[After resting for one night and waking up, Dan Heng still has not returned, sending a message claiming it will take at least three days.]
[Three days later, Dan Heng finally returns to the Alchemy Commission…]
March 7th: "How come it's only you? Where are Leon and the General?"
Dan Heng: "The General went back to find Bailu to continue recuperating. Leon is still inside the Ambrosial Arbor Cave Heaven."
Stelle shows concern: "What's the specific situation?"
Dan Heng glances around and lowers his voice.
"We guarded Leon for three days. At first, we needed to establish the connection and guide the power of the Ambrosial Arbor to gather into his body."
"Once the connection was established, his body began automatically absorbing the Abundance power within the Ambrosial Arbor."
"In less than a day, I sensed half a trace of life force from him."
"Given enough time, Leon should be able to achieve nirvana and return. Exactly how long it will take is unknown."
Hearing this, the three of them let out a heavy sigh of relief.
Of course, countless players felt the same.
[Allowing the scriptwriter's horse to temporarily wear the resurrection armor.]
[Don't celebrate too early. The five-star Father in the pool doesn't even recognize us.]
[Most likely there's still some unknown accident waiting.]
March 7th: "That's great! We finally see hope. Now we can inform Himeko with the good news."
If the Express weren't still docked in orbit and didn't need someone to stay behind, Himeko would have arrived at the Luofu long ago to personally check on Leon's condition.
Worrying alone on the Express, she probably couldn't even sleep peacefully.
Now that Dan Heng has brought news, even if they don't know how long it will take, it's still better than being helpless.
Stelle's phone rings.
[Fu Xuan: Honored guests, please find time to come to the Seat of Divine Foresight. I have important matters to discuss with you.]
"Everyone, Master Diviner wants us to go to the Seat of Divine Foresight. Dan Heng, you haven't rested much these days. How about we go instead?"
Dan Heng shakes his head: "No need. I rested in the Ambrosial Arbor Cave Heaven. Let's go together."
"Then let's not delay. Depart."
…
As soon as they arrive at the Seat of Divine Foresight, Qingzu comes to greet them with a respectful expression.
"Welcome, honored guests. Please wait a moment. Master Diviner will be here shortly."
"Now that Master Diviner is temporarily assuming the General's duties, issuing public announcements to stabilize the people is the first test of becoming General."
"I hope this lord can get used to it soon."
"I'm afraid I'll never get used to it."
Fu Xuan's irrepressibly weary voice sounds from behind the group.
"Sigh… It's really good to see everyone here. Looking at you all, it seems you've already adjusted your emotions."
"Regarding Mr. Leon's matter, please accept my condolences…"
Fu Xuan's attitude toward Leon is quite complicated.
First, he is the one who, together with Jing Yuan, plotted to destroy the Matrix of Prescience Ultima, using a bitter-meat ploy that even deceived her—a bad guy who appears bad but is actually good.
Second, upon learning that Leon sacrificed himself in the battle against Phantylia, she only feels respect for him.
In truth, she never blamed Leon at all.
As one of the Six Charioteers, how could she not see the bigger picture? She only resented the General for keeping her in the dark and exhausting her mind.
"…"
March 7th's expression freezes. She instinctively wants to refute, but notices Stelle quietly tugging at her sleeve.
She promptly shuts her mouth.
So Master Diviner still doesn't know Leon's current status.
It seems General Jing Yuan sealed the information perfectly. Besides them, no one knows Leon's whereabouts or true situation.
Welt and Dan Heng are far more experienced and composed, showing no reaction throughout Fu Xuan's words.
"Thank you for Master Diviner's concern. You invited us here—do you have official business to discuss?" Welt asks.
"Yes. The public announcement to the outside world includes you all. This matter needs to be explained to you."
Stelle asks curiously: "The so-called public announcement surely won't reveal the true facts, right?"
"Content that is detrimental to unity naturally cannot be said…" Fu Xuan's expression looks unnatural.
"Imagining Master Diviner scheming with others, wearing different faces in public and private, gives off a strong sense of incongruity."
Stelle sighs and shakes her head regretfully.
"I still prefer the cute Master Diviner who would blush while asking us to help repair the array base."
"…Th-this seat… Let's not mention past matters…"
Cute? She's not a child…
Fu Xuan's expression becomes even more unnatural. The faint blush on her cheeks is not overlooked by the group.
"Counting casualties and losses, sending people to pursue the remnants of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, reporting the war situation to the Six Charioteers…"
"Trivial duties pile up like ox hairs. No wonder Jing Yuan said sitting in the General's chair is like sitting on a mountain of knives."
Stelle strokes her chin and stares at her face: "But I think you look like you're enjoying it."
Fu Xuan: "The General's position is of great importance—how could I enjoy it? I can only say I'm adapting, hmph…"
March 7th leans close to Stelle's ear and whispers: "I think she's really enjoying it."
Fu Xuan hears March 7th's words but doesn't bother refuting. The blush on her face fades, replaced by seriousness.
"The Astral Express has lived and died for the Luofu—your sincerity is evident."
"After discussion among the Six Charioteers, from this day forward, you are all sworn allied friends of the Luofu."
"Within the Luofu's territory, you shall receive the highest treatment equivalent to Alliance emissaries."
Welt: "On behalf of the Astral Express, I thank Master Diviner."
Fu Xuan: "Thanks are done. I still have some matters to discuss with you all. Please come this way."
The matters Fu Xuan wants to discuss are not complicated.
The full story of Phantylia's appearance, the full story of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus rebellion, and the intentions of the Stellaron Hunters.
After sorting out the details of these events, she must submit official documents to the Alliance's higher-ups for investigation.
In less than half a system hour, the Express crew leaves the Seat of Divine Foresight and heads to Central Starskiff Haven, going to the Sky-Faring Commission headquarters at the Palace of Astrum to find Yukong.
Along the way, March 7th reflects on their experiences and sighs deeply.
"Who would've thought we'd go through so much along the way, become heroes who saved the Luofu, yet cause Leon to pay with his life."
"The power of an Emanator of an Aeon is truly terrifying…"
Stelle glances at her.
"Didn't you claim to be an Emanator of Remembrance? Why not use your hidden power and beat Phantylia senseless?"
"Well… once this girl recovers her memories, I'll definitely punch every single hateful Phantylia!"
"…Sure, hopefully…"
"You sound like you're not very happy. Are you thinking about Leon too?"
March 7th drops her exaggerated expression and speaks softly:
"…Don't be fooled by how Leon sometimes likes to act abstract like you and seems indifferent to strangers' lives and deaths. Actually—"
"Leon still cares about innocent people. Because of our arrival, many on the Luofu avoided disaster."
"If he knew this future, he definitely wouldn't regret his decision back then."
"Fearless in the face of danger and difficulty, always upholding the Nameless's creed—we should be proud of his spirit and sacrifice."
Stelle nods silently: "That's true, but I still hope I can become stronger soon."
"After all… I can't keep staying under his wings, enjoying protection without worry."
Welt smiles warmly: "I believe you will all be able to stand on your own in the future. Leon definitely believes that too."
…
…