Plans can't keep up with changes.
Leon left a conspicuous message here, then followed Clara to the mechanical settlement with his companions.
Players thought the scene would stay put, showing Bronya and others arriving later.
But unexpectedly, the one who showed up was Sampo.
Sampo gazed toward the mechanical settlement, deep in thought.
"Things are a bit different, but in terms of results, it's like nothing's gone off track…"
"Interesting, truly interesting."
Leon, oh Leon, I can't tell if you're an actor or someone outside the play.
But it doesn't matter now.
Events are steadily unfolding toward the outcome I most want to see.
Well, not too steadily.
Plenty of unexpected plot twists, but he didn't need to be the protagonist. Playing the fool was just fine.
Thinking this, Sampo showed an enraptured expression.
"The joy that highlights human dignity—that's what old Sampo wants to see most… haha…"
"Looks like my role as guide is done. Just one last scene, then I can take a break."
Countless players were stunned by Sampo's appearance.
[Who is he? Who is Sampo?]
[Suddenly giving off final boss vibes, no way?]
[Not likely. Feels more like… the man in the middle?]
[Huh? Is Leon the man in the middle, or is Sampo?]
[True Zhang Mazi and fake Zhang Mazi, huh?]
[Both Zhang Mazis are real. That interpretation works too.]
[Why's everyone a chaos gremlin?]
[As they say, chaotic jokers—or comic relief—tend to have the juiciest secrets.]
[Forget who's in the middle. Isn't the Trailblaze team living the Nameless creed?]
Players buzzed with discussion, but Ah Xian ignored it for now, continuing as a relentless plot-pushing machine.
Details could be savored and dissected later.
Satisfying her itch for new plot and unraveling Leon's mysteries was her top priority.
Clicking the screen, the game loaded a new map.
Clara: "We're here. The mechanical settlement—Clara and Mr. Svarog's home."
March 7th scanned the area, surprised.
"I thought it'd be a cold, robot-filled place. It's actually pretty lively?"
Not far off, on flat terrain, sat several tents.
Between them burned scattered campfires or hummed active heating devices.
"Not exactly brightly lit, but it's got some life. Clara, they…"
Before she finished, all the heating devices in sight went dark.
The faint warmth that had greeted them vanished from perception.
Stelle's eye twitched, giving March 7th an exasperated look.
"March's little 37°C mouth—why do your words carry poison?"
"Hey—" March 7th shot her a dangerous glare.
"I'm not 'hey,' thank you." Stelle corrected with a straight face.
"You're asking for it!"
March 7th unleashed her signature move against gray-haired gremlins—
The People's Elbow.
① "Felt like something was missing earlier. Now it's just right."
② "Elbowing me again? When we're back on the Express, I'm telling Himeko you're bullying the newbie!"
Many players grinned, thinking to themselves: Now it's just right.
Ah Xian laughed. "Space comedy needs that space comedy vibe. Don't mind the slightly heavy plot earlier."
[Get elbowed a few more times, and Stelle's joining the 'jail' generation.]
[Not quite jail. Her physical output's still strong—great for main DPS in exploration.]
[We're not talking about the same 'jail.']
Leon: "What's going on? Did the energy system here fail?"
Clara: "Yes… the base's power supply malfunctioned. I thought it'd last longer, but it broke down so fast…"
"I already sent Perkins to find replacement parts, but they haven't returned."
"If we don't fix it soon, everyone in the settlement will suffer."
Leon: "Where's the power supply? Maybe we can help."
Clara: "But several key components are too worn out. Without replacements, it can't be fixed."
Leon smiled. "Stelle, this is your moment."
① "Ta-da-da-da! Treasure King Trailblaze Stelle makes her grand entrance!"
② "Thirty years of scavenging, finally coming in handy."
Ah Xian, puzzled, vaguely recognized the second option's meme.
Seeing little difference between the two, she picked the first.
At the same time, a weird guess crossed her mind.
Before she could voice it, the Trailblaze team's two young members spilled everything.
Stelle snapped her fingers, and a pile of junk bins appeared ahead.
"Take a look, Clara. These are all the treasures I've found on this planet. There's gotta be the replacement parts you need."
March 7th's eyes widened. "You… you got all this from rummaging through trash cans?"
Stelle corrected sternly, "What? Trash cans? Rude. Call them treasure troves!"
"Uh…" March 7th's mouth twitched, glancing at Leon.
Leon stayed silent, smiling and shrugging, his meaning clear.
Don't ask me.
Clara rummaged through a few bins, her face lighting up with joy at certain mechanical parts.
"Found them! There really are replacement parts. Thank you, big sister!"
March 7th: "Wow, you actually found them."
Stelle flicked her bangs proudly. "Of course. I'm a reliable adult too, you know."
[Help, how is Stelle this adorable?!]
[Who wouldn't mess up with her around?]
[Chose Stelle, chose right!]
March 7th's budding smile froze at Stelle's words.
What's that supposed to mean?
Hinting she's the only unreliable one here?
How infuriating.
She's a big sister too!
"Insane. Who'd have thought Stelle rummaging through trash cans on the surface and gathering supplies at the orphanage was a plot setup?"
"But, hold on—how are there components in orphanages and trash cans?"
"Oh, right. This planet's treasures aren't just in trash cans."
"The game map's limited, but imagine Belobog's city-state and underground history."
"Flipping through trash cans and scavenging on the way to the orphanage in Rivet Town? Totally normal, right?"
[This is wild.]
[But I gotta say, the writers and planners are chaotic gremlins.]
[To be precise, the writers for Leon's route are gremlins. Dan Heng's route is different—more serious.]
[Fits Teacher Dan Heng's vibe.]
Clara: "Big brothers and sisters, please wait. Let Clara fix the power supply first, then I'll take you to see Mr. Svarog."
…
…