"The Astral Express's destination this time is a small planet, designated as [Jarilo-VI]."
"According to existing records on the train, the last visit there was thousands of years ago. It was a lush, vibrant, and incredibly beautiful planet."
"However, with the passage of such a long time, it's possible that dramatic changes have occurred there."
Himeko calmly explained the available intelligence to the group.
While manipulating two vine tendrils to steady March 7th and Stelle—who had nearly stumbled during the spatial jump—Felicity glanced out the window at the scenery, her lips twitching slightly.
It was a massive ice-covered planet, an endless expanse of pure white as far as the eye could see. It was difficult to connect this view with Himeko's description of "lush, vibrant, and incredibly beautiful."
"After thousands of years, Jarilo-VI has become like this... I'm afraid this trailblazing journey won't be easy," Himeko murmured thoughtfully, gazing at the white planet while gently stroking her chin.
"Hmm... I can sense something on this planet that catches my attention," Felicity nodded in response. The moment she used her Emanator of Abundance authority, she had felt something on this planet drawing her in.
"Even an Emanator of Abundance feels vaguely uneasy about it?" Himeko misunderstood Felicity's meaning, nodding thoughtfully as she said, "Then the root cause of Jarilo-VI's abnormal transformation is likely the [Stellaron]."
"Stellaron?"
March 7th immediately sighed in resignation, massaging her forehead as she said, "I don't need you to tell me what happens next. Forcing the train to start would be too dangerous anyway—we'll need to resolve Jarilo-VI's abnormal situation first."
Sure enough, not long after March 7th's "prediction," Pom pom emerged from the conductor's compartment bearing bad news: "Spatial readings are abnormal! Star rail stability rate has dropped to 12%! Docking plans have changed—station stay duration extended from 7 days to indefinite!"
"See?!" March 7th crossed her arms triumphantly, reveling in her successful prediction.
Welt, who had been gathering information in the corner, finally lifted his head. He too brought rather grim news: "Preliminary detection results are in—the source of the abnormality remains the [Stellaron]."
"Stellaron..."
Stelle instinctively touched her chest. She remembered having that thing inside her body too—it had nearly exploded, and Felicity had forcefully stuffed it back in at the time.
"So that means we need to go down to this planet, eliminate the Stellaron that's brought disaster and dramatic change to this world, and then we can continue our journey, right?" Felicity quickly grasped the situation, rubbing her hands together in eager anticipation.
That faint presence merely gave her a slight sense of concern—whether it could pose any real threat was another matter entirely. But her mission was, after all, to explore the unknown, and she was filled with anticipation for the grand adventures that lay ahead.
"Yes, that's right."
Himeko nodded. She paused briefly, her gaze sweeping across everyone in the carriage as if weighing her thoughts before continuing,
"Stelle, Felicity, this time, I'd like to entrust the Trailblazing expedition to you, March 7th, and Dan Heng. The objective of the journey is clear: locate the Stellaron and bring it back to the Express. And—stay safe."
Himeko had actually considered the possibility of leading the team herself or having Welt take charge, especially since this planet harbored something that even an Emanator of Abundance found unsettling.
However, having just drawn the gaze of Nanook, it was wiser for her and Welt to remain on the Express as a precaution. If the Antimatter Legion were to target them again, there might not be enough time to return and provide support.
"Yay! We get to team up again!"
March 7th struck a cool pose.
"Looks like it's not our turn this time either."
Welt, standing nearby, seemed a bit disappointed.
"It's time to let the younger ones venture out on their own and build some camaraderie. If no one has any objections, why not go have a chat with Dan Heng?"
Himeko said with a gentle smile.
"Oh! The Jarilo-Ⅵ Trailblazing squad, setting off now!"
...
"I've exited the capsule, feeling fine."
Finally setting foot on the snow-covered ground, Felicity's tone carried a hint of laughter.
"Uh... 'exited the capsule'? What does that mean?"
March 7th scratched her head, asking somewhat puzzled.
"Never mind. So, where should we go next?"
Felicity shook her head, looking ahead at the snowy field with a questioning expression.
"Where should we go?"
Stelle placed her hands on her hips, echoing the question.
"According to the coordinates, the target is just ahead, not far."
Dan Heng crossed his arms, replying steadily.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's hurry up and go!"
March 7th cheered impatiently.
"Let's go!"
Stelle kept her hands on her hips.
"Parrot."
March 7th rolled her eyes at Stelle, teasing her.
The group bantered and moved forward for a distance before realizing Felicity hadn't followed. Looking back, they saw her standing before a large snowdrift, examining it curiously.
"Hey, Felicity, what are you doing? Catch up!"
March 7th waved from afar, calling out.
"Hmm... nothing."
Felicity slightly raised an eyebrow and shook her head gently. She sensed that the aura she had been curious about was hidden within that snowdrift.
She hadn't expected to find it so quickly.
A smile touched Felicity's lips. She raised her hand, and Imaginary energy quickly awakened several dormant vines beneath the snow, which rapidly spread toward the snowdrift.
*Hiss—*
The vines swiftly encircled the snowdrift, about to bind it completely. But the next moment, a blue figure burst out from within.
"Ouch! Spare me, brave one! I was just hiding in the snow—I haven't done anything wrong! No need to tie me up with this thing, right?"
The man who had been hiding in the snowdrift scrambled out with a pitiful expression. His gaze quickly fell on Felicity, who was controlling the vines, and his pupils dilated abruptly.
"Uh, spare me, noble lady! It was my fault for popping out so suddenly and startling you. Your vigilance is commendable—well defended, beautifully defended! Haha..."
He glanced fearfully at the vines; being caught by those would surely be unpleasant.
"Hmm?"
Felicity ignored Sampo's words, only frowning slightly. She freely released her senses, but this time, the aura that had intrigued her had vanished without a trace.
"Wrong target?"
Felicity murmured to herself.
"Who are you?" Dan Heng had already summoned his spear, holding it horizontally in front of him. He shielded March 7th and Stelle behind him, eyeing the man who called himself Sampo warily as he coldly inquired.
"You're not here to capture me? Oh~ You're not Silvermane Guards? Should've said so earlier! Fighting among ourselves—such a waste of effort!"
Hearing this, Sampo immediately relaxed. He glanced at Felicity again before reluctantly introducing himself,
"I'm Sampo Koski. Pleased to meet you."