The plaza in front of Qlipoth Fort was now adorned with numerous festival decorations, and a massive stage with a microphone had been set up right in the center.
Backstage, Fu Zhu looked at the somewhat nervous Bronya beside him and couldn't help but ask with concern, "What's wrong? Too nervous to breathe?"
"Mm... a little."
Xing chimed in jokingly from the side, "Well, how about we let my old bro go up there and be the Great Guardian?"
Bronya covered her mouth and chuckled, agreeing immediately. "Alright, as long as you all don't mind me snatching Fu Zhu away."
March 7th immediately shook her head like a rattle drum. "Let's not! Bronya, you've got this! We believe in you."
Bronya gave a slight nod. She knew it was impossible. Even if Xing and March 7th agreed, Fu Zhu himself would not.
Besides... this was her responsibility. She had to accept it herself!
A short while later, the host's voice echoed from outside the stage, announcing the start of the festival. Xing's eyes lit up instantly, and she tugged at the arms of Fu Zhu and March 7th.
"It's starting! Let's go!"
"Okay."
Just as Xing, March 7th, and Bronya were heading towards the stage exit, a somewhat familiar voice called out Fu Zhu's name from behind.
"Fu Zhu—Over here, Fu Zhu!"
Fu Zhu turned his head to see the somewhat ethereal projection of Silver Wolf hiding behind a curtain, waving at him. Her appearance was a bit of a surprise.
"Silver Wolf? Why are you here again?"
Silver Wolf glanced around, and after confirming no one else was there, she lowered her voice and said, "I have a cooperative project I'd like to discuss with you. Is it convenient to talk for a moment?"
Fu Zhu hesitated for a moment, then glanced at March 7th and the others who had already walked out. He finally nodded in agreement to Silver Wolf's request and followed her behind the discreet curtain.
Once behind it, Fu Zhu discovered that besides Silver Wolf's projection, there was another girl with twin ponytails and a cute, red outfit. She was also a projection and stood beside Silver Wolf, but she wore a mask that obscured her features.
When the girl saw Fu Zhu arrive, she giggled, her bell-like laughter echoing in his ears.
"So you're the Fu Zhu who made even our Stellaron Hunters feel helpless? You're pretty handsome"
Silver Wolf shot the girl an exasperated glare. "Sparkle, I didn't bring you here to check out handsome guys."
"It's fine, it's fine~"
Sparkle, with her hands behind her back, bounced over to Fu Zhu, tilting her head as she circled him. Then, in a voice as sickly sweet as honey, she said, "Little big brother From now on, we're partners. You have to protect me, okay"
Fu Zhu frowned and turned his head to look at Silver Wolf. "Where did you dig up this little pest from the hardware store?"
"Little... little pest?" Sparkle froze.
Silver Wolf couldn't help but let out a chuckle, but seeing Sparkle glare at her, she immediately put on a straight face.
"Her name is Sparkle. She's a Masked Fool and my partner for this."
"Is that so? Then what do you want to cooperate on?"
"It's about Sam. The armored warrior who came to Herta Space Station to deliver the Stellaron. You should still remember him, right?"
Fu Zhu's interest was slightly piqued. "I have some impression. Continue."
Seeing Fu Zhu and Silver Wolf completely ignore her and start talking business, Sparkle puffed up her cheeks indignantly. She trotted over to Fu Zhu and began making faces and cute expressions, trying to get his attention.
However, Fu Zhu completely ignored her, his eyes fixed on Silver Wolf, waiting for her to continue.
But Silver Wolf couldn't ignore the constantly clowning Sparkle. Since she was the one who had invited her, she could only try to persuade her in a gentle voice.
"Sparkle, can you let me finish my business first?"
"Fine, fine~"
Since Silver Wolf had asked, Sparkle knew not to interfere with important matters. She stood right beside Fu Zhu, and even though she knew she was just a projection, she still pretended to lean against him and wrap her arm around his.
Only after Sparkle had completely settled down did Silver Wolf continue, "Sam will experience three 'deaths' during your upcoming trip to Penacony. According to Elio's prophecy, if no one alters it, Sam will truly die. So I hope you can help save him, because you are an unknown factor that even Elio cannot fully ascertain!"
"You're right about that, especially the 'unknown factor' part, but..." Fu Zhu's right eyebrow arched, his tone turning somewhat cold as he retorted, "Why should I help you? The last time I dealt with you, my attitude was amicable because I did indeed need a Stellaron as a backup. But don't forget, the Stellaron Hunters are my enemies. Are you thinking of trying to buy me with another Stellaron?"
Silver Wolf seemed to have anticipated this response. After taking a deep breath, she said something to Fu Zhu that took him completely by surprise, her expression incredibly serious.
"Xing was once a member of the Stellaron Hunters, and Sam was her best friend. She erased all her memories to complete her mission, but one day, Xing will remember everything. When that time comes, she'll find out that Sam is dead... I don't think I need to say this, but you wouldn't want to see Xing cry, would you, Fu Zhu?"
After hearing Silver Wolf's words, Fu Zhu's brows furrowed. He didn't doubt the truth of her statement. From the very beginning, he and the rest of the Express crew had wondered why the Stellaron Hunters would go to such great lengths just to have Xing carry a Stellaron on the space station.
Silver Wolf's words now explained everything.
After a long moment of contemplation, Fu Zhu let out an annoyed grunt.
"Fine, I'll agree to it. But I have one condition."
Hearing this, Silver Wolf was overjoyed and nodded vigorously. "Name it! As long as it's within my power, I will do my best!"
"When I need it, Elio must tell me the [script] he has seen."
"Done!"
Silver Wolf agreed without a moment's hesitation, which was somewhat beyond Fu Zhu's expectations.
"I didn't expect you all to be so good to your companions... When I think about Xing, it does change my view of you Stellaron Hunters somewhat."
Silver Wolf said with great seriousness, "As long as it saves Sam, I'm willing to do anything. The same goes for Xing."
"Heh, alright then. How do I help this Sam guy?"
"Add me as a friend. I'll send you the more detailed plan later."
Silver Wolf projected a QR code in front of her. Fu Zhu took out his phone and added her.
The little pest Sparkle couldn't sit still either. She mimicked Silver Wolf and projected her own QR code in front of Fu Zhu.
"Little big brother, add me too~"
Fu Zhu shot her a glance, then said to Silver Wolf, "If you can, get me a new partner. I'm leaving now. Contact me before we get to Penacony."
He could already hear Bronya giving her speech on stage. He couldn't miss this moment.
Sparkle glared at Fu Zhu's departing back, then broke into a laugh.
"Hee hee, I like his personality. Teasing him will be much more interesting~"
Silver Wolf, standing to the side, rolled her eyes at Sparkle's bold idea.
"I hope you're not the one who ends up getting teased."