Hearing the commotion, Yukong slowly approached and analyzed, "It's likely that the swarm ahead affected the Astral Express's route, forcing them to divert to Jarilo."
Although Yukong wasn't one of the Nameless, she was also very interested in the movements of this Express crew that connected countless worlds across the universe.
It didn't take long for her to figure it out.
"I see. I hope they'll have fond memories of their time in Jarilo." Tingyun chuckled softly and looked out the window, as if she could see the Astral Express full of pioneering spirit heading toward that beautiful planet.
----------------------------
Astral Express — a group of Nameless travelers journey across numerous worlds, connecting each one.
As explorers who expand the boundaries of the universe, the Nameless naturally carry prestige wherever they go.
But in the face of emotionless bugs, prestige is far less appealing than bread.
"Ah!!!" With a loud cry, March 7th flopped onto the sofa with a thud, her entire being radiating frustration.
"Those bugs are so annoying!" Just thinking about those creatures, driven by their reproductive instincts, gave March 7th goosebumps. She rolled over, her pale legs flailing as she tumbled around, nearly pushing Stelle off the sofa.
Dodging just in time, Stelle looked at March 7th rolling back and forth. An idea sparked in her head—she was about to split the sofa.
Before she could carry it out, March 7th got even more agitated as she rolled, then suddenly sat up straight. Their eyes met, and the atmosphere turned a bit awkward.
March 7th narrowed her eyes and voiced her suspicion.
"Hmm?" Himeko, who had just finished adjusting the coffee, couldn't help but smile at the scene as she gracefully approached them and set down the tray in her hands.
"Alright, have some coffee and relax a bit."
"…Ahem, Himeko, I don't think I was that angry. Yeah, that's right."
"Mhm mhm!"
Stelle nodded repeatedly, agreeing with March 7th.
When facing life-and-death situations, annoying bugs weren't worth stressing over.
"By the way, where have we ended up?" March 7th subtly moved the coffee toward Dan Heng's spot as she asked.
Dan Heng glanced at the coffee nearing him and calmly replied, "Based on our current route, we should be near a planet called Jarilo. Due to certain reasons, this planet lost contact with the universe a few hundred years ago, but it's said that in recent years, it's reappeared in the universe's sight."
Himeko nodded slightly.
"Jarilo used to be a well-known transit hub in the galaxy. After it was targeted by the Antimatter Legion, it declined. Later on, there were rumors of a severe frost catastrophe breaking out, and that's when Jarilo lost contact with the rest of the universe."
"Uh, Himeko, could that be the glowing green planet?"
"Hmm?" At March 7th's words, Himeko instinctively looked out the window—and froze.
Floating quietly in the universe was a planet radiating endless vitality, its vibrant colors mesmerizing.
"…According to the route data, that is indeed Jarilo."
Himeko was momentarily stunned by the unexpected twist. Had her intel become outdated?
"There might have been some sort of change on Jarilo."
Welt, who had gone missing ever since Himeko started adjusting the coffee, finally returned at this moment, holding a cup of black tea, as if trying to prove something.
"The instruments detected traces of Imaginary Energy on Jarilo—likely remnants of the Antimatter Legion's soldiers. They've probably reawakened due to Jarilo's revival."
"Eh?! That means Jarilo is dangerous!"
"Not necessarily. Based on my observations, someone seems to be actively clearing out the Imaginary Soldiers. Either people from the universe have entered Jarilo, or Jarilo managed to withstand both the Antimatter Legion and the unknown catastrophe."
Himeko smiled lightly. "Whichever the case, the express has stopped in front of Jarilo. Everyone, interested in taking a stroll?"
As she spoke, she looked toward Stelle, who remained silent, extending a hand with a gentle tone.
"Though this trailblazing journey is a bit different from the others, it's still a rare experience. Come along."
…
"Hmm?"
Unused to not having someone take care of his tail, Godzilla, who had been lazily flicking it like always, suddenly stopped. He opened his eyes and looked upward.
"That energy wave feels familiar… Is dinner being delivered?"
...
"Ow, could you be a bit steadier when landing? My butt almost broke into eight pieces."March 7th patted her backside, pouting.
"You're the one who kept squirming." Dan Heng said helplessly, then started surveying the surroundings.
They were currently surrounded by greenery, with towering trees dozens of meters high all around.
Dan Heng placed his hand on a tree next to him.
"A very lively tree. This forest is full of vitality."
"Don't tell me we've landed in some kind of primitive jungle? Ah! Are we going to start surviving in the wild? Nooo!" March 7th continued her usual antics, and everyone was already used to her lively personality.
"This thing..." Stelle bent down slightly, her curious eyes fixed on the small red fruits on a shrub.
So pretty. Pretty big sisters don't lie—if the fruit is pretty, it must taste good, right?
"Aahm!" Her actions always outpaced her thoughts—down the hatch in one bite.
"What are you eating?!" March 7th cried out in panic.
Stelle turned to look at them, still holding two bunches of fruit, her cheeks puffed out on both sides.
"This tastes really good, you guys want some?"
"Uh..." Everyone stared at her speechlessly. After a moment, it was Dan Heng who finally spoke.
"She has a Stellaron in her body, she should be fine."
If her body could house a Stellaron, he couldn't imagine how some random fruit could poison her.
Welt adjusted his glasses and casually plucked one to examine.
The fruit looked similar to many others he had seen, but upon closer inspection, it had distinct differences—it was probably native to this planet.
Just then—
"Hey! What are you guys doing?!"
A somewhat panicked voice called out, followed by rustling sounds. The bushes parted, and two people emerged—one tall and one short.
"A big sister and a kid?" March 7th exclaimed in surprise, eyeing the pair curiously.
"I'm not a kid! Call me Pitch-Dark Hook the Great!"
Hearing March 7th's words, Hook instantly exploded, waving her drill fiercely and glaring.
"There are Fragmentum monsters wandering nearby. It's dangerous here. Why are you out here—and wait."
Natasha frowned, clearly upset about their reckless wandering. But her eyes quickly noticed the juice on Stelle's lips and the red fruit in her hands. She asked uncertainly, "That fruit is poisonous. You guys didn't eat it, did you?"
March 7th shook her head repeatedly and pointed at Stelle. "She ate it."
Stelle froze, then quickly said, "I'm fine."
Thunk!
As soon as the words left her mouth, she demonstrated what it meant to fall like a ragdoll—flat on her back, eyes closed peacefully.
"Hey! Don't die on us!"
...
In a daze, Stelle opened her eyes, her head spinning. In a blur, she saw Himeko chatting with a very mature-looking big sister, and as they talked, they looked in her direction.
"Hey! You're awake!"
Pff!
Stelle coughed a few times. March 7th's weight felt oddly comforting. With a twitching mouth, she looked up at March 7th lying on top of her, who had just jumped on her, blinking as she stared.
Stelle voiced her honest thoughts.
"About to faint again."
...