Later
After a while, the Voidrangers have been taken care of, and the space station has been deemed safe and free from the Antimatter Legion. Asta had received a report about the downfall of the Doomsday Beast and requested to send a medical team to the master control zone.
Meanwhile, Zhi Jiang is being treated, especially when Asta heard how Zhi Jiang was slowly recovering from malnutrition before he recklessly charged into the battlefield. This made Asta even more guilty as she relies on someone who isn't suited to fight to help her evacuate.
The situation has revealed some information to Zhi Jiang. One, the medical fee still exists despite the advancement in technology that shapes the world, similar to what anyone expects from science fiction. Which, in Zhi Jiang's opinion, is fair given the tech used to help him recover, and to make things more baffling, the tech is as portable as an iPad.
Second, Asta reveals how dangerous the situations were. A lot of scientists and kids were in the space station due to their 'Bring Kids to Office' day, which led to the security team stretching wide and thin. If Zhi Jiang weren't there, there would be heavy casualties. It was surprising since all Zhi Jiang does is save a small group of scientists, like picking up stray animals. This leads to another point: they provide medical attention to him for free, which Zhi Jiang wholeheartedly accepts, especially after he sees the number of zeros in the bill just for treating him.
Third, Astral Express is the Space Station's honorable guest, specifically the owner of the Space Station, Herta. They say she is a member of the Genius Society, a faction that consists of geniuses who follow the path of Erudition. Some of the cosmic-breaking discoveries or inventions were from said factions.
'I wonder if some of the prodigies in my old college could be a candidate...' Zhi Jiang can't help but wonder. He was sure that he wasn't qualified, especially since during his old college days, he was an average student who got lucky being chosen for an exchange student program. The moment he thought of the exchange program, he could feel nothing but bitterness.
"Zhi Jiang," The young man snaps out of his thought as he glances at Asta, who approaches him with a concerned expression. "Are you feeling well?"
"...I am," Zhi Jiang says honestly. "I...was actually surprised at how easy to treat my conditions, like 'one armband is enough' easy."
"Hehe, those technologies were invented by Madam Herta, and she dropped them because she lost her interest," Asta explains, and if Zhi Jiang is eating anything, he would choke upon hearing her words. "Some researchers found it and finished it, which took them several months despite it being 90% completed. Of course, they made sure to give Madam Herta all the credit."
"...uh, okay, wow," Zhi Jiang says in surprise. Such advanced medical technology was casually dropped because the inventor lost interest. Sure, it ended up being completed by the people, but still.
It seems the standard of the Genius Society is much higher than he expects. He had to retract his thoughts about his prodigal classmates possibly being a candidate. They're smart, but not cosmic-level smart.
"...she honestly sounds amazing," Zhi Jiang says. "Honestly, it made me slightly ashamed, being a former student back in my home planet and all. She sounds like that one person my parents always used to compare just because I slack off a bit...."
As he said that, his tone became sadder, which didn't go unnoticed by Asta, who looked concerned.
"...I'm sorry about your parents," Asta says, snapping Zhi Jiang out of his thoughts.
"D-don't be. Honestly, I had no idea how they were. It's...been years since I saw them," Zhi Jiang says.
"Why so?" Asta asks curiously.
"...an accident happens that leads me stranded on a deserted island on my home planet," Zhi Jiang explains. "I...lost count on how long I stranded before the Astral Express rescued me."
"Is...that why...?" Asta didn't finish her sentence as Zhi Jiang nodded. "How long since they rescued you?"
"...possibly a few hours before we receive the distress call," Zhi Jiang admits.
"So, you're a passenger rather than Nameless?" Asta asks as Zhi Jiang nods sheepishly.
"Yeah, sorry for making you assume I was," Zhi Jiang says. "But, with the kids there and how they seem to expect a Nameless to rescue them, I don't want to break their hearts."
"That's nice of you," Asta says as Zhi Jiang scratches his cheeks.
"I feel like a jerk for lying to the kids," Zhi Jiang admits as she smiles a bit as they continue to talk for a moment. Meanwhile, Arlan can't help but pout a bit at the scene, while everyone silently chuckles at how Arlan acts.
Then, the medical team Asta dispatched earlier had returned with a floating stretcher on their back. On said stretcher, Zhi Jiang notices Stelle is lying on top of it while unconscious. Meanwhile, March and Dan Heng follow the team before noticing Zhi Jiang. March seems completely torn between wanting to check on Zhi Jiang or Stelle.
Zhi Jiang, who notices her dilemma, simply gives her a thumbs-up and points at the unconscious Stelle. March looks a bit hesitant before Zhi Jiang gives her a nod and subtly nudges his head towards Stelle. March gives Zhi Jiang a grateful smile before leaving.
Zhi Jiang knows how kind March was, especially with the small interaction he had back in Express. Something must've happened to Stelle since she was unconscious after the battle, and given that Zhi Jiang is now almost recovered, he just told March to check on her new friend.
"Zhi Jiang," The young man startles a bit as Himeko approaches him. "Are you okay?"
"I-I'm okay," Zhi Jiang nods as Himeko checks on him again before looking at the armband.
"Good, I'm glad you're okay...." Himeko says with a relieved tone. "But, next time, please don't charge into danger like that..."
"I-I'll try..." Zhi Jiang didn't know why, but Himeko expressed concern more than he expected. The amount of concern displayed towards him is a bit much, especially since he has only known the crew for less than a day.
"Miss Himeko..." Asta calls, getting the older woman's attention. "Thank you for your and your crew's assistance. I doubt we're able to handle the Antimatter Legion, especially when Madam Herta is not in the Space Station."
"Lady Herta wasn't in the Station?" Himeko asks in surprise. "That...does explain why she was nowhere to be found."
"We have tried to contact her and even attempted to send letters to her, but alas, it was met with silence," Asta says with slight annoyance. "It is to be expected, though. This place is nothing but a warehouse for rare items for her."
"I'll try to contact her once again. We have a business, and with some reports I had for her, she will definitely come," Himeko says as Asta raises her eyebrow curiously.
"May I ask what reports? An Antimatter Legion attack would not be enough to attract her attention. Stellaron Hunters breaking in might have a chance to do so, but if her research items remain untouched, I doubt she will care," Asta points out.
'Research items? Is the item that Herta is interested in, or the one she tosses away after she loses interest?' Zhi Jiang sweatdrops. Hearing about Herta more and more had lowered his expectations towards this genius.
"The Stellaron she kept in secret was found inside that young girl's body," Himeko says seriously, while lowering her voice enough to only let Asta hear. Unfortunately, they forgot Zhi Jiang was there, and he saw how Asta gasped in shock.
"Um...what is Stellaron?" Zhi Jiang can't help but ask, getting the women's attention. With how they widen their eyes, they must've forgotten Zhi Jiang is right beside them.
"...I'm sorry if this sounds rude, but how can you not know about Stellaron?" Asta asks with a slight disbelief in her voice.
"My home planet is...not as advanced as everyone else's. They haven't reached the technological advancement where they could travel around space easily." Zhi Jiang explains.
"He's from an unknown planet that has yet to be discovered by anyone. We found him in the train cargo not long ago." Himeko explains as Asta simply nods.
"I...see," Asta nods before looking at Himeko. "...with everything you told me, Madam Herta will definitely return just to research this young woman's body. I should take my leave and help other researchers tidy things up."
"Very well, thank you for the help," Himeko says as Asta smiles humorously.
"I should be the one saying that," Asta says before she leaves, leaving only Zhi Jiang and Himeko alone.
"...so, the Stellaron..." Zhi Jiang asks. "Is it dangerous?"
"Yes. It was widely known around the cosmos to be the Cancer of All All-World. It's a...powerful tool that could grant anyone's wishes, but in a very twisted way, possible and leads to huge destruction of the planet or makes the world unhabitable." Himeko says as Zhi Jiang gulps nervously.
"...so, a monkey's paw fused with a doomsday weapon. And those planet-ending interruptions, it was the Stellaron?" Zhi Jiang asks as Himeko nods. "...and that girl has it in her body?"
"Yes, we are unsure how it happens, but all we know is the Stellaron Hunters are the ones responsible for this," Himeko says with a sour expression. "Still...how are you holding up?"
"...it's weird..." Zhi Jiang admits. "I should've been shocked, horrified, or cowardly trying to deny those informations, but for some reason....I don't feel any of that...maybe the death really affects me that much."
"..." Himeko didn't say a word, but her expression did display how concerned she was. "...Zhi Jiang, now you know how dangerous things are. Do you...still willing to travel with us?"
"..." Zhi Jiang didn't know how to respond.
"If I talk with Ms. Asta, we could request the help of a member of the Genius Society to help search for your planet while she prepares a living quarter for you. Herta will definitely be interested in looking for an undiscovered planet." Himeko suggests. "Or, you could stay with us and continue travelling."
"...honestly, that choice is hard to make, especially if I can't think of which one would cause you the least trouble," Zhi Jiang admits.
"Neither of them would cause any trouble," Himeko reassures.
"...then, I would rather choose to join you guys," Zhi Jiang says. "Logically speaking, the risks of Madam Herta dropping her research because she loses interest are very high, especially when my home planet is nothing but a backwater planet compared to any planets that exist in this world. And I...don't know her as much as I know you guys, even though I've only known you guys for a while. So, yeah...if you don't mind, may I join the Astral Express...perhaps as a Nameless?"
Another thing that he didn't mention to her is how he feels more attached to them, specifically March, Himeko, and Pom-Pom. With the danger they will face, he is concerned about them, even though he knows that deep down, he is more useless than a wet broom. And another thing is that he feels like looking for Earth in this universe will be effortless, especially if Welt, someone who's also from Earth, hasn't found a way back home.
He also didn't know if he can face his parents or the rest of his family if he found a way to go back, especially with how long he's been gone, he is definitely declared dead, and they are already mourning. He didn't even know if they were still alive or not. And trying to find Earth will be like searching needle in a haystack, and once they find it, he doubts they will still be alive. He's too far from home, and like March said, his existence here is a second chance, and he wouldn't waste it.
"Then, very well," Himeko says with a smile before pulling out an Astral Express Pass. "Then, I suppose I shall officially welcome you to join the crew."
"...wait, that's it?" Zhi Jiang asks in surprise. "No trial? No payment? Nothing required? I was slightly expecting something must be done to join." 'Which is kinda dumb, especially after hearing a tidbit of March's backstory.'
"Astral Express isn't discriminating against anyone who wants to join," Himeko laughs, causing Zhi Jiang to fluster a bit.
"I...see..." Zhi Jiang says as he looks at the pass. For some reason, he could feel warmth coming from the pass. Not a warmth of a flame, but like an embrace. This feeling made the corner of his lips twitch slightly upward.
"Oh, also, we might need to get you some new clothes to wear," Himeko suggests as Zhi Jiang blinks before looking at his clothes.
"...right, I look like a hospital patient..."
"...no offense, how are you remembering a lot of things despite being stranded?"
"I force myself to think a lot of things, mostly pop culture media, just to keep myself sane in my isolation..."
"...for your information, that's Welt's sleeping clothes."
"....I see."
To be Continued