"So, enemy or friend? Choose."
"..."
Facing Felicity, Svarog fell into deep thought.
Even though it was only their first encounter, Svarog could quickly analyze the current situation. He had been restrained in a single move, and his existing methods were largely ineffective against Felicity.
Although he wasn't without other contingencies, a brief calculation made him immediately understand the gap between them.
—These vines surrounding him were far from that girl's limit.
Svarog turned his head to look at Clara, bound by vines and shielded behind Bronya, and fell into contemplation.
"...Calculation impossible. Reloading variables. Assessment system rebooting... Reboot successful. Converting variables."
With Felicity's strength, even without the information he could provide, finding the Stellaron would only be a matter of time.
Moreover, he didn't want to make Clara sad.
Svarog was an intelligent robot who had learned to adapt; all he needed was the right opportunity.
"...Assessment results updated: Transfer decision-making authority to high-threat target and permit access to information related to the 'Stellaron.'"
Svarog lowered his head, surrendering.
The moment he finished speaking, the vines instantly withered, and the massive wooden spear hovering above his head dissipated.
"...So we succeeded just like that?"
March 7th widened her eyes, speaking with disbelief.
"That easily?"
"All thanks to Sister Feli!"
Stelle quickly chimed in support.
"Hmph, even if I must support the Astral Express with one hand, I, Felicity, remain invincible throughout Belobog!"
Felicity showed no awareness of bullying newcomers in the starter village, puffing out her chest with considerable pride.
"Mr. Svarog..."
The vines restraining Clara were finally released, and she rushed back to Svarog's side, her face filled with panic.
"Don't worry, I didn't harm him."
Felicity reassured Clara, then turned her gaze to Svarog.
"Now, tell me everything you know."
"..."
Svarog did not refuse. After briefly organizing his database, he played a video for everyone.
The video recounted the origin of Belobog's calamity—the Supreme Guardians had known from the very beginning that the Stellaron was the source of the disaster. Yet, for the city's stability, they chose to conceal the truth, and the secret attempt to destroy the Stellaron ended in failure.
In other words, Cocolia had known the Stellaron's secret all along, but she buried it deep within her heart. Moreover, she betrayed Felicity and the others, attempting to imprison them under the pretext of "rebellion."
Felicity's gaze fell upon Bronya.
She saw Bronya's expression shift abruptly—from tension to anxiety, and finally to sorrow.
The truth lay bare before her. Even she had to admit it—the mother who had once tenderly taught her to be kind had truly concealed many truths from her.
Suddenly, she felt a sense of release.
She turned to Felicity, her tone tinged with melancholy:
"You knew the truth all along, didn't you?"
"...?"
Felicity tilted her head slightly.
"Yes... I should have realized it sooner. From the very beginning, you demonstrated an almost prophetic ability. Yet, I repeatedly doubted you."
Unaware of Felicity's peculiar reaction, Bronya continued with a hint of despair in her voice.
"The door to the truth—it was right in front of me all along, but my rationality made me question my own thoughts. I couldn't accept that the beliefs I had followed for so many years were built upon lies."
She lowered her head and clenched her fists.
"So, what are your plans now—"
Realizing that things were unfolding as she had imagined, Felicity raised an eyebrow and waited for Bronya to continue.
Bronya took a deep breath.
"I will confront her and demand an explanation."
Bronya said earnestly.
She had uncovered the truth, but she still needed to understand the reason.
Cocolia had raised her, and the debt of gratitude she owed was something she could never repay in this lifetime. All the knowledge and virtues she possessed had been taught to her personally by Cocolia.
Even if she had likely ended up on the opposite side of Cocolia, she couldn't simply cast aside the beautiful memories associated with her.
She needed a reason—a reason why the Supreme Guardian, who had once regarded protecting the people as her duty, had become so stubborn and isolated.
"Barely passable."
Felicity snapped her fingers.
Human joys and sorrows are not shared; she couldn't empathize with Bronya, but she could offer her a certain degree of assistance.
A glimmer of emerald light emerged in her hand.
"In the name of 'Abundance,' I bestow upon you the hope of enriching all living beings, so that life may flourish unceasingly and paradise endure forever."
A green light slowly merged into Bronya's body.
Grass took root at her feet, flowers bloomed beside her, and the illusory form of a great tree manifested behind her.
Bronya stared at herself in astonishment.
An unfamiliar yet warm power flowed into her body—she felt brimming with strength!
she felt like... she could accomplish anything!
"...Why?"
Bronya stared blankly at Felicity, unable to comprehend why Felicity would be so kind to someone she had just met—someone who had repeatedly questioned her.
But as she gazed at Felicity's serene face, a sudden realization dawned on her.
Perhaps... Felicity simply wished to heal this world's stubborn afflictions.
Bronya had never felt more clear-headed. She had already reached out and touched the truth she sought, and now, she possessed the power to influence Belobog.
She would change Belobog's current state in her own way!
Yet Felicity hadn't contemplated any of this. She bestowed the Abundance blessing merely to emulate the Abundance Aeon and draw the Hunt's animosity; she granted Bronya power simply to witness the stage Bronya had built in her heart; the 'vitality' concealed within the blessing was but a small surprise Felicity left for Bronya.
Once the Stellaron was sealed, that hidden vitality would help Bronya rapidly restore Jarilo-VI's ecosystem—a reward for the splendid performance Bronya had provided.
A faint smile graced Felicity's lips as she gently patted Bronya's shoulder, whispering softly:
"Go, Bronya. Do what you wish to do. Whether it's gazing upon skies unobstructed by snow or bringing forth the smiles you hope to see on people's faces."
"Make Belobog into the world you envision."