Chapter 7: Chapter 6
As they walked through the Silver-mane guard area, where many Silver-maned Guards were stationed, a group of six people made their way.
Adonis led the way, with Seele and Bronya on either side, with Bronya at the right and Seele on the left, and the Astral Express crew following closely behind.
The soldiers saluted Adonis as they passed, and he nodded in response.
They continued until they reached the road leading to Permafrost Ridge, where the Stellaron was sealed.
The temperature dropped significantly here, and March Seven couldn't help but shiver from the cold. "It's co-co-cold," she stuttered.
Dan Heng gazed at the snowy mountain at the end of the path. "The closer we get to the Stellaron, the more we feel its effects."
The group looked toward Permafrost Ridge, and Bronya spoke with a hint of nostalgia, "As outsiders, it might be hard for you to believe, but just a year ago, all the areas outside of Beloberg were this bitterly cold."
"And now, it's a few degrees warmer than it used to be."
The words "heresy" crossed March Seven's mind, and she, along with Dan Heng and Stelle, subconsciously turned their attention to Adonis.
Stelle couldn't help but voice her curiosity, "I wonder, Lord Guardian, what do you think about this change in temperature?"
Adonis sighed inwardly, feeling that he was being prodded for answers.
He continued walking without looking back and responded, "It's nothing short of a miracle, isn't it? According to the reports of many scholars, the cold wave was expected to persist until our civilization was on the brink of destruction."
"And yet, it has receded—a miracle, you might say."
The three members of the Astral Express exchanged looks filled with mixed emotions. Once again, its the word "miracle" again.
Seeing that Adonis wasn't eager to divulge more information, Dan Heng asked directly, "Indeed, it's a miracle, but it all began after you took office, whether it's the miracle of the cold wave or the dissipation of the rift."
"It's simply a mystery to us," Dan Heng stated calmly.
Bronya, positioned to Adonis's right, immediately furrowed her brows and spoke firmly, "If you've come to seal the Stellaron, then we welcome your help. However, if you continue to interrogate Lord Guardian like this..."
"We won't hesitate to act," Seele added, gripping the handle of her scythe.
March Seven waved his hands hurriedly, trying to defuse the tension, and said, "Oh no, please don't misunderstand. We didn't mean any harm. We're just really curious because we've heard so many rumors about the Great Guardian. Right, Dan Heng?"
Dan Heng, maintaining his composed demeanor, chimed in, "Exactly. It's not that we suspect you, but there have been so many extraordinary events on this planet within the past year that it's hard not to wonder if you're somehow connected."
Stelle nodded in agreement and continued, "Indeed. If it were just one or two isolated incidents, we might call them miracles, but when a multitude of miracles occur in such a short time, it's natural to be curious."
Adonis raised an eyebrow and responded, "So, you suspect that I might be responsible for all these events?"
He looked up at the sky and continued, "Consider this, travelers who have visited many worlds, have you ever encountered a scenario where someone artificially mitigated the Stellaron's disaster?"
Dan Heng, March Seven, and Stelle fell silent, pondering Adonis's words. If it truly was a miracle, then it was an abundance of miracles surrounding him.
Dan Heng bowed apologetically and said, "We apologize for our earlier inquiries. Our intention was simply to learn if there is a way to reduce the impact of the Stellaron. After all, many worlds suffer greatly from the rift's effects."
"I completely understand," Adonis responded with a nod. He recognized that curiosity was natural, especially when venturing into unfamiliar territories and encountering new individuals, both friends and potential foes.
For Adonis, the paramount concern was safeguarding the people of Beloberg, a promise he had made and intended to uphold.
He fully knows that mitigating the Stellaron's catastrophe required more than him just the power of a miracle.
It was a complex challenge that went beyond simple solutions.
"If there are no further questions, let's proceed deeper," Adonis suggested. The rest of the group acknowledged his words, understanding the urgency of the situation.
Stelle tapped March's shoulder, "Our priority right now is the Stellaron."
At this moment, Dan Heng hesitated for a moment before speaking again, addressing Adonis, "Lord Guardian, if I may, after the Stellaron is sealed, may I inquire if you—"
Seele immediately fixed a sharp gaze on Dan Heng, but he continued, "I apologize for any confusion. There is someone, a senior of ours, who wishes to meet with you, Lord Guardian."
Adonis contemplated this for a moment before responding, "Once the Stellaron is sealed, I will be open to discussions. However, let's focus on the task at hand for now."
"Lord Adonis…" Bronya expressed her concern, but Adonis raised his hand to interrupt her, offering a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I haven't fulfilled my promise to you yet; I won't leave here."
Bronya nodded with relief at Adonis's words, trusting him
"Let's go," Adonis continued, "It's been delayed for a long time. It's time to solve the problem with the Stellaron once and for all."
The group proceeded through the Echo Corridor, making their way to the summit of Permafrost Ridge.
There, in the ruins of a building, they found their destination: the Stellaron, contained within a cage-like structure that Adonis had presumably used for sealing.
Below, they spotted a man who appeared to be in a deranged state.
"Uncle Richie?" Seele exclaimed in surprise.
March Seven looked at Seele and asked, "You know him?"
Seele explained with a complex expression, "Hmm... Uncle Richie from the lower district was quite unfortunate. After the lower area was blocked, he lost his wife and daughter, and ever since, he's lost his sanity. He kept talking about killing the Great Guardian or something. But a year ago, he suddenly disappeared, and after a long investigation, we found out that he had broken into Rivet Town."
"We thought he would be killed by a monster, or turned into a rift creation, but I didn't expect to see him here." Seele said with a mixed expression of concern on her face.
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