[In the Game]
On a snow peak somewhere outside the suburban snowfields.
A crimson light flew in from a great distance, scattering rose petals across the ground, and was finally caught in Silver Branch's hand.
Then, the long spear that looked like a red meteor disappeared. With a smile on his face, Silver Branch spoke softly, "It seems that all problems have already been resolved. Then, Martin, it's time for us to leave as well."
Silver Branch's gaze lingered on the torn sky for a few seconds. Then he walked to the side, pulled Martin up, and sent this pitiful corporate wage slave into the Ever-Rare.
"That ray of light that split the clouds feels like a gentle gaze cast down by a god, soothing this crying land like a soft veil. Martin, what do you think?"
Martin blinked. "I think it would be best to register the person who tore open the sky and file a report with the company."
Silver Branch also entered the ship. Inside the modified fuel tank, the fire of the outer universe glowed and burned nonstop amid constant curses, providing massive energy for this voyage of the Ever-Rare.
At a moment known to no one, the Knight of Pure Beauty quietly arrived, and at a moment known to no one, the Knight of Pure Beauty quietly departed.
The exquisite interior of the Ever-Rare twisted before the naked eye due to its speed, and no one noticed that after the wind and snow stopped, a black shadow shot up into the clouds.
———
[Northern Snowfields of Belobog]
Bronya's emotions were unusually calm.
She glanced at Cocolia, who was tied up by Nero, and said, "Let's do it this way. In many people's eyes, Mother… is an outstanding Guardian. If the truth is to be preserved, then let those mistakes, madness, evil, and dreams be kept in my memories… I'll bear them myself."
The others had no objections to this.
Although Cocolia had been captured, Belobog's situation was still unstable.
As Builders, as Guardians, as Belobog's government… regardless of methods, regardless of right or wrong, there was only one duty that had to be fulfilled. To ensure that the final spark of human civilization on this planet continued to exist.
Cocolia looked at Bronya and said nothing.
But after being beaten into clarity, she still felt very relieved.
Bronya was destined to take over the responsibility of the Supreme Guardian. Being able to cast aside naive fantasies here and move forward from a more practical perspective was more than enough to make Cocolia feel proud and relieved.
At this moment, Cocolia finally let out a breath.
She no longer had any stubborn attachments. From now on, whatever that little brat told her to do, she would do it.
Bronya raised her hand and greeted the sunlight beyond the clouds. She turned her head, guilt on her face. "I'm sorry, Seele. This secret… please guard it together with me… until the end of our lives."
"Of course. I know what to do," Seele said as she walked to Bronya's side.
"Thank you." Bronya smiled slightly. "Then, according to our previous agreement… let's start rebuilding the bridge between the upper and lower levels."
Cocolia frowned as she watched Seele and Bronya. She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but stopped.
In the end, the former Supreme Guardian silently stepped back and came to the Trailblazing Squad, standing with these four aliens and watching the two girls' backs from afar.
"It's fine. Anyway, you're definitely going to adopt grandchildren sooner or later. Isn't that how Supreme Guardians are chosen?" Nero poked Cocolia.
Cocolia glanced at this young man who had beaten her so badly she couldn't fight back, one hand on his hip…
Nero continued, "Don't worry. I'm from the Xianzhou, not some big villain. You'll still get to enjoy family happiness when it's time. As long as you work properly, it's not like I can't spare some time to give you a couple of days off."
Cocolia, "..." Was that unintentional or on purpose? That sounded exactly like a threat.
After a long while, Bronya spoke to Seele again. "Seele, can you bring the news of the Stellaron being sealed to everyone in the Underworld? Tell them the blockade will end soon… they'll be able to breathe freely very soon."
"Of course, leave it to me. I guess Natasha has been waiting anxiously."
"With you passing on the message, I can rest easy heading back to the Administrative District." Bronya let out a breath. "I need to notify Gepard and Shi… uh…"
Before Bronya could finish, she suddenly clutched her head. Her body swayed twice, and she nearly fell.
Seele reacted quickly and hurried to support her, asking with concern, "Are you okay?"
"What's wrong, Bronya? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?" March asked worriedly.
"I… I'm fine. I need to… set off quickly…" Bronya said weakly.
Nero took a look, then raised his hand and gave the Stellaron in his hand a big slap.
"Probably some aftereffects left from being brainwashed. Or maybe she's just exhausted. After all, she suddenly has so many things to deal with."
As he spoke, he gave the Stellaron another big slap.
No way around it. In the end, everything was caused by this thing. It deserved to be hit.
So Nero raised his hand and slapped the Stellaron again.
If it were an ordinary slap, it might not mean much.
But Nero's slap was a triple combo. His own strength plus the blessings of two Aeons.
Whether the Stellaron felt pain was unknown, but the kid was definitely enjoying himself.
Stelle watched Nero's movements from the side, blinking uneasily a couple of times, then took two steps back and stood beside the Black Cutter stuck in the ground.
Then she patted her chest and let out a breath.
Stelle, Black Cutter, "..." Good thing I'm not the same as it.
"Her condition doesn't look too good. What should we do, what shoul… Stelle, think of some… huh? Is Nero that scary? Why are you hiding so far away?" March looked at Stelle standing next to the Black Cutter with a complicated expression.
At a time like this, it still had to be reliable Teacher Dan Heng to make the call.
"Seele, take Bronya and Cocolia back first. Leave the task of passing the message to the Underworld to us."
Seele glanced at Cocolia. A hint of displeasure flashed in her eyes, but she still nodded. "…Okay. I almost forgot, you're still wanted by the city's Silvermane Guards. Even though I'm from the Underworld, at least I'm not as eye-catching as you guys."
"Then let's do it this way. We'll leave Natasha's side to you. For Bronya's…" Seele paused, blinked, then said as if nothing had happened, "for the sake of all Belobog, please keep this secret safe."
Although the latter half was spoken casually, standing next to the person involved, Seele's voice became much weaker, almost like a mosquito.
"Mm. Leave it to us," Dan Heng nodded.
Seele nodded as well and left with Cocolia and Bronya.
Cocolia followed on her own, Bronya was carried.
After finishing off the Stellaron, Nero smacked his lips and said, "If Sampo were here, that would be great. He's actually pretty useful."
The other three all looked at Nero and said helplessly, "What exactly do you take Sampo for…?"
"A useful adult, a friend, a savage, a summon," Nero answered directly.
"The 'savage' part is completely unnecessary! And what the hell is a summon anyway!" March's urge to complain burst into flames.
Somewhere far away, Sampo, who was enjoying himself, suddenly sneezed for no apparent reason.
As for Mr. Yang… he was already analyzing the Engine of Creation.