Phantylia hadn't reacted before a pair of large hands grabbed her and stuffed her into an iron cage.
"Ding~ Congratulations! You've captured a five-star spirit pet: Lord Ravager Phantylia." Stelle mimicked a system voice, pitching in perfectly.
"Pretty convincing." Adrian shook the cage hard. Phantylia couldn't handle the jostling—all five remaining special-effect milk teas spilled out.
"Wow… she even drops gear!" Stelle and March 7th snatched quickly, each grabbing a bottle.
March 7th started spot-the-difference: "Not like the usual ones!"
This cup was darker overall—probably creamier texture.
"Miss March, don't you care why Phantylia had milk tea?"
"Hey… it's over now, no point asking. Plus, I trust Adrian!"
An Eternity Aeon hostile to Destruction helping a Lord Ravager… how could she dream that?
"The answer's obvious… The wicked Lord of Destruction stole Lord Ite's milk tea, trying to boost his subordinate's combat power."
Blake appeared suddenly, mouth open, slamming the blame on Destruction.
"Waa… when did you show up?!"
"But we of Eternity never compromise with dark forces. Through everyone's efforts… we seized five milk teas from the Lord Ravager! Thanks for your hard work."
"To show gratitude, these five special potions are yours… for emergencies."
"Such divine medicine… drink it to boost your power…" Jing Yuan narrowed his eyes. He probably knew how Yanqing trained now.
One Eternity secret milk tea daily—Aha-approved, guaranteed reputation!
"Phantylia… a fearsome foe. Without her trying to inject Destruction into me, turning me into a void ranger, the outcome might've been uncertain."
"That thing… still alive?" Stelle asked cautiously.
"Regrettably, Destruction Emanators aren't easily destroyed, but…" Blake eyed the struggling spiritual fire in the cage.
"Phantylia can't cause trouble short-term, no worry about her touching the Ambrosial Arbor again. Sealing the Stellaron Core will take time…"
"Ah, about the Stellaron… Priestess Freesna's handling it." Blake added.
March 7th realized late: "Right! No wonder we didn't see her—she went for the Stellaron ahead of us!"
"Thanks to the church and the Express crew. Jing Yuan thanks you all."
Blake waved it off. "Hey~ With our relationship, no need for formalities. Xianzhou's enemies are the church's! But…" He held up one finger.
"The church has one request: leave Phantylia to us."
"As you wish." Jing Yuan shrugged. "I think… Alliance higher-ups won't mind."
"These days, so many events—feels like we toured all of Luofu." March 7th sighed.
"March, we haven't been to the legendary Shackling Prison."
"No one's bored enough to visit a prison! Shackling Prison… name alone screams creepy. No way!"
March 7th was firm. Unless a companion got jailed for a thrilling prison break—but unlikely.
...
All settled peacefully. Stellaron crisis resolved, hidden Lord Ravager Phantylia captured, now handed to the Church of Eternity (actually Tingyun).
Xianzhou higher-ups had no objections, especially Yaoqing—they hoped for long-term ties with the Church of Eternity.
Now, at Adrian's milk tea shop.
Rare holiday—Qingque wasn't there as usual. Express crew rested at the Yichen Inn.
Adrian lounged back, ignoring the precarious chandelier above.
Having his own room was nice…
This idle day got two uninvited guests.
One… Freesna on the sofa, scribbling the Doctrines of Eternity.
"Hehehe~ New Amber Era, new chapter for the doctrines." Freesna pulled out stacks of parchment, switching her staff to a quill.
"Adrian!"
Familiar voice—Yanqing burst through the door with a bang, like he was kicking in for a challenge.
"Hmm?" Freesna paused writing, swapped outfits instantly, standing by Adrian.
Emanator working for her Aeon—visualized!
"Huh? Who's this…" Yanqing noticed Freesna. In days, the shop swapped staff?
First acting manager Qingque, then self-proclaimed deputy blonde, now silver-haired elf.
Ah… if so short-staffed, he'd help after sword practice.
"Ahem! I am Free~s~na! Saintess of the Church of Eternity, ruler of the Eternal Domain Abyss! Loyal to Eternity, blessed by Eternity!"
"Huh? Saintess… d-do I need to kneel or something?" Yanqing's first church higher-up encounter—no clue on etiquette.
"No need, young Cloud Knight~ Just praise Lord Ite from the heart, loudly. Come… recite with me…"
"The purest, most beautiful, most virtuous, unparalleled, talented, genius, renowned across the cosmos—supreme Eternal benefactor! We offer all to HIM—hail, great Aeon Ite!"
Yanqing: ?
"Ahem… keep it normal. She's the church's priestess. Luofu crisis over… with free time, I invited this old friend to visit the shop."
"No, saintess."
"Priestess or saintess…" Yanqing was confused. Such a big shot helping at Adrian's shop… his status rivaled the marshal?
Seating Yanqing, Master Ye's therapy session began:
"Sigh, I wanted to ease the general's burden, but bungled it. I need to reflect." Yanqing hung his head, self-blaming.
Who knew he hit allies? One Stellaron Hunter was the general's old friend, Dan Heng needless to say.
Worst: when the general needed him most (against Phantylia), he wasn't there!
"So… besides visiting, Yanqing has a request."
"After clashing with Mr. Dan Heng, I feel my skills lack. If teacher has time to instruct…"
Adrian raised a brow. Yanqing wanted… a spar?
"Yanqing, I've nothing left to teach." Adrian said earnestly. "Remember… solve from the root?"
"Etched in heart."
"Good. Disclaimer: not slacking… For this, ask Dan Heng directly."
"I fear he's mad, though I want a rematch…"
"No issue."
Freesna placed a hand on Yanqing's shoulder, beaming kindly.
"Doctrines of Eternity, Article 2: Seek humbly when unsure—Ite embraces all! Against Antimatter Legion, pick up rocks and hurl without hesitation.
"So… young one, ask boldly! In the name of grand priestess and saintess! May Eternity protect you."