["Alright, passenger Stelle, return to your seat. I'm starting the countdown."]
["Everyone, get ready—three, two, one…"]
[Under Pom-Pom's countdown, the massive body of the train gradually accelerated, and the chess pieces on the board began to tremble. Then, a blue membrane-like substance rapidly spread from the front of the train, enveloping the entire vehicle in an instant.]
[The train seemed to plunge into some kind of spatial rift, vanishing in the blink of an eye.]
"Is this the warp technology of another world?!" Jayce's eyes widened in amazement.
He couldn't fathom how this seemingly ordinary, somewhat retro-styled train had accomplished such a feat.
In his calculations, if the energy of Hextech crystals could be perfectly activated, long-distance warp technology might be achievable. However, according to his projections, the energy required to warp larger objects would increase exponentially—and for something as massive as a train…
"Perhaps this is the power of an Aeon," Viktor murmured with a sigh.
A single mention of an Aeon could effortlessly bridge the vast gap between two worlds.
[Amidst a flash of light, the train emerged from the singularity, the blue membrane around it gradually peeling away. In Stelle's astonished gaze, the train's warp had already concluded.]
[The space station that had been visible outside the window was now gone, replaced by a massive, white planet silently looming in the distance.]
[This was their destination—Jarilo-VI.]
["After thousands of years, Jarilo-VI has turned into this…" Himeko compared the lush, verdant planet in the database with the sight before her, overcome with emotion. "Time changes all things—lands shift, and seas become fields."]
["That white, desolate planet… is our target?" March 7th's eyes widened as she instinctively hugged her arms.]
[Even before setting foot on the planet, a chill seemed to creep up from the soles of her feet.]
["Spatial readings abnormal! Star Rail stability rate has dropped to 12%!"]
["Change of docking plan—this stop's duration has been extended from seven days to indefinite!" As Pom-Pom's warning rang out, Himeko's expression darkened, a rare shadow crossing her face. The atmosphere inside the train seemed to stiffen under Jarilo-VI's influence, growing cold and tense.]
["Indefinite…" Stelle glanced at Himeko beside her.]
["To put it in simpler terms, it's like a land train suddenly finding its tracks broken, with a bottomless abyss below…" Himeko smiled wryly. "At that point, all you can do is hit the emergency brakes."]
[March 7th sighed, rubbing her forehead—clearly, this wasn't the first time she'd encountered such a situation.]
["Preliminary detection results are in—the root of the anomaly is still the [Stellaron]." Welt's voice cut through the tense discussion as he approached, his gaze involuntarily shifting to Stelle. "It's the same substance as the [Stellaron] implanted inside you."]
[Stelle frowned. "What exactly is a Stellaron?"]
["There are many mysteries surrounding the [Stellaron], ones even Herta hasn't fully deciphered. But you don't need to worry too much. Blocked routes due to Stellarons aren't our first encounter—even if we don't understand their principles, we still have ways to counteract their effects."]
[Welt nodded. "The only certainty is that the descent of a [Stellaron] brings drastic changes to civilizations and ecosystems, along with spatial distortions like Fragmentum zones."]
["The reason Jarilo-VI has become a frozen planet… is likely inseparable from the [Stellaron's] influence."]
["Based on our conjecture, the [Stellaron] is a calamity sown across worlds by a certain Aeon. If we don't eradicate the source of the disaster, there can be no [Trailblaze]."]
——
Great Tomb of Nazarick.
Cocytus' footsteps were heavy as he walked toward the Throne Room. As if infected by his mood, the servants following behind him also moved sluggishly, their heads bowed low.
The reason for his heavy steps lay in the Celestial Screen that had appeared in the sky not long ago. Its contents were utterly unfathomable—Cocytus had racked his brain but still couldn't comprehend how the humans depicted could possess such overwhelming strength.
After the scene of the train's warp played out on the Celestial Screen, Cocytus received a summons from his master, instructing him and the other Guardians to gather in the Throne Room for an audience.
This was likely not just a simple meeting—rather, their master wished to hear their opinions.
Especially regarding those "Aeons."
At that thought, Cocytus stiffened. As one with absolute resistance to frost and cold, his trembling did not stem from external factors—but from within. The memory of the Destruction Aeon's gaze sent an overwhelming pressure spreading from his chest to his limbs, making his steps falter—
"Cocytus, do you intend to keep the Supreme One waiting?"
A cold voice rang out from the steps above. Cocytus jerked his head up to see Albedo and Shalltear looking down at him from the staircase.
Beyond them, Demiurge, Sebas, and the other Guardians were already in position, standing on either side of the stairs.
Their eyes seemed to carry silent reproach.
"My apologies for my tardiness. If my delay causes the Supreme Ones to punish you all—"
"Spare us the excuses. If your sluggishness displeases the Supreme One, Lord Ainz, then death would be your only atonement." Albedo's golden eyes held a clear note of blame—though punishing Cocytus would take time, and there was none to waste now.
After a brief reminder of the audience's protocols, the Guardians, led by Albedo, entered the Throne Room with their respective servants in tow.
Stepping into the room he had visited only a handful of times, Cocytus felt immense joy.
The flawless architecture and carvings reflected the Supreme One's impeccable taste, while the banners of the Supreme Beings and the World-Class Item at the far end stood as symbols of their authority. Even as a Guardian, gaining entry to this room was no easy feat—truly, this was the heart of the Great Tomb of Nazarick.
After saluting the Ainz Ooal Gown emblem on the wall, Cocytus and the other Guardians knelt, bowing their heads as they awaited their master's arrival.
"All hail the Supreme Ruler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick—His Majesty Ainz Ooal Gown!"
The voice of the battle maid, Yuri, echoed through the hall as the doors slowly opened. The crisp sound of footsteps and a cane tapping against the floor followed.
The footsteps passed by the kneeling Guardians, ascended the stairs, and finally ceased as their master took his seat upon the throne. Then, Albedo's voice rang out once more:
"All may now raise their heads and behold the majesty of His Majesty Ainz Ooal Gown."
Cocytus immediately lifted his head, fearing even a moment's delay might offend the Supreme One.
Clad in an aura of dread, wielding the scepter of rulership, and radiating an enigmatic dark glow—this was the Supreme Overlord of the Great Tomb of Nazarick.
Albedo stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Lord Ainz, the Guardians have assembled before you. We await your command."
"Hmm…" Ainz struck the floor with his scepter, drawing all eyes to him before speaking slowly: "Welcome, Guardians. The reason I have summoned you here is something you have likely already guessed."
The scepter rose, pointing toward the Celestial Screen visible even through the walls—
"Regarding the [Stellaron] and the [Aeons]… share your thoughts."