In the Mechanical Settlement, the meeting with Svarog went smoothly. The group diligently reviewed the documents and videos related to the Stellaron Core in its database.
"The truth is now clear…"
"Ignoring the fragmented details… the conclusion is that the higher-ups of this world, including the Supreme Guardian herself, have long known that the [Stellaron Core] is the source of the disaster."
"But for the city's stability, they chose to conceal the truth. And the secret research to destroy the Stellaron Core ended in failure."
"Now, only one question remains… Why did the current Supreme Guardian, Cocolia, undergo such a sudden change in temperament?" Dan Heng speculated, recalling that the recorded videos mentioned the Stellaron Core's voice lingering in the Guardian's mind, impossible to shake off.
Years of research results lay before them, the evidence undeniable—the Stellaron Core was the root of everything.
Yet, the public would struggle to accept such a conclusion, especially since it was the first Supreme Guardian, Alisa Rand, who activated it, leading to this world being blanketed by the Eternal Freeze.
Bronya struggled to steady herself. In just two days, she had been overwhelmed by revelations beyond her understanding, leaving her momentarily dazed.
It was as if her faith had crumbled.
"That's a lot of information to process," Stelle said, casting a sympathetic glance at Bronya. To be a successful Supreme Guardian, mindset was key.
"When dawn breaks, the Supreme Guardian must shine like a radiant star, illuminating the people's path."
"When night falls, the Supreme Guardian must be like a warm hearth, soothing the people's hearts."
"For so many years… have I been following a lie?"
As Bronya finished, Seele spoke up to comfort her:
"Come on, stop looking so defeated. You don't have to keep your troubles to yourself. Is it fun to stew in your own worries?"
"Keeping your frustrations bottled up just means you're too proud to show weakness in front of others, especially since you're in a high position."
"This isn't the upper district. There's no need for suspicion or rigid rules here. Whatever's bothering you, just say it out loud."
"Bronya, cheer up!" March 7th chimed in encouragingly from the side.
Hmm, I wonder how the Supreme Guardian's heir would fare in a pillow fight.
"Thank you all… I just need to sort things out in my mind first. These fragments of history, the knowledge I was taught—it's all a jumbled mess in my head now. I… I don't know what to believe anymore."
"You can believe in us!" March 7th smiled. No matter what happened, the Astral Express crew would always be their steadfast support.
The priority now was to deal with the Stellaron Core.
"You know what you need to do, Bronya. You've lived in lies long enough. Now's your chance to break free from the cage!"
…
On Adrian's side, Sampo said with a hint of regret:
"Sigh~ What a shame. I didn't get to see an exciting, thrilling fight." He glanced at Adrian. With him around, any fight would likely end in a one-sided victory.
"Watching chaos for fun? I can get behind that. But if you say there's endless joy in people fighting each other… then we need to have a talk."
Adrian disliked internal conflict, a sentiment rooted in the time when Aha and Akivili, those two troublemakers, infiltrated the Church of Eternity and sparked an internal war.
Hmm, come to think of it, that's when his priestess started getting all chuunibyou. He hadn't pressed her for details.
No need to guess—it was definitely Aha's doing. The kind and approachable Akivili would never pull something like that.
Back then, the priestess and the Pontiff were busy writing doctrines and locked themselves in the dungeon to avoid distractions.
While the two closest Emanators were absent, Aha and Akivili disguised themselves as [Eternity] followers, approached the acting Pontiff, and started a fake argument in front of him.
Debating what true [Eternity] meant, Aha and Akivili's impassioned rhetoric completely bamboozled the acting Pontiff.
Then THEY went to the city, splitting into two groups to instill conflicting [Eternity] ideologies among the residents.
The Church, still in its infancy, faced a historic event—an internal war.
This was why Pontiff Blake welcomed every [Eternity] believer and Trailblazer, no matter how different their ideals. As long as you believed in the Aeon of [Eternity], you were family—all thanks to THEM.
Come to think of it, Adrian owed Aha and Akivili some gratitude. Thanks to THEM, the Church became even more united.
This was the true [family]!
Suddenly, two black meteors streaked across the sky at incredible speed, catching Adrian's attention in a fleeting moment.
Wait a second… that energy felt familiar.
…
Jarilo-VI, Administrative District.
After productive communication with Himeko and Welt, it was confirmed that Adrian was on this planet.
Before leaving, Blake gifted Himeko and Welt a pile of Church-made soaps, including the explosive variety.
"Hm… unprecedented. A single soap containing such immense Imaginary energy." Welt carefully examined the soap in his hand.
To be safe, he decided to store this soap, brimming with the Church's sincerity, away.
"Wait a moment…"
Himeko sensed something amiss. If she remembered correctly… Dan Heng had been holding a similar soap before boarding the Express, and March 7th might have brought it to Jarilo-VI.
Hmm, that soap in March's hands… it couldn't possibly be an explosive one, could it?
A bad feeling crept into Himeko's heart.
Rash actions weren't the Church's style. After disguising themselves, Blake and Freesna made their way from the snowy outskirts to the Administrative District.
"I feel it! HIS presence washes over me—it's right there!" Freesna, her face half-covered by a scarf, looked toward the Goethe Hotel, marking it as their primary target.
Blake donned a pair of specially crafted glasses—the Church's signature style!
HE once said: When you wish to hide, the best way is not to hide! Show the best version of yourself!
"On this planet, there's not only a frozen legion but also the presence of the Cancer of All Worlds…"
Blake narrowed his eyes. He knew the reason this planet was covered in snow.
No doubt about it—the great HE came here to lend aid to this fragile world.
"Ah, praise [Eternity]!" Blake exclaimed.
God loves the world. Upon seeing the remnants of Jarilo-VI's legion and the Stellaron Core, HE willingly lowered HIMSELF to work alongside the companions of the [Trailblaze] Aeon to save this planet from ruin!
"Such noble spirit… Elf, the [Eternity Doctrine] needs an update."
"[Eternal Winter] Machine House, no doubt!" Freesna ignored Blake, her gaze fixed on the machine shop ahead.
A mysterious force was drawing her in!
Eternal Winter and Eternity—so similar! There was no mistake; this shop's owner was HIS follower!
"Heh…" Freesna covered one eye with her hand, about to speak, when a voice interrupted:
"Hey, why are you two still wandering around the city? Don't you know the Iron Guard is scouring the streets for you?"