"Wow! So this is the inside of Jarilo VI," Ellie chirped, snapping photos of the icy landscape with a cheerful hum. "It's so pretty in the snow～♪"
She sent the photos off to… well, no one knew exactly who. March didn't even ask anymore. Stelle, however, was curious—Who does Ellie keep sending these to?
Just as she opened her mouth to ask, Dan Heng cut in, "Let's keep moving. We need to find someone local to talk to."
Ellie tucked away her camera obediently. March followed suit. Stelle hesitated, then decided not to press the question. We've only just met… maybe it's not my place yet.
"Exit out～♪" Ellie sang, leading the way. March and Stelle followed, while Dan Heng lingered behind, watching them with unreadable eyes.
The four set off into the snowy wilderness.
—
Not far away, a flamboyant man buried in a snowdrift murmured to himself, "She's here? Tch… I really didn't want her involved in this Jarilo mess. Hopefully that crazy woman doesn't stir things up…"
—
"Hold up," Dan Heng said suddenly, raising a hand. "Something's off ahead."
Stelle squinted at the open clearing. Nothing seemed unusual, but she trusted Dan Heng. She gripped her bat.
March and Ellie readied their bows.
Just as Dan Heng was about to give the signal, a blue bird-like creature emerged from the snow.
Before anyone else could react, Ellie's pink crystal arrow flew through the air, striking the creature dead-on. It vanished in a burst of light.
"Well～ Looks like the star core's corruption is spreading here too," Ellie said, twirling her bow before it vanished.
Dan Heng nodded. "We need to find locals. Fast."
The group pressed on.
—
Eventually, they reached a rocky mountain pass. March paused. "Wait… do you hear that? Like… teeth chattering?"
Ellie tilted her head. "Hmm～♪ Sounds like someone's having fun. If Sambo's here, he's probably up to something again."
Danheng listened carefully. The chattering stopped—but he heard a sharp inhale.
"It's coming from that snowdrift," he said, pointing.
Stelle stepped forward, bat raised. "Come out, or I'll smash it."
The snowdrift twitched… then went still.
Dan Heng narrowed his eyes. "Pretending to sleep, huh? Alright, Stelle—go."
Stelle stepped back. Dan Heng summoned his spear and hurled it.
"OW! My butt!" A man leapt out, clutching his rear. It was Sampo.
He glared at the group—until Dan Heng calmly pointed a gun at him.
Sampo's bravado melted instantly. "Whoa, whoa! No need for violence! We're all civilized here! Say… how's Gepard doing lately?"
"Gepard?" March blinked. "Who's that?"
"You're not one of the Silvermane Guards?" Sambo asked, confused.
"Silvermane what?" March tilted her head.
Sambo stared. "Wait… you don't even know the Silvermane Guards? Where are you guys from?"
"We're from the sky!" March declared proudly. "We're from the Astral Express!"
Sambo squinted. "Astral Express? Is that… an organization?"
"March," Dan Heng said quietly.
March turned to him, confused. Dan Heng shook his head.
March's eyes widened. "You tricked me!"
Sampo scratched his head innocently. Stelle raised her bat again.
Ellie, who had been watching silently, finally spoke. "Mr. Sampo～ Are you a local? ♪"
Sampo, unnerved by Ellie's gaze, nodded quickly. "Of course! No outsiders have come here in centuries. Until now…"
Ellie smiled sweetly. "Then please take us somewhere with people～♪"
Sambo's eyes lit up with greed. "Sure, sure… but I might need a little compensation…"
THWACK! Stelle's bat grazed his head.
"Okay, okay! Free tour! No violence needed!"
March leaned close to Ellie. "He's shady. Should we be careful?"
Ellie whispered back, "Of course, March～♪ (He might be dangerous…)"