Inside the Palace of Astrum.
"…Ms. Himeko, according to our scans, the Astral Express you were on hasn't been attacked at all. It's still safely stationed in its designated orbit."
A staff member showed Himeko real-time footage from space. "Based on our assessment, you've likely fallen victim to a phishing scam. I recommend downloading the 'Xianzhou Anti-Fraud App.'"
Himeko frowned, unable to comprehend the point of this "scam."
A scam that doesn't steal money and is just a prank… what's the purpose?
Bzz—
At that moment, her phone received another message, this time from Stelle: Himeko, Dan Heng says he's at the Ambrosial Arbor. We're figuring out a way to get there. How's it going on your end?
Could this be another fake message?
Himeko pondered for a moment before replying: Answer me one question first. When we returned from Jarilo-VI, what gift did you bring me?
Stelle: My love, of course.
Stelle: And a Belobog Great Guardian edition kitchenware set.
Himeko finally understood the phrase "you really do laugh when you're speechless." Sending one message split into two parts—this was unmistakably Stelle.
Himeko: Latest update: based on observations, the Express wasn't attacked. The messages we received earlier were fake.
Himeko: Someone's been impersonating Dan Heng and Welt to send you messages, so don't trust their texts for now. Come to the Palace of Astrum quickly, and we'll regroup to plan our next move.
"Stelle": Wahahahaha—Little cutie Himeko, didn't you just realize someone hacked your communications? How are you still so clueless? Hahahaha, little cutie Himeko, too adorable for words! (Elio emoji · Mocking)
"Stelle": I'm a top-tier hacker, lady. I know all your little secrets, hahahaha!
Himeko: …
"Stelle": Super mad, huh? Heh heh heh, come get me through the screen if you can! Go on, try to hit me! Oh wait, you can't, can you?
"Stelle": Cutie, you should go practice some more. With skills like yours, you're no match for me, Silver Wolf. One exposed weakness, and you're done. Go level up your toughness bar! (Note: Silver Wolf's gaming slang—toughness bar refers to mental resilience, and breaking it means getting under someone's skin.)
On the other side, Silver Wolf cackled in front of her computer screen. Little Himeko, so easily handled by me. Sigh, what could she do? She was the brains of the Stellaron Hunters. Kafka was a bit of a ditz, SAM was a yandere, and Blade was just an honest logistics guy. Her intelligence was clearly the highest!
"I might not beat you offline, but online, I'm the freaking emperor! Doesn't matter who you are—eat my slaps first!" Silver Wolf laughed, exuding the aura of a keyboard warrior.
Ding-a-ling— (Incoming video call request)
Trying to fight back? Did she, Aunt Wolf, give you that chance? Silver Wolf grinned and clicked reject.
Ding-a-ling— (Incoming video call request)
"Oh, getting desperate? I'm not picking up, wahahahaha!" Silver Wolf laughed even harder, hanging up again.
Ding-a-ling— (Incoming video call request)
"Again? Fine, I'll pity you and give you one second of call time," Silver Wolf said smugly, shrugging before clicking the "accept" button.
This was her usual tactic in online arguments—provoke the opponent to build up their anger, then use "inch-stopping" to keep their rage teetering on the edge of exploding without release. Over time, it'd create an unbearable frustration (of suppressed anger).
One second of connection was the most scientifically optimal time for inch-stopping.
The video connected, and a stunning red-haired figure appeared on the screen. As Himeko's lips parted, about to speak, Silver Wolf sneered, raising her hand to end the call—
!!!
—"I XXXXXX!" (Censored for civility—online etiquette starts with you, him, and her.)
—"You XXXXXX!"
—"Your whole family XXXXXX!"
—"…"
Beep—
Her finger dropped, ending the call, but Silver Wolf sat frozen, her eyes dazed, mouth slightly agape, the smug grin wiped from her face.
What just happened? Silver Wolf was bewildered.
It felt like she hadn't even pressed the hang-up button for a full second. What happened? Why did her head feel like it was splitting? Her head… her head hurt so much—
Thud.
A wave of dizziness hit Silver Wolf. Her eyes rolled back, and she lost her balance, toppling over with her chair onto the floor. Her body twitched slightly, looking like she'd been utterly broken.
It felt like Himeko had cursed her ten thousand times in less than a second, those words forcefully crammed into her brain, overwhelming her ability to process.
It was as if a mental freight truck had barreled toward her, slamming her into oblivion in under a second.
Silver Wolf lay on the floor. She was dressed lightly at home—just a tank top and shorts, not even wearing shoes. Kafka, passing by, caught sight of her, snapped a photo, then asked with mock concern, "Silver Wolf, you need to watch your manners at home, okay~? If you keep dressing like this, I'll have to… heh."
Silver Wolf's fingers twitched as she slowly regained her senses, struggling to get up. "Kaf… Kafka, help… help me up. I can't… I really can't take it. Who is this Himeko from the Astral Express? How is she this powerful…?"
Kafka shook her head helplessly and carried Silver Wolf to the bed. "Why'd you go provoke her? Even Welt is that formidable, yet Himeko's still the Navigator. Doesn't that tell you how terrifying she is?"
"Y-Yeah… pretty terrifying," Silver Wolf said, lying flat on her back in a starfish pose. "I need to rest… rest. Kafka, the next mission's on you. Lead them all to the Ambrosial Arbor. Stelle's transformation… needs… needs these… people."
With her last word, Silver Wolf seemed to burn out completely, passing out cold.
Kafka looked at Silver Wolf on the bed and smirked. "In internet terms, I guess this is what they call being knocked out by that, huh?"
…
Inside the Palace of Astrum, the staff felt a sharp, piercing roar erupt for an instant before abruptly stopping. They exchanged confused looks, completely clueless about what had happened.
The staff member handling Himeko's business scratched their head, bewildered. "Miss, did you hear something just now?"
Himeko gave a gentle smile, replying elegantly, "No, you must have imagined it."
"Really? Hm… makes sense. I'm probably just exhausted from overtime. Ugh, I'm definitely complaining to Lord Huohuo later. Getting off at five is still too late. So tiring…"