Sylvia really couldn't bear to watch a perfectly good Trampler get twisted by March 7th into some distant relative of hers.
So she spoke up first:
"...Mount No. 1 is just a Trampler from the Antimatter Legion. The flames on it are like that because I captured it and assimilated it. If you're going to put it that way, it might as well be my distant cousin instead."
As she spoke, Sylvia raised a hand, and a cluster of equally non-scorching flames flickered into existence before everyone.
"Ew, ew, ew—! I didn't say anything just now, you didn't hear anything!"
The moment she learned this thing was born of the Antimatter Legion, March 7th immediately stood at attention, scratching her head with an awkward chuckle as she swiftly performed a righteous disassociation.
But soon, March was distracted by Sylvia's words.
"I'm clearly the older sister here! Don't be fooled by how I look; I'm very old!"
While March was stuck on that strange point of focus, Stelle curiously reached out and pinched the strangely textured flame cluster:
"What's this 'Assimilation' like? If you rode me, could you let me play with fire too?"
"..."
Oh no, we've got a real weirdo on our hands.
Sylvia was utterly stunned.
Kafka! Just how did you raise this kid? Look at all the nonsense she's picked up.
I wouldn't dare say something like that in public around people I know—at most, I'd whisper some cheeky things to Acheron in private.
Do you even hear the nonsense you're spouting, kid?
What, you want me to ride you hard and put you away wet?
It wasn't just Sylvia; even March 7th's eyes practically shook in their sockets. She covered her mouth with both hands, staring in shock at this amnesiac she'd picked up.
You're this wild even with amnesia? If you got all your memories back, that mouth of yours would be downright dangerous...
Sylvia thought about it but honestly couldn't bring herself to explain in front of so many people.
So she just crooked a finger, beckoning Stelle—who tilted her head curiously—to lean in.
Then, whispering right into Stelle's ear, she said:
"It means being ridden by me, tied up with threads, then filled to the brim with my power until your body, inside and out, takes my shape and becomes completely mine. That's Assimilation."
"..."
Stelle's face flushed a deep red instantly.
She stammered, unable to get a word out, and was too embarrassed to bring up playing with fire again.
Sylvia breathed a sigh of relief. Thank goodness, at least this silly kid has some basic sense about these things.
Otherwise, Sylvia would truly have to worry for everyone on the Express.
--+--
As they talked, the elevator slowly came to a stop.
The screen indicated they had finally arrived at the Master Control Zone.
Hiss—
The elevator doors slid open, but what greeted Himeko and the onlookers wasn't Arlan or anyone from the Express crew.
Instead, it was a massive, flaming horse's rear end, flames licking out from it.
And as that horse rear began to stand up, gradually backing its way out of the elevator...
As the humanoid upper body finally squeezed impatiently out of the cramped elevator and turned to look around...
The staff members who met its gaze finally cracked.
"Help!! The monster's broken in!!"
"Station Master, run!"
"Guards, where are the guards?!"
In contrast, it was Himeko—who had just used a drone to see the scene below—who remained calm, arms crossed as she looked up to appraise this formidable creature.
"You all really do manage to run into unexpected situations every time. Still, it's good you're back."
Himeko's gaze followed the centaur to what was behind it.
Sylvia, March 7th, and the others emerged from the elevator one after another.
"Whew~ Himeko—when did you get here? You have no idea how thrilling it was just now."
March 7th put her hands on her hips, putting on a thoroughly spooked act.
Himeko offered a gentle smile, her eyes sweeping over the group:
"Little March, Dan Heng, you've worked hard. Miss Sylvia, a pleasure to meet you. I'm Himeko, the navigator of the Astral Express. Thank you very much for your assistance."
"Hello, Miss Himeko. I'm Sylvia, a... traveler wandering the starry seas."
Sylvia didn't really belong to any faction, so she just made up a title on the spot.
Miss Himeko nodded with a smile, then turned her attention to the silent Arlan:
"Arlan, are you alright? Asta was very worried about you."
Arlan, supporting his dominant arm, replied:
"I'm fine, just need some bandaging. Thank you all. I need to go report the intel to Station Master Asta first..."
"You should head to the infirmary and rest first. Leave the reporting to someone else."
Just as Arlan spoke, a gentle yet firm voice interrupted him.
Approaching was the Space Station's acting station master, wearing a beautiful dress and a white lab coat, with long, flowing red hair—Miss Asta.
She walked up to the group accompanied by several members of the Security Department.
Ignoring the terrifying monster, Asta gestured for her people to first take Arlan to tend to his injuries.
After exchanging a look with Himeko, Asta stepped before Sylvia and gave a slight bow:
"A pleasure to meet you, Miss Sylvia. I'm Asta, the acting station master of Herta Space Station. I must both apologize and thank you for today's events."
Sylvia had been taking in the true appearance of the Master Control Zone.
Compared to the game, it was clearly more than just a little bit larger—it was incredibly spacious.
And there were a lot of people.
The passing researchers weren't quiet; they still seemed shaken from the scare, which had left a large area around Sylvia conspicuously empty.
When Sylvia's attention was pulled back by this voice, she saw Asta with her hands clasped before her, giving a slight curtsy to express her friendliness and apology.
Asta's coat was long, covering most of her body from behind.
But from the front, her short skirt only reached mid-thigh, exuding a charm that was both understated and alluring.
The thigh bands that dug gently into her skin further accentuated those captivating legs.
The elegant yet understated high heels perfectly showcased Asta's ladylike demeanor.
Asta watched Sylvia with a smile. Compared to her portrait impression, Asta seemed a bit more mature than Sylvia had imagined.
And she carried a very natural air of nobility; even someone unaware of Asta's background could tell she came from considerable means.
If not a full-fledged older sister, she was at least a young lady of some standing.
"Hello, Station Master Asta. I didn't expect to receive a personal welcome from the station master herself."
Sylvia smiled, returning the slight curtsy politely.
"Oh, if I hadn't come, the staff—who were already on edge—might have been scared out of their wits again. Miss Sylvia's methods are certainly... unexpected."
Asta sighed, glancing helplessly at the large creature standing nearby.
She could tell, of course, that this thing belonged to Sylvia and wouldn't harm anyone.
But the staff were already terrified; if she didn't step up to set an example, who knows what kind of panic might have ensued.
"Just Sylvia is fine. If it's inconvenient, I can have it go back up and find a place to wait."
Sylvia waved a hand. Asta's overly respectful manner was already making March 7th and Stelle huddle together, whispering.
Heaven knows what kind of antics March 7th's peculiar thought process, combined with Stelle's... unique mind, might cook up.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.