"Your teammates didn't rat you out, did they?" Serval asked cautiously.
"Probably not."
Zeig stroked his chin, thinking that those two had no reason to show the Supreme Guardian his photo as well.
"Then it's easy to handle." Serval suggested, "Just pretend you don't know them, and the matter's settled."
Serval slung an arm around Zeig's shoulders and chatted freely without reservation: "From what I know of the Supreme Guardian, in less than two days, your teammates will be wanted for all sorts of reasons. Then you can still help from the outside."
"Big sis, brilliant idea." Zeig gave a thumbs-up.
Serval asked:
"Do you really have confidence in resolving the snow disaster on this planet?"
Zeig pondered:
"Hard to say, but once the Stellaron is dealt with, the situation won't get any worse. Most of this planet's surface is already covered in ice and snow—even if it starts to melt, it'll take a long time."
Serval patted Zeig's shoulder appreciatively: "It's fine. As long as it doesn't worsen, that's enough. If the snow keeps falling like this, Belobog won't be far from doomed."
"Little brother Zeig, want big sis to lend you a hand?"
Zeig raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
…
Upper District.
Administrative District Square.
March 7th and Dan Heng had just emerged from Qlipoth Fort.
Accompanying them the whole way was the Silvermane Guard officer, Gepard.
"I still have some matters to attend to, so I won't continue accompanying you two."
March 7th replied politely:
"It's fine, it's fine, Gepard. Go do what you need to—we'll just wander around on our own."
Gepard smiled:
"Very well, then I'll take my leave."
No sooner had Gepard turned around.
After walking a short distance, he saw Serval approaching with a black-clad man.
"Sis?" Gepard asked in confusion.
"Hey, little bro." Serval waved.
"Who's that beside you…?"
Following his gaze, the man was dressed in a long black coat, his expression indifferent, appearing profoundly mysterious.
"Oh, this is an old friend of mine—a reclusive physician. You can just call him Zeig. He lives deep in the snowfields and only returned to Belobog today."
"What."
Gepard stepped closer, examining Zeig suspiciously.
"I've only ever heard of one reclusive physician in the snowfields, and that's not his name."
Serval said awkwardly: "He's from the same sect. He keeps a low profile, so it's normal you don't know him. He came into the city this time because he made a breakthrough in his medical research and wants to benefit the people. You can't question his good intentions."
"Oh, right." Serval added, "When he entered the city today, he even treated the hidden ailments of some of your Silvermane Guards on the way. If you don't believe me, you can go ask them."
"Uh, really."
Hearing this, Gepard finally set aside his doubts.
He then thanked Zeig:
"Mr. Zeig, thank you for everything you've done for the Silvermane Guards. You've only just returned to Belobog, yet you've already gone to such trouble."
Zeig waved his hand:
"No need for thanks. If I hadn't treated them, I probably wouldn't have been able to get in."
Gepard: "?"
"Hey!" Serval smacked Zeig on the head. "What are you saying?"
"Ahahaha… little bro, he just loves to joke like that—don't take it to heart." Serval laughed awkwardly.
From a distance, March 7th and Dan Heng also noticed the situation here.
March 7th crossed her arms and silently stared at the three people talking:
"Isn't that Zeig? Why isn't he coming to meet up with us? Why's he chatting with Gepard instead? And who's that big sister next to him?"
Dan Heng noticed it too:
"Not sure, but Zeig must have his reasons for doing this. Let's wait for now."
Serval explained for a long time before Gepard finally believed Zeig truly was a reclusive physician of Belobog.
Thus, his identity as a local was solidified.
"By the way, sis, today two people claiming to be from outside the planet have already met with the Supreme Guardian." Gepard said seriously.
"Oh, really?" Serval pretended not to know. "In times like these, there are still people coming from outside? Do you know what they're here for?"
Gepard nodded:
"Yes, apparently… they've come to save this planet."
"That's good, isn't it."
Serval smiled:
"That should count as a good thing, right? One more force means one more hope."
Gepard nodded:
"Yes, I hope so."
Afterward, Gepard, the Silvermane Guard officer, took his leave.
Serval patted Zeig's shoulder reassuringly:
"Once you've passed my little brother's check, your identity in Belobog is secure. Wait a couple days and see how things develop. If you need anything, come find me at my workshop."
"Got it. Sis, you're truly righteous!" Zeig praised.
"Hey hey hey, no no, I don't deserve that." Serval hurriedly waved her hands. "Your two teammates are already done for—you're Belobog's last hope. I have to say, rather than trusting Cocolia, I'd rather bet on you."
After seeing big sister Serval off, March 7th and Dan Heng finally approached.
"Zeig, what were you just talking about with them?" Dan Heng asked curiously.
"Nothing much, just discussing how to save this planet. Oh, right—does the Supreme Guardian know I exist?"
March 7th lifted her chin and huffed:
"Hmph, who told you to be so slow? I didn't mention you at all."
Zeig's eyes lit up:
"For real? You're actually pretty nice."
Dan Heng comforted:
"It's fine. We can introduce you to the Supreme Guardian later."
March 7th put on a stern face and said disdainfully: "Hah, that's for later. Right now, we're VIPs, you know? Know the Goethe Hotel? Cocolia even booked us the most luxurious rooms there!"
Zeig clapped repeatedly:
"Awesome, awesome—Third Sis, you guys are too cool! Then I'd better stay far away from the Goethe Hotel."
March 7th asked in confusion: "Huh? Why?"
Zeig said excitedly: "Nothing much. I'll wish you well—you guys stay strong!"
With that, Zeig ran off.
It seemed he didn't want more people to see him hanging around with March 7th and the others.
"Hmph, he's just jealous." March 7th shrugged disdainfully.
"Dan Heng, let's go. We'll have a great meal at the Goethe Hotel, then take photos for Zeig so he can see what a VIP banquet looks like. Hahaha."
Dan Heng nodded without saying much more.
But he kept feeling something was off.
…
On the other side, Zeig sat on a bench in the Administrative District Square, patted his pocket, and found his Furongwang cigarettes were all gone.
"Ah, out of smokes."
Zeig frowned.
He'd wanted to offer one around and ask the locals about the current situation in Belobog.
At that moment.
A graceful figure stopped in front of him.
The girl was dressed elegantly, her features refined—elegant yet stylish.
Behind her, silvery-white curly hair was tied into three strands.
"Three turbo ducks?!"
Zeig looked up sharply and realized the person was Bronya.
The girl seemed in a bad mood but still asked Zeig:
"Who are you? I don't think I've ever seen you before."
Zeig's eyes widened:
"No, I mean—isn't it normal not to have seen me? There are so many people here—do you remember every single face?"
"Yes, I do."
"…"
"So, who are you?"
"…"
"Please answer my question."
"This starts from a cold winter night. Have you heard of Furongwang? Adults and kids alike love to smoke them."
…