"This power is very strong... and equally wild, like a wild Ridgepeak Dragon. If a connection isn't established in time, it might harm the user." Mavuika observed the golden light swirling around Stelle.
"After all, it's her first time wielding the power of a Stellaron. It's understandable that she's unfamiliar with it." Mavuika smiled faintly beside her. "Just like when I first inherited the power of the Pyro Archon—my first attempt also caused quite a commotion."
[The power within Stelle's body began to spiral out of control, the overflowing shockwave even sending the Doomsday Beast in front of her flying.]
In Mondstadt, Klee stared at Stelle floating mid-air, so frightened that the little girl covered her eyes, only peeking through tiny gaps between her fingers.
Kaeya chuckled beside her. "What's wrong? Is little Klee too scared to watch?"
Klee shook her head, her red hat swaying. She picked up a crayon and drew a simple sketch of a Jumpy Dumpty on paper, saying, "Sister Stelle is in danger right now."
"Just like a bomb, it could go—BOOM!—anytime!" Klee made an exploding gesture with her hands.
Stelle's current state reminded Klee of her Jumpy Dumpty—exactly the same, with the potential to explode at any moment.
[Thwack!]
[Suddenly, a cane tapped Stelle's forehead, as if shattering something. The rampaging power surging within her instantly calmed down, retreating back into her body.]
[The camera slowly zoomed out, revealing a middle-aged man with brown hair. He wore an ordinary gray coat and a coffee-colored scarf around his neck. His signature glasses gave him an air of reliability and rationality, but what drew the most attention was the cane in his hand.]
[Fortunately, the situation was brought under control in time. Mr. Yang calmly adjusted his glasses, leaving only an enigmatic silhouette for the audience outside the frame.]
["Mr. Yang, she—" March 7th caught the falling Stelle, looking up at Mr. Yang with concern.]
["She'll be fine now." Welt Yang said calmly. "Let's talk somewhere else."]
——
Real World ——
"Wow, this uncle looks super reliable!"
"He's the type of strategist who hides his true depths."
"Feels like if he had stepped in earlier, that Doomsday Beast wouldn't have stood a chance."
People instantly remembered this stern yet powerful and composed man. Meanwhile, in the academy, Himeko stared blankly at Welt Yang holding the Star of Eden for three seconds before decisively dialing a familiar number on her phone.
After two rings, the call connected, and a man's slightly coughing voice came through.
"Not bad, Yang. I never knew you had such an impressive side. Though, the Welt Yang in the Celestial Screen does seem more mature than you are now."
Himeko teased the man on the phone with a playful tone.
Welt Yang on the other end quickly defended himself, "No, Himeko! Even though the Welt Yang in the Celestial Screen looks exactly like me—same face, build, voice, and outfit—I swear that's definitely not me!"
"Besides, I have a theory—"
"I know what you mean, Yang." Himeko calmly interrupted. "Are you talking about the Imaginary Tree theory?"
Even the most oblivious person would realize something was off by now. Whether it was the girl resembling Bronya, Silver Wolf, or the woman sharing her own name, Himeko, or even this Mr. Yang who looked exactly like the real one—all of it confirmed her suspicions.
The world in the Celestial Screen was a parallel version of their own.
She had studied the cosmic hypotheses proposed by the Previous Era, using the "Imaginary Tree" and "Quantum Sea" to describe the structure of the universe. The Imaginary Tree nurtured countless worlds, and the world in the Celestial Screen might just be one of its branches.
Between heaven and earth, there was only one tree and one sea, and so began their endless competition.
Or perhaps the world in the Celestial Screen was a product of that competition?
Himeko didn't dwell on it further, keeping the call with Yang open as they both watched the images from the Celestial Screen.
[Slowly opening her eyes, Stelle saw the familiar interior of the space station.]
[Rubbing her head, Stelle sat up from the medical bed. Nearby, Dan Heng, who had been keeping watch, raised a hand in greeting.]
["Glad you're okay. The Legion's threat has been dealt with—you can rest easy." Dan Heng explained as he led Stelle out of the room.]
["Even something as strong as the Doomsday Beast was no match..." Recalling her earlier bravery, Stelle subconsciously puffed out her chest, looking utterly proud, as if waiting for praise.]
["Seems like you've recovered well." As Dan Heng turned, the corner of his lips curled into a barely noticeable smile. Then, clearing his throat, he said to Stelle, "This is Herta Space Station. Rest for a bit—I won't disturb you. Oh, and give me your beacon address so I can contact you if needed."]
["Also, if it's convenient, go see Himeko. She said she has something to discuss with you."]
——
"Mhm, this Dan Heng guy is the cold-outside, warm-inside type, huh?" Mine propped her chin on one hand, her eyes flickering as she glanced at the similarly reserved Akame beside her. "So, what do you think of this Dan Heng guy?"
From their first meeting, Dan Heng's exceptional spear skills had left a deep impression on Mine.
Even without the boost of Imperial Arms, few in the Night Raid could match his strength. For such a powerhouse from another world, Mine could only think of Akame as someone who might stand a chance against him. She was curious how Akame, a martial arts fanatic, would assess him.
"Hmm, my opinion?" Akame seriously pondered for a long while before finally nodding as if confirming something.
"I think he's... very handsome."
Mine: "...Huh?"
Huh?!
What the heck are you even saying?!
Mine stared at Akame in disbelief.
Akame was undeniably beautiful and undeniably expressionless. But when that icy, deadpan face spoke those words in such a serious tone, Mine suddenly felt like this colleague—who could kill without blinking—seemed utterly unfamiliar.
Though, she wasn't wrong. Compared to his spear skills, Mine's first impression of Dan Heng was his flawless looks.
His long, well-defined eyebrows slanted upward toward his short sideburns. Beneath a touch of red eyeshadow, his eyes were like dark jade, yet carried a warmth reminiscent of early spring.
He was indeed very handsome.
Compared to that clueless guy, Tatsumi...
"Wait." Mine suddenly realized she'd been led astray by Akame's words. She patted her cheeks and cleared her throat. "I meant, what do you think of his spear skills?"
Akame closed her eyes, slowly shaking her head with a sigh. "No openings—at least, none that I can see."