"Whoosh—"
Welt Yang let out a long, turbid breath, collapsing onto the sofa as if completely drained.
His heart felt like it had been on a drop tower ride, plummeting straight down.
One second it was soaring at the mention of 'Honkai,' the next it was crashing down with 'Black Tide.'
Welt Yang, his face devoid of color, pulled a bottle of quick-acting heart pills from his pocket, poured out a few, and popped them into his mouth with practiced ease.
He cast a resentful glance at Phainon, feeling a chill run through him.
"Sorry, everyone, I... I'm a bit lightheaded. I'll go back to my room to rest first."
With that, he leaned on his cane, his steps heavy, as if he had aged ten years, and slowly left the Observation Car.
March 7th looked completely bewildered: "What's wrong with Uncle Yang? Wasn't he fine just a moment ago? He looks like something sucked all the life out of him!"
Himeko smiled helplessly, bringing the conversation back on track: "Alright, regarding this Trailblaze Mission, I suggest Dan Heng, March 7th, and Stelle..."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over the silent, black-robed figure.
"The three of you will go to Jarilo-VI together."
"If she goes... I must go too..." Phainon's voice was soft, yet it carried an undeniable resolve.
Himeko frowned: "Phainon, considering your current mental state, you are not suitable to participate in a Trailblaze Mission immediately."
Phainon slowly raised his head, his pupils beneath the mask scanning each person present, finally settling on Stelle.
His voice was terrifyingly low, "I don't... trust it..."
That single sentence once again solidified the air in the car.
Stelle looked bewildered, unsure whether to be touched or scared.
March 7th had already noticed the clues; Phainonwas always particularly concerned about Stelle's matters.
Before Himeko could speak, she had already raised her hand high, loudly cheering: "Sister Himeko! Let Phainon come along! He's so powerful, with him there, we'll definitely be safer!"
Dan Heng also spoke, a rare occurrence, his voice low: "I have no objections."
He himself had no particular opinion of Phainon, believing that both he and Phainon shared an unattainable, painful past.
Himeko looked at the resolute Phainon, then at the expectant March 7th and the acquiescing Dan Heng, finally turning her gaze to Stelle.
"Stelle, what about you?"
Stelle met Phainon's gaze.
In those eyes, there was no madness, only a persistence she couldn't understand, yet couldn't resist.
It was as if she were a treasure he had sought through countless reincarnations.
"...Then, let's go together."
"Yay!" March 7th jumped up excitedly, "The Trailblaze Squad is officially assembled!"
Himeko sighed lightly, knowing she couldn't change the decision.
She looked at Phainon solemnly, walked to his side, and said softly: "I hope you can make a promise: control your emotions, and if any uncontrollable situation arises, contact the Express immediately."
"Understood." Phainon nodded slightly.
"Then, go prepare. Once ready, inform Pom-Pom, and it will open the passage to Jarilo-VI for you."
...Inside the Express guest room, the snowy Jarilo-VIwas reflected in Phainon's eyes.
In his Sea of Consciousness, the rationality unique to his previous life was whispering.
That man named Sampo is highly connected to Elation.
And... it is crucial to ensure Stelle receives the gaze of Preservation.
He would never allow his presence to create any uncontrollable butterfly effect for that sole glimmer of hope.
His thoughts collected, Phainon turned and walked out of the room.
Outside the door, Stelle was standing quietly, her eyes fixed on his door, as if studying some century-old enigma.
"What are you... doing?" Phainon asked.
"Ah! No, nothing!" Stelle jumped, awkwardly scratching her cheek, "Haha... I was just curious if you still had that paddy field hidden in your room?"
"If you like studying it, I'll take the door off for you."
Phainon dropped the line and walked past her.
Stelle stood there, bewildered, a face full of question marks.
Take... take the door off?
I really understand less and less of what he says... Everyone arrived before a special passage.
Pom-Pom stood with their hands on their hips, glaring at Phainon indignantly.
"Phainon! The Conductor warns you, Pom-Pom!"
"Once you're on someone else's territory, you're not allowed to collect those scrap metal trash cans anymore! And no playing ghost-acting games in the middle of the night!"
"If you cause trouble for the Express, Pom-Pom... Pom-Pom will personally throw you off the train, Pom-Pom!"
Phainon was silent for a moment, then nodded slightly to the Conductor.
"Thank you... Conductor..."
Pom-Pom paused, then turned their head away, their voice much softer.
"Hmph! Pom-Pom isn't worried about you, Pom-Pom! Hurry, hurry! Don't waste time, Pom-Pom!"
The large door opened.
Brilliant golden light surged from behind the door, as if leading to a brand new world.
March 7th and Dan Heng, accustomed to it, stepped in first.
Stelle glanced around, then followed closely.
Finally, Phainon stood at the entrance, looking back at the small Conductor.
The next moment, his black robe also disappeared into the light... The dazzling white light receded, and a biting cold wind instantly swept over them.
This was a world of ice and snow, covered in white, with temperatures plummeting below freezing.
"Hiss... Even though we're protected by the power of Trailblaze, it's still a bit cold." March 7th exhaled onto her hands as soon as she landed.
However, the next second, all three of them froze.
They all simultaneously turned their gaze to the only calm and composed figure in the team.
Phainon stood quietly in the snow, and within three feet around him, it was as if a warm spring had formed.
The falling snowflakes melted silently before reaching him, evaporating into wisps of white steam.
"Wow! You, you're practically a walking sun!"
March 7th's eyes lit up as she exclaimed.
His body temperature, which usually felt a bit too warm, had now become the most welcome haven.
She and Stelle exchanged glances, a telepathic understanding passing between them.
Without a second thought, the two of them, one on the left and one on the right, pressed tightly against Phainon, almost wanting to hang off him to get warm.
Dan Heng, meanwhile, still kept his arms crossed over his chest, maintaining his usual aloofness, but his footsteps honestly shifted half a step towards Phainon.
It was just the optimal distance to feel that warmth.
"Let's go. According to the coordinates, our target is not far ahead." Dan Heng glanced at the map and then said.
March 7th immediately urged everyone, especially Phainon; if he didn't move, the others didn't want to either.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go~"
"Human heater, activate!"