The instant the Fool's mask appeared, combined with the words it had just spoken, Yevenko's mind completely froze.
Even without thinking, he knew this Fool's mask was definitely Aha—the Aeon of Elation!
IX alone was already headache enough; why had another Aeon suddenly appeared?!
They say wherever there's entertainment, Aha appears, but how could my struggle against IX be entertainment…?
…Okay. Considering I'm just a Trailblazer going up against IX, maybe it is slightly amusing.
Perhaps piloting the Astral Express directly into IX had added just a tiny bit more amusement—and maybe his tiny, insignificant whisper of cursing—no, righteous condemnation aimed at IX—was somewhat funny, too.
The more Yevenko thought about it, the guiltier he felt.
Wait, no! Those definitely aren't the main reasons. Maybe Aha just came because of the Astral Express appearing, or perhaps because of Tom?
Those explanations seemed more reasonable. Surely, he himself wasn't the main attraction.
Yet, still feeling guilty, Yevenko cautiously lifted his head, only to find the Fool's mask silently floating in front of him, completely motionless.
Though the mask lacked actual eyes, Yevenko could clearly sense its empty sockets staring straight at him.
Oh no! Was it actually me after all?!
As Yevenko's mind spiraled anxiously, Aha's magical, whimsical laughter rang out again:
"Tommy, Tom~!"
"Aha finally understands why you refuse to leave with me! With a master this amusing, even Aha wants to stay aboard the train! But this train won't welcome me~!"
"Facing IX head-on—something even Aha wouldn't dare try~!"
As it spoke, the Fool's mask suddenly leaned forward, stopping mere inches from Yevenko's face.
Then it playfully swayed backward, gently drifting through the air as it continued:
"Nous is a pile of scrap metal, Preservation is a blockhead, the Hunt has zero humor, and Destruction acts like a lunatic."
"But Nihility is worst of all—it makes everything meaningless, even amusement itself."
"Aha really feels embarrassed!"
As the last words echoed out, all laughter vanished instantly. The sudden silence became almost terrifying.
Then, without laughter, Aha spoke slowly, clearly emphasizing each word:
"Aha enjoys your sense of amusement. Aha will help you and Tom make things even more entertaining, and earn some respect back for Aha~!"
"Hahahahahaha!!"
The laughter stopped abruptly, and the Fool's mask exploded into countless ribbons of vibrant colors, scattering and merging with the Astral Express.
Instantly, the previously stalled train burst forth with dazzling brilliance. From somewhere in the cosmos, two massive spotlights shone down like the opening of a grand circus, illuminating the Astral Express.
The shadows of Nihility gradually retreated.
Around the train, countless playful Fool's masks and playing cards appeared, floating whimsically in midair.
A toy monkey popped up on the left side of the train's front, cheerfully clanging cymbals together.
A cat-bodied owl emerged on the right, energetically juggling a colorful ball.
A ghostly figure appeared atop the train, enthusiastically banging on a drum set.
Cartoon animals of every imaginable shape appeared, joyfully playing instruments together.
At the very front stood a miniature clown, waving a conductor's baton with boundless energy, orchestrating a lively circus melody that echoed through the universe.
Tom's eyes sparkled upon seeing this. He eagerly reached behind himself, pulling out a bright clown nose and placing it on Yevenko's face.
Then, pulling out a colorful clown hat and placing it atop his own head, Tom excitedly dashed to the front of the train, joining the festivities by enthusiastically blowing on a rainbow-colored horn.
The Circus Astral Express proudly charged toward IX once again.
Black mire surged forward but was dispelled by joyful power; shadowy monsters rose only to be shattered by cheerful soundwaves. Unstoppable, the train traveled a considerable distance with ease.
For a moment, it seemed nothing could halt their joyful march toward Nihility.
Yet, this blissful momentum abruptly ceased the instant IX's blank, bubble-like eyes seemed to focus upon them.
Their antics had attracted IX's attention.
The previously mindless shadows became purposeful. Power previously scattered now surged consciously toward the train—an entirely different magnitude of threat.
No matter how loudly the circus music played, the train's movements slowed again, struggling through the encroaching darkness.
BONG—!!
The cymbal-playing monkey exploded into ribbons of colors, propelling the train forward one last burst of distance.
That explosion marked the monkey's finale—and also signaled a cascading chain reaction.
BONG—! BONG—! BONG—!
Explosions echoed continuously.
Finally, even the miniature clown burst apart, and the power Aha infused into the Express vanished entirely.
Without hesitation, shadows surged back, swallowing the train like a fragile boat in a roaring ocean.
Yet, in the next instant—
Yevenko's voice roared out, full of determination:
"I trailblaze! I amuse! I meme!"
"Everything for Lord Tom!!"