What a true agent of Elation.
What a true Elation Aeon.
Even Sampo hadn't expected Sparkle to show this much restraint.
Or maybe… he had expected it all along.
If Belobog truly couldn't be saved, Sparkle would've blown both Belobog and the Stellaron sky-high—without the slightest hesitation.
Compared to her…
Sampo, at least, was practically a saint.
Twelve hours had passed since Belobog narrowly avoided being blasted into orbit.
Morning arrived.
With the Stellaron gone, the planet had finally begun its slow recovery—
though everyone knew it would take time.
The Belobog Academy of Sciences had officially entered into cooperation with Herta Space Station,
launching a joint project focused on developing an artificial star.
And surprisingly—
Belobog's project lead turned out to be Serval.
Bronya even dispatched a dedicated unit to protect the researchers.
EVAN couldn't help but mentally complain.
Sure, Herta was "just" a puppet right now—
But she was still an Emanator.
Protection, really?
Of course, Herta's puppet didn't know EVAN had become an Emanator himself.
After all, the real Herta wasn't present.
And even if she were—
As long as EVAN concealed his energy properly, she wouldn't notice a thing.
As for what he'd do after being discovered?
Easy.
Boldly demand partial control over Herta's systems.
Naturally.
Everything seemed to be falling neatly into place.
The Next Morning — Outside Belobog's City Gates
Several familiar figures gathered near the entrance.
Leading the charge was Hook, her snot bubble nearly reaching her clothes.
She was holding Seele's hand, staring at EVAN with eyes full of reluctance.
"Waaah—!"
"Brother EVAN, don't go, okay?!"
"If you leave, no one will help me when that old witch beats me up!"
"And—and Seele姐姐 doesn't want you to go either!"
"Don't you care about Seele姐姐 at all?!"
Faced with Hook's aggressive shipping, EVAN sighed, crouched down, and gently patted her head.
Then he handed her a small device.
"Alright, little one. This is a toy I made just for you."
"Mimetic · Heavy Armor Bunny 19C — Transformable Combat Doll Edition."
"I've locked the weapon systems for now. You can use them once you're older."
After poking her puffy, reluctant cheeks a few times, EVAN finally stood up.
Seele looked hesitant—but said nothing.
She leaned against the city wall, head lowered, still holding Hook's hand.
"Seele," EVAN said softly,
"Belobog is my second home. I'll come back someday."
"While I'm gone, help Bronya rebuild the city."
"When the Plasma Sun is finished, I'll return to take a look."
"Hmph. As if I care," Seele replied, arms crossed, voice sharp.
"Just hurry up and go already. You're annoying."
"I still have work to help Bronya with."
She looked as aloof as ever.
If not for the loneliness hidden in her eyes, EVAN might've believed her.
Sigh.
Blue-Sea pairing… Blue-Sea pairing…
If Seele really started developing feelings for him, wouldn't that completely derail the ship?
Should he tell Bronya, "Actually, she came first"?
Or maybe suggest—
Both of you can be my wings?
…No, no.
His relationship with Bronya wasn't anywhere near that stage yet.
After a brief farewell, EVAN left with March 7th, Dan Heng, and Stelle, heading toward the departure point.
When Astral Express members disembarked, they left behind Trailblaze Beacons.
As long as one returned to the designated location at the appointed time,
they'd be automatically recalled to the train.
As a beam of light rose into the sky—
Belobog — Qlipoth Fort
Bronya stood by the window, watching from afar.
Envy flickered in her eyes.
Trailblazing…
If she weren't the Supreme Guardian, bound by the Rand family's responsibility,
she could've ventured beyond the stars, seen countless worlds.
But—
The desk before her was buried under documents.
Still, once the artificial sun was complete, Belobog's future would surely be brighter.
"…Their journey," she murmured,
"will probably be filled with far more interesting things, won't it?"
Jarilo-VI — The Astral Express
A black train stretched across the planet,
its design reminiscent of a steam-era locomotive.
Dark as night, yet faintly radiating golden light.
As an Emanator of Erudition, EVAN instantly sensed it.
Trailblaze power.
This was the power of Trailblaze.
Even though the Aeon of Trailblaze had long since fallen due to unknown reasons—
The Astral Express still carried that strength.
Of course.
Even if the Aeon was gone, the will of Trailblaze remained.
There would always be those who walked this Path.
And besides—
While the Aeon of Trailblaze was dead,
Wasn't the strongest Trailblaze Emanator still alive?
Right?
The strongest Trailblaze Emanator—
the Elation Aeon, Aha.
[Beep—beep—beep!]
[Beep—beep—beep!]
[Beep—beep—beep!]
Just as March 7th and the others boarded the train—and EVAN was about to step inside—
A violent vibration suddenly rang in his ears.
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