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Space Station, on the platform.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Asta and Himeko went to discuss formal logistics, leaving Hiroshi to act as a guide for Dan Heng and March 7th.
Along the way, March 7th—who was usually buzzing with curiosity—didn't pay the slightest bit of attention to the high-tech gadgets or the Curios on display. Instead, her gaze was fixed intently on Hiroshi's back. Even though he was trying to maintain a professional distance, he could feel her eyes burning into him.
Her unusual behavior quickly caught Dan Heng's attention. Strange, why has March been so quiet? Normally, she'd be shouting in excitement and snapping photos of everything. But now... she keeps staring at our guide. It's too abnormal...
At this moment, March 7th's inner monologue was far from serious. The little brother in front is so cute! He's so fair and clean, just like a porcelain doll. I really want to pinch those cheeks~ Completely lost in her daydream, March didn't see the massive structural pillar right in front of her.
"Thud!"
"Ouch!!!"
Hearing the collision, Hiroshi and Dan Heng both spun around. March 7th was clutching her forehead, grimacing in pain as she sat on the floor.
"Miss March, are you okay?" Hiroshi asked with genuine concern. He hurried over to support her arm, helping her up while gently checking the bump on her forehead.
In contrast, Dan Heng stood by with a resigned expression. He knew that as a Pathstrider, March wouldn't be truly injured by a simple pillar.
"Thank you for your concern, little brother. I'm fine," March said, grabbing his arm for balance. She shot a dissatisfied look at Dan Heng. This guy actually had no reaction at all! Compared to him, this little brother is much more considerate. Not only is he handsome, but he's so gentle~
As they continued, the ice was broken. March and Hiroshi began to chat idly, moving from life on the Space Station to the legendary experiences of the Nameless. Suddenly, Hiroshi took a deep breath and asked the question he had been preparing.
"Um... Miss March, if it's possible, can I join you guys?"
For Hiroshi, the Space Station was a safe harbor, but it was no longer a place where he could grow. To protect Herta and everyone else, he needed Emotion Points, and those required a galaxy of people. The Astral Express was his ticket to the stars.
March 7th covered her mouth in surprise, her eyes sparkling. Eh! Is he serious? I don't have any objections, but... is it really okay?
Even Dan Heng, the "Cold-Faced Little Blue Dragon," felt his composure slip. "The Astral Express never refuses a soul seeking the Path, but this is no small matter. Why would a Section Chief give up a stable life for the unknown?"
"Because... I feel like what you do is meaningful," Hiroshi replied, hiding his true motivation behind a veil of sincerity. "And I want to see the outside world."
"Dan Heng, why don't we let him join!" March 7th chimed in, already won over.
Dan Heng ignored her and stepped forward, his gaze piercing. "The work of a Nameless isn't a stroll through a garden. We encounter unimaginable dangers. Without a certain level of strength, your life cannot be guaranteed."
Hiroshi smiled. He knew what was coming. "Then how about this, Mr. Dan Heng—let's have a duel."
The three moved to a deserted, open bay of the Space Station. Dan Heng held the spear "Cloud-Piercer," while Hiroshi summoned the "Demon Blade Thousand Blades."
"Ready! Start!" March 7th announced, acting as the referee.
Dan Heng stood his ground, taking a defensive stance. He wanted to test the boy's initiative. Hiroshi didn't hesitate; his figure blurred like a bolt of lightning, closing the gap in the blink of an eye.
Knowing Dan Heng was a Vidyadhara High Elder with power nearing that of an Emanator, Hiroshi held nothing back. As the blade neared, Dan Heng's heart tightened at the speed. He held his spear horizontally to block the strike.
Clang!
But in the next microsecond, the "Thousand Blades" logic took over. The part of the blade blocked by the spear separated from the hilt, while the rest of the fragments bypassed the shaft entirely, reassembling into a jagged edge mere millimeters from Dan Heng's throat.
The cold kiss of the steel on his neck made Dan Heng freeze. If Hiroshi had intended to kill, the carotid artery would already be severed.
Realizing the match was over, Dan Heng withdrew his spear and took a step back. "I underestimated you. Your strength is high... and your weapon is very peculiar."
He hadn't used his hidden powers, of course, and he had been caught off guard by the blade's mechanism, but a loss was a loss.
"I was just lucky," Hiroshi said, sheathing his sword. "If you had been serious from the start, I wouldn't have stood a chance."
March 7th stared, her mouth wide open. Dan Heng... lost in one move! This is too incredible!!!
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