At that moment, a familiar voice called out from nearby. Stelle followed the sound and saw Jing Yuan sitting with a light purple figure in a secluded corner, waving at her with a kind smile. "Why don't you come over and have some? These are top-notch pastries."
"Old Jing?" Stelle took a few steps forward. She initially thought Jing Yuan was chatting and eating with someone else, and joining might be awkward. But when she saw who was sitting with him, she exclaimed in surprise, "Master Bailu?"
Sitting across from Jing Yuan was none other than Master Bailu, who had stunned the crowd yesterday with her "Azure Dragon Cleansing the World" move!
Whoosh—
Stelle felt a blur before her eyes, and her mouth was suddenly covered. Bailu cautiously glanced around, ensuring no one had noticed, before letting out a slow breath. "Ahem, low profile, low profile."
Jing Yuan chuckled. "Bailu, you don't need to be so nervous. You're just a martial arts teacher, not a celebrity. Not that many people care. Relax."
Bailu huffed and let go of Stelle. "Who says that? You think my title as the Luofu's number one fist is just for show? Besides, this lady is young, beautiful, and adorable, with skills renowned across the Luofu. How could I not outshine those celebrities?"
Jing Yuan leisurely poured himself a cup of tea. "Fair point. I misspoke. You don't just outshine celebrities—you might not even compare to some of the IPC's fresh-faced idols."
"What?! How dare you say that about me?!" Bailu fumed. "Old Jing, don't forget who gave you that 'lifetime free food and drink voucher'! Hurry up and praise me!"
"Alright, alright. Miss Bailu is unparalleled, Miss Bailu is breathtakingly beautiful…"
Stelle sat between them, her memories clashing with her perception, her left brain elbowing her right brain.
No way… She had thought this version of Bailu was a composed, regal figure, like some Wing Chun master sitting at a table. But now, she seemed… a bit like Herta's narcissistic vibe?
Yet it wasn't quite the same as that genius-level narcissism. This was more like a childish vanity.
"Oh, right, I almost forgot introductions." Jing Yuan pressed down on Bailu's head, smiling warmly. "Stelle, this is Bailu. Little Gui mentioned you saw her in action yesterday, so I won't go into detail. Don't be fooled by her act—just treat her like a little sister."
Bailu was indignant. "Who's a little kid? I'm over a hundred years old! Who in the Luofu doesn't call me Master Bailu?"
"Alright, alright, Master Bailu. This is Stelle, mine and Little Gui's lifesaver from yesterday. Without her and her companions, you wouldn't be seeing me again."
Bailu blinked, stunned. "Old Jing, what nonsense are you spouting? You're so strong, why would you need…"
Seeing Jing Yuan's half-smiling expression, Bailu shrank back and obediently shut her mouth.