"Of course I'm willing."
Bronya nodded without a moment's hesitation. "At this point, even if there's a huge risk, it's my duty to see it through!"
"But, Lynelle, what exactly are the risks you mentioned?"
"Literal life-and-death risks."
Lynelle explained, "Because the plan is basically this: the two of us go find the Stellaron, and then we throw down with it."
"Huh?"
Now it was Bronya's turn to be utterly bewildered. While she was completely willing to lay down her life for Belobog, this plan of Lynelle's…
Bronya's face was a perfect picture of 'Wait, what? Me fight the Stellaron?'
"Ahem, don't freak out yet, let me finish."
Lynelle cleared her throat. "Actually, this plan is based on three key points. First, we need to find the Stellaron's location, and only Cocolia knows where it is."
"Second, a large part of the Stellaron's combat strength is tied to its host. On Jarilo-VI, there's no doubt the Stellaron's vessel is most likely Cocolia, who's been corrupted by it for many years."
"And third, I happen to possess a power that somewhat 'counteracts' the Stellaron's abilities, and it's very stealthy."
"So, based on that, if you let me possess your body when we go to see Cocolia, and you manage to inflict a wound on her, I'm confident I can 'infiltrate' Cocolia's body without the Stellaron noticing and sever her connection to it."
"And you, as the next-generation Supreme Guardian, have already raised doubts with Cocolia about the Stellaron. No matter how you look at it, she'll most likely take you to see the Stellaron. At the very least, she'll want to show you why she believes in it."
"Then, when that time comes…"
Lynelle clapped her hands together. "We've found the Stellaron. And if you can just keep Cocolia talking, stall for a bit of time on the way there, by the time we reach the Stellaron, it'll find its connection to Cocolia completely severed, drastically weakening it."
"But…"
Bronya voiced her doubt. "What if… even a weakened Stellaron is still more than we can handle? After all, it's the thing that caused the Eternal Freeze…"
"Don't worry, I've got that covered."
A character card appeared in Lynelle's hand. "I'll take the lead in fighting the Stellaron. Plus, Stelle and Seele won't be sitting around either. While investigating Belobog earlier, I came across something interesting, perfect for them to go and activate."
"Anyway, with so many of us gathered, plus one of Belobog's local specialty giant mechas, we should be able to handle one measly Stellaron."
"Of course, even if we absolutely can't handle it in the end… I have a final backup plan."
Lynelle's terminal opened, showing a dialogue box with a pre-written message ready to send…
"Uncle Welt, get down here quick, you've gotta see this giant robot!"
"…Since you're so confident, Lynelle, let's do it!"
Bronya's expression was resolute, looking every bit like she was marching to her heroic death. "So, for this possession, what do you need me to do?"
"Just stay still. I'll handle everything."
Lynelle uttered words that would have sent Stelle's imagination into overdrive.
"Also, stop looking like you're about to sacrifice yourself for your country. You've got plenty more troubles to worry about in the future. Which brings me to the second thing I need to tell you."
"Remember the Antimatter Legion creatures frozen solid outside Belobog?"
"Yes, I remember. They've been like that for centuries."
"Right."
Lynelle nodded. "But they won't stay that way forever. Because they aren't actually dead."
"After I went to the Underworld, since my drones had already finished mapping the area around Belobog, I had them start flying randomly in four directions."
"One of them seemed to fly into an area where the temperature wasn't quite as low. The ice there isn't as thick. So, through the ice, my drone detected a massive number of Antimatter Legion signals in that region."
"If we resolve the Stellaron disaster and the Eternal Freeze recedes, those Antimatter Legion creatures will gradually thaw. How you deal with them will be the first major challenge of your rule."
"Huh?"
Bronya's face immediately fell. "Those Antimatter Legion troops… they're not dead?"
"Correct. Which is why I've been saying all along the Stellaron can't be trusted."
Lynelle shrugged. "But, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Once the Stellaron's blockage is removed, Belobog's star rail will reconnect. You might just find some new opportunities coming your way then."
"So… you really need to keep yourself safe. To avoid affecting morale, the only two people in all of Belobog who know about this are us, got it?"
"Alright…"
Bronya nodded, her face clouded with worry. "Then… should we get going now?"
"Not so fast."
Lynelle pulled out a piece of paper and a small card. "First, go slip this into the letter you're leaving for them. This is how they'll be able to support our plan later."
--+--
Early the next morning, the three members of the Express crew arrived at Svarog's base.
According to the previous day's arrangements, they were supposed to use the artificial vertical mine shaft guarded by Svarog, descend to the core, and make their way back to the Overworld.
But then, they received shocking news from Seele.
"What? Bronya went back by herself already?"
March 7th exclaimed. "When? That's way too dangerous!"
"Not sure exactly when. I went to find her last night and discovered she was already gone."
Seele crossed her arms. "But it seems Lynelle left with her, probably to protect her."
"I found an envelope on her desk, probably meant for you guys."
"An envelope?"
Stelle took the envelope. "Huh, there's… quite a bit in here."
As she spoke, Stelle opened Bronya's letter. With her reading it aloud, the mystery of why Bronya left was quickly solved.
"That she would make this choice… isn't entirely surprising, I suppose."
Dan Heng sighed. "Should we see what Lynelle's note says?"
"Uh…"
Upon opening the other letter left by Lynelle, Stelle's face immediately showed a look of sheer 'I can't even.'
"Let me see what Lynelle wrote?"
March leaned over.
"Eh? 'Backwater Pass— Silvermane Guard Restricted Zone — Corridor of Fading Echoes— Everwinter Hill. Complete Main Story Collection Guide, All-in-One Map?'"
"'Side Quest: Repair the Creation Engine (Mandatory to Proceed). Full Walkthrough & Location Guide?'"
"And this… 'Plug and Play, Speedrun Skip Special, Exclusive Herrscher of Corruption Custom Decryption Black Card? Instant Full Rewards on All Puzzles?'"
"What… what does all this even mean!?"
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.