Chapter 3 - Change and Anomalies
There was only the soft sound of tapping to be heard as Nova silently lay on his bed, having spent the last few hours sorting out his room and now setting up his new phone. Thanks to Asta's incomprehensible wealth, she hadn't thought anything when buying him a phone and had simply got him the most recent, high-end model that there was to offer, making for an experience that he felt almost guilty for.
'Although, considering I just came out of nowhere and requested a new phone which I likely can't even begin to pay back… I probably should be.' He thought to himself as he continued to check over his settings and files.
Thanks to so many things coming from the IPC, including mobile accounts, it made retrieving all his data, contacts, messages and more a breeze. Had the phone itself been something that he could have paid for then the whole experience of losing his original one would be borderline inconsequential. Almost.
As more data loaded into his phone, there was a sudden ping of a notification going off before occurring again in rapid succession as Nova watched in shock. "It's not like I formed many contacts, who would have…" He began to question, already moving to check his messages before freezing in shock.
Opening the app instantly revealed all the messages to have been from the same person. And tapping on them only made his anxiety spike even more.
"Hello Nova, how have you been? Are your travels treating you well and showing you some amazing things? I've recently got a bit of a break so why don't we try and meet up again, it's been some time after all. There's actually something that I wish to request of you as well, but I don't think it would be best to do it over messaging like this."
"I'm currently near the Castaborus Planetary System, but where are you currently? I know that being a Trailblazer you could be just about anywhere in this vast universe, but I still really hope that we can talk in person soon."
"Nova? Is there something wrong?"
"Please reply with anything as soon as you can Nova, I'm beginning to get worried about you."
"What a great feeling to add on top of the anxiety… and it's not even like she has had requests that she's hoped to make in person before like this. It's not that something going wrong for her as well now?" Nova complained, unable to tear his eyes away from the message whilst his mind went wild with possibilities.
Was it more divergences from the plot? Was she in danger? Had she visited another dangerous location, or war zone yet again? Or perhaps she was going to? Now unable to join her, if she went anyway and things went wrong then-
"No! no… the changes are getting to me. And they're only small ones currently… It's only a request so it could be harmless." He told himself, snapping out of his thoughts after a couple of tense, silent moments. Even if there was something wrong, there was likely nothing that he could currently do about it.
All he could do was reply and hope.
"Sorry for the delay, I ran into a bit of trouble and lost my phone. I've only just got done setting up this new one. I also have some news - I've joined the Astra Express! But it means that I don't exactly get as much freedom in choosing where to go anymore. Sorry, but it's not looking like we will be able to meet, but if it's still something we can message and call about feel free to do so whenever."
"It might take her a bit to notice it, but that should do." Nova thought to himself as he dropped his phone beside himself as he lay back in his bed. "I just hope that whatever is wrong isn't too major and doesn't impact anything... then again... considering that my mere presence could be causing some changes here then I've definitely impacted them as well."
However, it wasn't like there was a choice about interacting with her to begin with…
"I've got to ask… how long are you going to stay here?" Nova asked as he sat down on a bit of rubble within the building, they had sought refuge in. Despite having fled for respite, Nova never allowed himself to truly do so. He never could, his own body and mind simply not allowing it as he couldn't help but remain tense and ready to act despite their hopes of recuperation.
"I don't believe that I can end this war, but I hope to make a difference. To that end, I am planning on staying here as long as I can." The woman responded to him in a soft yet resolute voice as the two faced one another down.
"It's the Hunt, Abundance and Destruction. We might be the same people, but I severely doubt that this war will change." Nova sighed in response, lowering his head to the floor but She kept on looking at him, almost as if inspecting him.
"You have made several comments that you don't support my actions however you never seem to oppose any of my actions and accompany me to keep me safe. I'm very grateful for your efforts, however, I wonder why you're doing it?"
Her question made Nova lift his head again as looked at her, remaining silent for a few moments whilst she patiently waited for his response, curiosity filling her mind whilst Nova's pondered his own answer.
"Because…" He finally began to speak. "I have no choice… I can't say why, but I have my reasons and because of them, I will make sure you are safe. No matter what."
"No matter what? I'm very grateful for your protection as I'm aware of how endangered I would be without it, but please don't feel that you should cast everything aside for me! I'm aware that some know you are already beginning to scorn you…" She said, worry instantly filling her voice. "I don't see how it could be worth it for you…"
"Because the consequences of not doing so are far greater." Nova instantly answered, without a shred of hesitation or waving confidence. The firm declaration shocked the woman to her core from the absolute determination and seriousness that carried his voice.
"But… we only met one another a few days ago. I can't see how you would be impacted so deeply by what happens to me…"
"…I can't tell you that."
The quiet voice that he replied with set the room back into a quiet ambience, the sound of explosions, pained cries and combat in the distance being the only thing to be heard. Sounds which pained the woman more and more compared to Nova, a native, who had long gone numb to the sounds.
"Can I ask you something? I know that this is all you have known, but how can you be ok with this?" She asked despite internally dreading and fearing whatever the answer out be. She was only able to ask half out of curiosity, and half just wanting something else to focus on instead of the distant sounds of war.
"Because… I'm not. Or at least, not in the way you're thinking." Nova said as she tried to figure out his words. "I've long gotten used to the fighting; everyone has but the kids. It can't be stopped, but I can't stand it. They can tear each other apart all they like, I don't care about those picking fights, but when they're selfish enough to drag over innocents into things all the time… I hold a grudge towards them that won't fade, I'll likely never care what happens to them. But I do care about everyone who just doesn't want this."
"There's a community of people?" She asked, a sound of hope and pity entering her voice as she perked up with an intrigued look.
"Yeah, they sometimes move about to avoid the recruiters and fights that follow. Most people just stay in whatever faction they happen to be born in, but sometimes people run away from the fighting and join them."
"Then there are others! Why didn't you tell me about this?!" She asked, rushing forward towards Nova, practically begging him for the knowledge.
"…Same reason why I never mention it to my family. So, they won't get dragged into things any more than they already are." Nova said, unphased by her behaviour. "Besides, my intention is your safety, not shaping any of your decisions."
"I think there's a lot of contradiction in that statement. Haven't you been dissuading me this whole time?" She asked with a small smile that threw off Nova as he considered his statements. "I think you're feeling a little lost…"
Her statement was all too true. He didn't know what she should be accomplishing here. He knew too little and had never suspected that their meeting could ever be a possibility. He didn't know how everything should go if she could and should succeed, or if leaving in failure was all that would be gained. However, he did know enough to say one thing for sure.
"I agree… but I can say for certain that you mustn't be harmed."
"I still wonder the whole reason you feel that way…" She thought aloud. He was borderline obsessed with ensuring her safety despite their complete lack of connection. Despite how people have begun to judge her and whole grudges for attempting to have the Abundance and Hunt get along, he still didn't hesitate in the slightest to remain by her side. She could tell that he was already suffering for it, beyond getting dragged into fights to save her from the dangers of direct conflict.
"Do you have an issue with it?"
"No, I don't. I still remember that without you, I might have died several times already and for that, I am eternally grateful. I just hope that maybe I can win you over into believing in my cause." She relied with a genuine smile that was almost beginning to make Nova feel tired at the sight of it, from her unrelenting optimism that he would join her in her dream for them.
Of course, he never would. Not because he was against it, but instead because her dreams of Harmony were impossible here. Instead, merely seeing the end of the fight was what he could hope for. Under the miracle of people being spared, of it not being from a bloodshed.
"Nova, you mentioned you know where other more peaceful Kristalvilian are. Could you please show me the way? I hope to see everyone and give them some comfort." She asked, resulting in Nova looking up at her and sighing.
"Alright then, it's been a while since I last visited."
Nova hadn't even realised that he had drifted off before the sound of knocks on the door had awoken him. Having nodded off, he was no more than a shining crystal on the bed surrounded by the clothes he had been wearing but that quickly changed as he manifested his body right into his clothes again.
'When the hell did, I pass out? That shouldn't be possible, not while I still have energy and without the conscious decision…' He thought to himself in alarm, but the thought was kept brief as the person at the door didn't allow it.
"Nova? Are you in there? Please don't say that you've gone hiding away at the end of the Express!" March's damped voice cried out, the girl clearly sounding distressed at the thought of rushing across to the other end of the Express.
"Wouldn't me saying anything technically be a good thing?" He eventually replied, swiftly getting to his feet and pocketing his phone after taking a quick glance. 'She still hasn't responded…'
It didn't bother him. Not nearly as much as the memories he had begun to relive at least. Perhaps he was glad that March woke him up.
"What is it?" Nova asked again as he slid the door open to reveal her beaming smile.
"I was just wondering about our new member who's already shut themselves away like Dan Heng! Come on, I know you've just joined and curious about your room, but we should all be getting to know one another! We're curious you know!"
"Oh, it wasn't like I was meaning to avoid you. I just settling in and sorting out a few things." Nova explained as he briefly pulled out his phone. "I had this to set up as well, and then I had people to rely to and the like."
"Oh? Who was messaging you?"
"Just some people from my past. Because I've been dormant a while I've worried some people." He said whilst calmly placing his phone away as March lit up in response.
"Oh! I guess that's pretty important, I wouldn't like to think about having someone go missing and remain out of contact. Actually, I think I'd be upset with them if they didn't get back to me as soon as possible!" March said with a small pout as she briefly imagined the thought.
"So you understand what I've been doing?"
"Yeah, it's good of you to do that. I hope that they weren't too worried about you." March said, calming down slightly.
"A lot less worried than they would have been if it wasn't for you guys and Herta. Seriously, I should not have awoken as soon as I did..." Nova said, making sure to stress the point as his gaze couldn't help but drift to the side in contemplation.
"I don't really understand what it must be like falling dormant like that, but I imagine that you must have found it rather strange suddenly waking up somewhere completely different to where you were before," March said, acting almost meek as she spoke. "I've already mentioned it to Caelus but before you guys joined, I was the newest member of the Express. For some reason, I had been asleep and sealed within a large chunk of six-phase ice, and it was the Express that found and saved me! I was really confused and scared at the time…"
"To be honest, sounds like you went through something a lot worse," Nova replied, lightly shaking his head. "I won't deny the fear of having no idea where you'll be next, but complete loss of memory makes everything worse. You have no idea what you can trust about what is going on."
"Yeah, but thankfully everyone on the Express is super kind and caring, there was never anything to be worried about, especially with how openly they welcomed me!" March cheered.
"Right, but I guess that I have a slightly different concern that exists because I remember things." Nova then spoke up, making March turn curious again as to what he was referencing. "When I go dormant, I have no idea how much time has passed from what I know, I could have been like that for years, you know? And so much could happen during that time. Things I could have missed, but it's still not the worst part for me."
"Really?! I think it would be a nightmare if I woke up and suddenly everything had moved on and forgotten me, or maybe I might have missed out on a super cool planet! Or maybe a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence like a meteor shower!"
"I'm pretty sure that as people travelling the universe, we're going to see multiple of those. Or… at least that's my perspective." Nova said as he scratched the back of his head in confusion, but March just shook her head in denial.
"Mm, I'm almost jealous that you have so much more time to go and experience so many amazing things. Even if we're going to so many different planets, I think it's harder to be there for special events like those."
"You know, if we're going to continue talking, want to just come inside and sit down?" He then offered, standing aside slightly to allow the energetic girl to come in, doing so with adventurous joy.
Contrary to her hopes, there still wasn't much to be noted in Nova's room, not that it was outside of her expectations. Like her own room, he had a fairly large bed alongside a desk and chair but that was pretty much where it ended. With only basic white sheets on his bed and nothing on his desk that was seemingly untouched, there wasn't anything there to experience aside from the refreshing feeling that came with its untouched nature.
"I know you've just arrived, but I wonder how you'll decorate your room," March said, quickly spinning around and inspecting the rather plain room before sitting down at the desk. "But I'm wondering something."
"What's that?" Nova asked, sitting down on the bed as the lone desk chair was now occupied by concerned-looking March.
"You said just then that falling dormant, missing things and waking up somewhere else wasn't the scariest part of falling dormant… is there something else that you had to endure? Are you still affected by it?"
"Oh, well… simply put its death." Nova answered, "But I'm Ok now. In fact, compared to the fear of being somewhere new, I actually feel more relief that I came back at all…"
"Oh!" March exclaimed in shock not having expected such an answer, "I suppose I should have guessed something like that. You won't know if someone's going to attack you or something… wait, you didn't even have a physical body! Is it even possible for you to die like that?" She pointed out, suddenly exclaiming at her realisation but despite her outburst and pointed finger Nova slowly shook his head in response.
"I've always had a physical form, unlike other energy-based lifeforms." He corrected her. "The gem in my chest is my actual physical form, and it never goes away. But for me, not only am I unconscious but I'm also incredibly frail when I'm dormant. You see if my core is too badly damaged, that's it for me. Even a little damage can impact the data in my core which could do all sorts to me…"
"All sorts?" March scarcely repeated, almost scared to continue listening to Nova's explanation.
"Like Intellitrons have all their drives, all my information is in my core. Information like memories, my physical appearance, abilities and more are all stored in it and define a solid crystal of energy into being a Kristialilian. If it's damaged enough I could lose information, like memories or permanently damage my manifested form and too much just kills me…"
"Oh… so you're saying if you have been left in the Fragmentum for too long… then you would have suffered some kind of corruption like my photos can experience?"
"Uh, sure, we can use that example… point is, if we're talking about my manifestation then I'm nigh unkillable. But my Core? That ranges from extremely frail to extremely durable."
"What part of what you described is durable?!" March cried out.
"Well… You know how I called my body a car made of the fuel it uses? Well, naturally that fuel is actually me. Which I can also use to reinforce myself."
"Uh… wait… you're making too many strange analogies! You're made of energy… and your body is an extension of that very same energy, right?" March said as she resisted clutching her head in her rising confusion.
"And what do you think happens if there isn't much energy for me to be composed of?" Nova calmly prompted her.
"You… would have holes in you?"
"Or the energy density of my core declines, making me frailer…"
"Right, that! Wait, so does that mean when you're dormant, I should have been super careful carrying you?!" She exclaimed in horror, managing to leave Nova completely unamused at her seemingly genuine worry about her treatment of him.
"Keep that up and I'm thinking you treated me roughly… at the very least, I wouldn't appreciate being thrown around or dropped when I'm like that," Nova responded almost with a glare despite trying to hide his feelings.
"Oh, I didn't do that to you! Not at all! I just… kinda put you in my pocket and forgot about you a bit. And our trailblaze mission was a little rough then…" March awkwardly admitted.
"Well, I'm fine now. And at least you understand." Nova said after releasing an exasperated sigh.
"That's right! Now if you ever happen to go dormant again, I know what to do, I'll make sure to take care of you, the whole Express will! So, you'll never have anything to worry about anymore!" She said with a cheerful, beaming towards him that he couldn't help but feel his spirits being lifted, albeit slightly. Yet no matter how slight it was a welcome sensation to feel even a bit of his burdens to be lifted.
"Thanks, that… means a lot. Although I don't exactly plan on going through that experience again." He said, finally lifting his head high with a genuine smile of his own, visibly further pleasing March with his reaction.
Yet there wasn't the chance to say anymore as Nova's gratitude was abruptly cut short as the whole Express violently shook, almost throwing March from her seat whilst Nova couldn't help but tumble to the floor until the shaking finally stopped.
The impression was lasting, however, as the pair couldn't find their voices instead remaining quiet for a few more moments almost as if in expectation or worry of something else following. Instead, they froze up looking at one another in concern and hoping for answers.
"Um… what the hell was that?" Nova finally broke the silence as he leapt back onto his feet. "Oh, and are you ok?"
"I'm fine, thanks. You're the one who was thrown to the floor, but I don't know what's going on! The Express is usually super smooth all the time, things like this don't happen even on our crazier trailblazing missions!" She cried out standing up at the same time as Nova, being equally ready to leap into action. "Um… we should go see Himeko right away, she'll know what's going on!"
"And hopefully how to fix it." Nova tagged on as March was the first to make her way to the door, hastily opening it as they lightly rushed down the corridors back to the main carriage. All the while Nova couldn't help but feel his anxiety flaring again prompting forcing it down whilst a single thought dominated his mind.
'Why the hell do things keep going wrong?!'
It didn't take long for the two to burst into the main carriage, instantly gaining the attention of Himeko, Pom Pom and Caelus who were standing in the middle of the room, interrupting their conversation. While March made to immediately jog over to the trio, Nova's first action was to immediately check the window further developing the growing pit inside him at the reveal of nothing but the void of space inside of the frozen planet of Jarillo-VI.
"Himeko, what's going on? Why did the Express suddenly stop like that?" March asked wasting no time as Nova feigned indifference as he joined them.
"I'm sorry for worrying you March but the Express is running into a problem with the Star Rails so we thought to stop the Express as quickly as possible to prevent the situation from getting any worse," Himeko answered with an apologetic smile, not at all holding any concern for the situation that she had just raised.
"The Star Rails are having an issue?" Nova repeated in confusion. "Wouldn't that require something massive on the scale of warping spacetime?"
"That's correct, Passenger Nova. There is currently something causing a spatial anomaly within this region of space. And it's causing Star Rail stability to rapidly drop as we continue further on our journey!" Pom Pom answered, stepping forward as if to take the lead of the situation as Conductor. Yet despite the bunny stepping up so confidently about the situation, Nova still couldn't help but look at him in doubt wondering if the ancient alien was any more prepared to handle the situation than Himeko. "Mm? Is there something that you wish to say? You're looking at Pom Pom strangely."
"Just wondering if you believe that have a way of handling this unusual situation." He replied with a bland yet thoughtful expression.
"Not currently, we still haven't confirmed what the exact cause is. Dan Heng and Welt are performing scans we speak however so we should be able to start figuring out what to do." Himeko said in place on the conductor.
'Honestly, if we're getting close enough then it's likely just the Stellaron that's on Jarillo-VI and there's nothing that can be done but reach the planet. But if we're still to far out then whatever the hell it is needs to be dealt with asap before it starts affecting things…' Nova thought to himself, putting in the effort to avoid a serious expression as he did so.
"What does this mean for the Express then?" Caelus asked in confusion.
"The Astral Express operates off the Star Rails that Akavili lay down thousands of years ago, and so if there is an instability issue then it introduces the risk of the Express falling off the rails if it goes any further. And if that were to happen, then not only would the Express be heavily damaged, but I fear we could be lost to a rupture in space." Himeko explained with a troubled expression that conveyed far less concern than the cold sweat that Caelus was on the verge of breaking into.
"Despite the consequences of utter obliteration, it's a rather small issue. Just don't go anywhere until you fix the issue causing it. Or just have the world's worst gambling addiction…" Nova nonchalantly added to March's horror at the phrasing.
"I don't think that counts as a small issue or gambling at all!" She cried out in exasperation.
"Small issue is debatable; I mean so far it's only the consequences that are big. Gambling? It's still taking a risk and ruining your life when you get it wrong, so it still applies." Nova answered after a brief thought, but it only went to cause March more concern.
"Nova isn't without a point. It is true that so long as the Express doesn't try to continue its journey then nothing will happen. However, it should be clear that simply staying here and doing nothing isn't an option either." Himeko said as she went into thought.
"But wait, Himeko if it's another anomaly like this… isn't it-"March began to question until another voice cut through the room.
"The results of the preliminary analysis are here – the anomaly stems from a Stellaron, as always," Welt announced as he approached the group, everyone turning to face him in acknowledgement of his answer whilst Nova began to feel some internal relief at the news.
'At least there's nothing new that can affect the Star Rail… I just hope that it's Belobog's.' Nova thought to himself with a sliver of relief.
"Stellaron?" Caelus questioned with renewed confusion.
"Yes, just like the one placed in your body," Welt answered as he faced Caelus.
"Then, what are they exactly?"
"Stellarons are clouded in mystery, even members of the Genius Society like Herta aren't able to understand them." Himeko said, "But there is still no need to worry. We have to deal with Stellaron's many times before as I believe March was about to suggest. Although they may still be clouded in mystery, we do know enough about them to neutralise and seal them."
"To keep things brief, whenever a Stellaron pops up and gets activated ruin is sure to follow. They've been the cause of the destruction of many worlds in various ways, although… they have also been utilised as the saving grace on occasion." Nova interjected, putting a hand on his hip as he spoke to Caelus.
"Saving grace? You're saying crazier and crazier things! Stellaron's have always destroyed worlds, they're the furthest thing from a good omen of any kind!" March cried out once more in utter disbelief, much like everyone else in the room who couldn't help but look at Nova in complete bewilderment or curiosity.
"Nova, have you personally visited such a world before joining the Astral Express?" Welt asked, adjusting his glasses slightly as he re-examined Nova.
"Uh, yeah…" Nova replied as he quickly began planning out his response. "I was stuck there for a while, and it was a rough experience. They had kept the Stellaron in a partially sealed, or rather suppressed state. If it wasn't for the effects of the Stellaron making life a struggle there, then I'm pretty sure that the people there would have destroyed themselves instead. I... wish that something could be done for the more peaceful people there…" Nova explained as his voice grew heavy and disheartened, his vigour fading slightly at the memory.
"O-oh… I can't even imagine what they put with if even the impacts of a Stellaron are considered better in comparison… maybe we can do something for them if we happen to travel there?" March suggested with a troubled expression, but Nova shook his head firmly, wordlessly shooting down her proposal with a look that signalled she was suggesting the impossible, making her mood sink even more.
"I won't try to make claims to know the situation better, however, it may be a little premature to conclude that there is nothing the Express can do for them. We have already overcome a wide range of problems on our trailblazing expositions. But I won't press any further on this matter, I have a feeling that this could be a little bit more personal than you let on." Welt said as he adjusted his glasses, but Nova couldn't but wish to click his tongue in frustration at himself.
'I should be able to control myself better than that…" He internally scolded himself at the elder gentleman's words that showed his perception towards his own.
"Anyway, shouldn't we be talking about the Stellaron at hand?" Nova spoke up, completely snapping back from his sombre behaviour as if it didn't happen. "You said that the Star Rail is getting worse as we continue, doesn't that suggest that Jarillo-VI could have a Stellaron Disaster going on?"
"That is the most likely possibility, and the most troublesome one. If we wish to reach the Stellaron then we must figure out a way to safely reach the planet." Himeko replied with a nod, her expression tensing as she brought a hand to her chin in thought.
"Huh? Wouldn't it be an option to just Warp the rest of the distance? Maybe it might take some more accurate calculations or something to make up for the instability, but making the initial warp into an anomaly shouldn't be impossible right?" Nova asked in shock at the news.
"It wouldn't be impossible, but it certainly is harder to perform now that we're in the spatial anomaly. The stability of the Star Rail from outside would have helped, but we don't have that advantage anymore."
"Pom Pom, what is the current stability levels? I might not be secure but it could be best to take a low and cautious journey over towards Jarillo-VI." Welt then suggested, looking down at the conductor.
"Star Rail Stability is currently down to 52% and was dropping fast. Pom Pom fears that pushing forward will quickly see us paying a price."
"How close are we already? Maybe we could just use the Space Anchor to make it from here?" March chimed in but Pom Pom shook his head instead, yet they weren't the ones to respond.
"Unfortunately, the answer won't be that simple March." Dan Heng said as he joined everyone, finally completing the express crew. "I've tried my best, but Jarillo-VI is currently outside of the scanner's range, alongside that of the Space Anchor's."
"What? Then how are we supposed to get to the Stellaron then?" March complained.
"Is there not another way to bridge the gap or send people ahead?" Caelus wondered with Dan Heng and Pom Pom shaking their heads in denial.
"Unless someone wants to say they're an Emanator of Trailblaze, then probably not… although conventional space travel should still hold up," Nova said with a hint of frustration.
"Since the Express is our method of travel, neither of those suggestions is possible." Dan Heng mentioned with a sigh before noticing the strong, contemplating look that was on Himeko. "Himeko, is something wrong?"
"Nothing more than what is currently going on, Dan Heng. I have an idea, although I'm not too sure about the plausibility of it." She replied, only giving a small glance his way before suddenly turning to Pom Pom, almost as if she had just remembered them. "Pom Pom, I have a question about how the Space Anchor Network works. Does it function off similar power as the Star Rail does?"
"Mm? The Space Anchor Network doesn't use any power at all, like the Star Rails, Miss Himeko. Instead, they serve like conduits for Trailblazers' power, utilising their power of trailblaze. The Express of course keeps itself fuelled in a similar manner thanks to the trailblazing of its passengers." The rabbit calmly explained as everyone patiently waited for whatever conclusion that Himeko was potentially dawning on.
"Himeko… are you perhaps thinking of utilizing the Star Rails on the Space Anchor instead?" Welt asked, shocking everyone when the scarlet-haired engineer firmly nodded in response.
"That's right, currently we would have to take some kind of risk to close the distance anymore, but if there were instead some way to better extend our reach, wouldn't that be better?" She said with a soft, confident smile. "If what Pom Pom said is true, then we might have a chance of achieving that via utilising a small portion of the Express's fuel to super-charge the Space Anchor instead."
"I see, but that comes with its own set of risks instead. All we know about Jarillo-VI is the likelihood of it being linked to the Stellaron, but nothing else about it because of the failed scans. We would be going in blind and risking whatever dangers the Jarillo-VI possess in that case." Welt replied as he joined her in thought about the proposition.
"Yeah, but isn't that what trailblazing is about? I'm sure that we'll be able to handle everything, we've got to go down there anyways, right?" March said with a smile.
"Whilst your statement lacks any degree of caution, I believe that if possible it would be the safer action to take in comparison to taking the risk with the Star Rail." Dan Heng calmly said whilst Himeko gently nodded her head in approval of their words.
"Whilst it isn't wise to go completely without caution, we shouldn't shy away from things either because they remain unknown to us. Isn't it the very spirit of trailblazing to venture out into the unknown?" She replied, turning to the group of younger members. "I'd like to entrust this Trailblazing mission to March, Dan Heng, Caelus and Nova. The objective is clear: Find the Stellaron responsible for the spatial distortions, and seal it so that the Express may arrive."
"Alright, we get to work together again Caelus, and now we can really spend time getting to know one another Nova!" March cheered in response to the outcome in contrast to both Dan Heng and Welt who looked at Himeko with confused expressions.
"Himeko, I don't mean to be rude but are you sure about this team? We likely won't be able to return to the Express so the Stellaron will have to be sealed on Belobog. I fear that without either you or Welt joining us that might not be possible…" Dan Heng pointed out; however, Himeko still didn't lose her smile, her gentle expression alone suggesting that she had been expecting the question.
"I understand your worries Dan Heng, but I have a feeling that it won't be as much of a problem as you believe it will be," Himeko replied before giving Nova a quick wink to his initial confusion as he lifted an eyebrow before understanding her thought process. His confusion quickly turned to shock before giving a subtle, tense nod in response to her contentment.
'I didn't give that much up to her, did I?' Nova wondered to himself, unable to take his mind off Himeko. 'Did she just take a wild guess? Or from a misunderstanding? Just because I experienced something like that doesn't mean that I know how to do it…'
She was a mechanical genius and knowledgeable in general. He had no doubt that fooling her was no small task, but she simply had to lack the information to make that call. Especially since sealing Stellaron's wasn't exactly common knowledge…
"I see… so it's still not our turn," Welt commented to acknowledge as the only other person in the room to catch Himeko's and Nova's exchange.
"I know you want to go, but we should give the youngsters a chance to get out there on their own. It'll be a good opportunity for them to bond."
"But I'm kinda sleepy…" Caelus said as he rubbed his eye with a slight smile.
"Oh, come on! We've had plenty of time to take a break! That's not the spirit!" March quickly complained as Himeko and Welt watched the small skit with fond smiles until they grew serious again.
"Currently, we are not sure what is possible, but Pom Pom and I will get to work on the Space Anchor and see if we can prepare it utilizing the Express. In the meantime, I think the four of you will want to get ready and prepare yourselves. Because of the blind nature of this trailblazing mission, I believe that it would be best to ensure you are completely ready to leave." She advised the group, to which everyone gave a firm nod in response.
"And in the meantime, I'll see if I can potentially improve stability in performing a Warp Jump in the event that the Space Anchor fails," Welt added on.
"Then when we're ready we'll come and find you by the Space Anchor," Dan Heng told them before turning to March and Caelus, the two who primarily demanded his attention.
Whatever he started telling them failed to reach Nova's ears however as he was already within a world of world of his own mind as he continued to watch the adults leave. 'Even putting Himeko guessing about me aside… it's not like this string of events will impact anything, will it?' He thought to himself, tensing at the thought before choosing to push it aside.
'Whatever happens… I'll just handle it all and put everything on track again…'
So it's been a while, sorry for taking so long with this update but a few things happened along the way to posting this. First... completely changed my mind rewriting this chapter and replotting the whole of Belobog just a few days before I initially planned to post. The other would be dissatisfaction with my own work, which still exists somewhat.
There are some other pretty good fanfics for Star Rail and I might be unmeaningly comparing to them, not to mention fearing stepping on what ideas they have already used. So, I re-wrote the whole of Belobog utilizing a plotline that I'm pretty confident will be highly unique and enjoyable for you all to read and for me to write. Hopefully, the next chapter won't take as long!
To note, I have also edited previous chapters just a smidge because of a tweak to Nova's past which will greatly impact a future Ark which will be a whole original storyline and planet. Aka, Nova's home. Yeah, current plants directly explore that stuff.
But for now, hope you all enjoyed this chapter!