Arc 3: Tree of Imaginary Numbers
Chapter 22 – Shadows of a Dying Sky
Post-Honkai Universe – Civilian POV
The city of Nagazora was nothing like its former self. Once a bustling metropolis, now it stood like a scar upon the world. Skies bled crimson veins of corruption, tearing open with distorted whispers.
Families huddled in broken subway tunnels, children clutching worn toys, their eyes reflecting the twisted sky above. Some whispered prayers to forgotten gods, others cursed fate.
A mother soothed her child as corruption howled outside, her voice shaking:
Mother (whispering):
"Don't listen to it. Don't look. The saviors will come… they always do."
But hope was thinning. Corrupted creatures prowled the streets, once-familiar faces of neighbors and soldiers now twisted into horrors. The people no longer believed salvation would come—only that survival for another day was a miracle.
And above them, faint ripples of Imaginary space shimmered—unseen by the civilians, but signaling the approach of something… someone.
Astral Express – Neo & Velgrynd
Far away, aboard the Astral Express, Neo sat in a quiet compartment. For once, the lively chatter of the others was muted. Velgrynd stood by the window, her crimson hair glinting under the astral glow, her draconic presence serene yet powerful.
She turned to him with a soft smile that only she ever wore.
Velgrynd:
"You're staring again. You always do before a storm."
Neo (sighing, leaning back):
"It's not just the mission. This world… it feels heavier. Corruption here isn't like the Marvel worlds. It's older, more familiar. Almost like it's testing me."
Velgrynd walked closer, her steps carrying the grace of a True Dragon. She sat beside him, her warmth radiating, and without words, leaned her head lightly against his shoulder.
Velgrynd (softly):
"Do you remember when you first tamed my fire? Everyone thought you'd be consumed… and yet, here you are. Stronger, freer, more yourself than anyone else."
Neo chuckled faintly, wrapping his arm around her.
Neo:
"And you're still here, making sure I don't lose myself."
Velgrynd's crimson eyes gleamed, fierce yet tender.
Velgrynd:
"You won't. Because even if the world crumbles, even if the Aeons themselves tremble before you—you're still Neo. My husband. The one who made me believe in something beyond power."
For a moment, the weight lifted. The endless battles, the looming corruption, the whispers of Aeons—all faded. In this quiet space, it was just them.
Neo's voice lowered.
Neo:
"When this mission is over, let's walk somewhere without chaos. No corruption. No gods. Just… us."
Velgrynd smiled, her dragon's fire flickering in her eyes.
Velgrynd:
"Then we'll make that place ourselves. Together."
They stayed like that, watching the Imaginary sky ripple, holding onto warmth before the storm's embrace.
Closing – The Signal of Arrival
Suddenly, the Express shuddered. Welt Yang's voice echoed through the corridors:
Welt:
"Brace yourselves. We've arrived."
The view outside warped—the Post-Honkai Universe's fractured world stretched before them, crimson skies bleeding with corruption. The cries of civilians faintly carried through the Imaginary current.
The calm ended.
Everyone gathered, their powers humming, ready to descend.
Neo gave Velgrynd's hand one final squeeze before rising.
Neo (determined):
"Let's Trailblaze hope into this broken sky."
And with that, the Astral Express pierced into the corrupted horizon.
✨ End of Chapter 22 – Shadows of a Dying Sky ✨
Arc 3: Tree of Imaginary Numbers
Chapter 23 – The Wounded Light on the Moon
The Ruined World Below
The Astral Express pierced through crimson clouds and descended into a broken city. Towers crumbled under the weight of corruption, crimson vines burrowed into the streets, and the air tasted of iron and ash.
From below, faint cries of survivors rose like prayers swallowed by despair.
Steve Rogers raised his shield, his jaw tightening at the sight.
Steve:
"…We're too late for some. But not for all."
Natasha scanned with cold precision, Clint kept his bow ready, while Tony's helmet mapped corruption zones with silent dread. For once, even he had no quip.
March 7th's voice cracked as she hugged her bow.
March 7th:
"These people… they've been living in this nightmare?"
Welt Yang's eyes narrowed.
Welt:
"Corruption density is beyond Belobog or Xianzhou. This world's foundation itself is shaking."
Velgrynd's aura flared hot with restrained wrath.
Velgrynd:
"If we hesitate, this planet is gone."
Neo's Senses – The Moon Above
Manas: Seraphina's voice cut sharply through Neo's mind.
Seraphina:
"Neo. There's another signal. Not from the surface—look higher. The moon."
Neo turned his gaze upward, piercing layers of ash and sky. His heart stopped.
A girl lay bound by chains of corruption on the fractured moon, her white hair drifting in the void. Her light—once radiant and divine—flickered faintly, close to extinguishing.
Kiana Kaslana.
But not the one walking beside them.
This was the Herrscher of Finality of this universe—the Post-Honkai Kiana.
Two Kianas, Two Paths
The Chat Group Kiana, who had stood with Neo through battle after battle, froze. Her sapphire eyes widened in horror.
Chat Kiana (shaking):
"That's… me. Another me. In this world's branch of reality. And she's—dying."
The difference was undeniable: though their faces mirrored, their auras diverged. One was the chat group traveler Kiana. The other—the Post-Honkai world's fallen savior.
Velgrynd steadied Neo's shoulder, her voice low but steady.
Velgrynd:
"You see it too. The other one. Your instinct is to save her, isn't it?"
Neo's jaw clenched as his aura flared unconsciously.
Neo:
"…If she falls, this world falls with her. We won't let it happen."
Grave Realization
Zhongli folded his hands behind his back, voice grave.
Zhongli:
"The Herrscher of Finality is not merely a warrior. She is this universe's balance. Bound by corruption, her collapse would unravel the moon and the world below."
Thor's grip tightened on Mjolnir, eyes dark.
Thor:
"A world carried by a single warrior… and she suffers alone."
Welt's tone carried the sharp weight of truth.
Welt:
"If she is the anchor, then freeing her is priority one. Without her, the corruption will cascade out of control."
The Chat Group Kiana stepped forward, trembling but resolute, looking at the unconscious reflection of herself above.
Chat Kiana:
"She's not me. But she could've been me. I won't let another version of myself fade away like this. Neo… please. We have to save her."
Neo met her gaze, his answer steady.
Neo:
"I promise. No matter what, we'll bring her back."
Rising Resolve
Tony broke his silence at last, his tone sharp but grim.
Tony:
"Then we move fast. If Finality's already on her knees, this planet's running on borrowed time."
The teams split swiftly: Avengers and Nameless to protect civilians, suppression units against the corrupted, while Neo prepared for the moon.
Neo's gaze lingered on the moon, where chains gnawed at the last light of Finality. His aura darkened, determination like iron.
Neo (whispering):
"Hold on, Kiana. This time, you won't be left alone."
✨ End of Chapter 23 – The Wounded Light on the Moon ✨
Arc 3: Tree of Imaginary Numbers
Chapter 24 – The Split Paths: Earth and Moon
The Ground Trembles
The Astral Express settled onto scorched ground, steam hissing from its brakes as the corrupted planet shook beneath them. Red crystalline vines spread like veins across ruined cities, twisting into grotesque spires.
The Avengers, Express crew, and allies fanned out instantly.
Steve Rogers raised his shield, voice firm and clear.
Steve:
"Priority is civilians! Clear paths, contain corruption, and hold the line. Let's move, people!"
Tony Stark's suit flared with golden repulsors as he scanned.
Tony:
"Signal's messy, but I've got at least five thousand survivors underground. Corruption's moving in fast—we don't have much time."
March 7th nocked an arrow, her face pale.
March 7th:
"We'll buy them time… no matter what."
Zhongli planted his staff, golden shields rising in layers across collapsing streets, while Hulk roared, smashing corrupted beasts that surged from the abyss.
On the rooftops, Natasha and Clint covered evacuating civilians, while Thor and Welt Yang unleashed thunder and reason-born constructs to tear back the encroaching tide.
The ground became a battlefield of desperation, every Avenger and Nameless a beacon of protection.
Neo's Moon Mission
But Neo's eyes stayed fixed on the fractured moon above. The chains of corruption wrapped tighter around the unconscious Post-Honkai Kiana, her Herrscher aura dimming with every passing moment.
Neo:
"…I'm going. Velgrynd, Kiana—you're with me."
Velgrynd unfurled her crimson wings, fire rippling across the ruined skies.
Velgrynd:
"Try and stop me. No one takes what's mine to protect."
Chat Group Kiana gripped her pistols tighter, her resolve burning despite the tremor in her voice.
Chat Kiana:
"If she's another me… then saving her is my responsibility too."
Neo extended his hand, opening a rift of Trailblaze and Azathoth's void that bridged directly to the moon. Together, the three vanished into the rift.
Battle on the Ground
Corrupted beasts surged like endless waves, their shrieks rattling through the ruined city.
Hulk smashed the first line into dust, roaring with unyielding fury.
Hulk:
"Hulk SMASH corruption!"
Thor's hammer whirled, lightning scattering across a hundred creatures in a single strike.
Thor:
"They shall not pass this day!"
Welt Yang manifested a colossal train construct of pure Herrscher energy, ramming through hordes, protecting lines of fleeing civilians.
March 7th and Natasha guided survivors through Zhongli's shielded corridors, while Clint's arrows cut down aerial corruption carriers before they could dive-bomb the groups.
The Avengers and Express crew fought not for glory, but for lives—and the sight of their unity lit sparks of hope among the terrified civilians.
On the Moon – The Finality Chains
The rift spat Neo, Velgrynd, and Chat Group Kiana onto the broken moon. The silence of space was shattered only by the hum of corruption pulsing through obsidian chains that bound the unconscious Post-Honkai Kiana.
Her white hair drifted weightlessly, her body barely clinging to life.
Chat Kiana's eyes watered as she stepped closer.
Chat Kiana:
"…She looks so much like me. But—so much more tired. Like she carried the world alone."
Neo raised a hand, analyzing the chains. Corruption energy thrummed with complexity, laced with remnants of the Lord God Space transmigrator's interference.
Neo (grim):
"They didn't just bind her. They tried to erase her will. If she dies, this world collapses."
The chains writhed suddenly, birthing nightmarish guardians—colossal armored husks with crimson cores, their forms echoing memories of enemies both Kiana and Neo had once faced.
Velgrynd snarled, flames surging across the void.
Velgrynd:
"Then we tear them apart."
Split Fight – Ground and Moon in Tandem
Below, the ground team fought with sheer determination.
Steve blocked a corrupted brute with his shield, yelling over the comms.
Steve:
"Neo, status!"
Neo's voice crackled back through the group chat link.
Neo:
"On the moon. Engaging. Keep the ground safe. We'll free Finality."
Tony:
"Moon battles. Why am I not surprised? Just don't break the damn moon while you're up there!"
Up above, Velgrynd's inferno engulfed two guardians, while Chat Kiana's bullets pierced into crimson cores. Neo unleashed Azathoth's Void Threads, binding the chains themselves, forcing them to unravel.
But the guardians adapted, one lashing a spear of corruption through Neo's barrier.
Chat Kiana (screaming):
"Neo!"
Neo caught the spear barehanded, his void aura devouring it into nothing. His eyes glowed as he roared.
Neo:
"You picked the wrong world to invade."
With his free hand, he slashed with Cocoon of the End, severing three chains at once.
Post-Honkai Kiana's Flicker
The unconscious Herrscher stirred faintly, her lips moving. A whisper escaped, too weak to be called a voice:
Post-Honkai Kiana:
"…help… me…"
The words ignited fury in Chat Group Kiana's heart.
Chat Kiana:
"Hang on, sis. We've got you."
Cliffhanger
As the battle raged both on the corrupted ground and above on the fractured moon, the split operation strained everyone to their limits.
The civilians' evacuation neared completion, but the corruption surged harder in retaliation. On the moon, the last guardian loomed—towering, wrapped in endless chains.
Neo's aura flared brighter than stars, Velgrynd at his side, and Kiana raising her pistols with unwavering resolve.
Together, they stood before the final guardian.
Neo (voice like steel):
"This ends now. Finality will be free."
✨ End of Chapter 24 – The Split Paths: Earth and Moon ✨
Arc 3: Tree of Imaginary Numbers
Chapter 25 – Finality's Awakening, Corruption's Echoes
Moon: The Last Guardian
The moon quaked as the final corrupted guardian towered, clad in broken chains and jagged armor pulsing with scarlet corruption. Each movement made the lunar surface split and twist.
Neo's aura surged—a storm of Azathoth's void, Cocoon of the End, and his Dragon Factor entwining into annihilation. Velgrynd's crimson flame wings unfurled beside him, while Chat Group Kiana stood firm, her pistols infused with Neo's resonance.
Velgrynd (snarling):
"This corruption ends here."
Chat Kiana (steady):
"And it ends for her."
The knight's colossal blade fell. Neo intercepted, his void unraveling the weapon mid-swing into dust. Velgrynd's flames seared through its armor, while Kiana's precision shots struck its pulsing crimson core.
The guardian faltered, its body fracturing under their combined might—shattered chains revealing a faint silver glow within.
Finality Awakens
The silver-blue radiance burst free. The corrupted binds dissolved, revealing Post-Honkai Kiana, her unconscious form now glowing with infinite star-like power.
Her eyes fluttered open. The Herrscher of Finality stood, steady but trembling, her aura stretching across the moon like dawnlight. She gazed at Neo.
Post-Honkai Kiana (softly):
"You… came for me."
She stepped forward, clutching him by the collar before he could speak—and kissed him.
The void stilled. Time seemed to pause.
Velgrynd's eyes narrowed dangerously, flames flickering hotter as she turned slowly toward Chat Kiana, her voice razor-sharp.
Velgrynd:
"...Do you have the same intention as your counterpart?"
Chat Kiana (blushing, flustered):
"N-no! I—I'm not… it's not like that!"
Neo coughed awkwardly, pulling back from Finality Kiana's grip.
Neo:
"…Not the time."
But Finality Kiana clung tighter to his arm, smiling faintly.
Finality Kiana:
"Then let me stay at your side, just for this moment."
Ground: Securing Civilians
On the planet, chaos raged. Hulk and Thor smashed waves of corrupted beasts, while Zhongli's shields created safe corridors for civilians. Natasha coordinated evacuations alongside Bell and Hestia, their presence reassuring the terrified survivors.
Bell (panting, slashing another corrupted beast):
"They just keep coming—!"
Hestia (yelling, guiding children):
"Focus! Don't let a single one fall behind!"
Ais and Riveria sliced through enemies with cold precision, their Danmachi power bolstered by the chat group rewards. They weren't the focus, but their presence steadied the battle's chaos, fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with the Avengers.
Steve (to Ais, surprised):
"...You fight like lightning. Where'd you train?"
Ais (calmly):
"Every day. For the ones behind me."
The True Horror
The ground shook. Corrupted shadows stepped forward—twisted silhouettes of warriors once loved and admired.
Tony (grimly):
"…Not civilians. Soldiers."
Then, from the crimson mist, familiar forms appeared—corrupted Valkyries. Their armor warped, faces blank, weapons dripping with malice.
The shock was devastating.
March 7th (horrified):
"W-wait… they're… they were people, weren't they?!"
But the deepest wound struck when Bronya Zaychik emerged—future Herrscher of Truth, now corrupted, her silver hair streaked with black, her eyes empty.
Welt Yang's voice broke as he stumbled forward.
Welt:
"...Bronya… no… no, not you."
Clint raised his bow grimly.
Clint:
"Then we free them—no matter the cost."
Two Fronts, One Purpose
On the moon, Finality's aura surged, stabilizing as purification completed. On Earth, the corrupted Valkyries advanced, forcing Avengers, Danmachi members, and Nameless to brace for heartbreak in battle.
Neo's voice echoed across both fronts, steady and resolute.
Neo:
"No matter who corruption takes—we purify them. This fight… doesn't end until they're free."
✨ End of Chapter 25 – Finality's Awakening, Corruption's Echoes ✨
Arc 3: Tree of Imaginary Numbers
Chapter 26 – Bonds in Battle, Choices in Moonlight
Ground: The Valkyrie's Shadows
The battlefield darkened. The corrupted Valkyries advanced in jagged unison—faces empty, bodies twitching under chains of crimson energy. The ground team froze as three familiar forms emerged from the mist.
Theresa Apocalypse—her small frame twisted, scythe dragging across the soil, crimson ichor trailing behind.
Raiden Mei—long hair corrupted into streaks of violet-black, her blade humming with void energy.
And at the front—Bronya Zaychik, her mechanical exosuit shattered and warped, her once-bright eyes dull and hollow.
The sight shattered Welt Yang's composure.
Welt (hoarse):
"…Bronya… I swore to protect you…"
Bronya raised her corrupted cannon and fired. The blast sent shockwaves across the battlefield, forcing Hulk, Thor, Bell, and Ais to scatter.
Steve Rogers (yelling):
"Stay sharp! These aren't strangers—they're family to someone here!"
Natasha and Riveria intercepted Theresa's scythe, sparks flying as corrupted energy clashed against precision. Hulk roared, holding back Mei's corrupted lightning, while Thor grimaced—striking against her with a heavy heart.
But Welt… he couldn't raise his weapon. His hands shook.
Welt (shaking):
"She… she was supposed to inherit everything…"
Dan Heng placed a hand on his shoulder, voice calm but firm.
Dan Heng:
"Then honor her. Fight, not to kill—but to save."
Those words lit a spark. Welt steadied, summoning the full strength of his restored Herrscher of Reason. His constructs surged across the battlefield, meeting Bronya's corrupted barrage.
Welt (roaring):
"I won't let corruption define you, Bronya! You are my successor—and I will free you!"
The ground battle became a storm of emotion—each blow struck not to destroy, but to purify.
Moon: Awakening of Finality
On the moon's fractured surface, Finality Kiana stood steady now, her silver-blue aura no longer unstable but shining like dawn across the void.
The chat group screen lit up in the sky above, a new announcement:
[System]: Herrscher of Finality (Post-Honkai Kiana) has joined the Chat Group.
Velgrynd's eyes narrowed at the words, her flames flaring faintly.
Velgrynd (muttering):
"…Another one, bound to him…"
Finality Kiana looked to Neo, her gaze unwavering.
Finality Kiana (softly):
"My father, Siegfried Kaslana… and my aunt, Theresa Apocalypse… before this corruption took them, they told me something."
Neo tilted his head, waiting.
Finality Kiana:
"They told me… I must find a partner. A man who can carry the Kaslana bloodline forward. That I should not fight alone forever."
Her hand reached for Neo's sleeve, clutching tightly.
Finality Kiana (whispering):
"And when I saw you, I thought… perhaps this was what they meant."
Velgrynd's flames surged hotter, her draconic aura pressing down like a storm.
Velgrynd (icy smile):
"…Careful, little Herrscher. Do not mistake gratitude or destiny for love. He already belongs to me."
Chat Kiana, standing awkwardly to the side, raised both hands defensively, blushing furiously.
Chat Kiana (stammering):
"D-don't drag me into this! I'm not competing, okay?!"
Neo sighed heavily, rubbing his forehead.
Neo:
"…I swear, this is going to become a problem…"
Two Fronts, One Heart
Back on the ground, the battle raged, with the corrupted Valkyries pressing harder—but slowly weakening under the group's combined resolve.
Above, on the moon, Finality Kiana steadied herself, the last threads of corruption gone. Her kiss still lingered in memory, her words ringing louder than any battle cry.
Two fronts fought—one with blades and conviction, the other with emotions and bonds. Both paths converged toward one truth:
The corruption would be erased, no matter the cost.
✨ End of Chapter 26 – Bonds in Battle, Choices in Moonlight ✨
Arc 3: Tree of Imaginary Numbers
Chapter 27 – Purification's Crescendo, A New Herrscher Joins the Stars
Ground: Valkyries' Redemption
The battlefield roared with clashing energies.
Theresa's corrupted scythe split the air, Mei's lightning scarred the land, and Bronya's warped cannon sent explosions through stone and sky.
But the Nameless and allies fought with everything they had—shield to shield, blade to blade.
Welt's constructs clashed against Bronya's barrage.
Welt (straining, voice cracking):
"Bronya! This isn't you… you are hope itself!"
Thor's lightning intercepted Mei's corrupted storm, his hammer ringing against her blade.
Thor:
"Your thunder is not meant for destruction—it's meant to protect!"
Natasha, Bell, and Riveria encircled Theresa, their strikes not to kill but to wear down the crimson chains binding her. Natasha's gunfire struck with surgical precision, Bell's blade cut threads of corruption, and Riveria's elven magic burned through the taint.
Riveria (firmly):
"Theresa Apocalypse—you are loved. Remember that!"
One by one, the Valkyries faltered. Theresa collapsed to her knees, coughing, her eyes flickering with recognition. Mei's blade wavered as Thor's hammer struck down the last corrupted sigil, her tears mixing with rain. Bronya fell to the ground as Welt caught her, cradling her like a father holding his daughter.
Bronya (weakly, voice trembling):
"…Teacher… I… failed…"
Welt (shaking his head, firm):
"No. You endured. And now, you are free."
A brilliant light spread across the battlefield—corruption burning away, leaving the three Valkyries exhausted but alive. The civilians, watching from hiding, wept openly as their guardians returned.
Moon: A Herrscher's Reward
Finality Kiana, still standing close to Neo, suddenly froze as the chat group interface appeared above her, shimmering with golden light.
[System]: Welcome, Herrscher of Finality (Kiana Kaslana) to the Chat Group.
[System]: Starter Pack Reward Granted.
→ Herrscher of Finality's powers have been permanently enhanced.
Her aura surged, the moonlight bending around her form as the reward merged into her essence. The flames of Finality flared—not chaotic, but harmonized, balanced.
Velgrynd's golden eyes narrowed as she felt the shift. Finality Kiana's strength now edged past her own, just slightly, like the faintest step beyond a rival.
Velgrynd (hissing softly):
"…So, she's already catching up…"
Finality Kiana (clutching her chest, surprised):
"This… this power feels… clearer. Like my destiny is no longer chained."
Neo exhaled, placing a hand on her shoulder.
Neo:
"Then don't waste it. Walk with us. On the path of Trailblaze."
Finality Kiana nodded, eyes shimmering with determination.
The Watching Cosmos
The ripple of purification and the awakening of Finality Kiana spread further than the moon. Through the expanded Trailblaze Path, other worlds—other Aeons and factions—were able to glimpse the Post-Honkai universe.
Aeons' Reactions
• Lan, The Hunt frowned deeply.
Lan:
"…Another Kaslana? Another warrior who defies inevitability…"
• IX, The Nihility whispered in distorted echoes.
IX:
"Finality… a paradox of endings that refuses to end. A contradiction. Dangerous."
• Qlipoth, The Preservation rumbled like stone grinding.
Qlipoth:
"A Herrscher who embodies endings, yet walks with Trailblaze… Perhaps… she will preserve more than she destroys."
• Nanook, The Destruction, though weakened from Neo's earlier blow, seethed.
Nanook (furious):
"Another false savior. Another shield for Trailblaze. This changes nothing. NOTHING!"
• Others Aeons, some in silence, others in curiosity, acknowledged Finality's arrival. For the first time, the Post-Honkai universe was not just a shadow but a revealed world in the grand tapestry.
Factions' Reactions
• The Xianzhou Alliance council trembled, recognizing Dan Heng's Scion rebirth and now seeing a Kaslana of Finality.
Elder:
"…The Nameless gather monsters of legend. Their path… is beyond comprehension."
• IPC (Interastral Peace Corporation) quietly began calculating—not just opportunities, but risks.
Executive:
"If Trailblaze unites Herrschers, Aeons, and Avengers… the balance of all trade and peace is broken."
• Astral Express HQ (Herta & others) blinked at the incoming readings.
Herta (tapping her chin):
"Oh? The Finality Herrscher is here now? How troublesome… and fascinating. Trailblaze really is rewriting the script."
Closing
As the purifications ended and the factions whispered, the Astral Express stood stronger than ever, carrying a new Herrscher on board.
The road of Trailblaze stretched further still—shining with both promise and peril.
And somewhere, deep in the void, the Transmigrator stirred again, feeling the pressure of not one, but now two beings who could rival his schemes.
✨ End of Chapter 27 – Purification's Crescendo, A New Herrscher Joins the Stars ✨
Arc 3: Tree of Imaginary Numbers
Chapter 28 – Bonds, Bargains, and New Shadows
Aboard the Astral Express – Quiet Before the Storm
The train hummed softly as stars streaked past the windows. For the first time in what felt like eons, there was no battle—only the sound of footsteps on steel and the faint aroma of tea brewing in the lounge.
Finality Kiana sat at the center table, quietly running her fingers across the glass, her silver hair shimmering faintly. Across from her, Velgrynd leaned back, arms crossed, golden eyes locked on her with thinly veiled suspicion.
The rest of the crew—and the Avengers—watched in tense amusement.
Bronya (chat group, muttering):
"…Is this going to be another Kaslana versus True Dragon standoff?"
Welt (sighing):
"More like two suns trying to shine in the same sky."
Neo finally broke the silence, leaning forward with a grin.
Neo:
"You both do realize that glaring at each other won't decide who's stronger, right?"
Velgrynd narrowed her eyes. Finality Kiana smirked. And for a fleeting moment, even the tension felt like part of the new normal.
Bonding and Adjustments
The Nameless and Avengers mingled with the Astral Express crew.
• Tony was already testing the train's systems, muttering about how its engine "violated at least three laws of physics."
• Natasha (Avengers) sat with Natasha (Doctor), exchanging stories about medicine and leadership.
• Thor had Pom-Pom cornered, asking for ale.
• Danmachi's Bell sparred lightly with March 7th, much to Himeko's amusement.
And throughout, there was laughter, cautious smiles, and the smallest spark of normalcy returning.
The Unexpected Visitors
The laughter didn't last.
Without warning, the air thickened—time slowing for the briefest moment. The doors of the Astral Express hissed open, though no one had touched them.
Two figures stepped inside.
One was Lan, The Hunt, taking the shape of a tall man clad in flowing azure garb, eyes sharp like twin blades.
The other was Qlipoth, The Preservation, incarnated as a stoic, stone-faced figure cloaked in crystalline armor, each step echoing like thunder on bedrock.
The Express crew froze.
Pom-Pom (furiously stomping, tail puffed):
"HEY! NO BOARDING WITHOUT PERMISSION! THIS IS MY TRAIN! OUT! OUT! OUT!"
Lan tilted his head, amused. Qlipoth did not react.
Neo stood, crossing his arms.
Neo (flatly):
"You two must be really desperate if you're walking in here yourselves."
Lan's lips curved into a faint smile.
Lan:
"I acknowledge you, Neo. The Aeon of Trailblaze… and Permanence. You've done what no one else has. Even I cannot ignore that."
Qlipoth's voice was deep, like a shifting mountain.
Qlipoth:
"The corruption is not a simple infection. It is spreading. Fast. If it devours the cosmos, even our paths will fracture. That is why… we propose an alliance."
The entire crew fell silent. Even Velgrynd stopped glaring at Finality Kiana.
March 7th (whispering):
"…Two Aeons just walked into our train and asked for teamwork. Did I fall asleep?"
Neo's Response
Neo exhaled slowly, letting his aura ripple across the cabin, brushing against both Lan and Qlipoth.
Neo:
"So you're here because you can't deal with it yourselves. Noted. But let me make one thing clear—Trailblaze is not a pawn. Not for you. Not for anyone. You want cooperation? Fine. But it's on my terms. Understand?"
Lan's sharp eyes flickered, and he nodded once.
Qlipoth rumbled in agreement, their voice like tectonic plates grinding:
Qlipoth:
"Then let us walk together, for as long as the stars allow."
In the Shadows – A New Transmigrator
Far from the Express, in a pocket of warped void-space, the new transmigrator from Lord God Space stirred, his grin wicked.
Transmigrator:
"So… the Aeons themselves are rallying behind that monster Neo. Hah. Makes this even more fun."
Before him stood the vision of a chained prison—the Ember Prison, where the Aeon Tayzzyronth, The Propagation was sealed away.
The transmigrator's eyes glowed with malicious intent.
Transmigrator:
"I'll break your chains… and when I corrupt you, Neo will finally know fear."
The ember flames shuddered in response, as though something within had begun to stir.
Closing Scene
Back aboard the Astral Express, the mood remained tense. Velgrynd's gaze flicked between Finality Kiana and the silent Aeons, while Pom-Pom kept muttering curses about "cosmic freeloaders."
Neo sat back, eyes sharp, his instincts gnawing at him.
The corruption wasn't slowing—it was escalating. And the transmigrator's next move would shake the very pillars of existence.
✨ End of Chapter 28 – Bonds, Bargains, and New Shadows ✨