"How do I even get on this Astral Express?"
In less than half a hour System Time unit, Lumina arrived at the platform where the Astral Express was docked. As for the screenshot Jingliu had sent earlier—a ten-pull yielding five Jingliu characters—Lumina simply smiled and didn't reply.
She casually sent back a "GG" sticker and then ignored it.
"Hey, hey, hey! March 7th, are you there?"
Staring at the nearly hermetically sealed Astral Express, Lumina hesitated, unsure where to step. She called out softly, but received no response. The train's soundproofing must be exceptional...
In that moment, Lumina seemed possessed by March 7th herself, completely forgetting she could simply use her phone to contact her.
Taking a step forward, she slowly approached the Astral Express. Gazing at the seemingly indestructible train before her, Lumina clenched her fist and gestured at it lightly.
"If I punched this train, would I make a hole?"
Lumina murmured to herself, her thoughts barely audible.
Psssht...
As if responding to Lumina's inner musings, the Astral Express emitted a sharp hiss of escaping gas.
In the next instant, a door Lumina recognized well swung open, radiating a golden glow.
Beside her, a voice—unclear whether human or animal—called out:
"I know you, Miss Lumina... Are you here to find someone on the Astral Express? Please come aboard."
Given Lumina's impeccable reputation throughout the Cosmos, the voice's owner harbored no suspicion regarding her lingering near the Astral Express. Assuming she was simply looking for someone, they opened the passenger door without further questioning.
"That must be the Mascot's voice," Lumina thought, instantly recognizing the familiar tone.
Seeing the door that looked exactly like the one from the gacha interface, Lumina didn't hesitate. She stepped inside without another thought.
"Sister Lumina, you're here!"
As Lumina stepped onto the Astral Express, a pink figure, brimming with youthful energy and cuteness, rushed toward her.
"See? I told you I'd be here within half an Hour System Time, and I was." Lumina smiled gently, her heart warmed by the sight of the adorable, headless March 7th.
"Mm-hmm! Sister Lumina is so punctual!" March 7th chirped.
Though Lumina's words were just empty pleasantries, to March 7th, a devoted Lumina fan, even such a meaningless phrase carried profound significance.
"So, little March, remember to keep your promises too. If you say you'll be there at a certain time, be there at that time. Never break a promise you've made, okay?" Lumina smiled, patting March 7th's head.
"Hehe..." Feeling Lumina's long-missed "Mommy pat," March 7th couldn't help but giggle foolishly, instantly melting into the affection.
"Ahem."
Just as Lumina was gently stroking March 7th's head, a voice suddenly interrupted their interaction.
"My apologies, I got carried away." Lumina quickly regained her composure, withdrew her hand, and offered the Mascot who had spoken an awkward smile and a perfunctory apology.
"Ugh... Pom-Pom..."
Compared to Lumina's apology and gentle demeanor, March 7th's attitude was far more menacing. She stood with her hands on her hips, cheeks puffed out, glaring angrily at the culprit: Pom-Pom.
Their long-awaited "Mommy's Petting" session had barely begun before being interrupted. How could March 7th not be furious?
"Pa~!" Sensing March 7th's murderous glare, Pom-Pom's ears involuntarily twitched.
Yet, to uphold his dignity as Conductor, Pom-Pom still asked a token question: "Miss Lumina, may I inquire as to the purpose of your boarding the Train?"
"I came to give March 7th and Stelle farewell gifts," Lumina replied without hesitation, revealing her purpose.
"Ah, I see. Then please make yourselves at home, pa!" Satisfied with Lumina's explanation and trusting her implicitly, Pom-Pom didn't press further and moved to a distant seat.
Watching Pom-Pom retreat, Lumina smiled and glanced around, but couldn't spot the other familiar figure.
She couldn't help but ask, "Where's Stelle?"
"Stelle? She's probably still in her dream, dating her trash can wife," March 7th quipped.
Lumina nodded, offering no further comment.
Raising her palm, a green light flashed, and a jade-green ring with a hint of pink appeared in her hand.
Lumina offered the ring to March 7th, but the girl didn't take it. Instead, she slightly raised her own hand, the gesture's meaning unmistakable.
Lumina simply smiled. She's just a child—spoiling her is fine.
Picking up the ring, Lumina lifted March 7th's finger and slipped the ring onto it.
Watching how the ring added a vibrant splash of color to March 7th's look, Lumina nodded in satisfaction.
"This ring functions similarly to the one I gave you before," she explained. "It has storage capabilities and can summon me. But this time, I've also imbued it with a fragment of my power... When you're in danger and I can't reach you in time, you can temporarily draw on this power for defense or counterattack."
"However~" Lumina paused deliberately, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Before unleashing the power, remember to shout with unwavering conviction..."
"Help me, Lady Lumina!"
March 7th: Huh?
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Note-Svarog's got competition