Whims of a White Lion and Gray Peony

by Liulangzhe

Summary:

“But, that’s partly a reason I couldn’t face him. It doesn’t feel right to stand beside both of them, especially with the General. I mean, the way how he looks at Dan Heng as though his long-lost lover has finally returned home to him.”

“What?! Who told you that?!” March exclaimed with disbelief.

Caelus answered her with an unfazed expression. “It’s from a fanfiction I found at Central Starskiff Haven called 'Untouchable Lovers', it's written about Jing Yuan and Dan Feng as lovers who ended in a tragic death.”

“And, you actually believe that?!!”

“It was tagged with canon compliant, March. You do not question a fanfiction story when they are written to follow canon story events!”

March rolled her eyes at the ridiculous comeback. “Ok, I think you need to stop reading that book Pela gave you to get any more strange ideas.”

===

With Xianzhou Luofu's crisis over, the Astral Express were rewarded with well-deserved break. However, amongst them, Caelus grapples with his growing one-sided feelings for Jing Yuan and his self-worth. Though as much as he wished to avoid Jing Yuan, the rng god of his gacha game has other things planned for him

Chapter 1: A Brewing Connection

Notes:

This fic sadly isn't written for the Caelus Ship week. I doubt it would fit any of the days except the last day for free topic 😅

WARNING: The chapter contains spoiler for 1.2 Patch Main story, you have been warned before proceeding to read.

Update (31 Aug 23): This chapter was missing an additional screenshot of text message between Silver Wolf & Caelus

“Here you go, March,” Caelus handed his seated pink-haired companion one of the two Immortal’s delight cups at a bench beside the store in Central Starskiff Haven.

“Thanks, Cae!” March excitedly took the drink from her friend. She took a huge sip from the straw as the sweet, creamy liquid and jelly pearls entered her throat.

She let out a loud moan and squealed. “Mm! This is really good. What face am I making now?”

“One who found the new and best delicacies on Luofu ship,” Caelus answered with a grin, taking a sip from his cup and letting out a moan afterward. “Mm! This really hit the spot!”

He set the cup down, his body leaning slightly to look upwards. “Too bad Pom-pom doesn’t allow the express to replenish these delicious drinks regularly throughout our journey.”

The pink-haired girl beside him chuckled warmly and reminded. “I think Miss Himeko is already concerned about your diet to only have milk tea. I appreciate the treat, but what’s going on?”

“What do you mean?” Caelus straightened up to look at his companion.

March sighed, putting her cup down, and moved her body to face him as much as possible. “You have been avoiding both General and Dan Heng, Caelus. Did something happen between the three of you?”

“I don’t know what you are talking about, March.”

The pink-haired girl only rolled her eyes at Caelus’s denial. “Yeah right. Do I need to remind you what happened recently?”

=0=

“The Exalting Sanctum… Hundreds of years have passed, but the place remains hectic as ever.” Dan Heng quietly murmured while overlooking the city by the Synwood Pavilion.

With the Xianzhou Luofu General keeping a promise to his words, Dan Heng was now a free man as he was himself. Even though he had revealed his true form as the former high elder Vidyadhara, the young black-haired man had reverted and preferred his old human appearance.

March, standing beside with one hand resting on the ledge while her hand in a salute position resting on her forehead to look out at the scenery. “Did you–I mean, did Dan Feng come here often?”

“Sometimes,” The black-haired Vidyadhara answered curtly. His turquoise eyes expressed a distant expression to recall the mirages that always accompanied him. “He would gaze over the Sanctum like this when he needed to clear his thoughts. Sometimes, he would visit the bookstore there to browse for books to read.”

“Hmm, so he’s a little similar to you in a sense…” March hummed to herself. Her head turned to look at him with a slight grin. “But you’d be able to know the ending of those stories he read, right?”

Dan Heng merely huffed with an emotionless expression at his comrade’s cheeky reply. “Of course not. Even if I do, those memories belong to him. I have no intention of revisiting the mirages for the answer.”

March nodded sagely in agreement with her arms folded. “True. I don’t like knowing the spoilers unexpectedly when I get to the story’s good part. What do you think, Caelus?”

Turning around, the pair spotted their recently joined Nameless member, as always, engrossed on his phone at the table near the ledge. Caelus’s yellow eyes focus on his phone, his gloved fingers rapidly on certain parts of the screen, displaying one of the weekly game stages to fight the arena boss while muttering. “Just a bit more…”

With one final hard press from his thumb onto the attack button, the light-blue-haired girl used her sniper rifle to give her final shot to the large tank, deleting its HP to zero. The screen changed to the score result, a max combo of 305, a time of 01:50, and lastly score of ‘38,951’.

“All right!” Caelus clenched and moved slightly with excitement at the score he received. “Now, screenshot this and send it to—!”

“Caelus!” March’s voice shouted at him for his attention, nearly making him jump out of his seat after he had sent the photo in a chat.

The Trailblazer turned his head to see his two companions, Dan Heng, wearing his usual emotionless face and March’s arms resting on her hips with a rather annoyed expression.

Caelus quickly slipped his phone into his pocket, trying to act casual as he faced his companions. “Uh, hey guys! What’s up?”

March raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying his act. “What’s up? We’ve been calling your name for the past few minutes, and you’re so absorbed in that game that you didn’t even notice?”

Scratched the back of his head sheepishly, a hint of embarrassment coloring the gray-haired man’s cheeks. “Sorry, today is the last hour to finish my weeklies. I just got caught up in it for a moment. It won’t happen again.”

“Geez, you’re always glued to that game!” March scolded, giving him a disapproving look. “Mr. Yang had allowed us to take a break after fighting with one of the Lord Ravagers. We’re supposed to enjoy the time given to explore and experience Xianzhou culture instead of playing games.”

As the pink-haired girl heaved out her sigh, Dan Heng standing beside her, spoke up in his usual composed voice. “March has a point. Pom-pom has heard noises from your room while patrolling on the train. Himeko doesn’t know yet, but she would be worried if you stay up to play—.”

“Well, you aren’t Miss Himeko. I’m not a child needed for your concerns and to be told what I should do with my free time.” Caelus turned his head to the side and interjected the black-haired Vidyadhara with an angry huff on his lips, shocking the pink-haired girl at his reaction.

Even Dan Heng’s stoic face broke to express astonishment briefly at his comrade’s snappy remarks; his mouth opened to speak. Instead, he swallowed down whatever words stuck in his throat, giving a curt nod before turning away. “You’re right. We shouldn’t be telling you how to spend your free time. It’s your choice.”

Despite the apology, the temperature in the atmosphere worsened between them. March looked back and forth between the two men with uneasiness. As far as she recalled, ever since they had rid Phantylia’s control of the Ambrosial Arbor, both weren’t even on talking terms.

Caelus would often be out on commissions from different planets, and Dan Heng searched for his whereabouts. March remembered Caelus’s answer to her when she inquired about it. “Nothing’s wrong, March. Things have been tough with what has happened for all of us. We’re just giving each other some space to process everything.”

But now, standing there with the tension palpable between the two, March couldn’t help but worry that the unresolved issues were resurfacing. She knew there was more to their strained relationship than what Caelus had let on. After quickly composing herself, the pink-haired girl put on her cheerful smile. “U-Um! Anyway! Instead of just standing here, why don’t we look at the food stall near the Court of Tranquility anchor? They have made fresh new and warm batches of Tuskpir wraps, and I don’t want to miss them out!”

“Good choice. I would also recommend Immortal’s Delight if you are craving a sweet tooth.” An unexpected yet familiar relaxed voice suggested their recommendations to March.

The sound of footsteps approaching caught the Nameless crew’s attention. General Jing Yuan walked towards them, unfazed by the growing soft gasps and murmurs surrounding them. His golden left eye scanned the three of them with an ever-lazy smile. “I trust all of you have enjoyed exploring the ship so far.”

“We do, General. But what brings you here? Did something happen?”

Jing Yuan shook his head assuredly at the young girl’s concern. “No. I have just returned from visiting Fu Xuan for her divination and was to head back to the Seat of Divine Foresight until I saw everyone here gathering.”

March quickly glanced at Caelus and Dan Heng, hoping they wouldn’t let their earlier tension affect the conversation with the General. “O-Oh, I see. Well, we were just taking a break and discussing our plans for exploring the ship. There’s so much to see and experience here!”

The said two people nodded in agreement, though the atmosphere was still tinged with a hint of awkwardness. If Jing Yuan sensed the tension, he would have noticed it but chose not to address it directly. Instead, he turned his attention to the nearby food stall mentioned by March.

“The Tuskpir wraps and Immortal’s Delight are indeed delicious choices,” Jing Yuan remarked with a hint of nostalgia. “I used to frequent this stall with a dear friend whenever he visited.”

The mention of a ‘dear friend’ caught Caelus’s attention. His mind couldn’t help but wonder if Jing Yuan was referring to Dan Heng’s past incarnation, Dan Feng. His yellow eyes followed the General’s gaze to glance briefly at the stoic Vidyadhara.

Dan Heng merely shut his eyes and heaved a sigh. “This is my first time visiting the Exalting Sanctum, General. After I arrived on the ship, I did not have the leisure to explore while searching for my friends.”

“I see, my apologies,” Jing Yuan simply smiled, showing no offense to the distant reply from the other.

Watching Dan Heng heaving another fatigued sigh, the General gave another quick glance to everyone. “With everyone here, I’d like to invite the three of you to tea as a personal gratitude for preventing Luofu on the verge of destruction under the Antimatter Legion’s hand. I know a teahouse nearby which is one of my favorite places serving delightful sweets to go with.”

Immediately, March’s pinkish eyes glittered with excitement, one hand raising her hand high into the air. “I’m in!”

“… Whatever,” Dan Heng sighed for the last time in resignation. Once the young girl set her mind on food and scenery to take photos, there would be nothing to be able to sway her.

Grinning brightly at her friend’s agreement, March switched to Caelus. “How about you, Caelus? The General is treating all of us at the teahouse to celebrate!”

The latter’s face colored in surprise, not expecting the invitation from General himself, smiling gently at him. However, before he could answer, the phone in his pocket vibrated with a ringtone.

Caelus took out to check the notification, then placed it back as he stood from his seat. “Sorry. You guys can go ahead. Herta messaged me to test another update of the Simulated Universe program right now.”

“W-What? Hey, wait a second, Caelus—!” Just before March could even do anything, the Trailblazer had already spun and left for the Space Anchor near where they were to teleport away. The moment the Space Anchor light had absorbed Caelus, she was left standing with Dan Heng and the Luofu General, all wearing varying degrees of mixed expressions.

=0=

“And then, Pom-pom messaged me afterward to run an errand for the express, so I had to leave both of them behind,” March let out a big sigh, her body hunched forward with her head resting on both hands.

She then turned towards her companion, wearing a small pout and one eyebrow raised. “But you know, this isn’t your first time behaving around them like this. So really, Cae, what is going on?”

“It’s really nothing at all,” Caelus sighed again for the umpteenth time, taking out his phone to show her his messages on the screen. “Herta did have a new simulation for me to test. You heard from Miss Himeko what she’s like regarding this.”

March reached out one hand, using her fingers to scroll the messages on the touchscreen. She pulled away and straightened herself up to look Caelus in the eye. “Okay, that can’t be helped… But, my point is that you will always be missing any time Dan Heng looks for you or meetings with the General. And nope, it’s too much of a coincidence someone commissions you for a job to be that busy.”

Any attempts to refute died in Caelus’s throat; he raised a hand to rub the back of his neck. “It is what it is, March.”

“It’s not, and my instinct as a girl says otherwise.” March countered. “I don’t think I heard from Mr. Yang that you and the General had an argument, like you and Dan Heng. Unless, of course, you’re in love with the General himself—!”

The intent behind the words was meant to be baseless and a joke, which both March and Caelus understood. However, when March glanced, one of her eyes over to see a shade of red began coloring the gray-haired Trailblazer’s cheek…

March’s face dawned on realization at her guess being correct. She was about to open her mouth until Caelus hurriedly corrected her. “A crush. It’s just a crush. I have checked through the archives on the express to know what it is.”

“But since when, Caelus?! You got to tell me all the details! Did Mr. Yang know about this? What about Dan Heng? Or, Himeko—?”

“No one. It’s only you, March.” The Trailblazer stopped the excited rambling from his companion. “It’s a long story... I don’t want to talk about it.”

Looking at her friend with concern, she simply nodded, then scooted closer to him to prod whisper. “Is that why you have been avoiding Dan Heng too? He is not the kind to judge and spread secrets around.”

“That’s what makes Dan Heng, Dan Heng,” Caelus returned a weak smile to her before lowering his head with a frown. “But, that’s partly a reason I couldn’t face him. It doesn’t feel right to stand beside both of them, especially with the General. I mean, the way how he looks at Dan Heng as though his long-lost lover has finally returned home to him.”

“What?! Who told you that?!” March exclaimed with disbelief.

Caelus answered her with an unfazed expression. “It’s from a fanfiction I found at Central Starskiff Haven called 'Untouchable Lovers', it's written about Jing Yuan and Dan Feng as lovers who ended in a tragic death.”

“And, you actually believe that?!!”

“It was tagged with canon compliant, March. You do not question a fanfiction story when they are written to follow canon story events!”

March rolled her eyes at the ridiculous comeback. “Ok, I think you need to stop reading that book Pela gave you to get any more strange ideas.”

Caelus chuckled softly. “Maybe you’re right. But still, it’s hard to ignore the way they interact with each other. There’s a deep connection between them, and sometimes, I can’t help but feel like I’m intruding on something sacred.”

“Did you ask the General what Dan Heng—I mean, what Dan Feng was like?”

The soft murmur from his companion only made the Trailblazer laugh with a bitter smile. “How could I, March? You have seen the look on his face whenever he talks to Dan Heng. Sad, longing, lonely, and even hopeful that Dan Feng has returned… Me? I’m only one of his pawns on the chessboard to secure Luofu’s victory.”

Compared to Dan Heng, despite not having all of his former life’s memories, he could easily fight with Jing Yuan equally by his side during the big battle. Caelus remembered all he could do was hopelessly watch the General struggling before being turned into a Voidranger, overlooking the Tingyun with them was fake despite his suspicion and the Stellaron Hunters escaping….

What was his worth if he dared to hope for Jing Yuan to look at him?

March placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, pulling the Trailblazer out of his thoughts. “Hey, don’t think that way. I still don’t have memories of my past, but I understand how you feel about having one-sided feelings, Caelus.”

Caelus looked at her with surprise, not expecting her to share such a personal revelation. “You too, March?”

She nodded solemnly, her face twisted with a sheepish grin. “I think so? But I feel like I’ve felt that way before. It’s painful, isn’t it? To have feelings for someone and not know if they’ll ever feel the same way.”

He sighed, feeling a sense of camaraderie with his friend. At least Caelus knew he didn’t feel alone in this predicament. “It really is. But we just have to focus on being there for each other, right? Even if things don’t work out with the General or anyone else, we still have everyone on the express.”

March smiled warmly. “Exactly. We’ll always support each other no matter what. And who knows, maybe someday our memories will return, and everything will make sense. Also, talk to Dan Heng when you have the time. You know, even when he doesn’t show it, he wants you to hear him out as a good friend to another.”

Caelus curled a grateful smile at his friend, appreciating her support. “Alright, sure. Thanks, March. You always know what to say. For once”

“Hey, I know when to say the important things at the right time!” March’s retort held no bite with her big grin. “Now, let’s focus on enjoying the rest of our time here in Xianzhou Luofu. We have plenty of things to explore and experience together.”

Before Caelus could stand and escape, the pink-haired had already pulled him by the yellow ribbon on the back of his coat to explore the ship. It will be a long day for him and the credits in his wallet….

=0=

Caelus sighed, tucking his phone back into his pocket once the other party didn’t seem to be typing messages anymore. His head turned to observe the heavy bustling traffic of Starskiffs driving through the air in Starskiff Haven by the usual bridge.

His mind wasn’t focusing on anything except the job he was supposed to do. Caelus wasn’t sure whether to be grateful or guilty; he didn’t see Dan Heng in the morning. Pom-pom mentioned Himeko requested his help to check with the supply at the space station.

Just then, another notification from his phone caught his attention. When Caelus took it out, his yellow eyes were as big as one of Beloborg’s automation gears at what he saw on the screen.

Caelus nearly dropped his terminal down into oblivion in the ongoing traffic. On all Aeons, how could someone be this lucky with their pull?!!

The Trailblazer rolled his eyes. It was just like the Stellaron hacker to say it. He doubted she rigged her pulls, considering her life motto to look for challenges and thrill as it was fun to her.

Another text message from Silver Wolf popped into the screen. “U wanted her since she was announced. What gives?”

Caelus groaned softly, and his fingers moved to type his reply.

And, Caelus doubted the amount of credits he earned from this job would guarantee his pity in the gacha. The last job in the museum was fun, helping Pela retrieve historical artifacts and learning Beloborg’s history.

While the outcome of the Tales of Fantastic was dubious at worst, the Trailblazer got to give Xiyan credit where it was due to the handsome amount of credit he earned. Slumping down to lean over the ledge, he groaned to himself. “I doubt Asta will give me another two million credit for another scam… Maybe I should convince Arlan to give her back her encryption key—.”

The ‘beep’ notification from the phone alerted Caelus again, switching his focus back onto the screen…

That was definitely a dumb question to even ask Silverwolf, Caelus thought to himself a bit too late. He recalled that he personally learned the Stellaron Hunter’s hacker hacking into one of Herta’s simulated universe worlds to face off against Screwllum and her.

… She’s not really going to do it, is she…? It wasn’t as if Kafka could easily be hacked, and besides, Caelus didn’t want to resort to such methods. He sighed, feeling conflicted about the whole situation. He knew he shouldn’t be so invested in a gacha game, but the desire to get the character he wanted was overwhelming. Ironically, it was none other than the astral express’s enemy member who empathized with him immensely.

Deciding to distract himself, Caelus stuffed the phone back into his pocket for the last time to observe the traffic. Nothing unusual happening so far; no starskiff exceeded the speed limit that was given…

“Oh, come on, please, you promised!”

A high-pitch women’s voice spoke out from the traffic. To Caelus’s left, he spotted a white passenger starskiffs driving down the road, boarded with a young dark-haired woman and a dark-haired Vidyadhara man. The man sneered with his arms folded. “No way, and I know where this is going. You only want it because the old me, Changpu, promised to gift you that hairpin a hundred years ago. The one you love is obviously still Changpu.”

“That’s not true at all, Liwei. Please listen to me!” The tears of the woman begging were slowly drowned out by other passing Starskiffs and faded away upon leaving the area.

Was this how every Vidyadhara felt about their reincarnation? Did Dan Heng feel that way too… About Dan Feng?

Caelus couldn’t forget after defeating the Voidrangers ambushing them at the Dragonvista Rain Hall entrance, the General waltzed in with a friend they knew all too well he mentioned. It was none other than Dan Heng… His appearance changed entirely from his human form to his true self.

A long story, Dan Heng said, yeah right. As if Caelus truly wanted to believe that. This was the same Dan Heng who initially refused to come with them to the Luofu ship for his own reasons. Yet, here he was, standing before them like nothing happened because the Stellaron hunters, Kafka and Blade, forced him into his true form to assist everyone in sealing the Stellaron.

So, why…?

Why didn’t Dan Heng tell him or March anything before they left at this crucial time? Caelus remembered he always asked him out of innocent curiosity and respected his answer at sensing how uncomfortable he was whenever he talked about Luofu.

Did Dan Heng treat him like a child, as he wrote in his records to not burden him?

Was he really that unreliable to understand after all they had been through since their journey from the space station? Especially he had no memories of who he was or his past, except Kafka. A ticking time bomb as a host to the Stellaron inside him.

“… Or, Dan Heng couldn’t trust us to accept it…” Caelus murmured to himself, the question hanging in the air like a heavy weight on his heart. That seemed to be the only reasonable answer in his position. A girl found in a block of ice with no memories and an unconscious youth found mysteriously in the Space Station when the Antimatter Legion raided, Dan Heng would keep his heart closed to himself.

Shaking his head to push those gloomy thoughts aside for now, Caelus stretched his body and groaned. “Another few hours more to go... If only work could end now like this...!”

“I couldn’t agree myself any better,” The teasing voice drawled beside the Trailblazer, making the latter frozen stiff in horror. He must be hallucinating to assume the voice belonged to someone he knew too well, catching him for slacking off in his work.

His head slowly turned to face the voice’s owner, contemplating whether to apologize, rebuke, or start running towards the anchor, which was a distance away from here... Beside him, the beloved Xianzhou Luofu General standing with his arm folded behind, his amused golden eyes looked at the Trailblazer with his usual lazy smile. How long had he been standing here?!

Caelus immediately stood as straight as he could and greeted with a polite yet instead forced grin. “Greetings, General. What brings you all the way out here?”

The chuckle from Jing Yuan indicated he needed to know his nervousness had been betrayed. “I thought I could use a break away from the paperwork and decided to take a walk here. To my surprise, I am glad to have bumped into you after Xikui told me that you are on speed tester duty today.”

As he nodded faintly to the General, the feeling of relief and anxiety twisted in his stomach at the General’s presence. While Caelus admitted internally he was happy for the welcomed distraction, but at the same time, he couldn’t shake off the unease that came with being around Jing Yuan.

“It’s an honor to assist Miss Xikui, General,” Caelus replied, trying to sound as composed as possible. “Is there anything you need help with while you’re here?”

Jing Yuan shook his head with a dismissive wave. “No need to trouble yourself, Caelus. I’m simply enjoying the sights and sounds of Xianzhou Luofu. It’s a fascinating place, don’t you think?”

Caelus agreed, unable to hide his awe at the floating city and its bustling energy. “Absolutely, General. This place is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. It’s like a whole new world.”

Should he even be standing here to look at the scenery with Jing Yuan? The Trailblazer was confident that Mr. Yang or even Dan Heng would be a preferable companion to his presence. At least the two were responsible for keeping his and March’s mouths from running off in front of authorities.

One of his yellow eyes glanced at the Space Anchor. Then, it switched to Jing Yuan, whose gaze focused on the peaceful view of his people going about their day. He could slip towards the Space Anchor, head to the Commission Realm, hand in his report, and call it a day away from the ship—.

“Did you hear from Qingzu? There has been a robbery attempt on one of the red cargo starskiffs. A small group of knights has borrowed four of the green passenger starskiffs to give chase and arrest them.” Jing Yuan’s voice suddenly broke through Caelus’s thoughts, causing the Trailblazer to snap his attention back to the General.

“Uh, no, I haven’t,” Caelus replied, a bit bewildered by the sudden change in topic. The twisted feeling in his gut became worse. He had a horrible feeling from Jing Yuan’s cat-like amused facial expression.

The General smirked, his golden eyes glinting mischievously. “It was quite a sight, I must say. However, I suppose an average crime happening wouldn’t faze a hero like yourself. Can you imagine? A usual criminal activity not even noteworthy to be reported to the officials.”

The Trailblazer felt his cheeks redden slightly at the teasing. Oh Aeons, how long had he been chatting with Silver Wolf about the gacha for even someone like Jing Yuan to notice him slacking off?!

He managed to bow apologetically. “I assure you, General, that won’t happen to me. I’m fully focused on my duty.”

Jing Yuan chuckled, clearly amused by Caelus’s response. “I have no doubt about that, my young friend. In fact, I, too, find a speed tester’s job rather dull and tedious as the stack of papers in my office.”

“Did the General ever work as a speed tester before?” The Trailblazer wondered if it was possible for someone with such stature as Luofu General ever to stand here to record the traffic.

A mysterious smile simply curled on Jing Yuan’s lips. He faced forward as he reminisced. “Yes, however, it was more of a punishment from my mentor when I was your age. Eager and reckless to please and follow my mentor’s and my dear friends’ footsteps to prove I could fight as their equal. However, my naivety only earned another lesson from her to experience a mundane task of a speed tester. Needless to say, it was a humbling experience, and I learned the value of patience and attention to detail.”

Now hearing the story from General himself, Caelus couldn’t help but become more intrigued by the idea of the powerful Luofu General once having such a humble role. Despite his godlike status, it made Jing Yuan seem more relatable and human. He had always looked up to Jing Yuan, but hearing about his past struggles and experiences made him admire the man even more.

“Heh,” A soft chuckle left Caelus’s lips unintentionally. “If you really have to compare looking at papers and the traffic, the latter can be more relaxing to clear your head when needed.”

“Yes, it does. It brings back memories of the past whenever I needed time to compose my thoughts. Dan Feng and I would come to this bridge. He would stand here to become my listening ear before giving his own advice or lecture. Though, I suppose it may have been fleeting memories to him now….”

… Just as Caelus thought, he really shouldn’t be standing beside the General. That sadness and loneliness behind the smile, he’s not Dan Heng or even the previous incarnation, Dan Feng. Even if he were here, the Express Archivist firmly insisted he was no longer what Jing Yuan believed him to be.

His stomach felt even more sick from nausea than when he downed all the Punitive Food, and it was caused by jealousy towards his remarkable friend. His heart was wretched in pain and anger at himself at his uselessness to not make the General smile again. He’s not Dan Heng or Dan Feng. He’s Caelus, the young man who woke up with no memories of his life and a pawn for Elio’s grand script of fate and Xianzhou Luofu’s chessboard.

Mustering a deep breath, Caelus bowed his head respectfully. “I can’t speak for Dan Heng’s, or his past self’s behalf, General. But he wouldn’t want you to wallow yourself if he was here.”

If the Trailblazer moved his head to look up, he could’ve seen the brief, surprise expression on the General’s face. Instead, Caelus bowed again before leaving the area and General alone. “Anyway, I shouldn’t keep Tantan waiting for the reports. I will amend the data before submitting—.”

“Before you leave, Caelus, I have a rather abrupt request.”

Stopping in his tracks, the Trailblazer unwillingly turned to look at the white-haired older man with a confused expression. “O-Oh, uh sure…. Please let me hear it, General.”

It must be illegal for Jing Yuan to look sad one moment, and now giving him that gentle yet warm, inviting smile, Caelus thought. Jing Yuan heaved a faint relief sigh and explained. “Instead of assisting in speed tester duties, when you are free, could you please spend some time sparring with Yanqing?”

Yanqing, the name felt familiar to Caelus’s ears. Oh, that’s right, he recalled while bringing back the unconscious General after fighting Phantylia the Undying; a young boy was standing near the boat, ready to escort them. He must be the disciple and lieutenant that appeared from Diting’s hologram image.

“I can, but… Aren’t you his teacher, General?”

“That is true. What of it?” Jing Yuan replied.

“Then, can I spar with you first? That way, you also get to test my capabilities to assess if I can be his sparring partner.”

Jing Yuan chuckled louder at the request from the younger man. “Haha. I am already well aware of your capabilities, Caelus.”

His chuckle turned into a peal of laughter, making poor Caelus’s face colored bright red from embarrassment. The itch to teleport back to the express and crawl under his bed sounded very tempting. He must have become Xianzhou Luofu’s biggest clown before the General in that fight.

“Oh. You saw through me,” Caelus muttered sheepishly. “You’ve exposed the fact I don’t know how to use a sword at all.”

A large hand rested on his shoulder to pat him a few times; Jing Yuan shook his head before reassuring him. “That’s to be expected. You don’t use a sword and therefore don’t abide by the rules and conventions of a sword fight. For Yanqing to try his skills against such an opponent would be a supreme opportunity.”

“You have a point there, General…” Caelus nodded understandingly. It would also benefit him to face a new challenge to grow and learn from. However, the glaring problem was still in the room. He didn’t need to spend more time with the General than he already had with his one-sided feelings.

It was a great opportunity but a line needed to be drawn for the best of him and the General. Caelus breathed in profoundly and answered. “It’s an honor to be offered as a sparring partner for your disciple, General. But, I will have to de—!”

“Ah yes, my apologies. I forgot to mention for your services in teaching Yanqing, you will also be paid 200,000 credits. It would not be fair to you who have used your time to spend with him, Caelus.”

Caelus had to a double-take upon hearing what Jing Yuan had announced. 200,000 credits per visit to teach Yanqing? That amount would take him 13 shifts of speed tester’s duties or 40 over daily commissions to get that! And, with that amount of credits, it would net him a full pity of at least two to three S rank characters in any gacha banner when he needed to pull in the game!

“Ok. You got a deal, General—!” Before he moved his hands to shut his mouth, Jing Yuan’s bright and wide grin to express his smug amusement was all Trailblazer needed to know. He was wholly baited and captured by a predator for his schemes.

Thankfully, Jing Yuan made no comment about his odd behavior and simply nodded. “Excellent. I’m sure Yanqing would get along very well with you. Now, let us get the both of you acquainted to know each other better.”

Resigning to his fate, Caelus sighed and wordlessly followed the General behind. This would be a challenge that would tax him both physically and emotionally in his life.

Notes:

This was written to make my own food after the non-existent crumbs for Jingcae hints during 1.2 main story. I'm still personally disappointed they reduced Dan Shu's whole story questline to non-existent, even for players who have already completed to get an easter egg. And also mainly to me, how the whole 1.2 story turned out to be.

However, that scene with Dan Heng and Caelus inspired me for their current relationship in the fic with some of the twitter post mentioning. And I do think also while Caelus is mad at Dan Heng, he was still mainly mad at himself with the guilt about what happened to Tingyun from his dialogue with Fu Xuan.

Chapter 2: Starchess and Sparring

Summary:

“That’s a relieved thought to hear it. Also, I find the majestic door very tempting for one to take their leave without saying anything to the other. Don’t you think?” Jing Yuan’s golden eyes glinted with amusement at the shorter man knowingly.

“… I wanted to head outside to get some fresh air,” Caelus answered with the straightest face he mustered. “While waiting for your return, General.”

Notes:

For the screenshot Caelus have send in his messages if you are not able to see it clearly, please refer to Jing Yuan's Daily text messages under Pardon me, (Trailblazer)... either on the link provided or your in-game app if you have your Jing Yuan to view the text message.

Options chosen:

• I don't know how to play Xianzhou starchess
• Of course.

Also, it's been a very long time I wrote a fighting scene. I'm not that good at it so I hope the pacing isn't weirding people out...

Walking up the stairs and turning to the right, it was a miracle Caelus didn’t bump into anyone with his eyes glued to the phone’s screen. His fingers moved to scroll his conversation with Welt yesterday evening.

After Tingyun had dropped both the Astral Express crew and Fu Xuan at Exalting Sanctum, instead of the Divination Commission bringing Kafka back into their prison, they were left to their own devices while waiting.

Before departing from the Express Crew, Fu Xuan informed them there would be someone to fetch them into the Divination Commission once they were ready to interrogate Kafka. Then, Welt, who had noticed the fatigue from March’s annoyance, suggested everyone to explore and relax around the ship.

However, the next day, judging by how Caelus received the invitation from Luofu General out of nowhere, he left Luhui alone to contemplate her decision to fire her housekeeper. It’s going to be a while before Fu Xuan will be ready.

Caelus’s fingers moved and tapped on his chat history with Dan Heng. Again, the same error ‘Message failed to send’ was still on the conversation right after sending it to the other, together with the same screenshot he had sent to Welt and March. ‘Did you receive this, Dan Heng?’

Was there any way to report the ship’s faulty telecom signal? The last time they saw Dan Heng was on the train before heading down, and they hadn’t got a chance to bump into their friend.

The Trailblazer shook his head with a huff, returning to the past messages he had discussed with Welt from the latter’s reply.

Caelus flicked his thumb once more to scroll to the end of the chat conversation.

Even if Caelus only knew Welt for a few months with minimum interaction, it was reassuring to receive from the seasoned member of the team advice for the best course of action to take.

Standing right a few short steps away from the Seat of Divine Foresight entrance, Caelus felt his stomach flipping much worse than when he was escorted to first meet Cocolia. He tidied his hair and straightened his attire as much as possible to give a good impression. After all, the fate of Astral Express’s relationship with the Alliance was on the weight of his shoulders.

Muttering ‘You can do this’ softly to himself, the Trailblazer headed towards the guard standing by the entrance of Seat of Divine Foresight. The knight shifted his body slightly to face him and asked. “May I ask, have you come here to the Seat of Divine Foresight on any official business? I can help you pass it on.”

“I’m here for a meeting with the General under his orders,” Caelus answered.

“His orders…?” Chiyan replied with confusion in his tone. But in less than a second, he followed up with realization and understanding. “You must be the honored guest, Caelus, he mentioned. Please follow me. The General has been looking forward to your presence.”

“Thank you,” Caelus followed behind the messenger after returning with a slight nod. So far, so good. The Xianzhou Luofu General didn’t spring any traps of knights ambushing him, walking through the halls of Seat of Divine Foresight. The place was grand and majestic, with intricate designs and beautiful artwork adorning the walls. He couldn’t help but feel awe and nervousness as he walked through the corridors.

Finally, they reached a courtyard where Jing Yuan sat on the maroon plush cushion in a relaxed posture. Beside him was a large and majestic white feline creature akin to a lion. Caelus recalled seeing those in Dan Heng’s data bank. The lion rested its head above one of the General’s thighs. Its eyes shut closed, allowing Jing Yuan’s hands to stroke its body affectionately.

However, the approaching footsteps from the intruders awoke from its sleep. Jing Yuan also turned to face his guest and the messenger. The latter saluted at the General, “General, the honored guest has arrived. Is there anything else I could further assist?”

“No, there’s nothing else. Thank you, Chiyan. You can take your leave.” Jing Yuan answered with an acknowledged nod.

After saluting the last time, the messenger spun and made his way out, leaving the Trailblazer alone with the General.

The General rose from his spot, making the lion stand on its feet, and greeted. “Even though we have been acquainted with your engagement to Yukong previously, thank you for coming. Allow me to introduce myself once more. I am Jing Yuan, the general of the Luofu Cloud Knights. Welcome aboard to our ship.”

“Thank you, General. My name is Caelus. It’s a great honor to be invited to a session with you.” Caelus answered politely, just like he rehearsed in front of the mirror in his room at the Xianzhou Inn.

But, a soft chuckle instantly broke out from the General. He smiled gently at the younger man. “There’s no need for formality. I did not call you here to discuss the mission, Caelus. ‘General’ is a temporary title, and you can simply call me Jing Yuan.”

Following where Jing Yuan’s kind yet amused golden eyes were gazing, Caelus realized he had clenched his fists too hard, and his body stiffened as though Cocolia’s ice stakes froze him. The General had noticed how nervous he was despite hiding it.

“R-Right, I’m sorry, Gen—I-I mean, Jing Yuan…!” Now his voice betrayed him by how high-pitched it was. So much ruining the impression of himself…

As Jing Yuan chuckled, the snow lion beside him walked toward the young Trailblazer. The latter couldn’t help but feel growing anxiety yet awe, looking into the piercing blue eyes. The lion circled him to watch and study him before stopping right in front.

Now that he kneeled on his knees to take a closer look, the lion was more beautiful than the holographic images in the data bank. Caelus observed how its mane and fur were well-maintained and so soft as though he was touching a cloud itself.

“She seems to be interested in you,” Jing Yuan remarked, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he observed his pet lion’s interactions with the young Trailblazer.

Caelus extended a hesitant hand towards the creature, his heart pounding. To his surprise, the lion nuzzled against his palm, her soft fur sending a shiver of excitement through him. Soon, the Trailblazer laughed as the creature shifted her head to nuzzle under his neck, purring happily at his touches. “She’s beautiful. What’s her name?”

Jing Yuan smiled warmly, kneeling beside his pet and rubbing her back fondly. “She is. Her name is Wave-Treading Snow Lion. You must pass your gratitude to Qingzu, who assisted in grooming her.”

“I see! Wu-ave-Threading—Hm...” Caelus tried to pronounce the name again. “Wave-Threating Sunow—No, that’s not it... Wave-Threading—Ack!”

The Trailblazer winced when his teeth bit his tongue by accident, making the General let out a warm laugh at his struggle to pronounce the name. “It’s alright, Caelus. Wave-Treading Snow Lion’s name can be a bit of a mouthful. You can call her Mimi for short. That’s what I usually call her.”

Caelus nodded gratefully at the nickname the General granted him the knowledge to. His lips curled into a big smile, and he chirped. “Mimi, it is then. She’s amazing, Jing Yuan. I’ve never seen a snow lion up close before. They’re such rare and majestic creatures.”

“They are indeed,” Jing Yuan agreed. He fondly smiled as his pet lion roared affectionately back. “Mimi is a special companion to me. She’s been by my side through my duties and life. It’s also rare to see her warming up to others like yourself, Caelus. Mimi is not usually so amiable to guests from afar, but she seems to have taken a liking to you,”

“Really? In that case, I’m flattered to be Mimi’s friend.” Caelus answered with a bright grin and laughed when Mimi licked his cheek. “That really tickles, heh!”

“It flatters me too to find someone else who is fond of Mimi, however....” With another smile, Jing Yuan gently patted the lion’s back to signal her to back away from the young man. “As much I’d love for you to play with your new friend, I’m sorry, Mimi. But we have other matters to attend to today.”

Caelus watched the lion release a sad purr before reluctantly pulling herself away from her new companion. He couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness at the thought of leaving her, but today’s meeting agenda was with Jing Yuan, after all. Then, he saw a hand offered to him by the said himself. “I’m sorry for the distraction, Caelus. Please follow me.”

Taking hold of his hand to stand up, Caelus followed the General to a giant sand pit where they could talk more comfortably. On the side, there was a small tray of six Immortal Delights in different flavors and colors, just as Jing Yuan mentioned in his message.

Upon sitting down, the Trailblazer tried to calm the flutter of nerves that returned with a vengeance in his stomach. He was still in the presence of one of the most influential figures in Xianzhou Luofu, and he couldn’t help but feel a mix of awe and trepidation.

“I admit, I was surprised to receive your invitation,” Caelus said, his eyes meeting Jing Yuan’s not to have his nerves betray him again. “I didn’t expect to be summoned here by the General himself.”

Jing Yuan chuckled, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. “Oh? And why is that?”

“Well, I’m just a mere member of the Nameless, after all,” Caelus replied. “I’m not exactly someone of great importance or influence. I never imagined that someone like me would catch the attention of the General.”

The smile softened on Jing Yuan’s lips. He leaned his body to the side, picking up one Immortal Delight from the tray and handing it to Caelus. “A member, you claimed, but you are also a famous hero of the Astral Express. And more than that, I have heard of your stories of bringing back hope and life to a planet where you have shown great courage and skill in your duties. That is why I wanted to meet and get to know you better.”

Caelus felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment at the General’s praise. He had never been one to seek attention or recognition, and he was unaccustomed to such kind words.

“I, um... I don’t know what to say,” he stammered. “Thank you for the compliment, General. It means a lot to me....”

Jing Yuan smiled warmly, his gaze unwavering. “Please, call me Jing Yuan when it’s just us. And the pleasure is mine, Caelus. I’ve also wanted to meet the young man making such a difference in Xianzhou Luofu.”

With a small sweep of Jing Yuan’s hand, a holographic chessboard of 32 circular pieces was divided into two for both parties. The General looked back at Caelus, whose eyes now sparkled with amazement and curiosity, and chuckled warmly. “Now. Shall we begin your lesson of Starchess?”

“I would be honored, Jing Yuan,” Caelus replied with a nod, unable to hide the eagerness in his voice.

Jing Yuan smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners with amusement. “Excellent. Let me explain the rules to you first.”

Caelus listened attentively as Jing Yuan explained the game’s nuances, his eyes never leaving the holographic chessboard. The General’s voice was calm and reassuring, and he had a natural talent for teaching that was easy to pick up as he went along. Despite the game’s complexity, the Trailblazer quickly understood the basic mechanics.

As they began their first game, Caelus felt a thrill and excitement. He carefully moved his pieces, trying to anticipate Jing Yuan’s moves and plan his strategies. The General, in turn, offered guidance and advice, pointing out potential pitfalls and suggesting alternate moves.

As the game progressed, Caelus found himself getting more and more immersed in the world of Starchess. The Immortal Delights from the tray quickly depleted as each took a cup until none was left. Despite his inexperience, Caelus was determined to give his best, making daring moves of the unexpected and attempting to outwit his opponent.

To his surprise, the game was much closer than he expected. Jing Yuan proved to be a formidable opponent. A bold move was made to turn the tides in the General’s favor, and before Caelus knew it, his general piece was in checkmate. He sighed in defeat, but there was also a sense of satisfaction in having played such a challenging game.

“Well played, Caelus,” Jing Yuan complimented with a smile. “You showed great promise for someone new to Starchess.”

“Thank you, Jing Yuan,” Caelus replied with a satisfied grin. “I had a lot of fun. Starchess is much more exciting than I imagined!”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Jing Yuan laughed at the enthusiastic reply. “Starchess is not just a game of strategy, but it also requires intuition and adaptability. I can see that you have a natural talent for it.”

Caelus’s cheek reddened at the compliment, feeling a surge of pride in his chest. He never thought he would be praised by the General for anything, let alone for his skills in a board game. Yet, Jing Yuan continued fondly smiling at the sight before him. “Also, if you’d like—!”

“Pardon me, Jing Yuan,” Another voice interrupted their time; a dark maroon-haired Vidyahara woman walked in to bow respectfully at her superior. “I want to remind you that your meeting with the Helm-master Yukong will start soon. She has arrived and waited at the meeting room as requested.”

“I see...” A soft sigh left Jing Yuan’s lips, and he nodded to the woman. “Thank you, Qingzu. Please let her know I’ll be there soon.”

“Understood,” Qingzu acknowledged with a bow before turning to leave.

As she did, the General stood from his spot to let out another loud sigh. “Unfortunately, it seems our time has come to an end. I’m sorry for having to cut short our session, Caelus. Duty calls.”

Caelus returned with an understanding smile, Jing Yuan had important responsibilities to attend to as the General of the Luofu Cloud Knights. "It's okay, Jing Yuan. Thank you for inviting me today. I enjoyed learning Starchess from you and spending time with Mimi.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Jing Yuan said, returning the smile. “I had a great time too.”

As they walked back towards the Seat of Divine Foresight entrance, Caelus couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. On the one hand, It’s a shame that their time together had been cut short, but on the other hand, he was grateful for the opportunity to have learned a lot from the General. A once-in-a-lifetime chance to talk face-to-face with the General like this shouldn’t be taken for granted.

Before parting ways, Jing Yuan turned to Caelus and said, “If you’d like, Caelus, how about we schedule another session soon while waiting for Fu Xuan’s preparation?”

The latter turned his head to stare at the General with an astonished face. Did he hear him right? “Is that alright with you, General?”

“It’s not often I would get new players to challenge my skills, especially guests from afar,” Jing Yuan answered. “I have no doubt your natural talent will become a formidable player in no time. What do you say?”

“Of course,” The Trailblazer answered without hesitation and genuine enthusiasm. “I’d love to learn more from you to bring a challenge, General.”

“Good. I’ll send you another invitation for our next Starchess session soon. Until then, take care, my friend.” Jing Yuan bid him off with a smile that matched his gaze, which was as warm and golden as the sun he saw in Beloborg, before turning off to another direction to leave.

Caelus felt his heart skip at the words, ‘My friend.’ It was a small but significant phrase that filled him with warmth and happiness. He had never imagined that he would become friends with the General, but now it felt like they had known each other for much longer.

Little did he know that their sessions would become regular, be it meetups to play Starchess and drink tea. Or, their chat messages were often filled to discuss the books they had borrowed from each other.

And as they spent more time together, Caelus couldn’t help but wonder if there was something more between them, a connection that went beyond friendship. Until he soon realized why he always yearned to see that smile on Jing Yuan’s face every time they met...

=0=

As Caelus stood by the interior entrance of the Seat of Divine Foresight after reminiscing while waiting for Jing Yuan to return after needing his attention elsewhere shortly... Caelus now felt more intimidated than the first time he arrived. What had he gotten himself into? Had he fallen as low as that certain damn blue-haired yet ‘handsome’ scammer to be lusting for money?!

The Trailblazer lifted one hand to pinch the bridge of the nose, thinking back to himself. He greatly regretted getting bribed by Sampo for a measly amount of 5,000 credits to let him scot-free instead of handing him over to Pela for museum thievery. Though, he got to admit that credit was his lucky pull for that S rank fire dual gun user.

Maybe he should run while there’s a chance? Caelus glanced his head at the door. He’s a Nameless hero, after all. Jing Yuan would understand if people required his assistance urgently—

“Ah… That lion statue you’re looking over is one of my favorite pieces of work I have commissioned to the artisan. It was to commemorate Mimi when she had grown into adulthood many years ago.” The unexpected warm breath whispered into the Trailblazer’s ear made his face turn red and caused him to jump on the spot nearly.

Caelus moved one hand to cover his bright red ear and scurried as far back as he could, only to be greeted by that feline smirk on the General’s face. His flustered yellow eyes darted back and forth between Jing Yuan, and the said lion statue behind. “Oh, err, um… Y-Yeah! It definitely looks amazing that they had craved her regal mane and body. And even her eyes too!!”

“Fufu, the feeling is mutual. Also, I’m sorry for keeping you waiting, Caelus. Qingzu required me to check through a few documents urgently.”

The Trailblazer immediately shook his at the General’s apology and reassured him. “That’s fine, General. I wasn’t waiting that long, to be honest.”

“That’s a relieved thought to hear it. Also, I find the majestic door very tempting for one to take their leave without saying anything to the other. Don’t you think?” Jing Yuan’s golden eyes glinted with amusement at the shorter man knowingly.

“… I wanted to head outside to get some fresh air,” Caelus answered with the straightest face he mustered. “While waiting for your return, General.”

Whether Jing Yuan noticed the Trailblazer lying through his teeth again, he hummed with a smile. “I see. I would recommend the balcony behind my desk to provide a breather. It’s a nice place to relax and enjoy the scenery. But that would be another time. Come. Yanqing is at the courtyard to hone his sword today.”

Caelus followed the General through the familiar hallways to their destination without further objections. As they walked to the courtyard, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. The tales the General informed him of his disciple’s skills with the sword, and he was curious to see him in action. Plus, he knew he could learn much from the young disciple.

However, there was also another bubbling curiosity in his mind. Wouldn’t Dan Heng be more suitable if it was about Luofu’s military combat abilities? Surely, despite his elusiveness about his home, he should fare knowledge to teach the young boy better.

“I’m afraid if Yanqing had known it was Dan Heng who joined, there would be more salt rubbed into his wounded pride.” Jing Yuan voiced out his answer to the question the young man had in his head.

Caelus gave the General a confused expression, briefly tilting his head to the side. “Did something happen to Yanqing?”

“He had gone rouge on his own as you have found his recording from the Diting to hunt down Blade by himself.” Jing Yuan explained. “However, your friend Dan Heng was there too at that time, whom my disciple believed it was wise to take on against a wanted prisoner and the Xianzhou Luofu’s biggest traitor by himself.

“The arrogance and naivety resulting in his loss against my two old friends were more than enough punishment for his insubordination behavior as a lieutenant of the Cloud Knights. But....” Upon reaching the courtyard, Caelus’s followed Jing Yuan’s gaze to see the young blond-haired boy with a ponytail swinging a wooden sword by himself in the middle of the open field.

His movements were swift and precise. Each swing of his sword was graceful and resolute. But his amber eyes showed hints of frustration, anger, and sadness. It was evident that the memories of his previous defeat still haunted him.

Jing Yuan heaved a small sigh at his pupil and continued. “He isolated himself from his peers to reflect on his mistakes. And I have heard from his seniors he also declined to practice with them to do so by himself. The loss in that fight had wounded his pride far more severely than I feared....”

Watching the young boy’s swings grow more intense by his raw emotions, Caelus could understand and sympathize with the young disciple’s desire to prove himself. The frustration and self-doubt that came with defeat and helplessness, especially against a formidable opponent like Blade.

“I can see why you wanted to help him,” Caelus said softly, turning his gaze back to Jing Yuan. “He needs someone to help him heal from that defeat. Someone to guide and show him that it’s okay to make mistakes, as long as he learns from them and grows stronger against his future opponents.”

Jing Yuan nodded in agreement. “That’s why I thought it would benefit Yanqing to have you as a new partner, someone he can learn from and look up to. He has the potential to become a great swordsman and a valuable member of the Cloud Knights. But he needs support and encouragement, not just from me but also from his peers.”

Caelus now understood what the General was implying. To be Yanqing’s sparring partner meant more than just training together. It meant being a mentor, friend, and source of support for the young disciple, which he needed.

“I’ll do my best to support him,” Caelus said earnestly. “I may not be as skilled as you or Dan Heng, but I can offer him a different perspective and share my experiences. “

A warm and appreciative smile curled on Jing Yuan’s face. “Thank you, Caelus. Yanqing will appreciate your help. And having a friend like you by his side will mean a lot to him.”

While Caelus walked beside Jing Yuan to where the young disciple was, he swore in his heart that the General could be an unfair person by showing him that smile.

Hearing the approaching footsteps, Yanqing stopped swinging his sword to look at the source. “Oh, General, it’s you. Is there another urgent mission that came up...?”

The boy’s voice slowly trailed off upon spotting the gray-haired man beside his master. His face colored with wary yet curiosity at his presence. Jing Yuan shook his head and shifted to the said man beside him. “No. But I would like you to meet someone. This is Caelus. He is a member of the Nameless and our honored guest from afar, who had assisted Luofu to seal the Stellaron and defeated one of the enamators of Antimatter Legion.”

“Good afternoon, I’m Caelus. Nice to meet you, Yanqing.” Caelus greeted him with a friendly smile.

“Caelus...,” Yanqing repeated the familiar on his tongue. Where had he heard this name before...? Ah, his amber eyes widened in realization upon remembering and smiled. “You must be the one who found the jade tracer I left behind to hand it to the General. Thank you for doing so. My name is Yanqing, lieutenant of the Luofu Cloud Knights. If you have some free time now, Master Caelus, would you mind sparring with me? Don’t worry, I won’t go easy on you.”

“Someone’s eager,” Caelus commented in his thoughts. However, the young boy’s infectious enthusiasm wasn’t leaving him alone excited for a challenge. His right hand was already itching to bring his Curio bat into his hold.

“I’d be honored to spar with you, Yanqing,” Caelus replied with his challenging grin. “And don’t worry, I won’t hold back either.”

Jing Yuan stepped back to give them some space and nodded approvingly. “Very well. Remember, Yanqing. This is not just a battle to win but an opportunity to learn from each other. Caelus has faced formidable opponents and has a unique set of skills.”

Yanqing nodded solemnly, his previous frustration and self-doubt seemingly replaced with a renewed determination. “I understand, General. I’ll do my best.”

With that, both individuals take their positions to stand on opposite sides of the courtyard. Caelus brought forth his Curio bat while Yanqing replaced the wooden sword with his own. After glancing at the two, Jing Yuan faced the front and ordered. “Begin!”

The Cloud Knights lieutenant charged first, his sword swung towards Caelus upon reaching close. Caelus swiftly parried the strike with his Curio bat, feeling the cold impact of his swords meeting in his arms. As young as the retainer appeared, his speed and technique speak of an experienced warrior who had fought countless battles.

He spun on his heel, using the momentum to swing his Curio bat in a wide arc toward Yanqing’s side. The young swordsman deftly dodged the blow, their weapons clashing with a resounding sound. Both combatants engaged in a fast-paced exchange of blows with fluidity and grace. Each anticipated the other’s moves and tried to find openings in their defense.

Caelus felt the adrenaline pumping through his veins, and his senses sharpened as he focused on the duel. He could see Yanqing’s determination and a fierce desire to prove himself and grow stronger. Yanqing jumped backward, lifting two fingers in his right hand, and swung them forward with his other hand holding the sword. “Blade, in flight!”

A horde of flying swords made of ice conjured up in the air and rained toward the Trailblazer. The latter raised his bat, his left hand moving across to charge it with glowing blue energy. “Rules are made to be broken!”

He swung his weapon in a wide cross-shaped arc, creating a powerful shockwave that deflected the flying swords away. “You’ve outstayed your welcome!”

The two forces clashed in a spectacular display of power, creating a dazzling explosion of frost and light. The ice swords shattered into a thousand pieces, and Caelus was surrounded by swirling ice fragments.

The Trailblazer then charged forward, instantly closing the distance between him and Yanqing. Yanqing gritted his teeth, and his eyes narrowed at the familiar movement. He moved one of his hands to swipe against the air, summoning his ice swords spinning around him. “Practice is over.”

Leaping onto one of the swords, the lieutenant glided through the air. His hand swung again to command the remaining swords toward his opponents. “Swords, descend!”

Caelus quickly halted in his footsteps and parried each sword coming at him. However, the parried sword regained itself as though having a mind of its own to strike at him again. From one became two to three and more, he thought, “There’s never going to be an end to them at this rate. If that’s the case….”

After deflecting the last sword towards him, the Trailblazer lowered his bat to the side and commanded. “Will of Preservation, come forward.”

The Curio transformed into a burning jousting lance. He then positioned to the front, generating a glowing shield-shaped light faintly for a moment. The ice swords striking towards him were deflected as he stood steadfast against the cold.

“Is he trying to take them all?” It was Yanqing’s turn to wonder with a confused expression.

As the ice swords continued to rain down upon him, Caelus stood resolute, using the Ever-Burning Amber’s shield to deflect each strike effortlessly. The glowing shield emitted a faint warmth that countered the icy onslaught, creating a small bubble of protection around him.

Yanqing watched in amazement as the gray-haired young man effortlessly blocked each sword with his jousting lance alone. It was clear that the Trailblazer had a unique and powerful ability to manipulate the energy of different paths, a skill that was both impressive and intimidating.

With determination, the Cloud Knights lieutenant took a deep breath and gathered all his remaining ice swords to converge in a single, powerful attack. The swords returned to his side and charged together with their master, aimed straight at Caelus.

“Amidst the Raining Bliss!” Yanqing shouted.

Caelus’s yellow eyes narrowed as he recognized the incoming huge blow of Yanqing’s attack, pulling his lance behind and standing tall. He needed to wait another few more moments, watching his opponent coming closer to him… Now! “Lance ablaze!”

With a swift motion, Caelus whipped his jousting lance to conjure blazing fire on the ground and his sides, sending a wave of burning energy at the young lieutenant and his swords to burn them down. Both his hands gripped the base, and he, too, charged toward Yanqing. “Flaming lance! Forward!”

Behind Caelus, a trail of exploding fire burst against the ice swords, melting them all. The young swordsman reacted quickly, using the remaining swords to block the incoming attack. The impact of the clash sent a shockwave of frost and fire rippling through the air.

As the smoke cleared, Caelus stood tall and unscathed, taking his breath while his lance still glowed faintly in his grip. While Yanqing knelt on the ground with one knee and breathed heavily, his sword dropped onto the ground with a clatter.

Caelus then dispersed his lance into his inventory, rushing to where the young boy was. “Yanqing, are you—?”

“That was incredible!” Yanqing stood with his eyes sparkling with admiration, approaching close to the Trailblazer and continuing. “I’ve never met anyone with such skill and power before. Could you teach me how did you create those flames? Where did you get those weapons? Can I call you Teacher instead, Master Caelus?”

As the gray-haired young man watched Yanqing go on rambling all his questions, it looked like his fears for his well-being were unfounded. Instead of becoming more discouraged, the young boy instantly warmed up to him like other kids such as Clara and Hook. Maybe before he woke up in the space station, he had an affinity for taking care of young children.

Caelus grinned back to the keen young Yanqing. The young lieutenant’s admiration and eagerness to learn were contagious, reminding him of his determination when he started his journey as a Nameless hero.

“Of course, I’ll be happy to teach you,” Caelus replied. “The flames are an ability I have inherited from the Beloborg planet’s will of their preservation to save their home, including the lance, which was said to belong to their first Supreme Guardian, Alisa Rand. As for the bat itself, it is one of the Curios of the space station. I don’t know where it came from, but it must be important if it appeals to Madam Herta.”

“Is she your master who taught you how to use the bat?” Yanqing asked.

“No, she didn’t teach me, Yanqing. I—” Soon, the Trailblazer found words choked in his throat, and his world briefly spun around him. His head throbbed painfully for a moment. This familiar trance whenever he tried to recall a memory missing in his mind, yet only one name immediately came to Caelus. “Kafka…”

Yet, the utterance of the name in his throat wasn’t to that specific Stellaron hunter. Was there another person he was to remember? But who?

“Teacher?” The young boy’s voice snapped Caelus out of his trance, pulling him back to reality. Yanqing’s amber eyes expressed curiosity and concern at the odd behavior. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah, of course,” Caelus returned with a slight grin. “Anyway, I’ll show you the basics; with your talent, you’ll be able to master it in no time, Yanqing.”

Yanqing beamed at the compliment, his previous frustration and self-doubt now replaced with newfound determination and confidence. “Thank you, Teacher! I’ll do my best to learn from you and become a strong warrior like you!”

Caelus’s grin transformed into a warm smile as the young boy latched onto one of his arms happily. He lifted his other free hand to pat the light-blonde hair playfully. While doing so, they both turned to the approaching footsteps of Jing Yuan, who was smiling at them gently.

“Impressive spar, both of you,” Jing Yuan, who had been observing the spar with a watchful eye, stepped forward and nodded approvingly. “You both have grown stronger from your last battle, and I do not doubt you will continue growing even further.”

Caelus felt a surge of pride and happiness at the General’s words; to receive praise from someone as respected and powerful as Jing Yuan was an honor. Yanqing tugged Caelus’s arm eagerly to the General. “Hey, General, could the Teacher stay with us? I can learn lots of skills from him and show him around the ship too! He hasn’t seen the best places where the blades were made and the competition for the sword champion too!”

Soon, the happiness became dread, unfortunately from the young boy’s unintentional plea. Becoming a permanent resident wasn’t something Caelus could do as his duty as a Nameless member; Yanqing needed to know that. He patted Yanqing’s head more gently this time. “Thanks, Yanqing, but… I can’t stay here in Luofu for a very long time. I’ll need to travel with my friends on the Express to different planets to prevent destruction by Stellarons.”

“Oh…,” The sullen expression on the young boy’s face broke Caelus’s heart with guilt. He mustn’t have many friends besides his master to be close with.

Caelus quickly reassured him as an idea came into his mind. “But, you can always come on the Express whenever we dropped by. I have checked with the Conductor, Miss Himeko, and Mr. Yang. They are always welcome to have new visitors onboard the train.”

“I see…” Yanqing’s excitement returned slightly. He nodded in understanding and begged. “But can you still come and teach me sometimes?”

Just before the Trailblazer could answer, Jing Yuan turned to him and smiled. “I’m sure you can spare some time to come and visit us, right, Caelus? Not just for training but also to chat with Yanqing. He has grown very close to you in seconds, and I think he would greatly benefit from your guidance and support.”

Behind the white-haired General’s smile, Caelus cursed internally if Jing Yuan ever looked into the mirror to see himself sometimes. By how smug he was expressing, he should be called ‘The White-Faced General’ instead of the ‘Dozing General.’ Well, at least he was still getting significantly paid for his services.

Though Yanqing’s amber eyes gave puppy eyes look like how similar he was to Peppy, he nodded reluctantly and sighed in resignation. “Alright, I’ll come and visit sometimes. But remember, I still have my responsibilities, so I won’t be able to stay for too long.”

The young lieutenant’s face lit up with joy, and he hugged Caelus tightly. “Thank you, Teacher!”

Jing Yuan smiled warmly at the scene, his gaze briefly meeting Caelus’s. “Thank you, Caelus. Also, would you like to visit Mimi while you’re still here? She yearned to see you again, and it has been long since you last visited her.”

“So, the Teacher knows Snow Lion too? In that case, you should stay for tea too! Please? I would like to hear your story of receiving the lance.”

“Alright, alright,” Caelus finally relented with a chuckle. “I’ll stay for tea, but just for a little while. I still have some things to take care of back on the Express.”

Yanqing cheered, his eyes shining with excitement. “Yay! You’re the best, Teacher!”

As they returned to the Seat of Divine Foresight, Caelus couldn’t help but feel both grateful and apprehensive. He knew he was walking a dangerous path, getting closer to Jing Yuan and his disciples. But he also couldn’t deny the warmth and camaraderie he felt in their presence.

Notes:

Edit: I'm surprised not many figured out, and I may not have put it well... The White-Faced General which is a Xiangqi Checkmate move. Jing Yuan had used his retainer on purpose to get Caelus to go with his plan as being Yanqing's teacher 😂😅

Firstly, I would like to thank for those who have bookmark, dropping kudos and/or giving comments to this fic. I definitely wasn't expecting it since I really wanted to feed this rare pair for AllCaelus ship in general. But again, I'm really glad you have enjoyed the fic so far!

Yanqing has been on my mind for this plot ever since his companion mission was out. I wanted to write a Part 2 of it where he actually meets Caelus to get the invitation to the Express instead of how it had ended to be a follow-up to 1.2 Main story. I wanted to see him bonding with Caelus and actually calling him a Teacher, so this is my own self-fulfilling chapter on Yanqing's Companion Quest Part 2 to see it 😭

For Mimi, I have read both the General's diary and even read Qingzu's NPC dialogue. But someone in reddit did bring up a good point to wonder if Snowmoon and Snow Lion are the same lions or two different lions. I'm headcanon it as a different lion for this case unless there would be more lore into this.

I think currently so far, the Trailblazer is like Traveler who are defaulted to using one weapon or one path. But from the museum event, it seems like they still keep the lance inherited from Alisa so I'm guessing they are able to switch it around in battle when needed.

Lastly, there's going to be one Canon Divergence AU to be added in it. With one scene to hook onto it, well... I hope you guys like the chapter so far!

Chapter 3: Dreams of the Past and A Visit to the Artisanship Commission

Summary:

“What are you two doing here?” Caelus whispered back and rolled his eyes at her. “Don’t tell me that slacking off in the weaponsmith’s dusty backroom is your new hideout?”

“Does this look like a good place to slack off and play Celestial Jade?” Qingque quipped.

“You tell me as the seasoned slacker of Xianzhou Luofu.”

“Enough, you two!” It was Bailu’s turn to finally hiss at the squabbling pair. “We all will be caught by the Master Diviner and the Alchemy Commission if you keep arguing like this!”

Notes:

WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS ONE MAJOR SPOILERS FROM KAFKA'S COMPANION MISSION WHEN THE MC HAVE CHOSEN TO HELP HER. IF YOU HAVE REJECTED OR HAVE NOT START THE QUEST, PLEASE AVOID READING UNTIL YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE QUEST!
But, it may still be an AU considering how Kafka is like with her games. So this is more of precaution for those who have yet to start the companion mission. And also, this chapter features a unique duo of Bailu & Qingque whom I hope they'd meet to interact more with each other.

“So, you ran across the giant robot’s arm to get to Cocolia? That’s amazing!” Yanqing exclaimed as he leaned forward eagerly to hear the stories from the young man opposite him.

He was practically bouncing excitedly after they settled down for tea minutes earlier. Caelus shared how he had obtained the lance during his adventures on Jarilo-VI, and Yanqing listened with rapt attention. He was amazed by the tales of battles and bravery, and Caelus couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride as he saw the admiration in the young Lieutenant’s eyes.

Caelus laughed at his excitement; his one hand moved to caress the white lion’s head resting beside him. “It’s also a race against time to prevent her from fully utilizing the Stellaron’s powers to destroy her home. When I was close to her, she threw the lance at me. There, I gained the blessings of the first Supreme Guardian and their Aeon to protect their home.”

Yanqing’s amber eyes widened in awe as he listened to Caelus’s tale. His mind tried to picture a fierce battle against Cocolia with the help of the Engine of Creation, which the Trailblazer described to him ‘Try to think of it as Aurumation Gatekeeper, but they are as huge as the General’s Lightning-Lord.’ A lance impaled into his heart, and the blessings of a Supreme Guardian were like something out of a thrilling adventure story.

“That’s incredible!” Yanqing exclaimed again. He slammed his hands onto the table as his voice filled with admiration. “To think you fought against such powerful enemies to protect a planet... You must be powerful, Teacher.”

Caelus smiled, a mix of humility and pride in his expression. “Strength comes from determination and the will to protect what you care about. And you, Yanqing, have that same determination. I’ve seen it in our spar today.”

The young disciple puffed his chest with pride, his determination fueled even more by Caelus’s words. “I’ll keep training hard and become even stronger! One day, I want to be able to protect Luofu just like you are traveling and protecting other planets.”

Sitting by his young disciple’s side, Jing Yuan quietly sipped his tea and chimed in. “That’s an admirable goal, Yanqing. Remember, strength doesn’t just come from physical prowess but also from understanding your opponents, being adaptable, and having the heart to protect. And with Caelus’s guidance, I’m sure you’ll achieve great things.”

Yanqing nodded enthusiastically, his determination unwavering. “Yes, General! I’ll learn everything I can from Teacher Caelus!”

Caelus chuckled. “Well, I’ll try to teach you everything I know. And who knows, maybe someday you’ll be teaching me a thing or two.”

While Yanqing grinned brightly at the prospect, the Luofu General hummed to himself. “Speaking of planets, I have finished reading the files you shared with me from the data bank, Caelus.”

“Oh? What do you think, General?” Caelus wondered.

“After sitting in this Seat of Divine Foresight for so long, I can’t help but overlook the world outside Luofu’s delves.” Jing Yuan shifted his head slightly to look at the dusk sky as the artificial sun slowly descended. “That, combined with the long lifespan of Xianzhou humans, made me feel that the entire world is boring and changeless as myself. However, now I’ve learned the wondrous encounters of the Express Crew, I realized that using my endless lifespan to travel various worlds would be a fun venture indeed.”

“We can go together with the Teacher, General,” Yanqing insisted to reassure his master. “I’m sure it would be a fun trip to look for new opponents to battle!”

Jing Yuan laughed at the young boy’s usual passionate love for battles. “True, Yanqing. That reminds me… My dream as a young boy was to become a Galaxy Ranger. Pity that life never goes the way you want it to go.”

Caelus chuckled at the wry smile curled on the General’s lips. “If given the chance, where would you want to go?”

“Perhaps I’ll go seek out animals that have already gone extinct in Xianzhou. I’m certain Mimi would be happy if there were more companions to play with her,” After giving a warm gaze to his pet lion, Jing Yuan sighed wistfully. “Unfortunately... I still shoulder Luofu’s countless duties and cannot accompany them. But if I were to retire one day, what should I do?”

“Our Express is pretty big. You can come visit too, General,” The Trailblazer answered with a grin, and Mimi roared happily in agreement. But, it wasn’t as if someone like the General himself would be interested in looking around at their train.

Jing Yuan returned to Caelus with a meaningful gaze as he grinned fondly. “If that’s a personal invitation, Caelus, then I might consider it.”

Immediately, the gray-haired young man’s face became as red as the Berrypheasant Skewers from Jing Yuan’s answer. “O-Oh, uh... Of course. I mean to say... It would be an honor if you visit us on behalf of the crew, General.”

He quickly took his teacup beside him and downed his drink all in one shot, forgetting how it was still steaming hot and burning his throat. That definitely wasn’t what he was expecting! Was the General teasing him again without him knowing it?!

Looking at Caelus, who began coughing violently from the burning pain, and the smiling General with curiosity, Yanqing could only express confusion about the exchange that had just taken place. To him, it was just his teacher and his master chatting.

Just as the moment's awkwardness dissipated, the door to Jing Yuan’s office slid open, and Qingzu entered, carrying a stack of reports in her arms. “General Jing Yuan, I apologize for the interruption, but Fu Xuan has sent these reports that require your review.”

Jing Yuan’s golden eyes quickly scanned the large stack waiting for his attention. He sighed in mock exasperation. “Lady Fu and her reports... You can leave it on my desk. I’ll take a look at them as soon as possible.”

As Qingzu walked over to the desk, Caelus saw the genuine weariness in Jing Yuan’s eyes. This was a stark reminder of his responsibilities to his people and duties.

The General stood from his seat and turned to the Trailblazer with an apologetic grin. “Let us stop for today. Qingzu brought in the documents that required urgent attention. Though... Just looking at the documents gives me a headache.”

“Understood, General...” Yanqing nodded as he stood, his expression mixed with disappointment and understanding. The Trailblazer felt terrible for the young boy on having to leave so early after finding a new friend to talk to.

At that moment, Caelus felt his phone vibrate and took out to see the notification, which was a message itself.

“Woah, it’s that late already?” The Trailblazer thought to himself. Talked about time flies when you are having a lot of fun.

“You’re working hard, General.” Caelus also stood and quickly reassured the older man as he returned his phone to his pocket. “I’m sorry I can’t be of help...”

“No, the fact you have spent your time with Yanqing, it’s enough for me to squeeze out some time to chat with you, Caelus.” Jing Yuan smiled assuredly at the younger man. “You may find Qingzu to receive your payment from her. All in all, I shall return to work. Farewell, Caelus.”

“See you tomorrow, Teacher!” Yanqing bid the Trailblazer off before the former made his way to the exit.

As Caelus stepped out of the tea room and into the bustling hallways of the Seat of Divine Foresight, he found the anxiety on his shoulders lifted after today’s tea session. Despite his initial reluctance, he was genuinely enjoying the company of Yanqing and Jing Yuan. It felt like a respite from his endless missions and battles.

It may not be a bad idea, every once in a while, to spend time with Yanqing and earn those credits for his future gacha game banners, like killing two birds with one stone. Caelus smiled at that thought as he found Qingzu to get his dues.

=0=

The humid night in the dark, desolate street only amplified the battering noises in the alley. A bat swung onto the battered and bloodied unconscious man on the ground. Each swing of the bat caused blood to splatter onto the hooded boy’s face, dark coat, and light shirt underneath.

The perpetrator’s detached yellow eyes spared not a single shred of emotion. The young man’s breath remained steady as if performing a mundane task. His hands moved skillfully, almost mechanically, swinging the bat with calculated precision. It was a chilling sight, the contrast between the brutality of the act and the eerie calmness of the one committing it.

As the final blow landed with a sickening thud, the man lowered the bat and stepped back, his gaze never leaving the lifeless figure before him. The alley was now painted in a gruesome tableau, a scene of violence and death that would send shivers down anyone’s spine.

“Do you truly feel satisfaction from that, Caelus?” An unknown voice spoke behind Caelus, making the boy turn around to see -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ near the wall. “The way you hold your blade speaks volumes. You have a long way to go. You shouldn’t have wasted too much time to finish him.”

“This would be more efficient to complete -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋’s script for today,” The hooded young man said without emotion. “If he still lives, -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋... -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ would waste his time to find alternatives before the group arrives.”

He swung his bat to flick off the fresh blood way, and as he did so, another pair of footsteps entered the alley with the heels clacked in a loud echo. A familiar beautiful young woman with red wine-colored hair tied in a messy ponytail, wearing a white dress shirt and a black leather jacket hanging off her shoulders, smiled at them. Now, -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋, there’s no need to be too harsh. After all, he did learn from the best teacher he had.”

“The rest, Kafka?” -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ refused to humor the intruder’s amusement.

“-̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ have already finished their role in setting up the route to infiltrate the building. They are waiting for us at the meeting point, -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋. -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ wants to talk to them once their role in this mission is done.” Kafka hummed to herself. Her light-pinkish eyes only examined the bloody surroundings with an indifferent expression.

Soon, her eyes landed on Caelus, and a soft sigh left her lips. She approached the young man and retrieved a white handkerchief from her shorts to wipe the blood off his attire. “Removing bloodstains from coats can be complicated when you clean them, Caelus. You need to be more careful when you are fighting. Understand?”

“Yes, Kafka.”

Kafka gently smiled at him, her gloved hand holding the handkerchief moved to clean the blood on Caelus’s face. “How was -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋’s script this time...? Did you have fun, Caelus?”

Fun... Was it fun? He hadn’t even registered the notion. The adrenaline in his bloodstream seemed to blur the lines between reality and his detached existence. He stood there, bloodstained and surrounded by the aftermath of violence. It was a strange question to ask in such a context.

Kafka’s gaze remained steady on him, her smile soft and enigmatic, as if she could read the turmoil within him. He didn’t know how to answer her. Would it be a ‘predicted’ answer -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ would have told her if he did? Or...

A weak groan emitted behind Caelus, alerting the three people’s attention. -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ stood off from the wall and stared down at their target. “He still lives.”

Before Kafka could peek over, Caelus wordlessly turned to stand above his bloodied prey and gazed at him with a frightened whimper. His bat shifted to position directly where the forehead, and his cold yellow eyes returned the whimper without mercy before using his bat to bash the skull. “You’ve outstayed your welcome.”

BAM!

Inside a cabin room on the Astral Express, Caelus woke up with a start in his loose white shirt and dark shorts, his heart pounding as the remnants of the violent dream clung to his mind like a suffocating fog. The transition from the grim alley to the quiet, dimly lit cabin room aboard the Express was disorienting, but it took only a moment for him to regain his bearings.

He took a shaky breath, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand. The images from the dream still lingered, vivid and haunting. The blood, violence, and detached calmness were all too real, even though he knew it had been just a dream.

The room around him was peaceful, a stark contrast to the chaos of his dream. He could hear the soft hum of the Express’s engines and the faint creaking of the train as it glided through space. Moonlight filtered through the window, casting an ethereal glow on the surroundings.

Caelus closed his eyes, trying to calm his racing heart and clear his mind. It was just a dream, he reminded himself. A manifestation of his own fears and anxieties that the Stellaron inside him amplified. Or, it could be as March feared that Kafka had manipulated him when he interrogated her alone about her role in Xianzhou and his role too.

But the emotions he had experienced in that dream were raw and unsettling, leaving a lingering unease within him. As though he had lived his life as a different person, a darker and more ruthless version of himself.

Pushing those thoughts aside, Caelus stood up and walked over to the small sink in the corner of the room. He splashed some water on his face, the cool liquid helping to dispel the remnants of the dream. He stared at his reflection in the mirror, his yellow eyes meeting his own gaze.

“It’s Kafka’s manipulation, I’m sure of it,” He whispered to himself as if trying to reassure his reflection and the lingering shadows in his mind. “I’m not that person she or that Elio expects me to be.”

As he dried his face, a notification pinged on his phone. He glanced at it, his heart rate slowing down as he read the message, and his lips unconsciously smiled warmly.

It seemed like the young boy intended to keep his word to bring him around the ship. A surprise, yet Caelus was more than welcome at the invitation. He moved his fingers onto the phone to enter his reply.

Caelus felt a slight smile tug at the corners of his lips. Despite the unsettling dream, he was grateful for the distraction. He needed to focus on the present, his connections with people like Yanqing, and his chosen path.

=0=

“Here, Teacher, which do you think it’s better?” Yanqing asked while holding two different swords in his hold, while Caelus raised one hand to his chin to rub thoughtfully.

After meeting with Yanqing, the young boy eagerly brought Caelus to the food stand for snacks. Caelus wondered if the Stellaron could give him a second stomach by how delicious the Songlotus Cake tasted. Though, he realized he earned occasional stares from the natives while chewing the food.

The two then boarded one of the passenger Starskiffs and headed to Yanqing’s frequent store, where he praised the blacksmith for having the best swords he made. Caelus inspected closer at the two swords. One sword was sheathed in a reddish-pink water currents scabbard on Yanqing’s right hand, while the other was a well-polished black wooden scabbard. “Is there anything special about them?”

“I’m glad you asked!” Yanqing directed his gaze at the blade on his right hand. “One is of Vidyadhara make, forged with the exotic corallium metal of Scalegorge Waterscape and tempered with thaumaspring water. It can be wielded as normal under many extreme circumstances. It’s a masterpiece!”

He lifted the other sword on his left and continued. “The other one is Shadeslink Sword, forged by the Furnace Master himself using an outworld crystal jade. Its luster is compelling, and it’s fitted with the newest flight component. It can be connected with the wielder’s consciousness and sent flying across the battlefield. It’s so cool!”

Yanqing’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. “So, Teacher, which one do you think I should get?”

Caelus smiled, his gaze shifting between the two swords. He closed his eyes to nod sagely, answering with a teasing tone. “Well, Yanqing, why limit yourself to just one? Only children have to make a choice. Just get both!”

But how much did a lieutenant job in Xianzhou earn? Especially when it came to someone as young as a prodigy like Yanqing. In any case, Yanqing deserved a wise opinion to hear before deciding on his purchase.

“Anyhow, Yanqing, if I have to pick, I would choose—Huh?” Caelus opened his eyes and widened upon seeing the said boy had disappeared before him. Where did he go?! He didn’t hear any sounds of running. Yanqing couldn’t have gone far off from here, right?!!

Before the Trailblazer contemplated whether to message Jingyan for a Diting to search for Yanqing... The latter suddenly ran out of the store, holding both swords in his hold, and his cheeks flushed red. Despite being out of breath, the sparkle in Yanqing’s amber eyes shone brighter than before. “Bought! I don’t care, whatever comes, I’ll deal with them at the end of the month!”

The worries for the young Lieutenant slowly replaced with a dumbstruck expression on Caelus’s face, followed by a loud and hearty laughter escaping from his mouth. “That’s right, Yanqing. Just don’t care!”

“I can let you admire it a little after I polish it! Thank you for the advice, Caelus!” Yanqing beamed, dispersing his newly purchased swords into his inventory. “So, what about you? Did any of the swords here come to your liking, Teacher?”

Caelus shook his head and answered. “No, I’m good. The weapons I have are more than enough for combat.”

“What?!” Yanqing exclaimed in disbelief. “You should pick one, Teacher! You rarely get to see such beautiful blades like this in Luofu. Even if you don’t bring it to your battles, you could keep it as a memory of coming here!”

“Alright, if you insist so,” The Trailblazer chuckled at the earnest plea. After receiving the credits from Qingzu and finally pulling the limited S-rank unit to show to Silverwolf, Caelus recalled having enough to splurge for himself a bit more until the next banner arrived. “I promise I won’t be long once I find a suitable blade.”

After Yanqing acknowledged with a nod, he entered the store and walked through the rows of intricately crafted swords, showcasing each one with pride and detailing their unique features. Each was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, with unique engravings and enchantments that spoke of their histories. Caelus couldn’t help but be impressed by the skill and artistry that went into creating these weapons.

But he also felt a sense of detachment. These swords were undoubtedly masterpieces, but they didn’t have the same meaning for him as for Yanqing.  Maybe, he should ask the owners for recommendations to purchase.

Looking around the store, Caelus soon spotted a figure with light brown hair crouching behind the row of swords near the wall. “Excuse me, I would like to hear your recommendations of the best sword you have….”

His words slowly died off when he also spotted beside the now familiar light-brown-haired girl with two low pigtails, a recognizable young child-like Vidyadhara lady Caelus knew too well…. His facial expression was stunned and utterly dumbstruck at what he had discovered. “B… Bailu? Qingque? What are you—Woah!?”

Qingque immediately yanked the Trailblazer down by grabbing one of his arms. She lifted one finger to place against her lips and hissed. “Shh! You will snitch both of us!”

“What are you two doing here?” Caelus whispered back and rolled his eyes at her. “Don’t tell me that slacking off in the weaponsmith’s dusty backroom is your new hideout?”

“Does this look like a good place to slack off and play Celestial Jade?” Qingque quipped.

“You tell me as the seasoned slacker of Xianzhou Luofu.”

“Enough, you two!” It was Bailu’s turn to finally hiss at the squabbling pair. “We all will be caught by the Master Diviner and the Alchemy Commission if you keep arguing like this!”

Caelus’s eyes darted between Bailu and Qingque, his surprise becoming a mixture of amusement and exasperation. “Master Diviner and the Alchemy Commission? Seriously? What did you actually do this time?”

Bailu’s cheeks turned a faint shade of pink as her lips pouted. “It’s not what it looks like, Caelus! We really don’t have much time before they find us.”

Qingque nodded in agreement to the Vidyadhara lady. “Just as she said, it’s really a long story, and I promised we would explain it to you once you help us get out of here. “

Caelus sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He had already foreseen with a headache how this would turn out. “You two really have a knack for finding trouble, don’t you?”

“I suppose you could put it that way.” Bailu offered a sheepish smile, not a single shed of guilt hidden behind the smile.

Just as they huddled together in the corner of the store, Yanqing peered over after spotting where his teacher was crouching. “Ah, there you are, Teacher! Have you found any sword here to your liking—?”

The unexpected appearance of the young Lieutenant made both Bailu and Qingque freeze in fear, with their eyes widened in horror. Yanqing’s amber eyes widened in surprise, darting back and forth between the two. “The Dragon Lady and… You are one of the Diviners under Diviner Fu, right?”

After finding a faint shred of courage to move, Qingque scooted close to the Trailblazer to whisper into his ears. “Hey, why is the Lieutenant of the Cloud Knights here?! Are you guys secretly in cahoots all this time?!!”

“Of course not. Yanqing has brought me to the Artisanship Commission to look at the swords here.”

“It is what the Teacher said,” Yanqing agreed to Caelus’s answer. “I have brought Teacher Caelus to the Artisanship Commission to look at our swords made by the Furnace Master.”

Qingque’s green eyes widened in disbelief. “Teacher? Since when did you get promoted to such a high post?!”

“It’s a long story. I’ll explain later.” Caelus mimicked her words earlier with a sigh.

However, the Lieutenant’s amber eyes soon narrowed after seemingly putting the pieces together in his head. “But, does this mean you have sneaked the Dragon Lady out without the permission of the Vidyahara Elders? This is a serious crime you have committed.”

Caelus could almost feel the tension as everyone exchanged nervous glances. He cleared his throat, trying to come up with a quick explanation. “Uh, Yanqing, it’s not what you think. We’re just… uh, discussing swords. I was looking for a sword to purchase, and I found them looking for it too.”

Yanqing’s eyebrows furrowed, clearly skeptical of Caelus’s explanation. “Discussing swords? In secret, and with the Dragon Lady and a Diviner? That doesn’t sound like a casual discussion to me.”

Bailu and Qingque exchanged a nervous glance before Bailu spoke up, her voice slightly trembling. “Lieutenant Yanqing, we really can’t explain right now. We promise it’s not what you’re thinking. But, it’s for the benefit of all my patients I treated.”

Yanqing’s gaze shifted between their faces, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. “Is it true?”

Caelus knew he had to tread carefully. Given his position, he didn’t want Yanqing to rat the two ladies to the higher-ups. “It’s… complicated. However, you can trust them, especially Qingque. She doesn’t mean any ill intention of sneaking Bailu out of her place.”

“Yes, that’s right.” Qingque agreed, swallowing her saliva down. “I’m helping the Dragon Lady under her orders for her duty. She consulted me for my advice but doesn’t feel comfortable discussing with the Elders watching over her. So, please help us, Lieutenant! I promise to come clean once we get out of here.”

Looking between his own Teacher Caelus and the two young ladies, Yanqing’s eyes flickered with understanding upon sincerity, and he nodded slowly. “Alright, I’ll help you out.”

Bailu and Qingque both let out a sigh of relief, clearly grateful for Yanqing’s understanding. The latter clasped both hands together and bowed gratefully. “Thank you very much, Lieutenant!”

Yanqing nodded, then turned towards the Trailblazer. “Will you be distracting the Master Diviner, Teacher?”

“That’s the plan. Do you know any nearby starskiffs we could borrow?”

Taking out his phone, Yanqing moved his fingers to scroll through his screen, his amber eyes scanning the information. “There is a cargo starskiff leaving the area in 10 minutes to the Cloudford. I’ll escort the two of them out of here.”

Caelus nodded in agreement as he stood up from the ground. “I’ll head there as soon as possible through the Space Anchor. Just make sure you’re also safe yourself, don’t be too reckless.”

“Understood, Teacher. Oh, by the way,” Yanqing gave a determined nod and then tiptoed to whisper into his teacher’s ears with a smile. “The General has said that even though her counsel has always been wise and accurate, she lacks patience, and her quick temper only brings trouble to her intellect. I’m sure you will be able to know how to distract her with this.”

Yellow eyes blinked in surprise at the unexpected revelation. However, by the devilish smile on Yanqing’s lips, Caelus’s own head had already begun forming plans he was notorious by March for.

“You really know how to use her weaknesses, don’t you? Thanks for the tip, Yanqing.” Caelus replied, his lips curving into a mischievous smile. “Now, you better get going and ensure the safety of those two troublemakers.”

Yanqing’s smile widened a glint of excitement in his amber eyes. “Don’t worry, Teacher. I’ll handle it. Just remember to make a timely entrance, and I’m sure everything will go smoothly.”

Heading out of the store first, Caelus’s head turned to his left and right, and he soon saw the familiar pink-haired petite woman walking down the steps towards where they were. Also, behind Master Diviner Fu Xuan were two women in light green uniforms standing on her left and right.

Caelus took a deep breath, his heart racing with nerves and anticipation. He adjusted his stance, adopting an easygoing demeanor as he greeted the approaching entourage.

“Ah, Fu Xuan,” Caelus greeted with a respectful nod, his tone polite and composed. “What an unexpected pleasure to run into you here. I hope I’m not intruding.”

Fu Xuan’s eyes, sharp and calculating, met his with a curious yet unfazed gaze. “Caelus… I didn’t anticipate encountering you, either. Just a leisurely stroll, I assume?”

The Trailblazer chuckled, his charming grin often shown when talking to Xikui, Natasha, or Eris. “Oh, you know me, always trying to find a moment of respite after the chaos. And who might these lovely ladies be?”

The Master Diviner rolled her eyes. Fu Xuan introduced them with a hint of formality. “These are members of the Alchemy Commission and personal caretakers for the Dragon Lady. But I’m afraid I can’t linger for long.”

“Oh, speaking of the Dragon Lady, I think I saw her with Qingque going that way.” Caelus smoothly intercepted to stand in front of the three women, one hand raised to point in the opposite direction they were heading towards.

As their view was blocked by the Trailblazer’s figure, Yanqing peeked his head out to look in both directions. Once his teacher had distracted them, he signaled with one of his hands to allow Bailu and Qingque to scurry out of the store.

For a moment, Caelus could’ve sworn to see the Master Diviner’s eyebrows twitch in irritation at mentioning her employee’s name. Otherwise, her face remained stoic, and she crossed her arms. “Is that so? What a coincidence, Caelus. I have foreseen much earlier that Qingque had brought the Dragon Lady to that shop there before running here after noticing the sight of her caretakers.”

“Maybe they are still there? I came from there not too long ago, seeing them hiding behind the wall at the back of the store.” The Trailblazer put one of his hands on his hips, lifting one of his eyebrows at the growing irritated face.

“Are you questioning my divination?”

Caelus quickly raised both his hands, palms out, placatingly. “Oh, no, not at all, Master Diviner. I would never doubt your extraordinary abilities. It’s just that... Well, you know how it is with these bustling marketplaces. It’s easy to lose sight of people in the crowd. I merely thought I’d share what I observed. Just in case you might want to... Ahem, confirm the accuracy of your foresight.”

Fu Xuan’s gaze narrowed, clearly not amused by his response. “I assure you, Caelus, my visions are never inaccurate. These visions have all been able to lead to our victories ingrained into our history.”

“Of course, of course,” Caelus quickly acquiesced, a slight grin on his lips. “I wouldn’t dream of suggesting otherwise. After all, the General has praised and informed us that your reputation as the Master Diviner is impeccable.”

The Master Diviner’s lips twitched, and for a moment, it seemed like she might argue further. However, with a resigned sigh, she turned her attention back to Bailu’s caretakers. “We shall investigate the matter further, then. Thank you for your, ah, input, Caelus.”

“You’re welcome, Master Diviner. If you’ll excuse me, I should head back to my exploration. Enjoy your day.”

With a final nod, the Trailblazer walked ahead and turned the corner, his heart pounding with relief and exhilaration. As he rounded a corner, he took out his phone upon feeling the vibration, a message notification from Yanqing. ‘I have sent you the location, Teacher. Hope to see you there!’

Caelus chuckled quietly to himself at the young boy’s message. “It looks like they managed to get to the Starskiff without issue.”

While making his way to the space anchor after successfully outwitting the Master Diviner herself, if he stayed any longer... Caelus could’ve heard for the first time how Lady Fu cursed viciously at how her employee could even escape her divination.

Notes:

I hope this chapter isn't that out of character for Bailu, Qingque and Yanqing especially. The three have yet to meet each other in-game and they don't have much voicelines too. But it's still a fun chapter for me in having Caelus bumping into both Bailu and Qingque after their usual shenanigans of both escaping from their respective roles XD

I wanted to continue this chapter longer, but I think it deserved a good end here after Caelus's habit of pissing people off when needed works where it intended. Hope you guys enjoy this chapter too!

Chapter 4: Escape and Alliance

Summary:

Caelus's mind raced, processing the unexpected connection between Bailu's secret meetings with Qingque and her interest in the game. "So, in other words, you’re trying to get gambling legal and approved for the health benefits?”

“And I see that as an absolute win!” Qingque exclaimed. “There have been studies on the Celestial Jade itself before it disappeared. It reduces possibilities of mental illness like depression, improves hand-eye coordination, trains concentration and pattern recognition, but mainly, it helps to ward off chances of being struck by Mara! There are so many benefits when playing Celestial Jade isn’t just for leisure but also a good brain exercise for all ages. Be it long-lived or short-lived people!!”

Notes:

This chapter is done slightly more faster than usual as it was meant to be a part of Chapter 3. But I thought cutting into two with Fu Xuan's cliffhanger was to end it off with a comedic note XD

DING! Caelus reached for the omni-synthesizer and twisted the lid in the center, revealing its prepared items. He retrieved two bottles of Soda, their labels glistening in the light, and one bottle of transparent-colored Energy drink, the liquid inside seemingly pulsating with vitality. The drinks were chilled and ready to be enjoyed.

He glanced over at Yanqing and Qingque, sitting on the ground in a circle to take a break from being able to fend off the last Alchemy Commission member. And now, all four were hiding behind one of the storage crates at Cloudford. Before arriving, Caelus had taken a detour as per Bailu’s request to buy a bottle of Steamed Puffergoat Milk she was drinking from.

“The refreshments are ready,” Caelus announced, making the three perk up to where he was.

“Ah, thank you, Teacher!” Yanqing looked up, his amber eyes brightening at the pinkish bottle handed to him. Immediately, he downed the drink in one go after shaking the bottle and moaned happily. “This drink is amazing, Teacher! I have heard this is made of happiness and sweetness itself, but I never tried it myself until now. Maybe I should convince the Sky-faring commission to allow imports of this drink for all to try!”

“These Energy Drinks too!” Qingque exclaimed with her green eyes sparkling. “Even though they are tasteless, I can feel myself playing another ten or twenty rounds of Celestial Jade!”

After opening the Soda to take a drink, Caelus raised his bottle and grinned at everyone. “Cheers. To a successful escapade and whatever comes next.”

“Cheers!” Yanqing, Qingque, and Bailu raised their bottles as high as possible.

Drinking the last sip, Bailu put her milk bottle down and shifted her body to face Caelus. “Still, it’s the first time I have seen the Master Diviner more stressed out than usual. Our supply of sugar powder has yet to come for the medicinal eye-soothing tea when she required it soon.”

“No kidding, even I have never seen her this mad. Look,” Qingque put down her drink to take out her phone, sharing what she had shown on her screen. “She’s already running the other Diviners more than the usual overtime we did!”

Yanqing leaned in to look at the screen, eyebrows raised at the flurry of messages and alerts. "The Master Diviner's certainly not taking it lightly. But at least that doesn’t seem like she will continue to search for both of you today.”

“So… Why did you guys go through all that trouble to be so secretive from them?” Caelus finally asked the big elephant in the room that started the fiasco in the first place.

“Right,” Bailu sighed. She would need to face the music sooner than later to keep her promise. “I had asked Qingque to meet with me out here instead at my home because….”

“The Dragon Lady wants to understand how the Celestial Jade is being played!” Qingque finished for the young Vidyadhara lady with an excited exclamation.

However, Caelus and Yanqing couldn’t return the same elation at the very mention of the game. Their faces were utterly stupefied at the revelation they heard from the Diviner, repeated together in sync. “Celestial Jade?”

Soon, Yanqing’s face turned from dumbstruck into realization when a memory was recalled. "Wait, you mean that ancient strategy tile-based game? A game which was lost during the long interstellar drifter, but it was brought back in the recent hundred years?"

Bailu nodded her expression a blend of earnestness and eagerness. "Yes, that's the one! I have been trying to understand the game and its strategies better. If only I had met the inventor of Celestial Jade earlier... This activity is great for both physical and mental health! It needs to get popularized!"

“I mean, it’s not a bad thing… After all, if this game gets to be popular, I can get to slack out in the open more often, so why not go for it? I told myself that, and that’s why I agreed to the Dragon Lady’s request to teach her how to play.” Qingque finished for the excited young lady again with the brightest grin.

Caelus's mind raced, processing the unexpected connection between Bailu's secret meetings with Qingque and her interest in the game. "So, in other words, you’re trying to get gambling legal and approved for the health benefits?”

“And I see that as an absolute win!” Qingque exclaimed. “There have been studies on the Celestial Jade itself before it disappeared. It reduces possibilities of mental illness like depression, improves hand-eye coordination, trains concentration and pattern recognition, but mainly, it helps to ward off chances of being struck by Mara! There are so many benefits when playing Celestial Jade isn’t just for leisure but also a good brain exercise for all ages. Be it long-lived or short-lived people!!”

The Trailblazer had almost wanted to agree with her. Well, ‘almost’ because while some of the earlier points sounded logical, on the chances of not getting mara-struck… He’s undoubtedly uncertain to know how reliable it was. Or it was one of her lying schemes to be able to slack off as to what Qingque was known for.

Caelus exchanged a glance with Yanqing, who seemed to have his own share of curiosity and confusion. He leaned his body forward while putting his drink aside on the ground. “But, why keep it all a secret, Dragon Lady? If your intentions are genuinely for the well-being of the people, why not involve the Elders and the community?"

“It’s… Not easy as how it looks. You know how those old Preceptors are….” Bailu’s gaze lowered with a sigh, her fingers absently tracing patterns on the ground. “They’d be afraid to think of me doing something like this isn’t how a Vidyadhara should behave. If I just bring it up to them like this, they would think it’s one of my many schemes to escape.”

“She has a point there. Those old folks are just as stubborn and short-tempered as the Master Diviner. Suppose I hadn’t run out earlier to free her from her own jail. I’d be stuck with another load of work according to the Master Diviner’s ‘calculations,’” Qingque recalled before leaving by the back gate; there was already a pile of documents on Fu Xuan’s table, waiting to be delivered onto her own.

After taking a deep breath, Bailu’s gaze steadied as she met Yanqing’s and Caelus’s eyes. “And, I wanted Qingque’s perspective and guidance. She was the one who revived Celestial Jade back to Luofu! I wanted to test the waters first to see if the game could have a positive impact. And I need to ensure that it was seen as a genuine effort rather than a scheme. But, from what she told me, we also need two more players to start the game.”

“So, please!” Clasping both hands together above the head, Qingque shut her eyes and pleaded. “We swear us sneaking out and about isn’t something awful. This could really help all of our people!”

By how sincere they sounded, Caelus quietly mulled over. He wouldn’t deny being interested in the game when Qingque mentioned it on their first meeting. Yanqing seemed to be considering their words, his usually serious expression softening.

The Trailblazer looked back at the two and leaned back. “Okay, and what’s in it for us?”

“As I said, a big favor from me. I'll owe you both one, and you can call in that favor whenever you want.” The light brown-haired Diviner returned a big grin.

Caelus leaned in closer, his curiosity piqued. "A big favor, you say?"

Qingque nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! Just imagine what you could ask for—information, assistance, special requests, you name it. I promise I'll make it worth your while."

After a moment of silence, Yanqing finally spoke, his tone thoughtful. “I wouldn’t mind assisting you, Diviner Qingque. But I still believe you should bring this up to the Master Diviner. Despite her temperament, she is reasonable when it comes to providing the best for the people. However, if that is only if you were to do your job more diligently….”

Sighing at the young Lieutenant’s understanding yet skeptical gaze, Qingque’s shoulders slumped slightly. “Honestly, Lieutenant, working in the Divination Commission is just an endless flow of work of having no hope to see any sunrise or sunset. Hard work hardly works, if you know what I mean. It's just more suffering piled upon oneself. Like, I've heard your name. A genius boy, and working every day at such a young age? Sounds exhausting.”

Amber eyes which were narrowed, transformed into a cold glare, making Qingque flinch at Yanqing’s gaze, and her words stumbled. “I mean, not that you're not capable! It's just... Well, sometimes too much effort leads to... Suffering. Yeah."

Caelus couldn't help but hide a chuckle behind his hand at Qingque's awkward attempt to cover her tracks. “Alright, you know what? Why don’t you send us the date of your game, and we’ll let you know again? But, I’m working extra overtime for this, so there’d be better compensation.”

“Deal!" Bailu answered with a big grin, one of her hands stretched out to Caelus. “You two will get three free checkups from me as part of the payment for helping my research!”

A faint chuckle left the Trailblazer’s lips while he shook his hands with the Vidyadhara lady. Qingque stood up from the ground and looked back at her phone and at them. “Anyway, we need to get going. I must finish my work quota today before bringing the Dragon Lady back home. I also have a few books on Celestial Jade if you want to read while waiting for me to be done.”

"Great idea! I’d like to know more about Celestial Jade before we get the game started.” Bailu hopped to stand, then turned to the boys to wave her hands.

"Goodbye, for now, Caelus, Lieutenant! I'll be in touch with the details." Qingque's voice was cheery, and with a wave, she began to walk away, Bailu following closely behind her.

=0=

Walking through the busy evening of the Exalting Sanctum, Caelus carefully observed the young boy who was walking in front of him in silence. Had Qingque hit his button too hard? He may not know her well, but he doubted the Diviner had a mean bone in her to insult the young Lieutenant.

Yanqing's steps were steady, his expression a mix of contemplation and something else that Caelus couldn't quite pinpoint. But, it still made Caelus troubled and worried for the young boy. He decided to break the silence as they strolled through. "Yanqing, are you okay?"

“I’m fine...” The young boy stopped walking; he sighed softly while still gazing ahead. “I guess I'm just… Conflicted. What the Diviner said about working too hard leading to suffering struck a chord.”

The Trailblazer merely raised an eyebrow curiously and gently prodded. “You’ve been working hard as the General’s retainer and lieutenant, right?”

A faint smile curled on Yanqing’s lips, though it was tinged with weariness. “Yes, I have, Teacher. I’ve always believed in giving my all, honing and perfecting my blade to protect the people. When people asked what my interests were aside from my blade, I always said, ‘Interests would only affect the speed of my sword!’ But sometimes, I wonder if I’m missing out on other aspects of life the General has been teaching....”

Sighing a relieved breath on hearing the young boy’s concerns, Caelus went closer and rubbed his head with an understanding smile. “Balance is crucial, after all. I don’t think there is anything wrong with having such a deep passion for sword fighting. I admit it makes me feel awed when I hear the stories about you from the General himself. And the thing about life itself is that it’s hard to appreciate the beauty if you’re always focusing on what's in front of you. That’s why I’m happy you brought me to your favorite Artisanship Commission store to know more about you, Yanqing.”

Yanqing’s gaze met his teacher’s; his amber eyes were filled with curiosity, confusion, and yearning. “But... How do you do it, Teacher? You seem so... Free, yet accomplished. You’re not bound by rigid duties like I am.”

Caelus chuckled warmly, running a gloved hand through his hair. “Well, it’s not like I’m completely free from my responsibilities as a Nameless. I have my own share of challenges when handling commissions given by different people. But, I also believe in finding time for things that bring joy and fulfillment, whether exploring new places, learning about different cultures, or just enjoying life itself.”

The young boy’s face turned to the side briefly to ponder for a moment. It was a perspective he had never considered; he looked to his teacher again. “Do you regret not dedicating all your time to training? Aren’t you afraid of falling behind against stronger opponents you will meet?”

Another amused chuckle left the Trailblazer’s lips, and his yellow eyes twinkled in amusement. “You see, Yanqing. The world is so big out there. There are so many things to learn and experience from. I don’t see my journey as a competition with March’s, Dan Heng’s, or anyone else’s. I believe in creating my path from every opportunity to enjoy life.”

Yanqing absorbed his teacher's words, his gaze thoughtful. "Creating your own path... That really sounds liberating.”

"It is," Caelus affirmed, a serene smile gracing his lips. "But it's also about embracing the challenges that come your way and finding growth in every experience. The strength you gain from diverse knowledge and the ability to adapt can be just as valuable as honing your skills with a blade."

Yanqing's face shifted from a contemplative to a determined expression a few seconds later. He answered with a resolute, firm nod. "I want to find that balance too, Teacher. I want to excel in my responsibilities but also explore different aspects of life. Just like you."

Caelus patted the young lieutenant's shoulder reassuringly. "I have no doubt you can achieve that balance, Yanqing. You're a remarkable person with incredible potential. And remember, you have the support of those around you, including the General and me."

Yanqing smiled appreciatively, gratitude shining in his amber eyes. "Thank you, Teacher. I'm glad I met you."

"As am I, Who knows, maybe tomorrow you’ll be teaching me how to wield a sword," Caelus replied warmly, as another chuckle left his lips when the boy hugged him again.

“I'll look forward to that when the day comes!” Looking up to his teacher, Yanqing asked with a big grin. “Hey, Teacher. About Celestial Jade that Diviner Qingque invited over... Could you bring me along to play too? Please. I’d like to learn the game together with you!”

“Of course,” Caelus laughed. “I’d be happy to bring you with me, Yanqing.”

“Thanks, Teacher!” Yanqing exclaimed as his eyes grew big in joy while wearing the biggest smile his lips could make.

As they walked back to the Seat of Divine Foresight, Caelus couldn't help but feel that he had earned a deeper bond and trust from the young boy. And, with the promise of the upcoming game of Celestial Jade, his new journey in Xianzhou Luofu was only beginning.

Notes:

I won't deny if this chapter also still feels OOC for the characters. They have yet to make an interaction with each other which I'm really hoping when 1.3 patch is finally here, all Xianzhou characters are meeting each other.

And Caelus could finally talk to others especially Luocha and Sushang whom he have yet to meet! But I also like this chapter more of Caelus-Yanqing friendship interaction which Yanqing is gradually bonding more closer with Caelus.

Chapter 5: Unexpected Players

Summary:

After scanning between the three people, including himself, he placed one of his gloved hands on his hips. “How are we going to find a fourth player on short notice? Did one of your game mates offer to join us?”

“Not really,” Qingque shook her head, but her face curled a big grin and corrected. “But, he offered to join us when I brought up your name, Caelus.”

“My name?” The Trailblazer was now even more curious about who the fourth party was.

Green eyes widened with a face glowing in excitement; the petite young woman leaned her body to the side, waving her hand to the figure behind Caelus. “Oh, hey! We’re over here!”

Notes:

*WARNING: This chapter by far will has a number embed images, so I'm hoping you are not reading this under your data 😅

Some tags has been updated as this is one of the few chapters written before 1.3 patch drop. I was waiting for more Dan Heng IL to show up to finally get a little more lore on Dan Feng and his personality!

Also aside that, this chapter will also be featuring another character who have big a hoo-haa at the epilogue of the main story 🤭

The fire torches crackled in the resistance camp as troop members prepared for another battle to claim victory and reclaim their homes in Yuque. The long black-haired Vidyadhara with teal horns wearing white robes quietly treaded in the camp, carefully sidestepping to avoid bumping into any of the knights running around.

He could not care about the lack of response on the whereabouts of the person he was looking for, or the acknowledgment of a Vidyadhara High Elder, Dan Feng, walking past them. The atmosphere in the air was even more on edge after their most significant loss, he recalled from their last battle.

One of their best calvary, Jinjing, a young human in his early hundreds, had been forced to become part of the Abominations of Abundance. An ambush that not even his leader and the Transcendent Flash anticipated in the plans. The loss of their calvary resulted from the tide going in favor of their enemy, destroying nearly half of their men.

Dan Feng’s thoughts ended upon noticing the one he was finally looking for. A distance behind the tent, the long white-haired figure whose hair was tied in a ponytail swung strokes with his glaive. Yet, the golden eyes were focusing anywhere but on his training.

“You should be resting before dawn comes, Jing Yuan.” Dan Feng chided the younger human. “Yingxing’s hard work of sharpening the blade would be dull if you continue to swing it thoughtlessly.”

Jing Yuan's glaive whirled through the air with practiced precision, but his mind seemed far away, lost in their recent defeat. He slowed his movements and eventually came to a halt, his gaze distant as he stared into the distance. The words of his fellow friend finally registered in his mind.

Turning to face Dan Feng, Jing Yuan's expression was a mix of exhaustion and determination. "Rest can wait, my friend. We can't afford to falter now, not after what happened. Our comrades are relying on us to lead them to victory."

The Vidyadhara High Elder’s stern expression softened as he looked at the young warrior. He understood Jing Yuan's dedication and the burden he carried as one of the leaders of the resistance troops entrusted by his master. "I know your heart is in the right place, Jing Yuan, but you won't be of much use if you exhaust yourself to the point of collapse. You need your strength for the battle ahead."

Letting out a weary sigh, Jing Yuan’s grip on his weapon was slowly relaxing. "I just can't shake the feeling that I could have done something more to prevent our losses. Jinjing... He left behind a young wife and child before he enlisted himself. His home was one of the many ravaged by the Abundance, and he wants to take it back for his child to see. His transformation into one of those abominations... It's haunting me."

Dan Feng listened somberly to Jing Yuan's words, his heart heavy with the weight of their shared losses. He had seen many battles in his time and knew well the pain of sacrifice and the haunting memories of fallen comrades. Stepping closer to Jing Yuan, he touched the younger warrior's shoulder.

"My friend, the burden of leadership is heavy, and it often comes with the weight of regret. But you must also remember that you are not alone in this fight. We all carry the memories of those we've lost, and that very pain fuels our determination to prevail."

The younger man’s gaze remained fixed on the ground, his fists clenched as he wrestled with his emotions. "I understand. I merely wish more I could have been swifter to reach him... He would’ve been saved.”

The voice from the Vidyadhara was gentle yet firm to console the younger man. "Regret is a powerful emotion, but it can also consume us if we let it become what we vowed to destroy. Use that regret to fuel your resolve, to drive you to fight harder and smarter. Jinjing's sacrifice will not be in vain, and we will ensure that his home is reclaimed and his memory honored."

Jing Yuan finally looked up at Dan Feng, his golden eyes meeting the High Elder's gaze. "You're right, Dan Feng. I won't let their sacrifices be in vain. I will lead our comrades with all my strength and do whatever it takes to secure victory."

Dan Feng nodded, a proud smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "That's the spirit, Jing Yuan. Remember, we fight not only for ourselves but for the homes and lives taken from us. Rest now, my friend. Tomorrow's battle will be tough, and we need you to do your best. And when the victory is obtained, the reward will be a drink to share with ourselves to savor."

Before the Vidyadhara High Elder turned to leave, Jing Yuan called out to him. “Dan Feng, could I ask you a favor?”

Turning around, Dan Feng faced the young warrior. Jing Yuan’s solemn yet serious expression reminded him of the years when he was only a young boy. Jingliu had brought him in to be part of the group. Even though he was only a child, she readily nominated him as her apprentice and the Sword Champion.

Yingxing would bicker with Jing Yuan for his naïve arrogance and cheekiness occasionally. Yet, the short-lived human still spoiled him like his own kin. And for Dan Feng himself, this young boy was always eager to follow in his footsteps to learn and experience the same things he did. He still fondly remembered when Jing Yuan received the glaive forged by Yingxing to show it to him…

How time changed in a mere blink of an eye, he grew up to be a fine warrior, fighting their side as equals.

Jing Yuan breathed in before looking into the High Elder’s teal eyes to speak. “You should have already known my master appointed me for generalship after securing victory for our sister ship Yuque. Once the time comes, I want you to hear me out. Just only between us.”

“... Of course,” Dan Feng merely replied with a faint smile and repeated. “I would be there, my friend—”

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

BEEP! BEEP—!

A pale hand reached for the phone to stop the alarm noise, waking the black-haired young man from his sleep. Dan Heng groggily raised his body from the mattress, one hand rubbing his head. He knew it was an unusual hour he woke up compared to how late he always slept in after the maintenance of the data archives.

Running his fingers through his disheveled hair, Dan Heng sighed exasperatedly at the dream he experienced again. He was unsure whether to be grateful or even more irritated at the persistent dreams of his past life.

The sight of the past High Elder was making his blood boil furiously since Dan Feng was why Caelus hadn’t wanted to hear him out when he caught up to them at Scalegorge Waterscape.

Caelus’s face colored with utter shocked and dumbfounded expression when he recalled clearly after the General brought him to them. He wanted to ask many things from his facial expression to know why, especially since he didn’t tell him or anyone something as crucial as his true identity.

Then at some point, once the General instructed him to let the mirages of his past guide him to reopen the path to the great tree... There was anger and coldness from the Trailblazer when he needed time to recollect himself. Nobody could get him to open up or to speak.

Despite the circumstances leading here, March and Welt had been understanding and even accepting of who he was. But his heart was selfish. He wanted more than the two’s acceptance. Dan Heng believed the Trailblazer would accept him with that warm smile of his, just as accepting he was to others, even like the sly scoundrel in their journey at Jarilo-VI planet, Sampo Koski.

He didn’t want to make their relationship strained any further than it already was. He didn’t wish to believe the actual reason behind Caelus’s anger towards him when he realized it. Dan Heng clutched his fist tightly onto the cover, muttering to himself. “No, I can’t lose him again like before....”

Slipping out of his bed to get change, Dan Heng headed to the front of the train where he expected the Trailblazer should be. Upon reaching the door and sliding it open, he was met with the familiar hum of the Express as it raced through the landscape.

The small dark gray with white rabbit-like creature humming a song to themselves while holding a small broom to sweep on the center. But, to his surprise again, Caelus was nowhere in sight or anywhere.

As he approached the Express’s conductor, the latter perked their head at Dan Heng and stopped their task. “Good morning, Dan Heng. It’s nice to see up so early.”

“Good morning, Pom-pom.” Dan Heng greeted Pom-pom with a polite nod. “Have you seen Caelus? I’m sure he’d be usually up at this time.”

“Oh, Caelus said he’s bringing the young Cloud Knight Lieutenant for a game in the early morning today,” Pom-pom answered with a shake of his head.

“The Cloud Knight Lieutenant?” The black-haired young man repeated to himself. A memory flashed into his mind: a long blond-haired boy tagging behind Caelus closely like a baby chick to a mother bird whenever he visited the Express past few weeks. He then replied with a curt nod to the conductor. “I see, thank you, Pom-pom.”

"You’re welcome! Let Pom-pom know if you need anything else." Pom-pom returned to their sweeping, continuing their tune.

With a thoughtful expression, Dan Heng turned away from the conductor and looked out the window. Thinking back in recent weeks, Caelus had been invited over often to the Seat of Divine Foresight to spend time with Yanqing. Himeko told him that Caelus said the Luofu General offered him to train the young boy in his combat skills for his apprentice to grow.

However, the black-haired man’s teal eyes narrowed his suspicion. Much to his dislike, he had fought the disciple with the Stellaron Hunter Blade. And the boy proved beyond doubt his skills with his sword, requiring more life experiences to grow.

So... What was that General’s intention for using Caelus?

The phone in his pocket vibrated; Dan Heng reached a hand in to take it out and check the notification. His narrowed teal eyes turned into a glare at both the sender and contents, which spoke of the devil.

Unfortunately, the search for Caelus could wait, even if it’s tempting to ignore or block the General outright. But the opportunity was ripe like no other as lingering things still needed to be cleared from the past...

=0=

Even as Xianzhou Natives shot an odd look at their beloved honored guest in Central Starskiff Haven while passing him, the Trailblazer didn’t bother to bat an eye at them. While waiting for Yanqing to finish his morning training, Caelus made himself comfortable. He seated one of the chairs near Starskiff Jetty Space Anchor with a near-empty cup of Immortal’s Delights.

His yellow eyes zeroed in on the screen of his game’s co-op mode boss fight. Three characters fought a large dark-winged-skeletal robotic creature in the darkened observatory stage.

While the red-haired and white-haired female character units were relentless in their attacks to distract the boss, Caelus controlled his blond-haired character to position himself a distance away but not too far from his teammates. “Alright… That’s the last one.”

As soon as that was said, the game stage environment brightened by the burning sun appeared in the middle. Caelus thought to himself as he controlled his character to move towards the boss. “Alright, it’s time!”

Holding the attack button down and hard, the blond-haired male character swung his gunblade to the side. The light blue gunblade-shaped bar on the lower half of the screen depleted its gauge, releasing a freezing aura surrounding him. While the screen shook from the incoming explosion of the sun, Caelus could feel the heat around him also increase.

His thumb rapidly tapped the attack button as much as he could against the enemy boss. “Take this! Parry the Sun!!”

The unexpected loud yell from the Trailblazer frightened walking passed him. One of the Foxian men had half of his mind to go over and reproached the young man for his behavior in public. However, the woman beside him quickly pulled him and reminded him. “S-Shh! Just ignore him, dear. He is one of the General’s beloved guests. We would be in trouble instead if we were to complain about him….”

Caelus still paid no heed to the critiques about him. He was close to the end, watching the boss's multiple health bars dropping to a single digit. The stage environment slowly returned to darkness while his game character parried and negated the burning sun. “Almost…!”

At the moment when the red burning orb disappeared, Caelus watched his other two teammates charge forward to the boss. The petite white-haired girl jumped up and commanded the small bot to send a blast of a triangular prism to trap the enemy. Then, the taller red-haired woman threw her spear toward the target before picking it back and plunging it onto the boss enemy’s back.

The scene then changed to the giant skeletal boss weakly crawling towards the screen before its own spear stabbed into its back, securing their victory on the stage. Caelus raised one of his fists to pump excitedly. “Alright!”

When the victory animation of his playing character was finished, the Trailblazer moved his fingers to switch to the messaging app, then tapped on the group chat, which was already highlighted with a red notification circle.

“Oh right, I forgot to tell her… Or should I?” Caelus contemplated to himself internally. There shouldn’t be any harm in telling his other online friend Starry-StarStar about his new job. But for Silver Wolf…

Considering how she behaved indifferently about Elio’s script to work on, he doubted she would blab to the other hunters about this. Caelus returned to his phone and began typing.

Thinking again about his online friend’s concerns, Caelus also assumed he would need to teach the boy new combat skills. But aside from joining his training occasionally, Yanqing often seemed more eager to know where his teacher would take him out for an adventure.

Smiling at the replies, Caelus put his phone back into his pocket and took the last sip of his drink. At the same time, he heard the familiar and eager footsteps running to him excitedly, looking over to the approaching figure with a warm grin. “Hey, Yanqing.”

“Teacher Caelus!” Yanqing finally stopped before his teacher. His hands were placed on his lap while taking huge gulps of air into his lungs. “I’m... Sorry... That I’m late. The General needed more help to run the drill. I hope you haven’t been waiting too long!”

“That’s fine; it wasn’t that long.” The Trailblazer chuckled fondly at his young friend. He then stood up from his seat and picked up his empty drink. “Now then, let’s not keep Qingque waiting too long for us either!”

As Yanqing replied with a nod, the pair walked towards Starskiff Bay towards their meeting designation. While walking, Caelus’s sense of hearing could pick up the discussion from a pair of passing Cloud Knights.

“Tch, it’s the General’s retainer again... He’s out here slacking again with that short-lived human instead of doing his duties to patrol the area.”

“Hey. There’s no point getting all worked up for it. I’m sure it’s sooner or later, our General has understood he’s only a young kid that he had placed too many expectations on.”

Caelus’s yellow eyes narrowed at those remarks. It wasn’t like him, as he’d usually brushed them away, but the urge to turn around and swing his curio bat into their skulls was indeed tempting to do so to correct them.

“Teacher?” Yanqing’s curious voice called out to him worriedly.

The Trailblazer realized he had stopped walking and stood there with a strange expression that earned concerns from the young lieutenant himself. He quickly smiled assuredly and chased up to him. “No, it’s nothing, Yanqing. Let’s go.”

=0=

'I have set up the game table here. It shouldn’t be that hard for you to find it. But let me know if you guys got lost.’ Qingque’s last message to the Trailblazer from the day before as the latter scrolled on his phone to look at the picture for the hint to the meeting spot.

It’s the most secluded spot the Diviner could find in the Cloudford, to prevent roaming mara-struck beings from finding them. Though... Caelus also thought it may have been too secluded from anyone’s eyes.

While Yanqing kept his eyes sharp to look out for anything resembling the picture's vase, his amber eyes eventually spotted the object near a desolate shop in front of them. “I found it, Teacher. This must be the area that Diviner Qing has mentioned.”

“Thanks, Yanqing,” Caelus smiled in appreciation at the extra pair of eyes for assistance.

Heading towards the vase and turning the corner, there was a sizeable open area with a familiar light-brown-haired pigtails young woman and a floating game table right in the center. She turned around upon noticing the approaching footsteps. “You guys are here! Welcome to the Celestial Jade game session.”

“Hey, Qingque, thanks for inviting us.” Caelus grinned at her jovial happiness.

Yanqing also grinned with a nod; however, his face soon showed curiousness when he noticed it was only just the three of them. “Oh, the Dragon Lady isn’t here yet. Did she run into troubles with the patients at the Alchemy Commission?”

“Oh, uh... About that,” The mention of Bailu made the young Diviner’s shoulder slumped miserably. “The Master Diviner thought it was a good idea to advise her caretakers on how to keep a closer eye on her today.”

“What?” Caelus muttered in his shocked and disbelieving voice. After Qingque took out her phone to show what was on the screen, he leaned slightly to look closer.

“What on Aeons did Fu Xuan even tell them?!” Caelus wondered internally to himself aloud. He couldn’t even laugh at Bailu as much as he wanted to. It made him even more wary and alert in dealing with someone whose divination wasn’t for underestimation.

Putting her phone down, Qingque sighed as she retold her story. “She wasn’t even kidding about it. I have never seen a dozen Cloud Knights being deployed for the next heir of Imbitor Lunae. You’d thought a huge outbreak of the mara happened at her place....”

“That’d explained why some of the knights were absent for today’s training... Lady Fu had borrowed them for this purpose.” Yanqing added thoughtfully, one of his hands lifted to put on his chin. He looked back at the young Diviner.

The light-brown-haired Diviner nodded to confirm the young lieutenant and continued. “Anyway, she suggested that I record the game session and send it to her for study. The Dragon Lady mentioned she should be able to sneak out again after convincing the Elders of her best behavior for now.”

Caelus nodded to agree. "Seems that way. She's trying to assert her independence, but Fu Xuan is one step ahead. But..."

After scanning between the three people, including himself, he placed one of his gloved hands on his hips. “How are we going to find a fourth player on short notice? Did one of your game mates offer to join us?”

“Not really,” Qingque shook her head, but her face curled a big grin and corrected. “But, he offered to join us when I brought up your name, Caelus.”

“My name?” The Trailblazer was now even more curious about who the fourth party was.

Green eyes widened with a face glowing in excitement; the petite young woman leaned her body to the side, waving her hand to the figure behind Caelus. “Oh, hey! We’re over here!”

“Forgive me for being late, Miss Qingque. It had taken me quite a while to locate the meeting spot with your fellow friends.” The familiar voice behind let out a relieved sigh upon finding the young Diviner as they walked in.

Turning to that gentle and polite voice, Caelus’s yellow eyes widened in surprise at the taller, long, blond-haired man in a white coat carrying the large, white, green ornate coffin. “Huh? It's you, Luocha! Why are you here?!”

Luocha chuckled at the astonished expression colored on the shorter young man’s face. “Ah, as I thought. So it is you that Miss Qingque had mentioned, after all.”

Yanqing looked at Luocha curiously, taking in his presence, then switched back to the Trailblazer. "Luocha? You two know each other?"

“He’s Dan Heng’s acquaintance here on the ship while trying to find us back. Dan Heng met him, who happened to be involved in a fight with the Mara-struck soldiers,” Caelus explained to the young boy’s curiosity.

Nodding to agree, the blond-haired merchant bowed with his right, black-gloved hand on his chest. “I’m a traveling merchant who happened to be merely passing through at that time. The name’s Luocha.”

“So, that’s it... I’m Yanqing, lieutenant of the Luofu Cloud Knights. It’s nice to meet you, Master Luocha.” Yanqing introduced himself with a polite but warm grin to the other party.

As Luocha answered with a slight nod to acknowledge politely, Caelus scratched his head and shot a curious expression. "Still... I didn't expect to see you here. I thought you were busy with your business for the day."

The tall blond man smiled warmly. "Well, I was about to retire today after finishing my business at the Alchemy Commission until I overheard your name from this young Miss here. She looked distraught, and I couldn’t help but approach her to know her situation."

“Don’t get me wrong. I was initially suspicious of him, even now when he offers assistance. We’ve got a lot of outsiders. You’ll come across them a lot in The Looking Bronze. He’s probably here to seek success in ‘Seeking Immortality’ for himself...” Qingque’s own words slowly trailed off as she realized what she uttered. “Yes, I did say ‘seek’ twice. But anyway, I did give the benefit of the doubt when he did say he knows and has been a guest to you. So I invited him at the last minute to join us!”

“I hope I’m not intruding on anything important.”

Shaking his head, Caelus grinned warmly to welcome his merchant friend. “No, we’re glad to have you here, Luocha."

Qingque then clasped her hands together and announced. "Alright, now that everyone is here, how about we dive into the game? It's getting late, and I'm itching for a good match."

Luocha nodded in agreement. "Indeed, let's not waste any more time."

The group gathered around the floating game table, and as Yanqing settled on his spot, he glanced at the ornate coffin beside Luocha. “Hey, Master Luocha, what's with the coffin?"

The merchant's expression turned serious for a moment. "Oh, this? It's a special container for transporting delicate and valuable items. I had some business to attend to before coming here."

Yanqing looked intrigued. "What kind of items? Are they weapons? And, do you use them to fight in combat?"

Luocha's lips curled into a mysterious smile at the young boy’s curiosity. "Trade secrets, my young friend. Let's just say that some things are better left unknown."

Qingque set up the holographic game interface, programming one of the cycrane to carry her phone in the air to record the session, and soon began her explanation of the Celestial jade.

While she described the rules, various tile combinations, and strategies to score points for victory, the others listened intently, except Caelus. Unfortunately, the poor Trailblazer’s brain was muddled with more confusion as she went on.

It didn’t sound that far off from the game of playing cards usually played in the Express. But, the lack of knowledge of the Xianzhou Culture behind the game may have impacted his understanding. Seeing how excited Qingque was as the explanation ended, Caelus quietly thought to himself as he took one of the flower tiles to inspect. “Maybe it isn’t as complicated as it sounded. I just need to find a set of three or more combinations to win.” 

"Alright, with that out of the way, let's begin!" Qingque announced with excitement. The first round started, and the tiles were distributed to the players. Her nimble fingers raced between rearranging and discarding the tiles as she strategized her moves, occasionally shooting confident glances at her opponents.

As the game progressed, it became apparent that Qingque and Yanqing were quite adept at the game, while Luocha seemed to have an uncanny ability to predict the tiles. Caelus found himself needing help to keep up with the complex strategy required. Each tile he received made him uncertain whether to keep or to discard from his own.

When the first round ended, it was clear that Luocha had won, Qingque came in second, and Yanqing surprisingly managed to secure third place. Caelus, on the other hand, had the fewest points, making him the fourth.

Qingque stared at his tile flipped for all to see, then back at the Trailblazer to shoot him a pitiful but assuring look. “It’s beginner’s problems I’ve seen. You must focus on the tiles in your hand to choose and make combinations. We still have another three more rounds. Let’s try again.”

The second round began, Caelus heeded her advice to focus on building his hand with the tiles he received. However, luck still wasn’t on his side, as the tiles he picked couldn’t complete any combinations. By the end of the second round, he sighed in resignation at his defeat as he flipped his tiles for all to see.

Though also, to Caelus’s and everyone else’s surprise, Luocha won again with his winning tiles from his hand. Qingque’s green eyes darted between the tiles and the merchant, and she couldn’t help but chuckle in defeat. “You’ve got quite the talent, Master Luocha.”

“You will have to thank other merchants for guiding me on how to play, Miss Qingque. It’s a mere chance I have joined them while trading each other on stories of business and stories of other worlds.” Luocha laughed softly.

The third round brought more success for the Trailblazer, but it was clear that Luocha's skill was unmatched. Qingque won in the third round despite all odds of her luck against the merchant, to her delight, while Yanqing and Caelus remained in the lower ranks.

As they moved into the fourth and final round, Caelus felt like the gacha gods from his game took pity and blessed him. He carefully considered each move, trying to anticipate his opponents' strategies. The tiles shifted and clacked, and the game reached its conclusion. This time, however, Caelus's efforts bore fruit, as he secured a win for the last round.

The overall winner was undoubtedly Luocha, who had consistently displayed an impressive grasp of the game's mechanics. Yanqing’s amber eyes sparkled, and he exclaimed to the merchant. “Amazing, Master Luocha! Your skills at this game are truly remarkable. I’ve never seen anyone play with such precision and strategy.”

Luocha chuckled in response, his demeanor was humble despite his victory. "Thank you, Yanqing. It's all about understanding your hand and making the right choices at the right time."

Qingque joined the conversation after retrieving her phone from the cycrane, her eyes still alight with excitement despite her defeat. "Honestly, Luocha, I've played with many skilled players, but you're on a different level. We should meet up sometime for another challenge."

“I’d be glad to when I have the time, Miss Qingque,” The merchant smiled at her enthusiastic invitation.

The big grin on the young Diviner’s face soon turned mischievous, directing to Caelus. “Now then, I believe we have rules to follow for the winner to choose the reward.”

“As ‘dreadful’ it sounded, I’m sure it’s up to Luocha to decide what he wants for his reward.” Caelus rolled his eyes at the petite woman with an amused yet exasperated grin.

The young Diviner simply shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. “I’m only offering help to advise on the rewards he can ask for. Something like—!”

“You’re here, after all, Qingque.” A young woman’s voice called out to her colleague, making the said person jump in surprise.

Behind her, a petite young woman wearing a dark gray Diviner uniform walked towards her colleague and sighed. “The Master Diviner knew you’d be here to slack off. Anyway, she requires you to immediately check the Matrix of Prescience with me.”

“What?!” Qingque exclaimed in frustration at her colleague. “But, can’t you see I’m with the General’s honored guest—W-Woah woah, hey!! Huixing, wait!!!”

"Don’t bother with your excuse to accompany the General’s honored guest. The Master Diviner already knows that would be coming out from you.” Huixing firmly pulled the light brown-haired petite woman by her wrist to drag her back to work. The screams and tantrums didn’t budge as she dedicatedly continued walking until they were out of sight.

When the silence enveloped the three individuals, Caelus broke it first to utter his thoughts. “Well... That was unfortunate.”

A ringtone rang out next from the young lieutenant’s phone. Yanqing took out his phone to check the notification before putting it away to turn to his teacher. “It seems I’m needed for an emergency briefing as well.”

“That’s okay, Yanqing." Caelus smiled assuredly. "Duty calls and you've got responsibilities to fulfill. We can always catch up later."

Yanqing nodded, a relieved smile on his face. "Thanks, Teacher Caelus. I’ll be sure to make it up to you another time!"

As Yanqing hurried off to attend to his duties, Caelus found himself alone with Luocha. The latter spoke up after letting out a faint hum. “Quite a dedicated warrior at such young age to his duties as a Cloud Knight Lieutenant...”

“Do you know Yanqing?” Caelus turned his head to show an odd expression to the merchant.

“The one who’s always by the general?” Luocha shook his head and answered. “I don’t know anything about him...”

“I see...” Caelus muttered as a reply. It was an odd answer, but he didn’t know whether to press for more or even to know what to ask. Instead, the Trailblazer decided to switch topics to lighten up the atmosphere. “Well, it looks like it's just you and me now, Luocha.”

“Indeed. Since I’m the winner, I have yet to voice out the reward I have in mind.” Luocha laughed, and he turned to face the shorter young man.

Caelus raised an eyebrow to shoot an intrigued look to taunt at the merchant’s mysterious smile. “Oh? And what is that?”

The smile on Luocha’s face grew wider. He leaned his body forward so that his green eyes looked right into Caelus’s yellow eyes. “How about this? As the winner, I get your companionship to accompany me around the ship until the end of the day.”

“Well, that doesn’t sound difficult at all,” The Trailblazer thought.

He chuckled heartily with warmth at the hangout invitation and nodded. “Well, I can’t say no to the winner. Lead the way, Luocha.”

Luocha's grin widened, and he gestured toward a less crowded path that led outside to a nearby Space Anchor. As they walked, he shared interesting anecdotes about the ship, pointing out hidden nooks, sharing stories about the various inhabitants, and revealing intriguing facts that Caelus hadn't known.

Notes:

Hope you guys enjoyed this story so far! :D

For those who have noticed "Parry the Sun" and wondering the screenshot Silver Wolf and wondered what it is aboue, it's a meme related to the game called Punishing Gray Raven here. They do have a PC version if anyone wants to try for the challenge! I won't spoil much of the meme, but for those of you who play and know, you'll know who I'm referring to in the story using that line 🤭

As for Dan Feng, I hope he really isn't out of character by a lot... 😭 This was really written before his animation appeared so I'm roughly guessing what he's like with Jing Yuan, Blade and others saying how they aren't that much different.

And for Starry-StarStar, my only disclaimer that she isn't an OC, hence there's no tag for original character. She would be appearing quite often in this story as one of Silver Wolf's game mate. But if you know, you know.

Lastly, I'm sure no one expected Luocha will be the replacement to Bailu. But I wanted him to interact with Caelus more since his whole companion story proven nothing much to know him at all. We'll going to see next of their little 'date' in the next chapter!

Chapter 6: Unraveling Suspicion of a Merchant

Summary:

Upon doing so, a nagging déjà vu entered the Trailblazer’s head. Hadn’t he seen this man somewhere before? Eventually, the familiarity of the man’s name and face before the Trailblazer became more evident when a memory awakened within him. “Hey… Wait, aren’t you—?”

“T-That lovely and handsome merchant you mentioned when we were shopping together n Starskiff Haven?” March hurriedly interrupted with one of her hands raised to cup over her friend’s mouth. She nodded eagerly with a grin to hide the panic beneath. “I know right, Cae! I can’t believe it. Dan Heng is actually friends with him!”

Notes:

Warning: This chapter will have a character briefly triggered with a PTSD attack. You have been warned before reading the story.

Note: This chapter also contains part 2 from Dan Shu Diary readable. If you have not read it yet, you can read it first before starting this chapter.

“Fuuuaaah...!” A loud yawn left Caelus’s lips as he walked down the hallways on the Express to the front room. Last night’s co-op raid session was the longest he gamed into the late hours. In this new event, the boss’s attacks were much more challenging than the last. It had kept him, Starry-StarStar, and Silver Wolf awaked till the morning hours for the rewards. But hey, it was worth for the game materials to finally level their characters!

“At least I only have to meet Xiyan later to go through his story before Silver Wolf pings again....” The Trailblazer thought to himself with another yawn left his lips. If it weren’t for Xiyan paying him huge credits, he’d immediately ditch him at his over-exaggerated writing of how they’ve fought Phantyilla for the sake of dramatic flair.

Reaching towards the entrance of the front room, Caelus pushed the door to slide to enter and closed it. Just before he could find Pom-pom for his meal, his eyes spotted March seated at a table distance away. Her face lit up animatedly as she chatted with a long blond-haired figure from behind.

“A visitor at this hour?” Caelus wondered. His legs turned to approach the pink-haired girl and the unfamiliar figure.

As he got closer, March noticed him and stood to wave him over with an excited grin. "Caelus! Perfect timing! Come meet Dan Heng’s friend he encountered in Luofu."

The figure beside her also turned to stand to reveal a beautiful, slender man with long blond hair, fair skin, and green eyes. He wears a black turtleneck, a white coat embellished with green and golden accents, and a long, green scarf tied around his left forearm.

Once the younger man stopped between March and the visitor, the latter smiled politely. “Let me introduce myself. I’m an interstellar merchant – my Xianzhou registered name is ‘Luocha.’ I met an acquaintance of yours several weeks ago named Dan Heng. He invited me to board the Express should I have the time, and so here I am.”

“I see. I’m Caelus. Welcome aboard to the Astral Express, Luocha,” Caelus replied with a friendly grin, his gloved hand stretched out for a handshake.

“It’s my pleasure to meet you, Caelus. Thank you,” Luocha raised his gloved hand to shake at the other firmly.

Upon doing so, a nagging déjà vu entered the Trailblazer’s head. Hadn’t he seen this man somewhere before? Eventually, the familiarity of the man’s name and face before the Trailblazer became more evident when a memory awakened within him. “Hey… Wait, aren’t you—?”

“T-That lovely and handsome merchant you mentioned when we were shopping together n Starskiff Haven?” March hurriedly interrupted with one of her hands raised to cup over her friend’s mouth. She nodded eagerly with a grin to hide the panic beneath. “I know right, Cae! I can’t believe it. Dan Heng is actually friends with him!”

While the said young man was shooting a glare at March for her weird behavior, Luocha simply let out a shy chuckle at the comment. “Well, you two flatter me, thank you."

Caelus gently removed her hand from his mouth, then gave his friend a confused expression. "Wait, March, what are you—!"

March's pinkish eyes widened, and she quickly changed the topic, pointing at the nearby counter. "Oh, look! Pom-pom's got a new batch of pastries and your breakfast! Let's go get some, Cae!"

The diversion was apparent, but Caelus decided to play along. "Sure, why not? Care for some pastries, Luocha?"

The blond merchant nodded with a warm smile. "I'd be delighted."

As the two headed to the counter, Caelus cautiously glanced to watch the merchant returning to his seat to look at his surroundings. He turned to March. “So... What’s going on? You know who Luocha is, don’t you?”

“I remember, of course,” March sighed and admitted. “Even Mr. Yang had that odd look today when he saw him on the Express. He doesn’t even want to come over to join us.”

Following the pink-haired girl’s gaze, Caelus saw the bespectacled, older, brown-haired man seated far from where Luocha was. However, even though he had a book in his hand to read, Welt’s expression wasn’t interested in the book’s content but a cautious look from his furrowed eyebrows.

Returning to the front, March shook her head and pleaded. “But, we can’t just chase him out because of Mr. Yang’s mistrust and the General’s ‘misunderstanding’ of his suspicion. If Dan Heng thinks he’s a friend, we should at least give him a chance, right?”

Caelus considered March's words, his eyes still fixed on Luocha, who seemed engrossed in a conversation with Pom-pom. He sighed softly, understanding the complexity of the situation. “I get it, March. But we can’t just ignore what we know, either. If he's connected to some shady dealings or poses a threat, we need to be careful and let the Realm-Keeping Commission be informed.”

"I know, I know... It's just...” March looked conflicted, her gaze shifting between Caelus and Luocha. "I want to believe in Dan Heng's decision, you know? He's a good judge of character."

As they collected their pastries and breakfast items, the Trailblazer still couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to the merchant's story than what met the eye. However, he understood the importance of being patient and cautious.

"Alright," Caelus said, a determined look in his eyes. "We'll keep an eye on him but won't jump to conclusions. Let's find out more about his intentions."

March nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Also, by the way, I wasn’t wrong the last time when you mentioned out loud to everyone how handsome Luocha is, was I?”

“You must be imagining things,” Rolling his yellow eyes at his friend’s cheeky smirk, Caelus didn’t need to be reminded twice of needing to filter his thoughts first before speaking. They returned to the merchant once the little conductor walked away.

As they approached, Pom-pom noticed them and quickly excused themselves, leaving the three of them alone. Luocha smiled warmly at their return as March chirpped. “I hope you enjoyed your pastries. Pom-pom has an excellent selection.”

Caelus nodded appreciatively. "Please let us know if you have any other preferences, Luocha.”

“Of course, don’t mind if I do,” Luocha nodded. However, before he could pick up one of the cakes on the tray... He turned his attention to the gray-haired young man silently. The merchant's gaze soon met Caelus’s, who was drinking coffee, and there was a moment of subtle tension between them. The latter couldn't help but feel that Luocha was sizing him up, just as he was doing the same.

Eventually, an audible sigh left the merchant’s lips, making Caelus even more confused. He put down his cup and raised an eyebrow at the other party. “What’s with the sighing?”

“Goodness! I don’t mean to offend...,” The merchant quickly corrected himself at the narrowed gaze of the young man. “I happen to have some medical knowledge, and while observing the flow of your qi, I noticed something unusual about your pulse.”

“So, how long have I got left?” Caelus asked.

“Cae, watch it!” March chided at the strait-laced response from the Trailblazer.

Luocha soon shook his head and answered thoughtfully. “It’s not that serious, fortunately... Those who travel the vastness of the universe for extended periods will often find their bodily cycles to be in some sort of disarray. It's a form of space sickness.”

Lifting a finger onto the chin, March hummed in a deep thought to recall, then agreed with an earnest look. “You're quite right. Caelus has traveled far between planets from his commissions for the past few weeks. Do you have any ideas to treat this, Luocha?”

"Let me prescribe you something to soothe your body and mind.” Standing up from his seat, Luocha took the small bag dangled on the white, green ornate coffin was another smaller light green pouch.

He returned to stand before The Trailblazer and handed it to him. “Take it before bed. It's best you establish a regular work and sleep schedule.”

As he examined it, Caelus smelled a faint scent of mixed medicinal herbs from the pouch and then turned back to the merchant. “Can I trust your medicine?”

“Well, again, I would say so...” Luocha simply smiled, keeping a tight lid on whatever other emotions he was hiding. “Please take care of yourself, Caelus.”

“Ooh-ooh, what about me?” March raised her hand eagerly for a turn to get her health check.

“As for you, Miss March...”

While Luocha engaged in light conversation with the pink-haired girl, discussing their respective experiences in various realms and the peculiarities they had encountered. March chimed in with her usual energetic enthusiasm, steering the conversation away from sensitive topics... Leaving Caelus to himself in his own thoughts as he stared quietly at the pouch in his hold......

=0=

Weeks later into the current late afternoon, Caelus read a book titled ‘The Angler Mystery’ in his hand while seated on a bench at the Exalting Sanctum. However, his yellow eyes were focusing anywhere but the book despite looking at it. And then, it darted back to the front at the scene before him where Luocha was chatting with a Xianzhou native for business.

“I would also recommend this herb to go into your dish...,” Luocha gestured with a business smile to the orange-colored bag in his hand to his interested customer.

The Trailblazer’s thoughts kept returning to that first meeting with Luocha on the Astral Express. The tension he had felt, the odd exchange about his health, the bag of herbs... And now, the strange coffin which caught his customer’s attention. It all felt like a puzzle with missing pieces.

While he did his best to follow the merchant’s advice on getting a regular sleep schedule, he didn’t take the medicinal herbs given by Luocha. Not unless he wanted a repeat of the same incident on taking medicines he didn’t know well from his naivety.

The regular sleep schedule helped alleviate some of Caelus's discomfort due to his frequent warp from Space Anchor. It was unsettling how accurate Luocha's observation had been. But that only deepened the mystery of the merchant.

“Aside from the two men he saved and tearing out the page to prevent spoilers... No one else in Xianzhou knew and talked to him personally,” Caelus noted to himself in his head as he recalled. It was as if the man had appeared out of nowhere.

Closing the book and tossing it back into the inventory, Caelus leaned against the bench to rub his temples and thought to himself. “Maybe I’m just overthinking this... Luocha is really a friend who helped Dan Heng during his time here. But, that tape Jingyan showed him near the Ambrosial Arbor doesn’t make sense to dismiss his innocence right now....”

“Apologies for the wait, Caelus. I hope you haven’t been too bored,” Luocha’s voice snapped the Trailblazer out of his thoughts.

Caelus straightened up on the bench and politely smiled at the approaching merchant. “No worries, Luocha. I was just catching up on some reading. How'd your business go?”

The merchant sat next to Caelus, his green eyes glancing around the Exalting Sanctum as he spoke. “Business has gone well. Xianzhou has a vibrant customer base, and something interesting always happens here. How about you? How did your reading go, Caelus?”

“Oh, yeah, I managed to stop at a good part of The Angler's Mystery where the detective was about to reveal the criminal's identity.” Caelus lied with a grin. He would need to read back the pages to skip some other time.

“Ah yes, that novel… I was reminded of the time I had purchased one of its copies to read due to its popularity, which had caught my attention.” The lips wearing a fond, nostalgic smile were left with an unusual, frustrated sigh, unlike the ever-gentle and polite Luocha. “When I was to begin reading, the first page had been written with the spoilers on the criminal’s identity!”

Caelus raised an eyebrow at Luocha's frustrated response. That tallied with the Realm-Keeping Commission survey record accounts they had witnessed of Luocha. However, he pretended not to know and sympathized with the merchant’s plight. “Spoilers on the first page? That's quite unfortunate. It must have been a disappointing experience before you could enjoy the story.”

Luocha nodded a slightly exasperated expression on his face. “Indeed, it was. I looked forward to immersing myself in the mystery, but that anticipation was shattered right from the start.”

The Trailblazer couldn't help but feel a little amused by the merchant's genuine disappointment. “Well, I suppose that's the risk of reading popular novels. Spoilers can be quite rampant.”

“It's a lesson learned, I suppose.” Luocha sighed again, this time with a hint of resignation. “Hence, I do try to look out for other readers who had anticipated in purchasing the book from sharing the same fate as me.”

Caelus found himself nodding in agreement with Luocha's sentiments. “That's considerate of you. It's always a shame when something you've been looking forward to gets spoiled, especially by something as simple as a casual conversation.”

“Ehh… Speaking of conversations, when I first boarded the train for a visit, people on the Express are shocked at the sight of me. None of them could be approached to strike up a conversation.” The blond-haired merchant’s face turned thoughtful yet clueless at his recalled memory.

“What’s so shocking?” The Trailblazer asked a little louder than usual. Had they been found out by Luocha of him being keeping tabs under the Realm-Keeping Commission’s orders?!

“I heard Dan Heng mention that before he boarded the Express, there was a passenger who looked remarkably like me. He was seemingly up to no good and left a lasting psychological scar.” Luocha turned to the younger man to recount his story. “The gentleman in spectacles — Mr. Welt Yang — he walked away as soon as he laid eyes on me. A while later, he used a device to transfer a book to me called ‘On the Matter of Environment - No One Is Born Evil.’ I have yet to finish the copy he has given to me… But I’ll wager that fellow was an intriguing character.”

Caelus exhaled a huge, relieved sigh on his lips. “O-Oh, I see…. That explains everything….”

At least for the Trailblazer himself, he got a slight understanding of the reason why Welt personally insisted on investigating for the exact same reason.

“Then I hope my answers will be able to satiate your curiosity a little,” Luocha’s gentle tone suddenly made the younger man more wary of the other.

Turning to face the merchant, who now wore a simple, knowing smile, he continued. “I apologize for any discomfort my presence might have caused you, Caelus. It seems there are questions in your mind and perhaps even suspicions. I want you to know that I understand your position, and I don't hold any grudges for your inquiries."

"I... uh, well, I...." Caelus blinked, slightly taken aback by Luocha's direct acknowledgment of his suspicions. He had assumed he was being discreet enough not to raise any alarms. Eventually, the Trailblazer resigned with a sigh with the gut feeling that he wouldn’t be getting off this easily. “Okay, it’s not exactly what you think....”

=0=

“... And, after our investigation with the other witnesses, we realized it was all a misunderstanding.” Caelus finally finished his story while omitting how they were asked by the Realm-Keeping Commission. But, he kept some truths, such as Welt’s suspicion of him and March’s ‘creative’ story of what she suspected about the merchant.

Speaking of March’s outrageous play, the Trailblazer noticed that Luocha still had hunched over to the side and his body shaking with faint noises of chuckles and laughs. His reaction to Caelus's retelling of the events caught the Trailblazer off guard.

The sight of the typically composed and polite merchant chuckling and laughing was unexpected. It was as if another different side of Luocha had emerged, a more genuine and relaxed one.

Caelus watched as Luocha wiped a tear from the corner of his eye, still chuckling softly. “Heh... I must admit, Caelus, your friend Miss March's creative imagination has truly brightened my day. I never thought my simple actions could be twisted into a detective case in The Angler’s Mystery. I’d love to find a day to hear more of them from her sometime!”

The Trailblazer grinned sheepishly at the comments. “Well, if you must know about March, Luocha. She does have the tendency to go overboard on her ideas.”

“So, it seems. It's been a long time since I've had such a good laugh.” The blond merchant shook his head as his face wore a warm smile.

Caelus relaxed a bit more, realizing that Luocha's reaction was far less defensive or tense than expected. It was a relief to see the merchant taking the situation in stride.

“I apologize for any trouble our misunderstanding might have caused,” Caelus said sincerely. “We have to ensure the safety of all passengers on the Express. And, to look out for suspicious happenings in Luofu if any troubles happened that needs our help.”

“Under the General’s orders,” The last sentence he wanted to add, but it was kept to himself instead.

Luocha waved a hand dismissively. “No need for apologies, Caelus. I understand the importance of your responsibilities. And I appreciate your dedication to looking out for your friends and the people here.”

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, the merchant straightened his posture. “What you have heard from the natives was indeed true. I have arrived on the ship as per my usual business visit. But before doing so, I went to the bookstore to check for new books. That was when I saw another book of ‘The Angler’s Mystery’ has been tampered with spoilers by a disappointed fan. And I tore the page out even though I understood it would have damaged the goods.”

“I see… Then, after visiting the bookstore, you had continued on your walk?” Caelus prodded.

The merchant nodded to affirm. “Yes, I had thought to take my mind off to relax after the warp. There, I saw two people who were struggling for help in the ditch, and I assisted them. I had also prescribed my herbs should they need to recover after being contaminated by the waters on their body.”

“That’s why we saw your handwriting of medicines on the page.” Muttering with an understanding tone, Caelus nodded for the last time.

Luocha curled an assuring smile and began to add. “I assure you, Caelus, my intentions on Xianzhou Luofu have been nothing but genuine. As an interstellar merchant, I value the connections and relationships I build during my travels. It would be counterproductive to engage in malicious activities that could jeopardize my business and reputation, especially with the Xianzhou Luofu General himself.”

“The General?” The Trailblazer raised an eyebrow curiously.

“Yes. The General is not only an expert in perceiving people's intentions, but he is also a master of the arts of concealment and showmanship. When he decides to ‘show’ something, it's time to be careful.”

From Luocha’s words, did it imply Jing Yuan had also approached him out of suspicion? Caelus's mind began to connect the dots. The Luofu General's personal involvement indicated a level of seriousness beyond a simple misunderstanding. If Jing Yuan was indeed keeping an eye on Luocha, then there might have been more to the merchant's story than met the eye.

It also seemed like the merchant was aware of the General's scrutiny. This raised further questions in Caelus's mind. Why was the General concerned about Luocha? Had some incidents or reports drawn the General's attention?

Caelus maintained his composed exterior, not revealing his internal thoughts. He decided to play along as he could without raising any alarms. “It's clear that the General's endorsement holds significant weight. Your reputation seems to be well-respected among the traders. I'm glad to have this cleared up, Luocha.”

Luocha's smile remained. "I appreciate your understanding, Caelus. But as you can imagine, such scrutiny can sometimes be unsettling, even for someone with honest intentions."

Caelus nodded sympathetically. "Of course, it's not easy when all eyes are on you. But it's also a testament to your value to Xianzhou Luofu. Your genuine commitment to ethical practices is commendable."

The merchant shifted his body to face the younger man as much as possible and leaned closer enough to invade the other’s personal space. “However, what would you do if I were truly to be a threat as you suspected?”

Was that an outright threat from the merchant? Or was it his own sense of humor to tease him? But the Trailblazer sensed this time from the smile; it had hidden well of whatever emotions within him. It was clear that Luocha was trying to convey something, but Caelus needed to be more sure of the underlying meaning behind his words.

Maintaining his composure, Caelus met Luocha's gaze directly. "If you were truly a threat, Luocha, my duty would be to ensure the safety of my friends and people in Luofu. I would take the necessary steps to report you to the Realm-Keeping Commission and protect everyone. But…"

Caelus’s lips curled into a confident smirk as the words trailed off. “Right now, I don’t have any evidence to prove you’re a bad guy. It would be your job to prevent me from finding out, wouldn’t you?”

Though Luocha’s expression was colored with surprise and awe briefly at the declaration, he then let out a chuckle and leaned back with one arm above the backrest, now wearing a smirk. “Catch me if you can, Mister Caelus… Or that is what you expected to hear, ‘Mr. Detective?’”

Unable to keep his composure, Caelus finally burst out loud, laughing at the merchant’s antics. He lifted one hand to wipe the tears coming from his eyes. “Ha ha ha…! You have a good sense of humor, Luocha. Was this also a line from ‘The Angler’s Mystery’?”

“Oh, yes,” Luocha also let out another warm and hearty chuckle from the infectious laughter. “It was such a good line written by the author. I couldn’t resist not using it on an occasion like this.”

Luocha then extended his right gloved hand to the younger man with a grateful smile. “Thank you very much for listening and humoring me, Caelus. I truly appreciate your thoroughness and honesty in ensuring the safety and well-being of your loved ones. You have the right to be mistrustful on our first meeting, even if I was invited by your friend. Your diligence reflects well on the reputation of the Astral Express and its crew. If possible, I’d like us to know each other better in a clean state as friends. What says you, Caelus?”

Caelus felt a weight lift off his shoulders as the conversation flowed smoothly and amicably. He had braced himself for a more tense exchange, but the older man’s openness and understanding were unexpected but welcomed.

“Of course, Luocha,” Caelus said, extending a hand for a handshake. “I’m sure we’ll definitely get along as good friends.”

Luocha's handshake was firm and warm, his green eyes reflecting sincerity. "I look forward to that, Caelus. Though, I can’t promise not to give any more materials for Miss March's detective stories."

They both laughed, the tension from earlier dissipating completely. Caelus stood up from the bench, placing his hands on his hips and prompted. “So, where to next? Do you still have any businesses to go to?”

“Good question, Caelus,” Luocha stood too as he slung the coffin strap over his shoulders. “There aren’t any new books in stock as of yet. Might I suggest—?”

“Give… G-Give it back!” A young girl’s cry interrupted the merchant, making both men turn their heads to the source of the voice.

A few distances away, a familiar brown-haired girl moved aimlessly to reach for the scroll from the familiar dark-haired foxian young boy. Instead, her hands flailed in the air as her head swung vigorously to her left and right from her cloudy eyes.

Another recognizable dark-haired Vidyadhara boy taunted her in a mocking tone. “What? Can’t you see it? It’s just right in front of you! Oh, wait. It’s not even at your front! Hahaha!”

The young girl turned around to attempt to head where the foxian boy was. “P-Please give it back to me… Or my aunt will be angry with me again…!”

Finally, the last gray-haired human kid moved his body to the side to avoid the blind girl bumping into him and sneering. “Aww, and do you think we’ll return to you just because you ask? But since you asked so nicely, I can consider it if you can find my friend! Hahahaha!”

The human kid shoved the girl roughly to the ground as his two other friends slowly closed in to crowd around her. Tears brimmed around her eyes with soft sniffle noises leaving the girl’s ips.

Caelus immediately recognized them, especially the young girl, Xiaoyu. She had gotten in trouble with the bullies again. His hands balled into a fist as the anger slowly bubbled in him. “Luocha. You are the winner who wants to borrow my time for today, but….”

Giving a quick glance at the front and back to the younger man, Luocha simply nodded understandingly with a smile. “I’m here. You may fight as you please.”

“Thanks, I owe you,” The Trailblazer replied with a faint smile at the permission given. He went ahead with Luocha following behind him in stride to where the group of kids was.

Caelus approached the scene with determined steps. His eyes were focused on the bullies, his expression firm. He shouted to the three bullies in a calm yet commanding voice. "Hey!"

The foxian boy was the first among the trio to turn his gaze to Caelus. His eyes glowed with recognition, and he sneered. “You again. This is none of your business.”

Caelus's expression turned stern, his eyes flashing with anger. “How many times do I have to teach you these lessons, little brats? I suggest you give back what you took from her right now.”

The human boy, still wearing a smirk, crossed his arms. “And what are you going to do about it, huh?”

Without a word from Caelus, Luocha stepped forward as his cue, putting down his coffin as he quickly glanced at each kid. “These must be the three kids you have mentioned, right, Caelus? Hm… Such healthy young kids I see here. The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus will be very pleased with the materials offered to them for their experiment.”

“I’ve heard they are offering high prices for young children. If we made a successful deal with them, we could earn millions of credits to split 50-50.” The Trailblazer went along with a thoughtful nod.

The three bullies exchanged uncertain glances as Luocha and Caelus continued their act. The foxian boy's bravado wavered slightly. "Wait, what are you talking about? You are just messing with us."

“Just messing around, you say? What a perfect timing! We are planning to meet up with them tonight to discuss the prospect.” Luocha's smile turned sinister, his voice dripping with feigned excitement. One of his gloved hands raised to caressed his coffin menacingly. “You see here, my little gentlemen. This thing here is called a coffin which is to keep bodies of deceased. It is perfect to store the three of your bodies ripe to harvest your organs. Oh, but I assure you they are kind to well-behaved children if you follow their orders..."

Caelus chimed in, his tone darkening with a smirk of his own. “And it’s only the three of us and the two of us. No Cloud Knights nor anyone can save you once we take you all to them.”

The bullies paled visibly, their tough facades crumbling under the weight of their imagination of the stories about Plague Authors their parents had warned them of. The human boy's voice shook as he stammered, “W-Wait, experiments? We didn't know, we swear!"

The Vidyadhara boy nodded frantically. "Yeah, we were just playing around with her. We didn't mean any harm!”

Discarding the scroll, the foxian boy turned to his friends. “T-This is crazy, come on! Let’s get out of here!!”

Watching their bravado deflated completely, the three boys ran off, leaving the young blind girl who crouched on the ground to search for the dropped scroll. Luocha turned to Caelus with a chuckle. “You have a way with words, my friend.”

Caelus grinned. "Sometimes you need to play a little rough to get the message across. I have to admit, too. You play the role of the villain very well yourself, Luocha."

“Why, thank you for the compliment,” Luocha laughed softly. “I’m glad we are very synchronized in handling them. Now, let's hope those kids learned their lesson.”

Returning to the young girl, Caelus picked the scroll up from the ground. He then kneeled before Xiaoyu, gently taking one of her tiny hands to hold it. “Are you alright, Xiaoyu? Do you remember me?”

“… You’re the big brother from the last time.” Xiaoyu’s face slowly colored with realization upon recognizing the familiar, gentle voice.

The Trailblazer heaved a relieved sigh and answered. “Yes. The person who saved you too is my friend, Luocha. He is a traveling merchant who sells many things.”

Luocha also kneeled beside the young man and smiled warmly. “Nice to meet you, Miss Xiaoyu. I’m a traveling merchant. I’m sorry you had to go through that.”

Xiaoyu nodded, her cloudy eyes downcast. “Thank you, Master Luocha.... I’m sorry for causing any trouble.”

Caelus gently ruffled her hair. “You didn't cause any trouble. Those boys were the ones who started it. Remember, you can always come to us if you need help. But… Why are you out here alone, Xiaoyu? Did something happen?”

“No…,” The little blind girl shook her head and hugged the scroll to her chest. “I have gone to the bookstore to ask if there were any books on medicinal herbs. But there wasn’t any. And… I don’t want to trouble big sister Dan Shu when she is still busy.”

“Dan Shu…?” The Trailblazer found his throat immediately tightened at the very name of the recently deceased and previous Alchemy Commission chief.

Xiaoyu gave a small smile as she recalled. “Yes. I want to be like big sister Dan Shu when I grow up. Even though big sister couldn’t see, she always did her best to help everyone in need. I can’t always find big sister Dan Shu, or big brother to help me… I want to be able to defend myself from the bullies. Big brother, have you seen big sister Dan Shu? I wanted to ask if she has other books I could borrow from her.”

Every word from the blind little girl only deafened out to the Trailblazer, his mind tunnel vision onto Dan Shu’s name. His heart racing wildly, his breathing grew rapid and shallow, his palms became clammy, and he felt a lump forming in his throat.

Caelus's vision blurred as the memories replayed in his mind like a horror movie, as though he was standing before Dan Shu with his friends at the Aureate Elixir Furnace. He could hear the taunting voice from Dan Shu and her own rage as she screamed at the Master Diviner. “We consent to be commanded by the Devilish Archer, suffer continuously at the hands of the Denizens of Abundance, and the Ten-Lords Commission even forces us to give up our immortality…

“And, what do we get in exchange for our loyalty?! We were none other than sacrifices to win the war! My dearest Yufei was part of the sacrificial means to achieve victory from the Denizens of Abundance!! But now, through the divine miracles of the Abundance, the Devilish Archer shall witness the Alliance become the monstrosity they seek to destroy!”

The Trailblazer’s breath hitched, and his palms became clammy and sweaty under his gloves from her screams. He knew this wasn’t real. Dan Shu had been slained by Tingyun… No, it wasn’t Tingyun, but Lord Ravager Phantylia.

“Xiaoyu still doesn’t know what happened to Dan Shu. No one told her about it. But, if she knows what will happen to her? Will she be upset and join Dan Shu on the same path to turn against Luofu?” Caelus wondered as dread swirled into a mix with nausea in his gut. “And… She will hate me, I’m sure of it.

“I stand there and do nothing, but watch her die. I shouldn’t have been so naïve to trust Dan Shu and her medicine in the first place. The General and everyone would’ve captured her sooner if I hadn't taken it. And she would be alive now—!”

“Big brother…?” Xiaoyu’s tiny, worried voice only caused the gray-haired young man to look into her cloudy, sad eyes.

Right now, as she stood before Caelus with her cloudy, sad eyes filled with worry, He struggled to regain his composure, his hands still trembling slightly. Could he bear to do it? Her eyes held a mix of concern and innocence, waiting for his response. At that moment, the Trailblazer had a painful choice to make. To share the truth with her and receive the inevitable hatred, or to protect her from the harsh reality and maintain her ignorance.

However, as Caelus took a deep breath to speak, another gloved hand was gently placed on his shoulder to soothe him. Then, Luocha’s voice spoke up with a gentle voice. “You’re speaking of Miss Dan Shu, the chief of Alchemy Commission, right? I have heard from her colleagues that she had been busy taking care of the General’s health after returning from the Scalegorge Waterscape.”

“Luocha? What are you doing…?” The Trailblazer thought surprisedly, turning to look at the merchant beside him.

Luocha’s gentle gaze remained on the young blind girl. His gloved hand moved from rubbing his shoulder downwards to clasping his own, the thumb rubbed in circles as though continuing to calm him down. Caelus soon realized how close the merchant had shifted to kneel beside him. He could even smell the scent of flowers coming from the other that comforted him.

“Then, do you know where big sister Dan Shu is, Master Luocha?” Xiaoyu asked curiously.

The blond-haired merchant let out a thoughtful hum in pretense to recall from his memory, then answered. “From my acquaintances in the Aurum Alley, they have told us, merchants, that the Alchemy Commission is currently assisting with the Seat of Divine Foresight to locate the remnants of Disciple of Sanctus Medicus. But, if you have anything you want her to know, Caelus will gladly assist you.”

When the green eyes landed on him to prompt him gently, Caelus quickly curled a reassuring smile at the young girl. “Oh, yeah. I’m often asked to help out by Dan Shu and others for commission work. I’ll be sure to let her know you’re looking for.”

“Okay, thank you, big brother…” Xiaoyu smiled at them.

As Caelus heaved a relieved sigh, Luocha quickly glanced at the artificial sky, which had turned orange, and back at the two. “Now then, I suppose it’s late for a young lady to stay outside. Shall we escort her back home, my friend?”

“Sure,” Caelus nodded, standing up and offering to take Xiaoyu’s hand as they made their way to the girl’s home.

=0=

As they reached Xiaoyu's home, Caelus and Luocha bid her farewell, watching her enter the house before turning to each other. Luocha's green eyes held a mixture of understanding and support, and Caelus felt grateful for the merchant's presence.

“Thank you, Luocha,” Caelus said sincerely. “You really helped me back there.”

Luocha's smile was warm and genuine. “It is my pleasure, my friend. When Miss Xiaoyu mentioned Miss Dan Shu's name, I noticed your face complex had gone pale. Even now, your complexion hasn’t gotten better….”

“It's nothing," Caelus replied with a shrug, trying to downplay his earlier reaction. But Luocha's perceptive gaze was unwavering, and Caelus knew he wouldn't easily brush this off.

“… Caelus,” Luocha began in a gentle tone. “I may not know all the details, but it's clear that Miss Dan Shu has affected you deeply. It's okay to feel the way you do. Grief is a natural response to loss. But keeping things to yourself to bottle them, it’s not. I can see now that it is also beginning to affect your qi.”

Caelus sighed, raising a hand to brush his concerns away. “I’m really fine, Luocha. And it’s not something simple like feeling grief over her death. So, let’s get going—”

Luocha grabbed one of Caelus's arms to stop him, his touch comforting yet firm enough to prevent him from moving further. “You don't have to go through this alone, Caelus. Sometimes sharing your pain with someone can help ease the burden.”

The Trailblazer glanced at Luocha with a conflicted look. “I appreciate your concern, Luocha. But some things are just too complicated to share.”

“Complicated or not, having someone to confide in is important. We all need a support system, especially in times of difficulty.”

Caelus looked away, his thoughts churning. He knew Luocha was right, but opening up about the events surrounding Dan Shu's death and his own involvement, felt like unraveling a tangled web. He couldn’t bear sharing it with Pom-pom, March, Himeko, Welt, or Dan Heng. To them, this place was just one of the many places they needed to seal Stellaron without having many attachments to those who lived here.

Giving a quick glance to their surroundings, Luocha slowly removed his hand from the other and offered. “This may not be a good place... Shall we discuss this over tea instead? I shall promise you that whatever you have to say, it’ll only be between us two.”

“… Okay,” Caelus finally conceded from Luocha’s determined expression.

The merchant finally exhaled a relieved sigh at the younger man accepting his invitation. “Thank you, Caelus. And my apologies for pushing you to your boundaries. This way.”

As they turned to walk away from Xiaoyu's house, Caelus felt a mixture of emotions swirling within him. He appreciated Luocha's willingness to listen, but the path to healing was complex, and he needed help figuring out where to begin. Nevertheless, the seeds of a conversation had been planted, and perhaps, in time, he would find the strength to untangle the threads of his past.

Notes:

Another of my copium fix-it chapter on Luocha's companion quest, since that was one of the other most disappointing story with Yanqing on Patch 1.1. There was not even a chance to meet Luocha to confront him on the stuff they seen. And then now 1.3 ending straight up skip all of those... I'm still wishing Luocha meet the other crew members like Caelus especially aside as visitor in an event story!

This chapter is almost written as a Luocae if you can put it that way, since there's going to be subtle of AllCae scenes as part of my bias 🤭 There's also a bit of friend-slash-enemy between them I'm basing on the idea Caelus is still suspicious of Luocha but he still sees him as a friend.

Lastly the last part of Xiaoyu, this chapter was also written pre-1.3 patch release. Caelus's relationship with Dan Shu here was different than my playthrough options with her when I started the quest. But the other dialogue options and replies for Caelus being friendly and trusting to others is really interesting to see, and which it really makes Caelus Caelus!

Yes, I also have changed the dialogue part of Dan Shu's rant where instead of her raving about immortality that butchered her character.... I tried to keep it in her character so I hope I didn't butchered it further than what Hoyo did.

Also the PTSD, I'm sorry if this is not how it happens in real life. I did google it on the symptoms on what happens when a person does... Hope you guys enjoy this chapter too?

Chapter 7: Comfort in Confession

Summary:

Ah, there you are, Caelus.” Dan Shu greeted the young man, who appeared at her request. “You've been running so many errands lately — I'd like for you to take some useful items away with you.”

Caelus glanced at the green box with a curious look, carefully opening it to see two small brown pellets placed inside. “Thanks, but... What are these?”

"I call it the Brumedew Concentrate Pellet, and I'd like you to have it, Caelus.” Dan Shu answered with a friendly grin. “Consuming it will make your body light and agile and promote longevity and well-being. As a Nameless, it'll make your journey much less arduous.”

Notes:

I have added chapter titles for all the previous chapter before adding this! Previously I didn't want to add it in since I didn't expect I would be this invested for this story. But unfortunately, I need to write more Jingcae food here because it's really severely lacking compared to other fandom like JP and CN 😭

I'd recommend for a certain part of the chapter to be heard with ICON by Ninelie from 03:04 but you can still enjoy the chapter as it is!

Ah, there you are, Caelus.” Dan Shu greeted the young man, who appeared at her request. “You've been running so many errands lately — I'd like for you to take some useful items away with you.”

Caelus glanced at the green box with a curious look, carefully opening it to see two small brown pellets placed inside. “Thanks, but... What are these?”

" I call it the Brumedew Concentrate Pellet, and I'd like you to have it, Caelus.” Dan Shu answered with a friendly grin. “Consuming it will make your body light and agile and promote longevity and well-being. As a Nameless, it'll make your journey much less arduous.”

Looking at the pellets thoughtfully, the Trailblazer switched back to Dan Shu with a concerned expression. "That sounds almost too good to be true. Is it safe?"

Dan Shu chuckled. "I assure you, it's perfectly safe. My alchemical concoctions have been tested and refined extensively. This pellet is one of my proudest creations."

"Thank you, Dan Shu. I'll use it well." Caelus nodded appreciatively with a grin. He wasn’t expecting a handmade gift from the Chief Alchemist herself, but it definitely made him feel honored after helping out Luofu citizens’ daily troubles.

The Chief Alchemist smiled warmly. "I'm glad to hear that. Now, remember, moderation is key. Don't go eating them all at once."

"Don't worry, I won't turn into a pellet-eating machine." Caelus joked, which caused the older woman to chuckle heartily.

"Good to know. Well then, that's that. I've still got some other business to attend to, so... shall we say goodbye for now?” Dan Shu said.

Caelus nodded and raised his hand to wave. “Of course, Dan Shu. Until next time.”

As she was to head out, Dan Shu turned her head behind slightly to express a mischievous smile. “Perhaps the next time we meet, I'll be able to see you in the true sense of the word.”

A faint blush slowly crept onto Caelus’s cheek with embarrassment at her tease, "Y-Yeah, maybe."

With a light laugh, Dan Shu waved him off, and Caelus left her quarters with the green box....

“Was the walk to the Seat of Divine Foresight always this long?” Caelus thought as he clutched his chest where his heart was tightly. His lips panted in ragged breaths, and more beads of sweat dripped down from his head.

He could feel his legs growing heavier as though an Everwinter Shadewalker plummeted onto him to add weight to his limbs. Qingzu needed to know about the medicine Dan Shu had given to him.

“Argh... There goes my head again... Is Dan Shu sure this Brumedew is safe for consumption?” Caelus moved the hand from his chest to his head as it throbbed sharply again. He felt even warmer and worse than when a Blaze Out of Space monster fired a Bellowing Inferno fireball into him. “Almost there....”

The familiar entrance to the Seat of Divine Foresight was near his reach. He staggered forward, his determination propelling him despite the pain and discomfort. Each step felt like a herculean effort, but he couldn't give up now.

His vision blurred as he finally reached the entrance and felt a moment of dizziness. He leaned against the stone wall for support, closing his eyes briefly to regain his balance. He could hear the faint sounds of conversations and footsteps from within the Seat of Divine Foresight. With a deep breath, he pushed himself away from the wall and entered the bustling interior.

However, what he saw inside was different from what he had expected. Instead of finding the Vidyadhara woman he was looking for, his eyes widened with shock as he saw a gathering of mara-struck individuals. Mutated automations, their forms distorted and corrupted, moved with unsettling jerks and twitches. Imp-like creatures with malicious grins danced around them, creating an eerie spectacle.

"What's happening? Isn't this the Seat of Divine Foresight? Why are there so many mara-struck here..." Caelus's mind grew panicked at the sight. His heart raced as he tried to make sense of the chaos unfolding before him. He needed to find Qingzu and warn her about the dangers here!

As he moved forward, he realized the mara-struck creatures had noticed his presence. Their twisted gazes turned toward him, and he could sense their hostile intent. The air grew heavy with an ominous energy as they advanced toward him.

Caelus brandished his curio bat, his fingers trembling with fear and determination. Despite the searing pain that surged through his body, he knew he couldn't afford to falter now. His companions and the safety of the Seat of Divine Foresight were at stake.

“No... I can’t let them... Get near me...!” He muttered through gritted teeth. His heart pounded in his chest, drowning out the chaos around him.

Summoning every ounce of strength he had left, Caelus charged into the fray, his curio bat swinging in arcs to ward off the mara-struck creatures. The battle was fierce. His body pushed to its limits as he fought against the unnatural foes. Adrenaline surged through his veins, temporarily overriding the pain that radiated from every part of him.

One of the imp-like mutations shrieked with a familiar distorted voice. “Caelus! What happened to you? Be careful, don't hurt him...!”

The pleas of using Qingzu’s voice were none other than a trick Caelus saw through as it commanded its allies to continue summoning more allies to fight. He swung his bat to smack them as hard as he could and parried the flamethrowers before they could burn him.

Caelus’s blurry yellow eyes darted around for any available escape route. He also needed to send a message to call the Cloud Knights for backup. However, a heavy stomping noise reverberated loudly, allowing a large, heavy-armored creature with infested yellow leaves holding a shield and lance to step forward. “Stand down, I’ll handle him.”

“One of their leaders is here too?!” Caelus thought to himself, his teeth bared fiercely and warily. His body ached, his mind raced, and the realization that he was outnumbered and outmatched pressed upon him heavily. But he couldn't give in. Not now. The safety of the Seat of Divine Foresight, his friends, and his own survival depended on his ability to stand his ground against this looming threat.

The large, heavy-armored creature lunged forward with its shield and lance, its yellow-infested leaves swirling ominously around the lance to strike at him. Caelus narrowly dodged the attack, his instincts kicking in as he rolled to the side. He could feel the rush of wind as the lance grazed his arm, leaving a painful, stinging sensation in its wake.

Using the momentum of his dodge, Caelus swung his curio bat in a wide arc, deflecting the lance strikes towards him.

But his adversary was relentless. The Shape Shifter leader closed in again. Each swing of its lance was faster and more challenging than the last. Caelus's breath came in ragged gasps, and his vision blurred from the exertion. He could feel his strength waning, his muscles protesting every movement.

And the moment Caelus swung his bat towards the mara-struck creature, it parried his bat effectively to knock it off from his bat to somewhere. Before he could run to retrieve it, the Shape Shifter discarded its lance and seized one of his arms to twist it behind him firmly.

“Hands off me!” The Trailblazer growled and thrashed wildly to free himself. He won’t let himself be turned into a mara-struck just like them! He had to get out of here and find—!

“Caelus... Caelus! Listen to my voice, breathe.” The Shape Shifter commanded firmly. “You’re not yourself right now. Please come back to me, Caelus...!”

As the Trailblazer wrestled himself, the scent of herbal tea wafted into his nose to make him relax. He recognized this warm and pleasant scent. Later, his blurry gaze became clearer. Instead of the mara-struck creatures, several Cloud Knights were warily holding their spears, and a familiar dark maroon-haired Vidyahara woman was wearing a fearful and worried expression at him.

“Qingzu...?” When Caelus muttered her name, the Vidyadhara woman released a relieved gasp that he had regained his senses.

Finally, when the grip on his arm freed him, the Trailblazer turned to see General Jing Yuan wearing a stern expression, his golden eyes scrutinizing Caelus's condition. “Are you alright, Caelus?”

As Caelus nodded to the General, Qingzu also spoke up. “Thank the stars, you're finally awake. I thought we might lose you. I was so worried.”

“What happened to me?” The Trailblazer watched the other surrounding Cloud Knights relax their stance.

Jing Yuan explained calmly to the confused younger man. “You came into the Seat of Divine Foresight and started brandishing your weapon, Caelus. Neither Qingzu nor the Cloud Knights who were here could stop you. Fortunately, I had finished my paperwork in my office until I heard the commotion.”

Caelus's brow furrowed in confusion as he listened to the General's explanation. While listening, his yellow eyes slowly trailed to see the blue-black bruise swelled on Jing Yuan’s knuckles. His heart turned cold at the heavy guilt that weighed on him. He had no memory of entering the Seat of Divine Foresight and even going as far as to attack the General. It was as if a gap existed in his memory. His gaze shifted to the Divine Foresight Counselor, who was looking at him with a mix of relief and concern.

“I... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..." The Trailblazer admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty and guilt. “I don’t remember anything at all....”

“It looked like you'd lost control as if you'd been stricken with mara...” Qingzu's expression softened as she gently placed a hand on his arm. “There has to be something awry. Tell us what happened to you before arriving at the Seat of Divine Foresight.”

The Trailblazer began recounting everything between him and Dan Shu to the General and Counselor. At some point during the talk, another Alchemy Commission healer dropped by to examine him under Jing Yuan’s orders while he continued to relay the story.

Once it was over, the General wore an impassive expression to process the details and spoke. “From your accounts, the gift she gave to you must be related to the Disciples' prescription being analyzed earlier...”

“... But the healer who examined you just now said your body doesn't seem to have been affected... How strange.” Qingzu uttered with her brows furrowed as she looked at the report. “Could Dan Shu be playing a trick on you? Or is her medicine somehow not working as planned?”

Caelus switched towards his chest where the Stellaron lay in his body's depths. Could it be that the Stellaron had disrupted the pills’ effects? But, why...? Was there some sort of self-defense mechanism it possessed that neither Himeko nor Welt knew of?

“My advice is to come back later for another examination... It's a Disciples of Sanctus Medicus prescription after all — who knows what 'healing' effects it may have.” Qingzu suggested after finishing studying the report to the General.

Jing Yuan gave a curt nod to approve before turning to Caelus. “Can you still fight, Caelus?”

Caelus nodded, his determination resurfacing despite the lingering confusion and concern. He must make up for the mistakes he had made. "Yes, General. I can still fight."

“Good. I need you to find the former Chief Alchemist Dan Shu, and bring her back here. If you find traces of her, get in touch with Qingzu.”

“I'll put out a wanted notice for Dan Shu immediately.” As the General’s gaze shifted to the Vidyadhara woman, she nodded at his orders and turned to Caelus. “Take this Diting with you. It might just help you find this... 'friend.'”

Caelus accepted the colorful bionic lion-dog Diting, who ran to the Trailblazer side from Qingzu’s whistle with a grateful nod. “Thank you, Qingzu. I'll make sure to keep you updated on any progress.”

With a final nod to General Jing Yuan, Caelus left the headquarters, his thoughts racing. It wasn’t long before Dan Shu left him alone. All he had to do was to give Diting a whiff of the former Chief Alchemist’s scent to track her down….

=0=

Even though Caelus easily beat the lower members of the Disciple of Medicus Sanctus, he walked back into the Seat of Divine Foresight with a heavy heart and empty hand. Dan Shu’s words still rang in his head as she escaped. “You don't understand Merciful Medicus, nor the Devilish Archer Author, but you understand me — do you see me as such? A heretic?”

The Trailblazer recalled the first time he met the traitorous chief alchemist, Dan Shu, who was indeed a kind-hearted and intelligent individual her colleagues spoke of. Despite being tasked to assist with the Seat of Divine Foresight, she made medicines for those in need, especially for a young girl like Xiaoyu, who shared the same circumstances as her.

To Caelus, knowing such a warm-hearted individual as a friend, he couldn’t help but recall her words once more. “I have been thinking... The Devilish Archer Author is not a benevolent god, nor is Merciful Medicus a malevolent one. Your choice to align with Jing Yuan was simply due to meeting him first. Most unfortunate. Had you known me first, perhaps we could have been good friends.”

… Would circumstances have been different if the Astral Express hadn’t been led by Kafka to work with Jing Yuan? The what-ifs only gave the Trailblazer’s mind more questions with no answer.

Upon reaching the main hall, Caelus spotted Qingzu conversing with one of the Cloud Knights. Her serious expression caught his attention, and he approached them, his senses on high alert.

As he drew nearer, Qingzu turned to him, her gaze focused. “How did it go? Did you manage to locate Dan Shu?”

Shaking his head dismally, Caelus simply reported. “I have caught up to her at the Artisanship Commission. But, she managed to escape right after I had taken down another few more disciples protecting her.”

“So, you weren't able to apprehend her... I see.” The Chief Counselor acknowledged with a mournful tone.

“I can’t believe Dan Shu lied to me… I thought she was my friend…,” Caelus gritted his teeth as he murmured.

“I understand how you feel... I've also been fooled by someone I regarded as a good friend. It's a dreadful experience.” However, Qingzu, who had heard him, gently patted on his shoulders to comfort the younger man. Her eyes also narrowed in frustration. “These people have been hiding for so long — they must have a more nefarious plan. I've got to apprehend them quickly.”

Caelus acknowledged curtly. “Let me know if there is anything else to assist you in finding her.”

“Of course,” Qingzu nodded. “Once again, thank you for all your help. With your intel, we will put a stop to Dan Shu. Jing Yuan tells me to pass you a message. Please visit him in his office when you have returned. The alchemy commission doctor is there waiting together to check on you.”

With a faint nod, the Trailblazer quietly turned to go to the General’s office. Despite the mixed emotions that swirled within him, he knew that his duty was to seal the Stellaron and uncover the truth behind the crisis that had shaken Luofu.

“The General made a mistake to give such a high privilege to these outworlders.” A passing Seat of Divine Foresight member whispering to their colleagues reached the Trailblazer’s ears by chance.

“I honestly doubt it’s an accident for him to swallow the pill down without thinking.” Their foxian friend replied. “These guests are just like any greedy outworlders who came here, seeking immortality for selfish reasons.”

“It’ll not be unexpected if they are in the same league as our wanted criminal Blade. For their pretense of saying they were fooled, they are the ones who have fooled instead!”

Caelus clenched his fist tighter as he continued to walk on. He couldn't afford to let his emotions cloud his judgment by the gossip. There were always those who would doubt and criticize them, especially in times of crisis. His focus remained on his duty and the truth he needed to uncover.

Reaching General Jing Yuan's office, he briefly knocked on the door before entering. The office was dimly lit, with stacked documents neatly organized on the desk. Right in front of the desk was another doctor, a tall man with spectacles, who was indeed present, checking some medical instruments.

“Ah, Caelus, come in,” Jing Yuan's voice called from behind the desk. He looked up from his work, his golden eyes meeting Caelus's gaze. “I have received the reports from Qingzu on Dan Shu. How are you feeling?”

Caelus offered a faint, weary smile. “I've had better days, General, but I'll manage.”

“You may sit right over here, dear guest.” The doctor gestured for Caelus to sit, and the Trailblazer complied, taking a seat on one of the chairs on the side of the room. The doctor approached him with a concerned expression, “I have received the first results of my colleague who has examined you earlier. Do you still feel any abnormalities in your body?”

The Trailblazer truthfully shook his head. “Not at all. I feel as fine as ever when I tried to take down Dan Shu.”

“I see...” The alchemist thoughtfully replied after giving one more read on the scroll contents. “I’ll only be doing one more simple check to ensure no other side effects are lingering in you.”

The alchemist thoroughly examined Caelus, checking his pulse, temperature, and general well-being. Once the examination was complete, he stepped back with an expression of concern and professional detachment. “Physically, you seem stable. But, I’ll still prescribe some medicines for you to ensure the Disciple’s prescription is completely removed from the body.”

Taking out a small sachet of herbs to Caelus, the doctor advised. “Take this three times a day after food for a week. If you don’t feel well, please visit us immediately.”

“Thank you, doctor,” Caelus humbly accepted the medicine into his inventory.

“I shall take my leave first, General.” After politely bowing to Jing Yuan, the Alchemy Commission doctor left the office, leaving Caelus alone with the General.

Despite this not being the first time, the Trailblazer couldn’t help but feel his anxiety creeping up on him a hundredfold. Jing Yuan had yet to send him away, so he was sure there was something to discuss.

At that moment, Jing Yuan stood up from his seat and walked towards where he was seated. “I have deployed some of the men to station at the Alchemy Commission based on your reports. They will keep a lookout and report to me if Dan Shu or any of her men return. Another few have also been tasked to seek out remaining members hidden among them.”

Caelus nodded, appreciating the General's swift action. “Thank you, General. And I’m sorry that I have let Dan Shu gotten away....”

“It’s nothing to fret of,” The General shook his head. “I’m certain she’ll have ways to escape, knowing the disciples have been planted among us, too. I suggest you take a break from investigating the Disciple of Medicus Sanctus and recuperate until Lady Fu is ready to interrogate the Stellaron Hunter Kafka.”

“... Understood, General,” Caelus replied and lowered his head. He had been dismissed from the mission. It was hardly surprising, to say the least. But who knows if the General also decided to banish the Astral Express crew under this reasoning for his failure? Had he figured out if his body possessed the Stellaron from the medical reports protecting him? How was he going to face Welt and Himeko?

March... If she was here right now, she’d be furious at him for being a complete screw-up moron after teasing her that she’d be more distracted at sightseeing on new planets. Pom-pom, too, the little Conductor would be fuming madly at his reckless behavior like how he always dug trashcan for cooking experiment ingredients.

Then, the Trailblazer weakly chuckled with a bitter smile in his mind as though he could imagine Dan Heng’s pointed stare at him. “Dan Heng will be angry for sure, but... Where is he now? There is still nothing from him. Was he also caught up by the Disciples? Damn it... I shouldn’t be sitting here. What if Dan Shu had gotten to him first? Has he been turned into one of the Mara-struck abominations? Am I too late?”

Shit! Caelus cursed internally when he realized the trembling sensation had come from his cold, clammy hands and limbs. This wasn’t the time to act weak before a great authority figure like the Xianzhou Luofu General. He needed to get up right now, apologize to Jing Yuan for the trouble he caused one more time, and find Dan Heng as soon as he could.

“But what would happen if everyone had decided I shouldn’t be traveling with them anymore? I’m just as suspicious as Kafka and other Stellaron Hunters were.” Caelus’s heart raced rapidly, with fear overpowering him. “Damn it! Damn it! Shut up!! This isn’t the time to be thinking about all of this!”

Stupid legs, stop shaking, and get up right now! Get up! You useless, no-good—!

“Caelus.” Jing Yuan’s soft and gentle voice spoke up, and one of his hands tugged the young man up to pull him into his embrace.

Caelus's trembling body was enveloped by the warmth of the General's hug. His heart still raced, but the steady heartbeat against his ear seemed to calm his own. The Trailblazer felt his breath hitch as he clutched the fabric of Jing Yuan's robes; his yellow eyes widened significantly in surprise at the unexpected actions. “G... General...?”

Before the Trailblazer could even try to move, Jing Yuan tightened his grip on the younger man and rubbed his back gently to soothe him. His voice was unexpectedly grave and raw with emotions as he spoke with furrowed eyes. “It’s alright, Caelus. It should be me to apologize to you instead. It aggravates me that I have made you shoulder burdens that weren’t yours. If only I could have been by your side on those investigations... But no one can replace you, my friend. You’re not alone in this, Caelus. I’m here with you by your side.”

The Trailblazer's breath caught in his throat at the confession. His heart swelled with emotions he couldn't put into words. He never expected this kind of gesture from the General, who was respected and beloved by many. In this vulnerable moment, Caelus saw a different side of Jing Yuan – compassionate, understanding, equally emotional, and caring.

Tears pricked at the corner of his eyes, and Caelus found himself leaning into the embrace, his arms wrapping around Jing Yuan in return. "General. I... It’s my fault for letting Dan Shu got away. If I hadn’t been such an idiot to believe her... And, took her medicine. Y... You’d have....”

“Shh...” Jing Yuan's hand continued to rub soothing circles on Caelus's back, his voice gentle. “There is nothing wrong in being yourself, Caelus. In fact, it makes me happy to know you are such a benevolent person who befriends and cares for all you met. I have never been more grateful to have known you. Therefore, it's alright to let others help you just as you done for them. Even now, let yourself go to me. I will hold you until you get on your feet again.”

Caelus nodded weakly at his words. His face was hidden against Jing Yuan's shoulder to allow the tears to finally flow freely. It felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, and realizing he wasn't alone in this struggle was incredibly comforting. Amid all the chaos and uncertainty, he found solace in this simple embrace.

Yet, the Trailblazer also knew as he realized now... This man named Jing Yuan before him could never be his even as his heart yearned for his love.

=0=

“... I see, so Miss Dan Shu herself, too, has been betrayed by her benefactor from the Antimatter Legion before her demise,” Luocha muttered quietly after Caelus recounted the story at the Alchemy Commission. The incidents of watching soldiers forcibly turned into mara-struck creatures as they made their way to Fu Xuan, the Master Diviner’s plan to disrupt the Disciples’ plans to turn the war to their favor. Lastly, the final confrontation and battle with Dan Shu.

In the present, the two men were seated at a far corner at Synwood Pavilion for the privacy that the Trailblazer required. With their tea ordered and placed on their table, Caelus grabbed his cup, held it with both hands, and nodded solemnly. “Yes, even she was a pawn in their grand scheme. And I couldn't save her or any of them... If I had understood her better, as she said, I would’ve been able to convince and remind her that there are people like Xiaoyu. They needed her, and I took her away from them....”

The blond-haired merchant's gaze remained steady, his expression a mixture of understanding and empathy as he listened to the younger man's words. He sipped his tea before responding, his voice calm and reassuring. “Caelus, it's natural to feel guilt and regret, especially in situations where lives have been affected by the Mara. But you must remember that you can't shoulder the blame for everything. Dan Shu's choices were hers, as were those who followed her down a dark path.”

Caelus's grip on his teacup tightened, and he nodded, his voice shaky. “I know, Luocha. But it's hard not to question every decision I've made. If I had been more perceptive and seen the signs, maybe things could have turned out differently.”

“You're only human, Caelus,” Luocha said gently, his arm stretched to pat on the Trailblazer’s shoulder. “Hindsight is always clearer, but you were doing your best with the information you had at the time. What matters now is that you're taking responsibility for your actions. I believe the little miss would also feel the same when the time is right for her to know. She needs to learn why Miss Dan Shu is no longer with her and to ensure she does not take the same path as her. Or perhaps....”

Do you regret the choice you made?

Luocha’s question was soothing yet straight to the point to make Caelus finally look at the other. He then heard Kafka’s voice in his head once more before she left him alone in the space station with a sad tone. “When you have a chance to make a choice, make one that you know you won't regret...”

Did Caelus regretted his decision to stop Dan Shu? Had he hoped he had never met the former Chief Alchemist if he had known earlier after his first investigation on the Disciple of Medicus Sanctus? Or would things be different if he met Dan Shu first? Right now, he closed his eyes to reflect if he ever had the chance to do this investigation again....

To stop the Disciple of Medicus Sanctus from turning innocent lives into monsters on their fanatical belief of immortality.

To take the strange medicine from Dan Shu and to learn the meaning of betrayal from a friend on the new life he was reborn into.

Finally, whether to meet Jing Yuan first or later and harbor a forbidden love for the other when he shouldn’t... Caelus did not regret them at all.

Meeting Luocha’s green eyes, Caelus’s face finally expressed gratitude and determination to smile. “No, I don’t regret my choices, Luocha. Xiaoyu deserves to know the truth, even if it's painful to learn what Dan Shu had done. I'll ensure she doesn't follow the same path.”

Luocha's gaze held a deep understanding as he listened to Caelus's response. There was a certain gravity in the air, a sense of shared understanding that transcended words. He nodded in approval at Caelus's words, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “I'm glad to hear that, Caelus. Your determination and strength are truly admirable.”

“Thank you, Luocha. And thank you for listening and offering your guidance," Caelus replied, his expression reflecting his genuine appreciation.

Luocha's smile widened slightly, and he inclined his head in acknowledgment. "You're welcome, Caelus. Remember that you're not alone on this journey. And as you face the challenges ahead, don't forget to take care of yourself as well."

“I will. It's a lesson I've been learning along the way.” The Trailblazer agreed, and it’ll be one of the many lessons he needed to face against Nanook when the time came, according to Elio’s script.

Soon, the merchant’s grin turned into a friendly smirk as he leaned forward and placed both arms on his table. “Then I suppose I would receive a payment for delivering a lesson to my ‘student’? Such important life lessons from a merchant do not come free.”

Caelus chuckled amusedly and went along with the older man. “Depends on what kind of payment my ‘teacher’ accepts. Name your price, Luocha.”

“That’s quite a dangerous statement you made, my friend.” As though pretending to think of the best offer, Luocha decided with a simple smile. “A dinner with me at the Aurum Alley.”

When he watched Caelus’s yellow eyes widen in surprise, Luocha chuckled louder. “It's a small dinner between us two. My treat. I know a good restaurant with a fine cuisine from their chef to try the local delicacies.”

“I see,” Caelus couldn't help but chuckle along with the merchant's playful demeanor. The offer was unexpected, but it carried a sense of friendship that he appreciated. “You drive a hard bargain, merchant. But I suppose I can agree to that. It'll be a welcome change of pace.”

Luocha's grin turned more mischievous. “Excellent! You won't regret it, my friend. We'll dine like kings and talk about matters beyond the troubles of this city.”

“Looking forward to it,” Caelus replied, his smile widening. Sharing a meal with Luocha in a more relaxed setting sounded like a pleasant diversion from the tension and challenges that had consumed his days.

Unexpectedly, as Caelus was daydreaming of the new dishes to enjoy, a familiar pale hand with a long white sleeve placed closely beside his own on the table from the back. “Then, I hope you wouldn’t mind if there would be room for a third to join, wouldn’t you?”

“H... Huh?! Am I dreaming again...?” The recognizable lazy drawling voice that Caelus had known too well in his mind, made him realize a warmth pressing onto his back. Before him, Luocha’s face had already turned expressionless at the intruder behind the younger man.

As Caelus slowly turned his head up, he was greeted by the familiar feline smirk and golden amused eyes belonging to none other than a specific Xianzhou Luofu General named Jing Yuan looking at him. “Greetings, Caelus. You seem to have quite an exciting adventure for the day.”

Notes:

Looks like this chapter is going to be left with a cliffhanger by our unexpected General himself 🤭 Hope you guys enjoyed it too so far!

I admit for my first playthrough on Dan Shu's quest, I didn't take the pill as I have interpreted my Caelus to be more vigilant in suspecting her. And I had a hunch about her when I was playing through that she was a bad guy all along. But, when I read through the other dialogue option in the wiki, the ones which Caelus trust her are more interesting and fitting for this Caelus I wrote. Hence I chose the one which he sees her as a friend!

Also, I also hope to finish the next chapter soon before flying off on my vacation to rest. So there won't be anymore new chapters for a while until I return 😂

Chapter 8: The Merchant, The Peony and The Sleeping Lion

Summary:

Trying to diffuse the awkwardness, Caelus offered a hesitant smile. “General, I’m not sure if there’s any more room. It’s only a friendly chat between us two. I doubt it will be interesting to hear about a merchant’s encounter with his customers or helping someone in a day’s work.”

Caelus's words were polite, but there was an underlying message in his tone that hinted at the limited space at the table. Given the palpable tension in the air, it was clear that he was trying to handle the situation delicately.

Jing Yuan, however, seemed unfazed by the subtle hint. Instead, his amused smile curled wider, and he bent his body forward so that his head was closer to the younger man. Golden eyes glinted at the challenge delivered to him; Jing Yuan mimicked Luocha’s own invitation. “Oh, I’m sure that can be arranged. If you want to enjoy delicacies and drinks, I know an excellent restaurant that provides the best. My treat, of course.”

Notes:

My only three disclaimers are:

1. I hope the characters again are not that OOC during the chapter, as fun as it was writing and reading this.
2. This chapter is written during post 1.3 patch. But for this fanfic I'd say it's a mixed between both since I started this during 1.2 patch. So you've been warned on the potential spoilers
3. And, you may probably want to bring your popcorn to enjoy the dinner date happening in the chapter 🤭

Edit: Sorry have to repost this because the publication date was wrong

Caelus's heart skipped a beat as he locked eyes with the Xianzhou Luofu General Jing Yuan, smiling down at him. His surprise was evident as he stammered, "G-General? What are you doing here?"

He clearly didn’t expect the General to sneak up on him from the back or even show up out of nowhere. Jing Yuan chuckled, the corners of his eyes crinkling in amusement. "Well, I happened to be around for a walk and heard about this charming little dinner. I thought I might join in the fun."

That sounded too much of a coincidence to be around, Caelus thought but decided to keep to himself from voicing out. His yellow eyes glanced to where Luocha was to gauge his reaction to the unexpected intruder.

Luocha, who had been quietly sipping his tea, wore a simple, indifferent expression. However, Caelus swore the air around the merchant had dropped its temperature. His green eyes hadn’t bothered to acknowledge the General’s presence.

On the other hand, Caelus was torn between the awkwardness of the situation and the flutter of nerves in his chest from the tension. It was clear that the unexpected arrival of General Jing Yuan was something other than what Luocha had anticipated or welcomed.

Trying to diffuse the awkwardness, Caelus offered a hesitant smile. “General, I’m not sure if there’s any more room. It’s only a friendly chat between us two. I doubt it will be interesting to hear about a merchant’s encounter with his customers or helping someone in a day’s work.”

Caelus's words were polite, but there was an underlying message in his tone that hinted at the limited space at the table. Given the palpable tension in the air, it was clear that he was trying to handle the situation delicately.

Jing Yuan, however, seemed unfazed by the subtle hint. Instead, his amused smile curled wider, and he bent his body forward so that his head was closer to the younger man. Golden eyes glinted at the challenge delivered to him; Jing Yuan mimicked Luocha’s own invitation. “Oh, I’m sure that can be arranged. If you want to enjoy delicacies and drinks, I know an excellent restaurant that provides the best. My treat, of course.”

Caelus's eyes widened slightly as he realized the General was not backing down. There was a persistence in Jing Yuan's demeanor that was difficult to ignore, yet unable to comprehend the reasons behind it. The tension in the air seemed to thicken as the Trailblazer was caught in an unexpected power struggle between the two.

He didn't want to be rude to the General, but he didn't want to make Luocha uncomfortable by simply accepting the request without his consent. The Trailblazer tried thinking of a way to defuse the situation without offending.

Before he could respond, Luocha's voice cut through the tension like a knife. “It’s alright, Caelus.”

Turning to where the merchant was, he had stood up from his seat and offered a gentle, polite, but unreadable smile. “The General is free to join us. It’s a rare occasion to be enjoyed as an honor to speak with him like this."

The Trailblazer merely nodded with a dumbfounded expression as his shoulders relaxed slightly. It was clear that the merchant was willing to accommodate Jing Yuan, perhaps out of respect for his position or to avoid escalating the tension further.

“Excellent.” Jing Yuan simply raised his body back up and smiled. “Please follow me.”

As Caelus stood and joined Luocha to follow the Luofu General from the back to Aurum Alley... He couldn't help but wonder about the General's true intentions behind this unexpected appearance. Clearly, something was amiss, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he was caught in the middle of something he didn't fully understand.

=0=

“Xiao Hua, look! The General is especially handsome tonight!!” One of the young woman’s gossip to her friend reached towards the Trailblazer’s ear. Even when she was seated at the Spices Supreme, a distance away from the Delicacy Pavilion they were at.

The other brown-haired Luofu human woman beside her giggled. “Yes. I have even managed to take a good photo of him!”

“Is this really common on Luofu…?” Caelus wondered, his ears burnt in embarrassment from the overexcited gossip. He really shouldn’t be hearing this, but it was a needed distraction.

Lifting one hand to scratch the itch on his right ear, another whisper from a different woman squealed, “Hey, hey, do you think the General will look over this way?”

“I hope he does! Oh, but… I think he’s having a date with the two outworlders there.”

Date? Was this how they looked to passersby? Caelus’s yellow eyes moved nervously from the two foxian ladies to the front.

Jing Yuan and Luocha quietly sipped their teas ordered earlier on both his left and right. Both of their eyes shut as though to savor the flavor of their drink. Even when the two had yet to start a conversation, the tension in the air was thick and nerve-racking. He could only watch when the petite woman named Short Auntie came over to take down their offers, both Jing Yuan and Luocha assuring him of their food choices before the cold war between them returned.

If only those women knew behind the assumption of this ‘date,’ they perceived in front of him… Caelus sighed to himself internally with regret. “Maybe I should have insisted to Luocha that we can reschedule the dinner to another time. But….”

Speaking of the General, Jing Yuan finally placed down his cup and began to speak. “How’s your business going? I have hoped the crisis on Luofu will make trading easier for interstellar merchants like yourself.”

The trailblazer turned his head to Luocha, who had also placed down his cup with a polite smile. “Thank you for asking. Business has been steady, General. The recent events have created new trade opportunities, although they also come with their fair share of challenges.”

“So, I’ve heard.” The Luofu General nodded in agreement. “Times of upheaval often lead to shifts in the trade landscape. It's good that you and your friends adapt well to the changing circumstances.”

“Nothing strange so far...,” Caelus thought to himself. He, too, took his own cup to drink his tea.

However, what the General spoke next made the poor Trailblazer choke on his hot tea. “Earlier, I received a rather interesting report. There were sightings of a merchant affiliated with the Disciple of Sanctus Medicus, seeking innocents and young children to continue their experiments. I wonder if you know the culprit among your merchant friends.”

Caelus's eyes widened in shock as the General mentioned the Disciple of Sanctus Medicus. Was it those bullies who reported to the knights about Luocha to protect Xiaoyu? Or had someone else mistook their actions without knowing the situation?

He quickly composed himself, taking a deep breath to calm his racing heart. "General, I can testify that the reports weren’t true. I asked Luocha to help protect a young girl from her bullies. They wouldn’t back off to stop bullying her until he and I must resort to this tactic of him pretending to be a merchant for them to scare them away.”

Luocha, too, nodded in agreement. "I can vouch for Caelus. We were about to head off from the Exalting Sanctum to continue our day until we heard Miss Xiaoyu’s cries. Neither he nor I could simply turn a blind eye to the inexcusable actions of those children tormenting her.”

Jing Yuan listened attentively to their explanations. His expression was thoughtful, yet his golden eyes flickered something unreadable. He returned with a nod to acknowledge. “I see. It appears there was a misunderstanding, and I apologize for any undue concern. I will also inform the knights to cease the investigation and counsel the children’s parents about the incident.”

Heaving a relief sigh, Caelus felt a gentle pat on his shoulder, turning to see the merchant smiling appreciatively. “Thank you for speaking up, Caelus. I’m glad we could clear this up for Miss Xiaoyu. Let’s hope the bullies would learn their lesson to stay away from her.”

“I hope so, too,” The trailblazer agreed with a smile. Xiaoyu could walk in the open freely without the bullies hounding her wherever she went.

Even with the joyful atmosphere shared between the two, it immediately burst when Jing Yuan warned with an authoritative tone. “However, I would advise you to refrain from using names relating to the Plagues Authors too freely, Caelus. Our people do not take kindly to outsiders who are susceptible to being affiliated with them. Even as you are now a hero to us...”

“O-Oh, sorry...," Caelus straightened up from his seat, making Luocha remove his hand from him. He shifted his body to the General slightly and bowed his head apologetically. “I will be more careful next time, General.”

The General gave a small smile and raised his own hand to pat Caelus’s back gently. “Nevertheless, thank you, Caelus. It's heartening to know you were there to stand up against injustice."

“It’s nothing at all, General.” The Trailblazer’s face grew more flustered by the praises and gentle touches, unaware of the strange, impassive face coloring on Luocha. It also didn’t help that it came from Jing Yuan, causing his heart to race faster than ever. “I... I-I mean, we just happened to be around to stop them from bullying Xiaoyu...!”

The tension between them continued to shift, this time towards an awkward but somewhat endearing atmosphere. The pat on the head caught Caelus off guard, and his flustered reaction drew a chuckle from the General.

Luocha, on the other hand, had an inscrutable expression. His eyes, usually warm and friendly, seemed to hint at something more complex. He discreetly cleared his throat, bringing the focus back to the conversation.

“Indeed, it's heartening to see such courage and kindness,” Luocha chimed in, his voice conveying genuine appreciation. “In times like these, the goodness of individuals like Caelus shines brightly.”

Caelus's face turned even more red at the compliments, feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the attention. The Trailblazer wasn't used to being at the center of such admiration, especially for a small deed like this. He could feel his stomach already fluttering from the smiles on their handsome faces.

Jing Yuan chuckled softly, breaking the momentary tension. “I’ve been told from Yanqing that you have invited him along to play Celestial Jade today, Caelus. How was the game for you? Have you enjoyed it?”

“Ah, yes! It was a fantastic experience, General. The game is unlike anything I’ve encountered before. The strategies on making combinations in your hands and the tiles' unpredictability are enjoyable!” Caelus replied with an excited grin. However, he immediately lifted one finger to scratch his cheek sheepishly. “But, I only catch up until the last round to make a win for myself.”

“Still, even if you’re a beginner, it’s very lucky to pull a hand of Big Four Blessings, Caelus,” Luocha complimented with a grin. “Both you and the young lieutenant play very well in the first game. I’m very impressed.”

Caelus chuckled at the compliment and returned with a smile. “So do I, Luocha. I never thought you’re a good player yourself.”

Luocha's smile remained warm as he responded, “Well, I've had my fair share of practice from the people here as one of my business deals. Celestial Jade is quite popular here, and I've played it with many friends and associates. It's a great way to build connections and enjoy friendly competition."

“I could definitely pick up some pointers from you next time,” The Trailblazer admitted, his eyes filled with eagerness.

The merchant nodded, his expression inviting and pleased. But again, before he could continue, Jing Yuan intervened smoothly. “I also have books on Celestial Jades if you’d like to borrow them too, Caelus. While luck has a major impact on the tiles you pick, it's still a game of skill and strategy, and a bit of study can go a long way.”

Caelus turned his attention to the General, his yellow eyes widening in surprise. "Books on Celestial Jades? That would be incredibly helpful, General. But I didn’t know you played this game too."

“Though my master was strict on her teachings of the blade, she also sees the benefit of Celestial Jade for recreation past time and mental training.” Jing Yuan chuckled good-humoredly. “However, I find Starchess more fascinating. I’d be honored to guide you on the game too, if you want a better understanding.”

“Of course, General. I’d be glad to—!”

“Ah... Pardon me, General.” Luocha suddenly spoke up to interrupt the Trailblazer with a thoughtful and somewhat concerned expression. “I heard from my fellow business partners you are still recovering from your previous injuries in your last battle. Are you certain it is alright to be moving around like this?"

Caelus’s face was immediately etched with worry after hearing the information. While it was expected that the General required a lot of recovery after the trick he pulled, it was the first time he had heard this.

He shouldn’t trouble Jing Yuan with more time than needed between his duties and recovery. Caelus turned to the General and agreed with the merchant’s worries.  “Luocha is right, General. Your health is of utmost importance. If you need to rest and recover, we can meet another time.”

“Indeed, General. Your well-being is paramount to us. We're honored by your presence, but your health should always come first.” Luocha also chimed in to voice his concern.

Jing Yuan’s golden eyes shifted to Luocha briefly. For a moment, Caelus could sense the General’s gaze turned frosty to the merchant, yet it instantly disappeared as it appeared. He shifted to the younger gray-haired man and smiled assuredly. “Thank you for worrying, Caelus. I've been recuperating in the Alchemy Commission under the Dragon Lady's care. However, Yanqing ensured I was fully recuperated to continue my duties if I don’t exert myself….”

Caelus nodded, feeling somewhat reassured by the General's explanation. “Well, if Yanqing says you're fit to be here, I trust his judgment. But don't hesitate to let us know if you need a break or feel discomfort. It’s best to take your treatment seriously.”

Jing Yuan’s smile widened, appreciating the younger man’s caring heart. “Your concern means a lot to me. I assure you, I’m feeling quite well, and this evening is a welcome respite from my usual duties.”

“That’s a relief to hear it,” Caelus smiled in return.

“Perhaps for the General’s well-being, Caelus, would you like me to guide you in the game instead?”

The offer from Luocha made the Trailblazer switch his attention to the other. Unbeknownst to the latter, Jing Yuan’s smile on his lips formed into a thin line, his yellow eyes staring impassively at the merchant.

“Sure, but won’t I get in the way of your business?” The Trailblazer expressed a puzzled expression at the similar offer from the other older man. He considered Luocha's offer, appreciating General Jing Yuan's concern. However, he also didn't want to impose on Luocha, especially considering the merchant might have business matters to attend to.

Before Caelus could respond to Luocha's proposal, General Jing Yuan interjected smoothly, his tone neutral but carrying a subtle undercurrent. "Indeed, Luocha, your customers must be quite demanding, and we wouldn't want to disrupt your affairs."

“Oh, please don’t worry about that. I have set aside my free time to teach you whenever you need.” The merchant smiled assuredly. “I always make sure my customers are my first priority before tending to others to not compromise myself or any of my services and to not inconvenience others as I please.”

Instantly from the statement, Caelus couldn't help but feel a sense of tension returned with lightning strike in the air, like a cold storm brewing just beneath the surface. He glanced between Luocha and General Jing Yuan, staring right at each other, sensing an unspoken conflict, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

With a deep breath, the Trailblazer finally spoke up, turning to Jing Yuan first. “How about this? I will borrow books about Celestial Jade and learn from you, General. But only when you’re free and feeling better to do so.”

He then turned to Luocha and added on. “But when the General is busy, I would look for you to practice instead. Will this arrangement be alright?”

This was the only way Caelus could compromise between the two older men. But the frosty atmosphere and their stone-cold only made him even more nervous than he had already tried to hide in his voice.

Thankfully, Caelus's suggestion alleviated some of the tension in the air. Both General Jing Yuan and Luocha nodded, albeit with expressions that hinted at underlying unease.

General Jing Yuan was the first to respond, his tone composed but still holding that subtle undercurrent. “That sounds like a reasonable arrangement, Caelus.”

Luocha, too, offered a diplomatic nod. “Certainly, Caelus. I see no disagreements with this."

The Trailblazer finally released the breath he had held earlier. Thankfully, a petite, light blond-haired Vidyadhara woman with two low pigtails approached their table carrying two large steaming bowls of noodles in red soup. “Here you go, two Chili Oil Beef Offal Stew bowls!”

“Thank you, miss,” Luocha smiled politely at the Short Auntie, who grinned at him before walking away. The unique fragrance of the spices from the bowl made Caelus feel his mouth watering before he even tasted it.

Luocha, with his customary grace, picked up his chopsticks and began to delicately sample the dish. He closed his eyes briefly, appreciating the flavors. “This is one of my favorite dishes here, Caelus. I hope you enjoy it as well.”

“If Luocha says it is, then I’m sure it tastes good!” Caelus also picked up his chopsticks to take one of the oil-coated meat and took a bite. His tongue immediately tasted a burst of different flavors. The chili oil added a sharp kick to the tender and juicy beef, creating a symphony of spicy and savory notes in his mouth. He nodded enthusiastically. “This is amazing! Spicy, but so delicious!”

Jing Yuan chuckled fondly at the delighted expression from Caelus’s sparkling yellow eyes. “Indeed, it's a dish worth savoring. Luofu has always been known for its rich cultural heritage in martial arts and cuisine. It's where traditions thrive, and new ones are born.”

“I see! It really tastes so good! I really like how they have cooked their meat to blend well with the rich flavor of the stew.” Caelus complimented the food with excitement. His hands couldn’t stop picking up the offal to devour them all despite the sweat forming on his forehead from the intense spiciness.

Even Luocha smiled as he watched the younger man finishing up his meal, as he picked his tea to cool the spiciness in his throat with elegance. “I’m glad you enjoyed it, Caelus. This dish first came into my mind when choosing from the menu. Dan Heng has told me before of your adventurous taste in trying new dishes, and it was right to heed his advice after all.”

“But Dan Heng skipped the part on me finding ingredients from the trash to Luocha. I really owe him a lot when I see him again. I... I should look for him tomorrow since Yanqing didn’t say about training with him…,” Caelus thought while his mouth tingled from the fiery spices. His lips couldn’t help curl a small smile at the dark-haired man. Although aloof and distant, he was indeed a person who kept secrets.

He then nodded to Luocha to agree happily. “Dan Heng always keeps a lookout for us when traveling to new planets for foods to try. March would always go to him first for his data bank to get a heads-up. And, he has a point that it’s one of the best ways to experience a place and its culture.”

“Fufu, it’s glad that I know you and the members of the Express much better now,” Luocha chuckled, lifting one hand to pat Caelus’s head with a warm grin. “Also…”

Taking out a napkin from his inner coat, Luocha used it to wipe the oil stain near Caelus’s lips with a tender smile. “There’s an oil stain near your lips, Caelus. It must’ve been so delicious that you have devoted your heart to it.”

“If a food is good, then I should savor the flavor to remember it by heart!” The Trailblazer answered with a sheepish yet friendly grin. However unaware to him, the warm grin on Luocha’s lips curled for a moment to a proud smirk towards a certain General, making the other’s golden eyes narrow his gaze into a black look.

Right before Caelus could notice anything, the Short Auntie returned to their table with another tray in her hand. She placed the tray filled with dishes before bowing politely to Jing Yuan. “My apologies on behalf of our chef for the wait, General. Your Peking Roast duck with Steamed Buns, Dim Sums, and two Startaro bubble teas. With ice, double sugar.”

Jing Yuan nodded politely to the Short Auntie with a grateful smile. "Thank you very much. Please convey my appreciation to the chef."

The table was soon filled with various dishes, and the petite woman bowed before the General once more to take her leave. The Peking Roast duck glistened from the brown, crispy skin with a delectable aroma that wafted through the air. The steamed buns, dim sum, and bubble teas completed the feast. It was a grand meal fit for a General like Jing Yuan.

Caelus, his earlier fiery ordeal with the chili oil beef offal stew now a warm memory, couldn't help but be impressed by the spread. "This looks amazing, General!"

“You certainly know how to order a feast, General,” Luocha gestured to the dishes with a simple smile.

Jing Yuan nodded, his expression warm. "I believe in savoring the richness of life, whether it's through martial arts or culinary delights. Please help yourself, everyone.”

“Don’t mind if I do!” Caelus declared enthusiastically, his chopsticks raised while he scanned the beautiful dishes. It was hard to pick which to start first with when the aromatic scent of each dish called out to him to try them.

Soon, the Trailblazer finally decided on the small Dim Sum dumpling to eat. As Caelus grabbed the small dumpling with his chopsticks, Jing Yuan’s golden eyes grew pleased, and nodded approvingly. “Wise decision, my friend.”

When the Trailblazer delicately sampled the dim sum, the burst of flavors within the small dumpling was a delightful surprise. The tender meat fillings and the subtle mix of spices and herbs made each bite a treat for his senses.

Luocha also helped himself to the dim sum, his movements as elegant and refined as always. He seemed to appreciate the intricacies of the dish.

"This is tasty," The Trailblazer exclaimed, his yellow eyes sparkling with delight. "I've never had dim sum like this before."

Jing Yuan used his chopsticks to place the roasted duck meat slice into the bun with elegance; not a single drip of brown sauce seeped out from the bun. “Haha, I’m glad to hear that, Caelus. The chef’s finest dim suns often bring closer between our people and off-worlders guests to enjoy and bond through our food.”

Shifting his position to face Caelus, the General offered the meat bun to the younger man. “You may try this too, Caelus. It’s also one of the Delicacy Pavilion’s signature dishes.”

“Oh, of course, General,” Caelus nodded politely. He stretched one hand out to take the food. “Then I’ll take it—”

When his fingers grazed the soft white bun, Jing Yuan pulled away with a strange smile, leaving the other completely confused by his action. His hand momentarily hung in the air as he blinked in surprise. He exchanged a puzzled glance with Luocha, who now wore an unreadable expression.

The General's golden eyes twinkled with amusement as he watched Caelus's confusion. He then gestured towards the meat bun with a playful glint in his eyes. “My apologies, Caelus. Here, say ‘aah.’”

Caelus’s face colored with surprise at the General’s bizarre behavior. He then quickly laughed and reached out for the bun again. “Come on, General. I can eat the bun myself—!”

And again, Jing Yuan moved the bun away from the younger man’s reach with the same amused smile. Yet, from his golden eyes, it also expressed he had no intention to heed his request and insisted on feeding the Trailblazer himself.

Upon realizing that, red covered Caelus’s face to his neck with shyness and embarrassment. He let out another nervous laugh and conceded. “O-Okay, if the General insists... Then it would be my pleasure.”

He leaned forward to open his mouth and bit onto the bun in the General’s hand. Caelus could savor the well-cooked, chewy meat that blended well with the light, salty taste of the brown sauce. But the plain taste from the soft white bun helped balance the flavor, making an overall delectable food to enjoy.

While Caelus monologued those thoughts to himself as he slowly ate up the bun, he realized he was being watched. His yellow eyes slowly met with Jing Yuan’s golden observing him. The General’s smile expressed the same as his eyes without even blinking or looking away.

Fondness, warmth, and... Affection? Love? But why? Weren’t they just friends? Was he imagining from the spices to see the General looking at him this way?

Yeah, he definitely must be! There was no way Jing Yuan would see and treat someone like him like that! He’s not Dan Heng or his old lover Dan Feng at all!!

After biting down the last bit, the Trailblazer hurriedly pulled away from the older man. However, because he hadn’t chewed it properly, the food went right down his throat and caused him to choke by coughing and wheezing.

The Trailblazer's face turned red as he struggled to clear his airway, coughing and wheezing.

Luocha, quick to react, reached over and patted Caelus gently on the back to help him clear the obstruction. “Easy there, Caelus. Take your time.”

“Here, drink this slowly.” After calling Short Auntie, who hurriedly handed a glass of water to the General, Jing Yuan then passed it to the younger man, who gratefully accepted the drink.

Still red-faced from embarrassment, Caelus took the glass and sipped the water carefully. It helped ease the discomfort in his throat, and he finally managed to catch his breath. He nodded to Luocha and Jing Yuan, his eyes apologetic, and spoke between breaths. “Sorry... Guess I’ve got a bit carried away there...”

Luocha chuckled softly. “No harm done, my friend. We've all had our share of mishaps with food.”

“I may have gone too far with my little teasing, my friend. Apologies.” At the accusatory glare thrown by the merchant, Jing Yuan simply smiled apologetically. But, his golden eyes were anything but of remorse. He reached for one of the Startaro bubble teas on the table and gave it to Caelus. “You may have this in return.”

“O-Oh, um… I mean, thank you, General.” Caelus quietly muttered as he accepted the drink with wariness. Fortunately, Jing Yuan didn’t try to pull away or feed him from his hand. He sipped it slowly, letting the sweet, faint, nutty flavor down his throat. While it wasn’t as sugary and addictive as Immortal Delights, it was a refreshing contrast to the spiciness and saltiness of the earlier dishes.

The Trailblazer swallowed the last sip of the bubble tea, and his yellow eyes returned its exhilarated sparkle. He appreciated the gesture from General Jing Yuan, even if their previous interaction had left him slightly flustered. “It’s delicious, General!”

“Drink as much as you like, Caelus,” Jing Yuan grinned warmly at seeing how the younger man gladly drank up all the contents in the cup to savor them all. “After all, it seems like I know your tastes better than anyone with all our time spent together closely.”

It was then Luocha’s turn from his cold gaze to glare at the General’s smirk thrown at him. His teacup grip became frighteningly tight, threatening to crush it within seconds. As Caelus flinched from sensing fierce lightning sparks exploded from their glares, he could tell this would be one of the most prolonged dinners he ever had in his life…

=0=

As they continued to enjoy their meal, while the atmosphere in the air was still tense, it was manageable for Caelus, who seemed to be the target of attention from the two older men of the day. Be it praising him until he was as red as a drunk person or feeding him with all sorts of delicacies to understand which of their choices best suited his taste.

With their bellies full and the evening winding down to the night, Luocha reached out for his phone after hearing a notification alert. His phone was placed back into his pocket, and he stood from his seat. “Well then, gentlemen. I will need to make my move first, unfortunately. A customer has wished to meet up to inquire about my goods to purchase. Thank you all for the wonderful evening and meal we shared tonight.”

Caelus nodded understandingly. "Of course, Luocha. And I should also thank you instead of stepping in to help with Qingque’s request when you are working on your business. We really couldn’t have helped her without you."

General Jing Yuan also nodded; his expression now seemed more relaxed. "Indeed, it was a pleasure. Safe travels, Luocha."

"The pleasure was mine. I look forward to our next encounter." The merchant offered a polite nod to both. Right before he made his exit, he suddenly remembered. “Oh dear, I almost forgot...”

As it earned curiosity from Caelus, Luocha retrieved a light-yellow flower from his inventory and presented it before the younger man. “For you, my friend.”

“Thank you, Luocha....” Caelus was taken aback by the unexpected gift from Luocha. He accepted the delicate yellow flower cautiously in his hold, the vibrant petals contrasting beautifully with the yellow and faint color of red. "I have never seen them before from Dan Heng’s data bank. What kind of flower of this?"

“It’s a type of flower known as lily,” The merchant answered with a friendly smile. He took the flower from Caelus’s hand and placed it behind his right ear. “In one of the worlds I’ve ventured, a yellow lily symbolizes happiness and remembrance. It is a perfect occasion for a gift for our new friendship. Unfortunately, it pales much compared to a peony before me, guarded protectively by the sleeping lion surrounding it....”

The last sentence as Luocha spoke with his gaze switching to a corner for a moment before returning to focus on Caelus, which made the latter confused. What did he mean by a peony being guarded by a lion? A lion... Did that mean Mimi was involved? Or was this some sort of metaphor or hidden meaning he hadn’t realized?

But, the merchant simply smiled as he turned to raise his hand and bid himself off. “It's a small token of my appreciation for your company tonight, too. I'll take my leave now, but I hope we'll meet again soon.”

With a final nod of farewell, Luocha left the restaurant, leaving Caelus and General Jing Yuan alone at the table once more. The former’s mind still lingered on the merchant's cryptic words about the peony and the lion. He couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue about the merchant's parting words, particularly the reference to a peony guarded by a lion. It was a puzzle he couldn't quite decipher, leaving him curious.

Jing Yuan, who had been quietly observing the exchange, spoke out. "Luocha is a man of many layers, Caelus. He often speaks in riddles and metaphors, but each word carries meaning. But...."

“But...?” Caelus turned around to face the General, who now had a simple smile that also appeared to express more than the laziness he had been known for.

“I have seen many merchants in my life, but don't you think there aren't many like him who are in no hurry to do business?” It was an open-ended question, but it sounded more like a statement from the General’s mysterious smile.

Caelus pondered the General's question for a moment. It was true that Luocha was unlike any merchant he had encountered before. He had heard more stories of his travels to different planets than his business with customers. Those tales often made Luocha feel more like a traveler as the Nameless than a merchant. There may be something strange about Luocha that Jing Yuan found reasons to be suspicious of.

Before the Trailblazer could ask or even answer, Jing Yuan lifted one of his hands to gently pat Caelus’s head. “In any case, I apologize for making you feel awkward. It must’ve been uncomfortable for you to sit here to listen to our exchange. I will make it up with another dinner sometime soon in return.”

Blinking his yellow eyes, Caelus’s cheeks flushed slightly at the touches, and quickly shook his head. "N-Not at all, General. I didn’t feel bored or anything like that. It was... It was an interesting experience, to say the least. I really appreciate the treat for the dinner today, but... Are you still suspecting Luocha in an incident, General?"

“Hmm,” Jing Yuan hummed, his eyes closed as he went on. “There have been a few misunderstandings with the man himself personally. But, I have yet to find a concrete answer to affirm anything.”

“A concrete answer...” The Trailblazer repeated that word in his head. So, the General must’ve been close to uncovering the truth... But what?

Standing up from his seat while withdrawing his hand from the younger man’s head, the General offered to Caelus. “Since we still have the time, would you mind accompanying me for a short walk? I’m afraid the only thing that greets me in my office is paperwork preparing to trap me inside for another few days.”

Even though it was a request, Caelus nodded and stood to follow the older man with an intrigued look. “Of course, General....”

Jing Yuan smiled warmly, and together, they left the restaurant and walked out of Aurum Alley. The streets of Exalting were bustling with activity even as night descended, and the vibrant atmosphere filled the air, preparing for an upcoming festive.

As they strolled along, Caelus observed the General beside him as the gossip from passing women returned to make his ears burn. He couldn't help but notice the attention the General received from passersby, especially his admiring looks. Jing Yuan was indeed a well-loved and respected figure by his people. The Trailblazer easily empathized with both men and women passing them who wished to be in his place to walk beside their General.

“I’d also like to thank you for the past few weeks you have spent with Yanqing to bring him out with you here,” Jing Yuan spoke up, and his eyes glanced over to where the younger man was, his lips curled an amused feline smirk. “Including how you have convinced him to spend all of his allowance for the month to purchase for his sword collection.”

The Trailblazer would have nearly frozen on the spot if it weren’t for Jing Yuan’s hand moving to pat his shoulder to keep walking. Caelus raised one fist to his mouth, coughed out his nerves, and quickly corrected himself. “It’s... Not what it seems to be, General. Yanqing had asked me for advice on swords he’d like to buy from the Artisanship Commission. But I couldn’t decide which to choose because I didn’t know much about them, and the swords he picked looked beautiful too. So, I suggested him....”

“I jest, my friend.” The General laughed, pleased with himself on receiving the reaction he wanted on the younger man’s face. “However, what I meant to say is... It is rare to see him agreeing to others’ opinions without an argument, especially a guest from far like yourself."

Caelus sighed in relief as the General clarified his earlier comment. He chuckled, feeling a bit embarrassed about his reaction. "You got me there, General. It's been a pleasure spending time with Yanqing,"

The young boy’s face came into the Trailblazer’s mind fondly as he recalled the weeks the two had hung around visiting different places of Luofu he had never been to. "He's talented, and his passion for sword collection and fighting is truly admirable. And Yanqing is a great friend, and I've enjoyed our conversations and sparring time together."

Jing Yuan smiled wider, and he nodded. “I'm glad to hear that. Normally, Yanqing will find various reasons to assert his stance if you tell him no. If you treat him as a child, he'll put on the airs of an adult. If you treat him as an adult, he'll show the temperament of a child. Yet, you treat him as neither of the two but an equal. I’m truly relieved to know you have brought many good influences on him, Caelus. For that, thank you for being his friend that he needs.”

“... You must’ve cared a lot for Yanqing, don’t you, General?” Caelus spoke with a gentle smile on his face. He saw and learned another rare and different side of the Luofu General today, one who was a father figure to raise the young boy himself.

Jing Yuan's expression softened, and he nodded. "Yanqing holds a special place in my heart after my friends have been scattered across the winds.”

The two walked and stopped behind the ledge near the Starskiff port, heading to Central Starskiff Haven. Jing Yuan’s face expressed a faraway expression as he reminisced aloud. “I've watched him grow when he was as young as an infant. The boy appeared at the doorstep before the Seat of Divine Foresight. And to no avail, I could not locate his parents despite all my efforts in sending my men. I feel a profound responsibility for his well-being and future after losing my master to the Plagues Author curse.

“He's like a son to me in many ways, I admit. I want to see him thrive and become the best version of himself. And for that, I appreciate your friendship with him."

Caelus could sense the sincerity in the General's words as the latter turned to look him in the eye with that smile he yearned to see. Also, beneath the smile, he saw the loneliness of one who lived far too long to his liking to watch changes come and go as a mere observer. It was clear that Yanqing meant a great deal to Jing Yuan since the loss of his old lover and master had changed his life significantly.

Without realizing it, Caelus had already tiptoed on his feet. He moved one of his gloved hands to gently pat Jing Yuan’s head. The latter’s golden eyes widened briefly in surprise, caught off-guard at the unexpected from the younger man, who smiled at him. “You’ve been working hard in caring for Yanqing while shouldering the loss of your friends, General. I now understand better how much he means to you. But know that he also cares deeply for you. You've been more than a guardian to him; you've been a guiding light, a mentor, and a pillar of strength. And I'm certain with Yanqing and everyone walking with you... Your master and old friends are relieved to see you’re never alone anymore.”

Jing Yuan's eyes held a mixture of emotions, and he seemed at a loss for words for a moment. Then, the Trailblazer realized the outrageous action he had done, and his face colored with a full-blown panic expression. “I’m really, really sorry, General! I got carried away without thinking and didn’t ask for your permission and—!”

“Wait,” The General immediately grasped the hand from his head to pull Caelus closer to him.

As they stood there gazing into each other, Caelus realized the air around them had changed. He could hear his own heartbeat quicken and beat louder in his ear. His hands felt cold, but the warm golden eyes looking at him seemed to burn with an intensity that he couldn't ignore. There was a fleeting and electrifying moment where the world seemed to disappear around them.

And then, with the softest of movements, Jing Yuan's other hand reached up to gently cup Caelus's cheek. His thumb brushed over the Trailblazer's cheekbone, leaving a tingling warmth in its wake.

"Caelus," Jing Yuan murmured, his voice soft and husky.

Caelus felt his breath catch in his throat as he looked into those golden eyes, filled with an emotion he couldn't quite name. His heart raced as anticipation coursed through him and stood there frozen as the General leaned closer. A part of him screamed to push Jing Yuan away, reminding the Trailblazer was mistaking him for Dan Feng again. However, the other side of his heart conflicted with desire for the older man.

But a distant voice broke the spell before the moment could fully blossom. “Look, Papa, Mama! The ox and weaver girl constellations are here again in the sky!”

The young child’s voice brought them to reality as Caelus also turned his head towards the sky to look for the stars. “Ox and Weaver girl constellations?”

“Over here,” Jing Yuan moved his hand from the younger man’s face to put around his shoulder to pull him close, the latter flushed red at the sudden closeness between them. The General's arm around Caelus's shoulder felt protective and warm. And despite the initial blush, Caelus found himself leaning into the embrace as they looked up at the constellations. The night sky was clear and dazzling, and the ox and weaver girl constellations shone brilliantly among a sea of stars.

The stars above twinkled in the dark expanse, forming beautiful and mysterious patterns. Among them, two constellations resembled an ox and a weaver girl, which were a few distances apart.

“Woah... It’s beautiful....” Caelus couldn't contain his awe, his voice filled with genuine appreciation.

Jing Yuan nodded, his gaze fixed on the stars. "Yes, it is. Did you know these stars are a traditional tale here celebrated in Luofu? They represent star-crossed lovers, the ox and the weaver girl, who can only meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. Magpies form a bridge across the Milky Way on that day, allowing them to reunite."

Caelus listened with fascination, his earlier emotions still swirling within him. The story carried a particular poignancy, and he couldn't help but feel that it had a deeper meaning that resonated with his experiences that evening.

The General continued, his gaze shifting to Caelus. "Luofu will celebrate the Double Seventh festival dedicated to these celestial lovers in a few weeks. Lady Fu's divinations suggest that the two constellations will align perfectly this year, signifying an auspicious reunion. It would be an honor for our esteemed guests to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion."

Caelus met the General's gaze; his curiosity piqued, and he nodded with a smile. "That sounds incredible. I'll be sure to relay to everyone on the express about this festival. It would be a pleasure for the Nameless to join in the celebration when the time comes."

“I see, and what about you?” Jing Yuan nodded and bent his body slightly to lean his head close to the other. The feline smile on his remained intact on his face.

Caelus’s eyes blinked in confusion, and he repeated. “Me? What about me, General...?”

Jing Yuan's gaze remained fixed on Caelus as he leaned in closer, the enigmatic smile still playing on his lips. "Will you join us as well, not just as a representative of the Nameless but as our friend and hero of Luofu?"

“Ah... So, he’s teasing again. Well, two can played at that game,” Caelus thought to himself. He laughed briefly and parroted the General’s words a few weeks back. “If it’s a personal invitation, Jing Yuan, then I might consider it.”

The General’s smile turned into a seductive smirk, leaning until their noses touched each other as he chuckled with a deep and warm voice filled with mirth and something more. “If I say that it is, to be my companion of that night to celebrate the festival. Will you come, Caelus?”

Caelus felt his heart skip a beat at the General's words. He couldn't help but notice the subtle change in the atmosphere, the intimate proximity between them, and the way Jing Yuan's golden eyes seemed to hold a depth of meaning. The Trailblazer swallowed hard, his voice barely above a whisper as he responded, “I, um... Well...”

“Tuskpir wraps! Songlotus cakes! Come get’em while they’re hot!”

The loud voice from the food stall owner, which was quite close to where they stood, brought an idea to Caelus. “Please excuse me for a moment, General!”

Jing Yuan leaned back, giving Caelus space as the younger man turned around and headed to the nearby food stall. His heart was still racing from the almost intimate moment they'd shared, and he needed a moment to collect himself.

Caelus approached the food vendor, his thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and excitement. “Two Tuskpir wraps and Steamed Puffergoat Milk, please!”

The food vendor, a dark-haired Vidyadhara woman, smiled broadly at Caelus's order. "Coming right up, traveler!"

She skillfully took out two pink-colored cakes on the top tier from the 3-tier wooden steamer and two warm bottles from the bottom. The food stall owner handed them to Caelus, who paid with some credits.

As he returned to General Jing Yuan, Caelus held out one of the warm glass milk bottles with a warm smile. “If we toast on tonight’s view of the constellation, I’ll go with you as your companion for the Double Seventh Festival. And, you also don’t have to make up to me to another dinner for what happened earlier, Jing Yuan.”

The younger man’s offer surprised Jing Yuan as he accepted the bottle into his hold. His golden eyes met Caelus's gaze, and he smiled warmly as he opened his drink. “Very well, Caelus. A toast to the blessings from the celestial stars.”

"To the blessings from the celestial stars," Caelus echoed. They raised their bottles and clinked them together in a simple yet meaningful toast before taking a sip. The milk was warm and comforting, perfecting the cool night air. The atmosphere was filled with serenity and wonder, as if the universe had conspired to create this moment.

Unpeeling the paper wraps around the cakes, the Trailblazer handed one to Jing Yuan to offer. “General, this is yours!”

“Thank you, Caelus,” Jing Yuan smiled, his hand moved to take the Tuskir Wrap from the younger man. But, instead of taking the cake, the General’s bigger hands wrapped around Caelus’s wrist gently and firmly pulled towards him.

“H-Hey, Jing Yuan! What are you—?!” Caelus couldn't help but be surprised by the sudden change in the General's actions. His heart raced as he watched Jing Yuan's hand guide his own, bringing the Tuskpir Wrap closer. The feel of the General's firm but gentle grip on his wrist sent a shiver down his spine, and he couldn't tear his gaze away from those golden eyes that now held a smoldering intensity.

Jing Yuan's lips parted, and he took a bite of the cake, his eyes never leaving Caelus's. It was an intimate gesture, and the Trailblazer felt his cheeks flush as he realized its hidden message. This was a moment filled with unspoken desires and emotions, a silent declaration of something building between them.

The Trailblazer couldn’t pull his hand away even if he wanted to, only to observe the General before him devouring his treat. It was like a lion savoring its prey, and the intensity in Jing Yuan's gaze only heightened the sensation.

When Jing Yuan finally finished eating the Tuskir wraps, Caelus's heart still pounded in his chest. The General curled his feline smug smile on his lips and murmured. “Thank you for the treat, Caelus, and the wonderful company tonight.”

Caelus could feel the warmth of the General's breath against his hand, sending a shiver down his spine. He managed to find his voice, though it came out somewhat breathless. "You're welcome. It's been a... Memorable evening."

The moment the Luofu General released his hand, the younger man quickly turned around with his back facing the other. His gloved hand was placed on his heart to calm it down. He could still feel the unspoken tension in the air that befuddled him even more than before. Why was Jing Yuan doing this to him throughout the night? Didn’t he have Dan Feng in his heart? Or unless... Had he already known about his one-sided feelings to mess with him?

However, when he was to turn around and question the General, another familiar voice called out to him. “Caelus!”

Facing where the voice was, Caelus’s yellow eyes widened in shock at the unexpected figure. “Dan Heng?”

Instead of the human form he was accustomed to, Dan Heng appeared in his true Vidyadhara form, complete with teal dragon horns and a white-green robe. His teal eyes bore into Caelus with a cold intensity as he approached them, quickly grabbing Caelus's wrist and pulling him to his side. “What are you doing with Caelus, General?”

“I’m simply spending time with the hero of Luofu and my friend, Dan Heng. Also...” Jing Yuan replied with a lazy grin, unbothered by the glare of the former Vidyadhara High Elder as he gave a quick scan at the intruder. “I presumed you have tried your attempts again to visit the Dragon Lady... Given that you were walking in this form when you didn’t show it during our teatime.”

Dan Heng's face remained stoic and cold as he answered. “I do not see the reason what form I should take before a General.”

Caelus’s heart nearly stopped momentarily as his eyes glanced between the General and his friend. So, the General was with Dan Heng before joining him and Luocha. The reality of the situation hit him hard. He was merely a bystander for them. The General's attention and warmth weren't for him but for the Vidyadhara shielding him from the General. It was a stark reminder of where he stood in the Luofu General's life.

And the Trailblazer didn’t want Dan Heng’s relationship with Jing Yuan to take a more complicated turn after all the effort for the latter to be able to walk freely in Luofu. He took a deep breath and spoke up, trying to diffuse the tension. "Dan Heng, General Jing Yuan, and I are simply enjoying the night sky and talking as he said. There's no need for hostility to him."

Dan Heng's teal eyes colored with surprise briefly at his friend’s admittance. His gaze softened slightly as he looked at Caelus, but his demeanor remained guarded before turning back to Jing Yuan. "So, this is what you mean when you said you have important matters to attend to."

“And it is, Caelus here being involved in matters I’m investigating is very important. I can’t allow harm to befall our dear guest.” Jing Yuan simply answered. “However, I’d advised from an old friend to another to be careful of the friends you made and invite them to your new home, Dan Heng. After all, not every merchant sets their eyes on new customers and profits to be earned. And some merely wear it like sheepskin to disguise themselves and their true intentions.”

The former Vidyadhara stood in silence with a blank expression as though to carefully process and decipher the message behind it. Occasionally, his teal eyes glanced at Caelus, who could only express worry for him and Jing Yuan. And the yellow flower sitting neatly on Caelus’s right ear made the former Vidyadhara High Elder’s gaze narrow in realization.

Eventually, Dan Heng heaved out a breath and acknowledged. “I’ll be sure to watch him if he ever visits.”

He then went towards the stairs and tugged the gray-haired man with him. “Let’s go.”

“H-Hey, wait a second, Dan Heng!” Caelus's plea fell on deaf ears as Dan Heng continued to pull him away from the Starskiff port, leaving Jing Yuan standing alone by the edge. The Vidyadhara's grip was firm, and Caelus had no choice but to follow, his mind a whirlwind of confusion and frustration.

As they walked away, Caelus glanced back one last time, his eyes locking with Jing Yuan's golden gaze watching them. There was a depth of emotion there, something unspoken and complex, leaving Caelus with a lingering sense of uncertainty.

Notes:

Hope you guys enjoy all the allCae that's finally happening in this chapter! I have a lot fun in trying to write out Luocha and Jing Yuan's polite yet hostile competition with each other to get Cae's attention, though it may be more funnier in my head 😂

For the yellow lily flower, I look it up here. To symbolize the friendship Luocha feels for Caelus, though of course, there is another meaning under the romance side if you want more Luocae hints in there 🤭🤭🤭

Mainly, I hope you guys enjoyed all the Jingcae that's happening near the end of the chapter before it being Dan Heng's turn to cockblock. My mind when the idea of Jing Yuan feeding Cae gone into and vice versa, but unwilling on Cae's end. "What kind of vouyerism play are we trying to do here, me?!"

The chapter will have to end here sadly with another cliffhanger now between Dan Heng and Caelus. Also, I'll be going away on a vacation and will be around the weekends to post for the next chapter so it'll be a short delay or so!

Chapter 9: Fleeting Tea and Lingering Doubt

Summary:

“Dan Heng,” Caelus said softly, "It must’ve been challenging…. To be seen as someone you're not and to carry the weight of your past memories and emotions. But you are Dan Heng, one of the Nameless members of the Astral Express, with your own path to follow. The General may have his feelings, but you have the right to live your life as you see fit. If he does wish to treat you as a friend, I’m sure he will come to terms to move on and see you as your own person.”

The teal eyes met Caelus’s yellow with wonder. And then, the former High Elder Vidyadhara’s eyes expressed gratitude, and his lips expressed a rare smile. “Thank you, Caelus. It means a lot to me."

Notes:

I’m finally back from vacation at Taiwan! 😁 It’s extremely warm there on the first two days with potential on getting a heat stroke but at least it cool down on the last few days of my trip 😅
During the trip there, I definitely had more ideas to write for this chapter, so I hope you guys enjoy it too!
Disclaimer: This chapter may be potentially extremely OOC so you have been warned when reading it.

“This way, please.” The black-haired Vidyadhara woman gestured for the aloof, dark-haired man in a white coat to enter a private teahouse room. Dan Heng didn’t bother to return any acknowledgment and simply entered.

The room was elegantly adorned with traditional furnishings and delicate artwork, creating an atmosphere of serene tranquility. The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the space under the evening sky, casting a warm and inviting ambiance. Even though it was a first for the dark-haired young man, his senses told him otherwise from his past self.

Of course, the only person who deliberately chose this was none other than the figure already seated at the low table. The Xianzhou Luofu General's lips tugged a faint smile at the other’s arrival. “My friend, you've arrived. Please, have a seat.”

Dan Heng's expression remained impassive as he sat across from the figure. He didn't bother with formalities. “General.”

“These are a fresh and new batch of pu’er tea leaves they have recently procured.” Jing Yuan simply smiled as he picked up the clay teapot and poured the contents into the cup. “I have reserved them usually when I wanted time for myself.”

The sweet and warm smell wafted into the dark-haired man’s nostrils. Another familiar scent from his past self who enjoyed this tea when exchanging talks with the General here. However, to Dan Heng himself, his heart only hardened to not let Dan Feng’s shadow steal his own life any further.

“Cut the pleasantries,” Dan Heng's voice was cold and emotionless. “You called me here. What do you want?”

Jing Yuan chuckled softly, seemingly unperturbed by Dan Heng's demeanor. "Direct as ever, I see. I want you to know that I’m glad you have been coming here often to revisit. And I simply wanted to thank you for trying to reach out to Bailu. It’s hard being the High Elder of the Vidyadhara... I hope she remains well in this lifetime.”

“... I have noticed the high elder succession was incomplete, causing her to become trapped in shallow waters...” Dan Heng voiced out his thoughts coolly. “Fortunately, she has a vitality that does not bend to the will of others.”

Even though it may not have been long, the dark-haired man admitted that he learned more from her about medicines and treatments through their message exchange rather than him teaching her of the High Elder role. The stories of her tenacity often led to her escape from her house arrest and to explore the world by helping others through her own beliefs... He found himself reassured the new heir wouldn’t follow the same sins as Dan Feng did.

Jing Yuan nodded wistfully, picking up his teacup to sip. “She does. Dan Feng was equally or more obstinate than her when deciding things. He often argued with Master Jingliu whenever they had conflicted opinions.”

It was a simple statement, but the ball rolled to Dan Heng, hoping he’d returned the favor of reminiscing the good old days. Instead, he finally spoke out about the things that remained in his mind to put an end once and for all. “… I have said it many times, and it remains the same. I’m not Dan Feng. That man no longer exists. Even if I were him here, the feelings would remain the same. To that man, you were always his equal who had his back on the battlefield. However, his heart would never be yours, be it the past or the present.”

The declaration from the dark-haired man stilled the air in the atmosphere. Jing Yuan's gaze remained steady, his expression unreadable as he listened to Dan Heng's words. There was only one memory the former Vidyadhara High Elder spoke of between them.

When the day arrived for Jing Yuan to be appointed General, he invited Dan Feng for a drink. The wine was exchanged as the Vidyadhara celebrated the younger human’s promotion for the heroic deeds he did. Mouths were loose and honest from the alcohol, and confession from Jing Yuan’s heart bore openly from feelings he bore since he was a young boy.

However, Jing Yuan took a moment to set down his teacup, his fingers gently tapping against the delicate porcelain. Soon, his smile finally revealed the longing and sadness behind the undeniable truth right before him. How strange that history repeated itself hundreds of years ago, only to face the same result...

“Truly... I had hoped that perhaps things might have changed in this new cycle,” Jing Yuan's voice held a tinge of melancholy. “Even as both of you are similar to each other... But it seems that some threads of fate remain unbroken, no matter how much I yearned for a difference.”

Dan Heng's gaze remained focused, his stoic demeanor unwavering. “You are not the same person I knew from those mirages, General. Dan Feng and I... We stand as separate entities with our own paths to tread. He made his choice on his own, and so did I. I have already chosen my path to blaze forward.”

“Indeed,” Jing Yuan's smile held a touch of resignation. “And yet, the heart doesn't always listen to reason. It holds onto memories and feelings, regardless of the circumstances.”

The room was filled with a heavy silence, the weight of unspoken emotions hanging in the air. The lanterns outside cast soft shadows on the walls, and the gentle leaves rustling added a soothing backdrop to the conversation. Dan Heng's gaze remained fixed on Jing Yuan, his golden eyes revealing a storm of conflicting emotions beneath the surface.

Dan Heng finally spoke, his voice a bit softer than before. “I don't intend to live in the shadows of the past. Neither should you, General. You have your people by your side who need you now. Do not let the past consume you or wallow yourself into the abyss.”

Jing Yuan's gaze held Dan Heng's, a mixture of surprise and understanding in his eyes. Then he let out a warm chuckle from his smile. “That does sound like something Dan Feng would say, too. Now that you have mentioned… Even Caelus said similar things to me a few weeks ago.”

“Caelus?” The Trailblazer’s name made Dan Heng raise an eyebrow, his gaze narrowed with reservation. “What does it have to do with him?”

“Spending time with Caelus has been quite enlightening, I must say.” Jing Yuan smiled at the other as though to feign ignorance at the suspicion on him. “He has been accommodating and kind on running tasks for the people here without a rest. Watching an adorable young man like him with a strong sense of duty and a desire to make his own path reminds me of Dan Feng, my friend.”

Dan Heng's expression remained guarded, his thoughts hidden behind a mask of aloofness. “I have heard your retainer needs a teacher to guide him in his battle skills. For a young age, like him, he has talent and the capability to handle things independently. I’m certain Luofu will be in safe hands when he has gained from experience.”

“Indeed,” The General agreed with a warm smile. “Caelus’s stories on the battle he faces have greatly inspired Yanqing. It also makes me feel awe, wonder at the world he visits just hearing it from his lips, and desire to accompany along to journey with him together.”

“In that case... If the boy is skilled as you claimed, you wouldn’t need another teacher from Caelus when he has you as his Master, wouldn’t it?” Dan Heng’s gaze turned into an accusatory glare. “He has enough burdens on his plate to carry as his duties as a Nameless.”

Jing Yuan's smile remained gentle, unaffected by Dan Heng's glare. "You have a point, Dan Heng. But you see, Caelus's skills lie in areas where I might be unable to provide the best guidance. Yanqing doesn’t only need a teacher but a friend to be his equal and allow him to grow.”

He picked up his teacup again to take another sip. “Of course, I’m also well aware of the burden and fears Caelus has in his heart. He is eager to please and give others everything of himself yet dares not to ask any of his own. He worries about the day his home becomes something of a past he can no longer return to for who he is. But, he continues to brave on with his light to shine for others to move forward. While doing so, Caelus also fails to see his own light as the shadows of insecurities blinded him, only sees himself unworthy as a member of the Nameless.”

“... Is... Is that Caelus what feels that all this time...?” The dark-haired quietly uttered in his head, his teal eyes widened and his face frozen from the revelation. Dan Heng remembered Caelus often offered to help anyone or him, especially on the Express duties. The Trailblazer always grinned at him happily whenever he got to sit in the archives room with him to read the data bank and ask him to teach about things he had forgotten from his missing memories.

So... How did he not notice the other man’s suffering when they were always together again? Why did Caelus not say anything? No, he was confident the Trailblazer always had something to say, even before and now. Or was it he who did not heed the man when he needed the most until it was too late?

“Quite a strange look you made, Dan Heng. I presumed the two of you were very close friends to know each other well. Or was I mistaken to think so?”

The dark-haired man looked up only to glare back at the hateful smirk curled on Jing Yuan’s lips. “You speak as though you have known Caelus very well, General.”

“Maybe more than what you’ve known.” Jing Yuan’s gaze held a knowing expression as he observed Dan Heng's reaction. He could sense the impact of his words on the dark-haired man whose glare turned harsher, and he continued. “He may be young, but his spirit is strong. That is precisely why I aim to support him in whatever way I can, for him too, to see his own light and worth for who he is to Luofu and me.”

The former Vidyadhara High Elder's expression didn't waver, his skepticism evident. "… It sounds like you've become quite fond of him."

“Pot calling the kettle black.” The General's smile hinted at something more profound, yet for the first time, Dan Heng couldn’t decipher the intentions behind it. Caelus had a unique charisma of attracting people to him for who he was, including unsavory ones like Sampo and the man before him.

But… Why Caelus, of all people? There was no reason to get him more involved in Luofu unnecessarily. Or did the General actually fool himself into believing he harbored the same feelings as he did for Caelus?

“Pardon me, General!” An unfamiliar voice entered the teahouse room as Jing Yuan and Dan Heng turned their gaze to where it was. Standing by the entrance, a cloud knight saluted to the General before approaching him.

When they reached him, the cloud knight bent their body to whisper into Jing Yuan’s ear. The General listened to the cloud knight's words with a calm expression, his attention focused on the message being conveyed.

Once the knight had finished, he nodded in acknowledgment and dismissed them with a wave of his hand. The cloud knight gave another respectful salute before leaving the room, leaving Jing Yuan and Dan Heng again in a moment of privacy.

Turning back to Dan Heng, Jing Yuan's smile returned, though it held a more serious undertone this time. "It seems duty calls once more. Some matters require my immediate attention. I hope you don't mind if I take my leave."

Dan Heng's expression remained neutral as he nodded in response. “Of course, General.”

Jing Yuan pushed himself up from his seated position and smiled apologetically to Dan Heng. “Thank you for joining me tonight, my friend. It's been a long time since we've had a chance to speak like this. You are free to visit whenever time allows you.”

“… Caelus is not Dan Feng either.” The former Vidyadhara High Elder spoke just as the General was about to leave. He turned his cold gaze to lock to Jing Yuan’s gold, shooting a warning glare at the other. “I don’t know what schemes you are trying to pull him in for. If danger has been brought upon him by your doings, you can consider your alliance with the Astral Express to be ceased at that moment.”

Jing Yuan paused in his steps, his gaze meeting Dan Heng's with a mixture of understanding and a touch of mystery. He could sense the depth of the threat behind the desire to protect the Trailblazer. It’s genuinely ironic despite all the denials, there were many things he and Dan Feng were nearly alike.

“Rest assured, my friend,” Jing Yuan replied with a smile. “Caelus is his own person as himself. He is a capable young man and a heart full of compassion. He has become my most valued friend and person, and I have no desire to put him in harm's way.”

With that, he gave a respectful nod to Dan Heng before finally leaving the private teahouse room. As the door closed behind him, the dark-haired man was left alone with his thoughts. He couldn't help but wonder about the General's true intentions regarding Caelus. Despite Jing Yuan's assurances, an underlying sense of unease gnawed at him.

Taking out his phone, he let out a frustrated sigh at all the unread messages he sent to Caelus previously on his screen. “Even if I send it to him… He would just ignore them all. And also, if Pom-pom says is still true that Caelus hasn't returned to the Express, he would still be on the ship.”

The dark-haired man stood up from his seat and left the room to seek out his friend, leaving behind his untouched pu’er tea on the cup that had gone cold.

While walking down the hallway, a whirlpool of water surrounded his form, enveloping him in a bright light to shed his human guise into his true Vidyadhara heritage. He picked up his pace in a race against time. Through his Leaping Dragon state, he could only hope that he found Caelus first before the General did.

=0=

"Dan Heng, listen to me... Dan Heng!” Caelus shouted as he walked, or rather, was dragged through the bustling night in the Central Starskiff Haven by the said Vidyadhara man himself. The streets were animated with activity, with people doing business under the radiant night sky.

The Trailblazer tried his best to keep up the pace of his walking through as he bumped into passersby from time to time. Eventually, as they were nearing the familiar Petrichor Inn, Caelus winced as the grip on his wrist suddenly tightened to bruise his skin, and he called out again. “Ouch... Dan Heng, stop!”

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of being dragged along, Dan Heng halted abruptly, releasing Caelus's wrist. The Vidyadhara turned to face him, his intense teal eyes softened when he followed the other man’s gaze on his bruised wrist and pulled his hand back. “Sorry...”

“It’s fine...” Caelus quietly muttered his reassurance to the other.

The two friends stood there in silence. When was the last time Caelus even spoke to Dan Heng? After all the times he avoided the dark-haired man before him, the Trailblazer now wondered. It was awkward, complex, and confusing, with all the different emotions swirling inside him.

Then, Dan Heng spoke first to break the tense atmosphere between them. “I have heard from Pom-pom you were out with the Cloud Knight lieutenant for a game today.”

“Yeah, we did. It’s Qingque who invited us, a diviner from the Divination Commission. She wanted to help Bailu to know better about Celestial Jade. But Bailu couldn’t make it, so Luocha came in her stead. He won the game and wanted me to hang out with him for the day.” Caelus decided to come clean and open up today’s event. After all, he had nothing to hide from the Vidyadhara man.

Nodding to acknowledge, Dan Heng’s eyes darted in a direction. “And that flower is from him, too?”

“Oh... Right, yeah, it’s from Luocha,” The Trailblazer carefully removed the flower from his ear with an embarrassed face and placed it back in his inventory. “He said it’s a thank-you gift after we hung out with the General for dinner at Aurum Alley.”

“But nothing happened?”

Caelus felt uncomfortable and irritated from the interrogation as it went on. However, he also knew Dan Heng meant well for his safety as his friend. He shook his head firmly and answered. “Nothing at all. He had also helped me to protect a young girl from her bullies. That’s it.”

“I see...” The acknowledgment from Dan Heng made his expression slightly softened. He seemed to accept Caelus's explanation, though his teal eyes still held a hint of concern.

Collecting himself, it was the Trailblazer’s turn to finally ask. “What about you? The General said he had invited you to talk over tea. Did… Did I interrupt your time with him?”

Dan Heng's demeanor shifted slightly, his gaze turning more contemplative as he responded to Caelus's question. "You didn’t interrupt anything. The General did invite me, but our conversation was... More complicated than I expected."

“Complicated? What happened?” Caelus furrowed his brows in concern, noting the change in Dan Heng's tone and demeanor.

The former Vidyadhara High Elder hesitated momentarily before speaking, choosing his words carefully. “We discussed various matters, including some from the past. It was a... Nostalgic conversation, I suppose.”

“Is everything alright, Dan Heng?” Caelus couldn't help but feel a pang of curiosity and unease at the mention of the past. He hadn’t fully comprehended how the Vidyadhara race worked with their reincarnation cycle. If it’s the past he spoke, he meant Dan Feng was involved again in his discussion with the General.

As Dan Heng quietly observed the familiar worries furrowed on the other man’s eyebrows, his mouth formed a thin line before speaking. “Sometimes the General treats me as a friend from the old days. Unfortunately, I am unable to return the sentiment. Even today, I’m no longer Dan Feng, the man he has been trying to trace for all hundred years. It’s a fact he needs to accept and move on for both Dan Feng and him. Dan Feng will no longer return to his side nor be able to share the same sentiments the General holds for him.”

Caelus listened to Dan Heng's confession; his heart heavy with the emotions hidden beneath them. In the end, Jing Yuan was the same as him. The two had a one-sided love for someone that couldn’t be attained. For the Luofu General Jing Yuan, it was for his old friend who no longer existed. And for the Trailblazer, it was the General himself.

Caelus's heart ached as he thought about the General's unrequited love. It was as he suspected that the General had carried the torch for Dan Feng for a very long time, even now. To have those feelings go unreciprocated, only to face the reality that Dan Feng was no longer the person he once knew.

But he also felt deep empathy for Dan Heng, who carried the burden of being seen as a replacement for someone he no longer was. It was a complex and challenging situation, and Caelus knew there were no easy answers.

“Dan Heng,” Caelus said softly, "It must’ve been challenging…. To be seen as someone you're not and to carry the weight of your past memories and emotions. But you are Dan Heng, one of the Nameless members of the Astral Express, with your own path to follow. The General may have his feelings, but you have the right to live your life as you see fit. If he does wish to treat you as a friend, I’m sure he will come to terms to move on and see you as your own person.”

The teal eyes met Caelus’s yellow with wonder. And then, the former High Elder Vidyadhara’s eyes expressed gratitude, and his lips expressed a rare smile. “Thank you, Caelus. It means a lot to me."

It was a moment of shared understanding and support, a reminder that they had each other's backs in their journey. Seeing Dan Heng smiling like this made Caelus realize how much he missed talking to his friend like this, as he thought. “So, we finally made up. I should also let Dan Heng know about the Double Seventh so that March, he and I could all go together with the General to enjoy the festival.”

Before either Dan Heng or Caelus was about to speak, a message ringtone broke the moment. Caelus took out his phone after feeling the vibration to read the content.

“Wait, it’s tonight?” Caelus realized this internally upon reading the message. He roughly recalled a week back that their online friend sent a similar screenshot of a livestream of their game’s new patch happening soon. There’s no way he’s going to miss it!

Watching how Caelus’s face brightened happily and his fingers typing fast on his phone screen made Dan Heng curious about his friend’s behavior. “Is something exciting happening?”

“Yeah!” Caelus grinned and explained. “It’s a livestream of a game I played with Silverwolf and another online friend. They’re hosting a watch party, and I need to head back to the Express to join them.”

“Silverwolf…?” Dan Heng repeated the name. His face soon colored with realization from astonishment and looked at his friend with disbelief. “Did you mean Silverwolf of the Stellaron Hunter?”

At that second, Caelus realized too late what his mouth blabbed out to his friend. Knowing how perceptive Dan Heng was, he also couldn’t back out with another excuse to cover his friendly terms with a Stellaron Hunter. He gave a slight nod and admitted. “Yeah… To be honest, I was also wary and suspicious at first when her hologram showed up on the Express. She happened to be hacking on the dark Interastral Network and came here for a visit. Mr. Yang also noticed Silver Wolf occasionally popping up on the Express, but she meant what she said."

While saying that, the Trailblazer inwardly curled an ironic smile to himself. How strange their relationship evolved from initial mistrust as enemies to a bickering but playful banters friendship like old friends. Then again, his instinct said to trust her as she meant no harm.

Giving an assuring smile, Caelus added to his silent and stoic friend. "In any case, she was really bored and wanted to find people to talk to and play games with her. And I didn't know we had similar interests in games apps to hang out together online—!"

"You need to stop talking to her, Caelus." Dan Heng finally spoke with a voice as razor-sharp as his gaze.

The stoic and cold expression from the other made the Trailblazer's eyes widen in shock at the words. He managed to find words that were caught in his throat to probe. His smile twitched as he tried to comprehend the objection. "But… Why, Dan Heng? Is it because she's a Stellaron Hunter?"

Dan Heng nodded once to affirm. "It is precisely Silverwolf being a Stellaron Hunter that you need to stop getting too close to her. While they led us to save Luofu, they are still criminals, wanted by the IPC, who brought ruin to different worlds while following the orders from Destiny's slave."

"I know that, of course." Caelus countered with a sigh and pleaded. "But, the two of us are just hanging out to have fun shouldn't affect our mission to seal the Stellaron. And she's not actively causing harm now. I'm not usually alone with her too. We've met another online friend from the game and—!"

"And all the more reason you need to cut your ties with her this instant," The former Vidyadhara High Elder's teal eyes bore into Caelus', his gaze unwavering. "Caelus, you always have the heart to see the good in others. But remember, we're part of the Nameless to connect worlds again. And, the IPC takes their bounty of Stellaron Hunters very seriously, and anyone associated with them could be seen as an accomplice."

The finality in Vidyadhara's voice made Caelus hang his head low. He could sense the genuine concern in Dan Heng's voice. He knew his friend had his best interests at heart. However…

Dan Heng's gaze softened at his downtrodden friend as he tried to comfort him. "I know that you have seen her as a good friend. But… I, no… We don't wish to see them using your trust to get you into danger, Caelus…. Understand? You—"

"… You were in true form, which you kept a secret from all of us. And you teamed up with Blade, who is a Stellaron Hunter. To fight side by side with him against Yanqing, the Cloud knight lieutenant, coming after both of you, even when Luofu is our ally, and that's okay. I only hung out with Silver Wolf to play games with her, but that's not okay. That doesn't seem fair." Caelus also felt a sense of frustration bubbling within him.

All of his previous anger and jealousy he harbored toward Dan Heng returned with a horrendous vengeance. It became a turbulence of emotions clouding his mind and rationality. Caelus knew he shouldn’t argue with his friend right here again, but yet...

The Vidyadhara now expressed confusion at what his friend uttered. "Because it's not the same, Caelus. Before, I had no choice but to fight with Blade—!"

"You could’ve surrendered yourself to Yanqing until the General arrived instead of working with him and Kafka! The General would’ve protected you as a ‘dear old friend of his’, because Jing Yuan wouldn’t have wanted to see his ‘long-lost love’ vanishing again, Dan Heng!!" The Trailblazer yelled loudly; the emphasized words spat out with venom in his voice.

Caelus clenched his fists as they trembled in rage, breathing heavily as he turned his head to reveal his yellow eyes glaring at his friend. “If I have a choice to not talk to Silverwolf, so do you, doesn’t it? You have a choice as a Nameless member. And you also got that same choice to come with us to Luofu when Kafka had us to seal the Stellaron on the ship!

“But you didn't want to and chose to show up with Jing Yuan instead." Caelus accused. "You didn't want to return to your home that has evicted you for Dan Feng’s crime. March and I were okay with that! We were fine when you had the dark secret of your past because it pains you so much just thinking about it… We trust you will tell us when you're ready about your past, Dan Heng. So… Why…. Why am I the last to know something so important as this…?!"

Caelus's outburst echoed through the quiet street, his anger and frustration pouring out. Dan Heng stood there, his ordinarily stoic expression showing hints of conflict and regret. The accusations stung, hitting home more deeply than expected, and he struggled to find the right words.

After a tense silence, Dan Heng finally spoke, his voice tinged with remorse. "Caelus, you're right. I made choices back then that I thought were necessary to protect all of you. When I teamed up with Blade, it was a difficult decision I had to make in the heat of battle.

He stepped closer to Caelus, his teal eyes locking onto the Trailblazer's yellow ones. "As for returning to Luofu, it's not as simple as it sounds. My past there is filled with pain and regrets about what Dan Feng had done, and I had my reasons for not wanting to return. But I should have trusted all of you with the truth. I should have told you about my past, my true self, and the connection with Blade and the General."

Dan Heng's voice softened, and he reached to place a hand on Caelus's shoulder. "Caelus, I care about you and March deeply and don't want to see you in any danger. I am concerned about Silverwolf and the other Stellaron Hunters because I want to protect you. Please understand that my intentions come from wanting to keep you safe."

“… Do you honestly mean that when you said it? Is it really that simple? Or are you just saying this to run away like you and the General now?” The Trailblazer questioned his friend without emotion. His eyes, however, revealed the doubt, pain, and frustration that persisted in them.

“Caelus—” Dan Heng's hand dropped from Caelus's shoulder as the weight of the question hung heavily in the air. The Trailblazer's doubt cut deep, and he couldn't blame him for feeling that way after all that had transpired.

The yellow eyes, which always showed him warmth and friendliness, now turned into a familiar coldness, hostility, and pain the Vidyadhara dreaded to see, as Caelus stated. “There’s one thing you are right about least. You’re not Dan Feng. However, I took back what I said. You’re not Dan Heng of Nameless, whom I knew and worked together with on the journey.

“You’re nothing but a coward who only chooses to deny a part of yourself and the General’s feelings. Now that I think about it, I don’t think you have ever trusted me. Because I’m just as guilty as the others like Kafka because she’s the only person I remembered.”

Caelus's words hit Dan Heng like a physical blow. The accusations rubbed further salt into the wound, and the pain in his eyes was evident as he struggled to respond. For a moment, he was speechless, grappling with the harsh truth of Caelus's words.

“Caelus, I…” Dan Heng began, his voice choked with emotion. “I've made mistakes and let fear guide my actions. I can't deny that. But I want you to know that I do trust you. You’re important to me, more than a friend... That’s why—!"

Then, suddenly, another notification sound interrupted between them. Caelus sighed inwardly, wondering if Silverwolf was chasing him to join them. He reached for the phone in his pocket, planning how to apologize or maybe even he had to turn down the invitation.

When he swiped off the lock screen to view the message, the yellow eyes flickered briefly in surprise. But, before the Trailblazer could type a reply to the sender, Dan Heng grabbed the hand holding the phone to pull it towards him to view it too. He had half a mind to tell off the petite Stellaron Hunter to stay away until—

The tension between Caelus and Dan Heng reached a breaking point after the pair read the message from the former’s phone. The atmosphere had been charged with anger, hurt, and betrayal, and Herta’s unexpected request appearing during their argument only seemed to intensify it.

Caelus didn't respond immediately when Dan Heng weakly let go of his hand, and the former Vidyadhara High Elder realized what he had done. The rift between them had widened significantly just as he further hurt his friend.

As a bitter and painful smile curled on the gray-haired man’s lips, he laughed loud enough that it would reach the sky. “Heh… Hahaha…. Ahahahaha! So, you’re lying through your teeth after all, Dan Heng… You thought it’s Silverwolf, didn’t you? And you even believe in your assumption that I would still side with her instead of telling her off!!”

“No, Caelus, it’s not what you think—!”

“I see now…,” Caelus cut Dan Heng’s explanation off with a cold, mocking smile, “It's funny looking back when you think about it, Dan Heng. You can trust your back to your worst enemy like Blade, who wants you dead, like how Jing Yuan trusted you so much to cover him against the Lord Ravager. It must be great to have Jing Yuan’s eyes always look at you, right? I really envy you a lot, Dan Heng.

“And... You know what? Even if Silverwolf and I are still enemies, she doesn’t treat me like a child to watch over every little thing I do. To know and dictate who I should talk to or how do I spend my time. Maybe trusting a Stellaron Hunter is much better than someone I know right here in front of me!”

With that final bitter resentment being spat out in his words, Caelus turned and walked away, leaving Dan Heng standing there. The latter’s heart was heavy with the weight of their fractured friendship while the echoes of their heated argument rang in his ears.

Notes:

Me: OMG MY POOR BABY CAE NO! I’M SO SORRY FOR I HAVE SINNED IN HURTING MY CHILD😭 I NEED TO STOP DOING THIS 😭 NO STOP IT NO! 😭😭

Me, also: DO IT. WRITE DOWN THAT FILTHY, NASTY DRAMATIC DIVORCE ANGST YOU WANT TO SEE BETWEEN THEM. YOU DESERVE TO SEE THAT SCENE BECAUSE HOYO ARE COWARDS TO WRITE IT.

And, it looks like things are going to end here with another cliffhanger of a broken friendship. Herta has a horrible timing in the name of seeking history of Aeons. Silverwolf with her gaming habits, and Jing Yuan, poor General who also have his love one-sided from Dan Feng too.

Initially I was contemplating between Jing Yuan and Dan Feng having a previous existing relationship or it was one-sided. But after asking for advice from my friend, being evil of having one-sided love seems like a better idea for him 🤭

The first part of the chapter too between Dan Heng and Jing Yuan, I had planned for it to put with Chapter 8 at first. But when I was writing Luocha and Jing Yuan fighting over like a bunch of children to get Caelus’s attention, I decided to push this scene in the next chapter 9 and focused more of allCae’s part.

Next chapter will have a slight delay since 1.4 is around the corner and I want to read the story for more ideas to see if it can incorporate here.

Chapter 10: Memories’ Reflection & The Explosive Message

Summary:

As he turned to leave, he then heard the petite puppet calling out to him. “Also, it’s none of my business. But, you should look at your face in the mirror sometimes.”

“What do you mean...?” The Trailblazer paused, a bit taken aback by the puppet's words. He turned back to look at her, a mix of curiosity and irritation in his expression.

The puppet tilted her head, her porcelain face giving away nothing. “Do you ever notice yourself having that dumb and ridiculous grin when you look at your phone? Wipe it off, it’s disgusting.”

“Leave me alone, will you?!” Caelus cursed and rolled his eyes at her eyes.

Notes:

Warning: This chapter is extremely heavy on embed images to make up all of the previous chapters that were missing out. So I'm really praying you are not using your mobile data to read this...😅

And also, disclaimer: If you have not done to unlock "How I learned to stop worrying achievement", I suggest you can look it up here or youtube guides before proceeding with this chapter to avoid spoilers

“Caelus, over here!” The voice of a young girl called out to him. Her smile was bright like a star in the dark night. They stood together in an open field. And her eyes were just like the gray-haired boy, which was warm and gentle like the sun.

The young gray-haired boy’s face brightened happily, and he nodded. “Coming, -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ !”

His small hand grabbed hold of -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ ’s own, their fingers entwined like two vines growing together. They ran through tall, swaying grass fields, the wind rustling the leaves like a soothing melody. Sometimes, a black cat with a blue ribbon around its neck would join them on their adventure while its owner watched over them.

As far as Caelus remembered, they were always together no matter what. Even when -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ had taken -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ out for days, months, or sometimes even years while he waited in a room with no windows and walls surrounded by bookshelves...

“Caelus, I’m home! Look what I found here!!” He knew she would always return home, surprising him with the things she saw, the beautiful objects she brought back as a present to him. The world she went out of was bigger than the home they lived in. And, the books he read in this room were nothing to what they were beyond these four walls when she described to him.

“Caelus, are you alright?! Please stay with me, Cae!! Kafka is almost here!!!” -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ was his protector, just as he was to her when -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ finally allowed the young man to walk out of the room to fight beasts and dangerous men through a guardian whom he invited into the home to train them. At that time, Caelus remembered this was the first time he had seen -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ this fearful of losing him as darkness slowly consumed his consciousness...

-̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ was also his confidante and his dearest friend. She would always tell him secrets that -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ nor anyone would know of. Caelus watched -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ ’s hand grabbing hold of the familiar, beautiful red wine-colored-haired older woman's own, their fingers interlaced together lovingly, as she spoke with a warm smile. "Caelus, I want you to know that Kafka and I are finally together. It’s almost like a dream coming true after all the times I talked to you about her....”

“Fufu, it’s not a dream, my dear...” Kafka placed a gentle kiss on the side of -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ ’s head tenderly. She turned towards -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ with a warm look. Her usual gentle voice also held decisiveness as she added. “I promise to protect her with all my heart to make her happy, Caelus.”

Caelus stood there, looking at the scene before him, feeling a mixture of emotions welling up inside him. -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ , his beloved -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ , stood hand in hand with Kafka, the woman she loved. Their happiness was palpable, radiating from them like a warm, comforting light. He finally nodded with a bright grin to express happiness to them. “Of course, I’m sure the two of you will be happy.”

At that moment, Caelus couldn't help but smile as he watched them fall in love. It was a different kind of happiness, one he had never witnessed between the two of them. He had always protected -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ , watching over her like a guardian. Seeing her so happy with Kafka filled his heart with a profound sense of joy. Caelus quietly wondered to himself. “What does it feel like to find someone to be happy with...?”

“Caelus,” Another rough, deep, yet surprisingly gentle voice called out to him.

As he turned around, his face bloomed into a loving smile like -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ to -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ standing before him. “ -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ .”

He closed his eyes, allowing the scarred hands to caress his cheek with such tenderness. An ironic feat of his lover who easily sent his enemies to death’s doorstep. -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ s eyes looked at him, filled with warmth and affection that matched his rare smile that he would only display to the younger man. They found solace in each other's presence, and for a while, everything felt perfect.

Caelus smiled, genuinely blessed as he thought about the family that had grown around him and -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ . The bond between them all was unique, each member bringing their own quirks and strengths to the group.

He had never been happier than in those moments when they were all together, working towards their own individual goals yet supporting each other every step of the way. It was a sense of belonging and purpose that he had longed for, and he knew he would do anything and everything to protect it...

“Is this what you really want, Caelus?” Kafka asked the younger man; her gentle eyes still scrutinized him after knowing her for so long. The pair stood on the roof of a sky-high building after accompanying her to watch a theater movie for the day under the night sky.

Caelus nodded again, even more resolute as he smiled. “Of course. Kafka. Let me be the one who plays a big part in -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ ’s script this time."

“... You should know -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ dislikes people who disobey his script, Caelus,” Kafka gently chided, yet it also sounded softer than before. “What’s your reason for being this insistent?”

“I just want -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ to be happy,” The gray-haired man finally answered with the smile remained on his lips. “Even though -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ said -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ is the one he had foreseen with the -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ ... He gave you the choice to pick her or me when the time comes. I believe pre-determined doesn’t always mean set in stone. I want to defy that destiny, Kafka. For their happiness and for mine. Don’t you want -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ to be happy too? Could you bear to see her treating you like a stranger and an enemy after all the time you’ve spent together?”

For a moment, the night air was filled with a heavy silence as Kafka considered Caelus's words. She admired his determination and unwavering loyalty to those he cared about. It was one of the things that she had convinced -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ at -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ ’s request to train him too, instead of being kept hidden and locked up in the room.

Finally, she sighed softly and spoke, her voice tinged with concern and understanding. "I won’t deny I dislike -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ losing her memories, even if it’s my own doing. But you must also be prepared for the consequences of your actions. Are you sure you truly wanted this? You will forget -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ too when it happens."

"I know, Kafka. But I'm willing to face whatever challenges come our way. I believe in the power of our choices and that we can shape our destinies, no matter what -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ may say." Caelus nodded; his smile expressed confidence and determination. “As for -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ ... I believe in a story that even if my mind no longer remembers, somewhere in my heart, I’ll find and fall in love with him again. Just like what happened when -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ .”

"… Very well, Caelus," Kafka acknowledged, her voice soft but resolute. "I will stand by your side in this decision, just this once."

Caelus finally released the breath that held the tension for so long and nodded appreciatively. “Thank you, Kafka. And one more thing, when the time comes, could you please do me a favor?”

“Are you having regrets about your decision now? I can still pretend we never had this conversation.”

“Well... I don’t regret my decision, but...” As Caelus gulped down his saliva with difficulty from the older woman’s teasing, he admitted in a voice that briefly broke to reveal the raw emotion. “Please promise that you will take care of -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ when I’m no longer here, Kafka. This is the only regret I will ever have.”

Because to defy your role in the pre-written script also meant betraying all the happiness and love that was given and received by the people who loved you as you loved them back...

“Caelus... Wake up,” A familiar, deep voice prodded the Trailblazer from the darkness.

“Nngh...,” Caelus weakly groaned as he slowly regained consciousness, blinking against the blur of his surroundings.

As his vision cleared, he looked up at Jing Yuan, his golden eyes filled with concern. “Are you alright? You have taken a terrible hit from the Abundant Ebon Deer’s Wavering Bleat earlier. Please try to take it easy.”

“I’m... Fine, Jing Yuan. I’m sorry to make you worry....” Caelus slowly sat up on the ground with Jing Yuan’s aid and took a moment to gather his thoughts. The Trailblazer took a good view of his surroundings, resembling a stage of the Artisanship Commission where the familiar cursed flower bloomed one of the Abundance abominations. He remembered now he was still in the Simulated Universe of a new world final stage to test under Herta’s abrupt request.

Caelus winced again as a sharp pain hit his head. “Ugh....”

“It must be the lingering effects of the Wavering Bleat’s lightning strike.” The older white-haired man continued to watch him with a concerned expression. "You might have lingering effects from the Wavering Bleat. It can be disorienting. Just take it slow."

The Trailblazer nodded slowly, his voice slightly hoarse as he replied, "It’s probably from... A dream."

But it was the second time it happened, unlike the first. The vivid dream Caelus had just experienced clung to his thoughts. It left him confused by the profound sense of emptiness, longing, and regret at the blurred figures, especially the voice of a young girl. Just the thought of herself itself, Caelus could feel his eyes were pricking with tears from the pain. Was it really a dream?

Or... Was this truly Kafka’s manipulation getting into his mind? He seriously needed help at this rate before that woman completely dominated his mind to manipulate him as she did with the Cloud Knights.

Shaking his head to push those thoughts away, Caelus gave another scan of his surroundings with a now confused look as he realized it was only him and Jing Yuan alone. “What happened to the others, Jing Yuan? Did Nat and Tingyun get knocked out too?”

“No, Caelus. They have excused themselves first after the Ebon Deer has been defeated,” Jing Yuan explained with a warm and fond smile. He moved one of his hands to gently pat Caelus’s head. “But, I wanted to stay behind to ensure you’re alright. Your final blow of using your flames to burn away the roots the deer summoned to prevent itself from healing was magnificent. Watching you grow and develop your abilities has been a pleasure, Caelus. You have a unique talent, and I have no doubt that you'll continue to achieve great things.”

The gentle touches on his head and the warm, loving smile on the other older man made Caelus blushed with a shy expression. However, he quickly shook his head and stood up from the ground. This Jing Yuan before him wasn’t the same Jing Yuan he was in love with. The Luofu General should probably be busy with his paperwork in his office at the Seat of Divine Foresight.

While the warmth and familiarity were comforting, they also served as a painful reminder of what he couldn't have. It wouldn't do him any good to become entangled in emotions that weren't based in reality.

Caelus quickly curled a reassuring smile nervously as he noticed the clone General showing confused and concerned expressions. “S-Sorry, I mean… Thank you for staying behind, Jing Yuan. I couldn't have come this far without your support.”

Jing Yuan nodded in agreement, the warm smile still on his lips as he stood from the ground. "Indeed. But don't push yourself too hard, Caelus. These simulations can be taxing, and you've already faced quite a challenge today. We can take a break if you need it."

The Trailblazer appreciated the data clone General's concern but was determined to push through any lingering discomfort. "I'll be fine. Let’s not keep Herta waiting to start the next round—!”

“Nope. That won’t be necessary. The test is over.” A familiar, emotionless, blunt young girl’s voice interrupted the gray-haired man.

Instantly, the familiar feeling of a hand grabbing Caelus’s coat hood to yank him back into the darkness when he last saw the data clone Jing Yuan’s face expressed a brief surprise look. He then felt his body tumble in a circle before landing on the ground with a thud.

Opening his eyes, the Trailblazer found himself in the familiar Herta’s office with a row of paintings on both sides of the wall. The familiar ball-jointed puppet of a long, brown-haired, petite young woman stood in front of the terminal at the end of the room.

“Tch... Do you really have to do that?” Caelus grumbled, his hands rubbing the sore pain around his body while he slowly stood up.

Herta turned her head slightly to regard Caelus with her unblinking eyes. There was no trace of amusement or sympathy in her expression. “Your job here is to test the new World 7, and it’s done. I didn’t say you could start flirting with the data clones for your misery. Now run off until you’re needed again.”

“Fine," Caelus sighed, realizing there was no use arguing with Herta. She had her own methods and agenda, and it was best not to question them too much.

As he turned to leave, he then heard the petite puppet calling out to him. “Also, it’s none of my business. But, you should look at your face in the mirror sometimes.”

“What do you mean...?” The Trailblazer paused, a bit taken aback by the puppet's words. He turned back to look at her, a mix of curiosity and irritation in his expression.

The puppet tilted her head, her porcelain face giving away nothing. “Do you ever notice yourself having that dumb and ridiculous grin when you look at your phone? Wipe it off, it’s disgusting.”

“Leave me alone, will you?!” Caelus cursed and rolled his eyes at her eyes.

The puppet merely shrugged an almost playful glint in her lifeless eyes. "Suit yourself, Caelus."

With that, she turned her attention back to the terminal, seemingly disinterested in Caelus. He huffed in exasperation and finally left Herta's office. Herta certainly had a way of getting under his skin, but sometimes, her blunt observations were strangely on point.

=0=

After holding down the message to tap on the copy function, Caelus switched his app on the screen to paste the code on the ‘Redeem Code’ field under his game profile page. “And... Done.”

It was a few measly worths of game currencies added into his account before the new patch and its banner arrived. He stood by the ledge, contemplating the recent events and strained relationships. The serene expanse of the Starskiff Haven before him seemed to offer solace...

Since a few days after lashing out at Dan Heng, the Trailblazer recalled the worried faces from March and Pom-pom....

“Welcome back, Cae! I’m sure you and Dan Heng are tired after hanging out on the ship all day. Pom-pom probably hasn’t told you yet, we need to pick up supplies from the space station...” March welcomed him back on the Express with a nervous smile after the first test with Herta a week before after he had left Dan Heng behind outside the inn from their argument.

The sight of sensing the pain behind her nervous smile panged painfully in Caelus’s heart. His brows furrowed and he tried to reply. “Oh sure, I could join—!”

“B-But, don’t worry about it! Mr. Yang and I could handle it. I’m sure Miss Herta is going to need you for another test later. So, take all the rest you need.” March hurriedly raised her two hands to wave assuredly at the other. "I’ll be here always if a listening ear is needed... For you and Dan Heng, so yeah. I... I’ll get some rest first since it’s a long day for us... Sorry....”

The Trailblazer wasn’t sure if Dan Heng had told her or if she simply guessed correctly from her intuition by their behaviors. He couldn’t blame his friend for all her effort and prayers to bridge the gap. No one would want to see any of their friends fighting each other, and being innocent victims who were caught in the crossfire.

“Caelus...” The poor little conductor, Pom-pom, approached him first for a hug without a word when he first entered the front train. Caelus’s brows furrowed as he kneeled on both knees, allowing them to wrap their tiny arms around his neck. It wasn’t sure if it was Pom-pom, him, or both who needed more comfort.

He couldn't help but feel a pang of regret and pain for how he reacted towards Dan Heng. They had been through so much together, and he valued their friendship deeply. However, emotions had a way of clouding judgment. And at their peak, true feelings, twisted or not, were all revealed from the hearts.

“You’re looking for Dan Heng? He said he’ll be out to visit the Dragon Lady at Luofu today and won’t be back until the end of the day.” Himeko answered as she watched over her coffee machine brewing. "If it's urgent, you could drop a message to meet up with him."

"O-Oh yeah, sure, of course... Thanks, Miss Himeko," Caelus replied with a nervous yet faint smile. Inside him, he could only sighed sadly to himself. It seemed like again he couldn’t catch Dan Heng to sit down and talk it out.

Then, a knowing yet gentle smile appeared on her lips as she lifted one hand to pat the younger gray-haired man’s shoulder. “But, if you’re really worried about him, you don’t have to. He understands your position more than anyone because he has always looked out for you the most. The two of you should take this time to think hard about what you both really want to say to each other.”

Caelus took a deep breath as his fingers nervously flicked to switch the game app to the messaging app on his phone.

“How funny the tables have turned...” The Trailblazer curled a bitter and sad smile to himself as his message to the dark-haired man was read without a reply. This was his payback for all the times he ignored his messages and hurting Dan Heng by comparing him to Dan Feng. Perhaps he should heed Himeko’s advice to have both heads cool off while finding the right words to say to each other again.

Upon swiping off his message app, he stared at his phone screen wallpaper with furrowed brows as the reason behind his lashing. The photo of Jing Yuan smiling warmly with one of his hands raised to let a small finch perched on his fingers, his golden eyes glanced with a knowing expression towards a hidden camera taking his picture secretly or so.

It was a memory that Caelus held dear yet conflicted as he recalled to himself...

=0=

Ever since that day after Dan Shu’s escape, Caelus found himself meeting up with Jing Yuan even more often than before. The General often invited the younger man out for a walk, a casual meal to make up whenever Jing Yuan had to cancel their plans, unfortunately, or even talking like this through text messages.

Caelus’s yellow eyes lit up immediately when he saw the ‘typing’ status on the header before a reply appeared on the screen.

It’s a simple thank you, yet Caelus’s heart felt fuzzy from the happiness behind it. Every moment spent with Jing Yuan, the Trailblazer glimpsed a different side of him. The lazy moments where Jing Yuan was found napping with Mimi, hiding in a corner instead of doing his work. He often found himself at the end of the General’s teasings to join him for a nap with his pet lion, commenting how his height was a perfect fit as a body pillow.

His gluttonous moment of enjoying different delicacies of sweets, despite the source of rumors belonging to the white lion’s voracious appetite. Caelus’s face was often colored with delight and awe at the heavens he tasted on his lips when sharing with the General and even received as a gift to enjoy with March and Welt.

Each and every part of Jing Yuan he learned became a precious treasure that was even better than the ones he found from his trash can buddies. Wearing the biggest grin on his lips, he typed his reply.

As the text messages concluded, Caelus couldn't help but smile big on his lips at the warm feeling bubbling in his heart. These interactions with Jing Yuan, whether over literature, Starchess or just about anything, had become a cherished part of his time in Xianzhou Luofu.

Glancing between the artificial early morning sun and his phone, the Trailblazer placed his phone away and thought to himself. “Since there’s still time, I could walk around to see if there’s any other new commission.”

Caelus's stroll on the bridge from Starskiff Jetty Space Anchor was accompanied by a gentle breeze carrying the scent of blooming flowers from nearby gardens. The city was bustling with activity as people went about their daily routines.

As he walked, his steps slowed down with yellow eyes squinting at a familiar Foxian figure ahead. “That’s... Tingyun, right?”

The familiar brown-haired Foxian girl in her red dress had both hands busy fiddling with a cycrane perching on a stand near a booth by the vending machine. Her brows furrowed with a troubled look, and her green eyes darted back and forth from the cycrane and some papers in her hold.

A sense of curiosity bubbled even though his gut also churned with a bad feeling in approaching the Foxian woman. However, she did help them learn to operate Diting to find Kafka. His sense of good-hearted nature and justice won him, and he decided to go where she was.

As he drew closer, he greeted her with a friendly smile. "Hey, Tingyun! Is everything okay? It looks like you've got a bit of a puzzle there."

Tingyun looked up and gave Caelus a warm smile, though her eyes hinted at frustration. “Oh, good morning, benefactor! It's you. As you can see, unfortunately, this cycrane’s footage is giving me quite a headache to achieve the custom quality I have pre-set before…."

The Trailblazer gave a sympathetic smile and offered. “Mind if I give it a try to fix it?”

Tingyun’s green eyes brightened, and she clasped both her hands together gratefully. “Oh yes, be my guest, dear benefactor! If you can fix it, I shall reward you with a special photo of the General for helping me.”

“Photo of the General?” Caelus raised one eyebrow before snorting a laugh at her. “That’s ridiculous. What do you mean photo of—W-What on Aeons is this?!!”

Turning to glance at the booth beside the cycrane stand, Caelus couldn’t believe what his own two eyes saw. The booth was decorated with different shots, angles, scenery, and compositions of Jing Yuan himself.

And right in the middle was a photo of the Luofu General with his eyes closed and smiling at a little finch pecking his lips for 800… Wait, how many zeroes were there at the back?! Was his eyes playing tricks on him, or was this some limited and collector edition to be sold in an auction?!!

The Trailblazer turned back to Tingyun, and his right eye twitched at her. “W… Why are there so many photos of the General? Are you a fan of his or something?!”

“Well, who isn’t in here Luofu, my dear benefactor?” Tingyun chuckled amusedly at the gray-haired man’s shocked face. “General Jing Yuan is a remarkable man, under his leadership, has done wonders for Luofu. And his line of admirers is always ever-increasing, be it our people or our dear guest like yourself.”

“Me? Pfft,” Caelus snorted again and lifted one of his gloved hands to brush away her accusation. “I mean, sure, I can see why people admire him. But he and I are just good friends. I’m still honored to be able to work with him as a member of the Nameless to deal with the crisis.”

“Is that so?” Tingyun’s lips curled into a teasing and knowing smirk. “Even when my dear benefactor thinks our dear General is appealing to his eyes… By how handsome he looks?”

The gray-haired man’s face turned bright and burning red at that second. His lips struggled to form coherent words. “Y-Y… You heard that?! B-But how—!!”

“Oh ho ho! Do not underestimate a Foxian’s ears!” Tingyun laughed with her chest puffed out with pride, her hand flicked open her paper fan to wave in front of her.

The Trailblazer placed both hands over his face, utterly embarrassed as the Foxian woman teased him about his apparent admiration for Jing Yuan’s looks. Was he actually that loud when talking to March back there?! How would he look at Yukong and other Sky-Faring staff in their eye now?!!

Caelus quickly protested despite his red face turning darker red with a flustered voice. “I-I don’t… I-I mean, yeah, sure. He’s a good-looking guy, but that’s all to it!”

Tingyun continued to chuckle, clearly enjoying her guest's discomfort. “If you insist so, dear benefactor. But fret not; this will be a secret between you and me. All you have to do is to assist with some technical difficulties right here…”

Following where Tingyun was gesturing at the cycrane, Caelus sighed in defeat. There’s no escape since she got his fingers wrapped around him. “Alright, alright, you win.”

He approached the cycrane and tapped to see the familiar jade abacus circuit configuration and the batteries out of place. The Trailblazer took the two knobs and started twisting them. “Three turns to the right… Three turns to the left, one turn to the left. Then, two turns to the right, three turns to the left… And one more…. Done.”

After rotating the batteries into their slot, the cycrane’s eyes flashed a light momentarily before flapping its wings. Tingyun raised her arm to see the holographic screen above her wrist with a clear-cut image. “Well done, my dear benefactor! I couldn’t have done it without your assistance. As a reward, I’ll prepare your special photo of the General. In fact, you can watch it live here from the screen!”

With a few taps on the screen, the cycrane flew off from the stand and headed to an unknown destination. Caelus moved to stand beside the Foxian woman to watch the surveillance on screen. It weaved through the bustling streets, capturing the daily life of people doing business and street vendors peddling their goods.

As they followed the cycrane’s flight, the gray-haired man looked curious. “But, are you sure you know where you are heading, Tingyun? What if he isn’t there at all?”

“Worry not! I have studied his daily routine of what he does, my dear benefactor. From his duties, walking routes, favorite foods, you name it, and you shall receive any information you wish to know. My business provides the highest quality products and services and has never disappointed anyone. You can trust I will keep my promise to deliver the reward!”

“Right, sure…,” Caelus replied, with skepticism evident in his tone. He’s more concerned about how Tingyun had yet to be arrested by the Realm-Keeping Commission for her meticulous stalking and invasion of privacy, especially since the victim was mainly a Luofu General.

Nevertheless, he kept to himself and continued to watch the live feed from the cycrane. Less than a second, Tingyun’s green eyes lit up with excitement. “It’s the General Jing Yuan!”

Standing in a lower level hidden corner beside a teahouse, Jing Yuan stood alone to observe the view. He appeared relaxed, his characteristic air of gentleness and authority surrounding him in this informal setting.

Caelus couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt about being an accomplice to this invasive act, even though he wasn’t the one who initiated it. He continued to watch, unable to tear his eyes away from the screen as the cycrane captured the General's movements.

Tingyun, however, was entirely absorbed in her work. Her fingers gracefully crossed the holographic screen as she zoomed in on Jing Yuan’s image. “See, my benefactor, you’re about to receive a once-in-a-lifetime memory of the General himself. Isn’t that special?”

“Yeah, It’s quite something...” Caelus nodded absentmindedly, though his conscience still gnawed at him.

As they observed General Jing Yuan on the screen, the white-haired General’s face lit up with interest when a small finch bird flew towards him. He lifted his pale finger to let the little bird perch on it with a fond smile curled on his lips.

“3… 2…,” The Foxian woman counted to herself, her fingers preparing to press the snapshot button.

“1!”

But in the last second, Jing Yuan’s golden eyes glanced towards where the cycrane was on the screen with a warm smile just as Tingyun pressed the button. The latter squealed excitedly while Caelus’s face colored with shock. Had they been caught?

Yet, the Foxian woman was too excited by the consequences and clapped her hands rapidly. “Oh my gosh, my dear benefactor! You have just obtained the rarest and highest quality photo I’ve produced in this line of business. It’s scarce for the General to look to where the cycrane was for a beautiful shot like this!”

Caelus couldn’t help but chuckle at her enthusiasm despite feeling uneasy. “Well, I suppose it must be a special photo if you say so.”

Tingyun was practically dancing joyfully as she reviewed the snapshot on her holographic screen. "It's perfect! The General's smile, the little finch, the lighting... everything came together just right!"

Despite his reservations, the Trailblazer admitted it was a beautiful and heartwarming image. It captured a moment of genuine warmth and kindness that Jing Yuan often radiated.

With a few taps on the cycrane and then the phone, Tingyun quickly transferred the image to Caelus's device. "Here you go, my dear benefactor. This is your special photo of General Jing Yuan. Cherish it!"

The Trailblazer accepted the image and nodded, a conflicted expression on his face. He knew he had participated in something ethically questionable, but he couldn't deny that the photo was a precious memento of his time in Xianzhou Luofu….

=0=

As Caelus finished recalling his memory, it now left him even more conflicted and strange than ever. Who was it that day who knew of Jing Yuan’s daily routine? Did Tingyun truly return in that brief moment of their time? Or, had Phantyila studied her victim meticulously enough of the Foxian woman’s daily life before taking over her role?

The thought made the Trailblazer’s spine shiver, alert at how ruthless and determined the Antimatter Legion could be. He gave himself one more look at Jing Yuan’s photo. The unspoken feelings he held for Jing Yuan, the love that could never be, weighed on his heart. It was a love he had buried deep within him that could never see the light of day. And in that moment, it felt like an insurmountable burden that may have been helping an enemy to spy on his allies.

Shaking that thought away, Caelus sighed too himself. “I should see if there are any ingredients I could find in the packages.”

He leaned away from the ledge to spin on his heels and headed down to an abandoned store down the stairs. There were already a few different combinations he was itching to try at the top of his mind. Familiar stacks of brown box packages greeted Caelus’s sight as he picked up one of them. “Handle with care… Pass.”

Caelus set the first package aside carefully on the ground. The second package picked up was worn out and… He picked the package closer to give it a sniff and winced. “Urgh! Someone's ordered milk is way past its expiry date. Pass!”

Throwing the rotten package away, the Trailblazer picked up an all-new courier package. There were no stickers or other labels attached that could indicate its identity. It went without saying the package itself is suspicious to be abandoned behind. His yellow eyes gave another look at the package and thought. “I should really check it if there’s anything strange to report….”

When Caelus tried to read the text on the courier slip, he heard a soulless mechanical security say from within. “Biometric data verified. Registered to Caelus.”

“Huh?” Caelus blurted out loud.

“Mini-neutron bomb has been linked. Please do not leave the vicinity of our sensors. Countdown to detonation will start immediately if registrant’s biometric data cannot be sensed.”

“What the heck is this thing?!” The Trailblazer’s mind turned into a whirlwind mess of confusion and panic. He definitely didn’t know what this package was, but in any case, he would need to carry it around with him everywhere… That if it was actually a bomb. “It would be dangerous if it blows up anytime here. I need to do it somewhere safe….”

=0=

Arriving at a desolated pier near Alchemy Commission, Caelus walked around as he looked between his left and right. He had gotten rid of the monsters and roaming remnants of Disciple of Medicus Sanctus on his way. This should be safe enough to get rid of the strange package.

Upon reaching the ledge, the Trailblazer felt his phone vibrate and retrieved it from his pocket to look at the notification.

“Mysterious origin?” Caelus switched between his phone and the package held under his arm. Come to think of it, as he now recalled, a strange man wearing a blue cap walked out from the stacks of abandoned packages before he started digging around. It definitely fits the bill of a parcel of mystery origin.

Caelus returned to his phone and began typing.

After waiting for less than a second, a reply from Jing Yuan came.

“So, It’s really suspicious after all!” Caelus murmured to himself. Maybe the package had been planned by the Annihilation Gang to finish what Phantyila wasn’t able to do for her leader. He then turned on his heels to the nearest Space Anchor to teleport back to Exalting Sanctum. But, the unease feeling lingered in his gut as he left the desolated pier…

=0=

“Caelus, may I ask to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit at the Seat of Divine Foresight today?” Qingzu greeted him with a friendly smile at the gray-haired younger man approaching her.

Caelus gave a curt nod and took the same brand-new package from his inventory to show the Vidyadhara Counselor. “Jing Yuan told me to give this to you.”

“Oh, this is?”

As she went closer to inspect the box, the Trailblazer explained further. “I found this brand-new package left behind by a strange courier at Central Starskiff Haven. When I picked it up curiously, the system inside announced It’s a mini-neutron bomb preparing to explode.”

“A mini-neutron bomb, is it?” Qingzu reaffirmed, which made the Trailblazer nod to confirm. “I’ll pass it over to the Ten-Lords Commission. Thank you for your support for the Seat of Divine Foresight’s cause.”

Just as Caelus was to nod and hand the package to her, a thought came to his mind. Didn’t the system announce it would detonate if they couldn’t sense him? Should it be a good idea to simply give Qingzu the package like this?

“Caelus?” Qingzu’s face colored with confusion at the younger man’s behavior.

The Trailblazer withdrew the hand holding the package to bring it to his chest. “But it felt like it will go off once I leave...”

“Really? Can you give it to me?”

As Qingzu moved closer to Caelus, the latter quickly hugged the package and exclaimed. “B-But, what if it blows up?! Everyone who is still in the Seat of Divine Foresight would be in a big disaster, Qingzu! I can’t give it to you at all as I thought!!”

The said Vidyadhara Counselor now sighed in exasperation and insisted. “It won’t. I can demonstrate for you—”

When she placed both hands on the packages on the sides, Qingzu tried to yank it off the Trailblazer. However, Caelus wasn't one to give up without struggle. Their struggle was brief but intense, drawing the attention of several staff and other Cloud Knights in the Seat of Divine Foresight.

“Caelus, please, trust me,” Qingzu implored, her voice calm but determined. “I assure you, this package won't detonate. It's crucial evidence, and we need to examine it carefully to understand its origins and purpose. That’s why…  Give. It. To. Me!!!”

On the very second when the Vidyadhara counselor finally yanked the package off from Caelus—

BOOM!!

A loud deafening sound followed by darkness consuming his sight before the Trailblazer returned into the familiar darkness…

…

……

………

“What happened? Did the bomb go off?” Caelus wondered within the darkness.

Slowly, light shone before his eyes, reaching out with his hand…

As Caelus slowly regained consciousness, he found himself lying on his back on top of a bed in a dimly lit room. The sound of distant voices and trees rustling outside. His head throbbed with pain, and he felt disoriented. “Dang... I was blown all the way here?!”

“Hey, Caelus! You’re awake!” A familiar voice called out to him. Turning to the left, the familiar Dragon Lady Bailu stood with both hands resting on her hips.

Caelus looked around the room and wondered. “What is this place...? Did I get reborn?”

“Reborn? You’re not one of us Vidyadhara! Why are you talking nonsense…?!” Bailu exclaimed with a disbelief tone.

“Oh, is that so? What a shame.” Caelus replied. And it indeed was a shame. It’d be a fun adventure to journey in a brand-new world with overpowered abilities and make his love life harem of trash can come true.

The dragon lady shook her head exasperatedly with a sigh. “Maybe you need more electrotherapy….”

“I just remembered I got to comb my cat’s hair—!”

Bailu quickly grabbed the Trailblazer’s coat from the back to stop him from leaving. “Hey, don’t run away! I was only kidding. And you don’t even have a cat on the Express!”

After the Trailblazer stopped to look at her, she sighed again and questioned. “You want to talk about what happened just now? Why were you knocked out by a prank scare box?”

“Prank scare box?” Caelus repeated. “That’s not a mini-neutron bomb?”

Bailu shook her head to affirm her words. “Nope. I have checked the contents of the box too. You and Qingzu were knocked out by the exploding powder inside, and the Knights in the Seat of Divine Foresight called for our help. There isn’t anything dangerous that is poisonous or life-threatening. Qingzu has woken up first and she’s alright to return to her work.”

“I see… Then I don’t know anything at all.” The Trailblazer admitted with a lie. It would be embarrassing to admit to the young lady how he even got the prank package in the first place.

“Hm... Looks like you don’t know either.” Bailu murmured to herself thoughtfully. Her eyes lit up as though remembering something in her mind, and she began digging in her pocket. “Oh, right! Qingzu left the note inside the box for me. Take a look. Maybe it will jog your memory?”

As Bailu handed the folded paper note to Caelus, he received it into his hold and opened it carefully.

“Are you having a good time at the Xianzhou Alliance?”
-- Sampo Koski

“It’s...!” Caelus murmured; his fist began to tremble as another new wave of emotions ran wildly in him.

Bailu tilted her head to the side. “Is this someone you know? To pull off such an old-school prank... This person doesn’t seem ordinary at all—!”

The Trailblazer angrily ripped the note apart, surprising Bailu as she yelped, and he cursed loudly, his yellow eyes burning with wrath. “I’m gonna kill him right now!!!”

“W-What the—?! H-Hey, wait a minute! Caelus!!” The Dragon Lady’s cries towards Caelus went unheard as the latter immediately stormed out of the room and out of Alchemy Commissions…

=0=

On the underground of Jarilo-VI world's Rivet Town, a tall, handsome, blue-haired salesman walked down the alley away from the Abandoned Market. His dark, gloved hands flipped with a cunning smirk at the hard and cold credits he earned from today’s profits. “Hm-hm~ 59… 60,000 credits. Not too shabby, I should say myself. All that’s left for Peak to tabulate the number of tools to rent the next day—”

BAM!!!

The sudden loud crashing noise of wooden boxes and garbage by the side was knocked away by a familiar gray-haired man holding his bat, making the poor blue-haired man shriek loudly. “H-H-Hieeek!!!’

“Yo, long time no see, Sampo,” Caelus greeted with a cold and emotionless face. His bat tapped his outstretched palm as he approached the older man menacingly. “I see you're doing well as ever to scam people left and right.”

Sampo’s green eyes blinked rapidly at the presence of the other, his face colored completely from initial surprise to relief mixed with overjoyed expression. “F-Fam, my hero, you’re back—!”

BAAAM!

“I-I mean, if it isn’t my favorite client, Caelus! Wh-What a pleasant surprise to see you again. May I know what do I owe you for your visit…?” The blue-haired salesman hurriedly corrected with a nervous smile when the bat smacked onto the wall beside him with a loud bang.

He knew while the younger gray-haired man did have his dislike for him, he was also the most amicable one among the trio of his friends. Though this was the first time he encountered Caelus personally in such a furious state.

Unfortunately for Sampo, the Trailblazer’s face curled a dark and menacing smirk on his face. “Quite a good question, Sampo. I’m here to personally answer your question from that little note you have sent in your ‘gift.’ And, that said gift of yours exploded into the General’s Counselor of Luofu face while we happened to be investigating a case. Do you have anything to say about your business partner with Annihilation Gang?”

“C-Come on, my friend. It’s just a harmless prank, you know. This has nothing to do with the Annihilation Gang! No hard feelings, right?” Sampo took a step back, his hands raised in a placating gesture. But, when Caelus cornered him by slamming his bat beside his head, noticing especially that the weapon was now charged with a blue glowing light, he gulped. “Okay okay, I admit it got out of hand. I didn’t expect you to open this with anyone. But it was just a joke! No one got hurt.”

“A joke? Do you have any idea how much chaos you caused? Your little ‘joke’ has attempted to hurt one of my friends in Luofu. Don’t you have anything to say about that?” Caelus didn’t seem convinced.

As the Trailblazer advanced, Sampo’s eyes darted around, looking for an escape route. He was quick on his feet, but Caelus was faster. With a swift move, the bat swung through the air and whacked into the blue-haired scammer’s chest.

The blow from Caelus’s bat sent Sampo stumbling backward, crashing into a stack of crates behind him. He gasped for breath, clutching his chest in pain. It was clear that the Trailblazer was not in a forgiving mood.

“Okay, o-okay, I get it!” Sampo exclaimed, his bravado fading. He winced in pain as he tried to catch his breath. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise. No more pranks, I swear.”

Caelus flicked his bat and pointed it towards the panicking scammer with a glare, his yellow eyes burning with intensity. “I have read from the data bank a human has 206 bones. You can start by having your rib cage broken first.”

Sampo’s face turned pale in terror as the Trailblazer raised his charged bat high to prove his threat. His body immediately shifted into a groveling position to kneel and beg, his voice trembling. “N-No, please, don’t! I swear, I’ll do whatever you want. J-Just… Just don’t hurt me, please!!”

“Too late, too bad,” Caelus’s expression remained stern with his finality. But, he was to swing his bat down, his phone vibrated in his pocket. The Trailblazer would’ve wanted to ignore it if the other party wasn’t insistent on his attention.

Sighing with frustration, he took out his phone to see endless sudden spam of three messages in repetition from a particular petite Stellaron Hunter. His thumb scrolled down on his screen to view the latest message.

Caelus sighed and typed his reply in less than a second.

After putting the phone back into the pocket, Caelus turned back to Sampo, who flinched at the now scary smile curled on his lips. “Now, where were we? Oh, right, I will start by breaking your rib cage first—!”

The phone vibrated again in his pocket, making the Trailblazer sigh in irritation. He set his bat down and took it out to view the message.

“Something else…?” Caelus murmured. Aside from their gaming session, why would the Silver Wolf need his help? Unless…

“Scammer… Wait, Sampo?” The Trailblazer muttered out loud with disbelief. His yellow eyes darted back and forth from his phone and to the blue-haired older man who now showed a mixed frightened, nervous, yet confused look.

Notes:

Just a little extra or so before 1.4 patch drops as it ends with the next chapter there's going to be a small arc happening in Beloborg with the love-hate tall, blue, handsome scammer here, thanks to Silver Wolf's meddling. 😂😊

The data clone Jing Yuan's was inspired from a dancae fic, which this Jing Yuan in Simulated Universe also have some "interest" to Caelus 🤭

But our real Luofu General himself still hold a place in his heart. And speaking of Jing Yuan, my only complaint from Tingyun before the big revelation is we don't get to see her booth selling all the photos of Jing Yuan from the beta trailer 🙄 At least allow us to buy a copy for souvenir!

Anyway, as from the previous chapter, there's quite a lot of flashback and reflections going on from the front. Be it the strange dreams haunting him by Kafka or his monologue on the aftermath of his big fight with Dan Heng.

Also, I definitely can't missed out of that one Jing Yuan message interaction with Trailblazer regarding the neutron bomb to be used here. I'm more pissed there's no continuation of Caelus heading down to Beloborg to whoop Sampo's ass for the prank he made.

One last thing, if you already know who are the people Caelus talking to in the front, then you know. I won't put them on the tags as of yet since our Cae has yet to actually remember or realize the dreams behind. There won't be any original characters tags too because they are not.

Chapter 11: Past Regrets, Present Struggles

Summary:

No summaries this time for once in this chapter! Everyone will be going in blind after the last chapter's cliffhanger 😋

Notes:

Happy Patch Day, everyone! I hope everyone got lucky in their pulls for Jingliu and her signature LC. For those who are saving for Topaz, or the new drip marketing of the Knight of Beauty, good luck!

This new chapter will be shorter than usual, but I hope you guys like it!

“Found it. Please sign here. Since you are taking the resource supplies for someone else, you need to write down both your name and your client's name.” Hinkel handed the clipboard to March, gesturing for her to sign off on the supplies.

March nodded and took the clipboard. She quickly jotted down her and the Astral Express’s names as the client and returned the clipboard. “Done! Here you go, Miss Hinkel.”

The brown-haired woman took the clipboard and looked at the signed details. “Agent: March 7th, Consignor: Pom-Pom. OK, identification passed. I will arrange for staff to transport the things you need for you later.”

She left the young girl alone, making her sigh in satisfaction. It was a routine task from Pom-pom to ensure the supplies on the Express remained well stocked before the next jump to a new world. “I guess that’s all about it.”

“I have finished checking the supplies from Joanne, March.” An older man’s voice spoke up to March from the left.

Turning to where the voice was, March nodded and grinned thankfully. “Great, thanks for the help, Mr. Yang! Couldn’t have done it without you coming along.”

“Pom-pom has mentioned the supplies from the space station would be more than usual. I wanted to make sure if there isn’t anything to be shortage of before we move on.” Welt smiled assuredly at the young girl. He then switched his gaze towards the right. “And, I had thought it’d be a good idea that he could use a breather from the archives to help out.”

To where the older bespectacled man was looking, the dark-haired man stood near a stack of metallic crates with a clipboard. March made her move to approach her friend with her cheerful grin in place. “Hey, Dan Heng! How’s it going over there? Miss Hinkel said she would take care of everything for us.”

However, Dan Heng replied to his friend immediately. Even though his gaze was staring at the crates before him, it was as though his mind was elsewhere other than here. March’s pinkish-colored eyes narrowed with worry as she prodded again. “Um, Dan Heng...?”

“Hm?” The dark-haired man finally turned his attention to the worried young girl. His teal eyes widened briefly for a moment before answering. “Oh... I’m almost done here, March. Everything is tallied according to the checklist provided. They could also transport this stack of crates for the maintenance parts soon.”

March nodded, but her concern for Dan Heng didn't wane. Despite neither Caelus nor Dan Heng telling her, she felt that things between them got even worse than before. It was as though if they spoke to each other at that instant, the whole Express would break apart literally.

The Trailblazer’s absence from the Express became more prolonged than ever. She couldn’t even remember the last time she saw him returning to rest from Herta’s test or commissions. Dan Heng locked himself inside the Archives and went as far as to sit out from eating meals with everyone. Sometimes, he would be visiting over Luofu for days without telling much of his purpose. Now, it was a miracle Welt had dragged him to assist them despite his reluctance.

Was this her fault for telling them advices to make up? All because she didn’t like to see her two good friends with each other selfishly?

Hiding it behind her usual cheerful façade to push those depressing thoughts away, March simply grinned brightly and responded. “Well, that's great to hear, Dan Heng! But you seem a bit distracted. Is everything okay?”

Dan Heng hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. “It's... It's just some personal stuff, March. Nothing to worry about.”

“You sure? If it's too much for you, I can take over to check on the checklist instead—!”

“I said it’s fine, March.” Though Dan Heng had merely wanted to reassure the pink-haired girl, his voice unintentionally sounded slightly colder and harsher than needed. His reply caused the pink-haired to flinch with hurt, and his teal eyes widened in realization of what he had done. His head bowed, and he apologized quietly. “I... I mean to say... I will finish this up soon, sorry....”

Welt, listening to their conversation, looked between the two youths. He gently patted March’s back to comfort her. “March, could you help to see if Miss Hinkel needs further assistance? I’m sure there may not be enough hands to transport the crates onto the Express.”

March glanced at Welt, then back at Dan Heng, her worry still evident in her eyes. “Alright, sure...”

As March moved away, the older, bespectacled man heaved a worried sigh at her downtrodden expression which was threatening to break into a sobbing cry. He had wanted to heed Himeko’s advice to leave the youths alone to sort out the misunderstandings themselves and watch afar they would forge their friendship stronger.

Yet, not only did the problem drag on too long for weeks, but it also escalated to a fractured bond that affected everyone on the Express badly, back to where the dark-haired younger man, despite his stoic expression, Welt could see guilt and hurt eating inside him.

He quietly spoke up once it was only the two of them left in the area. “If you’re worried about March, she also needs time and space. But she doesn’t stop thinking of trying to find ways for you and Caelus to make up. You should know how much she cares a lot.”

“I know...," Dan Heng murmured. "I didn't mean to snap at March like that. Just... I have always thought I would know Caelus the most. We were always together, even when the start of our relationship was rocky. He had realized how different we were from what the Destiny Slave told him... Until ‘that’ happened. However, he was still the same, even when he had forgotten me. I had thought I would not make the same mistake. Instead, I have again broken his trust because of my cowardice to the fears of my own burdens."

The declaration of the Luofu General’s taunt who knew Caelus well the most still angered Dan Heng. Yet it had also meant he was unfortunately right about the many things about Caelus and him. He wasn’t that different from Dan Feng for his headstrong and arrogant beliefs.

Everything that was to protect Caelus was nothing but Dan Heng’s own selfish assumptions for the former. The familiar cold and angry yellow eyes showed that he had never understood nor accepted the Trailblazer as himself despite how dear he was to him.

Welt listened attentively as Dan Heng poured out his feelings. He could see the turmoil in the young man's eyes, the weight of the strained relationship with Caelus, and the guilt that gnawed at him.

"It's not easy, Dan Heng," Welt said softly, offering support. "But remember, people change, circumstances change. What happened before and now might be two very different things.”

The younger, dark-haired man sighed deeply, his stoic face wrestling with his emotions bottled inside. "I just wish… I could turn back time and do things differently. When we decided to aid Luofu, I should’ve opted to join instead of staying behind. Caelus wouldn't have to shoulder the troubles he faced there by himself. And ‘that’ too, when I secretly went off to seal the Stellaron behind his back, when I told him I would stay behind to watch over the children... Maybe then, none of this would have happened."

"‘I’m being deceived?’” The hooded gray-haired man repeated Dan Heng’s words with a sneer. His yellow eyes were as cold as the heavy downpour onto them as they stood distances away from each other. His icy voice filled with rage and the faint emotions of pain at the betrayal. “That's a load of bullshit, and you know that. They were our friends; this was their home, and you took it all from them!

“… I thought you were a good person, Dan Heng. Maybe I was wrong to trust your words that the Express differs from us. All of you were willing to sacrifice a world to seal the Stellaron. Is this what Trailblazing means to you?!”

Dan Heng’s teal eyes flickered with hurt as the memory flashed. He remembered that moment vividly. Caelus's accusations had cut deep, and his inability to explain or make Caelus understand had only added to the rift between them. As he looked down at his own pale right hand...

“Caelus, please listen to me!” Dan Heng pleaded to the other hooded man as loud as he could against the roaring thunder. He stretched his cold and soaked right hand out to offer the chance to take him along. “We can find a better way together that doesn't involve sacrificing others as you wish. You don't have to do this alone. Please, just give me the chance to explain. Don’t go, Caelus!"

But before their hands could touch, another familiar, deep, rough voice shattered the fragile moment. The bandaged hand seized hold of the hooded gray-haired man’s gloved hand, and the black-gloved hand shielded the conflicted yellow eyes away from the teal. “Caelus.”

Dan Heng’s face turned pale with horror and rage as the red eyes belonging to a dark-haired abomination that haunted his nightmares daily in his sleep took Caelus from him.

Clenching his right hand into a fist tightly, Dan Heng gritted his teeth and muttered bitterly. “If I had just taken Caelus's hand to bring him to our side....”

"… You know, Dan Heng," Welt said softly, "I understand how you feel. I've been in a similar situation before.”

“What do you mean?” Dan Heng looked at the bespectacled older man with faint curiosity and interest.

Welt sighed to himself. His gaze was distant as he recalled the past as a hand moved to adjust his glasses. "I can't go into details, but I'll just say that I made choices because I believe it was the only way to defeat an unbeatable foe selfishly. It caused her pain as I did not regard her feelings and my well-being. It was a miracle I had lived through the consequences of my own actions and to learn this painful lesson before I could reconcile with her.”

Dan Heng absorbed the bespectacled man's words in silence, the older man's confession opening a window into his own past mistakes through the tinge of sorrow in his voice. Just as Welt barely knew of his pasts for his reasons, it was also a first for the dark-haired man to learn more of his companion’s own story. They weren’t that different like Himeko said to him, each having their own burdens and difficult choices they regretted that left a scar in them.

"… Thank you for sharing that with me, Mr. Yang," Dan Heng answered sincerely after a moment of reflection. “It means a lot to me to hear your story to know you better. I’ll take your advice to heart.”.

Welt nodded in understanding, his gaze gentle. "You're welcome, Dan Heng. We all have our moments of weakness, and we can grow through acknowledging them and striving to improve."

Dan Heng found solace in the bespectacled man's words. It was a reminder that there was a path toward healing and redemption. He needed to make things right with Caelus, even if he now tried to run away from him once more.

"Have more faith in Caelus, Dan Heng,” Welt continued with empathy. “He isn’t that different from who he was as a fearless and strong young man. Caelus wants you to rely on him just as you’d hope for him to lean on your shoulders in times of need. We can’t change past mistakes, and we may not know the Stellaron Hunters’ plans for casting aside their ally to us. Nevertheless, it may be a blessing you have found him in the space station first as an opportunity to reunite."

"… You're right, Mr. Yang," The dark-haired man said with a newfound determination. Just as Caelus always had his back, whether battling in the Fight Club or against Svarog to change his perspective of humanity’s potential, it’s time for Dan Heng to return the trust he needed the most. “I will neither let the past get to who I am anymore, nor would I allow the Stellaron Hunters to take Caelus from the Astral Express again. Caelus’s home is right here with us.”

Welt nodded with a smile and gave a firm pat on Dan Heng’s shoulder. “Well said. Remember, you have friends here who support you every step of the way. And sometimes, all it takes is a sincere conversation to bridge the gap."

As they stood there with a newfound determination for Dan Heng, March walked towards them with her phone. Her eyebrows furrowed with troubled ex as she spoke with a nervous tone. “Hey, um, guys....”

“What is it, March?” Welt was the first to ask March with a concerned voice.

Her pinkish eyes darted between her phone screen and her two friends, then admitted. “W-Well, you see, I happened to overhear the two of you talking. And I’m glad to hear that Dan Heng want to make up with Caelus, so I’d thought to let him know that, but....”

“... Is something wrong, March?’ Dan Heng carefully prodded her to continue while resisting to let the fear and worry clouded his mind emotionally.

“It’s, um… For some reason, my messages can’t be sent to Caelus. This didn’t happen before of all the times we did!" March exclaimed in disbelief and worry, her hand holding the phone moved to shove it before their faces.

Dan Heng exchanged a concerned look with Welt at the familiar error he encountered during Luofu. Something wasn't right. Could it be that Caelus was in trouble? Or was something else going on?

As they pondered this mysterious development, little did they know that Caelus was indeed facing a significant encounter of his own, one that would need to return to his own perspective from where we were left off...

Notes:

It looks like March, Welt and Dan Heng now finding themselves in a deja vu situation similar in Luofu, except with role reversal this time between Dan Heng and Caelus. We'll be returning back to Caelus's end soon in the next chapter as I mentioned it'll be start of another mini arc in Beloborg.

Secondly, Welt has finally make a proper appearance in the chapter aside the initial flashback from Caelus's chat messages with him. Though I admit it's a bit strange to write him which well... I'm not a parent definitely, and I'm sure that I can't 100% fully empathize of a parent's perspective of their kids fighting amongst each other. I only took it from experience based on my own and my working older colleagues who have their own family on advices. Something I won't want to go into too deeply to ruin the story 😅

Also, this short chapter briefly reveals a little of Dan Heng's overprotectiveness to Caelus.... Which unfortunately became a can of worms that the future me will cursed at current me for coming up with this. Especially since this is a canon divergence tag, I would really need to sit down for a time to plan out Caelus's and Dan Heng's relationship, prior to the former joining of Express and his memory wipe

With all that said... I'm not certain when the next chapter will be out or so... But I really do hope you guys enjoy this story with a hidden allcae agenda in them

Chapter 12: Looking for a Gem in the Excavate Spot (Part 1)

Summary:

As he said that, the Trailblazer took out his curio bat from his inventory again. The grin on Sampo’s face disappeared to replace his familiar fearful face, moving steps backward away from the shorter man. “O-Oh uh, hey... I, um... Fam, if you want information or services, I-I'm always here to help my best and most favorite customer! Of course, my fees are negotiable—I-I mean absolutely free of charge just for you—!”

“Choose wisely, my friend.” Tapping the bat onto his other gloved hand, the Trailblazer interrupted with a cold tone. “You can either come with me to spill out everything you know happening there, or I can deliver your bloody corpse to the Silvermane guards to get my bounty reward.”

Notes:

1st half of patch 1.4 is nearly coming to an end, and Topaz is next for the banner. Soon enough, it'll be a livestream on patch 1.5 so that I could finally see more Argenti for Caelus's harem 🥰

Also since the new Trailblazer quest focused on going back to Beloborg, here too is finally the start of the side Beloborg adventures for Cae!

"Starry-StarStar is here...?” Caelus couldn’t believe the message on his phone screen. His mind whirled with mixed emotions; he was curious nervous, yet excited to see his online friend’s real face for the first time. He had longed to see an online friend in person to know and get them closer. But he was also confused. What trouble had she encountered?

His thoughts raced as he considered the possibilities and the implications of her presence in Beloborg. The Trailblazer barely knew her whenever they chatted, and she rarely talked about herself. Unless...

"Hey, um, fam... Dude, what's going on...?" Sampo asked, still clearly in pain from the earlier blow but now more curious than fearful.

Caelus was still ignoring the blue-haired scammer, his gaze narrowed as he typed his reply.

Caelus was understandably cautious. He had every reason to be, as he was now reminded of the potential danger associated with the Stellaron Hunters by everyone in Astral Express. As he waited for Silver Wolf's response, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.

While doing so, the blue-haired older man, still nursing his chest, slowly stood from the ground to approach from the back to peek over at the message.

Caelus considered the response carefully. He trusted Silver Wolf, to some extent, at least as a gaming friend. She could be telling the truth, or it’s a lie to set him up for another of their schemes. The situation was complicated, and Caelus couldn't afford to make a hasty decision.

With a deep breath, he typed his response, still skeptical but determined.

There was a sense of déjà vu tingling within Caelus. Wasn’t there a time he couldn’t send messages as though they were blocked to... Dan Heng?

Oh, wait... That’s right, during their time in Luofu, some of their messages could have gone through, but some couldn’t. Yukong clarified later they had no issues in their telecom signals with how he could receive March’s and Welt’s messages...

It all made sense now while he typed his reply furiously to the recipient.

Sampo, silently observing the exchange, couldn't help but chuckle despite his lingering pain. "Man, you're deep into this, huh? Is it really worth it?"

Caelus shot a harsh glare at the blue-haired scammer. "More worth than coming here to whoop your ass."

As the taller man raised both hands in surrender with a nervous grin, the Trailblazer turned back to his phone screen where Silver Wolf was typing her reply.

“Was she like this with the other hunters too...?” Caelus thought to himself. It’s a wonder what kind of other crazy obsessions each hunter had among themselves to be able to work together.

Caelus reluctantly accepted the situation with a frustrated grunt, realizing he had no choice. He needed to find out what was happening with Starry-StarStar and if there was any way he could help with how much Silver Wolf was concerned about their friend. With a sigh of resignation, he acknowledged Silver Wolf's terms.

“Isn’t this... The entrance to Great Mine? Why would she be there...?” Caelus’s eyes widened in surprise at the image he received, which only made him even more astonished than before. It was an odd and unsafe spot if StarryStar-Star was ill-suited for combat.

After seeing the Stellaron Hunter’s status turned offline, the Trailblazer put his phone back into his pocket with a heavy sigh. What on Aeons had he really gotten himself? From digging abandoned packages to hunting down a specific culprit who was the scammer himself... Speaking of the scammer himself, Caelus turned his gaze to where Sampo was, glaring at the other.

Still nursing his sore chest, Sampo looked up at Caelus with amusement and curiosity. He had never seen the Trailblazer so deeply entangled in a situation outside of the Fight Club and Museum, and he couldn't resist a teasing remark.

"Man, you really got your hands full now, huh?" Sampo grinned, though his expression showed a hint of sympathy and amusement. "Never thought I'd see the day the great hero of Beloborg gets roped into something like this."

Caelus scowled at the blue-haired scammer but remembered Silver Wolf’s remark. He would also need Sampo’s assistance to help his online friend. Soon, the scowl was replaced with a bright smile on his lips. “You’re right, Sampo. I got my hands full to rope into another heroic deed often. As a hero, I can’t turn away people who need help or evil-doers tricking others for the shits and giggles.”

As he said that, the Trailblazer took out his curio bat from his inventory again. The grin on Sampo’s face disappeared to replace his familiar fearful face, moving steps backward away from the shorter man. “O-Oh uh, hey... I, um... Fam, if you want information or services, I-I'm always here to help my best and most favorite customer! Of course, my fees are negotiable—I-I mean absolutely free of charge just for you—!”

“Choose wisely, my friend.” Tapping the bat onto his other gloved hand, the Trailblazer interrupted with a cold tone. “You can either come with me to spill out everything you know happening there, or I can deliver your bloody corpse to the Silvermane guards to get my bounty reward.”

If he needed all the limited help he could get, this was the unfortunate yet lesser poison he could receive from this annoying and unreliable scammer.

=0=

"… So, this is the place you’re talking about?” Caelus voiced out monotonously as he peeked over from a wall to observe a group of people crowding outside the cave.

After an interrogation involving both verbal and a few physical threats towards Sampo, the Trailblazer found himself standing in a distance near the Great Mine. There had been an ongoing craze trend of these ‘Treasure Hunts’ returning to Beloborg after the Great Freeze. It was a simple task: enter the ruins to go as deep as possible, look for any treasures, return to the surface, bring the treasure for inspection before selling it off, and profit.

“Yes, of course!” Sampo’s voice replied behind the huge stack of crates to hide himself while he needed to wear a different set of clothes. “It’s all thanks to you, fam. You have also helped to restart his appraisal business running again! And it brings back the lively energy back in the underground.”

"So, these folks are hunting for treasures, huh?" Caelus muttered a hint of intrigue in his voice. "Seems like a big deal."

Sampo, now dressed in different clothes: a white shirt and dark blue overalls with a large cap and cotton gloves. It was his way as he told the Trailblazer of trying to blend in with the miners and vagrants among the crowd, nodded. "People are always looking for relics, old tech, or anything that can turn a profit. The ruins here in Beloborg are prime hunting grounds."

“And that sounds like a quick scam instead…,” Caelus murmured while observing the crowd, studying their behavior and interactions. The diverse group included treasure hunters, scavengers, and curious onlookers. It was a chaotic scene, with people talking excitedly, exchanging information, and showing off various tools and equipment they intended to use in their quest.

As the older scammer also peeked behind with Caelus, he hummed to himself. “Hmm… Your friend may have come at a good time if she’s here looking for the treasure. Are you sure this is the right place?”

“The one and only,” The Trailblazer answered and took out the phone to look at the map Silver Wolf sent. He placed away his phone and gestured his head to order. “Standing here won’t do any good if she is in trouble. Come on.”

Caelus, Sampo in tow, waded deeper into the bustling crowd. The Great Mine was a hive of activity with treasure hunters, miners, and curious onlookers. It was a chaotic scene, but it also provided an excellent opportunity for the Trailblazer to blend in and look for any signs of his online friend. He knew it would not be easy, but he was determined to find her.

“Bro, I just dug up this weird thing. Wanna go show it to Balaway?” One of the naïve treasure hunters showed his friend a broken piece of a robotic claw.

“And waste our money on that guy? I can handle this just fine!” The treasure hunter’s friend snatched the claw from the other, his hands moved to fiddle around. “This thing... has a trigger, and it can spray out hot air...”

On cue, a large burst of hot air blasted out into the man’s face, making him shriek in pain as Caelus watched. Nope, this person was definitely not Starry-StarStar, at least. He continued making his way deeper, overhearing another cautious treasure hunter pleading to his friend. “No, no, no, haven't you heard about the monsters down there?”

“So what? I'm top 300 on the Fight Club leaderboard!” The impulsive brown-haired man snorted a scoff at the doubt implied by the words.

“There're probably only 300 fighters there... And even if we go down and win, we're just doing all the work for the next person coming along. That's not worth it!”

“Tsk, good point...” The annoyed grunt from the impulsive man seemed to accept with resignation. He’d be just helping the other hunters with a better head start to find the rare treasure.

Sampo, overhearing their conversation, let out his own snort. Dull and boring individuals would be fools to realize their own folly of being overly vigilant, unlike his dear companion walking ahead without turning back. He kept close to Caelus, murmuring while glancing around at the people bustling about. "You're sure about this, fam? We're halfway through the crowd, but you don't see her anywhere..."

Caelus nodded, his gaze sharp and focused. "If she’s not a miner or a resident, at least Starry-StarStar would be sticking out among them."

However, the Trailblazer couldn't help but feel the tension in the air. This Treasure Hunt brought together people from all walks of life, and everyone had their own motivations for being there. He had to be cautious and ready for anything.

"Look, I’m telling you, you must let me in! It’s right deep inside the cave, I swear. Someone stole it when I walked around the town and went that way in!!” A frustrated yet muffled woman’s voice asserted her stance loud enough to reach Caelus’s ears.

Turning to where it came from, a familiar brown-haired bespectacled man, wearing a grayish-purple shirt and blue overalls, crossed his arms with a stern face to the other party and shook his head. “No can do. We don’t allow any more outsiders in. There's hardly any relics left anymore on the surface of the ruins.”

Before him, the woman wore a black cloak with a mask like one worn on the Messenger’s face, who was stationed by the Express’s mirror while remaining invisible. However, the figure's mask was metallic pitch black, neatly obscuring her whole face and hair hidden under the hood.

She was not giving up easily, appearing on the verge of frustration and desperation as she pleaded. "I don't care about the relics! I just need to get in there and find it. It's extremely important to me!"

“I'm sorry, miss, but rules are rules. No outsiders allowed.” The bespectacled guard maintained his stern demeanor. "The ruins are becoming more dangerous by the day, and we can't risk anyone getting hurt."

Sampo soon stopped in his tracks, realizing Caelus had stood still for a reason. His green eyes followed the younger man’s gaze, humming with curiosity. “Hm? Isn’t that Aksay...? It’s an odd sight to see him worked up over a small trivial matter.”

Caelus merely gave a faint grunt to the older blue-haired man and quietly approached the scene. His yellow eyes locked on the woman still vehemently arguing with the bespectacled man. As he got closer, he noticed that the woman had a certain familiar air about her.

Although he couldn't see her face, her posture, her way of speaking, and the urgency in her words resonated with what he knew of Starry-StarStar from their online interactions. Especially on the times, they were unlucky to encounter jackasses' teams who often tried to pick a fight with them after a raid round.

With a sense of cautious optimism, Caelus neared the pair. At this point, Sampo leaned closer to Caelus, his voice hushed. "Could that be your friend, bro? Should we step in?"

The Trailblazer considered the situation for a moment. It was indeed a tricky one. If this was Starry-StarStar, she was in a difficult spot. Yet, they needed a plan to barge in. Caelus said in a low tone to Sampo, "Let's observe a bit more. If it's her, then we’ll make a move.”

Both Sampo and Caelus continued watching the confrontation. The hooded, masked woman’s determination was clear and persisted. “If it’s dangerous, then you’re willing to send your own friends to die for some garbage? And, you called yourself ‘Mr. Senior Treasure Hunter.’ That’s really some bullshit crap to spill out from your blinded four-eyes!”

“Yeah, this is something like Starry-StarStar to curse when DamonDiamond was an idiot who missed his attack on the last boss,” Caelus monotonously noted as he recalled one of the last recent raid sessions with Silver Wolf.

His gaze focused on the hooded woman, and he felt increasingly convinced she might be Starry-StarStar. Her fiery determination, coupled with her propensity for sharp language, matched the online persona he knew. Yet, there was the matter of the mask and cloak. They had to find a way to confirm her identity without causing any alarm.

As the woman berated the bespectacled guard, Caelus subtly gestured to Sampo to start a discreet conversation. The two moved to a corner, blending into the background while watching the situation.

Sampo whispered quietly, "You think it's her for sure, don't you?"

Caelus nodded, still keeping his eyes on the confrontation. “It's got to be her. Her manner, her choice of words, it all adds up. But I need to be sure. We can't just stroll up to her and ask.”

Sampo pondered for a moment before he had an idea. "Hey, are there any secret codes you guys have? Or some inside jokes only you two knew? If it's her, she'll recognize those."

“Secret codes…,” Caelus repeated to himself as his mind began running. There was one code Starry-StarStar that came up for him on in-chat PVP sessions to attack the frontlines while Silver Wolf would find an opening to counterattack.

He looked at Sampo and nodded, appreciating his friend's quick thinking. The two began moving closer to the hooded woman just as Aksay retorted. “Look here, woman. You try going up against the freezing cold, booby traps, monsters, and the watertight control of the Silvermane Guards — getting through two years is already an incredible effort. A veteran like me with five whole years of experience is certainly worthy of the title ‘Senior Treasure Hunter.’ I suggest you buzz off before I get the Silvermane guards—!!”

“Hey, what’s going on here?” Caelus intercepted to stand before the hooded woman. His yellow held a composed gaze towards the angry Treasure Hunter. "Easy there. No need to involve the Silvermane Guards. We're all just here for the same reason, right? To explore the ruins and maybe find something valuable."

Aksay's demeanor shifted slightly, his anger giving way to a more cautious stance. He regarded Caelus with a hint of suspicion. "You're an outsider too. Why should I believe you're any different?"

The Trailblazer raised an eyebrow and folded his arms. "She's with me. We're her two escorts to assist in entering the cave to hunt for her treasures. There's no need to make a big deal out of this misunderstanding. Right, ‘Πrényúfēipς?*’"

Even though the hooded woman’s mask reflected his face, Caelus could sense the tense, wary, and fierce air simmered down to a surprise, guarded yet something more he couldn’t decipher. He prayed the secret code he uttered would gain some recognition from her to confirm her identity. Or at least, hoping that she’d play along with his plans to get themselves out of here.

The hooded woman, hidden under her mask and cloak, remained silent to let Caelus lead this conversation. But, a short yet curt nod was all the Trailblazer needed to sigh internally with relief at the confirmation and permission.

Sampo, standing slightly behind Caelus, watched the exchange closely. His stance was casual, with a look of indifference. But, one of his gloved hands dangling by the side was prepared to back up his friend with a smoke bomb to get them out of there if things went awry.

Aksay continued scrutinizing Caelus but seemed to relent, at least for the moment. "Fine, but you vouch for her. If anything goes wrong, it's on you."

Caelus nodded, accepting the responsibility. "That's fair. We won't cause any trouble. Let us pass, and we'll get out of your way."

With a final, suspicious glance, Aksay stepped aside and allowed Caelus and the hooded woman to proceed deeper into the Great Mine. Caelus turned towards the woman and uttered. “Follow me.”

As they moved away from Aksay and the entrance, Sampo whispered to Caelus, "That was smooth, bro. Everyone here’s often letting Aksay’s ego inflated to be a know-it-all so he could get them to dig stuff for a quick profit."

Caelus kept his voice low as they continued walking. "Yeah, just like someone I know beside me."

The blunt retort left the disguised blue-haired scammer stunned with a flabbergasted expression, as he now quickly tried to catch up to the pair while finding replies that could appease his still-annoyed dear customer.

They navigated through the cave, finding a relatively quiet yet safe corner for a more discreet conversation. The hooded masked woman was the first to speak to give her gratitude. “Thank you for helping me back there, Caelus.”

“No problem, I’m glad we could get you in safely.” Caelus gave a small smile assuredly. He looked at the hooded woman, noticing she was only slightly shorter than by another five or ten centimeters. His yellow eyes colored with anticipation, and he asked. "Since you knew my name and maybe that secret code, you are Starry-StarStar, right?"

The hooded, masked woman nodded, her body language indicating a sense of relief as she relaxed. "Yes, I'm Starry-StarStar, Silver Wolf’s friend. I knew it was you when you used that word, Cae. ‘Πrényúfēipς’ means friend in my home language. Thanks for coming to my aid back there... I had no idea how to get in until Silver Wolf told me you would help as you were in the area."

Caelus’s lips finally curled into a warm smile to his online friend whom he had met in person. Despite her fiery personality earlier, this was the same cheerful, warm-hearted woman he had befriended through their games. He extended a gloved hand towards her. "Nice to meet you in person, Starry-StarStar. I’m Caelus, and I’m sure you already know I’m a Nameless member. I always wondered what you looked like behind the screen. It's really good to see you in the flesh."

“Likewise, Caelus, I never expected to meet any online friends like this. You can call me Shùplǎrén. Or, Lǎren for short,” Lǎren chuckled warmly and extended out a black-gloved hand with a matching tight-fitting black sleeve, the fabric of her cloak rustling softly.

Quietly observing the exchange, Sampo finally chimed in with a charismatic-like smile. "I'm Brughel Poisson, by the way. You may address me as Mr. Poisson. Caelus here is my dearest and best friend, also partner in this endeavor to assist you."

Lǎren nodded to Sampo. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Poisson. Thanks for helping us get this far and assisting Cae too.”

“Oh, no, it’s nothing at all. I would do anything he needed help for, Miss Lǎren. Caelus has always been an old and close pal who always had my back when I needed it the most. And, I would let friends who’ve helped me come to harm or go without repayment. I say what I mean, and I mean what I say.”

Though Sampo replied with an assured yet charming chuckle, Caelus begged to differ, with yellow eyes moving to the side to glare at the older man flaunting his ‘close’ relationship with him. Friends, his ass, wasn’t it in the first place that it was his fault for getting them in trouble with Silvermane Guards after arriving in Jarilo-VI?

He should also remind the hooded, masked woman to avoid getting too close to be associating with this con man for her own safety.

Returning to Lǎren, Caelus’s face colored a concerned expression. “Anyway, we happened to overhear your argument with Aksay earlier. Could you tell us the whole story too?”

Lǎren shifted slightly under her mask and cloak, her voice taking on a more serious tone with sadness. "It's... A rather personal matter. I was careless when I arrived in Boulder Town to explore the town, and I didn’t realize a pickpocket had stolen the trinket from the bag until it was too late. I tried to go after the culprit down the alley, but they were already gone when I turned around the corner. Then...”

Her gloved hand dug out a notice paper from her pocket and showed it to the two men. “A few days later, while I was still searching, I saw this posted around the streets. My trinket is on the picture saying that it was a rare item for lucky treasure hunters to dig them up first!”

Photos of different artifacts and treasures were displayed on the freshly printed brown paper to promote the treasure hunt. The lower center of the notice layout showed what looked like a pocket watch in the black and white photo, and the description printed: '1,000,000 Shields worth to be found.’

Caelus and Sampo examined the notice with furrowed brows. Seeing Lǎren's precious trinket used as bait in the treasure hunt was disheartening. The trinket held sentimental value; now, it had become a mere object for others to hunt.

“... You know anything about this?” Caelus murmured low enough for the older man beside him to hear it.

"Of course not—A-And don’t give me that look, fam!” Sampo hissed in a panic when the Trailblaze shot him a mistrust glare at him. However, to be fair to the younger man, there was a need to remind the con man of his mastermind plans on stealing and scattering museum artifacts across the whole Beloborg for profit.

“But, if I have to hazard a guess... I heard of rumors going around there have been sightings of robots coming in and out of this place,” Sampo remarked, his voice tinged with disapproval. "Taking something so personal and turning it into their own collections... Those robots don’t understand the worth of doing such petty crimes."

Lǎren nodded, her voice revealing nothing but the sadness and desperation in her tone. "I know. It's like they're treating it as if it's just another item to be collected. I need to get it back. This watch is a gift given by my only family. I can’t afford to lose it after everything...."

Caelus placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We're here to help you do just that, Lǎren. We'll make sure you retrieve your trinket."

The hooded, masked woman gave a slight, thankful nod. "Thank you, Caelus. You and Silver Wolf are really good people."

“Perhaps if I could suggest, we should move first before the other hunters,” Sampo said. He raised his dark-colored gloved hand and observed the entrance, with the voices growing louder gradually. “It would be terrible if they get to her pocket watch first before we do.”

The Trailblazer agreed with a nod, beckoning his head deeper toward the cave. “Let’s get moving.”

They quickly made their way down to the next level of the cave just as a small group of treasure hunters began entering. A race against time was like a competition between their own group and others to see who would get to the end first.

=0=

As they descended further, the atmosphere changed. The air grew cooler, and the dim, flickering light of the miners' helmets created eerie shadows along the rocky walls. However, the journey through the first few floors was challenging.

Some ambushes were encountered as they ran trial and error on each path they walked to find the way to go deeper on the first floor. Some paths were dead ends filled with water or supply storage rooms. Thankfully, Caelus quickly dealt with the wild robots and fragmentum monsters with Sampo’s assistance occasionally. Speaking of Sampo, he brought digging tools, drills, and shovels to find Lǎren’s treasure. Several questions and suspicions came into the Trailblazer's mind on where the older blue-haired man had gotten them. But to find the trinket in these strange circumstances, he decided to turn a blind eye and took the tools to use them to search.

“Hey, Caelus, that's such a wasteful way of treasure hunting! Don't just toss aside those trashed automatons.” The older man chided the Trailblazer as he flung the dead automation spider aside before he continued digging. “We can just fix them up a little, give them a new coat of paint, and put them up on the ancient relics market. I guarantee even the elderly and children would fight for it. Come, let ol' Sampo teach you how to be a thrifty treasure hunter~"

Yet before Caelus could reject, Lǎren already stepped forward, her voice filled with curiosity and excitement. “I think Mr. Poisson has an interesting point. Why not use these automatons to your advantage, Caelus? You're quite skilled in dealing with these robots. We could make a pretty amount of shields if we fixed them up.

Caelus hesitated for a moment, considering Lǎren's suggestion. Sampo had a reputation for being resourceful and inventive, so his idea had some merit. He then finally agreed with a resignation sigh. "Alright, but only if we have time. Our priority is still to find your trinket, Lǎren."

The Trailblazer kept a close eye on his hooded, masked friend, keeping his promise to Silver Wolf to ensure her well-being. Hence, while Caelus took the lead from the second floor onwards, his keen sense of direction and familiarity with underground terrain proved invaluable. Sampo and the hooded, masked woman would also dig out for artifacts that could be earned from profit.

Sampo went to work, instructing Lǎren on the basics of automaton repair. They managed to salvage a few damaged robots, and the older blue-haired man did quick fixes and improvements, demonstrating his expertise in the field. Lǎren watched with fascination, eager to learn more.

As they descended further into the third floor, they faced more challenges. Collapsed tunnels, flooded chambers, and tight spaces were just some obstacles that slowed their progress. Caelus continued leading the way, trying to avoid confrontations with dangerous and larger robots.

With a final swing of his charged blue curio bat at the wild Automation Beetle, the Trailblazer tossed his weapon back into the inventory once it exploded into broken parts. How many hours or days had passed since they went in? He could already feel fatigue creeping into him. Yet, the trinket remained elusive, and they encountered more monsters instead. “And, up ahead is another dead end too....”

The mine walls seemed to close in on them, and they were left with a difficult choice—press on or retrace their steps in search of the correct path. Lǎren’s voice called out to him from the back. “Is everything alright, Caelus?”

Caelus wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead, returned to where Sampo and the hooded, masked woman were, and shook his head. “This way is no good too. But let’s not call it a day yet. We'll find your trinket. Just stay close and watch for any signs of it."

Sampo, who had been vigorously digging into the rubble with his tools, chimed in. "Yeah, it's all part of the adventure, right? Finding treasure is never easy. Keep your spirits up!"

“That’s correct, thank you both,” Lǎren returned with a firm nod. “But look what I found here, Cae! I thought it might be something that you like.”

The hooded, masked woman retrieved a pair of shiny golden trash bags. It wasn’t just any golden trashbags Caelus found on an off-chance during his trash-diving times. The golden plastic wasn’t any poor attempt to make it look pleasant, but like real gold melted as coloring. And that foul smell caused Sampo to cover his nose and scamper as far away from the two... Oh, the Aeons, it smelled nauseating enough to prove its hundred years' worth of accumulating junk hidden in the cave.

"Where did you find this?!" Caelus asked, his eyes sparkling as he held one of the golden trash bags to examine carefully like a true treasure.

Lǎren rambled, her tone expressed enthusiasm and excitement, "It was buried in the rubble, almost hidden. I thought I noticed what looked like a trash can and dug it open myself! I knew it was no doubt a treasure when I first saw it."

Caelus's eyes glinted excitedly as he carefully inspected the golden trash bag. It was a unique find, a relic from a past era that had become intriguing and humorous.

"I can't believe it," He marveled, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "This is a piece of history, Lǎren. People must have had a sense of great taste back then."

Sampo, who had distanced himself from the bags due to the foul smell, couldn't help but chuckle nervously. "I-It's a treasure, alright. Even in the direst of times, people still wanted to add a bit of flair. B-But, I think you know, there’s better treasures out there than that—”

Immediately, the older blue-haired man flinched when the Trailblazer and the hooded, masked woman turned their heads to him with a sharp glare. Even though Lǎren’s face was covered with her black mask, Sampo could still sense the intimidation behind it.

Sampo quickly backpedaled, raising his hands in a placating gesture. "N-Not that it's not a valuable find! It's just, you know, we're in the Great Mine. There must be more... Uh, historically significant treasures buried here..."

Caelus raised an eyebrow, his eyes locking onto Sampo. The Trailblazer's gaze was like a laser, and his voice conveyed playful menace. "Oh, do you now, Mr. Poisson? And what kind of treasures would you recommend?"

Sampo gulped audibly, sweat forming on his brow as he was caught in an uncomfortable spotlight. He stammered, "W-Well, something more practical, like ancient relics or precious gems... Not, um, trash bags."

After the blue-haired man took his cue to shut his mouth, Caelus returned to his hooded, masked friend. “But anyway... You should keep this, Lǎren. You found this treasure while we’re still searching for yours.”

“Thank you, Cae, but I want you to have one of it too,” Lǎren nodded with gratitude. She held the golden trash bags carefully to the Trailblazer. “Silver Wolf told me you enjoy searching for rare treasure troves like this. You can consider it a payment for helping me, as I don’t have any credits right now.”

Caelus hesitated for a moment, touched by Lǎren's kind gesture. He looked at the golden trash bag in his hand, then back at her. With a genuine smile, he accepted the unique 'treasure' she offered. "Thank you, Lǎren, I'll take good care of it. It's a one-of-a-kind find, that's for sure. But, I never knew you appreciate the trash too. It’s rare to find a kindred spirit who shares the same love aside from the game.”

“Well, I’d like to be someone who’s secretive to provide surprise to everyone who expects the least.” The hooded, masked woman simply answered with an amused yet friendly smile in her voice.

With the golden trash bags secured into his inventory, the Trailblazer turned to his companions and suggested. “Let’s try the route we saw earlier to see if we could head further down.”

The trio pressed forward, their determination unwavering despite the setbacks. The fourth floor brought even more challenges. Collapsed tunnels forced them to squeeze through tight spaces, and the ominous hum of larger robots grew louder.

Caelus used his instincts to guide them through the labyrinthine mine. They navigated dark chambers with the help of Sampo's ingenuity and Lǎren's growing knowledge of automatons. Time seemed to blur even further as they delved deeper.

Then, they encountered another round of ambush of more wild robots and fragmentum monsters. With a final swing of the charged blue curio bat, Caelus smacked the Incineration Shadewalker to the cavern wall on the side, the sparks from the explosion casting eerie shadows on the rocky walls.

As the Trailblazer panted to catch his breath, Lǎren's voice filled with concern. "We've been at this for so long without rest. It would be dangerous if we keep moving on like this."

Caelus was about to respond, but then he heard a faint noise, a low rumble that seemed to come from deeper within the mine. He held up a hand to signal for silence. The noise grew louder, a rhythmic pounding, like the distant beat of a colossal heart that shook the ground. “... What was that?”

Sampo whispered, "It’s those automations; they must be nearby. This way."

Following to hide behind the large rocks near them via Sampo’s instructions, Caelus strained to listen, his senses on high alert. Each beat's rhythmic pounding grew more robust, echoing through the mine's chambers. It was unlike anything he had ever encountered in the Great Mine.

Lǎren's head shifted between the two men and to the front. "Is it... something dangerous?"

Caelus didn't have an answer, but he knew they had to proceed cautiously. The sound, whatever it was, emanated from further down the passage. Once it faded away in the background, the Trailblazer heaved out the breath he held. “They are gone....”

“I have heard of rumors this used to be a shelter before the Eternal Freeze,” Sampo spoke out next. “The automation we saw was used to protect the people here while they fend off invading monsters. However... As you can see, fam, hundreds of years later, this place became off-limits and infested with monsters and buggy automation.”

Lǎren considered this information, her masked eyes thoughtful. “If that's the case, there might be a control center or some kind of central area deeper within the mine. Perhaps that's where they stored valuable items as well. That's where my trinket could be.”

Caelus nodded, his fatigue momentarily forgotten. "Then we got ourselves a target location to head to. Let's find this control center and, hopefully, your trinket, Lǎren."

As they moved out from the rocks, a familiar loud growl from the stomachs resounded against the rocky walls. Sampo was the first to break out in a laugh. “I’m afraid we can’t go on with our empty stomachs. Shall we camp out somewhere on the next level?”

“Good idea. Let’s call it a day to recharge, then we’ll continue exploring the cave.” The Trailblazer agreed with a faint smile as Lǎren nodded, agreeing to the same conclusion as the other two men.

With that new information in their minds, the trio moved forward, their footsteps measured, ready for whatever awaited them in the depths of the Great Mine.

Notes:

I didn't expect this chapter would be long again, so will have to split into two parts 😅
This chapter of Silver Wolf's bantering wtih Caelus for a short moment was nice to see since I was inspired from the Aetherium Wars event. Especially Caelus knowing how Silver Wolf is like, and Silver Wolf being friendly to Caelus to bicker like siblings was a joy for sure to add this in.

And, I do hope you guys enjoy the bare crumbs of Samcae in this first part 👀 Though why I said bare crumbs was mainly Caelus nearly 100% having a love-hate relationship with the lovable hateful scammer 😅 But, there will be more later in this mini arc in the mean time while Caelus is unfortunately trapped here to help his online friend 🤭

Speaking of online friend, she's definitely not an OC. And I have removed some of the comments to avoid spoilers being leaked. If you know, you know. Also, both 'Πrényúfēipς' and 'Shùplǎrén' are definitely made-up language for this story. So there's no need to really google them to know the meaning behind 😅

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy the first half in the mean time!

Chapter 13: Looking for a Gem in the Excavate Spot (Part 2)

Summary:

Sampo, seated around the campfire, his green eyes eagerly switching between the brewing mini onmi-synthesizer and the filled bowl with a ravenous grin. “Ah, you've outdone yourself with this one, my friend. This Comfort Food is pure heaven after a long day of exploring—Ouch!”

“Who said this is for you?” Caelus smacked the scammer’s greedy hand away from reaching out to his bowl, then took his seat a distance away.

Sampo, after being denied a taste of Caelus's Comfort Food, pouted like a scolded child and whined. “Whaaat?! B-But, where’s my portion...?”

Notes:

Back for more Beloborg adventures! Only disclaimer before someone ask in the event, there will not be any Original Character or OC tag for this fic. If you know the identity, I'd like not to mentioned it in the comment to keep the surprise... But it may seem obvious to some 😅

“Here,” Caelus placed down a warm steaming bowl of Comfort Food outside one of the dark-colored tents on the fourth level of the underground mine. “Is this alright for you, Lǎren?”

Through Sampo’s navigation, taking the lead for a change, the trio found a relatively safe spot to retire. He had also offered himself to stay up and watch out for any enemies. However, that only received immediate skepticism from the Trailblazer.

“I-I’m really serious, fam! I promise I won’t bail the both of you out to find more treasures. You know how Sampo works, ol’ pal. I always mean what I say!” The older blue-haired scammer’s protests only fell deaf to the younger man as his dubious gaze remained unconvinced by the poor attempts.

Nevertheless, Caelus was left to prepare the meals while Sampo set up the tents and Lǎren set up the campfire. But instead of joining them, the Trailblazer noticed she hadn’t come out of her own tents, only to learn that she felt uncomfortable exposing her true self before them. Hence, Caelus cooked her portion first and watched Lǎren’s gloved hand taking the bowl into the tent. “Thank you, Caelus. It smells delicious!”

“No problem. You can leave the bowl outside once you’re done. I will clean it up for you,” The Trailblazer grinned warmly before returning to the campfire.

Sampo, seated around the campfire, his green eyes eagerly switching between the brewing mini onmi-synthesizer and the filled bowl with a ravenous grin. “Ah, you've outdone yourself with this one, my friend. This Comfort Food is pure heaven after a long day of exploring—Ouch!”

“Who said this is for you?” Caelus smacked the scammer’s greedy hand away from reaching out to his bowl, then took his seat a distance away.

Sampo, after being denied a taste of Caelus's Comfort Food, pouted like a scolded child and whined. “Whaaat?! B-But, where’s my portion...?”

Following the fingers directing to the scammer’s right, there was another filled Comfort Food bowl steaming hot. However, compared to the one in Caelus’s hold, this bowl was filled with badly chopped vegetables in different sizes, some of which were burned black. Sampo hesitatingly picked up the soup spoon to scoop up some to taste.

While the taste of the soup was slightly bland, with a bit of burnt charcoal from some of the vegetables, the scammer's face contorted in a mix of surprise and distaste. "Uh, fam, what happened here? Did you, like, accidentally throw in some rocks with the veggies?”

Caelus merely shrugged his shoulders at Sampo's exaggerated expression with a nonchalant expression. "No rocks, just the true taste of nature. Besides, I thought you always appreciated the 'rustic' touch."

“R-Right, o-of course... My dear customer knows me best.” Sampo grumbled but continued eating his meal, proving that, despite his complaints, he was still a fan of any food that could fill his stomach. At least, it was better than the days he dug and hunted in the wild while hiding away from the Silvermane guards.

As Sampo tried to enjoy his 'rustic' Comfort Food, Caelus’s own thoughts pondered deeply as he ate his meal. There hadn’t been any sign of other hunters aside from themselves who went this deep inside. And, there was that rumbling noises earlier brought worry to him. The sooner they find Lǎren’s treasure and deal with the mastermind automation, the safer this place will be.

“Caelus, could I have seconds, please?” Lǎren’s voice called out from the tent.

Caelus, who was lost in his thoughts, was snapped back to reality by Lǎren's request. “Sure, coming right up!”

He quickly gathered himself and, with a warm smile, prepared a second bowl of the Comfort Food, making sure it was as delicious as the first. The Trailblazer made his way over to her tent and set down her bowl. “But, you know, there’s no need to be nervous in eating around the campfire with us, Lǎren. The food gets cold even faster if you sit inside the tent.”

Lǎren hesitated for a moment, her gloved hands hovering over the bowl that was placed outside. The smell of the Comfort Food wafted out, tempting her. She then let out a soft sigh, appreciating Caelus's kindness. “Thank you, Caelus. And I know you and Mr. Poisson wouldn't judge me, but...”

“But..?”

At Caelus’s cautious prod, cueing Sampo to look at where the Trailblazer was, the hooded, masked woman confessed with a tinge of sadness. “It's just... Well, it's complicated. There was a great tragedy in my home world lost to the Stellaron. I have lost my family and my home... And since then, I've felt the need to hide who I am. Those scars on my body served as a reminder of the pain to know that I have survived the loss. To keep moving forward as a traveler to venture between worlds.”

The Trailblazer couldn't help but feel a deep sadness and pain for her after listening. Her past associated with grief weighed heavily, carrying both physical and emotional scars. He could only imagine the strength it took for her to endure such a loss.

“Then, how did you get to know our hero here, if I may interrupt, Miss Lǎren?” Sampo interjected with intrigue in his tone. “You’re lucky to have known a wonderful man who saved Beloborg as your friend.”

“Oh, it’s actually a funny story now that you mentioned,” Lǎren shifted her attention to the older blue-haired man, and there was a sense of warmth and amusement in her tone despite her continued weariness. "I knew him through Silver Wolf, actually. On one of the worlds during my travels, there was a promotion on getting a free room if we got a high score from the challenge in one of the popular game apps.

“I managed to win my way to the finals, where I met Silver Wolf. She was a tough opponent, but I beat her by a clutch in the score. It was there that Silver Wolf became impressed with my skills and got me into the game while guiding me. Thankfully, she wasn’t concerned about my appearance whenever we met.”

Caelus nodded in agreement. "Silver Wolf has a good eye for finding strong players to add to her friend list. Be it enemies or new friends, it didn’t matter to her as long as she found people alike to enjoy the thrill together. And it's amazing how a chance meeting like that can lead to an even more interesting journey."

Lǎren's voice turned livelier, appreciating the camaraderie of her companions. "Yes, it's been quite an adventure since then. And now we're here, on the hunt for my lost treasure. It’s a blessing in disguise to know I have friends like you, Mr. Poisson and Silver Wolf."

Sampo grinned, looking genuinely pleased. "Well, ain't that a heartwarming story? It's good to know that you guys have each other's backs. And now, we're on this crazy treasure hunt deep in an underground mine. Life sure takes us to unexpected places, doesn't it?"

Life's twists and turns had brought them here, to this moment. It was a reminder that the past might be painful, but the future could hold unexpected friendships, adventures, and perhaps even answers to their most profound questions.

As they continued chatting, the atmosphere grew lighter, the stories of an adventure in different worlds and other plans for the future shared to the late hours until they yearned for sleep...

=0=

The path that he walked upon left a trail of blood upon the hooded, gray-haired young man’s wake. Caelus’s yellow eyes never once glanced at the corpse piling slowly onto a mountain. It was the sight of a reaper soaked in crimson. Neither the laws of justice nor the Underworld could stop him, delivering them all to death’s doorstep.

It was an intoxicating feeling, a heady rush that surged through Caelus’s veins that he craved more like an addiction. The world had dared to defy him by their foolishness to preserve the seed of doom, and he had answered with annihilation. It didn’t matter if it wasn’t part of the script given to him. After all, this world was beyond hope of saving. He believed it was his merciful kindness he was there to spare them from the coming calamity.

The white walls, once pristine to show a majestic city, bore the scars of his weapon. Shards of glass lay like fallen stars, glittering at his feet, remnants of the windows that had met their untimely end. Papers and documents, once of great importance, were strewn across the floor, torn asunder, their contents scattered like the secrets of a shattered trust.

Each step the hooded young man headed had alighted flames to set ablaze everything left behind. It had shown no mercy, leaving behind a trail of ash and memories. The scent of burnt wood and paper filled the room, a smoky testament to the immeasurable and inhumane powers of his comrades.

As he surveyed the scene, Caelus let out a cruel chuckle, escaping his lips, a sound devoid of remorse. He reveled in the broken dreams and the screams of despair. To him, this was art just like how -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ did, a beautiful recreation of the sight he fondly remembered why he fell in love with him.

Red, the color was like -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋’s eyes. A beast who merely wore the guise of a broken immortal, leaving death and carnage behind alone by his broken sword. It had been a shame he wasn’t here to see when -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ had given another role to give bloodshed upon.

In the silence that followed, the hooded young man continued his relentless advance, leaving nothing but the smoky remnants of a city's demise. Before him, the familiar glowing object in yellow floated in the deepest depths of an underground basement. All that was left was to take the Stellaron to -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋, and he could finally see his dear -̶̨̹̎-̸̼̎-̷̫̘́-̸̫͂-̸̦̋ soon—!

WHOOSH!

"Haa... H.. Haah....” Caelus sat in his tent, breathing heavily as the cold sweat soaked his skin. His heart raced, and his mind reeled from the vivid and nightmarish dreams that had once again haunted his sleep.

The images of destruction and annihilation lingered, vivid as ever, haunting him as they always did. The intoxicating feeling of wielding such immense power, the thrill of being a harbinger of doom, was horrifying. The dark nightmares, his association with an unfamiliar stranger, and the atrocities they had committed together still clawed at the edges of his consciousness.

“It’s just a dream... No, it’s definitely Kafka’s manipulation. Or, even the Stellaron’s influences...! I’m not that person in that dream. I’m not him at all!” Caelus tried to shake off the remnants. He was confident whatever that nightmare was, he was anything but a young man seeking the thrill of chaos.

Caelus took a few more deep breaths, attempting to calm the storm of emotions that had been stirred by his nightmares, and picked up his phone to distract himself. His thumb flicked and tapped on each message he attempted to send out before he fell asleep.

True to Silver Wolf’s words, all of the Trailblazer external contacts had been blocked by her meddling. And her strange actions only brought forth more questions to his mind. Why did Silver Wolf need to be so secretive about helping an online friend? Did the Stellaron Hunters have a weird rule on forbidding friendships with outsiders?

Caelus couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration and confusion, and it only deepened the cloud of doubt lingering over his recent experiences. This was the first time he had been cut off from his friends with no way to know of their well-being. However, he decided to set these questions and worries aside for now. They would definitely be fine as soon as the job was done. His finger moved to tap on the draft message left for Jing Yuan.

Then, when his thumb hovered over the ‘Send’ button, he stopped pressing it. Should he even bother to send Jing Yuan while his communication was blocked? Caelus was certain the General himself may have already received reports from the counselor and dragon lady of his status and the parcel. Also... The Trailblazer felt his heart pang with pain when the memory of Jing Yuan mentioning having teatime with Dan Heng a few weeks back flashed into his mind.

Between him and Dan Heng, Jing Yuan would surely be more worried about Dan Heng if he was stuck here in Beloborg when he had no way to be assured of his safety. He was merely an honored guest and a friend from the Astral Express. Another sigh left Caelus; his finger then switched to press the backspace button to delete the draft.

However, Silver Wolf added there were a few allies he could contact to assist them. Caelus placed his other hand onto his chin to ponder to himself. “But... Who? Could it be Nat?”

The thought of the doctor-slash-true leader of the Underworld coming down to help seems possible. However, there’s the possibility of her remaining on the surface to treat the rest of the treasure hunters’ injuries while waiting for their own comrades to rescue the rest who were stuck. It wouldn’t be a good idea to get Natasha involved when there were people still needing her.

“Or, is Seele here too?” Caelus thought of the dark-haired woman next. The news about the treasure hunt would’ve no doubt reached her ears to protect her own people. But... It would be risky to find her, considering how big the underground was.

Several others came into his mind, such as Serval, Pela, Hook, Bronya, or even Clara with Svarog. But then, a certain captain of the Silvermane Guards came briefly into the Trailblazer’s mind before he brushed it away as quickly as it came. “No, no, there’s no way he would be here. People need him at the surface, which requires the protection of the Silvermane Guards. Besides....”

It’s been far too long, even longer than his current predicament with Dan Heng, since he last saw the Silvermane Guards Captain. After all, he avoided speaking to the man after what happened between them before the Astral Express left for Luofu.

Now, with the drowsy long gone from the nightmare and those overthinking thoughts, Caelus got out of his tent, hoping a quick patrol around their camp would get him tired enough to fall back to sleep.

As he stood outside his tent, the cold underground air sent a shiver down his spine. Then, he felt warmth from the campfire that was still burning. Was it Sampo still sitting there to keep an eye out for enemies?

Making his way over, the Trailblazer’s face colored with surprise. Instead of the older man, it was the familiar hooded figure sitting around the campfire with her back facing soon. But his approaching footsteps had caught her attention as she whipped her head around. “Who’s—Oh... It’s you, Cae. Did something happen?”

Caelus took a seat next to Lǎren, the warmth of the campfire providing a comforting contrast to the cold underground air. He stared into the flickering flames for a moment, his thoughts in turmoil. "I had a nightmare. It was... Disturbing, to say the least. But it's just a dream. It doesn't mean anything."

He turned his gaze to her with curiosity. "What about you, Lǎren?"

“Well... I couldn’t get a wink of sleep as much as I’d like to. Many things were on my mind about my pocket watch with the what-ifs.” The hooded woman sighed behind her black plate mask. She adjusted her cloak to cover her body more against the cold. “Then I saw Mr. Poisson nodding his head away to slumber and offered to take his place to keep an eye out.”

Caelus nodded in understanding, understanding that sleep could be elusive, especially in the strange and uncertain circumstances they found themselves in. “We’ll get your treasure back, I promise.”

“I hope so. But enough about me, can I ask you a question?” Lǎren asked with a friendly smile in her voice.

“Sure, if it helps to get both of us to sleep,” The Trailblazer chuckled amusedly to humor her.

As the hooded, masked woman chuckled warmly, she spoke. “I have heard you’re the one who has found and brought the works to the History and Culture Museum. And, you have even been tasked by Lady Bronya herself to request your opinion of her late mother, Madam Cocolia, to be written as a brief introduction. I still can’t believe one of my online friends is a big hero in this world.”

“I’m simply helping them in their dire times. They wanted to live on even when many had believed there wasn’t any hope or forsaken them to their end. I only wish to carry their will and desire to protect them against the Stellaron.” Caelus returned with a sheepish yet humble grin.

Nodding to his words, Lǎren went on. “I see... But, I’ve noticed the opinion you’ve written for Madam Cocolia and the speech that Lady Bronya gave were different. Miss Eris said you were only stating how you feel about her, while Lady Bronya views her mother as a hero.”

“Oh, that... I’d thought they deserved to know the truth.” Caelus admitted simply. His yellow eyes gazed at the fire, recalling the flames he inherited under Lord Amber’s and the first guardian Alisa Rand’s gaze to receive the lance. “Lives entrusted to Cocolia under her ruling were lost without a care at the false promises from the Stellaron for salvation. People who live in the Underworld lose contact with the Overworld and suffer to fend for themselves. Hence, I don’t feel it was a good idea to paint her as a sacrificial maiden to save her home when she wasn’t.”

Caelus's admission about the opinions he'd expressed in the History and Culture Museum's exhibit and Lady Bronya's differing perspective on her mother's legacy made Lǎren nod thoughtfully. She leaned a bit closer to the campfire, the flames reflecting in her dark mask.

"I see," She acknowledged, her voice calm. "It's important to speak the truth, especially regarding history. But I suppose truth can be a tricky thing, and different people can have very different reactions upon learning it. I’m glad you have spoken out about what you have thought of her from your personal encounters."

She paused for a moment as if considering her following words carefully. “These people choosing to believe their new leader’s white lies of their treacherous former and fallen leader, I don’t understand why they would simply accept it without ever questioning or doubts from the way she treated them. They were living in despair against the Stellaron during the Eternal Freeze for hundreds of years.

“And, to be honest... Even though my home planet was long gone by the Stellaron, I, too, believed it would be an inevitable doom for this world because of Cocolia’s sins. Perhaps it would be a better ending to them than to continue living on with another lie when history would inevitably repeat itself from their new leader.”

To say being taken aback was an understatement for Caelus, his face colored with astonishment at the hooded, masked woman’s unfiltered and pure honesty. He hadn't expected her to express such frustration and disbelief. As though one who had witnessed corrupt leaders merely accelerating their doom destined to them, to feel for the people pitifully deceived by them for the greater good.

"… It's a complex situation," The Trailblazer finally replied, his voice thoughtful as he considered her words. "Sometimes, people are so deeply entrenched in their beliefs that they'll accept any narrative that aligns with those beliefs, even if it's a lie. It can be hard to convince them otherwise, especially when they live in fear and despair. Perhaps that was why Lady Bronya needed something of hope, even if she had to use deception to do so, to keep her people from moving forward.

“But I believe the truth should be known, no matter how difficult it is to accept. It's the first step towards real change. And I believe in both the people and Lady Bronya when the time comes, they would’ve grown far stronger to accept the sins of the guardians for a better future."

Silence enveloped them for a few moments as Lǎren shifted her body to face him, making Caelus wonder if he had offended his friend. The mask on her face made it hard to discern her genuine emotions.

“... You’ve changed, Cae.”

“Huh?” Caelus blinked his eyes, his face colored with surprise and confusion.

As though realizing what she uttered, Laren let out a quiet laugh. “I mean, from what I’ve heard, this was your first adventure since you left Madame Herta’s Space station to travel with the Nameless. But, it looks like you’ve really learned a lot like you have lived with the people here for years.”

Caelus relaxed, realizing that the hooded, masked woman's comment was meant as a compliment, and he smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Lǎren. It's true; I've learned so much from the people I've met during my time in this world. They have shown me much more about life, even when it's bleak, and these experiences have shaped me in ways I couldn't have anticipated. I'm grateful for the journey I've been on and for the people I've met along the way."

With the weighty topic hanging in the air, Lǎren shifted her focus to something lighter. "Well, I'm glad we had this conversation. It helps take my mind off the worries, even briefly."

Caelus smiled warmly at her. "I'm glad too. It's always nice to have someone to talk to, especially in times like these. And if you have any more questions or want to chat, I'm here."

As they continued their conversation, the cold underground air and the troubles of the day began to recede, replaced by the warmth of the campfire and the comfort of connection until sleep finally returned to them.

=0=

"Um, Cae... We've been at this for hours. Are you sure we're on the right path?" Lǎren's voice filled with concern as the trio walked down another different route found for the umpteenth time.

To describe the fifth floor as a labyrinth was an understatement, as Caelus attempted to search for the exit to the next floor. The whole level often gave them a sense of déjà vu. They would return to the starting point through another exit. Sampo had even used one of his dual daggers to carve onto the rocky walls to mark if they would return to the same point. And faithfully, they did find themselves back here, as though it was a loop they had gone in circles.

"I'm beginning to doubt it myself," The Trailblazer admitted with a sigh. "But we won’t give up now, Lǎren. Let's take a short break to rest, and then we'll try a different path. There has to be a way down to the next level."

Sampo slumped to the ground, exhausted from the long walk through the confusing tunnels. He reached for his flask in his inventory, took a swig of water, and then let out a heavy sigh. "I don't mind the exercise, bro, but this place is like a never-ending maze. I thought I was good at navigating, but this is something else."

Caelus chuckled and patted Sampo on the back. "Don't worry, we'll find our way, Mr. Poisson. Besides, the sooner we find Lǎren’s treasure, the rest of the artifacts below will be ours to sell for the best deal in the market.”

Like a sudden surge of energy charged into the older man’s body, Sampo immediately stood up and smoothed his clothes while wearing a charming, suave smile. “Oh, of course, my customer truly knows the best. Credits never sleep when a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity arises on an occasion like this. Shall we get going, my fam?”

“Who would ever think Sampo Koski would be so much of an open book...?” Caelus thought dryly to himself behind the friendly smile. But, it didn’t seem to be hard on the surface to have this scammer cooperating with them.

Just as the Trailblazer was to move first, the ground beneath began to rumble violently. “Earthquake?!”

“N-No, that’s impossible!” Sampo yelled back, trying to lean against the wall to regain his footing. “There haven’t been signs of it for hundreds of years!”

Then, what could it be? Caelus’s mind raced to piece together the possible causes before they would all be crushed here. Suddenly, the hooded, masked woman’s voice shouted in an alarmed tone. “Caelus, behind you!”

Spun around, a large blue robot variant of Automation Grizzly stomped out from a corner in front and roared loudly. Immediately, it summoned two Automation Spider, which preparing to detonate when its fist-shaped head twisted with orange sparks flaring around its neck.

“Not good… Mr. Poisson!” Caelus charged forward with his curio bat armed at the wild Automation.

“Stay back, my lady,” Sampo merely murmured to Lǎren; just as she was to step forward, he reached for both of his daggers hidden by his side. He connected his two weapons into a boomerang-like blade before throwing it forward. “Here!”

The blade spun midair, curving towards the Automation Spiders that threatened to detonate. With a precise throw, it sliced through the Automation Spiders just in time. They exploded harmlessly in the air, their shrapnel reduced to harmless fragments that scattered against the rocky walls.

Meanwhile, Caelus shielded himself from the smoke with one arm raised to rush forward, his bat quickly parrying the chainsaw arm coming down at him with a mighty swing. This automaton was formidable, with its decisive movements and heavy armor, unlike the ones he encountered around Beloborg.

But the Trailblazer was determined to prevail. He skillfully dodged by rolling away when the Automation Grizzly jumped toward him, making the ground shake from its heavy impact. Caelus, with his curio bat in hand, stood his ground as the massive blue Automation Grizzly lunged at him. The sound of their collision echoed through the labyrinth, a resonating clang that threatened to shatter the very walls. Despite the beast's formidable power, Caelus was unyielding in his determination to face it head-on.

The automaton's chainsaw arm whirred menacingly as it came down, aiming to cleave Caelus in two. But the Trailblazer's agility and quick reflexes served him well. With a swift and well-timed parry, he deflected the chainsaw arm, causing sparks to fly as metal met metal. “Tch... It's... Strong...!”

As the two adversaries engaged in their fierce struggle, Sampo readied himself for another precise strike. He connected his dual daggers into a boomerang-like blade, a weapon of his own design. With a deft flick of his wrist, he sent it hurtling towards the Automation Grizzly. “Take this!”

Spinning towards the metallic joints, the dagger blade cut through them with lethal accuracy just in time, rendering the chainsaw arm to fall onto the ground. Caelus raised his other arm to charge his curio bat with blue energy. “Rules are made to be broken!”

With a swing of his charged bat in a cross-shaped formation, the Trailblazer blasted the powerful energy into the Automation Grizzly. “Decisive strike!”

The burst of energy struck the Automation Grizzly squarely, causing the mechanical monstrosity to stagger backward, its armor dented and smoking. The echoing roar of the robot turned into a cacophony of distorted metallic sounds as it struggled to maintain its balance.

Seeing an opportunity, Sampo sprang into action. He leaped gracefully, his sleek movements a testament to his skill and agility. With a graceful flourish, he retrieved his boomerang-like blade back, splitting them into two daggers, and sliced at the Automation Grizzly. He sliced through vital components of the automaton. Sparks flew, and the once-mighty creature began to malfunction. Next, an unexpected voice from the back shouted to the Automation Grizzly. “The die is cast!”

Behind the Automation, a shadow jumped high above before slamming the large weapon down onto it. With a powerful mash of the blunt weapon into the weakened core, the tremendous impact sent shockwaves through the automaton, and it finally crumbled in a shower of sparks and twisted metal.

The group was left in stunned silence, their breathing heavy as they surveyed the wreckage of the formidable foe they had just defeated. The labyrinth fell quiet, its unnatural stillness a stark contrast to the intense battle they had just emerged from.

Lǎren was the first to break the silence. "That... was incredible. But there’s someone else here…!"

Caelus, still panting from the battle, moved a few steps forward and looked around the area before yelling to call out on the unexpected intruder. “Who’s there? Show yourself!!”

Sampo retrieved his boomerang-like blade, wiping it clean of residual sparks before preparing for another combat. However, the figure soon spoke with a familiar voice filled with authority. “Halt, this place is off-limits! You must stop your treasure-hunting activities immediately and return to the surface—!”

When the shadow stepped out from the cloud of dust, a tall, well-built man with blond hair and blue eyes. He was dressed in thick white armor with blue and gold trimmings and gold garments, alongside a breastplate and armor for his right hand which appears to have a blue, crystalline design. He wears tall black boots with gold buttons extending up to his knees. He also appears to have a fur accessory hanging at his side.

Those blue eyes immediately widened with surprise at the trio, particularly the shorter gray-haired man. “It’s you, Caelus….”

“Ge… Gepard…,” Caelus acknowledged the Captain of the Silvermane Guards with his yellow eyes widened with shock. The cavernous chamber was filled with tension, a palpable silence that seemed to stretch on for an eternity with the uncertainty of how this unexpected encounter would play out on this reunion.

Notes:

So........... Who's up for the main course of this arc, a Beloborgian Caelus Sandwich? I have definitely been waiting to write Gepard in for a very long time. He was too underused in all stories, be it in main or event story 😢 And, he was one of the units that I wanted till now which yet to come home into my account for Caelus's harem 🥲 Or I need to fetch him home from 300 pity in standard....

Also, this is probably still controversial even though Beloborg is over, I went with asking Bronya to tell her the truth. I came from after playing Final Fantasy XIV Heavensward Expansion arc, where there's a similar plot line of the corrupted leader lying the truth to their people. Until now, I still personally don't like how Seele compared the situation and treating the people as though they were children to lie to them like dreams and stuff. Thankfully, the museum event gave that chance to spill the truth indirectly in a way about Cocolia for people to know. But I do understand the need to use it as a white lie in this despairing times for Beloborg... 😅

It's a complicated issue, but I hope you guys have enjoyed the fic so far!

Chapter 14: Awkward Reunions & Delicate Alliances (Part 1)

Summary:

As both Gepard and Caelus conversed while an awkward and tense atmosphere lingered, Lǎren’s head shifted between the two men to observe them. One of her gloved hands moved to tug Sampo’s sleeve to whisper with a curious voice. “Hey, Mr. Poisson, do you know who this Gepard is?”

“Oh, him?” Sampo, who had also been quiet to observe their interactions, replied with a slight nod. “Yes, he's a respected figure in Beloborg. Captain Gepard here is known for his leadership and combat skills. And, we see each other pretty often — usually it's me running away and him running after me. Gotta say, I'm gradually beginning to enjoy the attention, hehe.”

“What?” The hooded, masked woman returned with a concerned tone in her voice.

Notes:

There’s only two disclaimers I’ll make for this chapter and the whole fanfic 😅

1. Characters can be extremely OOC for this chapter
2. This is still a Jingcae (Jing Yuan/Caelus) as endgame pairing for the whole fanfiction with crumbs AllCae (for most of them)

Without further ado, I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter!

As the glowing blue-charged curio bat in Caelus’s grip gave a mighty swing to knock onto the prominent guitar case-like weapon, it caused the taller blond-haired man to topple backward and fall to the ground from the impact. Then, Caelus panted heavily from all his stamina exerted into the swing, observing his fallen and surprised opponent in silence. The large, armored man's deep yet authoritative command boomed across the field. “The winner of this training drill belongs to Caelus!”

The announcement from Dunn immediately caused the surrounding Silvermane soldiers, who were spectators, to whisper in astonishment and awe at the fantastic spar between their captain and the hero of Beloborg on the military drill. Caelus heaved a deep breath before curling a warm smile, outstretching his gloved hand to his opponent. “Nice fight, Gepard.”

“It should be me to say that instead, Caelus,” Gepard readily accepted the hand to pull himself up. His face curled a smile as he picked up his guitar case. “Your stealth skills to reach where I am without encountering my men is very impressive.”

“I’m merely doing my best to head for my goal, after all,” The Trailblazer answered with a humble chuckle, dusting the snow off his dark coat. But, the thought of fighting 40 Silvermane Guards before heading for the main target dulled his senses of thrill. His hands had already itched with excitement when he first learned he would be able to spar against Gepard for this military exercise.

The said captain chuckled, his blue eyes sparkling with admiration. “Thanks for sparring with the Silvermane Guards, Caelus. This combat experience really is invaluable for us. In doing this, you've actually saved the lives of many new recruits. On behalf of all the Silvermane Guards in the restricted zone, I would like to extend my highest respects to you.”

Caelus’s face immediately colored with a flustered expression when the taller captain bowed respectfully. “Really, I'm no big shot... I have also thought training with everyone here is a good workout.”

“Have you ever heard the line, ‘Judge someone on their actions, not their thoughts’?” Gepard corrected with a confident smile, hinting at something more profound that couldn’t be deciphered well.

Caelus chuckled and scratched his head. “Well, I suppose you've got a point there, Gepard. Actions do speak louder than words.”

Dunn approached the pair, turning to Caelus. “Our Captain is right. Your performance has been so wonderful that all the Silvermane Guards you faced against have been won over. Your reputation has spread like wildfire throughout the restricted zone, Caelus. We're all looking forward to engaging frequently with you.”

“I look forward to the next march to participate in the training.” Caelus smiled, grateful for the camaraderie and respect he had found among the Silvermane Guards. It was a far cry from the first days of arriving in Beloborg and being a wanted criminal with the Silvermane guards. And now, here he was, standing with them during his stay while Welt was still trying to seal the Stellaron before their next journey.

Dunn turned his attention to the assembled soldiers. “Alright, everyone, gather around! Today's drill was to test our adaptability and teamwork. We've seen impressive displays from Captain Gepard and our honored guest from the Astral Express. But remember, it's not just about individual prowess. It's about how we function as a unit. Caelus, I hope you can share some of your experiences and skills with our soldiers.”

The Trailblazer gave a nod with an eager smile. “I'd be honored, Dunn.”

As the soldiers began to disperse and return to their duties, Gepard slung his guitar case over his shoulder. “Caelus, could I invite you for a drink and catch up? It's been a while since we had some time to ourselves.”

Caelus grinned at the idea. “Sure, Gepard. Lead the way.”

The two friends walked away from the training field in Silvermane Guard Restricted Zone to the Administrative District. They found a table behind the book merchant with their drinks of warm coffee in hand, and they sat together.

“So, how’s Lynx been doing?” Caelus was the first to bring up Gepard’s and Serval’s youngest sister with a warm smile. “I have heard she’s coming back from her field research trip for another hotpot session in a week. She invited me and requested I bring some new ingredients to savor it.”

Gepard's face lit up with a fond smile at the mention of his sister. “Lynx is doing well. She's always been passionate about her research. And, she has even brought back more different flowers and photos of new wildlife animals she found. I'm sure she'll be thrilled to see you. Yet... As her older brother, her adventures out in the snow plains by herself still worry me greatly. It’s fortunate too, that she’s returned home safely.”

A burst of warm laughter escaped from the Trailblazer’s lips, drinking his coffee and placing it on the table. “Have more faith in her, ‘Geppie.’ Lynx is much stronger than you would have known. However, I could always stalk and record her activity movements during her next trip if it is worrying you two too much.”

“Ahem, I think that wouldn’t be necessary,” Gepard cleared his throat at the embarrassing incident he and Serval cooked together. The red burning ears expressed he learned his lesson for making that absurd request to the hero of Beloborg. When the shorter gray-haired man’s laughter grew, the captain of the Silvermane guards cleared his throat louder as a cue to plead to change the topic. “Moving on, how’s Rosie doing? I hope it hadn’t been much trouble to care for her.”

“Rosie? She’s doing better than I feared initially!” Caelus’s yellow eyes glowed with excitement at the mention of Gepard’s blue bell-shaped flower he had helped to care for, then raised one of his hands to rub the back of his neck sheepishly. “At first, I didn’t know how to raise and care for a plant. But I've been reading up on it after borrowing books from Eversummer florist, and it seems to have worked. Rosie is thriving, and she even bloomed the other day. A real beauty, I even have the picture here.”

Taking out the phone with a few taps on the screen, the Trailblazer showed his phone screen displaying a photo of a blooming blue bell-shaped flower with its pot placed on the Express’s windowsill.

Gepard's eyes lit up at the sight of Rosie in full bloom, the vibrant blue petals captured in the photograph. "She's stunning! I'm glad she's flourishing under your care. You've got a natural green thumb, Caelus."

“I wouldn’t really put it that way,” Caelus corrected the captain with a sheepish grin. “I just realized her soil needs to be evenly moist without being overwatered. The Eversummer florist has advised these flowers to be native to Beloborg’s cold atmosphere. And, well, I might have had a few conversations with Rosie. You know, plant talk. It's a thing to boost their growth. Soon enough, in a few days for full bloom, she could finally return home to the Lanadu.”

Gepard's eyes lit up at the sight of Rosie in full bloom, the vibrant blue petals captured in the photograph, and he chuckled. “Plant talk, huh? You must have been a wonderful companion to Rosie. She looks healthier and more stunning than ever. I'm glad she's flourishing under your care. You've got a green thumb, Caelus.”

“It’s nothing like that at all, really,” Caelus returned with a humble and shy expression. It’s a bit embarrassing to hear of the compliments he received, even though he merely wished to help a friend in need. “First Snow flowers like Rosie need a bit of understanding, patience, and a good atmosphere. They respond to care and sometimes a little chat or two. I'm just glad she's doing well.”

Gepard nodded appreciatively. “Well, your efforts haven't gone unnoticed. Rosie is more than just a flower to me despite Serval’s teasing. She's my dear friend, with all the flowers I have tried to care for in my home. Even though I lack a green thumb, I appreciate the beauty they bring. Rosie, in particular, has a special place in my heart.”

“I’m honored to help take care of her. And you know, you don’t need a green thumb to appreciate the beauty of plants. Each flower's story adds a unique touch to any space.”

Gepard’s gaze softened as he looked at the photo again. “You’re right, Caelus. They do bring a unique touch. It’s a piece of nature, a bit of tranquility, in our busy lives. And with all its steel and stone, having that touch of nature is even more precious in this city. I can’t wait for her to be back.”

Caelus grinned. “I’ll make sure she returns to you in the best shape. Maybe with a few more petals, who knows?”

As they continued chatting, the atmosphere between them shifted to one of ease and camaraderie. The coffee shop buzzed with activity, Silvermane guards passing by, citizens of Beloborg wrapped in warm coats, and the distant hum of a street musician playing a gentle tune. The warmth inside from the hot coffees and the company created a cocoon of comfort.

It was as the evening stars began to twinkle in the sky that Gepard grew quiet. Caelus noticed the change in his expression from a relaxed to a somber, serious one. In return, he gave his friend a concern mixed with curiosity. “Gepard? Is there something the matter?”

The captain took a deep breath, his voice filled with vulnerability, which was rare for the Trailblazer to hear. “Caelus, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you, something I’ve carried with me since the day we first met.”

Caelus leaned in, giving his friend his full attention. “What is it?”

“Please wait here for a moment,” Instead of answering the question, Gepard stood and headed toward the bookstore owner Fizz. He spoke with the bespectacled woman for a moment and then returned to the table with a bouquet of Ball Peony flowers.

With an ever more curious look, Caelus’s gaze switched between the blond-haired man and the bouquet. “Gepard, these are stunning flowers. What’s the occasion? Are they for your sister’s birthday?”

“No, these bouquets aren’t for them,” Gepard shook his head, kneeling down on one knee to present it to the shorter, gray-haired young man. “They are for you, Caelus. In Beloborg, these flowers mean ‘love knows no end’, and I’d love to give them to you.”

“For me…?” Caelus’s yellow eyes blinked in surprise as Gepard’s words were being processed in the mind. The bustling sounds of the street seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in a moment of profound stillness.

The meaning of Ball Peonies… It sounded familiar to Caelus. Oh wait, it was his time to accompany Natasha to visit her parents on the Overworld. She explained to him each flower her family loved and its meaning.

“Gepard, you don’t mean…” Caelus asked, his voice soft and filled with astonishment and confusion as his eyes darted between the flowers and the kneeling man before him.

Gepard nodded, a genuine and heartfelt smile gracing his features. “Yes, Caelus. I’ve carried this feeling for a long time and wanted to express it sincerely. From the first moment our eyes met, I loved you, Caelus. Even when our first meeting started on opposite sides, the times I have worked and fought alongside you have been the most meaningful memories of my life. You're brave, compassionate, and your heart is as vast as the skies you traverse. I cherish every moment we've spent together and want to continue creating those memories, side by side with you.”

The Trailblazer’s eyes widened as he listened to the other man’s confession of love to him. He’d never thought it would happen to him, for someone who woke up with no memories of himself or his past. Also, Caelus never considered himself particularly special, merely someone trying to navigate a complex world. That’s why...

=0=

Back in the present, deep inside the Great Mine, Gepard’s blue eyes remained locked with Caelus’s yellow in great surprise. He spoke first after the long, tense silence ticking between them. “Caelus... I can't believe it's really you. You have finally returned…. What are you doing down here…? Why are you treasure hunting in this perilous place?”

Caelus sighed in relief at the severe familiar tone from the other, yet his heart remained wary and put his curio bat away in his inventory. “It’s… Not what it looks like. I’m helping a friend whose belongings were stolen by one of the wild automations here. And we’re trying our best to get it back from them.”

“Your friend?” The captain of the Silvermane Guards repeated with a now somewhat relaxed expression. His eyes followed to where Caelus’s gaze directed the dark hooded and masked woman standing distances behind the strange-looking vagrant miner.

The Trailblazer’s gaze turned back to Gepard with his curious and concerned face. “What about you, Gepard? What brings you all the way here?”

“We have been receiving an increase in reports of wild automation coming from the Great Mine attacking residents in the Underworld,” Gepard explained. “This place has been closed, or supposedly intended to be, since then to ensure the safety of the Underworld citizens.”

“I see…,” The Trailblazer muttered thoughtfully as the taller blonde-haired man’s testimony perfectly matched Lǎren’s tale she recounted to them.

As both Gepard and Caelus conversed while an awkward and tense atmosphere lingered, Lǎren’s head shifted between the two men to observe them. One of her gloved hands moved to tug Sampo’s sleeve to whisper with a curious voice. “Hey, Mr. Poisson, do you know who this Gepard is?”

“Oh, him?” Sampo, who had also been quiet to observe their interactions, replied with a slight nod. “Yes, he's a respected figure in Beloborg. Captain Gepard here is known for his leadership and combat skills. And, we see each other pretty often — usually it's me running away and him running after me. Gotta say, I'm gradually beginning to enjoy the attention, hehe.”

“What?” The hooded, masked woman returned with a concerned tone in her voice.

“Nothing, you didn’t hear the last part from me!” The taller blue-haired man hurriedly corrected with his charming smile in place on his face. But that merely earned an ‘Ok’ from Lǎren, who acknowledged it skeptically before turning to the front where Gepard and Caelus were.

Gepard's tone shifted to more grave after glancing at his surroundings. “This place isn’t the best nor safe to continue our discussion. The Silvermane Guards have set up the base near here. Could you and your friends come along with me? We also have rations and tents for all of you to rest if needed.”

After giving a quick glance, which Caelus’s ears also picked up faint rumbling noises from afar, he nodded resolutely. “Of course, thanks for the offer, Gepard.”

The trio followed Gepard to make their way towards the Silvermane Guards’ camp base. The tension from earlier seemed to linger as they walked through the dimly lit tunnels of the Great Mine, the echo of their footsteps mixing with the distant hum of machinery.

Though grateful for Gepard's protection, Caelus couldn't shake the unease. It had been months or more since the captain of the Silvermane Guards confessed his love to him and his own ‘answer’ afterward. The Trailblazer recalled with guilt as he watched Gepard’s back. He left Beloborg for Xianzhou Luofu after Welt sealed the Stellaron completely, with their friendship broken and hurting the man.

Lǎren, walking beside Caelus, sensed the turmoil in his thoughts. She nudged him gently. “You look like you're carrying more than just your curio bat. Everything okay?”

The Trailblazer shifted his head to face her and forced a small smile. “Yeah, just a lot on my mind. It's been a while since I was in Beloborg. Things have changed.”

Though she returned with silence, Caelus could feel his hooded, masked friend give him a searching look behind her black plate mask, but didn't press further. Sampo darted between the two companions, trying to lighten the mood in a hushed whisper. “Well, I’m sure our dear captain would let us off the hook to find the treasure, Miss Lǎren! He isn’t as heartless to ignore a damsel in distress in the name of law.”

While the Trailblazer merely rolled his eyes at the distasteful remark to beg to differ, they reached the camp base. Upon reaching close, the Silvermane Guards standing near the entrance immediately saluted their captain. “Captain Gepard!”

Gepard acknowledged the salutes with a nod, his demeanor shifting seamlessly into the authoritative leader. "At ease, everyone. We have the hero of Beloborg with us. Has Dunn returned yet?”

“No, sir.” One of the soldiers on Gepard’s right answered. “But, he has updated that he found more injured citizens on his route and would be returning soon for their treatment.”

The captain of the Silvermane guards nodded to his men. His gaze remained solemn and added. “How many?”

The other soldier reported it to his captain. “Five men and two women, sir. However, one of them was severely injured compared to the rest from the automation attack. We’re doing our best to prepare a room for him when he arrives to provide as much treatment as possible, sir.”

Gepard's expression tightened with concern. "Make sure our medical team is ready. We can't afford to lose anyone. Don’t let your guard down until they have arrived safely. Keep a lookout if more citizens are seeking protection here.”

“Understood, sir!” Both soldiers saluted the orders before leaving their captain with his guests.

Turned around to face Caelus and his crew, Gepard bowed his head. “Please forgive me in advance. There may not be enough rooms for you to stay in for now. You'll need to share with the others who are temporarily residing here. The situation here has grown more complex than it seems.”

Caelus nodded understandingly. “No need to apologize, Gepard. We have tents to spare for others who need it.”

A mix of gratitude, relief, and other emotions colored in the captain of the Silvermane Guards as he nodded. “I appreciate that, Caelus. Let me fill you in on the details and the challenges we face. Please follow me.”

Following Gepard to enter the Silvermane Guards base, the camp base was a mix of efficiency and makeshift comfort. Tents were set up, and guards patrolled the perimeter. Groups of miners and treasure hunters sat around and tended to one another to those who needed more care of the wounded.

The trio entered a large camp at the end, a large table with a giant blueprint map placed in the center. They took their places around the table, and Gepard began to speak. “Before we begin, could you share how much you know about this Treasure Hunt activity, Caelus?”

“Sure, it’s limited information since I arrived in Beloborg not too long ago.” Caelus agreed and began recounting his tales while omitting the details of digging abandoned packages, and Brughel Poisson accompanied them was none other than the infamous Sampo Koski.

Once done, Gepard lifted a hand to his chin with a thoughtful look. “I see. Your friend, Miss Lǎren, with her trinkets stolen and her own encounters of the automation on the surface, traced back into the mine. And, there have been rumblings followed by the noises you suspected belonged to the control center in the depths.”

“Our search itself hadn’t been fruitful, unfortunately, captain,” Lǎren spoke next, placing a dark gloved hand on her chest. “It’s important to me. Please understand we do not wish to hinder your duties, captain.”

Gepard nodded, his gaze shifting between the three of them. “It's a tough situation we find ourselves in. Recently, there has been a sudden increase of out-of-control automatons and monsters in the Underworld. We had clarified with Mr. Svarog about the automation attacking the citizens, and he informed us that these were an ancient batch of automation found in the Great Ruins, which was once a shelter during the Eternal Freeze. To ensure the safety of the Underworld, we must not let them escape outside. Before we departed into the Great Mine, Officer Pela was able to secure a blueprint map of the shelter to navigate the treacherous dungeon.”

The left, white-gloved hand took the blue wooden craved flag piece and placed it onto one of the ruins' lower floors, and the captain explained. “We’re currently on the fifth floor of the ruins. Throughout our investigation, we have spotted a group of automations guarding the entrance, supposedly leading to the next level.

“That Grizzly Automation you fought earlier was one of their troop leaders who fled off while we were fighting, Caelus.” Gepard took the red pen on the table to draw a small red circle of the blueprint map they encountered each other earlier. He turned his head to the shorter gray-haired man. “It must have been trying to find reinforcements within this floor until it met you.”

Caelus nodded, absorbing the information. “I see. So, the automations are organizing themselves. That complicates things.”

The taller blond-haired man continued; his red pen drew a cross-mark at the deepest level. “Our objective is to push through this level and secure the entrance to the next until we reach the final floor. Mr. Svarog advised the core, which awakened the automation is right there to shut them down completely.  But it won't be easy. We're dealing with unknown terrain, and these automations are proving as formidable opponents the deeper we go.”

Sampo stepped forward with his green eyes to inspect the map closer. He raised both of his hands to adjust his large cap and hummed. “What if we set traps along their paths? Slow them down to give us an advantage.”

“We did consider using the Automation Stealth Bomb to wipe out the threats. However, our primary priority was to rescue the other citizens trapped within the mine.” Gepard shook his head after giving a thoughtful look.

“Geez, you Silvermane Guards are such an uptight bunch here!” Sampo huffed loudly. “What’s the worth of playing safe without taking risks? Nothing ventured, nothing gained!”

The captain of the Silvermane Guards narrowed his blue eyes with a relatively disagreeable expression. “We're dealing with a situation that requires caution… Mr. Poisson. We can't afford to take any risks without endangering our own men. There is a duty to ensure any citizens deep within are prioritized for their safety first.”

Before Sampo was to give his retort, the hooded, masked woman stepped forward to voice out her own suggestion. “What if the stealth bombs were modified with stun bombs instead to disorient their detectors, captain? We’d buy time for your men to rescue the civilians while fending against them.”

Gepard considered the suggestion, his gaze shifting between the map and the hooded woman. After a moment, he nodded. “That might work. We can modify the bombs accordingly. Good thinking.”

Sampo crossed his arms, looking somewhat disgruntled as Caelus’s ears could briefly pick up complaints of the captain, but he didn't protest. Thankfully, Lǎren's suggestion seemed to find favor with Gepard.

The latter then turned his attention to Caelus, looking at him in the eye. “Caelus, could you please assist me in eliminating these threats? Unfortunately, on our end… The Silvermane Guards are not familiar with battles below ground yet, and these enemies are too tough for us… Hero of Belobog, please fight beside us.”

Blue eyes expressing that same earnest expression made the Trailblazer’s breath hitched in his throat, just like that day when the captain professed his love to him. His heart churned from the complicated feelings inside him. It would be awkward doubtlessly to work with Gepard again. He didn’t know how to even have a normal conversation with him again.

However, rationale won over the Trailblazer this time to push away his troubles for now. The safety of the Underworld citizens needed his prowess to aid the Silvermane Guards.

When Caelus was to answer, Sampo objected with his hands on his hips. “Now, hold on a minute! You’re not expecting the Hero of Beloborg to waltz in and help the Guards for free, are you? He has a job to help Miss Lǎren, and he’s not someone to become one of your men to clean up the mess on your whims, captain.”

The dark blue-haired man’s voice echoed loudly within the makeshift command tent, riling the tense atmosphere. Gepard, the captain of the Silvermane Guards, crossed his arms, his gaze steady on the impassioned strange vagrant. He began with a measured tone. “I understand your concerns, Mr. Poisson. But the situation we're facing is dire. The automation in the Great Mine has become a significant threat to the Underworld. We need every capable hand we can get.”

Lǎren nodded her head to agree and chimed in. “I have yet to abandon my quest, Mr. Poisson. I’d love to help the captain on his mission, and in return, Captain Gepard would aid us too. It's mutual cooperation between both parties here. But, I would respect Caelus’s decision as he has been in charge of leading us all this time.”

Sampo scowled, clearly not satisfied with the response. “Dire or not, my dear fam, Caelus can't drop everything to become your personal guard. Surely your compensation would be a simple gratitude without any weight, would it?”

Caught between a growing conflict heading nowhere, Caelus stepped forward calmly before either man argued again. “Sorry, Gepard, do you mind if I spoke with Mr. Poisson privately for a short while to discuss this?”

The said captain merely nodded to grant permission at the request. “Of course. But please do not feel the pressure to help us, Caelus. If Miss Lǎren’s job is more severe, you can attend to her matters first.”

With a slight nod of acknowledgment, the Trailblazer elbowed Sampo to follow him out of the tent. The latter kept his glare on the blond-haired captain until the two exited. The two men walked far from the Silvermane Guards camp base to a point where none of its members would be walking by to overhear them.

After turning around the corner, Caelus sighed first and shot his narrowed yellow eyes towards the scammer. “Okay. So, what gives, Sampo? What’s wrong with working together with Gepard and the guards?”

Sampo flinched at the sharp gaze from the younger man, yet he quickly refuted despite the stammer in his voice. "N-Nothing at all, fam! It's just… We got our own thing going, you know? We're on a tight schedule with your lovely friend's request. And, suddenly, we're being pulled into some grand mission with the Silvermane Guards. Sampo Koski doesn’t do charity easily, especially from those who wish to take advantage of others, my dear friend.”

It was ironic to hear that coming from the scammer who took advantage of anyone and anywhere as his means in his line of business. Caelus rolled his eyes at the line of thought before continuing. “Right, I'd thought working with the Silvermane Guards would’ve ruined your business plans if they ever find out you’re organizing the Treasure Hunt.”

“Of course, of course, you understand me so well, fam—!” At that moment, from the knowing stare, Sampo’s green eyes widened in panic, his face colored with a flabbergasted expression, and he tried to correct himself hurriedly. “N-No, no, n-no, it’s nothing like that! W-Where did you get such an idea like this—?!”

Caelus simply scoffed at the flustered older dark blue-haired man. “Give me a break. I have known your little tricks since the first time I met you and being bribed by you from the museum theft in silence. The treasure hunters talking on the surface above to sell the relics for profit would be Balaway or 'you.' Besides, did you even read what you wrote on the pamphlet Lǎren showed us? Everything from the start of this treasure hunt reeks of you.”

Sampo scratched his head nervously, a sheepish grin on his face. “S-So you got me there, fam. Well, you see, my dear customer, business is business. Can't blame a man for trying to make a living, right? Y-Your poor ol’ pal Sampo’s business would be in jeopardy if they found out!”

“Business or not, playing both sides don't end well. We're in a serious situation here, and I need you to be straight with me. Why did you steal Lǎren for this ridiculous chase?” Caelus folded his arms, his expression stern. “What’s your reason for messing with the Silvermane Guards and running this treasure hunt?"

Raising both hands up on instinct, the older man sighed, his carefree demeanor shifting into something more serious to try and appease the Trailblazer. “Alright, alright. Look, friend, I may bend the rules a little bit~ But I'm not out to harm anyone! The Silvermane Guards… I don't trust them entirely, which comes from me, a businessman who worked with them a few times. And this treasure hunt and your friend’s stuff, let's just say it's a bit more complicated than you might think.”

Caelus raised an eyebrow. “Complicated how?”

Sampo hesitated, then leaned in closer, lowering his voice. “You heard from her that the automations were the ones who stole her items, right? She’s telling you the truth, fam. They were operating independently after taking some of my own goods, too. I trailed after them as deep as I could until the deepest floor. But, there were too many of their own guards surrounding the stolen treasures.

“I took a few snapshots to hope some treasure hunters would show up to help poor Sampo get in. B-But I really didn’t know that pocket watch belonged to your friend! Honest!”

The Trailblazer sighed, running a hand through his hair. “So, you do know where it is, right? But, what do you mean they are operating on their own?”

“It’s like this, Caelus. Those automations awaken after your battle with the previous Supreme Guardian Cocolia. And I heard from my other customers these were scavenger automations who went out hunting for food in the beginning during the Eternal Freeze for the people in the shelter. But, many nobles who couldn’t bear to part with their wealth modified them to their bidding. Perhaps your friend’s little treasure was mistaken to be their belonging to steal it from her.”

With a hand rubbing his chin, Caelus pondered the extensive information given by Sampo. That’d explained a little of their odd behavior and attacking other treasure hunters, whom they believed were intruders and thieves.

Sampo continued his explanation, a nervous energy evident in his gestures. “I’ve been trying to lay low and get back some of the stolen goods and other relics myself. But with these Silvermane Guards poking their noses in, it's become a real hassle. They're trying to secure the mine, making my operation trickier than a cat in a room full of rocking chairs.”

The Trailblazer sighed, his gloved hands raised to rub his forehead as the weight of the situation settled in. “Not only that but because of your activity in creating the treasure hunt craze, you've also caught other treasure hunters and miners in the crossfire between the Guards and these automations. But mainly, you pulled Lǎren into this mess?”

Wincing at the harsh glare from the younger man, Sampo extended both of his hands out to move in a downward motion. “I know I messed up involving your friend, but it wasn’t on purpose at all!”

Caelus pondered this for a moment. The situation's complexity was becoming more evident, and he realized he was dealing with more than just a simple theft that endangered innocent lives. The result of his battle with Cocolia caused an undesirable consequence, and he couldn't help but feel a responsibility to resolve it.

“Alright, here’s what we’re going to do. We’ll help Captain Gepard and the Silvermane Guards deal with these automations.” The Trailblazer immediately glared at the older dark blue-haired man to silence his incoming protest before adding further. “But, we’re doing it on our terms. Based on your information on those automations guarding the treasures, we’d be outnumbered by them soon enough before we could even get in. Working with the Silvermane Guards would be an advantage to help Lǎren. Considering we’re still doing this together, I won’t spill your name or your ‘business’ to Gepard this time.”

The last sentence that Caelus uttered caused Sampo's green eyes widened in surprise, his usual composed demeanor cracking momentarily. He couldn’t believe what he heard of the younger man’s willingness albeit with reluctance to cover for him. “You… You’re helping me…? Really? T… That's not what I expected from you, fam. But, Sampo Koski—!”

Before the older scammer’s facial muscle curled a smile or anything, the Trailblazer shot him a stern glare. “I’m not doing this for you. I’m doing it for the victims scammed by you and Lǎren, who got dragged into this mess. If you try to run away from this, I’ll break your kneecaps myself if I have to.”

A nervous yet sheepish grin curled on Sampo’s face at the threat, rubbing his gloved hands excitedly. “O-Of course not, my dear fam! Sampo Koski always keeps his word to his best and favorite customer. A dear customer like yourself is like a God to me, and for me to betray the God… It’s something I could never forgive myself for.”

“If you need something doing, he might be your man. But if you feel like befriending him, do yourself a favor: don't.” Seele’s warning suddenly echoed in Caelus’s ears, making him apprehensive at the bold proclamation.

Caelus raised his gloved hand to rub his forehead from the more painful headache. If he wasn’t going to die from the Stellaron exploding inside him, then getting backstabbed by this man would be the most humiliating death he received. "Fine, but no more secrets, Sampo. You’ll tell us anything to know to get through this."

Sampo extended his hand, a crooked smile on his face. "Deal! You can count on Sampo Koski as the only trustworthy and loyal partner you could ever have. Let’s save the day and get back to business as usual! Partners in crime, as always, my fam?”

“Partners in crime...” The Trailblazer released a heavy sigh of exasperation and resignation as he shook Sampo's hand.

The two turned back toward the Silvermane Guards' camp, where the tense atmosphere lingered. As they approached, Caelus could see Gepard and Lǎren discussing.

Gepard looked up as Caelus and Sampo entered the tent, his eyes immediately. "Everything settled?" he asked his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

“Yeah, we’re good,” The Trailblazer answered, glancing at the scammer beside him before turning to Gepard. “We’ll help you rescue the remaining citizens trapped in the mine while searching for Lǎren’s treasure, Gepard. But in return, we’ll keep the treasures found as compensation for our services.”

Gepard’s face flickered with the color of surprise for a split second. Then, he regarded him with a scrutinizing gaze, contemplating the condition. Lǎren, standing nearby, observed the interaction with a mix of curiosity and concern. While Sampo, on the other hand, wore a self-satisfied grin, seemingly pleased with the unfolding turn of events.

After a moment of contemplation, Gepard nodded. "Very well, I accept the condition. The treasures within can be your reward for assisting us. We'll work together, but remember, our main goal is to neutralize the threat and protect our people."

Caelus acknowledged the agreement with a nod. "That works for us. We'll coordinate our efforts to ensure we maximize our actions' efficiency. Mr. Poisson here claims he has valuable information on the automations' movements. We'll need that to plan our approach."

“Leave that to me, my dear friend.” Sampo, playing his part, stepped forward, all traces of his previous strange animosity masked with a charming smile that seemed to irk the captain of the Silvermane Guards. "I've got the good inside scoop from my fellow miners. We’ll hit them where it hurts the most. I have a plan to make this operation smoother than a well-greased cogwheel."

Even though skepticism wore on Gepard’s facial expression, he simply nodded to grant permission. "Let's hear the details, then."

As Sampo delved into his information of what he knew, the plans that involved exploiting the automations' weaknesses and using the terrain to their advantage, Caelus couldn't help but feel a twinge of doubt. While Sampo was undoubtedly cunning, his track record of deceitfulness hung over the conversation like a shadow. The Trailblazer kept a close eye on the scammer's every word, determined not to be blindsided.

Lǎren, catching Caelus's glance, leaned in and whispered, "I'm sure it’ll be fine, Cae. Something tells me this would smoothly work out all accordingly."

Caelus sighed; his gaze unwavering. "I hope it does. The automations are a threat, and we need every advantage we can get."

Once the last details of the plan were outlined, Gepard nodded in approval. "It's a risky strategy, but if what you say is true, it might just work, Mr. Poisson. We'll move in two groups: Dunn and his team to rescue the citizens, and yours to deal with the automations and recover the stolen goods. I assume you don’t have a preference if I were to join yours to deal with its leaders?"

The Trailblazer quickly shook his head and answered before the scammer beside him was to say anything else. "No, we’ll be glad for the extra help we can get."

Gepard nodded firmly and announced. "Very well. We’ll join you to deal with the automations. The rest will focus on rescuing the citizens. We move out at dawn. Make sure your preparations are thorough.”

The trio nodded silently; this would be their biggest uphill battle. As they prepared to leave the tent to rest for the night, the blond-haired captain turned his head towards the shorter gray-haired man. “Caelus, could I borrow for you a moment? There are a few matters I need to discuss with you.”

Giving his two friends a reassuring glance, the Trailblazer gave a small smile to them. “I’ll catch up later. You guys go ahead.”

Once both Sampo and Lǎren left, with the latter nudging him to give the pair privacy for discussion, Caelus finally returned to face Gepard to reveal his surprise and confused expression. “So, is there something wrong?”

“No, there isn’t,” Gepard cleared his throat, his blue eyes studying Caelus with earnestness and hesitation. “I wanted to return the book I have borrowed from you. I wasn’t able to find a good time to do so after… Everything that happened before you left for your journey.”

Taking out a familiar hardcover book, the blond-haired captain handed it to Caelus, who gingerly accepted it in his hold. ‘Floriography Manual Attached to a Bouquet,’ the book's title printed on the cover page as the Trailblazer’s gloved fingers idly traced it over. It was strange that it was initially a book to satiate his curiosity before lending it to Gepard, who wanted ideas on flowers to grow and cultivate on his own.

“But also, I’d wished to discuss about us. And what happened back before,” Gepard finally brought up the elephant of the room that lingered between them knowingly.

Caelus sighed, a heaviness settling in his chest. “Gepard, about before, I... I’m sorry, I didn't handle things well. The truth is, I lost all of my memories before the Astral Express found me in Madame Herta’s space station. I didn't know at that time what being in love was like, let alone knowing how to confront what you told me.”

Gepard listened quietly, his expression a mix of understanding and sadness. “I figured something was amiss. Your reaction was unexpected that day, and then you disappeared without a word. I had hoped you would return to Beloborg, but time passed, and I heard nothing. I had feared that my feelings had wounded you deeply instead. Losing one's memories is no small thing. I can't imagine what you've been through…."

Shaking his head resolutely, the gray-haired young man returned as he put the book into his own inventory space. “I won’t deny it was confusing when I started my journey. But a voice told me not to think about my past or to doubt myself, so it wasn’t that bad.”

The taller, blond-haired captain placed a reassuring hand on Caelus's shoulder. "I understand. I've had my share of dealing with the unknown and unexpected. It's a lot to take in. But I want you to know that my feelings haven't changed. I care about you, Caelus, and I'm willing to navigate whatever challenges lie ahead.”

Caelus stared at Gepard, conflicted emotions swirling within him through his yellow eyes. He couldn’t bear to ruin the friendship again, but the latter deserved honesty about his feelings. Including where his heart belonged, despite knowing his love could never be reciprocated by Jing Yuan. “Gepard, listen. About your confession before, I—”

“Captain Gepard! Captain Dunn has returned and wished to report to you on his findings.” A Silvermane guard reported loudly from the tent outside, interrupting Caelus and killing the tense atmosphere inside.

Gepard sighed, a mix of frustration and resignation crossing his features. "We'll have to continue this conversation later, Caelus. Duty calls."

However, for the Trailblazer, a sense of relief mingled within him as he agreed. “Yeah, duty. I’ll see if anyone here needs help before calling it a day."

As Caelus exited the tent, the familiar, taller, armored man spotted and greeted him. “It’s you, Caelus! It’s been a while. I didn’t think you’d be back in Beloborg so soon.”

“Well, I had a friend who needed help, so I returned,” Caelus replied with a faint, friendly grin.

“I see. It’s been pretty chaotic recently, should you have already known about the Treasure Hunt craze… The Silvermane Guards have found their match with the automations here.” A frustrated sigh left from the armored man’s helmet. “I’d like to catch up with you a little more, but there’s something Captain Gepard needs to see.”

“Don’t keep him waiting too long,” The Trailblazer agreed as he watched Dunn enter the tent.

The latter’s voice boomed loudly with concern and urgency while Caelus walked away from the tent. “Captain Gepard, we've got a situation. You need to see this…”

As Caelus stood in the center of the camp base, the gravity of the upcoming mission, combined with his unresolved tension between himself and Gepard, hung in the air. He sighed to himself in a mutter. “Looks like tomorrow’s going to be a long day ahead….”

Notes:

I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter & the recent event in patch 1.5, especially all the crumbs at last between Jing Yuan and Caelus 🥰 The food has been thoroughly served well together Yanqing joining them for the family moments!

About Gepard, he has been one in mind aside from my own bias m I started first time. GeCae was one of the pair I had hope there’s more food. But unfortunately, they don’t have much personal interaction each other in-game and lack of fics in here 🥲

The ball peonies dialogue with Natasha gave inspiration to this chapter. Though of course the endgame pairing may be the reason why Gepard is currently avoiding me like a plague I am if I lose pity to standard units 😭😭😭😭

And Sampo wasn’t forgotten for sure when he does feel threatened by Gepard for many things 🤭 I realized something interesting of his ultimate dialogue line. He refers customers as Kings for EN, but JP and CN are him referring his customers as ‘Gods’.

Though I’m not sure if the Gods to him are same as Aeons in here so I didn’t rewrite it to be Aeons for this case. Regardless, our raccoon here did found himself stuck in a sandwich 😋

Hopefully the flow of the chapter for this arc isn’t bad since there’s not much to go on from the Underground Treasure Hunt lore on this 😅

The next part of this chapter will definitely be even longer to make up and wrap things here before we reach the climax and finale of this arc. I promise to add a bit of snippet Jing Yuan and Yanqing inside as I’m also beginning to miss them 😭

Chapter 15: Awkward Reunions & Delicate Alliances (Part 2)

Summary:

The older blue-haired man quickly stepped in before the Trailblazer again with a nervous face. “I’m sure our dear Captain is fine! I’m more worried about you! You’re our great hero of Belobog, who saved everyone from the Stellaron crisis. If anything, I couldn’t forgive myself if danger happened to you.”

“Really?” The gray-haired young man raised an eyebrow with a skeptical look.

Sampo placed a hand over his chest in a dramatic fashion. “Absolutely! The hero's well-being is of utmost importance. It's like protecting a priceless treasure! And I, Sampo Koski, am here to ensure that treasure remains unharmed.”

“I see. Then I’m glad you’re alright, seeing you can still lie your ass off.” Rolled his eyes again at the scammer, Caelus shoved past the man with his shoulders to walk on.

Notes:

┬┴┬┴┤(･_├┬┴┬┴

So... I don't have a good explanation as to why this chapter have a long delay. TLDR short version is just having writer's block and also tons of distraction in between from HSR patches *cough*totallynotbecauseofacertainfeebleandmundanescholar*cough*

I hope I haven't kept you guys waiting too long since... *looks at last update at 23 November 2023* And NOPE, I did NOT forgot this story at all! (;¬_¬)

There’s only two disclaimers I’ll make for this chapter and the whole fanfic 😅

1. Characters can be extremely OOC for this chapter
2. This is still a Jingcae (Jing Yuan/Caelus) as endgame pairing for the whole fanfiction with crumbs AllCae (for most of them)

WARNING: This chapter is a particularly long with at least of 11k+ words total. I hope you guys are ready for the long ride. 😰

If there was going to be a time when Kafka asked Caelus if he had made any decisions that he regretted so far in his journey... It was to neglect Natasha’s word of warning about Sampo. “If I know Sampo, the last thing he wants is to owe you a favor — he'll think of any way possible to pay you back... The longer you leave a favor, the harder it is to calculate its value.”

Was this what she meant by him finding any possible way to repay? The alliance with Sampo made the Trailblazer swear the former was making him live through a walking nightmare thoroughly right before him in the face.

"Good morning, my dear Hero of Belobog! While you’re having a good rest, your pal has taken the liberty to make breakfast for you!” Sampo announced the moment Caelus exited his tent to see the former holding a dish of breakfast to present to him. The odd glances from the other miners didn’t deter the scammer, making the Trailblazer completely wide awake from his drowsiness.

Caelus blinked, trying to process the scene before him. With a mischievous grin, Sampo held up a plate of what seemed to be an eclectic mix of foraged fruits, vegetables, and Stone-grilled Olm. The aroma was a confusing blend of sweet and savory.

"Uh, good morning to you too… Mr. Poisson. Thanks for making breakfast, but you didn't have to do that," Caelus replied cautiously, eyeing the culinary creation with curiosity and skepticism. How did any of the guards or miners let him cook? More importantly, did he even know how to cook in the first place?

"Oh, but I did! A hero needs a hearty breakfast before facing the day's challenges," Sampo declared aloud, handing the plate to Caelus with a flourishing movement.

As the Trailblazer took the plate, he couldn't help but notice the curious glances from the other miners who had paused in their morning routines to witness this unexpected breakfast presentation. His face began to heat up from the growing embarrassment. “R-Right, I’ll be sure to enjoy it.”

"Of course, my fam! It's a Poisson’s special," The older man winked, then strolled away while humming to himself, leaving Caelus to contemplate the unconventional meal in his hands.

Taking a deep breath, his familiar dark hooded, masked companion approached him and greeted him with her cheery voice. “Good morning, Cae! That breakfast of yours looks good. I could smell it distances away from here.”

Caelus smiled in relief at the sight for sore eyes and answered sheepishly. “It’s from Mr. Poisson, actually. I must have woken up late to miss breakfast. Has Mr. Poisson made breakfast for you too?”

“No, but I woke up earlier than Mr. Poisson to take rations from one of the guards handing them out while you were asleep.” Lǎren shook her head at the query. “I offered to keep some of the rations for you, but Mr. Poisson insisted you eat a warm and cooked meal before we take off with Captain Gepard.”

“Is that so...?” Murmured to himself, Caelus looked at the breakfast dish in his hold. It didn’t seem like his hooded, masked friend was telling a lie to him. Yet, the nagging feeling of that scammer remained. He’s certain something odd happened to Sampo with the way he behaved.

While pondering his thoughts, the hooded, masked woman tilted her head slightly to acknowledge an incoming person towards them. “Oh, good morning to you, Captain Gepard!”

The name of the captain of Silvermane Guards nearly caused Caelus to lose his grip on his breakfast dish. But he took a deep breath to calm himself before turning around. Gepard nodded once he reached close to the two and nodded. “Good morning as well, Miss Lǎren. And you too, Caelus. I hope you managed to shave a good rest.”

Caelus nodded, a bit flustered by the unexpected attention. "Yes, I did, thank you. And, uh, good morning, Captain Gepard."

Nodded with a faint smile, Gepard eyed the plate in Caelus's hands with a raised eyebrow. "That’s a big breakfast you’ve prepared yourself. It’s good to eat as much as you can before we head out to investigate the next floor."

“Actually... I didn’t make this. Mr. Poisson prepared this for me instead because I woke up later than usual.” The Trailblazer corrected with an awkward grin on his face.

Gepard's eyebrow arched even higher at the revelation. "Mr. Poisson made this?”

“He did,” Lǎren answered without a beat to affirm. “Mr. Poisson also told me he made this for Caelus to thank you for all the effort you've put into getting us this far.”

While the Trailblazer slightly nodded thoughtfully to her words, the captain of the Silvermane Guards' expression shifted to surprise, and his gaze narrowed at the information learned with a strange expression. “I… See….”

Caelus observed the blond-haired captain’s reaction, sensing an underlying tension in the air. His surprise was palpable, hinting at a layer of complexity that the Trailblazer couldn’t fully decipher. Sampo’s gratitude seemed to strike a chord, but the specifics remained elusive.

Gepard recovered quickly, offering a tight-lipped smile. “Well, that’s thoughtful of him. I appreciate the sentiment he had in mind.”

“Right…? I got to double my efforts on the expedition later.” Caelus, still uncertain about the situation, nodded in response. He moved one of his hands to rub his neck sheepishly.

The atmosphere became slightly awkward, prompting Lǎren to interject with her usual cheerful demeanor. “Captain Gepard, if you ever want a taste of Mr. Poisson’s culinary creations, he might just surprise you with breakfast one of these days!”

Gepard chuckled, and the tension momentarily lifted. “I’ll keep that in mind, Miss Lǎren. Also, please have this too, Caelus.”

The blond-haired captain took a tightly sealed warm metal bottle from his inventory and handed it to the shorter man. “It’s a stew. I have taken the liberty to cook it myself, keeping it warm until you wake up. It should be a suitable addition to your breakfast."

“Look, Gepard, I... Really shouldn’t...” A surprised and awkward expression immediately colored the Trailblazer’s face. Should he decline it out of respect to not lead the poor captain? Yet, he’d only complicate matters when it could be a simple and friendly gesture.

As though sensing his hesitation, Gepard stepped forward and placed the bottle into the gray-haired man’s grip. His white-gloved and larger hands covered against the smaller one, the captain smiled assuredly, with a hint of warmth in his eyes. "Consider it a gesture of gratitude for your efforts and cooperation. We're all in this together."

“Oh... Of course, thank you.” Caelus nodded and accepted the stew gingerly.

Gepard's smile widened, and he patted the shorter man’s shoulders. "It's my pleasure, Caelus. If you’d like, we can chat and enjoy breakfast—!"

“Captain Gepard!” Sampo exclaimed, despite his voice sounding out of breath; he ran towards the blond-haired man, interrupting the invitation.

Gepard turned towards the strange vagrant, raising an eyebrow at the sudden arrival. "Mr. Poisson? Is something the matter?"

The dark blue-haired older man panted momentarily, catching his breath before speaking. "Captain Gepard, the soldiers are looking for you urgently. They just heard some concerning information from one of the scouts.”

The warm blue eyes turned serious with stoicism at the news, and he gave a slight nod to acknowledge before he glanced at Caelus and Lǎren. "Apologies. It seems like I cannot join you for breakfast."

“That’s fine, Gepard,” Caelus returned reassuringly to the other man. “Do what you must do. The safety of the citizens comes first.”

Gepard nodded appreciatively at Caelus's understanding. "Thank you, Caelus. We'll reconvene later. Please stay vigilant, and if anything changes, send someone to find me immediately."

With a quick nod, Gepard turned and followed Sampo towards the urgent matter that required his attention. Caelus, Lǎren, and the rest of the camp watched as the captain disappeared into the busy camp, his figure blending with the armored guards.

"Well, that was unexpected and concerning...," Caelus remarked, breaking the brief silence that followed the blond-haired man's departure. “Did you know anything about this, Mr. Poisson?”

“Oh, that,” Sampo shrugged his shoulder indifferently and answered. “The scouts are to get rid of the Captain.”

“What?!!”

“Now, now, my dear fam,” Ignoring any protests or possible violent backlash from the gray-haired young man, the older man placed his arms around his dear friend to drag him along in a direction. “Let’s leave official trivial matters like to the dear captain. The breakfast will get cold if you stand here fretting like this!”

Any complaints from Caelus died out and fell deaf ears to the scammer with the hooded, masked woman following along with them. While the strange yet concerned gazes from other people continued to linger on the trio even as the Trailblazer finished his breakfast.

=0=

"Listen up, everyone,” Captain Dunn announced loudly, with Gepard beside him to the Silvermane Guards. “We’ll be splitting into two groups for the expedition. Squad A will follow me to rescue injured citizens back to our campsite. The surface reports have returned that they will send more medical supplies down soon, and those severely injured will be brought back up for further immediate treatment. Squad B will be led by Captain Gepard and the Hero of Belobog to stop the automation by shutting down their core.”

Taking his cue, Gepard stepped forward to address his Squad B. "Our mission is crucial to the success of the overall expedition. We need to locate and shut down the automation core to ensure the safety of the citizens in the Underworld. Each of you plays a vital role, so stay focused and work together. We have received intel that the automation fortified their positions in the lower levels. Be prepared for potential confrontations and prioritize the safety of the citizens."

As the preparations continued for the expedition, Caelus found himself amid a diverse group of Silvermane Guards. The air was charged with a mixture of determination and apprehension. Lǎren stood by his side, her hood concealing most of her expression but her presence exuding an air of readiness. “I had heard from Captain Dunn’s reports last night that the robots were aware of our presence in the underground maze. Enemies here are united and look out for each other. They hunt treasure hunters together.”

“We can’t go in blindly as we did before to explore,” Caelus agreed, his gaze remained at the front. “They’d ambushed us at any opportunity they get when our backs are revealed to them.”

As Gepard continued briefing the squad, Caelus couldn't shake off the disquieting feeling about the automation. They had made a frighteningly fast adaptive learning of their movements, which made them possibly as formidable as Mr. Svarog himself. 

Gepard's stern voice cut through the tense atmosphere as he outlined the action plan. "Stay vigilant, Squad B. We'll face challenges, but our objective is clear. Shut down the core, and we secure the safety of our people. Move out!"

Nodding to each other, before the Trailblazer and Lǎren were to make their move to join in, a young Silvermane soldier approached the pair. He spoke through his steel plate mask with a voice of admiration and nervousness. "Hero of Belobog, I've heard tales of your exploits to save us from the Stellaron crisis. It's an honor to serve alongside you,"

Caelus nodded appreciatively, acknowledging the camaraderie that was forming. "Thank you. We're all in this together. Let's focus on the task at hand and ensure a safe expedition for everyone."

“Our hero is right!” The familiar, over-the-top dramatic voice that the poor gray-haired young man wished to forget from his breakfast after suffering on having a rather strange subservient Sampo. He seemed more determined than the last to make his life in the camp a humiliating hell.

The fact he was still walking healthily without any repercussions of possible poisoning was a miracle in itself.  The scammer approached with a theatrical bow, his demeanor almost exaggeratedly to flaunt his worship of the Belobog’s Hero. "Ah, my esteemed Hero of Belobog! With you on our side, Fear not, for your humble servant, Brughel Poisson, is here to assist you in your noble endeavors."

Caelus’s eye twitched in disbelief at the persistence of this behavior. This newfound theatrical flair was doubtlessly more extreme than the scheming and unpredictable Sampo he had known. He could feel his masked friend’s and other soldiers’ gazes observing the scene with confusion and amusement.

Unfazed by the growing murmurs, the older, dark blue-haired man continued. “While our beloved captain was busy giving orders, I have prepared a special concoction to enhance your abilities for the upcoming mission!”

Retrieving an item from the back, Sampo presented two items before the Trailblazer: Enhancement Pastes for Physical and Fire. Caelus eyed the vial warily, his skepticism apparent. "Uh, thanks, but I think I'll pass. As tough as it will be, I can take them down without a problem. And together with Captain Gepard's leadership, we should be able to see through this."

"Ah, but my dear Hero, it's a Poisson family secret!” Sampo's dramatic expression shifted to a slightly hurt one, as though personally wounded by the rejection of his supposed gift. "Passed down through generations! Are you certain you wish to miss such a unique opportunity?"

“Did he actually just make that up on the spot...?!” Caelus’s yellow eyes twitched again in disbelief as he thought to himself. What a way to put him in the spotlight in front of everyone...

Confusion and amusement lingered in the air as the soldiers observed the peculiar interaction between the two men. The Trailblazer couldn't help but feel like a pawn in one of Sampo's eccentric performances.

Then, with a resigned and irritated sigh, the younger man relented, taking the vials from Sampo and stuffed them into his inventory. "Fine, I'll keep them with me, but no guarantees I'll use them. Now, let's focus on the mission at hand."

Sampo beamed with satisfaction, his theatrics reaching a crescendo. "Ah, my esteemed Hero, your wisdom knows no bounds! Fear not, for with these enhancements, you shall ascend to new heights of glory!"

“What are all of you standing around here for?!” Gepard’s voice suddenly barked fiercely towards the group, his blue eyes landing on his soldiers.

The sudden command from Captain Gepard snapped everyone back to attention. The soldiers straightened, and the theatrics between Caelus and Sampo abruptly stopped. Gepard's stern gaze swept over the group, his voice cutting through any lingering distractions.

"Enough of this idle chatter! We have a mission to accomplish, and every moment wasted is a potential threat to the citizens we swore to protect. Prepare for move out!”

As the remaining troops immediately fled from their captain, Gepard approached Caelus and his team. "Caelus, I trust you're ready for this. Your skills and leadership will be invaluable. If you need anything or have any concerns, please let me know. We can’t afford any delays."

Caelus met the captain's gaze and nodded. “Of course, Gepard. We'll work together to see this through. Our top priorities are the citizens' safety and the expedition's success.”

With a final nod, Captain Gepard gave the signal, and Squad B set out towards the depths of the Great Mine with Caelus’s group.

=0=

Delving deeper into the Great Mine, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense. The dimly lit tunnels echoed with the distant hums and clanks of the automation. Squad B moved with calculated precision, navigating the maze-like passages with urgency.

Sampo led the way with his intelligence and experience of venturing the lower levels of the Mine with Caelus walking beside him. Gepard and Lǎren followed closely behind; their body posture was vigilant in preparing for any sudden ambush. The Silvermane Guards, a mix of seasoned warriors and newcomers, maintained a vigilant formation.

As they ventured deeper, the signs of automaton activity became more evident. Discarded parts, malfunctioning constructs, and the occasional automated patrol marked their path. The Trailblazer’s yellow eyes briefly examined the broken parts from afar and murmured. “Someone had come here before we did...”

“Yes...,” Sampo returned with a whisper to acknowledge, one hand lifted to adjust his large cap. “They were likely treasure hunters or explorers who crossed paths with the automation,”

Caelus’s brows furrowed; the fact that other hunters had attempted this problematic journey much earlier than them only heightened the stakes. “How far do you think the robots would take them as captive...?”

“Only the next level as far they could go, fam,” The older dark blue-haired man explained in his hushed voice. ”Beyond the level after the next, it’s where their defense is more formidable than anything else. They’ve fortified their positions, expecting an assault.”

“A combat will be inevitable...” The gray-haired young man quietly noted that crucial detail to himself.

Sampo nodded solemnly, his green eyes narrowing to acknowledge the situation's gravity. "Indeed. We need to be strategic to prepare for a fierce confrontation. The automation has likely learned from previous encounters and adapted their defenses accordingly.”

Pressing forward into the Great Mine, the tension in the air thickened. The narrow passages widened into expansive chambers, and the distant hums and clanks of the automation echoed ominously. Gepard signaled the soldiers to slow down, crouching behind a large rock formation, and motioned everyone to follow.

Caelus peeked his head to peer around the corner, and a small group of automation patrolled the area. They moved with an eerie synchronicity, their metallic bodies reflecting the dim light. Gepard also peeked out from the Trailblazer’s back, and his blue eyes turned sharp to observe the movements carefully. “We must find a way past them without alerting the entire chamber. Miss Lǎren, you may bring out the automation spiders to subdue them.”

“Understood, Captain,” The hooded, masked woman nodded at the order. She raised one of her dark-gloved hands to gesture the holographic controls to appear mid-air. With a few quick swipes on the screen, three automation spiders crawled out from her back to move stealthily to where the patrolling robots were.

Despite the sizeable bulky body resembling a large gauntlet, the automation spiders could blend in with the rocks to follow their target. Gepard, who observed the movement, raised a hand up and beckoned forward towards the group.

One group of five soldiers quietly moved towards the automation spiders going to the left, while Caelus, Sampo, Gepard, and two soldiers with them went to the right. And the three remaining soldiers stood around Lǎren to protect her from attacks.

Both groups kept a safe distance from the spiders preparing to detonate. Lǎren spoke up with her mask reflecting the holographic screens of the patrolling robots turning the corner. “We’re almost reaching the base. Prepare yourself.”

The acknowledgment of the imminent confrontation hung in the air as the two groups strategically positioned themselves, preparing for the carefully coordinated assault. Caelus felt a mix of anxiety and determination; the weight of the situation pressed upon him. He exchanged a quick glance with Sampo, who nodded reassuringly, silently communicating their shared readiness.

As the automation spiders stealthily approached their targets, the atmosphere grew taut as the hooded, masked woman gave her own signal. “Now.”

With a button press, the automation spiders exploded in smoke and sparks, causing the two patrolling robots to explode consecutively. Gepard’s blue eyes narrowed as he commanded. “Squad B, move out!”

Gepard’s group charged forward with a yell, engaging the group of enemies mixed with automation and fragmentum monsters. The mob of monsters let out an undecipherable cry of surprise at the ambush. Yet, their roars echoed in the cavern to call upon their allies for aid as they rushed forward to trample the human army.

Immediately, Caelus brought forward his bat and swung against the frost-cold axe raised from an Everwinter Shadewalker. “Haaah!!”

Sparks of energy and ice clashed against each other; the Trailblazer's engagement with his enemy allowed a Silvermane soldier behind him to head toward one of the injured miners he spotted. Caelus huffed a deep breath before unleashing his strength to parry away the frosty axe.

In the chaotic symphony of clashes and roars, the group found themselves entangled in a dance of combat. The Shadewalkers were stronger than the ones fought previously, as though to indicate the corruption of Fragmentum rotted into their core.

The frosty and fiery swings of both Everwinter and Incineration Shadewalkers Trailblazer required Caelus to dodge with agility and precision. With a loud smack, he bashed one full charge of his curio bat in a blue light against their helmet heads. Both axes fell onto the ground as their wielders dissipated in the golden light and nothingness.

Amidst the chaos, Sampo demonstrated his skills, swiftly moving through the battlefield with finesse and unpredictability. His strikes were precise, aimed at the vulnerable joints of the automation.

Gepard, with the prominent guitar case-shaped shield, slammed against each fragmentum monster rushing towards order. His stern blue eyes remained vigilant to seek any of the civilians or his soldiers who needed his protection. Each order barked from his lips was to not let their guard down.

The Silvermane Guards, seasoned soldiers with a mix of weapons and combat styles, showcased their training as they engaged the automatons and fragmentum monsters. Lǎren’s synergy with the soldiers was evident as she timely coordinated each automation spider released towards the enemy robots to stun for her comrades’ advantage. All the while ensuring no stun explosions reached the soldiers escorting the injured miners from the enemy’s base.

The cavern echoed with clashing metal, occasional explosions from the automation spiders, and the distant roars of the enemies calling for reinforcements. Soon, two humanoid creatures akin to the Decaying Shadow and Guardian Shadow emerged from the back.

“One of their lower leaders is here!” Caelus thought to himself, swinging his bat to smack away a flamespawn diving at him.

He turned his head and saw Gepard, who also shared a similar acknowledgment to what they had spotted. Both rushed towards the emerging, humanoid creatures, ready to confront this new threat head-on.

Noticing the pair heading towards the Fragmentum Shadows, Sampo slit the enemy automation power cord to the source and called out. "Oh, Miss Lǎren! I think it’s time to bring out the big guns with everyone safely evacuated."

“I’m on it, Mr. Poisson!” The hooded, masked woman acknowledged, as her gloved fingers hurriedly fiddled with her holographic screen to call out another batch of automation spiders.

The Silvermane Guards adjusted their tactics, redirecting their attention to the remaining fragmentum creatures attempting to support their leaders. Lǎren, with her holographic controls, directed the remaining automation spiders to converge on one of the leaders at each position, aiming to disrupt its actions.

Caelus, fueled by determination and adrenaline, unleashed a flurry of strikes against the golden spikes darting to him by the Decaying Shadow from its staff. When the monster raised its staff, conjuring golden glowing binds to wrap about the gray-haired young man, Gepard quickly intercepted the attack by putting his arm around the other’s waist and pulling him close. “Caelus!”

With a sturdy slam of the weapon case placed in front of them on the ground, a shield-like light rose from the ground to envelop them, repelling the spell. Then, followed by a strike of purple lightning, their bodies winced from the electrifying pain summoned by the Guardian Shadow.

“Thanks... I owe you,” Caelus muttered with a breathless sigh, his yellow eyes focusing on the two enemies.

“No need to thank me for, Caelus. It’s my job to protect you. Also...,” Gepard gave a curt nod in return. His gaze locked onto the Decaying Shadow and Guardian Shadow, the formidable foes that loomed before them. “We need to watch each other’s back. Let's deal with these two swiftly.”

“Right. We won’t be able to reach the last floor if it hinders us here,” The Trailblazer agreed, one hand hovering over his bat and sliding across to charge it up in a blue energy with his pure, raw energy.

The Decaying Shadow moved its staff horizontally, summoning nine golden glowing spikes in a circular formation. “Remember this moment.”

Caelus’s eyes widened with an alert at the familiar pattern attack coming from this creature. “We must destroy all the spikes before she charges the gauge!”

“Understood!” Gepard acknowledged before rushing together with the Trailblazer towards the Shadows monster.

However, just before they reached and struck the Decaying Shadow, the Guardian Shadow had also placed its staff in a horizontal position and commanded. “Never forgive.”

Immediately, the Trailblazer and the Captain felt their nerves jolt by lightning surges within their veins to paralyze them. The sharp pain caused the two men to stagger in their steps, with Gepard first to groan. “My body…”

“Damn… It…!” Caelus growled in pain and frustration at the familiarity of this trick. Any movement to attack the Decaying Shadow or Guardian Shadow would strike a lightning hammer at either of them.

Gepard clenched his teeth against the pain, his body tensing from the electric shocks. “This… Won’t stop us…!”

The Trailblazer agreed with a grunt through his gritted teeth, attempting to resist the paralyzing effect. The Guardian Shadow's lightning restraint proved a formidable obstacle, threatening to impede their advance.

However, as the two Shadows focused on their opponents in front of them, an unexpected flamboyant voice behind them called out with a smile in the voice. “Are you looking forward to this, my dear fam?”

Looking up to where the voice was, Caelus’s face colored with surprise as the disguised vagrant stood behind the two enemy leaders with a simple smile, thinking aloud in his thoughts. “Sampo?!”

Yet, Sampo’s rather charismatic smile plastered on his face, announced casually despite the two Shadows turning around to prepare to switch their targets to him. “Fret not, my dear hero. After all, the customer is God.”

From a snap of his fingers, the automation spiders surrounding the two Shadows twisted their necks with orange sparks of fire igniting around them. Gepard’s face was colored with recognition. He used all the strength in his paralyzed body to rush over and protect the Trailblazer with his body. “Watch out!”

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Just in time, Caelus was pushed onto the ground with Gepard hovering above him with a grunt to shield him against the explosion. The loud and consecutive explosive attacks on the Decaying Shadow destroyed all the spikes, and the Guardian Shadow lost control of its spell to paralyze its enemies.

“And, if you ask me to betray God…”

WHISHHH!

Sounds of blades slicing against raw flesh in the air echoed in the cavern; Sampo, holding his twin daggers up high behind his back, wore a sly smirk as his green eyes glinted at the two enemy leaders and muttered. “There will be an additional charge to pay.”

The two Shadow creatures emitted Monstrous screams of pain as powerful wind shears erupted from their bodies. Once formidable foes, the Decaying Shadow and Guardian Shadow now lay in scattered fragments on the cavern floor. The disruption caused by the explosions had shattered their coordinated defense, leaving them vulnerable to Sampo's calculated strikes.

The cavern fell into a momentary silence, disrupted only by the distant echoes of battle and the sly chuckle of Sampo. Gepard, slowly getting up from his protective stance over Caelus, cast a wary gaze at the disguised vagrant. The Trailblazer, recovering from the explosion's shock, eyed Sampo with surprise and confusion.

“Caelus!” Lǎren’s voice called out to him as she rushed to her friend's side.

Caelus pushed himself off the ground and looked at her once she reached for him. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” The hooded, masked woman reassured with a nod. “I’m just glad we made it in time to save you and Captain Gepard.”

Sampo twirled his daggers with flair, the orange sparks from the explosions reflecting in his green eyes. Having served their explosive purpose, the automation spiders disintegrated into digital fragments. The air was tense as the fragments settled, revealing the aftermath of Sampo's unexpected intervention.

Gepard offered a gratitude nod to the disguised vagrant, realizing the significance of this unexpected turn of events. "Thank you for your help back there, Mr. Poisson. Your timing was impeccable."

"Just doing my part, Captain. Besides, a little flair never hurts, right? After all," Sampo, still wearing his charismatic smile, responded with a nonchalant shrug. And, he winked at the Trailblazer, which seemed to earn both exasperation and annoyance from him and the Captain, respectively. “A good strategy always includes a few surprises, my dear Trailblazer."

Clearing his throat with an awkward cough, Caelus sighed tiredly with a nod. “Right. I’m glad we’ve cleared this place. For now, let’s take a quick break to rest and check on the injured miners to see if we could do some basic treatment for them.”

“I agree. I will patrol with my soldiers, who can still do so, to look for any suspecting reinforcements nearby. If you need any supplies to care for the injured, please don’t hesitate to let me know, Caelus.” The Captain of the Silvermane Guards nodded; his earlier annoyance dissipated to focus on the discussion.

Caelus nodded in appreciation at Gepard's offer. "Thank you, Captain. We'll tend to them and regroup for the next phase. Let's secure this area first before moving deeper into the mine."

With their respective roles given, the group of four split off in the respective directions. Gepard called his men to follow him in his patrol while the other three began tending to the injured miners and soldiers resting on the newly secured base.

=0=

“Look, ‘Mr. Poisson,’” Caelus sighed loudly as he scratched his head with frustration at the taller man standing before him with one hand. His other hand held a few rolls of bandages his hooded, masked friend requested to pick up while they were tending one of the wounded miners. “I’m perfectly fine. I don’t need any treatment when I have no injuries at all.”

“B-But, my fam, that explosion was quite intense, and you were at the center of it!" Sampo insisted, his hands on his hips. "One can never be too careful, you know? Let me check for any hidden injuries, my dear hero."

Caelus rolled his eyes at the overexaggerated concerns, pushing past him to walk ahead of him. After all, Lǎren needed this stuff urgently. “I’ve already told you. Gepard protected me from the explosions you didn’t warn us about. If anything, I’m more worried about him instead.”

The older blue-haired man quickly stepped in before the Trailblazer again with a nervous face. “I’m sure our dear Captain is fine! I’m more worried about you! You’re our great hero of Belobog, who saved everyone from the Stellaron crisis. If anything, I couldn’t forgive myself if danger happened to you.”

“Really?” The gray-haired young man raised an eyebrow with a skeptical look.

Sampo placed a hand over his chest in a dramatic fashion. “Absolutely! The hero's well-being is of utmost importance. It's like protecting a priceless treasure! And I, Sampo Koski, am here to ensure that treasure remains unharmed.”

“I see. Then I’m glad you’re alright, seeing you can still lie your ass off.” Rolled his eyes again at the scammer, Caelus shoved past the man with his shoulders to walk on.

As the said scammer had a flustered expression and now catching up to the younger man, the latter continued. “But look here. I’m not an ungrateful asshole or anything. I’m thankful you saved us both in the nick of time back there. So, we can call this even right…?”

“Even?” Sampo tilted his head with a strange expression coloring his face. Then, he burst out laughing, making the other younger man stop in his tracks to look at him. His body was nearly thrown backward at the amusing question. “Oh no, my dear Caelus. You’ve got it all wrong. This is part of the special service by Sampo Koski of our partnership. And since you are my best customer, you only deserve the best service.”

Although the Trailblazer’s face was expressionless, he became more guarded with alertness. He couldn’t decipher at all what Sampo really wanted with him now. If saving him from the two Shadows wasn’t to repay the favor for covering the older scammer's business and taking all the treasure back from the mastermind in the depths of this ruin… Then what did he really want out of him?

Caelus continued to observe Sampo with a hint of suspicion, his yellow eyes narrowing slightly. "Special service, huh? Well then, could I request this ‘service’ of yours now?”

“Just say the word, and this old pal is all yours.”

“Then, let’s stop this.” The one simple sentence without an emotion was a whiplash to Sampo. His earlier merry mood instantly disappeared to replace a stunned and emotionless expression.

The Trailblazer heaved a soft sigh and clarified. “I mean, you act like my slave and all that stuff. Stop that. I mean it when I want to help you secure your loot while working with Gepard. I promise to hold up my bargain of the deal here. You do not need to obey every single word I said like….”

‘Like Kafka,’ the end of the sentence was at the tip of Caelus’s tongue as his body shuddered from the chill. But the ones who were controlled by Kafka were less than slaves and more like mindless puppets.

He quickly shook his head and huffed. “So, anyway, there’s no need for this hero worship or anything like that. You, being yourself, to run your ‘business.’ That’s all.”

Sampo stared at Caelus with surprise and confusion, his charismatic demeanor momentarily replaced by genuine bewilderment. The sudden change in the Trailblazer's tone and the rejection of the 'special service' left the scammer at a loss for words.

"You... Don't want the special service?" Sampo stammered, almost as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

Caelus sighed again, this time with a touch of exasperation. "Yes. We're allies, partners even. Just be yourself and do your thing. No need for theatrics."

The older blue-haired man blinked, his green eyes wide with surprise, and then a slow smile crept across his face. "My dear hero, you're truly something else. Rejecting the charm of my special service. Most people would kill for such an opportunity, you know."

Quirking an eyebrow at the scammer, the Trailblazer placed a hand on his hips. His gaze was composed to remain firm against him. "Unfortunately, I'm not like most people.”

"Clearly you are, Caelus. Although you should know..." Sampo chuckled, stepping closer to the younger man, his larger frame shadow loomed over him and whispered. "I don’t simply offer my special services to anyone. I only reserved the best to my best customer, after all.”

Both yellow eyes narrowed warily at the implications of the scammer’s words. Caelus couldn’t tell if he should feel flattered or even more wary that Natasha’s and Seele’s warning led him to realize he had dug a hole too deep being involved with him.

However, just before the Trailblazer was to rebuke him, a larger hand from the back grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back so that a familiar blond-haired captain could step in between them. Caelus’s stern face transformed into shock at the unexpected appearance. “Gepard...?”

Gepard placed himself firmly between Caelus and Sampo, his expression stern and unwavering. His gaze shifted from the suspicious vagrant to Caelus, a clear message conveyed without a word – a protective stance over the Trailblazer.

“Is there a problem here?" Gepard's voice carried a strict tone, his eyes fixed on Sampo. Once tinged with uncertainty, the cavern's atmosphere held a palpable tension.

Sampo, however, seemed unfazed by the Captain's intervention. He leaned back casually, his hands raised up in the air as a playful surrender, and offered a nonchalant smile. "No problem at all, Captain. Just a friendly chat between partners, you know?"

The blond-haired man’s blue eyes merely narrowed with doubt at the claims. He switched his attention to Caelus standing behind to speak. “Caelus, is that true?”

Still caught off guard by Gepard's sudden appearance and protective gesture, Caelus quickly gathered himself. “Yeah, it’s true. Everything's under control. Just a misunderstanding, that's all.”

Gepard's gaze lingered on Sampo for a moment longer before he nodded. "Very well. If there’s nothing else, allow me to borrow Caelus for a few moments to discuss the next plans of our movement.”

Instead of waiting for the suspicious vagrant to answer or react, the Captain grabbed Caelus’s hand and pulled him along. The latter was also at a loss for words at the gesture from Gepard, yet he nevertheless quietly followed him along even as he felt the gaze from Sampo landing on both.

As Gepard led the Trailblazer away from Sampo, the cavern's tension seemed to ease slightly. The suspicious vagrant watched them go with a sharp glint in his eyes, his hands returning to his pockets as he lounged against the cavern wall.

The Captain guided Caelus to a quieter corner of the cavern, away from the ongoing activities. Once it was safe for privacy, Gepard finally removed his grip on the shorter man, allowing him to ask with wariness in his tone. “So… You said you wanted to discuss the next plans. You found something in your patrol?”

“Forgive me, but no. That was a lie, actually. ” The Captain shook his head as he apologized. “I noticed the air around you had grown uncomfortable around your… Strange friend. I knew you could handle things like this yourself. But, I simply felt the need to intervene.”

As the Trailblazer stood still to process the unexpected revelation, his face immediately colored with a strange and awkward expression. “O-Oh, um, I see….”

It was the first time Caelus saw Gepard telling lies when he was often honest to a fault. And a deja vu situation he found himself in earlier in the day. But, right now, they were standing again face to face with the tension of their past unresolved tension returning.

The Captain’s blue eyes softened to the shorter man with concern. “I couldn’t help but wonder about that friend of yours. That man… He’s Sampo Koski, isn’t he?”

“What?” Caelus blinked his eyes in astonishment and shook his head hurriedly. “N-No, no, I swear! That man isn’t Sampo Koski. He’s….”

“He’s…? Who is he?” Gepard raised an eyebrow at the now Caelus’s odd and flustered behavior.

How much did the Captain know about Sampo’s current disguise? Or did he recognize the vagrant was Sampo? Regardless… The Trailblazer’s muddled brain attempted to think of a solution with sweat trickling down his head. “Well, he’s um… Gepard, listen, Brughel Poisson is... He is Sampo’s long lost distant cousin-older brother-uncle-colleague-fourth relative-third son-friend’s assistant!”

“… Sampo’s… Assistant?” The blond-haired Captain repeated with bewilderment.

The Trailblazer nodded with an assured smile. “Yeah, apparently, they’re related. But I swear he’s an honest guy who has been working an honest life hopping between planets for a decent living. He heard of this treasure hunt and offered to team up together.”

He’s got to give Pela the credit where it’s due for her loaning him all copies of ‘The Winterland Series’ and even teaching him the world of fanfiction. From the look of Gepard’s pensive face, it seemed like he was buying this false story to cover for Sampo.

Yet it was ironic for Caelus to realize it was the second time he was covering for the older scammer’s fraud business. Maybe it was time for him to consider blocking this man to cut off ties with him for his own good.

After much thinking, Gepard finally nodded, yet his expression remained concerned and stoic. “I see. I owe Mr. Poisson some apologies for my behavior. When I first saw him, I had presumed he was Sampo Koski. Given how the modus operandi of this Treasure Hunt ran, it was doubtlessly him.”

“Why did you think so?” The Trailblazer asked, deciding to play alongside the Captain a little longer.

Placed a hand on his chin, the blond-haired Captain’s eyes narrowed as he explained. “He's a crafty man. According to leads provided by citizens, he's got his hands on several ancient relics from somewhere. Instead of selling all of them, he’s keeping some to deceive people.”

Caelus maintained a façade of interest in Gepard's explanation while internally grappling with the situation's complexity. The Captain continued, his gaze piercing through the dimly lit cavern as if searching for hidden truths. “Sampo Koski has a reputation for clever schemes and elaborate cons. He's slippery, always slipping through the authorities' fingers. If he's here, we need to be cautious. The last thing we need is another layer of deception in this precarious situation.”

“You're right, Gepard.” The Trailblazer nodded in agreement, his mind racing to find a way to distance himself from Sampo without raising suspicion. “We can’t afford any complications, especially since we’re so close to reaching the last level. I'll keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't disrupt our mission."

Gepard smiled with a hint of warmth in them and approached Caelus. “I trust your judgment, Caelus. Remember, don't hesitate to inform me if things get out of hand. We're in this together.”

But, when he placed his hand onto the Trailblazer’s shoulders, Caelus moved away from his touch. Both men realized the withdrawn reaction of the gray-haired young man; the latter hurriedly tried to reassure Gepard with a tense yet friendly smile. “Y-You can leave Mr. Poisson to me, Gepard. I’ll handle things here. Anyway, I should get going. Lǎren needs these stuff to take care of the injured miners.”

“Caelus, it’s—!” Before Gepard could even finish what he intended to say, the Trailblazer had already spun on his heels to briskly walk away from him without looking back. As his blue eyes watched Caelus’s back with a forlorn expression, he looked back at his own hand that was to touch his shoulders and sighed to himself. The cavern echoed with the distant sounds of miners and the occasional water drip, creating an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty.

=0=

Caelus made his way through the dimly lit passages of the mine, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts. “Shit... I really messed things up again.”

The encounter with Sampo had left him on edge, and now the added pressure of keeping up the friendly charade with Gepard weighed heavily on him. He couldn’t keep doing this to Gepard, especially since he needed to clarify his stance to him.

Yet, the hurt expression on the Captain’s face was still fresh in Caelus’s mind. Just like before when he first gave his answer to him. And there, he lost his chance again from his hesitance.

As he reached where the injured miners were being tended to, Lǎren noticed his arrival. The hooded figure turned to face him, the glow of the bandages illuminating a fraction of their masked face. "Caelus, you're back. Did you manage to get the supplies?"

"Yeah, here they are." Caelus handed over the rolls of bandages, his tone clipped and distracted.

Lǎren gave a nod to acknowledge with thanks before turning to the miner. “Could you also please help to hold his leg while I donned the bandages on him?”

“Oh sure,” The Trailblazer knelt beside the hooded, masked woman. Both hands reached to gently and firmly hold down the miner’s thighs.

After nodding to Caelus, Lǎren turned to the vagrant man and spoke calmly. “This would hurt a little, but bear with us.”

“O... Of course...,” The vagrant weakly nodded.

Caelus tried to focus on the task, assisting his hooded, masked friend in securing the bandages around the injured miner's leg. The rhythmic sounds of their work offered a brief respite from the conversations he had earlier.

Lǎren's gloved hands moved with precision, something new Caelus learned of his friend in her skills to tend to the wounded. As the hooded figure worked, the Trailblazer stole a glance at the injured miner's face. The man winced in pain, but there was gratitude in his eyes. It reminded Caelus of the purpose behind their mission to rescue the treasure hunters and miners lured by the dangerous prospect of wealth and to find his friend’s treasure too.

However, even now, conflicting and troubled emotions gnawed at the edges of Caelus's thoughts. The complexities pushed him to the limits, and he couldn't shake the feeling that everything was on the verge of breaking apart.

Once Lǎren finished tending to the miner's leg, she let out a relieved sigh under her mask and spoke to him. “There. Unfortunately... This is the best I can do for you right now. But the soldiers have told me help is on the way to escort everyone here back to the surface soon.”

The miner offered a weak but appreciative smile. "Thank you, both of you. I never thought I'd see the light of day again."

Caelus nodded, and he gave his own assurance to the man. "We're here to help. Once everyone is treated, we'll find a way to get you all to safety."

As Caelus and Lǎren continued to aid the injured miners, the dimly lit cavern echoed with murmurs of pain and gratitude from each injured person they treated. The distant sounds of activity created an atmosphere of tension and relief.

When the immediate medical needs were addressed, the hooded, masked woman took a moment to step aside with the gray-haired young man. “Shall we take our break too, Caelus? We will need the energy before we move forward.”

The Trailblazer nodded with a sigh heaved from his lips. “Sure, I could use a quick rest too.”

Both walked together in a comfortable silence, their footsteps rhythmically echoing in the cavern. They found a relatively quiet corner in the cavern. Lǎren sat on a nearby rock, and Caelus followed suit, sitting opposite her.

Heaving a relaxed sigh, the hooded, masked woman turned to her friend. "Caelus, you looked stressed out. Did Captain Gepard deliver the bad news of their patrol?"

“What makes you say that?” Caelus turned to her, only his face with furrowed brows reflecting on the black plate mask.

Lǎren spoke with concern. “Well... While you were picking up the supplies, Captain Gepard was looking for you earlier. I told him where you were, and he went to look for you... Something must’ve happened between the two of you.”

“Yeah... A lot is going on. It seems like there were more casualties among the soldiers than Gepard realized.” The gray-haired young man ran his hand through his hair. “We need to tread carefully more than ever at the last floor. Who knows what would be waiting for us....”

“I see... But I’m sure that’s not it, isn’t it? You and Captain Gepard. It feels like you two have this awkward tension around. You must’ve quite a history with Captain Gepard.” The hooded, masked woman spoke with an ever-perceptive voice, sensed something amiss, yet with a calming tone that held no judgment to him.

For a moment, silence followed after Lǎren prodded Caelus. The latter let out a weak chuckle, feeling the weight of the situation finally caught up on him. His hooded, masked friend’s keen perception didn’t miss much, and he appreciated her ability to read between the lines.

“It’s complicated,” The Trailblazer said, choosing his words carefully. “Gepard and I had no history, but we’ve been through a lot together. When we first met each other, there were a lot of misunderstandings between us. Though soon enough, those misunderstandings cleared up once Serval and we Nameless convinced him that Cocolia had been accelerating the destruction of his home through the Stellaron.”

Caelus looked upwards to the rocky ceiling to relive the memories of his first journey in Belobog. “Then, the fighting ended, and it was suggested we stayed around to help the citizens wherever needed to rebuild their lives. During this time, I often hung out with Gepard to train with his soldiers, and we bonded very closely as good friends. He’d offer to help me as one of the museum assistants when I was working there, and in return, I also became close to their youngest sister Lynx, whom he and Serval worried so much about.”

Then, the gray-haired young man lowered his head, and a bitter, guilty smile curled. “Of course, all those times, I had only seen him as a good friend and nothing more. So, when he confessed his love for me, I didn’t know what to think...”

=0=

Gepard nodded, a genuine and heartfelt smile gracing his features. “From the first moment our eyes met, I loved you, Caelus. You're brave and compassionate; your heart is as vast as the skies you traverse. I cherish every moment we've spent together and want to continue creating those memories, side by side with you.”

The Trailblazer’s eyes widened as he listened to the other man’s confession of love to him. He’d never thought it would happen to him, for someone who woke up with no memories of himself or his past. Also, Caelus never considered himself particularly special, merely someone trying to navigate a complex world. That’s why...

“I...I’m sorry, Gepard. But, I don’t know about this,” Caelus managed to find the words from his speechless, shocked self to reply to the Captain’s feelings.

Gepard's expression shifted from hopeful anticipation to a mixture of hurt and shock. The street around them seemed to grow colder, the once comforting atmosphere turning into an awkward silence. The Trailblazer felt the weight of the blond-haired man's confession hanging in the air, and he struggled to find the right words to ease the situation.

"... I don't expect you to reciprocate immediately," Gepard said, his voice trying to maintain a composed tone with a slight smile. "But I needed to be honest about my feelings. I understand it might take time for you to process, and I'm willing to wait for that."

The Trailblazer looked into the blond-haired man’s blue eyes, seeing a vulnerability that caught him off guard. As far as his missing memories could recall, he had never been in a situation like this before, and the internal turmoil was evident on his face. The gray-haired young man ran a hand through his hair, a nervous habit he had developed after waking up from the space station.

"I... Um... Look, Gepard, it's not about time or waiting," Caelus began, trying to articulate his thoughts. “I’m a member of the Nameless. I value our friendship, and you mean a lot to me. But... I don’t know if I even feel the same way about you. I’m not even sure if I could stay here with you in Belobog with the mission to remove the Stellaron all over the universe.”

A heavy silence hung between them after the blond-haired Captain's shoulders slumped from the other man’s reply. The chilly atmosphere of the street seemed to intensify as the weight of Caelus's words settled in. Gepard's small smile faded, replaced by a more somber expression.

"... I see... I appreciate your honesty, Caelus," Gepard said, his voice measured. "It's difficult to hear, but I'd rather know the truth. If you need time to figure things out, I'll respect that."

Caelus nodded, a mix of guilt and uncertainty etched on his face.

There was still time before the Express departed for their next journey. He should really take this time to think about Gepard’s feelings, perhaps even give him a chance to reciprocate if possible. After all, Gepard was one of his closest steadfast friends who had supported him in times of need.

Yet... The longer Caelus hesitated and avoided confronting the man, the more distance their relationship grew until the day he left Belobog... Like the First Snow Flower, Rosie withered under the Trailblazer’s care before returning to her rightful owner.

=0=

“No matter how hard I tried... I just couldn’t be able to return his feelings.” Caelus concluded quietly with frustration and guilt pouring out from his heart. “Honestly speaking, there’s really nothing wrong with him. He’s really a good guy. An honorable, upstanding, and kind person, the sort of guy that many women in Belobog wanted to be his lover.”

The fact that he couldn’t find fault in this man called Gepard to answer his love tore the Trailblazer’s heart far worse than when the Stellaron inside him went berserk, killing Doomsday Beast. His mind still recalled times he had consulted those who knew Gepard closely in his life.

“Captain Gepard...? I think he could accurately be described as Belobog's iron wall. In this city, it's more difficult to defend than go on the offensive.” Bronya was the first person he asked to understand the man better as a Captain of the Silvermane Guards.

“Captain Gepard is an honorable man and very reliable. But when it comes to his horticultural skills... all I can say is I respect his effort and wish him the best of luck.” Next was Pela, the second person to ask about the blond-haired man as a friend and colleague in their duties.

Lastly, Caelus had also asked Lynx on one of her snowy expeditions, and he met her by chance. “My brother is a very capable and very good man... It would be nice if he didn't worry so much about me.”

With all the praises and respects they held for Gepard... Caelus could only bitterly wonder why he hadn’t been able to return the feelings for him before, as his heart now belonged to someone else who would never return his feelings. “And now, my own behavior around him decides to screw up whatever ounce of friendship that’s left between us.”

Lǎren listened attentively to Caelus's narrative, her hood concealing any expressions but her presence emanating empathy. The weight of his conflicting emotions was palpable, and as he concluded his thoughts, frustration, and guilt lingering in the air, she spoke softly.

“The heart is a complex thing, Caelus. It's not something easily unraveled or understood. I think... What you’re doing to try and return to Gepard’s feelings is wrong here.”

“Wrong...?” Caelus muttered, looking at her friend with a confused expression.

The hooded, masked woman nodded. She shifted her position and continued. “In our language, we’ve described people like this 'Pīahǎopīayǔp hǎopīayǔp,' which are for people like you who want to be happy without consideration of your own feelings. Tell me, honestly, do you truly love Gepard right now? I think you had your answer earlier before I asked.”

Both yellow eyes colored with surprise at the straightforward and no-nonsense tone, yet it was also gentle to chide him. He looked down with one hand and reached to where his heart was. “I... I don’t. The one I love is not Gepard. It’s....”

Jing Yuan. The Xianzhou Luofu General always had a place in his heart, even as far away as he was from him. Even when his feelings for the General were one-sided, his heart was already with him. No one could ever take that place from him despite how much it pained him.

Lǎren's nod expressed understanding in her body language as she listened to Caelus's admission. "Then, you must be true to your heart. It's unfair to yourself or Captain Gepard to force feelings that aren't there. He won’t appreciate your forcing yourself to maintain this friendship. Love is a complicated journey; sometimes, the heart has already chosen its path."

She reached out, placing a gloved hand gently on Caelus's shoulder. "You mustn't punish yourself for your heart. Be honest with Captain Gepard, not out of guilt, but out of respect. He deserves to know the truth, and it's the foundation for any true friendship. It might be painful, but honesty is a balm that heals wounds more effectively than deception. I’m sure Captain Gepard appreciates hearing that from you more than anything else."

Caelus took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the conversation settling on his shoulders. Lǎren's words resonated with a truth he had been avoiding, and the gentle touch on his shoulder offered comfort.

He looked at her with an expression of gratefulness for her understanding. And, he finally admitted, his voice carrying a mix of resolution and uncertainty. "You're right, Lǎren. I've been avoiding the truth, and it's not fair to Gepard, for us. I need to be honest with him, no matter how difficult it may be."

The hooded, masked woman gave a supportive squeeze on his shoulder. "Honesty is the path to clarity, even if it's challenging. Captain Gepard is a strong man; he will understand."

Caelus nodded, appreciating the encouragement. "I just hope our friendship can survive this. He means a lot to me, and I don't want to hurt him."

"True friendships endure the tests of honesty. It might take time, but if the foundation is strong, it will weather the storm.” Lǎren offered a reassuring nod to the gray-haired young man. “And I believe things will get better for you, Cae.”

Caelus managed a small, appreciative smile. "Thanks, Lǎren. I'm lucky to have you by my side."

“Heh, that’s my line you have stolen there, Cae,” The hooded, masked woman chuckled warmly under her mask. “I’m the one who’s always thankful instead that you were the one who came to help me. If Silver Wolf, I... I don’t know how to get by without her.”

“So, Silver Wolf means a lot to you, huh?” The Trailblazer tilted his head with a friendly smile at her. “Sounds like you two are very close.”

Lǎren slightly shook her head and corrected with a sudden indifferent tone. “Well, I wouldn’t put it that way... She just feels like a working colleague to me. Aside from gaming stuff, we hardly have anything in common.”

“I... See...,” The gray-haired young man only muttered with a curt nod to her words, completely taken aback by her sudden change in how honest she was of her friendship with the Stellaron Hunter hacker despite the claims a few days back. It still reminded him there were many elusive things he had yet to fully uncover about his online friend.

“Anyway, enough about me. Shall we talk about something else?”

With a nod, the two friends shifted their conversation to lighter topics in the quiet corner of the cavern, contemplating the steps ahead. The echo of footsteps and murmurs created a backdrop to the internal struggles and resolutions unfolding within the Trailblazer's heart.

=0=

BOOM!!

An explosion boomed across the cavern, with dust smoke blasting into the air. With the large guitar shield placed before Squad B, before the Automation Spider detonated, Gepard peered over cautiously to ensure no unexpected ambush to strike before them.

Upon the coast being cleared, the Captain of the Silvermane Guards placed his weapon away and spoke. “It’s safe for now. Are you sure this path towards the core, Mr. Poisson?”

“Positive, Captain,” Sampo answered with a cheerful smile. “I’ve been told there had been a secret passage from the back used as an escape route in an emergency. But it’s sealed up pretty tight by the Automation guarded here for a long time. You can be assured this is the quickest way to reach the treasure and the vault!”

When the blond-haired Captain’s blue eyes narrowed to the strange vagrant, Caelus could hardly blame the man for the suspicion. The seventh and eighth floors had been relatively smooth sailing before reaching the last level. Even though there had been near-life-threatening situations during the combat with more of the enemies’ sub-leaders.

All were swiftly dealt with under Gepard’s leadership with his soldiers. Lǎren coordinated with the Automation spiders to delay and surprise the enemy with their ambush and the Trailblazer’s combat abilities.

As the group cautiously proceeded through the mine's dimly lit passages, the tension in the air was palpable. Caelus walked alongside Lǎren, his hand armed with his curio bat, preparing for whatever battle awaited them.

After a while, they reached an area where machines were placed surrounding the cavern walls; its lights were still lit up and operating as though it had been running for hundreds and hundreds of years. Also, there were automated robots in sleeping mode positioned in different parts of the room.

The Trailblazer couldn't help but marvel at the sight of the central core room, his yellow eyes taking in the machines and automation robots that seemed to be in perpetual activity. The cavernous space echoed with the hum of machinery, and the dim lights cast an otherworldly glow across the metallic surfaces.

Gepard, leading Squad B, scanned the area cautiously, his eyes narrowing with suspicion at the lack of enemy movement.

“We’ve arrived, everyone! This is the core room of the shelter where the people in the past operated the automation," Sampo explained with confidence.

Standing at the edge of the room, Caelus exchanged a glance with Lǎren. The hooded, masked woman maintained her stoic presence, focusing on the surroundings. Soon, she laid onto the familiar golden pocket watch atop the mountain of treasure, a pile of gold, and rare artifacts.

“There it is!” Lǎren exclaimed with relief and joy at finding her treasure, rushing ahead to retrieve it.

However, before Gepard could interrupt, another soldier beside him shouted. “Captain, we’ve located the control panel to shut the remaining automation down.”

Turning to his soldier, the Captain nodded, acknowledging the soldier's report. "Very well. Proceed with precaution.”

With Gepard left to investigate the area, Caelus continued to walk forward to admire the surroundings of the ancient relic in the past. He took out his phone and snapped pictures to record and share with March when he returned to the surface. The Trailblazer was confident she’d love to keep pictures like this for memory collections.

“What do you think, fam?” Sampo walked up beside him with excitement coloring his face. “It’s a real treasure you’ve gained to come this far and witness a memory of a history.”

“I’m sure they’d sell a lot to your fellow ‘buyers,’ Sampo,” Caelus whispered with a half-amused snort. “But yeah, it’s really amazing, and to think it was buried deep within the Underworld.”

Sampo grinned, his eyes reflecting genuine fascination. "Oh, absolutely! This is the kind of discovery that collectors pay top credits for. Imagine the stories these artifacts could tell if they could speak."

As they conversed, Lǎren, having secured her golden pocket watch, joined them. The hooded woman listened intently, her curiosity piqued by the ancient marvels surrounding them.

The soldiers began inputting the commands into the control panel, and a low hum filled the room. One by one, the dormant automation robots started shutting down, their mechanical movements slowing until they were completely still.

The tension in the core room eased slightly as the soldiers maintained their guard, ensuring the shutdown proceeded smoothly. Caelus, Sampo, and Lǎren exchanged glances, a sense of relief washing over them.

“Let’s take back all the treasure while waiting for them, shall we?” Sampo suggested with a wave of his hand to his two companions where the remaining treasure was.

“Yeah, let’s do it, then.”

Just when they walked towards the treasure pile, the older blue-haired man, humming happily from his lips, missed a step and tripped over onto the ground with his body forward. Lǎren heard the loud thump and went over and knelt beside him. “Are you alright, Mr. Poisson?”

“Ah... Ouch... That really hurts—!” Sampo pushed himself up and was about to rub the small bruise on his nose—!

BRR! BRR! BRR!

The sudden blaring alarm echoed through the cavern, shattering the calm atmosphere over the core room. The red emergency light cast an eerie glow across the metallic surfaces, starkly contrasting the previously serene environment.

Gepard rushed back to the control panel where his soldier was, his expression turning from confusion to concern, and he interrogated the soldier. "What happened? Why is the alarm sounding?"

The soldier at the control panel frantically checked the readings and pressed some of the buttons to try and stop the noise. "I don't know, Captain! It seems like unauthorized access triggered a security protocol. We need to find out what's going on!"

As if responding to the alarm, two gigantic automation robots, one resembling a hybrid of Automation Grizzly and Frigid Prowler, and the other which was a hybrid of Automation Direwolf and Searing Prowler, which was in a state of dormancy, started to twitch and jerk back to life. The room transformed into a scene of chaotic activity as the machines activated with a mechanical whirr.

Lǎren, who had been assisting Sampo, immediately shifted into a defensive stance, her eyes scanning the room for potential threats. "Captain, we have incoming! Be prepared for hostile activity!"

Gepard barked orders to his soldiers, instructing them to ready their weapons and form a defensive perimeter. The once calm and collected atmosphere now crackled with tension, and the cavern echoed with soldiers scrambling to respond to the unexpected threat.

Still recovering from his fall, Sampo looked up with wide eyes when he noticed the gray-haired young glaring at him with daggers in his piercing yellow eyes. "I-I didn't do anything! It must have been a trap set up by the automatons!"

As the chaos unfolded, Caelus clicked his tongue and swung his curio bat out to arm in his grip. He couldn't help but feel a sinking dread in the pit of his stomach. Just when he thought their journey of the Great Ruins was ending, it had taken a dangerous turn, and the true nature of the shelter's defenses was revealing itself.

Amid the chaos, an ancient and ominous voice resonated through the cavern, chilling the hearts of those who heard it. "Intruders... For your attempts to desecrate this sacred sanctuary. Prepare to face the consequences of your trespass."

Notes:

Looks like things will end in a cliff hanger again~ (☆ω☆*）

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, especially with all the samcae + gecae thrown in this! And hopefully they aren't out of character too ..・ヾ(。＞＜)シ

I have a lot of writers block, particularly those fighting scene. I'm really not good with them as it really gets chaotic in this chapter during an all-out attack. Also probably some who are confused about strange + unusual wording I've used from in-game dialogue in here. As mentioned before, I tend to always based on either JP's or CN's original translation instead of EN as the characterization of them feels more in-tuned?

That said... My heart was breaking into pieces in writing what happens during Gepard's confession (╥ᆺ╥；)
I'm really sorry, Geppie.... As much as I've loved you and wanted you before the game was release, Jing Yuan definitely holds the place in Caelus's heart firmly ｡ﾟ( ﾟஇ‸இﾟ)ﾟ｡

At least Lǎren is there to give Cae some lecture in confronting Gepard truthfully of his feelings now, even when it would hurt him the most.

Anyway, the next chapter will be, uh... Late again? I swear I want to work on something for the General's rerun banner!!!! ＼(º □ º l|l)/
I promise I won't forget this story at all!!!

Chapter 16: A Will Forged in Ice, Fire & Thunder

Summary:

“The General?” The young lieutenant repeated with curiosity and surprise. “What do you mean?”

Bailu turned her head upwards to him and continued. “Didn’t you hear? People spotted them hanging out together in the Aurum Alley late at night. They were standing so close to each other! General Jing Yuan had put his hands around Caelus, and Caelus was feeding him Tuskir Wraps!”

“... What?” The blond-haired boy stopped in his tracks, his face coloring with disbelief at the news. “The General and Teacher are...?”

Notes:

I don't know how to put this... But it's definitely been a very long while since I posted this for 2 months...? 😅

I definitely would say lots of stuff + distractions happened in both HSR and IRL!

My only warning is if you need to read back all the past chapters before reading this, please do so. I'm saying this because I also needed to reread to remember the plot I wanted to write 😓

It's another long chapter of... 9k words 😰

There's going to be more stuff focusing on this chapter so I hope you guys enjoy it!

“Victory!” Bailu slammed her Celestial Jade tiles down on the game table, placing her small hands with pride she had mastered in this short moment. Having those persistent caretakers distracted in a meeting, she could finally sneak out to meet Qingque for her first practical lessons on the Celestial Jade.

“No way...” The dark-haired Foxian man dressed in a white-blue uniform looked at the tile and the Healer Lady back and forth with disbelief. “T-This is the third time you’ve gotten four of a kind....”

Sitting opposite him, another dark-haired Foxian man dressed in a Realm-keeping commission uniform stared at the winning tiles. “I can’t believe it. Healer Lady, you’re a natural at this game!”

Bailu grinned triumphantly at the admiration from newfound friends, her mint green eyes sparkling with excitement. Her tail swung up and down rapidly, unable to contain her joy at her unexpected success. “I told you I had a good feeling about today! The maids were so busy with their work in the kitchen, they hadn’t notice even now I have snucked out again.”

Qingque, standing beside the young Vidyadhara lady, laughed and shook her head in amazement. “I have to admit, I underestimated you, Healer Lady. You’re picking up the game much faster than I anticipated.”

The dark-haired man in the Realm-keeping commission uniform nodded in agreement. “She’s right, your talent for Celestial Jade is truly remarkable. I’ve seen many novices struggle for months before they can achieve what you’ve accomplished in just a few sessions.”

“I still have much to learn, but I’m grateful for your guidance, Qingque. And everyone here, too! I wouldn’t have made such progress without your patience and expertise.” Bailu’s cheeks flushed with pride at the praise.

Qingque smiled brightly and assured. “There’s no need to thank me. It’s my pleasure to teach you the true joys of the Celestial Jade! You have a natural affinity and I have no doubt that you’ll become a master in no time. I look forward to another game with you when you’re ready!”

“Me too. But, anyway, I should get going. I need to look at one of the cases of missing cycrane the residence has been reporting.” The Realm-keeping Foxian officer stood from his seat to give his farewell.

“So do I.” The other Foxian man stood up as well and bidded. “I need to get the groceries for my wife before our children wake up. But before I go, it’s been a pleasure playing with you, Healer Lady. You’re quite the formidable opponent.”

“Thank you! I’m glad we had the chance to play together. And don’t worry, I’ll keep practicing to give you an even better challenge next time!” Bailu beamed at them as her tail wagged further, anticipating the future to hone her skills and the challenges.

With a final wave, the two men exited the room, leaving Bailu and Qingque alone again. Bailu turned to her friend with a grin, excitement still bubbling. “Let’s head down to Aurum Alley to enjoy the Tuskir Wraps for my victory!”

“Sounds good! I could use some food from all the excitement earlier.” The brow-haired petite woman nodded in agreement; she turned to the front, sitting opposite Bailu, and offered. “What about you, Yanqing? Want to join us too?”

But the blond-haired young lieutenant wasn’t acknowledging their presence. His amber eyes focused on the phone in one hand, and his brows furrowed. Also, his tiles were still standing instead of lying flat to reveal his hands.

“Um... Hey, Yanqing...? You there?” Qingque cautiously prodded the young boy again, slightly louder than before, hoping it would catch his attention. Yanqing seemed to snap out of his reverie, blinking rapidly as he looked up from his phone. His gaze shifted from the screen to Bailu and Qingque, registering their words with a slight delay.

“Huh? Oh, sorry, I didn’t realize you were talking to me,” Yanqing responded, his voice tinged with distraction. He quickly set down his phone and straightened up in his seat, finally noticing the tiles still standing upright on the table. “Is it my turn—Wait, where did everyone go...?”

The young lieutenant looked around the area, realizing they were missing two players, before turning back to the two ladies with a hint of confusion as he glanced around the area. “Are we done already?”

Bailu chuckled softly, amused by Yanqing’s absentmindedness. “Yes, we just finished our game. You seemed a bit preoccupied there. Everything alright?”

“It’s fine, sorry about that. Just got caught up in something on my phone. Don't worry about it.” Yanqing nodded, though his expression remained somewhat distant.

Qingque exchanged a concerned glance with Bailu before acknowledging the elephant in the room, causing them awkward and tense feelings. “It’s about Caelus, isn’t it...?”

While the news wasn’t widely spread, those who tried to contact the Trailblazer realized one day suddenly their messages had been blocked. Qingque had assumed it was a prank, but when she spotted March and Welt visiting Fu Xuan to inquire about Caelus’s whereabouts... It was there she realized something wasn’t right.

“I was there when it happened,” Bailu confessed, her arms folded while wearing a solemn expression, and her tail moved in short strokes. “Qingzu and him were knocked out by a prank scare bomb on some investigation. Then, when I showed Caelus the note inside the parcel, he got so furious that he just bolted out of the room screaming, ‘I will kill him!’ And since then, I have not heard anything about him.”

“The investigation on the Neutron-bomb parcels delivered by the Annihilation Gang was completed right after Qingzu returned to report to the General. He told her to take a few weeks of rest to observe any side effects from the strange parcel that hit her and the Teacher. The Cloud Knights and I have swiftly detonated the bombs safely, and I wanted to tell Teacher who is helping us, but...,” Yanqing glanced back at his phone, looking at all the undelivered messages to the older gray-haired man.

Almost a week had passed since that incident, and Caelus was still unreachable to the young boy. Where was he? What was his Teacher fighting against now? Did he need help?

With all these questions aching inside Yanqing’s heart, the worry was eating his soul alive when he recalled to himself...

=0=

A few days back, as the young boy stood before the Luofu General, one hand held the scroll up with severe amber eyes, reviewing the report aloud. “And, this will be the conclusion of my report on investigating the neutron bomb, General. The criminals associated with the Annihilation Gang were all handed over to Ten-Lords Commissions to deal with. All of their belongings have been confiscated. However, the mastermind behind this is still on the loose.”

Sitting by his desk with a calm look, Jing Yuan nodded to acknowledge his retainer. “Thank you for your thorough report, Yanqing. You and your team have done an excellent job handling this delicate matter. As for the Annihilation Gang, we will leave the affairs aside, unfortunately, under the Ten-Lords Commission’s decision.”

Yanqing bowed respectfully before the older man, a sense of pride swelling at his superior’s praise. “Thank you, General. It was an honor to be entrusted with this task.”

Zrrt! Zrrt!

The noise of vibration from the phone, with a lion statue, alerted their attention; Jing Yuan smoothly picked it up to look at the notification with a few flicks of his thumb. His face was expressionless, as though for a moment Yanqing saw it was threatening to break out of his composure to reveal his inner heart.

Eventually, Jing Yuan placed down his phone and turned back to Yanqing. “For now, keep an eye on the situation with the Annihilation Gang. Their activities still threaten Luofu, and we cannot afford to ignore them.”

Yanqing nodded in agreement, his expression serious as he absorbed the order. “Understood, General. I will continue monitoring any developments and report to you accordingly.”

“Good,” Jing Yuan replied with a firm tone. He regarded Yanqing with a knowing look, his golden eyes reflecting a deep understanding. “There is something else on your mind, isn’t there, Yanqing?”

The young boy hesitated momentarily; nothing would ever escape from the older man’s perceptiveness. His amber eyes met the Luofu General’s gaze with concern and determination. “Yes, General. It’s about Teacher Caelus. I have been informed by Qingzu that he is also helping with the mission. But... It’s been over a few days since I last heard of him. I’ve tried contacting him, but all my messages remain unanswered.”

“I see,” The Luofu General’s expression softened Yanqing’s worries with an understanding expression. “Caelus is formidable, and I trust he would be fine, Yanqing. He has faced greater challenges beyond the confines of our ship here.”

“But...,” Yanqing protested with furrowed brows. “Master Dan Heng visited you yesterday and even asked about Teacher’s whereabouts. He even accused you of hiding Teacher from everyone.”

A soft chuckle escaped from Jing Yuan’s lips as he reassured fondly to his retainer. “I’m sure he means no harm, Yanqing. Dan Heng is just the same as his past incarnation to be protective of his friends even if he doesn’t show it. But rest assured, Caelus is not in any danger he cannot handle. He is resourceful and skilled, and I have no doubt that he will return when the time is right.”

“I trust your judgment, General.” Yanqing nodded, though his worry lingered like a shadow in his heart.

With a final bow of respect, Yanqing took his leave from Jing Yuan’s office, his mind still troubled by thoughts of his missing mentor. Just as he reached the exit and left, he heard an unusual sigh accompanied by a grave tone. “A place I could neither see nor hear... Nor would I be able to be by your side from here as I stand... Is that where you are now...?”

Hearing such a tone from the General made Yanqing stop, wondering about the person’s identity. But... It was something he shouldn’t be privy to as a personal matter. As he made his way through the bustling corridors of the Luofu headquarters, he couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at him from within.

=0=

“And, that’s what the General said...,” Yanqing summarized to Qingque and Bailu in the present with a troubled expression. “I don’t doubt the Teacher’s strength, but... If only I had known he was helping us sooner, I could have finished my job quickly to help him.”

Bailu and Qingque exchanged worried glances after listening to the young lieutenant’s recount. The weight of uncertainty hung heavy in the air as they considered the implications of Caelus’s disappearance.

“I know how you feel,” Qingque went to where the blond-haired boy and gently patted on his back. “I’m also getting more worried about Caelus. But the General is right. We need to have faith in him. He’s one of the heroes who saved us from the Lord Ravagers. If he could work with the General to take them down, I’m sure whoever he faces will just regret it!”

The Healer Lady also hopped down from her seat and approached the lieutenant. “I agree! Trust Caelus more, Yanqing. We must believe he’ll find a way through whatever trouble he’s facing now.”

Looking between the two ladies, Yanqing nodded with a slight smile. “You’re right. If anyone can handle whatever situation in, it’s Teacher.”

With a bright grin on her face, Qingque pat his back and nodded. “That’s the spirit! Now, let’s enjoy some treats together while we wait for Caelus’s return!”

A sense of resolve and faith filled the area as Yanqing stood up to join the two ladies heading to Aurum Alley. While walking together, Qingque placed a finger on her lips to hum thoughtfully. “But, you know... Caelus is really something. Strong, honest, and clean guy to a fault and even pretty good-looking. He’s like a big star on our ship! Everyone would like his help to work with him. I could see why my friends were disappointed when they almost thought he was going out with the General.”

“The General?” The young lieutenant repeated with curiosity and surprise. “What do you mean?”

Bailu turned her head upwards to him and continued. “Didn’t you hear? People spotted them hanging out together in the Aurum Alley late at night. They were standing so close to each other! General Jing Yuan had put his hands around Caelus, and Caelus was feeding him Tuskir Wraps!”

“... What?” The blond-haired boy stopped in his tracks, his face coloring with disbelief at the news. “The General and Teacher are...?”

Qingque nodded with a chuckle. “Well, yeah. That’s what I wanted to ask you about if you know anything about them behind the scenes. It caused quite a stir among the diviners as well. They were speculating about whether there was some secret relationship between them.”

Yanqing’s expression became more confounded by the new revelation, and he shook his head hard to deny it. “They are wrong. I’m sure of it. The Teacher doesn’t keep secrets from me. And I’m sure the General doesn’t too. The Teacher said he greatly respects the General and admires his combat skills!”

“But you know how rumors can be. They are as crazy as the rumor of claiming Dan Heng and the General as long-lost lovers reunited among my caretakers… Still, I’m sure there’s an explanation for it. Maybe they’re just good friends enjoying a late-night snack together.” Bailu giggled, her tail swishing behind her in amusement at the boy’s reaction.

“The Healer Lady does have a point. But you’re the General’s retainer,” The brown-haired young woman placed her hands behind her to poke him. “Are you sure nothing is going on between them? Not even anything unusual about their behavior when they spend time together?”

Stopping to reply to the ladies immediately to reiterate, the young lieutenant carefully recalled all the memories in his mind with furrowed brows. Memories flashed through his mind, scenes of the two men conversing and playing starchess together. But as he sifted through each memory, he couldn’t pinpoint anything unusual.

“I... I don’t think so,” Yanqing replied hesitantly, his voice tinged with uncertainty. “They’ve always seemed like friends to me. Teacher speaks highly of the General, but I’ve never noticed—Wait….”

Did friends always look at the other person for extended periods?

The blond-haired boy often caught Caelus in a daze, staring in a particular direction while waiting for him to finish checking a few things on the report from his subordinates. When Yanqing asked, the Trailblazer would assure him he didn’t wait too long and avoided his questions on what was troubling on his mind.

But before they left, the young lieutenant peered over the direction where Caelus was looking: Jing Yuan at his desk being busy with his paperwork or talking to someone. In those gaze, there was always yearning, admiration and wistful emotions in them.

Yanqing’s mind raced as he pieced together these moments, his heart pounding with realization. Could it be possible that there was more to the relationship between General Jing Yuan and Caelus than he had initially thought?

As more memories flooded into Yanqing’s mind, he recalled instances where he had observed subtle gestures between the two men—moments of lingering gazes from Caelus to the General, words and touches lingered an impact that caused the gray-haired young man’s face to be as red as having a fever, and the Trailblazer’s bright smile to Jing Yuan that spoke volumes beyond comradeship.

He dismissed the signs as a close friends, especially seeing the General’s face often lit up whenever Caelus visited to train him. However, now, considering the rumors circulating among their peers, he couldn’t shake the feeling of something more profound.

Bailu and Qingque watched Yanqing’s expression shift, sensing his internal turmoil. Concern etched their features as they waited for him to speak, their thoughts racing. The latter queried again at the young boy with a worried voice. “Hey... It’s everything okay...?”

“Does... Does that mean the Teacher likes the General?” Yanqing wondered to himself out loud. “If it is... What about General? Does he like Teacher too?”

When he pondered these questions, a particular memory hit him hard, like a light at the end of the tunnel.

"A place I could neither see nor hear... Nor would I be able to be by your side from here as I stand... Is that where you are now...?”

“... The General... He, too... To the Teacher,” It was like a droplet of water dripping into the young lieutenant’s mind to bring tranquility and clarity amid the storms. But these were only assumptions; he needed to know the truth between them.

Jing Yuan doubtlessly evaded his question with ease if he asked. But what about Caelus...? What’s going to happen between them?

Yanqing was confident that the Trailblazer was doing his best to hide his feelings from the General. And the inevitable confrontation with Caelus would make things awkward for their friendship. He knew that he should feel happy for his older friend, yet...

With his mind racing and his heart heavy with newfound realizations, the blond-haired boy felt a mix of emotions swirling within him.

“If it’s Teacher and General together, they would be perfect. But…,” the young lieutenant couldn’t shake off the complicated feelings in his heart, torn between happiness to support Caelus and…

=0=

“Intruders... For your attempts to desecrate this sacred sanctuary. Prepare to face the consequences of your trespass.”

The group focused on the two gigantic automations and moved toward them in slow yet heavy steps. Each movement caused the ground to shake with a loud thump.

Gepard’s blue eyes narrowed warily as the trap sprang upon them. His mind raced as he assessed the situation. “Prepare to engage the enemy, but remember, our priority is to protect the civilians and secure the artifact!”

With a determined nod to the orders, the Silvermane soldiers readied their weapons, their expressions steely with resolve. Caelus tightened his grip on his curio bat; his senses sharpened as adrenaline surged through his veins. He glanced at Sampo and Lǎren, their body posture like his own at the tension thickening in the air.

“Gepard, protect Lǎren! Don’t let them get close to her and the treasures!” The Trailblazer lunged towards the Searing-Direwolf Automation. He swung his bat high to clash with the large red blade on its left arm.

However, the red blade glowed and burned with red flames instantly and parried Caelus back onto the rocky wall with a loud slam.

“Caelus!” Lǎren cried in horror at the powerful attack against the Trailblazer.

Caelus gritted his teeth as he felt the impact reverberate through his body, the force of the blow sending shockwaves of pain. With a grunt, he pushed himself off the wall, his muscles protesting as he readied himself for another round. “They are different from the usual fragmentum monsters here... We can’t let our guard down.”

On cue, the Frigid-Grizzly automation let out a growl that reverberated throughout the area as black-purplish mud began to spill out of its large, corrupted, and glowing blue metal body. The mud pool expanded until nearly half of the room was covered. Then, the mud from the ground moved upwards gradually to form multiple large humanoid shapes, revealing four Everwinter Shadewalkers with frosty axes summoned by the corrupted automation.

“Come on! Seriously?! They are bringing their reinforcements here?!” Sampo whined with his green eyes rolled in disgust.

Another loud growl emitted from the Frigid-Grizzly, blasting cold storm of blizzard against them. As the corrupted automation unleashed its wintry assault, a freezing gust swept through the cavern, chilling the air and coating the ground in thick ice. The Silvermane soldiers braced themselves against the biting cold, their breath forming frosty clouds in the frigid atmosphere.

Gepard shouted commands, his determination unwavering to his soldiers amidst the chaos. “Hold your ground! Don’t let the cold slow you down. Focus your fire on those Shadewalkers!”

Though shivering in the icy blast, the soldiers maintained their resolve, their weapons blazing as they unleashed a volley of attacks on the approaching Shadewalkers. Halberds clashed against icy axes, and gunfire echoed through the cavern as they fought tooth and nail to push back the encroaching darkness.

Caelus dodged and weaved through the blizzard. His curio bat flashed in bright blue energy to strike each Shadewalker coming at him with precision. Each blow landed with a resounding thud, but the icy constructs seemed unfazed, their frosty forms resilient against his onslaught.

And then, his bat once again swung against the Searing-Direwolf Automation’s burning red large blade. The Trailblazer’s teeth gritted fiercely, determined to win against the corrupted automation in strength. However, the increasing temperature surrounding them was too much for Caelus to bear.

“Aaarghh!!!” With a fierce battle cry, Caelus pushed through the searing heat, his determination overriding the pain coursing through his body. He channeled all his strength into his strikes, pouring more energy into his weapon to parry the flaming attacks.

The Searing-Direwolf Automation, sensing Caelus’s unwavering resolve, intensified its assault, its fiery blade slashing through the air with deadly precision. But the Trailblazer, fueled by sheer determination, met each blow head-on, his curio bat clashing against the burning blade with a resounding clang.

Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against him, the young man fought on, his spirit unyielding in the face of adversity. With each strike, he chipped away at the corrupted automation’s defenses, his movements fueled by a fierce determination to emerge victorious.

But just as it seemed Caelus would gain the upper hand, a sudden surge of energy coursed through the Searing-Direwolf Automation, its fiery aura intensifying with a blinding brilliance. A deafening roar unleashed a devastating wave of flames, engulfing the gray-haired young man in a searing inferno.

“Caelus!” Sampo and Gepard yelled in unison at the sight when they turned their heads to where he was.

The Trailblazer’s vision blurred as the intense heat seared his skin, his senses overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of the flames. But even as he teetered on unconsciousness, Caelus refused to yield, his indomitable spirit driving him to press on despite the odds.

“Haah!” The Trailblazer channeled every strength within him from a burst of energy, swinging his bat an energy wave to push the flames back to Searing-Direwolf Automation. The energy wave with flames surrounding it had managed to slice off its other left arm.

Panting and wincing from the pain, the Trailblazer was nearly about to fall forward until Sampo swiftly stepped forward to move an arm out to hold him up. “I’m afraid the contest of endurance only gives us a losing fight, fam.”

“I… Know…,” Caelus barely grunted, flinching at the burns on his skin. His yellow eyes turned to where the soldiers and Gepard were, like him... They weren’t faring any better on their end.

Gepard and his soldiers fought with unwavering determination, their weapons clashing against the metallic bodies of the automation robots.

The captain’s expression tightened with concern as he witnessed his soldiers collapsing one after another from both fatigue and their accumulating severe injuries. Yet, the Frigid-Grizzly corrupted automation was persistent in summoning its reinforcement Shadewalkers to assault.

“We can’t keep this up much longer...,” Lǎren murmured out loud as she watched the Searing-Direwolf automation start to charge up its fiery red blade. “We need to find a way to neutralize them to end this.”

“Well said, my lady.” Sampo nodded to the hooded, masked woman, his green eyes carefully examining his surroundings and the automation. “Although finding a weak spot to counter them might be trickier than it is.”

Caelus’s gaze remained focused and unwavering while trying to recuperate his energy. Even with a weak spot, a plan was needed to handle two corrupted automation at the same time—

CLACK!

An item fell out of Caelus’s coat pocket when it wavered slightly. The unused Enhancement Paste: Fire cream glimmered faintly under the light, realizing he must’ve absentmindedly retrieved it earlier before they entered here for precaution. But then, it triggered a memory to flash into the Trailblazer’s mind:

“ All of you, ready yourselves. Dan Heng, guard my back. I’m counting on you.” Jing Yuan’s command ordered him, March, Dan Heng, and Welt to confront Phantylia upon entering the Roots of Arbor Exploratory Excursion.

“... I’ve got a plan,” Caelus finally uttered, as though a bolt of golden lightning struck his soul to enlighten him. He pushed himself to stand upright with Sampo’s support from the back. The Trailblazer turned towards the older dark blue-haired man and Lǎren, with his yellow eyes expressing determination and fearlessness about the odds against them.

The hooded, masked woman asked. “What do you have in mind?”

Picking up the enhancement paste on the ground, Caelus squeezed the cream onto his hand and announced. “Get everyone as far away from here as you can. I will deal with the two automations. Mr. Poisson, find and wreck the core while they are distracted.”

“Leave that to me, fam,” Sampo nodded, wearing a severe, rare expression yet a faint smile to comply with the other’s command.

Given the adamant words, Lǎren nodded firmly and replied, knowing she couldn’t change the Trailblazer’s mind to stop his plans, “Alright, but be careful, Caelus.”

With a determined nod, Caelus returned to the looming threat before them as Sampo and the hooded, masked woman dispersed to their respective roles. He could feel the weight of the challenge ahead, but his resolve remained unshaken.

The curio bat in his hand was swapped out to the flaming lance from his inventory, and the enhancement fire cream was applied to the weapon to ensure it covered everything. “This should do it....”

In front of him, the captain of the Silvermane Guards faced, shielding one of his men from the gigantic saw of the Frigid-Grizzly corrupted automation slicing against the giant guitar case-shaped shield. Gepard gritted his teeth as his blue eyes narrowed with determination, his muscles straining against the force of the attack.

“Captain Gepard...!” The soldier behind him croaked out in pain from one of his fractured legs.

Gepard swallowed hard, flickering briefly at the injured soldier before returning to the front. Despite the fatigue creeping into his muscles and the weariness tugging at his mind, he knew he couldn’t falter now. The lives of everyone here depended on his unwavering resolve.

With a grunt of effort, the blond-haired man pushed back against the relentless assault of the Frigid-Grizzly corrupted automation, his arms straining against the immense pressure. His grip tightened on his shield as he dug into the ground, refusing to yield an inch to the encroaching darkness.

“Hang on,” Gepard replied through gritted teeth, his voice laced with determination. “We’ll get through this together.”

As the soldier returned with a nod, his posture became rigid, and he yelled in panic, “Captain Gepard, behind you!!”

The Frigid-Grizzly Automation stomped towards the blond-haired captain in heavy and thunderous steps. Its right claw shot out a large saw from the center, raising it high to slice into Gepard’s front.

But, with a sudden burst of speed, Caelus dashed forward, his flaming lance swung through the air with precision to flank the incoming attack. “Haah!”

The blade of the lance, infused with fiery energy, clashed against the metal with sparks. Both of Caelus’s hands gripped the hilt of the weapons and repelled the corrupted automation with a mighty swing.

While taking deep breaths to regain himself, Caelus turned behind to Gepard and the soldier. “Are you guys alright?”

“... We’re alright, thanks to you,” Gepard replied after finding his voice for the Trailblazer’s timely intervention. “You saved us back there.”

The soldier behind Gepard, though injured, nodded weakly in agreement. “Yeah, thanks. I owe you one.”

Caelus nodded in acknowledgment, and one of his yellow eyes glanced behind him. Instead of charging to assault the group, the Frigid-Grizzly automation let out an ominous, angry growl. A dark bluish energy ball from around its metallic body, sucking one of the Everwinter Shadewalkers in to absorb its energy.

“There’s not much time left...” The Trailblazer tightened the grip of his lance as they watched the bulky, corrupted automation absorbing more of its own comrade. He turned back towards Gepard and declared. “Gepard, I’ll need your help to cover my back when they’re about to go all out on us. But first, get your men as far as from as they could. Lǎren is helping those who could still walk to move.”

Gepard’s blue eyes were colored with surprise and shock from the unexpected revelation. It was rare to see the stoic captain breaking out of his character as he observed a sudden change in the Trailblazer’s behavior. But he immediately nodded, acknowledging and understanding what the gray-haired young man needed. “Very well, Caelus. But what about you?”

“I’ll take care of those two automations while Mr. Poisson is searching for another way to shut down their cores,” Caelus said, turning his back to the two men. Even as his heart raced with fear at the possible impending death, his facial expression never wavered at the dangerous risk. “Just get everyone to safety.”

Any protest or doubts vanished in Gepard’s heart upon seeing the Trailblazer’s resolve. With a firm nod, he turned towards his soldiers and yelled, “Listen up! For those still able, assist your comrades and move out of here! Do not rush for the exit; prioritize the well-being of those badly injured.”

While the captain of the Silvermane Guards directed his men, the Searing-Direwolf Automation let out a wild mechanical snarl on seeing its prey making their escape. Before it lunged towards them, the Trailblazer yelled fiercely at the top of his lungs. “Hey, numskull dumbasses!!!”

The booming voice of the Trailblazer echoed through the cavern, cutting through the chaos like a thunderclap, catching the corrupted automation’s attention. The Trailblazer’s yellow eyes burned intensely to glare condescending at his enemy. “You want a fight? Then come at me!”

The Searing-Direwolf Automation hesitated momentarily, its mechanical eyes narrowing as it assessed the situation. But Caelus’s fiery determination left no room for doubt.

Caelus shut his eyes, focusing on his other senses: hearing the deafening footsteps, the smell of dirty grease and fire, and the warmth coursing through his skin from the flaming lance. The image of the General Jing Yuan’s back, shouldering the weight to protect his people from Phantylia and the Stellaron shined brightly in his mind, as though it was almost real that the man was here right now.. He quietly thought to himself, “... I could never be your equal like Dan Heng or Dan Feng to guard your back or coordinate movements with you. But...”

With a guttural roar, the corrupted automation charged forward, its flaming blade held high as it bore down on the Trailblazer with terrifying speed.

“Grant me your strength, which inspires me the courage and will to protect my friends and everyone here right now, Jing Yuan!”

Opening his eyes with that line of thought etched into his soul, Caelus placed his lance forward in a defensive position and shouted. “To protect the weak... Impregnable defense!”

A glowing bright orange light shaped a flaming shield forged in front of the gray-haired young man protectively, shining brighter than usual. The fiery blade clashed against the protective barrier with a resounding clang. Caelus gritted his teeth, and his muscles strained against the force of the impact as he held his ground against the relentless onslaught.

Even though the intense heat radiating from the flaming blade threatened to overwhelm him, the Trailblazer remained steadfast, channeling all his focus into maintaining his shield. With each passing moment, the strain of the battle took its toll on his body, but he refused to yield until the safety of his comrades was ensured.

“Slow and steady; do not rush to the exit!” Gepard barked his orders as his guitar case shield was brought to his front to deflect the incoming onslaught from the Everwinter Shadewalkers. The remaining Silvermane soldiers, still standing, assisted in providing cover fire for their captain, buying precious time for their injured comrades to retreat to safety.

However, as each of them tackled the Shadewalkers, one of the fragmented creatures slipped past the soldier and headed to where Lǎren was distanced behind them.

“Miss Lǎren!” One of the Silvermane Soldiers called out in a panic.

Lǎren, hearing the urgency in the soldier’s voice, turned her attention to the approaching threat. Despite the chaos, her posture remained composed, her mind quickly assessing the situation.

“Stay back.” She ordered the soldier, her voice firm but calm. Without hesitation, the hooded, masked woman’s right hand reaching her left waist to pull out a glowing orange charged-up long dark metallic pipe to swing out to the side, powerful energy cackling around her. “Rules are dead... People are alive!”

Seizing the opportunity as the corrupted creature came close to her and the injured soldier, Lǎren twirled the pipe in her grip and spun to swing out a diagonal cross-shaped orange energy wave. “I’ll make it easier for you. Out!”

With incredible speed, the energy wave created forth from the hooded, masked woman’s pipe, slicing through the air towards the approaching fragmentum creature. The creature, caught off guard by the sudden attack, attempted to dodge, but the energy wave was too fast, engulfing it in a blaze of light.

A loud screech of metal, the fragmentum creature was torn apart by the force of the blast, its fragmented pieces scattering across the cavern floor. Lǎren stood her ground as she surveyed the area for any other threats.

The injured soldier uttered gratefully at the hooded woman’s decisive action. “Thank you, Miss Lǎren. You saved us.”

Lǎren nodded in return, her focus shifting to the ongoing battle where Gepard and Caelus’s faces briefly colored with surprise at her prowess. “Leave the evacuation to me, Captain Gepard. Do what you must to support Cae here to end this.”

Gepard nodded in acknowledgment, his admiration evident in his blue eyes as he watched Lǎren handle the situation with remarkable skill. Without wasting a moment, he redirected his attention back to the chaotic battlefield before him, where Caelus continued to stand firm against the relentless assault of the Searing-Direwolf Automation.

Meanwhile, the Trailblazer continued to hold his ground against the fiery blade of the automation, which clashed against his flaming shield with ferocious intensity. Despite the immense strain on his body, Caelus remained resolute, channeling all his focus into maintaining the defense. With each passing moment, his determination grew stronger, fueled by the need to protect his friends and comrades.

In that second, the gray-haired young man’s yellow eyes spotted the Frigid-Grizzly automation stop absorbing the Shadewalkers, and it shifted its movement for its own turn to move. He darted back to the Searing-Direwolf Automation, growling under his breath to gather all the accumulated energy he received from the burning attacks, and thrust his lance powerfully onto the ground.

Orange flames erupted from the ground, knocking the automation away from the Trailblazer as the latter yelled. “Now, Gepard!”

“In the name of Lanadu…!” Rushing forward with teeth gritting and right white-gloved fist raised high, Gepard’s white-blue bracelet glowed as he commanded. “Beyond the ice and snow, this will that was forged… It will never decay!!”

Throwing his right hand out, light-blue sparkles of light fell before Caelus erupted a giant wall of ice. With their blades, both Searing-Direwolf automation and Frigid-Prowler automations’ blades of fire and frost struck down against the wall in powerful slashes.

However, the wall of ice never faltered against their onslaught, standing firm against the combined might of the two corruptions.

Meanwhile, Caelus seized the opportunity provided by the captain’s diversion. He pulled back his flaming lance and swung it upwards to conjure powerful flames that burst onto the large ice wall. “Set ablaze!”

An explosion burst before the corrupted automation, and white mist covered the surrounding area to distort their vision. Before there could even be any chance to locate their target, the Trailblazer screamed, “Flaming Lance, charge and split the ground!”

“In the name of Amber Lord, Frigid Waterfall!” Gepard’s voice yelled together with Caelus’s at the same time.

The two automation were finally able to locate their targets, which had leaped out from the mist. Caelus thrust the lance, and Gepard slammed the guitar case-shaped shield down onto the earthly ground with a deafening boom, unleashing a combination of fire and ice energy, engulfing their enemy whole.

One final and decisive strike of their combined strength, the two automations were overwhelmed by the ferocity of the attack, their fiery and frosty forms crumbling under the onslaught of flames and ice. The Searing-Direwolf Automation let out a deafening roar as it was engulfed in the inferno. At the same time, the Frigid-Grizzly Automation shuddered and froze over as the icy cascade descended upon it.

“W… We failed you, Master…. Please…. Leave the sanctuary before the Antimatter Legion arrives...” The last words were uttered by the Frigid-Grizzly Automation’s distorted robotic voice before the last remaining energy inside its shattered body was depleted, leaving nothing left.

As the smoke cleared and the echoes of battle faded away, Caelus and Gepard stood side by side, their chests heaving with exertion but their spirits undaunted. The Trailblazer almost teetered forward until the blond-haired man caught him. “Caelus!”

“I’m fine… Gepard…,” Caelus barely managed to breathe out an assurance from his fatigue, nodding his appreciation for helping him up.

Before Gepard could reply, Sampo immediately waltzed in from the back and yanked the shorter, gray-haired young man away from the captain. “Woah woah! Where do you think you’re touching the Hero of Belobog, Captain?! You ought to be more careful in treating my fam respectfully!”

“I’m glad to see you are doing fine, ‘Mr. Poisson’…,” The Trailblazer rolled his eyes at the uncalled help from the disguised vagrant-scammer. “Is the core completely shut down?”

“Of course, my dear!” The older dark blue-haired man acknowledged with a charming smile, puffing up his chest with self-importance. “The core is completely shut down, thanks to my unparalleled expertise and ingenuity!”

Caelus let out a weary sigh, exasperated and grateful for Sampo’s timely intervention despite his eccentricities. “You saved us once again. Thanks...”

Gepard nodded in agreement, his expression softening slightly as he regarded the strange vagrant. “We owe you our thanks to you, Mr. Poisson. Your skills have proven invaluable.”

With the immediate threat neutralized and the sanctuary secured, the Silvermane soldiers breathed a sigh of relief. Even Lǎren let out her own sigh to release the tension in her body. A familiar loud booming voice called out to them. “Captain Gepard! We’re here to back you up!!”

Looking at each other, Gepard and Caelus smiled, recognizing Dunn had brought his troops with him from the other voices accompanying him. The blond-haired man nodded as he offered to Caelus, “Let’s head back to the surface to inform everyone of the good news.”

“Of course,” Caelus grinned; any awkwardness between them momentarily faded as they watched the large armored soldier entering the cavern to assist the injured troops in evacuating the place safely.

=0=

“Hmm...” Natasha hummed sternly as she held the paper report she had written in her hand.

Caelus’s brows furrowed as he sat on a stool before her in her clinic on the surface of the Underworld. His face was pasted with a small white plaster, while his arms were covered in plasters and bandages. “Is there something wrong with me, Nat...?”

The bluish-gray-haired woman shook her head and smiled gently. “Not at all, Caelus. I’m simply surprised at your recovery speed. Your injuries heal much faster than I thought, and you will be fully healthy within a few days.”

After Caelus, Lǎren, and Sampo, together with Gepard’s group, returned to the entrance, Natasha first greeted the Trailblazer; her purple eyes grew big at the injuries and burns covering the young man’s body. Even though Caelus insisted she should treat the others first, the other three suggested that the middle-aged woman take him back to the clinic otherwise.

Gepard mentioned he needed to report to Bronya on the updates at the Overworld while seeking treatment there. Lǎren reassured her Trailblazer friend she wasn’t injured during the massive outbreak of power in their fight, saying she would be waiting for him elsewhere while he treated his injuries.

And Sampo? That scammer immediately disappeared once they reached the entrance of the Great Ruins. There were words he wanted to have with the man himself, but... He’d best play his part in the agreement not to let out a peep to the Silvermane Guards on his business.

“That’s good to hear.” Caelus nodded to the doctor, a sense of relief washing over him at Natasha’s words. “I suppose I underestimated my own resilience.”

Natasha chuckled as she watched warmly as the young man hopped out of the seat to flex and admire his own muscles energetically. “You’re stronger than you think, Caelus. But don’t push yourself too hard. Even heroes need time to rest and recuperate.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, Nat. Thanks for taking care of me.” The Trailblazer nodded gratefully to her advice and assistance.

Natasha patted his shoulder with a gentle smile before returning to her work. “Anytime, Caelus. Just remember to take it easy for a while.”

As Caelus stepped out of the clinic after bidding the older woman goodbye, his face colored with surprise. He chuckled to himself upon spotting the familiar black-cloaked, masked figure standing hidden in the dark alley. He went towards her and greeted her. “Hey there, Lǎren. Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Lǎren pushed herself off the wall and turned to face Caelus as he approached. There was a hint of warmth in her voice as she responded. “No need to apologize, Caelus. I’m just glad to see you’re alright.”

The Trailblazer nodded, a grateful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Thanks to Nat, Gepard, Mr. Poisson and your quick thinking back there, I’m feeling much better already.”

“It was nothing.” Lǎren inclined her head slightly, acknowledging his words. “Just doing what needed to be done to keep everyone safe.”

“You got a point there… But there’s something that got me curious back there. ‘Rules are dead, and people are alive,’ and the way you swung your weapon back there... It looks as similar as mine. Where did you learn them?”

The hooded, masked woman’s body straightened unnaturally with alertness. But she quickly reached out her covered arm to her hood with her gloved hands to adjust sheepishly. “Oh, well, uhm…. Before I met Silver Wolf, I had heard stories of the Galactic Batter saving planets from the Stellaron. People recounted your stories and strength, so I imitated them to inspire myself in fights while traveling.”

“I… See…,” Caelus answered with surprise and amazement.

Lǎren sighed apologetically, bowing her head at him. “I’m sorry, Cae. It must’ve been creepy that you discovered someone was copying your moves.”

“No, no! It’s not!” The gray-haired young man hurriedly assured her. He lifted his gloved hand to rub the nape of his neck sheepishly. “I mean, wow… I never knew I had a big fan like yourself, Lǎren.”

Lǎren chuckled softly as her masked face tilted slightly to the side. “Fan might be a bit of an exaggeration, but I’ve always admired your strength and courage, Caelus. You’ve inspired countless people, myself included, to stand up for what’s right and protect those in need.”

“I... I don’t know what to say, Lǎren.” Caelus’s cheeks flushed slightly at her words, a mixture of embarrassment and gratitude washing over him. “I’ve never thought of myself as someone worthy of admiration.”

Even though he had been teasing and bragging to others in demanding his fame and reputation, the young man felt humbled at the thought of being admired for his heroism.

Reaching a dark-gloved hand out to Caelus, Lǎren rested it gently on the Trailblazer’s shoulder. “Believe me, Cae, you are. Your actions speak louder than words, and you’ve proven time and time again that you’re willing to risk everything to help others. That’s something worth admiring.”

“… Thanks, Lǎren. This really means a lot to me from you.” A warm smile spread across Caelus’s face as he met her gaze from her reflective mask. Even though it had been a short moment, it also felt like her words, actions, and herself had had so much impact on him, as though they’d known each other forever.

Silence settled between them for a moment before Caelus spoke up again, his tone thoughtful. “So, what are your plans right now? Are you going to warp jump into the next world for a new adventure?”

“I’m not entirely sure yet, Caelus. My journey has always been one of exploration and discovery, seeking out new challenges and helping those in need wherever I can.” Lǎren’s masked face tilted slightly, placing a finger onto her mask as she considered her friend’s question. “But your recent journey in Xianzhou Luofu inspired me to get out more and see all the beautiful things they offered beyond your perspective.”

The Trailblazer nodded understandingly and admiration for her open-mindedness and grinned. “It’ll be a fun trip, I’m sure of it! And, if you need a hand, you know where to find me.”

“Thank you, Caelus. The same goes for you too. We make a good team, after all,” Lǎren offered with a smile in her voice. Then, as though she recalled something, her hands moved to dig something out of her pockets. “Oh, that reminds me! Could I ask one last request from you?”

“Go ahead.” The Trailblazer nudged warmly to her.

After searching from her inventory, the hooded, masked woman dug out a familiar brown paper of a wanted poster with a rather ‘unique’ caricature of himself to show to him. “I’d like to take a photo of you with the wanted poster I saw when I first arrived. They told me you were previously framed for the crime of bringing harm to the previous Supreme Guardian. But now, with heroic deeds, many wished to grab a copy of the poster before it was taken down.”

“I see,” Caelus laughed and nodded eagerly, “I’d be happy to take a photo!”

Taking the poster from her hands, the Trailblazer examined it with amusement at the exaggerated art of himself. Maybe he should try to find his own copy of the poster to get Gepard to sign for him after Pela revealed he was the artist who did it.

Caelus flashed a smug, teasing smile, placing his fingers on his chin to joke. “Well, I must say, they really captured my rugged good looks. They even actually got my nose right!”

“Indeed they did. “Lǎren laughed heartily with a hint of mischief. Shall we make this photo truly memorable? Give me your best pose!”

The Trailblazer played along with her in the fun of the moment. One hand was holding the poster up beside his face; the other hand, with his fingers forming a ‘V’ sign, was placed beside his eyes, and he was wearing a big goofy grin on his lips.

“Perfect!” She retrieved her phone with a black cover case, and Laren readied the camera function and nodded. “Now, say cheese!”

With a ‘click’ sound, the deed was done. The hooded, masked woman lowered her phone and examined the photo satisfactorily. “A wonderful shot, thank you, Cae!”

“No problem,” Caelus nodded in agreement and returned the poster to her. “This was a fun idea. Let’s take a photo together sometime!”

With her nod to reciprocate the sentiment, Lǎren tucked the wanted poster back into her pocket, the memory of their impromptu photo session adding to their bond. “No problem, Caelus. Just adding to the collection of memories from our adventures together. I’ll see you around.”

As she turned to leave the alley, Caelus couldn’t help but feel grateful for the unexpected friendship he had found in Lǎren. Then he suddenly remembered a particular deal he had made days before… “Right… I should get Silver Wolf unblocked my access now that Lǎren’s item has been retrieved.”

He took out his phone and began to message the petite silver-haired girl from the Stellaron Hunters, praying she hadn’t been too busy grinding her games to forget the promise.

=0=

Meanwhile…

Although the room inside Goethe Hotel was dark, the hooded, masked figure efficiently undressed herself to change her attire.

Her matching black cloak, shirt, shorts, tights, and gloves were laid out neatly on the bed while her black plate mask was placed on the table beside it. With her deft fingers, she secured her light blue garter belt on her left upper thigh under her tight black skirt that melded seamlessly with the rest of her attire: a black coat, white shirt, and boots.

A weary sigh left her lips as she muttered to herself quietly. Then, under the evening sun entering the room, the wanted poster of Caelus was left open on the table beside her mask. The figure reached out to take hold of it in her hands, murmuring a tone of sadness, warmth, and longing. “Cae…”

She never expected to meet him like this again in her life until she lost her treasured pocket watch. Silver Wolf’s timely intervention may have derailed the script laid out for them, but she would take this opportunity all the same. No matter how short-lived it was, how painful it hurt that she couldn’t reveal herself to Caelus…

Even if she had to use a fake alias of a non-existent person named ‘Lǎren,’ the figure would do it repeatedly if that meant Caelus could be with her together like they always did in the past.

Suddenly, a ringtone abruptly disrupted ‘Lǎren’s’ inner monologue. Her hand picked up the phone and spotted a phone call notification from a black spider with a glowing purple icon.

Heaving a sigh, she swiped across the screen and put the phone on her right ear with an icy tone to acknowledge. “What is it now?”

“Elio is looking for you,” the recipient answered in her usual eerie calmness. ‘Lǎren’ knew all too well that concealed her other emotions. “Your script for the next stage is ready. He wants to review it with you while the Nameless are still onboard at Luofu.”

“On it,” ‘Lǎren’ acknowledged curtly, preparing to end the call this instant.

“Wait.” The other woman stopped her actions and continued. “You should know also that he isn’t happy with your rebellious behavior. Neither Sam, Bladie, nor I could reach you when we lost contact with you. Silver Wolf told me your phone’s connection was lost suddenly. Did something happen?”

‘Lǎren’ snorted bitterly at her question before answering. “Something…? Why are you asking this? Or was Elio’s answer not simple to you when you asked?”

“… You met Caelus, didn’t you?”

The phone tightened in her grip, yet her voice remained stoic and cold at the simple question: “… And, what if I did? Are you going to berate him on his behalf for ruining his plans… Kafka?”

Kafka’s voice remained calm and collected despite the strained tension between them. “I’m not here to berate you. I simply want to ensure that you understand the consequences of your actions. Elio is not one to tolerate deviations from the plan, especially when it involves personal matters. You should know the only order he has is for you not to be in contact with him at any cost.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line before Kafka spoke again, her tone softening slightly. “I know you have your reasons for what you did. But you must remember that we all have a role in this. Caelus cannot afford distractions or emotional attachments from his past before he faces the Aeon of Destruction.”

‘Lǎren’ remained silent for a moment, her grip on the phone tightened slightly. “… ‘Πrényúfēipς,’ ‘Shùplǎrén,’ these were the first words Cae made when we played this secret-code game as kids. It was something he wanted special between both of us. A game it was, and then it became our language only we knew. Even if others saw him as slow and weaker than between the two of us, Cae will always be the strong and smart person with the brightest heart. We would always be together no matter what happens...”

Listening quietly to her grief, Kafka spoke with a faint hint of sympathy behind the veil of professionalism. “I understand your feelings. But, we must prioritize our mission above all else. You know this better than anyone else…”

“Know… Ha... That’s really rich coming from you.” Another bitter laugh left ‘Lǎren’s’ voice, and the words that came after were filled with venomous hatred. “I knew this better than anyone else because you were the one who erased all of Cae’s memories. You had a choice that day, and you chose him instead! If you had followed Elio’s script, none of this would have happened, Kafka!!”

There was a brief pause from the other woman’s end; she continued, her voice softer now. “I didn’t erase his memories out of malice, Lǎren. It was a decision he made himself to be chosen to hold the Stellaron instead of you. To protect you and your happiness—”

“Don’t you dare put your words in him, Kafka.” ‘Lǎren’ spat back fiercely in a low snarl. “What about his happiness? His freedom to choose his own path? Did you give him that choice, or was he under your spirit whisper to have him choose that?”

Kafka sighed softly on the other end of the line, her voice tinged with regret. “... Sacrifices must be made for the greater good, even if they come at a personal cost.”

‘Lǎren’ remained silent, her mind filled with turmoil as she grappled with the woman’s words. The thought of sacrificing Caelus’s happiness for the sake of their mission left a bitter taste in her mouth.

As though sensing her thoughts, Kafka tried to speak again, but this time, it was a voice of gentleness and tenderness beyond their relationship as mere comrades. “Sweetheart, listen—”

“Enough,” ‘Lǎren’ brushed her off emotionlessly. “I don’t see the point in continuing this conversation with you. I will talk to Elio on the script as soon as I’m done here.”

Kafka fell silent on the other end of the line, her usually composed demeanor faltering momentarily. She had anticipated resistance from her, but the coldness in ‘Lǎren’s’ voice cut deeper than she had expected.

After a moment of tense silence, Kafka spoke again, her voice softer now, tinged with a hint of sadness. “I won’t push any further. Just remember, I will still uphold his request to me to protect you... Caelus isn’t the only one who wants to see you smile like before.”

With that, the call ended, leaving ‘Lǎren’ alone in the dimly lit room again, her conflicting emotions pressing down on her. She stood there, the phone still clutched tightly, before finally releasing a heavy sigh.

Turning away from the phone, ‘Lǎren’ moved to the table where the wanted poster of Caelus lay. She picked it up gently, her fingers tracing over the familiar features of his face with a mixture of sadness and longing as her voice cracked with emotions. “Cae... I’m sorry... I’m so sorry for making you choose what you didn’t want to do... But, I promise, we’ll go home and be together like we always did. One day, soon....”

Despite the turmoil in her heart, ‘Lǎren’ knew she had a duty to fulfill, no matter the cost. She tucked the poster back into her pocket with a heavy heart, steeling herself for the tasks ahead.

For now, she would participate in the grand scheme laid out by Elio and the others, even if it meant killing her ‘dead’ heart over and over again.

And as she briefly peered out of the window, with sunset shining on her shoulder-length gray hair and lightless yellow eyes before turning away to exit the room... Deep down, a part of her would find a way to be reunited with Caelus one day, no matter the obstacles that stood in her way.

Notes:

I will list it down in bullet points since there's a lot to unwrap with everything that's happening in here as the climax of this Beloborg arc 🤣

1. Silver Wolf's hacking on Caelus's phone to block everyone have caused the poor Yanqing to start piecing things between Jing Yuan and Caelus. This is definitely one of my favorite parts since more Jingcae crumbs and mainly more problems are piling up for Caelus when he returns 😰
   
   Yanqing is going need the time to process of learning what Caelus felt for his father-figure while he's missing...
2. Gepard's teamwork with Caelus was something I hope to see more often in-game but sadly the poor captain is sideline so hard by the writers 🙄
   
   And also more usage of Caelus in Persevation path to work with Geppie to deal with the robots!
3. Again more Jingcae crumbs even when Caelus is far away from Luofu, I want to write of him picturing the General's back that he wished to walk side by side with him instead of merely following his orders. I don't think it was done well, but I just wanted to capture that scene in my mind of Caelus finding strength and borrowing it from Jing Yuan to protect everyone here.
   
   Hence why this chapter title was known as 'A Will Forged in Ice, Fire and Thunder' of Gepard, Caelus with Jing Yuan's strength in him to conclude his journey in beloborg for this story.
4. On the line of 'Rules are dead, people are alive', this will definitely sound weird to many because it was based on a Chinese phrase: 规则是死的，人是活的。
   
   It's a line I wanted something for Lären to use when she finally shows her combat skills to fend for herself. Which brings onto my next point...
5. I think after this chapter or so, I believe most of you are already having the idea who Lären actually is. Although if you don't, it's fine still 🤣
   
   The tags won't be updated yet unfortunately as her true identity has yet to be fully revealed. It's a can of worms for my future self to deal with. 😰
   
   And of course with this also, the comments moderation is still up to avoid spoiling out the real name and identity of Lären as of now 😅

It's almost going to be a year since I started playing HSR and I definitely love Caelus with his growing husbando harem more than ever. And I mainly hope to see more husbando for AllCae nation to grow! 🙏

Hope you guys have enjoyed this chapter! Comments are appreciated 🥰

Chapter 17: Acceptance, Apologies & Bittersweet Farewell

Summary:

Caelus nodded, his face brightened by his grin seemingly plastered on. “Yeah, it has been. But I couldn’t have done it without the support of my friends and the Luofu General Jing Yuan, especially! If it weren’t for him, we would never be able to resolve the crisis on the ship, and they would be lost to the Stellaron.”

“And, this Jing Yuan... Forgive me for being blunt. Are you both in a relationship currently?”

Notes:

Happy Labor Day everyone! Or at least from my timezone here after posting this 🤣

Patch 2.2 is around the corner with the eventual climax of Penacony story reaching to an end. I hope everyone has saved up for the units you guys want. Though I personally can't wait for Boothill myself when he finally drops 😍

Anyway, I'm posting this earlier than usual as it's a holiday for me and I'm going to be a bit busy tomorrow... 😅

So I hope you guys enjoy this chapter!

After selling the last pieces of artifact treasures to Balaway, the loot was split evenly between his and Lǎren’s in the depths of the Great Mine, and Caelus checked the profits he earned in his credits. He had made quite a fortune out of there to whale another five limited gacha banners in the coming patches, even if he were to hit hard pity. Balaway was equally happy with the artifacts found, which he planned to sell to a tall, blue, handsome businessman for profit.

The Trailblazer turned back to his phone, looking at the signal icon with full three bars. He hoped his own messages would also be able to deliver.

On the chat screen, the three dots from Silver Wolf moved like a small tidal wave, and she sent her reply.

Caelus’s lips curled into an excited grin just imagining his curio bat colliding against Starry-StarStar, aka Lǎren’s metal pipe, in the near future. There were a lot of things he could learn from her to improve his combat experience.

As the Trailblazer exchanged messages with Silver Wolf, he envisioned the clash of their weapons. Each strike of his weapon was a chance to learn and improve his combat skills. When he met her again somewhere down his journey, he should invite her himself to train together.

Silver Wolf’s status in the chat messaging app changed to offline from Caelus’s view. The life of a Stellaron Hunter was sure busy, but a curious question hit his mind. Was their busy work to follow Elio’s script all according to what the latter foreseen as their pre-determined ‘destiny?’ Or could it be an unforeseen circumstance?

It was a question the Trailblazer would leave aside to ask another day. He placed his phone back in his pocket and stretched his stiff body again. “Mm… I should return to Luofu and report to Qingzu about the neutron bomb incident….”

As Caelus said that out, the phone in his pocket vibrated again. His face turned puzzled, and he muttered to himself. “Don’t tell me Silver Wolf has finished her meeting? Or maybe it’s canceled…?”

Upon retrieving the phone to flick up to unlock the screen, the gray-haired young man’s face grew from puzzled to shocked. “Gepard…?”

“Did Bronya find something else about the Great Mine, too?” The concerning thought formed in the Trailblazer’s mind as he typed his reply.

A few seconds later, Gepard’s message was answered in the chat.

Caelus smiled at Gepard’s words, feeling a sense of warmth and fulfillment, knowing that he had made a difference, even in the most unexpected circumstances.

If Caelus hadn’t regained his composure fast enough, he’d have dropped the phone onto the ground and cracked the screen. He almost forgot the man inviting him wasn’t out of friendship, but his feelings that he couldn’t reciprocate.

The Trailblazer paused to compose himself, his mind racing as he processed Gepard’s invitation. Despite his inner turmoil, the young man knew he couldn’t let his personal feelings interfere with his job back there. He owed Gepard to accept the invitation gracefully, even if it meant navigating an uncomfortable situation.

Then another message came from the blond-haired man as he was mulling to himself.

Both yellow eyes blinked while Caelus carefully reread the message. It seemed like he wasn’t alone in dealing with their awkwardness. The blond-haired man must’ve felt the same and wanted to confront things between them while respecting his wishes.

A small chuckle left the Trailblazer’s lips. Gepard hadn’t changed for those months, and they didn’t speak, reassuring himself in his heart.

With the arrangements made, Caelus felt a mixture of nerves and anticipation. Meeting Gepard would undoubtedly bring up complicated emotions, but….

As he pocketed his phone, he couldn’t help but wonder about the twists and turns of fate that had brought them to this point. Despite the challenges, the Trailblazer was ready to confront them with courage and resolve.

=0=

“Welcome back, Master Gepard. And welcome to Lanadu’s home, Master Caelus.” A man in his mid-thirties was dressed in a luxurious black tailcoat, matching pants, a white shirt, bow tie, and gloves. He bowed his body to greet the gray-haired guest before him.

Gepard gave a slight nod to acknowledge his family butler with a smile. “Caelus here to join me for dinner tonight, Alex. Please let the chefs know that I will be the one to prepare the meal for us later.”

“Understood, Master Gepard,” Alex nodded politely to the young lord of the house. He then turned towards the gray-haired young man and spoke. “Please follow me, Master Caelus.”

As the blond-haired man went off in a separate direction, Caelus was led to a large dining room, where he sat at the elegantly set table. The room was sophisticated, with soft lighting and tasteful decor. The atmosphere was serene, and fresh flowers filled the room.

The Trailblazer found himself entirely out of place entering such a high nobility house while waiting for the captain. He underestimated the Lanadu family. They weren’t any of the nobles in Belobog, but their family had been serving their Supreme Guardian for generations.

“Caelus, is that you?!” A surprised and familiar voice of a woman exclaimed upon noticing his presence.

Caelus turned to where the voice was. His yellow eyes grew surprised upon seeing a friend he knew all too well. “Serval! Long time no see!”

The tall older woman with blond hair with dark blue streaks and light blue tips at the ends, wearing a black tube top stitched with half of a white lab coat and royal blue mini skirt, approached where the Trailblazer was. “I have seen yours, March, and Dan Heng’s faces for a long time. What brings you here to my home?”

“Well... I came back to help a friend and met Gepard by chance on the Great Mine investigation. So, he invited me for dinner to catch up on a few things.” Caelus answered sheepishly with a grin, omitting a few details here and there.

“Ah... I see,” Serval nodded understandingly with a small smile. “I was wondering why Gepard was all worked up in the kitchen when I spotted him. But, I guess I can see the reason why.”

Another nervous chuckle left the Trailblazer’s lips. Did Serval know about her younger brother’s love life? Gepard didn’t seem to be the kind of person to be open about sharing his personal feelings as much with how reserved he could be.

Caelus couldn’t help but feel curious about Serval’s reaction. He didn’t want to ruin their friendship when he again turned down her younger brother’s feelings for him. However, he should understandably prepare the worst from her as he would hurt Gepard from this truth.

Before he could say anything, Gepard entered the room, carrying a tray of warm and freshly cooked steak, Deep-fried rock crab, and a glass orange-brown bottle of Jim Roger Bread Soda. He wore a dark blue apron over his long, dark-sleeved shirt and white pants, a sign he was dressed down to focus on making the kitchen’s aromatic dishes.

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting, Caelus. I hope you haven’t been waiting too long.” The blond-haired man smiled warmly at the young man as he set the tray on the table.

The Trailblazer shook his head quickly, his yellow eyes glittering at the mouth-watering food before him. “Not really! This is worth the wait. I never knew you were such an amazing cook, Gepard!”

“He’s really outdone himself this time,” Serval chuckled softly, giving her brother a teasing grin. “Geppie didn’t want to disappoint you with his cooking. He even requested me to polish up our utensils before you—!”

“Ahem!” The blond-haired man coughed rather loudly, cheeks flushing a bright shade of red. “Sister, don’t you have a rehearsal you should be preparing for? Dunn and Pela wanted to discuss you for the new gig.”

Deciding to go easy on her brother, the older woman took the hint with a mischievous smile still remaining on her face. “You’re right. I will go ahead and leave you guys alone... I think mom and dad wouldn’t be home—.”

“Sister, please!” Poor Gepard’s face became a darker shade of red at his sister’s merciless teasing. Even Caelus couldn’t help but chuckle softly at the playful banter between Gepard and his sister. It was clear that despite their teasing, they shared a close bond that couldn’t be broken.

“See you around, Caelus!” Once Serval excused herself, leaving Caelus and Gepard alone, the atmosphere in the room seemed to shift slightly. A sense of anticipation and nervousness hung in the air as they sat across from each other at the table.

Gepard cleared his throat, his cheeks tinged with a hint of embarrassment from his sister’s teasing. “I hope you enjoy the meal, Caelus. And I would also apologize for my sister’s behavior... She has also missed you and your friends’ company visiting her workshop.”

The Trailblazer offered him a warm smile, trying to ease the tension that had settled between them. “I’ll tell everyone to drop by and watch her next live show. Thanks for having me over tonight, Gepard. I’m sure it’s going to be delicious!”

With that, they began to dig into the meal, savoring each bite of the expertly cooked dishes. The food was as delicious as it looked, and the gray-haired young man could not help but compliment. “I’m sure Bronya wouldn’t mind assigning you a second job to open a restaurant, Gepard. You, running a restaurant with Serval and her band? I’m sure many customers are dropping by tips with many tips cashing in!”

“That’s a thought I could consider once I retire. But unfortunately, the duty of the Silvermane Guards never rests to ensure the safety of our people is upheld,” Gepard smiled fondly in return at the idea suggested. “Speaking of Lady Bronya, ever since you and everyone in the Nameless have left to continue your journey, things have improved. Although Lady Bronya has concerns for our people, she’s been working tirelessly to ensure the Solwarm festival will return in Belobog.”

“Solwarm Festival?” Caelus repeated curiously at the unfamiliar name.

The blond-haired man smiled and nodded to continue. “It’s a Belobogian tradition of a seven-day festival to celebrate, with everyone opening their booths to show off what they offer: handicrafts, food and drinks. And booths would be selling our specialty delicacies, the sweet Suncakes.”

“That sounds tasty just by the name itself. I can’t wait to try it!” The Trailblazer grinned back with excitement.

Gepard chuckled, picking up his glass drink and added. “The festival is currently being prepared for another month. I’ll let you know when the date is closer to joining us. Anyway, what about you, Caelus? How has your journey been?”

“It’s going to be a long story, so I’m going to need more drink,” Caelus raised his near-empty glass with a slight smirk as he gestured for a refill. The captain chuckled softly at the antics, pouring more Jim Roger Bread Soda into his friend’s glass before refilling his own.

“Let’s hear it then,” Gepard said with genuine interest, settling back into his seat. “I’m all ears.”

And so, throughout the evening, Caelus regaled Gepard with tales of his adventure in Xianzhou Luofu: The start of Kafka hijacking the Nameless’s meeting to help Luofu, them nearly getting kicked out of Luofu’s ship at the unwanted assistance and intrusion, Jing Yuan’s intervention and offering Caelus and the crew to help out hunting down the Stellaron Hunter Kafka, the uprising of a civil war from Disciple of Sanctus Medicus attack the Cloud knights with the aid of one of the Lord Ravagers in Antimatter Legion, Phantylia, and the Stellaron to destroy Luofu, and finally both Nameless and Jing Yuan going up against Phantylia herself to reclaim the Ambrosial Arbor back to Luofu.

He also spoke of the challenges they faced, the grief of people they lost, and the lessons they learned along the way, especially from Jing Yuan, who taught him about Starchess and different views from the books he read. The tension between them seemed to disappear as they talked, replaced by a sense of old friendship and understanding. They laughed, reminisced, and shared in each other’s triumphs and struggles.

When their meals were emptied, leaving only their drinks, Gepard smiled warmly at the sight of the gray-haired young man before him enjoying the soda he missed. “I enjoy hearing your stories in your journey. It was quite an adventure, wasn’t it? You and your friends have faced incredible challenges and emerged stronger.”

Caelus nodded, his face brightened by his grin seemingly plastered on. “Yeah, it has been. But I couldn’t have done it without the support of my friends and the Luofu General Jing Yuan, especially! If it weren’t for him, we would never be able to resolve the crisis on the ship, and they would be lost to the Stellaron.”

“And, this Jing Yuan... Forgive me for being blunt. Are you both in a relationship currently?”

The sugary rush from all the excitement of sharing stories evaporated in a single rush, making Caelus alert and sober. His heart almost dropped from the statement. The blond-haired man’s smile was gentle and kind even as he brought up the name of the older white-haired man, as the Trailblazer softly asked. “Why do you say that...?”

“Hmm...,” Gepard closed his eyes, hummed gently for a moment, and answered. “You made the face of someone who is in love with another. I understood it myself because I have always look at you, just like your eyes now, and your smile shines brightly whenever you talk about him. Even before, when you stood bravely in the underground ruins to become the bait for the two automations, I could see your mind and heart had already belonged to him. Although, I do admit I envy him and how deeply he affects your life.”

He had no reason to run from this; it was the truth laid before them, and it was only for the Trailblazer who placed his glass carefully down to admit. “Well... We’re not in a relationship, Gepard. General Jing Yuan and I are good friends, from his eyes at least. But... I like Jing Yuan. He was there for me when I needed it the most during my time there. I did think it was admiration or even a fleeting crush that would fade away.

“However, they didn’t disappear at all. It only grows stronger with each passing day, each moment we spend together. I won’t deny my feelings, but I don’t want this to affect our friendship. Not only mine but the rest of us Nameless, Dan Heng especially. I’m sure General Jing Yuan still holds an old flame for Dan Feng through him as his past incarnation.”

“What makes you believe so?” Gepard’s expression softened with concern at the pain and bitter expression on the young man’s face.

Caelus chuckled and recounted with a weak smile, “Because of how he looks at Dan Heng, he hopes Dan Feng will return to him. Even Dan Heng said he doesn’t feel the same about the General... I’m sure...”

Jing Yuan would still want Dan Heng by his side even if they weren’t the same person; the Trailblazer finished the sentence in his head. He stood no chance to win the older man’s heart. His jealousy of Dan Heng erupted in a cold war when emotions weren’t calm.

So... What kind of person was he to even deserve Jing Yuan’s attention? As he thought about his argument with Dan Heng, he realized he was like a child compared to the latter, who made mature attempts to reconcile with him.

“... Love is a complicated emotion, Caelus.” Gepard listened attentively, his expression showing empathy and understanding. “It often defies logic and reason; controlling our feelings is difficult. But honesty and communication are key, especially in a delicate situation.”

He paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully. “As for Jing Yuan... Even though you have said that he harbors feelings for Dan Heng or 'Dan Feng.' Yet, all I hear from this is that he has always been looking at you alone.”

“What...?” Caelus looked at his friend, his expression bewildered. “How… Did you know?”

Gepard chuckled at the reaction he gained lightheartedly. “I jest. I don’t honestly know the whole situation nor the man himself personally. But, if I have to hazard a guess….

“It sounds like this man, Jing Yuan, may have complicated feelings, torn between his past and his present,” The blond-haired captain continued, his tone gentle yet insightful as he picked up the soda bottle to pour into Caelus’s glass. “And while it may be true that he still harbors feelings for Dan Feng, it’s equally true that his attention and affection seem to be directed towards you.”

“But what about Dan Feng? I don’t want to come between them or cause further complications.” The Trailblazer’s mind struggled to comprehend as he listened intently.

Gepard smiled assuredly at the young man despite his inner turmoil and comforted him. “Perhaps it’s worth considering that Dan Feng and Jing Yuan’s relationship may not be as clear-cut as it seems. People change, circumstances evolve, and sometimes, what we think we know about someone is only a fraction of the truth.

“I believe you should be honest with Jing Yuan about your feelings. It may not change the situation with Dan Feng, but at least he will know where you stand. And who knows? Perhaps Jing Yuan’s feelings for Dan Feng are more complex than they appear, or maybe he’s ready to move on. You won’t know unless you talk to him.”

Stopping himself from answering immediately, Caelus took a moment to carefully consider his words. Gepard was right to call it out. Everything he knew about Dan Feng and Jing Yuan's relationship was through fanciful fiction books, rumors whispering around, and his assumptions.

He needed to directly converse with Jing Yuan to understand the General’s true feelings and express his own. Taking a deep breath, Caelus nodded slowly, his mind made up with a sense of clarity and resolution emerging amidst the confusion. “You’re right, Gepard. I shouldn’t jump to conclusions or make assumptions about their relationship. I must honestly talk with Jing Yuan to lay everything on the table and see where we stand.”

With a nod of agreement, Gepard smiled encouragingly, proud of his friend for facing his emotions head-on. “I’m glad to hear that, Caelus. Remember, honesty and communication are key. Trust in your instincts, communicate openly with Jing Yuan, and above all, follow your heart. Whatever path you choose, know that you have friends who stand by you, me included.”

“Thank you, Gepard. Your understanding mean a lot to me.” Feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders, the Trailblazer smiled gratefully at his friend and heaved a shaky sigh as he followed up with a guilty voice. “And... I’m sorry for avoiding you all those times after you confessed your own feelings. I shouldn’t have left you hanging to wait....”

“No need for the apology,” Gepard returned with a bittersweet smile curled on his lips. “We both needed the time to understand and accept our own feelings. But I have never once regretted falling in love with you, Caelus. You have meant much more than being my friend and a hero. You’ve been my pillar of support, confidence, and inspiration. Even if my feelings weren’t reciprocated as I hoped, I cherish the bond and memories we’ve created together.”

Caelus was deeply moved by the captain’s words, feeling regretful for unintentionally causing him pain. “I’m truly sorry, Gepard… I never wanted to hurt you or lead you on. You’ve been an incredible friend to me. I hope you can forgive me.”

“There’s nothing to forgive when you are following what your heart wants, Caelus,” Gepard assured him, reaching across the table to place a reassuring hand on his friend’s shoulder. “We’ve both grown and learned from our experiences, and our friendship remains as strong as ever. That’s what truly matters.”

Caelus finished his drink with renewed purpose and stood up from the table. “Thanks, Gepard. For everything. It’s getting late out there. I should make a move first.”

“Go ahead, Caelus. You’ll always be welcome here whenever you visit as a friend and the hero of Belobog who saved my home.” Gepard nodded in understanding, offering him a supportive smile.

With a final nod, Caelus left the dining room, his heart filled with determination and hope for the future. Gepard looked at the emptied glass Caelus had drank from and curled a small smile to murmur, “And farewell, Caelus… My first and only ever love that I have.”

=0=

“Alright, there are no other messages from anyone in Belobog,” Caelus checked through the messages on his phone for the last time. There were no other urgent jobs for commission given to him either. He’s good to go back to Luofu right now.

Placing back his phone, just when the Trailblazer was about to touch the warp anchor, a familiar dark blue and white hair color caught his attention. His yellow eyes watched as the figure walked down the stairs towards the entrance of the Underworld.

“Sampo...? Where is he going?” Caelus narrowed his yellow eyes suspiciously at the self-proclaimed businessman-slash-scammer.

Curiosity and wariness blended together in his heart. He stealthily turned away from the anchor point to trail after Sampo discreetly through the streets of Boulder town, but he couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease gnawing at him. What could Sampo be up to, especially after their recent incident in the Great Mine?

Keeping a safe distance, Caelus observed as Sampo weaved through the crowds with practiced ease, his demeanor calm and collected with a joyful humming of a song sung from his lips. Despite his suspicions, the young man couldn’t deny the lingering curiosity driving him forward.

Upon reaching an alley of the deserted Rivet town, the gray-haired young man hid behind a wall after spotting a vagrant miner waiting for Sampo at the end. He strained his body as much as he could overhear their conversation.

“How was the sales today?” Sampo asked the miner.

The miner, dressed in tattered clothes and with a weary expression, shook his head. “Not good, Mr. Koski. People are getting wary, and the Silvermane guards are cracking down on us, making the sales harder than ever.”

“I see...” Sampo clicked his tongue in disappointment. “Well, we’ll have to find another way to meet ends. Any news from our... Associates?”

The miner glanced around nervously before replying in a hushed tone. “Not much. They’re keeping a low profile, but I’ve heard rumors that Captain Gepard began to increase patrol activity in the Underworld. He is taking this seriously, man.”

“Keep an ear out for any developments. And remember, discretion is key. We can’t afford any slip-ups.” Sampo’s brows furrowed as he listened intently, ordering in a hush yet severe whisper.

The miner nodded solemnly before slipping back into the shadows, leaving Sampo alone in the alley. As the scammer turned to leave, he immediately stopped in his tracks upon recognizing the Trailblazer having now stepped out from hiding to stand before him. The expression of shock on his face appeared momentarily, and an eager smile with both hands raised to rub against each other. “My fam, w-why, what brings you here by yourself? Do you require special services from your old pal?”

Caelus crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes at the older man. “I was wondering where you were right after we left the Great Mine. But... I should not be surprised you’re back at your old business again, scamming others on your left and right.”

Even when the smile faltered slightly, Sampo quickly regained his composure, adopting a nonchalant demeanor. “Ah, my dear fam, always so quick to judge. You know how it is in the Underworld; one must be resourceful to survive. But I assure you, I am merely conducting legitimate business transactions.”

“Legitimate, huh? I suppose the loot obtained from the core level were sold at a much higher price to your buyers, Mr. ‘tall, blue, and handsome businessman.’” Caelus spat the emphasis word with disgust. “All the artifacts found in the great mine were sold and bought by the same person. A one-man circus show to run the business.”

“You always had a knack for jumping to conclusions, but I suppose I can’t fault you for being so passionate about justice.” Sampo took a step closer, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial tone with a smirk. “But let me assure you, my business dealings are above board. As for the artifacts you mentioned, let’s just say I have a knack for finding the right buyers who appreciate such treasures.”

Caelus eyed the older man skeptically, unconvinced by his smooth talk. Before he opened his mouth, the two men heard a faint thud dropping out of Sampo’s pocket. It was metallic, with slight rust on the corner of what seemed to be a controller. Caelus picked it up faster than the older man to examine it.

As he inspected the controller, the younger man’s brow furrowed at his familiarity with the object. Had he seen this item somewhere before? It stirred a memory in the back of his mind. The rust on its corner suggested it had been through its fair share of use.

“What’s this?” Caelus muttered, turning the controller over in his hands.

Sampo’s eyes widened imperceptibly as he watched the Trailblazer inspect the object. His nonchalant demeanor wavered for a moment before he regained his composure. “Ah, that? Just a little trinket I picked up in my business! Nothing of importance, I assure you, my friend.”

“Uh huh,” But Caelus wasn’t convinced. There was something about the controller that didn’t sit right with him. It’s way too... Wait a minute...!

“This... This is from the Great Mine,” The gray-haired young man stated, his voice firm with certainty. “I remember seeing one of these when we were at the core. It is used to activate the automation, and the soldiers were trying to shut it down.”

Sampo’s facade faltered, a flicker of panic crossing his features before he masked it with a forced smile. “You must be mistaken, friend. I assure you, This controller must have come from somewhere else entirely.”

But Caelus wasn’t buying it. His instincts told him that this damn scammer was lying through his teeth, and he wasn’t going to let it slide. He narrowed his eyes at the older man upon fully recognizing the controller. “This controller... This must be the one that activated the two Automations that attacked us back there, wasn’t it?!”

“I... I don’t know what you’re talking about, Caelus,” The dark blue-haired scammer’s smile wavered, his facade crumbling under the Trailblazer’s accusatory glare. He took a step back away from him with his expression from confidence to unease, and his voice stammered. “I told you, I don’t know anything about this! This controller must be a coincidence.”

There was no way Sampo would be let off the hook that easily. Now that their deal of partnership was over, the scammer was going to get what he deserved. All the pieces started to come together in Caelus’s mind, forming a raging revelation about the older man’s involvement with the two ancient automates.

Caelus growled, his voice low and menacing. “It’s you. You were the one who triggered those automations when you tripped over nothing. You’ve misled all of us in your misdirection. So, are you trying to get us killed back in there before Gepard could end this automation attack on others?!”

“... Oh, um, my bad...?” Sampo returned sheepishly with a hesitant grin. Seeing that seemingly unrepentant face made the Trailblazer flash out his curio bat threateningly before the older man.

Yellow eyes burned with anger, Caelus’s patience wore thin, and Sampo’s attitude was flippant. The scammer’s nonchalant demeanor only fueled his frustration further.

“You think this is a joke?” Caelus snarled, his voice laced with fury. “You endangered everyone down there with your reckless actions, and now you dare to act like it’s no big deal?”

Sampo’s expression shifted from sheepishness to fear as he stepped back, realizing the gravity of the situation. His facade of confidence crumbled, revealing the cowardice that lay beneath.

“I-I didn’t mean to...” Sampo stammered, his voice trembling with fear. “I-I was trying to scare the captain just a little biiit~ A-A-And, he was okay, see! You know what? I have something that you like! Sampo Koski always returns the favor for those who help him. This is the best treasure I reserved for you, partner!”

The dark-gloved hands frantically searched from his pockets, hidden pockets, and inventories into the depths of the bottomless pit theoretically. Sampo dug out a shiny, pristine gold ticket with a red strip to wave before Caelus. “See! This rare antique is worth millions of credits, and I-I saved it all for you!”

However, the glare from Caelus’s cold, narrowed eyes remained at the scammer’s sudden change in demeanor, and he eyed the golden ticket with caution. “What’s this? Another one of your schemes again?”

“No, absolutely not, fam!” Sampo insisted, his voice pleading. “It’s a real deal. Do you see how authentic the gold is on the paper? This is a ticket for the biggest grand gala ball before the Great Freeze happened. In the market now, there’s so many people who want to grab their hands on this for collection! You are short of credit right now, aren’t you? Comparing the worth of this golden ticket and your job to train a General’s little retainer... I’m positive you know what’s better for you. And, consider this my way of saying thank you for all your help.”

Caelus hesitated, his eyes flickering between Sampo and the ticket in his hand. No matter how many odd jobs he took, there were never enough credits for his gacha gaming hobby. But he couldn’t shake off the lingering feeling that the older man was up to something no good.

“Why are you giving this to me?” Caelus asked, his voice cautious. “What’s the catch?”

Sampo’s smile faltered slightly, a hint of emotion flickering across his features before he masked it with a big grin. “No catch, I promise. Consider it a gesture of goodwill. Besides, you deserve a little reward for all your hard work, don’t you think?”

Caelus remained skeptical, but he couldn’t deny the temptation of the ticket. After all, he had always dreamed of attending the Grand Gala, and this could be his chance.

“Fine,” Caelus said finally, reaching out to take the ticket from Sampo’s hand. “But if I find out you’re up to something, you’ll regret it.”

When the fingers barely grazed against glossy material, the gray-haired man’s vision spun briefly, and he found himself backed against the brick wall with his right hand pinned beside him by a large hand. The curio bat in his grip fell to the ground with a loud clatter. Caelus looked up with an irritated scowl at the smirking Sampo holding him in place. “Bastard, so it’s a trick after all!”

“Woah there, I never said you could take it for free, my fam.” Sampo whistled to him with a pleased smile, having the young man where he wanted. His voice turned a little lower, and he murmured in a tone that wasn’t only his playfulness. “If you want this ticket... All you must do is take it off my lips.”

Darting at the ticket waving tauntingly and the damn scammer, the Trailblazer Caelus’s eyes narrowed, his expression a mix of anger and frustration as he struggled against Sampo’s grip. The older man’s smirk only fueled his determination, and he gritted his teeth in frustration.

“And? You think I’m just going to play your game like this?” Caelus growled, his voice low and dangerous.

As the young man used his free hand to throw a hook into the scammer’s face, the latter quickly caught it and pinned it beside the Trailblazer’s head. Sampo’s smirk widened, his grip on both wrists tightening slightly as he leaned closer, his breath warm against Caelus’s ear. “Come on, Caelus. You know you want it. Just take it from me, and it’ll be yours. Or are you too scared to play my game? Never know until you try... Perhaps I could be even better than what the dear captain could offer you....”

Caelus’s blood boiled with anger at Sampo’s taunts, but he forced himself to remain calm. He couldn’t let the scammer get the better of him, no matter how tempting the ticket may be. Eventually, with a nod, the Trailblazer relented with an impassive expression. “Alright. I just need to take it from your lips, right?”

“Of course! Whatever you want... Your old pal, Sampo Koski, will give everything to you, Caelus...” From the last husky whisper, Sampo placed the golden ticket between his lips and held it down gently. His green eyes narrowed seductively to lure the young man wrapped in his fingers.

Taking a deep breath quietly, the Trailblazer leaned forward slowly toward the older scammer. The warm scent mixed with chemicals melted snow, and an earthy smell wafted into Caelus’s nostrils. Sampo’s expression was a mixture of amusement and joy, and something seemed to darken his eyes as he leaned closer to him.

But... Just as the lips were to touch each other...

Caelus’s yellow eyes glinted at the opportunity, raising up one of his knees and kicking his foot into the damn scammer’s gut. “Rules are made to be broken!”

“GUH!” The Trailblazer’s unexpected reaction caught Sampo off guard. His body fell to the ground to double in pain, and the ticket from his lips slipped off.

Sampo groaned in pain as he clutched his stomach, the wind knocked out of him by Caelus’s sudden attack. The golden ticket lay forgotten on the ground as he struggled to catch his breath, his eyes wide with shock and disbelief. “That... Hurts... Fam...!”

“Good.” Caelus snorted with a cold and unforgiving expression. “This is for your prank box that hurt Qingzu. I don’t know what you’re going on about with Gepard. There’s nothing between us. If you’re going to talk bad about him, you’ll wish you never crossed paths with me.”

While the Trailblazer reached to pick up the golden ticket, Sampo pushed himself up to sit against the brick wall, and a sigh left his lips. “Yeah, yeah, I promise. But, you know... Ever since you and your little friends left on your journey, things have been boring without you here, Caelus.”

The gray-haired young man almost picked up his curio bat, but he stopped to look at the older man and quirked an eyebrow at him. Sampo laughed weakly as his lips curled into a bitter smile. “Selling goods to your customers, buying from your suppliers, and running for my life from our dear captain... It was fun, sure, to make those cold-hard cash. But, every day, it was the same old routine. There’s nothing fun happening anymore until you come back, fam. You bring colors and fun into a world of theatre to make the play come to life.”

“... Are you saying you miss me, Sampo?” Caelus asked incredulously, his voice tinged with disbelief. He regarded Sampo with a mixture of skepticism and curiosity. Despite the scammer’s deceitful nature, a hint of vulnerability in his words caught the Trailblazer off guard. “You call scamming people’s money and running from Captain Gepard and the Silvermane Guards’ fun’? You’ve got a strange definition of entertainment, Sampo.”

Sampo chuckled weakly, wincing as he rubbed his sore stomach. “Believe it or not, you excite my otherwise dull existence. Sure, you may not always see eye to eye with me, but I can’t deny that life is more interesting with you in it. But hey, life in the Underworld isn’t exactly a walk in the park, you know? Sometimes, you have to find amusement wherever you can.”

Caelus sighed, his expression softening slightly. Despite everything, he couldn’t deny that there was a strange bond between him and Sampo, forged through their shared experiences in his journey. “You aren’t that wrong... You may be an asshole most of the time, but I always thought you were an interesting person.”

It was Sampo’s turn to regard the young man with surprise and curiosity. The Trailblazer shrugged, picking up his curio bat to dust it off. “Your tips on selling automation parts for profits, knowing where to find treasure to profit from, and your quick-witted experience to traverse between Overworld and Underworld. I thought you weren’t that bad of a person even if you spend half of your time deceiving others for business, Sampo.”

The dark blue-haired man’s expression softened, a glimmer of gratitude shining in his eyes as he listened to Caelus’s words. Despite the pain from the young man’s earlier attack, there was a sense of warmth in his chest at the Trailblazer’s unexpected acknowledgment.

“Well, I’ll take that as a compliment, coming from you,” Sampo replied with a crooked smile, his usual charm returning. “You’re not so bad yourself, Caelus. You may have a temper like a wildfire, but you’ve got a heart of gold underneath all that bravado.”

Caelus snorted at the compliment, a hint of color rising to his cheeks. He wasn’t used to receiving praise, especially from someone like Sampo, but he couldn’t deny that it felt good to hear. “Damn right. I may not always make the best decisions, but I’ll always fight for what I believe in. And if that means taking down scammers like you, then so be it.”

The older man chuckled and shook his head in amusement. “Fair enough, old pal. Fair enough. But hey, if you ever need a partner in crime, you know where to find me. Just try not to kick me in the gut next time, alright?”

“No promises. But who knows? Maybe we’ll make a pretty good team after all.” Caelus grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“I look forward to that,” Sampo grinned in return, sighing and adding, “But... you and our dear captain Gepard... You are sure you two aren’t exactly together, right?”

Caelus raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by Sampo’s sudden change in topic. However, he repeated his answer more firmly: “No, we’re not. Nothing is going on between us. He and I have some... Complicated problems at first. But otherwise, he’s a good friend. Anyway, I gotta go. See you around, Sampo.”

“Interesting. Because from what a little bird told me... You were out on a date with the Luofu General one night together. All of their stories were completely over-exaggerating what they saw. Sparks flying, love songs singing in the background, eyes ogling into heart shapes at each other? Pfft! I know my fam the best. There’s no way you would get into such scandalous affairs, right?”

One second.

Two seconds...

Three seconds...

Strangely, there was no reply from Caelus at all. Sampo’s face grew concerned at the unusual silence, turning to look at where the young man was. “Um, fam? Say something—?”

Instead of the Trailblazer standing right where he was, nobody was around except him, all alone in the alley. Sampo’s brow furrowed in confusion as he looked around the alley, puzzled by Caelus’s sudden disappearance. “Um, fam?”

But there was no response, just the eerie silence of the empty alleyway. With cautious steps, Sampo approached the spot where Caelus had been standing moments before, his eyes darting around for any sign of the Trailblazer. Yet… There was nothing – no trace of him remained.

“Friend, are you kidding me?!” The dark blue-haired scammer looked around with exasperation and frustration as he whined. “You can’t be ditching your old pal behind like this!”

Running off to possibly where Caelus walked off, Sampo screamed into the dark sky at the top of his lungs. “My hero, are you seriously going out with the Luofu General?! Please answer me!!”

Notes:

Me: *sobs* I'm so sorry for hurting your feelings Geppie... 😭
Me to me: Bruh, you ARE the one who wrote this as Jingcae, right?!
Me to me: I know, and it makes me wonder if I'm agreeing or disagreeing with me here! 😡

But in all seriousness, this is finally the end of Beloborg arc of this whole story with this chapter serving as the epilogue to it.

Gepard and Caelus finally got their much needed talk and closure of their current relationship to remain as good friends. And Gepard for himself also encouraging Caelus to pursue after Jing Yuan even at the risk of having his feelings to be rejected is his way of supporting Caelus to make sure he get his happiness one way or another. 😢

Meanwhile Sampo, on the other hand... Caelus gave him what he deserved at least for pranking on Qingzu at least. I will say it's OOC for sure on both of them since in-game there hasn't been any of those major situations that Sampo and Caelus actually have a heart-to-heart talk like this.

But I do notice at least Sampo is often closer or warm up more to Cae compared to March and Dan Heng, as the three of them met him equally. However a number of quests have Cae meeting up the handsome blue scammer often, so I do think at the minimal level, Cae does have a slight personal closeness with him... Even after what happens in Penacony.

Anyway, I hope you guys have enjoyed the Beloborg arc! We'll be returning back to Luofu onto the next chapter, with Luofu characters back in action.

Comments are appreciated 🥰

Chapter 18: Scent of Uncertainty & Intimate Tensions

Summary:

Before the Trailblazer could even finish, Jing Yuan moved one of his hands to grab Caelus's arm and pull him as close as he could to the large table between them. The usual lazy smile was still on the General's face yet… The gray-haired young man shuddered at how his golden eyes weren't smiling, and something dark glinted in them. "You must have been a very close friend to your associate… How very envious, Caelus."

Notes:

Patch week is finally here! I hope you guys have enjoyed the main trailblaze quest! 🥰

Here's another chapter for this week!

WARNING: Lots and lots of screenshots on chat messages in this chapter. Hope you guys aren't using data to read!

"I'm beat…," Caelus murmured loudly upon teleporting back into the familiar bustling street of Central Starskiff Haven in Xianzhou Luofu ship. The artificial sun was almost burning his near-withered soul from the fatigue hitting him all at once after resolving a crisis of sorts in Belobog. The day's events, including his encounter with Sampo, had taken their toll, leaving him physically and emotionally drained.

Dragging himself through the crowded streets of Central Starskiff Haven, Caelus longed for nothing more than to bury himself in the soft bed and dreamland to recuperate his body and soul. The artificial daylight sun intensified his weariness as he navigated the busy thoroughfare.

"I should also call for room service after I wake up..." The Trailblazer thought tiredly. However, the device vibrated violently when he took his phone out of his pocket. "Woah, what the?!"

To his own surprise, he dropped the phone with a loud clatter. Yet, the vibration didn't stop and continued as though the phone had a mind of its own. It reminded the gray-haired young man of those suspense novels he read, where the story would start a technological zombie apocalypse with the main protagonist's phone coming to life by having its own artificial intelligence to conquer humanity.

Caelus was unsure whether to pick up his phone or take out his curio bat to give the vibrating device a few hard bashings. The yellow eyes warily observed as the phone on the ground slowly began to stop vibrating, twitching a few times here and there. Then, it finally came to a complete stop.

"Really... What was all that about...?" The Trailblazer picked up the phone cautiously, expecting another vibration out of nowhere to scare him. His tiredness was forgotten in favor of looking at the root of the problem on his screen.

...

Did Silver Wolf's warning of 'a lot of messages' mean 10 or 20 missed messages?

Because... The phrase 'a lot' was a gross underestimation of the hundreds of missed messages and calls flooding the phone notification center. Caelus's face was colored with astonishment and disbelief as he scrolled through. "Holy Aeons... 50—no, 75. Wait, 1,200 messages?! Did she hack my account to bring spam in?"

The Trailblazer's eyes widened in shock as he scrolled through the barrage of missed messages and calls, his mind racing to comprehend the sheer volume of notifications. Each one added to his growing sense of bewilderment.

Then, the next sender also shared the same sentiments with the pink-haired young girl.

Onward to the next person, Caelus flicked with his thumb, his yellow eyes coloring with bewilderment as they grew big upon the unexpected sender.

"Dan Heng..." Caelus murmured in disbelief. Despite the heated argument, the dark-haired man was still worried about him as a friend. The Trailblazer realized that he and more familiar faces on the profile icon appeared on the unread messages list.

Not only from the two ladies, but there were also messages from Fu Xuan, Yukong, Qingzu, Asta, Arlan, and even Herta, who surprisingly had asked about his whereabouts. How long had Silver Wolf's meddling blocked him off from everyone?

Caelus's heart ached with pain at Yanqing's words. Even though he was Jing Yuan's lieutenant and retainer, he was still a young boy worrying about his older friend who went missing for weeks like everyone else.

As the Trailblazer scrolled through the flood of messages further, each one filled with concern and worry from people he acquainted with for his commission work, a wave of guilt washed over him. He hadn't realized how much his disappearance had affected those around him, especially those who cared about him.

The weight of their words bore down on him, and he felt a pang of regret for causing them so much distress. He hadn't adequately considered the consequences that would profoundly impact those closest to him.

As the heart weighed heavy with guilt and sadness, he typed his message to reply to Yanqing.

As he hit the 'Send' button on the last message, Caelus felt a sense of relief wash over him. "I hope Yanqing is fine after what happened, too. That Sampo didn't mention who the other recipients would receive his prank—!"

Zrrt!

Then, his phone vibrated with another notification from the messaging app. The Trailblazer flicked his screen to scroll all the way to the top. "Yanqing must be on a break—!"

Both yellow eyes widened in disbelief, and mouth agape with astonishment at what the young man saw.

Caelus's heart skipped a beat as he read the unexpected message from Jing Yuan. He wished he was seeing things yet... No matter how he scrolled to deny this, all of the Luofu General's messages to him were the same.

The more Caelus read, the more his mind found it hard to comprehend. Even though Jing Yuan's messages were kind, gentle, and welcoming to set aside all status to talk as equals.... All the messages contained a similar tone that went beyond their friendship. It left the Trailblazer unease, and Caelus's mind raced with questions.

"Why is Jing Yuan talking like this? We... We are friends, aren't we? And Jing Yuan... He likes Dan Feng, right? So, why? What's going on?" The Trailblazer wondered aloud. He needed to respond carefully, address the General's concerns, and reassure him that everything was under control.

His gloved hands were shaking from nervousness, and he typed out his reply to make sure his words conveyed professional respect and confidence between two friends and nothing more.

After hitting it send to Jing Yuan, the Trailblazer sighed heavily. He needed not to get his hopes up necessarily about the General, telling himself internally again that they were only good friends, with him harboring one-sided feelings.

 Zrrt!

"Maybe it's Dan Heng or March trying to reach me again. I should really reply to them soon." The message app notification alerted Caelus once more, and as he checked his phone, his heart almost stopped at the unexpected sender.

Caelus's heart pounded wildly, and his hands trembling as he read the new message from Jing Yuan. The chaos in his mind had gone to a point of no return, no longer able to make sure of the General's words. Was this a continuation of their friendly exchange, or was there something more beneath the surface that Jing Yuan was trying to convey?

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Caelus knew he had to respond carefully. He didn't want to inadvertently create any more misunderstandings for himself.

"What?" The Trailblazer quietly muttered at the news.

A pang of relief soothed the Trailblazer's mind as the General reassured him that what Yanqing informed him about Qingzu was all well.

"Now? I guess it's fine—Wait. This… This feels like a déjà vu," Caelus's heart skipped a beat when the familiarity of a past incident hit his mind. He might have intruded on another private and personal time between Jing Yuan and Dan Heng.

And the Trailblazer recalled that it resulted in his friendship with the dark-haired to be where it was now, also…. "Jing Yuan doesn't know about our fight. And to say that he only has eyes for Dan Heng, and I become jealous when Jing Yuan and I aren't even in a relationship in the first place. Aeon, I'm so fucking cringe!"

Caelus could use his flaming lance right now if he wanted to dig himself a hole to hide there in shame. He sighed heavily to type his reply while muttering aloud mournfully. "Gepard, I'm sorry you wanted me to talk honestly to Jing Yuan. But… Today is not the day to choose my battle."

A mixture of regret and relief was a taste of bitter coffee Himeko often brewed in her room after the gray-haired young man sent his reply. He couldn't help but feel guilty for lying to the General, especially considering his unresolved problems with Dan Heng. Yet, he also knew it was right to wait until Qingzu's return without deepening feelings.

"Huh?!" Caelus nearly screamed at the top of his lungs.

The Trailblazer sighed another deep breath out at the last message and placed his phone away. "Now, that should be fine…."

He should be able to make his way out of here before—!

ZRRT!

"Y… You're kidding me, right? Did he actually just cancel my fake meeting?" This was the second excuse he made, effectively brushed away with a perfect comeback to counter him. Once bitten, twice shy, the Galactic Batter won't be fooled by the Luofu General's tactics for the third time!

Plan one failed.

Plan two failed.

Plan three failed. Sorry, Qingque. The General realized the young Diviner was slacking off her duties again, Caelus apologized in his mind.

No matter what excuses the Trailblazer could come up with on his feet, all his chess pieces were quickly eaten up by Jing Yuan's own. His heart sank as he realized there was no easy escape from this situation; all roads led to one.

Despite the simple-sounding question, Jing Yuan already saw through every excuse he made and would make. As expected, no less of the man who held his position as a Luofu General, who possessed a powerful foresight to lead his people.

With a white flag raising high to wave in his mind, Caelus typed with resignation.

Placing his phone away, Caelus gathered his resolve and prepared to face the music. He couldn't shake off the unease and uncertainty that clouded his thoughts, especially Jing Yuan's insistence on seeing you, which made him all the more concerned about the General's sudden change in attitude toward him.

=0=

"Caelus, you're here," Jing Yuan rose from his seat to greet the young Trailblazer entering his office, wearing a rare openness of relief and joy.

Upon arrival, Caelus sought out Chiyan as instructed by Jing Yuan. The Cloud Knight welcomed him briefly and escorted him to where the General was. Chiyan then saluted wordlessly before leaving the Trailblazer with Jing Yuan alone.

A small smile curled on Caelus's lips to hide his hesitancy as he approached the older man's desk. "Yes, General. I'm back, and I'm sorry for causing you trouble."

Jing Yuan's expression softened as he observed Caelus, his warm golden eyes reflecting a mixture of gentle and tenderness. "You don't need to apologize, Caelus. I'm just glad to see you safe and sound."

Caelus nodded, feeling a knot of tension tighten further in his chest from the older man's gaze. His voice remained controlled and steadily steady despite the lingering unease. "Thank you, General. I appreciate your concern."

Gesturing the Trailblazer to take a seat, Jing Yuan continued with a gentle yet authoritative demeanor. "I wanted to speak with you about your activity in pursuing the culprit of the prank box and your well-being. I understand you've been through a lot, and I want to ensure you're doing alright."

"I'm doing okay, General. I would like to apologize on behalf of the culprit, who is... A close associate of mine." Although the word 'close associate' to the scammer Sampo Koski was hardly the right choice to describe their relationship, Caelus brushed the concern aside and added, "He was bored and wondered about how my trailblazing journey had been. So, I spent there for a week while helping another friend of mine out to get her stolen belongings back."

"I'm glad to hear that you were able to resolve the situation, Caelus. Even afar, you are still a hero in need to help those who yearn so. An admirable trait you have there.” Jing Yuan replied, his tone supportive and his golden eyes narrowed fondly to the young man. "But please remember, if you ever need someone to talk to or support, I'm here for you."

"… Thank you, General. I'll keep that in mind," The gray-haired young man replied with a curt nod. Just as he thought, there was something weird about Jing Yuan now.

As Jing Yuan smiled at the Trailblazer, his face colored surprised for a moment before a faint amusement replaced his facial expression. "I notice your hair is all over the place. Did you rush over here as soon as you can?"

Caelus raised a gloved hand, realizing in embarrassment that what the General had said was true. He was starting to feel his messy hair as he tried to comb it down while standing up from his seat. "N-No—I mean, yeah, no, um… I didn't want to keep you waiting for so long when you said you have something important to discuss."

"Haha, I see. Then, allow me to offer you my assistance." Jing Yuan also rose from his seat and reached both his hands out to help smooth the gray hair strands.

"General, um, I don't think it's—!"

"Stay still," Jing Yuan returned, his voice still gentle but with a tone that left no room for protest.

The Trailblazer nodded shyly, allowing the General's large hands to run through his hair. As Jing Yuan's hands brushed down the stray hairs, Caelus couldn't help but his face heating up at the long and thick fingers gliding across his hair scalps. The older man's voice hummed thoughtfully, moving his other free arm to place around the young man's shoulders. "Hmm… Some of your hair is tangled together, Caelus. This will take a while indeed."

The deep baritone voice and the warm breath hitting Caelus's head made his breath hitch at how close their position was right now. His heart, already beating fast from the situation's tension, had quickened its pace even more.

Do… Do friends help groomed each other's hair? Especially being this close…?

Caelus wondered as his heartbeat thundered loudly inside his ears. He and Jing Yuan were friends, right? So…Why…? Why was Jing Yuan doing something like this?

Even that evening, when they were on a walk at the Exalting Sanctum, Jing Yuan leaned close to him, their lips almost touching, and had to feed him the Tuskir Wraps while his golden eyes never left his yellow.

Was this what friends do when they are really close? That’s what they were, right…?

The books Caelus read to help compensate for his lost memories were nowhere near useful. Or was there something more to Jing Yuan's actions?

The memory of their previous interactions flashed through Caelus's mind again, stirring up a whirlwind of confusion. Had there been subtle hints of something beyond in Jing Yuan's gestures and words? Or was he simply overthinking the situation, reading too much into innocent actions?

As Jing Yuan's touch lingered, the Trailblazer was torn between pulling away and leaning into the comforting embrace. Part of him longed for the reassurance and warmth offered by the man he loved, while another feared the implications of such closeness.

Lost in his internal turmoil, the young man almost missed Jing Yuan's voice calling to him. "It's done, Caelus."

"… Thank you, General…," Caelus murmured quietly, slapping himself internally for trying to long for the older man's warm touches. Get a grip, you dumbass!

While Jing Yuan smiled at him, his gentle face was colored with shock as his brows furrowed. "This strange smell… Where did you get this?"

"What?" Caelus raised both his arms to sniff, then his shoulders. There was a funny smell, and it wasn't the smell of trash he loved so much.

Unless...

As the young man used his free hand to throw a hook into the scammer's face, the latter quickly caught it and pinned it beside the Trailblazer's head. Sampo's smirk widened, his grip on both wrists tightening slightly as he leaned closer, his breath warm against Caelus's ear. "Come on, Caelus. You know you want it. Just take it from me, and it'll be yours. Or are you too scared to play my game? Never know until you try... Perhaps I could be even better than what the dear captain could offer you...."

The Trailblazer mentally smacked himself in the head upon concluding on the source. "Of course, it's from that bastard! How on Aeons is his smell still on me even now?!"

He also did not have the time to shower himself clean before meeting the General. All manners were forgotten when he was dealing with someone in a high position. Caelus heaved a deep sigh and explained. "I'm sorry, General. This smell must have been from that close associate of mine. He's sort of a touchy-feely person. When I tracked him down, it caused his scent to rub on me—Woah!"

Before the Trailblazer could even finish, Jing Yuan moved one of his hands to grab Caelus's arm and pull him as close as he could to the large table between them. The usual lazy smile was still on the General's face yet… The gray-haired young man shuddered at how his golden eyes weren't smiling, and something dark glinted in them. "You must have been a very close friend to your associate… How very envious, Caelus."

Caelus's heart skipped a beat as Jing Yuan's demeanor shifted, his casual smile belying the intensity in his gaze. The sudden change in the General's expression sent a shiver down the Trailblazer's spine, his mind racing to comprehend the underlying meaning behind his words.

The young man struggled to maintain his composure, caught off guard by Jing Yuan's unexpected reaction. The air crackled with tension as he found himself trapped under the General's sight, Jing Yuan's proximity sending a jolt of adrenaline coursing through his veins.

"I assure you, General, he's nothing more than an acquaintance," Caelus replied. "His actions were unwelcome, and I've made it clear that I have no interest in his games."

"I don't doubt your words, Caelus." Jing Yuan smiled at the Trailblazer, yet his darkened gaze never wavered as the large hand holding the arm lifted up to his face. The same hand slowly pulled to reveal the red foreign handprints on Caelus's wrist, and his lips neared it to let the warm breath grazed against. "Unfortunately, your message to your 'friend' was not delivered well as intended."

The red markings on his wrist made Caelus's yellow eyes grow big. He hadn't realized tricking Sampo in his game also made the scammer leave his own imprint on him.

"I... I didn't realize," The Trailblazer stammered, his voice faltering as he struggled to find the right words. He cursed himself for his carelessness, allowing Sampo to leave his mark on him so easily.

Jing Yuan's expression remained unreadable as he observed the Trailblazer's reaction, his gaze piercing through Caelus with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine. The silence in the room felt suffocating as Caelus struggled to find the right words to explain himself—

Wait… Hold on a second. Why should he?

There was no reason for him to clarify to Jing Yuan at all when they were only friends, to begin with. As much as he loved the General, there were boundaries he needed to remind the older man instead. When Caelus looked back at Jing Yuan, his initial fear disappeared and was replaced with a newfound sense of determination. He squared his shoulders and met Jing Yuan's gaze head-on, his own yellow eyes reflecting a steely resolve.

"General," Caelus began, his voice firm and unwavering, "I appreciate your concern, but I can handle my own problems. While I value your guidance and support, I do not require your intervention in this matter."

For a moment, the Trailblazer swore something flickered in those golden eyes. Yet, Jing Yuan's gaze narrowed, and the smile soon turned to a smirk. "Is that so, Caelus? Forgive me if I find that hard to believe. Your relationship with this close 'friend' of yours does bring peculiar attention when one notices."

Caelus's heart pounded in his chest as he braced himself for whatever was to come next. Each word of 'friend' left from Jing Yuan's words was filled with venom. But he refused to back down for the General's feelings and to remind him where he stood. "Then, it should be none of your concern as my 'friend' on my relationship with others, General. It doesn't mean anything just because he leaves a mark on me."

"On the contrary, Caelus, everything about you concerns me. Because there is nothing more than I fear in my longevity immortal life was to lose you, who has become my dearest treasure."

... What...?

At that moment, the air around them changed, and Caelus's face of defiance transformed into utter shock at what Jing Yuan had admitted. Beyond the possessiveness and intensity laid a fragile sincerity that revealed the depths of the General's heart.

The Trailblazer felt his breath choked in his throat, his mind reeling at Jing Yuan's confession. The weight of the General's words hung heavy in the air, filling the room with palpable tension.

"W… What are you saying...?" Caelus whispered, his voice barely above a breath as he struggled to process the depth of Jing Yuan's feelings. He had been unsure of where he stood with the older man for so long. Especially when Dan Heng told him that the General still longed for his lost love, Dan Feng. And now, faced with the raw vulnerability of Jing Yuan's confession, he found himself at a loss for words.

Jing Yuan's gaze softened, reflecting a longing and vulnerability for him alone. The lines of tension in his face eased slightly as he reached out to gently cup Caelus's cheek, his touch tender and warm, smiling kindly to him. "Did you know? When I learned from Qingzu that her messages were being blocked, I assumed in good heart that you have reasons to do so. However, it turns out my message to you was blocked, so it is for everyone who tries to contact you.

"And then when Dan Heng arrives to inform me of your disappearance for days... I have never been so powerless in my position as the General. I couldn't leave my place to go to where you are and fight alongside you. If something happens, I will only have myself to blame for the rest of my days for being unable to protect what is truly important before me."

Caelus's heart ached at Jing Yuan's words, and the depth of emotion in the General's confession hit him with unexpected force. He found himself overwhelmed by a flood of conflicting emotions.

"General..." Caelus murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, trembling with emotions. "I... I didn't mean to. I only wanted to get back at him for Qingzu when the prank bomb exploded in her face. Then... Things happened, and I have to cut off contact as part of the deal. I thought I was doing what was best, but I never stopped to consider the worry I might have caused you."

"You had your reasons, Caelus. I understand that now." Jing Yuan's gaze softened further as he leaned in closer. "You were only following your heart to do what is right. And I, too, will follow the same to do what my heart desire...."

Silence returned between them with Caelus's own heartbeat was the only sound that accompanied in as the General continued to lean closer to him. His warm breath of herbal fanning in his face, blowing away all his logical reasoning to push the older man away.

General, Xianzhou Alliance, Luofu, Trailblazer, Nameless, long-lived species, and short-lived species were now meaningless words to them.

Caelus was only Caelus, and Jing Yuan was Jing Yuan. The gray-haired young man shut his eyes slowly, for once to finally be selfish with his desire to have the white-haired older man to himself, to surrender to the pull of their shared emotions and the unspoken longing that had lingered between them for so long.

With a hesitant yet eager heart, Caelus leaned forward, closing the distance between himself and Jing Yuan until—

Drip.

"There's something... Wet...?" The Trailblazer wondered upon feeling something damp on his skin. Not only that but there was also the sound of water droplets dripping onto the ground, causing the intense atmosphere to shatter back into normalcy. Caelus was the first to pull away, and his yellow eyes widened in surprise. "Oh..."

A sizeable area of his white shirt on the lower left and his dark coat was stained with black ink and clear liquid; nearing his stained clothes were the tipped-over black bottle ink and teacup with their contents completely spilled out.

Caelus winced, realizing what had just happened. The spilled ink and tea had marred his attire, leaving an embarrassing mess that contrasted sharply with the solemn moment they had shared. His cheeks flushed red as he was about to move away to try and clean it up. "I'm sorry, General! I will pay for your cup and ink bottle as soon as I—!"

"It's alright, Caelus," Jing Yuan chuckled softly, reaching out to grasp the Trailblazer's hand gently and still his frantic movements. "It's my fault for not clearing my desk well before you arrived. Why don't you stay here for a while to freshen up? I will have my men prepare a temporary attire to wear while your clothes are sent for cleaning."

"But it's really fine, General. I shouldn't impose on you any further."

The General simply smiled wider, his grip on Caelus's hand becoming firmer and more assured. "It’s quite alright, and I insist. I do have something for which I require your expertise to assist me. So, I hope you will stay by my side for the time being, Caelus."

Notes:

*runs away to finish Patch 2.2 main story*

Chapter 19: Restless Lion, Restless Hearts

Summary:

Jing Yuan’s smile grew wider at the young man’s response. “Thank you, Caelus. I knew I could entrust you with this.”

When the General leaned closer to Caelus, he instinctively shut his eyes and waited with bated breath. Would Jing Yuan try to kiss him again like he did earlier?

Notes:

*pokes out from the bush and looks around* Coast is clear...!

I hope you guys have enjoyed the last chapter's unexpected bomb into your faces between Jing Yuan and Caelus 🤣

It's a weird time to come out together in the week of 2.2 patch release, but I still got to publish it nevertheless, and now here's a new chapter!

Knock knock!

Jing Yuan raised his head from the paperwork before him, seated at his desk, he acknowledged. “Come in.”

The door opened on his command, revealing a light green-haired foxian handmaid who entered his office with a bow and the familiar young man beside her. With his usual trailblazing attire sent for washing, Caelus now wore a gray hanfu that matched his hair color and a thin white robe over it.

However, the size of the clothes was slightly bigger than usual, as the end of the robes nearly covered his shoes.

The Luofu General nodded again and instructed. “You may leave the rest to me.”

With another polite bow, the foxian maid left the room. Caelus watched Jing Yuan stand from his seat and smiled apologetically. “I hope the attire is to your liking, Caelus. It was a last-minute request, and our tailors are unable to provide one of your sizes immediately.”

“No, it’s fine!” The Trailblazer quickly reassured, wincing internally at how fast he had replied to the older man. “I still want to thank you for the trouble of providing the clothes and sending mine for cleaning, General.”

Jing Yuan smiled warmly at Caelus’s gratitude, reassured by his understanding and appreciation. “It’s the least I could do for you for having your clothes ruined. Oh, but…”

Before the Trailblazer could ask, the older man had moved from his seat to stand before him. He raised a hand to adjust the neck collar of the robes with an amused smile curled on his lips. “How strange… It’s not like her to dress you up carelessly.”

“… Well... It’s not her fault, General. I only wanted to dress it up myself without her help. So, I told her to wait outside once I’m done.” Caelus corrected with his face coloring a faint pink shade around his cheeks. He wasn’t getting used to having someone dressed up for him like a high noble. However, he should have asked the maid for advice on how to wear the robes properly.

A soft chuckle left the white-haired older man’s lips; the amusement transformed into warm and tender as his fingers deftly adjusted the collar with practiced ease. “I see. Though I must admit, seeing you in our clothes is nice. And… That strange smell on your body has disappeared. Good.”

Immediately, the pink shade on Caelus’s cheek flushed deeper red when Jing Yuan’s voice sounded a lot lower than usual in a purr. “I-I, um, thank you for the kind words, General. And, also, for lending me the clothes.”

“There’s no need to thank me,” Jing Yuan’s smile widened at the young man’s flustered response, his golden eyes sparkling with affection as he observed the Trailblazer’s embarrassed reaction. “You’re important to me, and I’ll always be here to support you, no matter what. So please, don’t hesitate to lean on me whenever necessary.”

A rush of warmth washed over Caelus, and his heart almost skipped a few beats. At this rate, how much longer could his heart take of this new Jing Yuan before him? But what words should he use to describe their relationship now?

Jing Yuan moved his hand away from the collar and offered it to the Trailblazer. “Now, as I said, I have a job requiring your expertise. Please come with me, Caelus.”

The Trailblazer’s heart swirled with a mixture of emotions, taking Jing Yuan’s hand while wearing emotion of uncertainty in his yellow eyes. With a nod of understanding, Caelus followed the Luofu General out of the room, his mind buzzing with questions and doubts.

As they walked together down the Seat of Divine Foresight corridors, the gray-haired young couldn’t help but steal glances at Jing Yuan. The latter was wearing his usual kind smile, yet he could sense it was as though his mood earlier was now lighter than ever.

Lost in his thoughts, Caelus barely noticed when they reached their destination—a small, secluded courtyard tucked away within the heart of the Seat of Divine Foresight. When they stepped in, the Trailblazer was struck by the tranquility of the surroundings—the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze, the soft murmur of a nearby stream, and the delicate scent of blossoms. It was a moment of quiet serenity, a welcome respite from the chaos of the outside world.

After leading him into a sizeable oriental house filled with faint scratch marks and sterile scent, Jing Yuan removed his hand from Caelus, his gaze warm and tender as he said. “Please wait a moment. Let me bring our familiar friend here to us.”

He turned his head to the side, and a hand was raised to press his index finger and thumb together to place them into his mouth and whistle loudly. Soon, a sound of the ground stamping hurriedly reached Caelus’s ears.

The gray-haired young man turned around and saw a familiar majestic white lion running towards him. His face shined brightly with joy as he called out. “Mimi!”

As Mimi let out a roar as she approached, Caelus couldn’t contain his excitement upon seeing the General’s pet lion. It almost felt like forever since he last saw her. With a wide grin, he reached out with both arms to try and catch hold of the lion about to pounce on him.

“Woah—!”

“Careful there,” Jing Yuan managed to position himself to steady the young man before falling backward from the weight of the large creature. His golden eyes tenderly looked at the Trailblazer being licked happily by the white lion.

Caelus let out a warm chuckle as the tongue tickled against his cheek. “Haha, hey there, Mimi! It’s been so long since I saw you again. I’ve missed you!”

Mimi’s head nuzzled against Caelus’s chest, and her blue eyes gleamed affectionately at her human friend. While Jing Yuan watched the reunion with a soft smile, he confessed. “Snow Lion has been missing you terribly this past week. She has been wondering when you would be returning to play with her again.”

“I see… I’m sorry for ignoring you,” Caelus stroked the white lion’s mane apologetically, only to receive another lick from her to signify she accepted his apology.

“Also, as Qingzu is away right now, there is no one to groom her for this week’s schedule. I hope you wouldn’t mind the trouble of taking over her duties until she returns, Caelus. Of course, this job will also be rewarded as well for the efforts you’ve made.” Jing Yuan continued, one hand reaching out to stroke the other side of Mimi’s mane.

The offer to groom and take care of the lion lit the Trailblazer’s face with delight. It was an opportunity he would never pass up to be able to care for Mimi. Caelus nodded eagerly and replied with a voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. “Of course, General! I’d be honored to take care of Mimi. And please don’t worry about the reward. Spending time with Mimi is already a reward in itself!”

Jing Yuan’s smile grew wider at the young man’s response. “Thank you, Caelus. I knew I could entrust you with this.”

When the General leaned closer to Caelus, he instinctively shut his eyes and waited with bated breath. Would Jing Yuan try to kiss him again like he did earlier?

But why would he?

He still didn’t know where the older man’s heart lay, be it Dan Feng or him?

His eyebrows furrowed unconsciously as he awaited Jing Yuan’s next move. However, the Trailblazer heard a faint, amused huff from the older man instead of a kiss. He timidly opened his eyes to see the General’s golden eyes looking down at him with one eyebrow raised. “Is there something wrong?”

Caelus’s face turned red like a Berrypheasant Skewer, and the General’s knowing tone made him realize he was being teased. “A-Ah, no, General! Everything’s fine.”

He quickly straightened himself, causing Mimi to move away from him to clear his throat and stammered. “I… I was just lost in thought for a moment about… How to take care of Mimi, yeah!”

“I’m sure you would take care of her very well, Caelus,” Jing Yuan chuckled softly, his eyes crinkling with amusement. “However, you don’t have to be so wary of me, Caelus. I should apologize for my unsightly behavior back there. It must have been uncomfortable to deal with my childish temperament.”

“It’s fine, General… I don’t really hate it—I mean—I—!” The Trailblazer’s words stammered while struggling to find the right words to convey to Jing Yuan. Why was he making this more complicated than necessary?!

Jing Yuan smiled gently, reaching a hand to brush an eyelash away from the young man’s face. His thumb caressed his soft cheek, and his warmth lingered on him. “I know what you are trying to say, Caelus. The next time it happens, I...”

The Trailblazer’s cheek flushed a deeper shade at the General’s declaration. What did he mean by ‘next time?’ Unless…

Yet, instead of clarifying, Jing Yuan turned to Mimi and petted her head. “Unfortunately, I won’t have the time to play with you today, Snow Lion. Be on your best behavior with our guest while he cares for you.”

The white lion let out a roar to acknowledge her master’s words. The Luofu General smiled warmly before turning back to Caelus. “Then, I will leave her in your good hands, Caelus. Inside here, you will find her bathing room and grooming tools to help. I will be in my office to finish the rest of my paperwork if you require anything for my attention.”

“Sure…,” Caelus murmured with a slight nod, then watched Jing Yuan turning around to make his way to the courtyard exit.

As Jing Yuan left, the Trailblazer was alone in the room with Mimi. The gentle rustle of leaves and the soft murmurs of the stream provided a soothing backdrop to their surroundings. He took a deep breath, feeling calm as he looked down at the majestic white lion.

“Looks like it’s just you and me now,” Caelus said, a soft smile playing on his lips as he knelt beside her. “Let’s make sure you look your best, shall we?”

Mimi responded with a soft purr, rubbing her head against Caelus’s hand affectionately. The young man then stood to pick up the tools on the nearby shelf to begin his work.

=0=

“How does it feel, Mimi? Is it too hot?” Caelus asked with a smile, his hand holding a blowdryer blowing cool air against the white lion’s body.

After a rather playful bath to clean Mimi, the Trailblazer with the Hanfu sleeves rolled up to shoulders was now drying the soaking lion. Mimi let out a loud and pleased roar as the cool air from the blow dryer ruffled her fur. Caelus chuckled softly, gently stroking the blowdryer over Mimi’s coat.

“You seem to be enjoying this, huh?” The Trailblazer remarked, his eyes warm with affection as he watched Mimi’s reaction. “Well, anything for you, my dear friend! This is a special service provided by me, the Galactic Baseballer.”

As he worked, Caelus couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment wash over him. Despite the new indescribable change in his relationship with Jing Yuan, moments like these with Mimi reminded the respite he needed in his life from his mind.

What did Jing Yuan genuinely feel for him?

And what about his love for Dan Feng?

Questions had plagued Caelus’s thoughts for far too long, but now, faced with the undeniable truth of the General’s feelings, he found himself at a loss for words. The gentle hum of the blowdryer filled the air as the gray-haired young man continued to groom Mimi, his mind consumed by a whirlwind of emotions.

What if he was misinterpreting Jing Yuan’s intentions in that heat of a moment?

What if Jing Yuan projected his desires onto him as Dan Feng’s replacement?

“Hey, Mimi… Do you think your Master missed Dan Feng greatly?” The Trailblazer asked half-heartedly to the purring white lion.

Mimi paused from enjoying the cool breeze, turning her head to look at the young with her piercing blue eyes. Like master, like his pet, there was a sense of understanding in her perceptive gaze. As if she could sense the turmoil in Caelus’s heart.

He sighed softly, running a hand through his gray hair as he wrestled with his thoughts. “What am I supposed to do, Mimi? I don’t want to become Dan Feng’s replacement, but I can’t deny my feelings for your master. Do you think Jing Yuan is just being ‘friendly’ to me because he mistook me for Dan Feng?”

The white lion let out a low rumble, her eyes reflecting a deep empathy as she gazed at Caelus. It was as though she understood the weight of his words and the complexity of his emotions.

“What if I’m just a stand-in for Dan Feng instead of Dan Heng?” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “What if Jing Yuan’s kindness towards me is just a way to fill the void left by his lost love?”

Pressing her furry head against Caelus’s hand, Mimi offered a silent gesture of comfort and reassurance. The Trailblazer then pressed his head against the lion’s head and murmured quietly. “Thanks, Mimi. For being here for me when I needed the most….”

Even if she may not have been able to offer him answers to his questions, her presence alone was enough to ease the burden weighing on his heart. A final pat on Mimi’s mane, Caelus stood up and was about to take the brush on the cabinet when he heard footsteps rushing into the playroom from afar.

When he turned to see the intruder, he spotted a familiar young boy with blond hair, a low ponytail, and blue hanfu robes. His amber eyes color with disbelief and surprise, catching his breath to finally murmur. “Te… Teacher, is that you…?”

“Yanqing—Woah!”

Caelus found himself tackled to the ground by the young lieutenant as his small arms wrapped around his waist. “Teacher, I’m glad you’re back! I was so worried when you lost contact for a week! And when the General said you have returned, I wanted to confirm it for myself… I’m so happy you’re okay….”

The surprise on the Trailblazer’s face became more evident when he noticed the young boy’s body was trembling. “I’m here, Yanqing. There’s no need to worry now. I’m sorry for not telling you anything about it while I was away.”

Patting his head gently, Caelus offered with a friendly smile. “Why don’t we groom Mimi while talking, Yanqing?”

Yanqing nodded eagerly, a relieved smile spreading across his face as he wiped away his tears. “Yes, Teacher! I’d love to help groom Mimi with you.”

=0=

“So, where did you go, Teacher?” Yanqing asked as his hands were busy brushing the white lion’s tail.

Caelus let out a sheepish grin while his hands focused on brushing Mimi’s mane, hearing the lion purring at the superb care she received. “I was chasing after the culprit who sent the strange parcel to me after it blew up into Miss Qingzu’s face. Things happened when I met a friend who needed my help to take back her lost item stolen by two giant ancient robots.

“Ancient robots?!” Yanqing’s face brightened with excitement. “Were they strong, Teacher?!!”

“They are. Together with my friends, Captain Gepard, and his soldiers, Lǎren and Mr. Poisson, we overcame their prowess to protect them from reaching the surface of the Underworld.” The Trailblazer laughed warmly at the young boy’s reaction, finishing his story with a proud grin.

The young lieutenant’s amber eyes shined at the victorious outcome for Caelus. He set his brush down to pump both his fists up and down. “Wow, that’s amazing! Not only that, your friends sound really strong too! I’d love to challenge them once I have completed honing my skills to set forth outside the ship.”

“I’m sure they would look forward to the idea, especially Captain Gepard.” Caelus chuckled at his eagerness to challenge himself for the better. “He is powerful. And it would be an honor for him to fight you when you are ready.”

Yanqing nodded excitedly, his hands returned to resume brushing Mimi’s tail with care. “I look forward to the day when it comes! Maybe one day, when I’m ready, I’ll travel to other worlds and help people like you, Teacher! And I can even bring Snow Lion together!”

“She definitely would love seeing the world beyond here, right, Mimi?” Caelus smiled warmly as he turned back to the white lion, who let out a delighted purr at their discussion. Her blue eyes shut in content as the two youths continued to groom her.

“I’m sure Mimi would love to see the world with you, Yanqing,” The gray-haired young replied with a warm smile. “Also, how have you been doing? Do you have any interesting stories to share?”

Yanqing grinned, his amber eyes lit up to share with the older man. “The General has been trying to give all of the Cloud Knights new training drills to work. And he has been teaching more advanced sword techniques to use, too! I can’t wait to show you once I have mastered them.”

Caelus nodded encouragingly, grinning with a big smile to him. “That’s great, Yanqing! I can’t wait to spar with you again. The General will be happy to see the skills he taught you are put to practice.”

“Yes, I’m sure,” The young lieutenant replied curtly with a tight-lipped smile.

The sudden change in the young boy’s behavior made the Trailblazer curious and concerned. But he simply shrugged it off and continued. “What about Celestial Jade game matches with Qingque? Has Bailu been able to join you recently?”

“Oh, yes, she did, Teacher,” Yanqing nodded with his eyes, focusing very intensely on making sure that no single knot was found in Mimi’s fur. “The Healer Lady is a fast learner with Qingque’s guidance. She even managed to win the matches by herself when we were playing.”

The Trailblazer listened intently, his curiosity piqued by Yanqing’s mention of Celestial Jade matches. “That’s impressive, Yanqing! It sounds like Bailu is really talented at the game. I’m glad to hear that she’s been able to join in on the matches. And I hope to see her soon to make up for running out on her like that.”

Yanqing’s expression softened at the mention of the young Vidyadhara lady, a fond smile gracing his features. “Yes, she’s become quite skilled. And she’s always eager to learn more from Qingque and improve her strategies.”

Caelus nodded in approval, pleased to hear of Bailu’s progress. “It’s wonderful to see her dedication paying off. And I’m sure Qingque is proud of her as well.”

The young lieutenant’s smile widened at the thought of Qingque’s approval. “I hope so, Teacher. We were hanging out together after we finished our match a few days ago. And, we—!”

Immediately, Yanqing’s mouth clammed up as he bowed his head down, not wanting to look up from his spot. This sudden reaction caught Caelus’s attention, causing his brows to furrow with concern. “Is everything alright? You were acting a little strange back there as well, Yanqing.”

The young boy’s shoulders tensed, and his eyes darted away from the Trailblazer while smiling weakly. “I’m alright, Teacher. It’s just a small matter....”

But Caelus wasn’t convinced by his admittance. He rose from his spot to head to where the young lieutenant was to sit beside him. “You can tell me, Yanqing. Whatever it is, I’m here to listen and help if I can.”

“... Will you promise to tell me the truth if I ask?”

“Of course,” The Trailblazer smiled kindly to him to offer his listening ear. “I won’t judge too, between us friends. I will be here with you if anything on your mind bothers you.”

Yanqing took a deep breath, his amber eyes reflecting a mix of emotions as he shifted his body to face the older man. “Teacher... Is it true that you like the General?”

Blinking his eyes twice in surprise, Caelus chuckled heartily and assured. “Of course, Yanqing. I do like General Jing Yuan. He is a good friend and a well-respected man—!”

“I don’t mean that way, Teacher. What I want to say is that... You are in love with the General, are you?”

At that moment, the gray-haired young man’s smile faltered when the question finally sank into him. His heart nearly stopped at the unexpected inquiry, realizing its implications. “... Where did you hear them, Yanqing...?”

“It was the Healer Lady and Qingque who brought it up,” The young boy quietly admitted with a truthful tone. “They told me there were rumors about you and the General walking in Exalting Sanctum a few weeks ago in the evening. The two of you were being close together and feeding the General with Tuskir Wraps.

“I didn’t want to believe at first, Teacher. I had thought they were lies trying to hurt you and the General. But, the more I think about it, the more I notice all those times you were looking at General. And the way you talk about him... It made me wonder if the rumors were true.”

While Yanqing’s gaze was intensely searching for answers in Caelus’s expression, the latter completely froze in his spot. His stomach churned with dread and nausea, hit by the revelation that someone among the crowd had noticed them. He had been careless in acting too closely with Jing Yuan when they were only good friends.

“I... I...” Caelus struggled to find the right words, his mind racing as he tried to find reasons to reassure the young boy. “It’s just a rumor, as they said, the General and I—.”

“Please don’t lie to me, Teacher,” The blond-haired young boy’s earnest and desperate voice, with a quiver, broke through the young man’s attempt to downplay the situation. His amber eyes pleading for honesty.

Caelus sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping as he realized he couldn’t hide the truth from Yanqing any longer, especially if it concerned his master and teacher. He met the young lieutenant’s gaze with a heavy heart, his eyes filled with sadness and fragility.

“... They are telling the truth, Yanqing.” The Trailblazer confessed in a voice barely audible. “I do like Jing Yuan, but... What they saw a few weeks ago happened after you and Qingque left first for your own respective work.

“Luocha offered to accompany him during the day as the winner of the last Celestial Jade, and I went along with him. Some things happened, and we were about to have dinner at the Aurum Alley together until General Jing Yuan offered to join us. And after Luocha left, the General invited me to walk with him to enjoy the evening breeze. The Tuskir Wraps were just to repay for the treat he gave at the dinner, that’s it.”

Yanqing listened attentively, his expression softening as the Trailblazer explained the situation. Although his initial shock was evident, it gradually faded into understanding as he processed the young man’s words.

“I see…” The young boy murmured, his gaze thoughtful as he absorbed the information. “So, it was all just a misunderstanding… But how long have you been in love with the General, Teacher? Since when?”

Caelus hesitated momentarily, unsure of how much he should reveal to Yanqing. But seeing the earnest expression in the young lieutenant’s eyes, he decided to speak truthfully.

“It’s hard to say exactly when it started,” Caelus admitted, his voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. “I suppose it began slowly, over time, as friends whenever he invites me over. Jing Yuan has always been there for me, especially at my lowest. And as I spent more time with him, I enjoyed his company.”

Those precious moments of playing starchess, drinking tea, enjoying unique delicacies, and walking together were like jewels forever treasured in his heart. Jing Yuan’s warm golden eyes, soft feline-like smile, and broad physique weren’t even enough to encompass how much of a mature, understanding, and benevolent person he was.

“Then, I realized sooner or later, whenever on those days when we couldn’t meet, I felt lonely and missed him. There, I learned how much I had fallen in love with him. But...”

“But...?” Yanqing prodded carefully while watching the Trailblazer’s expression.

A weak smile filled with sadness and pain matched the expression on Caelus’s face, and everything continued to pour out. “I’m not the one who the General wants, Yanqing. Because I’m sure he doesn’t feel the same way I do. I could never be the man with whom Jing Yuan is in love. That’s why I hope no one else will know this to prevent any more troubles in the General’s life. To be able to walk with him side by side or behind him still is already more than enough as a Trailblazer.”

The young boy quietly listened with a heavy heart, observing the painful turmoil in Caelus’s expression. He could see the sorrow etched in the Trailblazer’s features, the weight of unrequited love bearing down on him.

“Teacher...” Yanqing’s voice was gentle, filled with compassion. “I’m sorry that you’re going through this. It must be tough...”

Caelus offered a slight nod, grateful for Yanqing’s understanding. “Thanks, Yanqing. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m trying to come to terms with it.”

Before the young lieutenant could reach his hand out, Mimi let out a loud roar, which startled both of them. The Trailblazer was the first to turn to where the white lion approached her. “Hey, Mimi, what’s wrong?”

The white lion kept growling loudly under her breath and nudged Caelus gently with her head. The emotion in her growling felt something unusual within her. She rose from her spot and paced around her playroom while growling.

Yanqing joined them, his expression mirroring the young man’s concern as he soon realized. “She seems really restless, Teacher. Miss Qingzu often mentioned that from time to time, Snow Lion gets really agitated if she remains in a place for too long. Let’s try bringing her out for a walk to see if it helps.”

“Sure,” Caelus agreed, heading to where Mimi was. He gently rubbed her back. “Let’s get you outside for some fresh air, alright?”

=0=

Within the Seat of Divine Foresight halls, Yanqing and Caelus noticed the white lion’s pacing slowed slightly as they walked, but she still seemed agitated, her tail lashing with nervous energy.

“Do you think she is upset about our discussion, Teacher?” Yanqing glanced at Caelus, then back at Mimi walking between them.

Caelus returned with a small, assured smile and shook his head. “I may not be able to understand an animal fully. But I don’t think Mimi would be bothered by our talk. She looks more relaxed than earlier, so I’m glad your solution helps, Yanqing.”

Yanqing nodded, a relieved smile gracing his features as he watched Mimi’s pacing gradually ease. “I’m glad too, Teacher. Snow Lion’s well-being is important to all of us.”

As they continued down the corridors, the Trailblazer couldn’t shake the unease lingering in the air. There was still a sense of tension that seemed to permeate the surroundings. But, what?

“Excuse me, are you Caelus of the Nameless?” A Cloud Knight approached them upon noticing their presence down the hallway.

Caelus turned to face the Cloud Knight, his expression alert as he nodded in response to the question. “Yes, it’s me. What can I do for you?”

The soldier saluted respectfully before speaking. “General Jing Yuan has requested your presence in the War Room. He said it’s urgent to discuss with you privately.”

“Just me alone?” The Trailblazer repeated with an uncertain look on his expression.

The Cloud knight nodded solemnly. “Yes, sir. General Jing Yuan specifically requested to speak with you alone.”

Caelus exchanged a quick glance with Yanqing, his mind racing with questions and concerns. What could be so urgent that Jing Yuan wanted to discuss with him privately? The unease lingering in the air seemed to intensify, and Caelus couldn’t shake the feeling of foreboding.

“Thanks for informing me,” Caelus said to the Cloud Knight. “I’ll head to the War Room right away.”

Just when the gray-haired young man was about to follow, he felt the sleeve of his hanfu robe being tugged firmly. He noticed that Mimi had firmly bit down to stop him from going. “Mimi?”

He gently pried his sleeve off the white lion, watching her letting out another weak purr to him. Her blue eyes fixed on Caelus with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine. Yanqing looked between the white lion and the Trailblazer and answered. “Snow Lion is worried about you. She thinks something is not right.”

Caelus looked down at Mimi, his heart clenching at her worried expression. He knelt down instead to give a reassuring smile, ruffling her mane firmly. “I will be fine. I’m sure it will be okay knowing how the General is.”

With a determined nod, the Trailblazer turned to the Cloud Knight, who had been waiting patiently. “I’m sorry to keep you waiting. Let’s go.”

“Of course, right this way,” The Cloud Knight gestured with an arm out to direct the young man to follow.

As the two walked off, Mimi let out an anxious growl while she watched them. Yanqing gave an uneasy nod, and his amber eyes narrowed with suspicion. “I know, Snow Lion. There’s no dangerous mission right now requiring Teacher’s help. Even if there is, I’m sure the General will bring it up... Something is not right at all.”

=0=

“This... Is not the direction to the War Room.” Caelus quietly thought as he followed the Cloud Knights from the back. He had only ever been a few times whenever Jing Yuan told him to wait outside while his meeting was about to finish to continue their Starchess session.

The idea of summoning his curio bat to attack this strange Cloud Knight would’ve been the fastest to unveil his other party’s true colors. But right now, the Trailblazer’s eyes narrowed as he thought to himself. “If there’s a reinforcement later, I won’t be able to handle them myself. I need to know who they are and their real plans.”

As they walked through the corridors, Caelus discreetly observed his surroundings, noting any possible exits or hiding spots. He closely watched the Cloud Knight’s demeanor, searching for any signs of deception or malintent.

The Cloud Knight led the Trailblazer to a secluded area, far from the main halls. His heart pounded as he prepared for whatever awaited him.

Finally, they reached a small chamber, and the Cloud Knight gestured for Caelus to enter. As he stepped inside, the young man’s yellow eyes narrowed with suspicion. The room was dimly lit, with four Vidyadhara men standing in different places. And, a familiar long black-haired Vidyadhara lady wearing the same attire as Qingzu, a white-red long-sleeve shirt, blue-red skirt, and black boots.

Her green eyes coldly gazed at the Trailblazer brought in by the Cloud Knight. “Was there anyone following you?”

“No, miss. He’s all yours,” The Cloud Knight answered, shutting the door behind with a click to lock.

The gray-haired young man’s yellow eyes widened upon recognition. “It’s you…!”

“You were the one who left me with no choice, outworlder. This is my final warning. In the name of our Highness, Dan Feng, who has returned rightfully to lead us, stay away from his beloved Jing Yuan.” The black-haired Vidyadhara woman faced Caelus, declared icily as her men followed suit, and regarded the latter with hostility.

Notes:

We're ending with a cliffhanger here with a sort-of cliche ending for Caelus's side 😢

A break from the last chapter to let Caelus to process what was happening between him and the General. To say it first on why Caelus still doubt, I still have Jing Yuan as an image of a cat, whose affection to humans are very fickle and enjoys playing hard to get in ways. 🙄

This image cross a lot of times in my mind, and there are moments I'd like to yeet this cat away and sell Cae to his other husbandos to love him 😡💢 As always, Mimi is always lovable and enjoyed writing her, unlike SOME other cats I know of 😤💢

And now Yanqing, the poor boy, finally got the truth from his teacher about the rumors circulating about him and Caelus's feelings for the General. Although anything after this will need to step aside with the Vidyadharas ganging up on Cae for cockblocking their lord 🙄

Hope you guys enjoy the chapter, comments are appreciated 🥰

Chapter 20: Confrontation with the Devouts

Summary:

Caelus now finally realized the depth of Dan Heng’s concern for him. It was a stark reminder that beneath their conflicts, there still lay a bond of friendship that hadn’t been completely severed. He wouldn’t allow himself to be manipulated by their accusations or intimidated by their threats. Instead, he would stand firm in his convictions and defend his friendship with the dark-haired man, no matter the cost.

Instead, the Trailblazer would stand firm in his convictions and defend his friendship with the dark-haired man, no matter the cost. “The true measure of a person’s character lies not in the past mistakes of the person they were once or now, but in their willingness to acknowledge and learn from them. Dan Feng and Dan Heng may have their faults, as we all do. He has also shown compassion and concern for those he is loyal to. And I refuse to let you tarnish his reputation or mine with your twisted words and false accusations.”

Notes:

Another new chapter before Boothill's banner drop! Hope you guys that are pulling for Boothill will be getting your wishes come true in getting the son of a nice cowboy home （＾∀＾●）ﾉｼ

Another week had passed since the Astral Express helped capture Kafka and handed her to Fu Xuan for interrogation; the Master Diviner had informed them via her messenger, Qingque, that the questioning against the Stellaron Hunter would be ready within the coming days.

Knocking the door twice within the Seat of Divine Foresight, Caelus announced his presence. “This is Caelus from the Nameless team. I’m here as you requested.”

It was another unfortunate time when Jing Yuan had to cancel their starches session because of an unexpected meeting. Even though the General wasn’t at fault, his rare sorrowful look when apologizing to the Trailblazer made the latter feel guilty for taking up his time.

But with the schedule freeing up, Caelus decided to help around the Seat of Divine Foresight instead with Qingzu and a few other staff. While fetching a few documents from the shelf, a knight informed him that one of the staff had requested his assistance.

As Caelus entered the room where a long black-haired Vidyadhara woman awaited him, he announced his presence again. “You are Feng Xiu, right? The knight back there told me you’re looking for me.”

“Thank you for coming, Mr. Caelus,” Feng Xiu her expression unreadable as she motioned for him to take a seat across from her. “I’ll make things clear for the benefit of the both of us, as you are a mere invited outworlder who has been favored by our General.”

“Okay, sure,” Caelus nodded, feeling the coldness in her voice as she mentioned the word ‘outworlder’ from her lips.

With a hand picking up the stack of photos, the black-haired Vidyadhara woman handed it to Caelus for him to examine. Upon receiving it, the Trailblazer’s yellow grew big with shock at what he saw.

Each of the photos was him hanging out with Jing Yuan at a restaurant in Exalting Sanctum, taking a walk together in the streets of Starwatcher Avenue to show different sights and scenery, and notable photos of Jing Yuan and him smiling at each other or Jing Yuan trying to wipe off the food crumbs on Caelus’s face with a soft look.

The mere realization that someone was watching him and taking pictures of him hanging out with someone of a high position was already scandalous. As though reading his mind, Feng Xiu simply continued to explain. “It’s evident from these photos of your feelings towards our General. Do you understand this could lead to a bad reputation for him if you continue to stay with him?

“Especially, considering you’re also a mere commoner. Unlike the fake with us, the General has been waiting for our true High Elder, Dan Feng, who will rightfully lead us to the former glory.”

“Dan Feng?” Caelus repeated the unfamiliar name with confusion.

Feng Xiu regarded him with a cold gaze as she studied him momentarily before responding. “In the eyes of those wretched fools, our Highness is a sinner for breaking one of the Ten Greatest Sins of Xianzhou. But, we believe he was only a fool to be deceived by that scoundrel short-lived animal, Yingxing, of his false love to be forced into bringing him into our sacred grounds. It’s a pity our Highness did not realize the General would’ve been much more suitable for him…”

Caelus felt a knot form in his stomach at the Vidyadhara’s words, a sense of unease settling over him as he struggled to make sense of the situation. This Yingxing person adding in was complicating things even more than he understood. While he had always known that Jing Yuan held a position of authority within the Seat of Divine Foresight, he had never indeed known about him as the man himself.

“Considering you are his special guest, I would request you to stop visiting him for personal reasons. Our General has no time to entertain your fleeting and fickle feelings when our Highness and his true love finally return.” Feng Xiu warned with a tone that left no room for objection.

From her words, the Trailblazer could sense respect and reverence for the lord she worshipped, venom in her tone toward this ‘Yingxing’ man, and admiration for Jing Yuan and Dan Feng’s relationship.

He felt a sense of alienation and loneliness twisted him like a knife inside his heart. It was clear that something about Jing Yuan he never knew made Caelus feel so distant away from him. He had thought he knew Jing Yuan and believed their friendship to be genuine. Now, it seemed there were depths to the General’s life that he had never even glimpsed. Was Jing Yuan under the assumption he was this ‘Dan Feng’ person of his lost love?

Despite the mess in his mind, Caelus stood up and pushed the photo stack back to Feng Xiu. “I appreciate your concern, Feng Xiu. However, my relationship with General Jing Yuan is not based on fleeting or fickle feelings. He is a dear friend to me, that is all. And I will continue to support him in any way I can as a member of the Nameless.”

“A dear friend? You can convince yourself with that. But…” Retrieved a pouch from her inventory, Feng Xiu opened it to reveal thick blue credit notes inside. “I heard outworlders like yourself need reward and money. How much do you want? We will reimburse you the amount you need.”

Hearing her say those words, the gray-haired young man felt his blood boiling furiously at the implication of him being a gold digger. The offer of money to sever ties with Jing Yuan struck a nerve deep within him, challenging his integrity and sincerity of feelings toward the General.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Caelus met the black-haired Vidyadhara woman’s gaze with an unwavering and fierce expression. “Look, if you want to be charitable with your money. Give it to someone who actually needs it because I don’t. If the General doesn’t require the Nameless from interfering in his people’s affairs or personal life, he doesn’t need someone like you to tell me what to do.”

Feng Xiu’s expression remained impassive, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes—perhaps surprise or disdain. It was clear that she had not expected such a vehement rejection of her offer.

As Caelus moved towards the exit and was to grab the door handle, Feng Xiu warned evenly, her tone betraying with hatred towards him. “Very well, Mr. Caelus. But remember, actions have consequences. If you choose to defy our wishes, you may face the repercussions. If you ever hope for our General to acknowledge your wishful feelings, you are only fooling yourself into not realizing you’re nothing but a pathetic replacement to our Highness.”

With that, the Trailblazer turned on his heel and left the room, leaving the Vidyadhara woman behind with her stack of photos and her pouch of credit notes.

=0=

“You were the one who left me with no choice, outworlder. This is my final warning. In the name of our High Elder, Dan Feng, who has returned rightfully to lead us, stay away from his beloved Jing Yuan.” The black-haired Vidyadhara woman faced Caelus, declared icily as her men followed suit, and regarded the latter with hostility.

Caelus glanced around warily between Feng Xiu and the men she brought along with her. It was a good thing that Yanqing didn’t come with him. Or things would get too problematic if the Cloud knights and Jing Yuan were involved in his mess.

He turned his gaze directly to the black-haired Vidyadhara woman and retorted back to her. “And my answer is still the same. I’m not staying away from General Jing Yuan, no matter what bullshit you are coming at me. If he requires me to fight with him to protect Luofu, then I won’t leave!”

Feng Xiu’s expression hardened at his defiance; her eyes were burning with hatred. “You dare to defy the will of our Highness? You are a foolish interloper, meddling where you do not belong!”

The Vidyadhara men flanking Feng Xiu tensed, their hands moving instinctively towards their weapons. The atmosphere in the room grew tense, the air thick with unspoken threats.

“If I’m an interloper, what makes you any different?!” Caelus countered at the Vidyadaharas and brandished his curio bat from inventory to prepare himself. “Even when Dan Feng is gone, you are trying to push the General with your selfish wish! Have you ever tried listening to what General Jing Yuan wants from the bottom of his heart? Or what about Dan Heng or Dan Feng either from all your yapping of worshipping him?!!”

Angered by the Trailblazer’s argument, one of the Vidyadhara men with moss-green hair growled fiercely. “Insolent bastard! You weren’t even taught a lesson when you were out of line with our Highness!”

“What the hell are you talking about? I have not even met Dan Feng at all. He is already long gone by the General’s words.” Caelus shot at them with an incredulous expression.

His reaction only served to anger another brown-haired Vidyadhara man who yelled at him. “You will address our Highness with respect, damn outworlder. Our Highness granted his trust to someone like you, and this is how you repay him?! How dare you even put him on an equal footing with that wanted criminal Blade!”

Blade? What did the other dark-haired Stellaron Hunter have to do with—?

Wait. Caelus’s face dawned in realization as a haunting memory hit him. He could still recall that at the lowest and peak of his argument with Dan Heng, his overwhelmed jealousy, frustration, anger, sadness, disappointment, and doubt towards his friend made him spill those hurtful words. He has yet to apologize to Dan Heng and made up with him.

And now, these Vidyadhara devotees of Dan Feng were using that against him, twisting his words to suit their own agenda. Caelus steely stared at them back. He couldn’t back down easily, especially when defending his friends and principles.

“Whatever happened between me and Dan Heng isn’t your business. It’s something between him and I to deal with it ourselves. Sure, I was wrong to say he trusts Blade more than we do. I never truly understood the situation he was in at that moment when we split away from each other.

“However,” Despite their strained relationship, Dan Heng was still worried about him when he disappeared for a week without contacting anyone in the Express. He still went to Jing Yuan to inquire about his whereabouts despite his hesitance and misgivings about him because of his past life as Dan Feng…

Caelus now finally realized the depth of Dan Heng’s concern for him. It was a stark reminder that beneath their conflicts, there still lay a bond of friendship that hadn’t been completely severed. He wouldn’t allow himself to be manipulated by their accusations or intimidated by their threats. Instead, he would stand firm in his convictions and defend his friendship with the dark-haired man, no matter the cost.

Instead, the Trailblazer would stand firm in his convictions and defend his friendship with the dark-haired man, no matter the cost. “The true measure of a person’s character lies not in the past mistakes of the person they were once or now, but in their willingness to acknowledge and learn from them. Dan Feng and Dan Heng may have their faults, as we all do. He has also shown compassion and concern for those he is loyal to. And I refuse to let you tarnish his reputation or mine with your twisted words and false accusations.”

Feng Xiu’s expression darkened at the gray-haired, short-lived human’s words, her grip tightening on the hilt of her weapon. But Caelus didn’t falter. He knew he couldn’t reason with fanatics like her, but he wouldn’t let them dictate his actions or relationships.

“Also, from the beginning, all you guys were harping on ‘Dan Feng’ this, ‘your Highness’ that, but none of you even called Dan Heng by his real name!” Caelus continued fiercely, lashing out at them with no mercy for all his pent-up anger. “For all I see, you guys don’t care about him, but only the High Elder you want to see! If you’re going to treat my friend and my family that way, none of you deserved any mercy from me!”

The tension in the room escalated as the Vidyadhara men bristled at the short-lived human’s defiance. Feng Xiu’s green eyes narrowed coldly, her expression no longer masked to reveal all the hate and disdain to him. “Enough, outworlder! Your insolence will not be tolerated any further. Get rid of him before the General arrives this instant.”

When the prune-haired Vidyadhara man charged at him, Caelus stood his ground to smoothly maneuver away before using his bat to swing at him with a powerful strike. But it wasn’t fatal enough to kill, leaving the man unconscious on the ground.

He turned back to the hostile Vidyadharas with his grip tightening on his curio bat. “I won’t stand idly by while you manipulate General Jing Yuan for selfish purposes. He deserves better than to be used as a pawn in your schemes!”

The remaining Vidyadhara men hesitated, momentarily taken aback by Caelus’s boldness and skill in combat. Feng Xiu’s expression twisted with rage as she glared at him, her hand tightening around her weapon. “Don’t just stand there! It’s time to ensure he will never get close to our Highness again!”

They surged forward at her command, their blade and blunt weapons drawn as they moved to attack Caelus. But the Trailblazer was ready for them, his movements swift and precise as he parried their strikes with his bat.

Despite being outnumbered, the gray-haired young man fought with determination and skill, each blow calculated to incapacitate against their necks. His focus was unwavering as he defended himself against the onslaught of attacks, his resolve strengthened by his determination to protect Jing Yuan and expose the truth behind the Vidyadharas’ manipulations.

“Is that all you’ve got?” Caelus snorted at the remaining man and woman standing before him, rolling his shoulders to relax his tense muscles. “Fighting against you guys makes you lot look pathetic compared to the Lord Ravager that the General and Dan Heng fought up against.”

The taunt from the Trailblazer made the Vidyadhara fighters growled in frustration. Feng Xiu stepped forward as she unsheathed her sword. “Fine, then I’ll do it myself personally!”

Her attacks were frenzied and vicious, each thrust and swing of the sharp weapon missed and deflected by Caelus, who had more experience in combat than her. As the battle raged on, neither of their determination ever wavered.

Caelus fought with the ferocity of a cornered beast, refusing to back down in the face of overwhelming odds. Despite Feng Xiu’s best efforts, she was no match for his skill and determination. But just as he was about to catch his breath, the Trailblazer’s ear heard a movement noise behind him.

Although he had nearly dodged the incoming halberd from the cloud knight impersonator, the sharp steel left a long slash line across the left sleeves, wounding his arm to start bleeding and staining the clothes.

“Gngh…,” The sudden attack caught the Trailblazer off guard, his reflexes slowing just enough for the halberd to find its mark. Pain flared in his arm as the blade sliced through flesh, leaving a deep gash that quickly began to bleed.

“Our reinforcements will be here soon,” The fake knight informed Feng Xiu.

True to his words, the Trailblazer heard steady footsteps heading towards their way. Gritting his teeth against the pain, Caelus staggered back, his grip on his bat faltering momentarily. But he refused to let himself be overwhelmed by the injury before Feng Xiu’s remaining forces arrived.

The footsteps grew louder, a sign the intruding party was coming closer, and a silence followed. Before any of them spoke a word, a growing, loud crackling noise reached their ears. Golden lightning blasted the door to the room open.

As the dust settled, a familiar figure clad in white robes stepped through the doorway, crackling with energy and power as his golden eyes glowed. His gaze shifted from the fallen Vidyadhara fighters to Caelus, who stood wounded but defiant amidst the chaos.

Feng Xiu, who managed to find her voice, quivered in astonishment and fear. “G… General… W-Why are you here? You were supposed to be in your office…!”

“Was I?” Jing Yuan simply answered, the glow from his golden eyes faded. Even as his lips formed his usual lazy smile, the still air around him made the black-haired Vidyadhara woman and her men suffocate from the sense of foreboding. “I have finished the remaining paperwork in my office while a dear friend drops by for a visitor. And we were to head to the playroom to check on our guest.”

He then went over to approach where Caelus was as he went on. “However, I have learned from Yanqing that a knight has summoned Caelus under the behest of my name for an urgent mission… Although the only task I have assigned him was to groom my dear Snow Lion.”

Feng Xiu and her remaining followers exchanged nervous glances, realizing the gravity of the situation they had unwittingly stumbled into. “General, I—!”

“It seems like I am not the reinforcement you expected, Feng Xiu.” The Luofu General smoothly interjected. “Or did you still believe you could continue your ways while believing ignorance remains on me when someone dear to me has been endangered?”

The black-haired Vidyadhara woman’s face paled, and she frantically explained. “B-But, we’re doing this for you and our Highness, General. In your heart, you’re still grieving for our High Elder to return by your side even after his rebirth. You deserved his heart, as you have been by his side for the past hundred years!

“T-Then, this outworlder came along and tried to be our Highness’s replacement!” As Feng Xiu glared hatefully at Caelus, the latter narrowed his gaze to meet her challenge. “Please, General. We plead you to remember our Highness has finally returned to us rightfully where he should be. Do not let this man deceive you.”

Looking at the loyal followers of Dan Feng, each with a mixture of calmness and understanding, Jing Yuan merely nodded and answered with a firm tone, his golden eyes piercing through the tension in the room. “I understand your devotion to Dan Feng, Feng Xiu. I wouldn’t deny my wish for our reunion with him was where to the way it was. Even if it is a chance again, I would like to spend my time with him in the old seasons when we sit down and share a cup of tea.

“However, in the present now, the person who has ingrained in my heart which brings warmth and light to my long life is Caelus.” The simple statement from the General only caused anguish to color the young Vidyadhara woman’s face. Not only her, but Caelus’s face also grew bewildered at what he heard from the General’s confession.

When the Trailblazer thought it was a lie again, Jing Yuan’s tender and warm glance came from his golden eyes, conveying no deception to be found. Feng Xiu’s enlarged green eyes in disbelief, her grip on her sword wavering. “But General, you cannot deny the bond you shared with our Highness. He was your mentor, your friend, your... Beloved.”

The mention of the deceased former High Elder made the white-haired General’s expression soften with a faint sorrowful smile. “Yes, he was all those things to me. But he is gone now, and I must accept that. Dan Feng, or rather, Dan Heng… He is not the same person as Dan Feng was, or to be his replacement. And Caelus will never replace anyone, for he already has a special place in my heart.”

In the face of Jing Yuan’s unwavering resolve and the gaze he held for the young man, Feng Xiu dropped onto the ground with her sword falling to the side with a loud noise. Her face could best described by a single word known as despair. On cue, another pair of Cloud Knights entered the room, turning to where Jing Yuan was.

“Take these men away to the Ten-Lords Commission. They will deliver the judgment to be imprisoned in the Shackling Prison,” Jing Yuan ordered with a nod.

“Yes, General!’ The two knights saluted, swiftly moving to apprehend Feng Xiu’s men, who were conscious and unconscious.

Another familiar figure stepped forward and requested Jing Yuan. “General, could you grant your permission to hand Feng Xiu to me for a short interrogation? She was involved in another case related to the current High Elder’s political dispute.”

Turning to where the voice was, Caelus’s yellow eyes grew big with surprise, and he called out. “Qingzu, you’re back! But General said you’re away on a break.”

The Chief Counselor’s face colored briefly with surprise before smiling warmly at the Trailblazer. Instead of her usual uniform, she wore a red and white casual robe with her hair down. “I’m glad to see you have returned safely, Caelus. But yes, I was away on a break under the General’s order. However, I had not appointed anyone else to groom Snow Lion temporarily… Until the General told me, he had already requested someone to do it. I would like to thank you again for taking care of Snow Lion. I hope she didn’t cause you much trouble.”

“No, not at all. It’s fun to take care of Mimi, and she has cooperated to let Yanqing and I groom her,” The Trailblazer quickly shook his head with a smile. But his face immediately winced in pain from his injured arm.

Qingzu’s brows furrowed with worry, and she turned to General. “I won’t delay our guest’s treatment any further. I shall take my leave right away.”

“Please do,” Jing Yuan nodded.

Caelus watched in silence as the Chief Counselor took the unresponsive Fei Xiu with her out of the outcome, feeling a mixture of relief and almost pity at the outcome. Well, almost because while he did empathize with her desire to help Jing Yuan, the undeniable truth that she attacked others in the name of her High Elder would never receive any sympathy, especially if she was forcing her feelings onto them.

“Are you alright, Caelus?” Jing Yuan’s concerned voice snapped the Trailblazer’s attention to him as he approached.

The gray-haired young man nodded, offering a reassuring smile despite the pain. “I’ll be fine, General. It’s nothing I can’t handle.”

“Your courage to stand up to them is really admirable; I wish I had seen it myself,” As the General said that, Caelus’s cheek immediately blushed brightly at the praise. That only seemed to make Jing Yuan smile wider, knowingly at the reaction he earned. “Let’s get you back to Yanqing and Snow Lion. They were worried about you after you left them behind.”

“R-Right, sure!” Caelus’s body nearly jumped from how Jing Yuan put his arm around his waist protectively. There wasn’t any chance or choice to pull away from the General, only to quietly follow his orders to leave the room together.

=0=

When Jing Yuan and Caelus returned to the pet house in the courtyard, the artificial sun was already setting in the sky. As they neared their destination, the Trailblazer spotted a familiar young blond-haired boy and a white lion sitting outside. “Yanqing! Mimi!”

Yanqing looked up at the sound of his name, his face breaking into a relieved smile when he saw Caelus and Jing Yuan approaching. “Teacher! You’re back! Are you okay? What happened?”

“I’m alright, Yanqing. It’s quite a long story.” The Trailblazer nodded, trying to hide the pain in his voice as he replied.

As Jing Yuan gently guided Caelus inside to sit on a nearby chair, he expressed an apologetic look. “I’m afraid this is as fast as I can escort you, Caelus. I will need to inform the Ten-Lords Commissions of the assault.”

“Okay… Please do not overwork yourself, General.” The Trailblazer acknowledged in a quiet mutter.

A warm smile curled on the General’s lips, reaching a hand out to pat his cheek softly. “I won’t.”

He then turned towards Yanqing and commanded. “There should be a physician arriving soon. Stay with our guest to ensure he has been properly treated.”

“Understood, General!”

After giving Yanqing a slight nod, Jing Yuan briefly patted Mimi’s head and turned around to leave the pet house.

Once left, the young lieutenant turned his attention back to Caelus. “Let’s wait for the doctor together, Teacher.”

Caelus nodded and waited for the young boy with the white lion inside. A few minutes later, a foxian doctor dressed in a white robe arrived and examined the wound.

After cleaning and dressing the wound in a white bandage, the doctor politely bowed to take his leave. Yanqing then asked, once only them left in the room, with a concerned expression: “So back there, Teacher, what on earth happened? Snow Lion and I waited for you to return, but you never did.”

“Well, to put it simply,” The Trailblazer sighed, lifting a hand to run through his hair tiredly. “I was ambushed by some Vidyadhara followers of the previous High Elder Dan Feng, who were trying to use General Jing Yuan’s name for their selfish agenda to him and their own leader. They think the General would regain his senses by getting rid of me and remembering his love for Dan Feng.”

Yanqing’s amber eyes widened in shock, and he exclaimed with a furious look. “That’s terrible! How dare they use the General’s name like this?! They have no right to force their ideals on anyone. Not even to you at all, Teacher!”

“That’s right,” Caelus nodded. He turned to where Snow Lion was sitting beside him to stroke her back and continued. “But I’m glad General Jing Yuan arrived in time to stop their antics for now.”

A sigh of relief left the blond-haired lieutenant’s lips. But, his brows furrowed with an anguished expression colored on his face. “I’m sorry, Teacher… I should have gone to where you are to protect you.”

Mimi let out a confused and sad purr at the guilty expression on Yanqing’s face. Caelus’s heart also broke in pain and guilt, shaking his head firmly to offer a reassuring smile. “No, Yanqing. You did the right thing by waiting here with Mimi. You’re both important to me, and I don’t want anything to happen to either of you.”

“But… You were hurt because I couldn’t help you again, Teacher.”

Placed a comforting hand onto Yanqing’s shoulders, Caelus replied. “Hey, don’t blame yourself. You’ve been a great friend. If it weren’t for you informing the General about where I was, I wouldn’t have made it through this at all.”

The young boy’s amber eyes glistened with unshed tears, touched by his words. “Thank you, Teacher. I’ll always be here for you, no matter what.”

The Trailblazer smiled gratefully at Yanqing, feeling a warmth spread through his chest at the sincerity in the young lieutenant’s words. “And I’ll always be here for you too, Yanqing. We’re a team, remember?”

“Yeah, we’re a team.” Yanqing nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. As he watched Caelus gently stroking Snow Lion’s mane with a warm expression, the young lieutenant asked with a now solemn expression. “Teacher… Could I ask again if you really love the General?”

Caelus was taken aback by the earnestness of the tone behind the question. However, as he closed his eyes, he could still remember each word in the statement from Jing Yuan, the firm and resolute deep voice declared to Dan Feng’s followers…

He finally nodded to Yanqing with a more determined expression and answered. “I do. Yanqing, I love General Jing Yuan. That is the truth. Even if other Vidyadhara people or anyone else says I’m unfit to be by his side, I will still want to walk with him while continuing my journey to trailblaze across the universe. His happiness, sadness, the joy and sorrow of his hardships, I want to live and experience with him together.”

And even if one of them were to pass away in this unexpected twist of life between a long-lived and short-lived species, Caelus wanted to continue to love the man named Jing Yuan from the bottom of his heart.

Yanqing listened intently to the older, gray-haired young man’s words, his expression softening as he absorbed his teacher’s feelings. Snow Lion nuzzled against Caelus’s leg, offering silent support as well with a growl.

“Teacher,” Yanqing began, his voice filled with admiration and understanding, “I believe you. And I’ll stand by you, just like you’ve stood by me. Your love for the General is true, and nobody should ever try to undermine that.”

Caelus felt a warm embrace around him, appreciating the blond-haired lieutenant’s support gratefully. “Thank you, Yanqing. Your friendship means a lot to me.”

“However,” The expression on the lieutenant’s face transformed from understanding to determination towards the Trailblazer before declaring. “As the General’s lieutenant, please prove those feelings to show me how much you love the General, Caelus. Please go out with me for a day and show through your actions, and I’ll know it’s true.”

Notes:

I will say it right now to make things clear: Yanqing & Caelus relationship will always be parent-child, big brother-younger brother, good friends to me. I will NEVER ship them in a romantic light.

The last portion of this chapter has been thinking a lot and trying to avoid those which are writing to be shipped. I still think what I have written might not be good enough to convey it. And to spoil it now, even if it does, it will be one-sided to Yanqing's end as Caelus still loves Jing Yuan no matter what. So... I will prepare myself against the pitchforks against this.

Unfortunately, this is the last chapter to be posted for now, because I need to plan the plot line for another upcoming arc on this fic I'm going to be busy in grinding on Wuthering Waves while hunting down the next allxMC ship to start feasting on, so yeah.

Aside Yanqing's part, Caelus shows his own protective side to Dan Heng to stand up against Feng Xiu and Dan Feng's fanatics. And as everyone hoped too, Jing Yuan finally shows up to protect Caelus while also asserting more on what he feels for him!

I hope you guys have enjoyed reading this chapter. Comments are appreciated!

Chapter 21: Unspoken Realizations and Painful Reminders

Summary:

The young retainer gave a small smile, though a second later, his amber eyes brightened as if a perfect idea formed in his mind. "Maybe, the General should know about this!"

"What—W-Wait, Yanqing, hold on!!" Before Caelus could properly reject the young boy, the latter had already grabbed hold of his wrist to pull him up from his seat and ran out of the playroom. The sudden action only caused the poor Snow Lion, who was left behind, to let out a confused purring noises.

Notes:

Hey there! It's been a while and I'm back again (hopefully because work life isn't giving mercy and gacha grind hell is still hell 😭) Hope the patch 2.5 has been enjoyable for you guys!

Disclaimer: I don't want to spoil the story much, but I feel this should really be said and posted both before and after the chapter. I have only shipped Yanqing and Caelus as pure platonic ship between friends or if not even mother/son for Jingcae ship. The endgame is still Jingcae for this story.

Hope you guys enjoyed the story!

Whoosh!

“That’s him!” Yanqing’s first thought to himself upon recognizing the dark blueish long-haired man with molten red eyes in dark garb, with a familiar wine-red-haired woman as his companion. They were the Stellaron Hunters who had escaped from their imprisonment.

Although he was delayed by a challenge initiated by the mysterious swordswoman, Jingliu, he found the prisoner first. Yanqing, the retainer and young apprentice to General Jing Yuan of Luofu, he would not be merely a child that everyone saw in their eyes.

Whoosh!

“Stop!” The young retainer intervened in the dark-haired man’s merciless movements of an ominous red sword against the dark-haired Stellaron Hunter fugitive with his own to protect the unfamiliar black-haired man with teal eyes.

Unlike the strikes he was familiar with by General Jing Yuan, which were controlled and precise, Blade’s attacks were wild and violent, like one who was struck by Mara. Yet, this Blade, from what Yanqing had known, wasn’t a Xianzhou native. But, he possessed the same traits as those Plague Author’s abominations regenerative power.

A misstep in the young retainer’s movement, Blade threw his sword past him to strike at the other dark-haired man. Then, he pointed his own sword at him to curse. “You...!”

Yet, the dark-haired man chuckled maniacally with an unfazed look and widened his arms. “I have news for you, boy... Behind you is none other than the traitor of Xianzhou! A criminal, forever banished! The High Elder of the Vidyadhara... Imbibitor Lunae!”

WHOOSH! WHOOSH!

What happened afterward was that Yanqing’s heart only regretted his foolishness deeply. His own naivety and pride as the prodigy, believing he could apprehend both the Stellaron Hunter and the traitor of Xianzhou. If his master hadn’t been there to save him, or Blade’s companion, Kafka, stopping the fight… He would’ve met his end right there.

The Luofu General’s young retainer continued to swing his wooden practice sword under the sun in the open courtyard. Even though Jing Yuan had not delivered his punishment, his shame led him to train alone instead of with his comrades.

Yanqing swung his sword each stroke, harder than the last, more diligent than his strikes in his previous training. He needed to get stronger, not only for the General but for himself too. How else would he surpass Blade, the Imbibitor Lunae, and even that mysterious swordswoman Jingliu?

How could he even hope to carry the burdens that General Jing Yuan held to protect his home and everyone?

And then…

“I would like you to meet someone. This is Caelus. He is a member of the Nameless and our honored guest from afar, who had assisted Luofu in sealing the Stellaron and defeated one of the enamators of Antimatter Legion.” Jing Yuan, who arrived at the courtyard during the young boy’s training, gestured to the gray-haired young man beside him.

Caelus gave a slight nod and smiled at him in a friendly voice. “Good afternoon, I’m Caelus. Nice to meet you, Yanqing.”

At that name, Yanqing recalled one of the members of the Nameless who had accompanied Jing Yuan to stop the Ruin Author from destroying the Luofu ship—a tall young man with gray hair, yellow eyes, and an air of quiet confidence.

The blond-haired young boy had heard stories about the Nameless. However, seeing one of them in person was different—a certain warmth and friendliness in Caelus’s demeanor set him apart from the stories of heroic deeds. And a strength that caused his blood to rush with a thrill at the prospect of facing a stronger opponent, which he nearly forgot after the grave wound on his pride.

Caelus was different from swordsmen like Jingliu and Blade, who used a unique bat as his weapon. He wasn’t cold or emotionless like that Imbibitor Lunae. The way he swung his bat to parry against his swordplay and stood firm with his lance to burn away his ice during their first sparring match…

Yanqing felt awe and excitement he hadn’t felt in a long time. Caelus’s fighting style was unconventional yet effective, blending strength with agility in an inspiring and challenging manner. Clearly, this Trailblazer had faced countless battles and emerged stronger each time.

The gray-haired young man had moved with a fluidity that was hard to predict, countering Yanqing’s every strike with a calm precision that left no room for error. Yet, there was a warmth in his eyes, a kindness that made Yanqing feel like he was not just an opponent but a student—a friend.

“Yanqing, here, this is one of the robotic arms that the engineers in Belobog have developed for their automation as a hobby. Looks cool, isn’t it? I managed to get a friend of mine, Serval, to repair it and clean it up nicely. From what I heard, this arm was used to fire powerful energy projectiles at the enemies, but it no longer functions that way.”

Caelus was often willing to share many things he encountered in his journey, his stories of the world outside this ship that the young retainer never knew of. Sometimes, the Trailblazer would invite him to his room in the Express or even his commissions in Luofu, and he would happily tag along to come like a mini adventure.

Each encounter with Caelus was a lesson, not just in combat but in life. Yanqing aspired to emulate the Trailblazer’s approach to challenges, a blend of determination and compassion. He realized strength wasn’t just about power or skill and understanding, empathy, and connecting with others.

As their friendship grew, Yanqing began to see the world through Caelus’s eyes. The Trailblazer’s stories of the places he had been and the people he had met painted a picture of a universe filled with endless possibilities and challenges. It was a world that Yanqing wanted to explore, understand, and protect.

Yet at times, and perhaps for his young age, the young Luofu General retainer was perceptive of things happening around him. A trait of his sharp observation appointed him to be Jing Yuan’s apprentice. Whenever Jing Yuan and Caelus were together, there was a strange atmosphere between them.

Caelus would often be flustered despite trying to hide and maintain a distance from Jing Yuan. His face would frequently burn up red as though he had a fever. His lips would stutter out words as though they were choked in his throat.

Under the presumption that Jing Yuan may have bullied Caelus, Yanqing wanted to scold his master to stop his teasing until one day…

The blond-haired young boy was carrying a bunch of fruits in his arms to share with the Trailblazer. It was a reward he had received from an elderly lady for escorting her home safely. It was too much to eat, and he wanted to celebrate his achievement with his favorite teacher.

Upon arriving at the courtyard after asking Chiyan about Caelus’s whereabouts, he noticed something he hadn’t expected. Caelus was sitting on a bench with Jing Yuan leaning against him on the side, his eyes closed in his usual nap.

There was a subtle, almost unspoken tension in the air, hinting at emotions far deeper than what was visible on the surface.

As Yanqing stood there, clutching the fruits in his arms, he felt a mixture of curiosity, confusion, and embarrassment. The sight before him was entirely unexpected. The usually composed and authoritative General, Jing Yuan, appeared almost vulnerable, resting comfortably against Caelus. On the other hand, the Trailblazer seemed joyful and at peace, as if he had long grown accustomed to this strange but tender routine.

Sharp amber eyes caught the slight blush on Caelus’s cheeks and the curve of his lips to a smile that seemed so warm and bright. His hands gently rested on Jing Yuan’s arm to steady the sleeping General. There was something intimate about the scene, a closeness that went beyond mere friendship.

For a moment, Yanqing hesitated to approach his general and his teacher. He knew he was witnessing something personal that wasn’t meant for others to see. But simultaneously, he couldn’t help but linger and observe further. Caelus wasn’t being bullied or made uncomfortable by Jing Yuan—this was something different, something deeper, far more than he understood, until—

=0=

“However,” The expression on the lieutenant’s face transformed from understanding to determination towards the Trailblazer before declaring. “As the General’s lieutenant, please prove those feelings to show me how much you love the General, Caelus. Please go out with me for a day and show through your actions, and I’ll know it’s true.”

The deafening silence between Caelus and Yanqing followed as the former expressed a wide-eyed shock at the declaration. Caelus blinked his yellow eyes again in disbelief at what he heard.

He stared at the young lieutenant, trying to comprehend what had just been said. Did Yanqing really… Challenge him to a test of love?

“Wait… Hang on a second,” Caelus breathed out as rationally as he could, gently pushing the young boy away so that he could look him in the eye. “You… Want me to ‘prove’ my love to Jing Yuan? By going out with you?”

He glanced at Snow Lion, sitting calmly beside them to watch the exchange quietly. Yanqing’s expression remained solemn, and he nodded. “Yes, Teacher. Please prove to me, through your actions, how deep your feelings are for the General. Love isn’t just about words, right? It is also about actions. And as the General’s retainer, it’s my duty to ensure that anyone who claims to love General Jing Yuan is truly worthy of him.”

The young man ran a hand through his gray hair, flustered and slightly overwhelmed. He did not expect the conversation to take such a twist, especially not from Yanqing. Despite his young age, Caelus could see the young boy’s sincerity and was clearly trying to make a point.

“Yanqing, listen…,” The Trailblazer carefully worded his thoughts. “I don’t think doing this to you and the General is a good idea. He won’t appreciate it if you do something like this behind his back.”

Instead of encouraging Yanqing to stop, his brows furrowed, yet he persisted with his shoulders slumped down. “But why? Is it because I’m still a kid? Even though I may look like a child, I’m still older than you in terms of our age!”

“That shouldn’t be the reason, even if you’re a long-lived species, Yanqing,” Caelus chided with a soft sigh. How did this situation become so complicated? He regretted telling the young retainer and getting involved with his personal problem.

Caelus placed his hands on the young boy’s shoulders, trying to soften his tone. “It is about feelings, real emotions. Love can’t be proven like a test or a competition. It’s not something you can show throughout the day—it’s much deeper than that. I understand you care about your General and want to ensure his happiness. But putting me through a test like this… it’s not the right way.”

Yanqing’s face twisted with a mix of frustration and confusion. “But I just want to make sure you’re sincere! If the General’s happiness is at stake, I must know you’re serious about him. Just for one day. N-No, until the end of the Double Seventh festival, which is coming in a week, Teacher. Please…! I beg you….”

Even though the blond-haired young boy was relentless in his awkward request, Caelus could feel the weight of his determination from his heart. He wasn’t just trying to be difficult for them—he was genuinely worried about Jing Yuan’s well-being. His loyalty to the General was admirable, even if the way he expressed it was misguided.

The Trailblazer gently released his grip on Yanqing’s shoulders, looking at the determined boy before him. His thoughts raced as he tried to find a way to resolve the young retainer’s concerns. He couldn’t let this become a bizarre problem in the public eye, but at the same time, he didn’t want to hurt Yanqing’s feelings or make him feel dismissed as his friend.

“Alright, Yanqing,” Caelus eventually spoke up to him and answered. “I can see how much this means to you. I understand why you want to ensure I’m serious about him. But let’s compromise, okay?”

Yanqing’s amber eyes widened in surprise, and hope flickered in them for a moment. “What do you mean?”

“I’ll spend time with you until the end of the Double Seventh festival. We’ll hang out, we’ll talk, and you’ll get to know me better. But it won’t be a ‘test’ or a competition. It’ll just be us getting to know each other like equals—no expectations, no proving anything.”

The young lieutenant’s eyes widened, and his face lit up while processing the older gray-haired young man’s answer. “… Do you mean it, Teacher…?”

“Yes,” Caelus confirmed with a resolute expression. “But I promise you’ll see how much I care for him. You’ll be able to tell, trust me.”

Yanqing was silent for a moment, clearly thinking it over to himself. After a long pause, Yanqing finally nodded with a pleased smile. “Alright, Teacher. We’ll do it your way. But I’ll still be watching to know if you’re serious about the General.”

“That’s fair, I wouldn’t expect anything less from you,” The gray-haired young man chuckled fondly, a relief and now a motivation to have Yanqing understand that his feelings for Jing Yuan were genuine from the bottom of his heart.

The young retainer gave a small smile, though his amber eyes brightened a second later as if a perfect idea formed in his mind. “Maybe the General should know about this!”

“What—W-Wait, Yanqing, hold on!!” Before Caelus could properly reject the young boy, the latter grabbed his wrist to pull him up from his seat and ran out of the playroom. The sudden action only caused the poor Snow Lion, who was left behind, to let out a confused, purring noise.

=0=

“General! General!” Yanqing’s loud voice echoed through the Seat of Divine Foresight hallway, reaching the large office chamber at the end where the Luofu General was.

Jing Yuan flipped through another piece of paper, chiding in his usual calm voice upon sensing the hurried footsteps approaching him soon. “Now, now, Yanqing. I have told you before to not run in the hallways.”

A second later, the door burst open, revealing an excited Yanqing, his face flushed red from all the running, and Caelus behind him panting heavily to catch his breath after having to keep up with the young boy’s pace.

Once he composed himself, Caelus faced Jing Yuan with a reluctant look. “General, I—!”

“I’m taking Caelus out on a date because I like him, General!” Yanqing swiftly interjected, moving his hand on the Trailblazer’s wrist to clasp against the hand firmly. “So, I wish you would give us your blessing.”

Upon finishing the declaration, the room fell into a stunned silence as the shallow breathing echoed in the office. It had even made Jing Yuan pause mid-motion, blinking in surprise. His golden eyes shifted from Yanqing to Caelus, now frozen at the General’s gaze.

“W-Wait... What?!” Caelus exclaimed in shock, his mouth struggling to refute as he attempted to process what Yanqing had just said. “No, no, no! This isn’t what you think—!!!”

Yanqing, however, was undeterred and went on. “General, I’ve spent much time with Caelus and want to ensure he’s the right one for you. I mean, uh... For me! I just like him and want to be with him forever!!”

… This… This was not good; Caelus dreaded it from the pits of his stomach. The Trailblazer wasn’t certain how Jing Yuan would treat the young boy’s proclamation. He’d foresaw the white-haired older man would simply brush it off as a childish dream, though that would seem to upset Yanqing at being like a child. Or—

Jing Yuan raised an eyebrow, his expression calm but curious as he looked at the two flustered figures before him. His ever-present, serene demeanor didn’t falter, though his eyes showed an unmistakable glimmer of amusement. And, he said with a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “You’ve been quite attached to Caelus since you met him, Yanqing. But this is a... Rather interesting way of going about it.”

“... Please do not tease me, General.” Yanqing frowned with a frustrated look and insisted. “I’m serious about this. Isn’t that right, Caelus?”

Still reeling from the whirlwind of chain events, Caelus glanced at Jing Yuan, whose usual calm expression only deepened his growing sense of dread. The General, known for his playful wit, seemed thoroughly amused by the situation, his golden eyes flickering with interest.

Yanqing’s hand, clutching Caelus’s wrist, remained firm enough not to pill away. His determined expression through his amber eyes was hard to ignore, and it was clear he wasn’t backing down from whatever he was planning.

“I-It’s not what it seems, General.” The Trailblazer stammered while trying to piece together a coherent response. “Yanqing is... Misunderstanding something important here. I—uh—”

He trailed off, uncertain of how to explain. Perhaps this opportunity right now would allow the young man to confess the truth about his feelings to the General, even if it would hurt painfully at his rejection.

Meanwhile, Jing Yuan looked between the two, his face still calm but with an almost imperceptible hint of amusement playing at the corners of his lips. “Oh? It sounds like my lieutenant has taken quite a liking to you. How fortunate for you, hm?”

The teasing tone made Caelus flush redder, and he quickly waved his hands in protest. “No, General! It’s nothing like that! The truth is I—!”

“I do, General. So, please give us your blessing to our relationship.” Yanqing interrupted one last time before the gray-haired young man could admit anything.

“Hmm...” Pondering with a faint hum, Jing Yuan finally gave a slight nod after a pause. He raised his chin as if considering the situation more deeply than necessary. “You certainly seem committed to this, Yanqing.”

Caelus felt the moment’s pressure and took a deep breath to calm his nerves. But before he could gather his thoughts, Jing Yuan’s soft chuckle broke the silence. “Alright, then. I will give you both my blessing… On one condition.”

“What condition…?” Nothing made sense for the Trailblazer anymore.

Jing Yuan smiled serenely, his hand resting on the table beside him. “I want to see how serious you are, Yanqing, about this... ‘Relationship’ with Caelus. If you truly believe you can win his heart, you must continue your training and responsibilities as diligently as ever. And Caelus, of course, must... be patient.”

The face of the young boy lit up brightly from how his amber eyes shone. A grin spread across Yanqing’s face as if he had just been handed a victory. “I’ll work harder than ever, General. You’ll see!”

Later, he turned to Caelus and smiled with pride. “I won’t let you down, either, Teacher! I shall leave first to prepare for our date tomorrow!”

“Wait, Yanqing—!” Caelus was caught between disbelief and worry, wondering how the situation had escalated to disastrous proportions. He opened his mouth to protest and explain what was happening, but Jing Yuan’s amused gaze silenced him before he could utter a word.

“You’ll have your hands full, Caelus,” Jing Yuan added with a knowing smile. “But I trust you can handle it. After all, you’re capable of handling challenges, right?”

The Trailblazer’s mouth dropped open at those trusting words directed to him, shaking his head to correct the General. “General Jing Yuan, this is all a huge misunderstanding from Yanqing. It’s all a prank he planned. And, there’s nothing between him and I—!”

“I understand what you mean,” The Luofu General said, placing a finger on Caelus’s lips to stop with a gentle smile. “Yanqing’s intentions may have caused confusion, but I can see something more behind all this.”

Jing Yuan’s finger against Caelus’s lips caused the Trailblazer to freeze in place, his heart skipping a beat at the unexpected gentle touch from the long, slender finger. The General’s golden eyes softened with warmth, and his usual calm yet teasing expression was now shone with something more sincere.

Caelus swallowed, unsure of how to respond. His face flushed under Jing Yuan’s gaze, a strange mix of relief and anxiety swirling in his chest. “That’s not it, General. The truth is, I—”

“Also, I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for you to spend more time with Yanqing.” The Luofu General smoothly added, pulling away his finger and resuming looking back at his documents. “You may think of it to make up the lost time on teaching him. He would be a good guide to learn more about our culture.”

The Trailblazer felt his heart drop as Jing Yuan spoke, seemingly brushing aside Caelus’s protests and concerns with his usual composed demeanor. He later exclaimed after finding his voice, desperation creeping into his tone. “General, you don’t understand! This isn’t just about spending time with Yanqing or learning about the culture. He thinks—”

However, Jing Yuan’s serene smile didn’t falter at the distressed Trailblazer. “I trust that you can handle this in your own way. Yanqing is earnest, and I believe this will be a good experience for both of you. Besides, I’m curious to see how it plays out. There’s no harm in indulging him a little, is there?”

Was Jing Yuan really just... allowing this to happen? He couldn’t tell if the General was genuinely amused by the situation or something else was happening beneath that calm, inscrutable expression.

“Incidentally, I have invited Dan Heng as my companion for the upcoming Double Seventh Festival.”

At the dark-haired man’s mention, Caelus’s heart sunk further, only to repeat in a dumbfounded tone. “Dan… Heng…?”

“Yes,” The white-haired General nodded with a warm and gentle smile that Caelus knew all too well who it was for alone. “Ever since Dan Heng returned home after the exile, he hadn’t had time to appreciate the festivities here. It would be a good opportunity for him to be at ease during his stay here.”

Dan Heng, huh… The name echoed in his mind, a sharp pang hitting his chest. Jing Yuan had always been kind and composed, but the way he spoke of Dan Heng now seemed different, more personal. Caelus’s heart sank further as he watched the General talk so fondly of his companion for the festival.

Caelus opened his mouth, but no words came out. He felt paralyzed, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. The ‘date’ with Yanqing, and now Jing Yuan was planning his time with Dan Heng.

Jing Yuan’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts. “Also, Feng Xiu was right too. For too long, I have neglected Dan Heng’s concerns as an old friend to another. Caelus, it’ll be a good experience for you too. Yanqing is young, but he has a lot of potential, and you can learn much from spending time with him during the Double Seventh festival.”

“Is that all you want, General?” The Trailblazer thought, but he couldn’t ask it aloud. Was there no room for him in Jing Yuan’s heart, or was he overthinking it?

The silent turmoil on Caelus’s face made Jing Yuan’s smile soften. “I have no doubt you’ll handle things well, Caelus. And remember, the festival is about bonding with the people you care for. Yanqing looks up to you, and this might be a chance for you to show him how you feel—whether as a teacher, a friend, or something more.”

“Then… What about the promise when you asked me to accompany you to the festival, General…?”

The Luofu General simply looked Caelus in the eye as he uttered. Both men stare at each other for a few moments… 

“Was there any promise I have made to you, Caelus?”

If Caelus’s heart had already sunk to the very bottom, he could hear as if it had broken into a million pieces. The silence that followed Jing Yuan’s words felt suffocating. Caelus stood frozen, trying to piece together his shattered thoughts.

The question rang in his mind—Was there any promise I have made to you, Caelus?

Jing Yuan’s calm, unwavering gaze betrayed nothing but serenity, yet those words cut deep, each syllable like a dagger that chipped away at the hope the young man had clung to. The Trailblazer had never expected the General to simply dismiss the significance of what they shared a few weeks back at the Exalting Sanctum—or what he thought they shared.

But now, with Jing Yuan speaking so casually of his plans with Dan Heng, it felt like any chance Caelus had with him was slipping away like sand through his fingers.

“I…” Caelus’s voice faltered. He wanted to scream that there was a promise, that Jing Yuan’s invitation had meant the world to him, that he’d spent sleepless nights thinking about what it meant, and that his feelings had grown beyond anything he had anticipated.

However, when he looked at Jing Yuan’s composed expression, he suddenly wasn’t so sure. Maybe he had read too much into things. Maybe, to Jing Yuan, it had never been more than a casual offer—a fleeting thought easily forgotten.

After all, it was a reminder to the young man that, from the start, Jing Yuan only ever had eyes for his love, Dan Feng, or Dan Heng now.

Caelus swallowed his rebuttal bitterly, his throat tight, and murmured in a weak voice. “No, General. I suppose… I must have misunderstood.”

Jing Yuan’s eyes softened, but he didn’t respond right away. He simply studied Caelus with that unreadable expression that could so easily mask his true thoughts. The General was always like that—calm, composed, and mysterious. It was part of what drew Caelus to him, but now it felt like an impenetrable wall.

And then, the General finally spoke in a gentle voice. “You haven’t misunderstood anything, Caelus. But sometimes, we make promises without fully understanding what they mean to others. I’m sorry if I’ve caused you any confusion.”

That was it, then. No grand apology, no reassurances. Just a quiet acknowledgment that left Caelus feeling even more lost. Before he could say anything else, Jing Yuan returned to the documents on his desk, signaling that the conversation was over.

Caelus clenched his fists by his sides, frustration and heartbreak welling up inside him. But what could he do? Yanqing’s innocent plan had already turned everything upside down, and now Jing Yuan’s words felt like the final blow. There was nothing left to say.

With a forced nod, he stepped back to smile weakly. “I… I understand. I’ll do my best with Yanqing. Thank you for your trust, General. I hope you will enjoy time with Dan Heng during the festival.”

“Thank you. And I know you will, Caelus.” Jing Yuan looked up briefly, his smile as calm as ever.

With that, Caelus turned and left the office with heavy steps, just like his heart, heavy with the weight of unspoken words inside him. Once the door was clicked close, and the footsteps faded away…

The atmosphere in Jing Yuan’s office shifted into almost unbearable tension. The General’s calm and composed façade finally broke to a rare bitter expression with a frown on his lips. He sighed, leaning back in his chair, golden eyes gazing at the door where Caelus had just walked through. His hand, which had been holding onto a document, slackened slightly to let it drop onto the table.

“Haa… To think even one who has lived for hundreds of years to behave in such a childish manner….” Jing Yuan muttered under his breath, though no one was present to hear him. For once, the ever-calculating General was uncertain, plagued by his own words and decisions.

He closed his eyes briefly, the weight of the unspoken emotions between them heavy on his shoulders. When he watched the Trailblazer walk away with such a hurt expression behind that smile, it had struck a chord deeper than he wanted to admit. The reminder of his own choices, of keeping his feelings hidden, now felt like a burden he had unfairly placed on Caelus.

The mention of Dan Heng hadn’t helped. Jing Yuan had spoken about him casually, too often than he counted, as if it were nothing more than a friendly gesture. But even that was layered with complexities.

His relationship with Dan Heng was rooted in a long history from his past incarnation as Dan Feng, and while it was easy to fall into the habit of being protective and caring for someone of his golden days.

Jing Yuan knew that he would lose Caelus entirely if he wasn’t careful. He sighed again, running a hand through his white hair before standing up from his desk. His calm demeanor had always served him well, keeping the people around him at a comfortable distance. But now, that very distance had caused the rift with Caelus again.

“Perhaps I’ve been a fool,” Jing Yuan murmured to himself, a rare moment of vulnerability passing over his face. His golden eyes then glanced onto the particular document that stood out among his works, picking it up like a delicate flower he tended to back at his private housing.

“The Double Seventh Festival…” There was still time, and the chess pieces were already prepared. All that was left now was to…

Notes:

....

Disclaimer: I have only shipped Yanqing and Caelus as pure platonic ship between friends or if not even mother/son for Jingcae ship. The endgame is still Jingcae for this story.

Chapter 22: A Day of Tested Friendship & Proven Loyalty

Summary:

As Caelus scooped up the congee to blow at it, he heard the young boy’s voice again. “Caelus.”

“What is it—?” The young man swallowed down the congee before looking up to see—

“Open wide! Aaah!” Yanqing offered his own spoonful of congee to the older man with his outstretched hand while wearing a big grin.

Notes:

*peeks out of the corner* So... Hey there again.

Last chapter's ending was really an emotional damage to Caelus huh. Just when he thought things were changing between Jing Yuan and him...

But rest assured fortunately & unfortuantely, the story won't be ending this soon 😂😅

There's still quite a number of things to write about and a few other dramatic angst to drop in at further parts of the story. Thank you for following so far 🙏

Also, this chapter is pretty long with 8k+ words, so this is something to digest a while 😂

Off-topic: Have you guys saw the drip marketing for 2.7 patch? 👀

I hope everyone has their wallets saved for our lord and savior returns 🙏

Disclaimer: I don't want to spoil the story much, but I feel this should really be said and posted both before and after the chapter. I have only shipped Yanqing and Caelus as pure platonic ship between friends or if not even mother/son for Jingcae ship. The endgame is still Jingcae for this story.

Hope you guys enjoyed the story!

Bzzt… Bzzt…  

Inside one of the Astral Express’s rooms, Caelus turned in his sleep on the bed, a light snoring sound leaving his nostrils. Even when the room was surrounded by the darkness of the galaxy outside the window, the phone on the bedside table flashed its screen to reveal the system time of seven o’clock.  

The Trailblazer’s brows furrowed at the vibration from his phone, groaning to drag himself out of his sleep to answer the other party. His fingers fumbled briefly to unlock his phone and see the message’s contents.  

“Date…?” Caelus scrutinized that specific word on the screen with a half-asleep, dubious stare. However, seconds later, he soon recalled its meaning with a now solemn expression. “Oh… Right…. That date….”  

His mind was still a swirl of thoughts about what had transpired the previous day. Yanqing’s excitement and innocence were palpable throughout the chat, and it was hard for Caelus to shake the tension he felt after the whole ordeal.  

But a promise was a promise, he sighed, rubbing a hand over his face before noticing another reply popped up on his messaging screen.

There was a brief pause, followed by a quick series of excited pings as Yanqing responded with his usual enthusiasm.

Caelus blinked at the phone, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips despite his earlier low mood.

For a moment, the Trailblazer allowed himself to get lost in the lighthearted conversation with Yanqing, grateful for the distraction. But deep down, the weight of the previous discussion with Jing Yuan still lingered, a constant pull in the back of his mind.  

As much as Caelus cared for the young boy and appreciated his determination, he couldn’t stop replaying the conversation last evening. From the subtle smiles to the quiet talks to the time they spent together before the promise of attending the festival as companions.   

He had thought there was something there, something change between them to move from a relationship deeper than friendship. But now, it all seemed so unclear.  

Was it all a misunderstanding? Caelus thought to himself. He sat on his bed to look outside the cabin window, and only the darkness gazed back at him silently. Or was he wrong to hope for more?  

The phone buzzed again, snapping him out of his reverie.  

Caelus chuckled softly, his fingers hovering over the screen as he typed a quick reply.

The Trailblazer returned the phone to the table and stood up to prepare for the day ahead. Even though his feelings for Jing Yuan still clung to him, he couldn’t let Yanqing down. The young lieutenant had put his heart into today, and Caelus wasn’t about to ruin that for him.  

But as he opened his closet and spotted his usual set of clothes, which had been returned to his room in the Express directly, a thought kept tugging at the back of his mind—perhaps this date was also a chance to clear things up, to find some closure with Jing Yuan. Caelus wasn’t sure whether that meant confessing his feelings or finally letting go of the hope he had been holding onto.  

For now, he’d take it one step at a time. Starting with the time to spend with Yanqing had planned so eagerly. 

=0=

Upon stepping into the express lounge, Caelus’s gaze turned to see three familiar figures: the red-haired older navigator, the brown-haired bespectacled older man, and the pink-haired girl gathered around a table with food dishes to feast on their breakfast.  

“Oh, this is unusual! You’re up early today, Cae. Good Morning!” March first noticed him at the entrance and greeted him first.   

Caelus blinked in surprise at March 7th’s enthusiastic greeting, rubbing his head sheepishly as he walked into the lounge. “Morning, March… Miss Himeko, Mr. Yang.”  

“Good morning to you too, Caelus,” Himeko smiled warmly at the youngest member of the Express team. She set her coffee cup down and gestured to the dishes. “Do you have any preferences for your breakfast today?”  

The Trailblazer briefly looked at the food on the table, then shook his head sheepishly. “Sorry, Miss Himeko. But I’ve got to go off soon. I promised Yanqing I would meet him in the morning to spend time with him.”  

“What…?! But you just returned after going missing on us for the past week!” March exclaimed with a concerned expression. “Don’t you want to take it easy on your work in training him?”  

Caelus offered March an apologetic smile as he rubbed the back of his neck. She had a point there. Upon returning to the Express and entering the Parlor cabin when he recalled... 

=0=

“Caelus!! You’re back!!” March was the first to approach him in a tight hug. Her body shakily exhaled a relief sigh she held back.   

Himeko soon came after her, her reddish eyes assessing the young man from head to toe. “Are you alright, Caelus? Did something happen? And your clothes...”   

“I’m fine, Miss Himeko, March... General Jing Yuan loaned these clothes to me when I visited to report about an investigation.” Caelus carefully moved March’s arm on him and returned with a small, reassured smile to her. “I just... Had to take care of some things in Belobog for a friend. She lost an important treasure inside the cave, and we went to retrieve it.”   

Although March’s tense expression relaxed slightly, Welt stepped forward with a concerned face and narrowed eyes. “Madame Herta has informed us that your phone has been hacked by the Stellaron Hunter Silver Wolf. Was she there with you at that time when it happened?”   

The Trailblazer’s yellow eyes grew wide; he wasn’t surprised that Herta figured out that soon, given her status as a member of the Genius Society. However, he did not want to make the situation as complicated and tense as it was, and Caelus shook his head at the older Express member. “No, she wasn’t there with me. Silver Wolf was busy with something else, so she didn’t come. But, she was the one who requested my help for her friend, Mr. Yang. She said she would undo the blocking once I did.”   

Welt frowned, and the lines of furrowed brow deepened; he wasn’t completely buying the young man’s words. He raised a hand to his chin. “Silver Wolf… I trust you weren’t coerced by her into this?”   

“No, I wasn’t. Silver Wolf wasn’t a threat to me, I promise.” Caelus shook his head firmly. “She just wanted help. And this friend of hers is also a friend of mine, so I couldn’t say no.”   

Although Welt was about to speak further on the issue, Dan Heng stood beside him. “I can vouch for Caelus. Even though Silver Wolf may not be any less different from the other members. She isn’t one to resort to such crude tactics to rope Caelus in. I believe he got her to agree on his terms to help her.”   

“Dan Heng, you....” Caelus’s face colored with shock and disbelief. The dark-haired man stood up for him despite having yet to resolve their differences in a heated argument.   

The older brown-haired, bespectacled man expressed his surprise briefly, eventually giving an approval nod. “If what you say is true, Dan Heng. Then, it’s a relief to hear Caelus has returned unharmed to us.”   

Giving a curt nod to Welt, Dan Heng’s teal eyes then made contact with Caelus’s yellow eyes. The two men reacted wide-eyed before averting their gaze from the other. It was awkward between them; Caelus still had not prepared the right words to say to him.   

However, he swallowed his saliva down in his throat and took a deep breath to face Dan Heng. “I... I heard from the General that you came to him to ask where I was to find me when I lost contact with you guys. Thanks, Dan Heng.”   

The usually cold and stoic man broke out his mask to reveal a genuinely shocked expression at what he heard. His teal eyes widened slightly, and his breath heaved a sigh out as though to release all the pent-up emotions inside him. “It’s nothing at all. I’m just glad you are back safely.” 

Caelus’s mouth parted open to speak, but he closed it to curve into a smile. Even though there weren’t any apologies between them that were uttered. The gray-haired young man knew they had made up in their own ways.   

March leaned in towards his ear and whispered with a curious voice. “Wait, wait, wait. So you went on a treasure hunt for Silver Wolf’s friend? In Belobog? What kind of treasure are we talking about? Ooh, ooh, is it a piece of jewelry she lost?”   

“It was something personal for her,” The Trailblazer simply laughed at her antics and shook his head. “The wild robots stole it from her without realizing when she was visiting Belobog as a Traveler.”   

Himeko tapped her fingers on her shoulder and nodded with a small smile. “I see. As long as you’re alright and you weren’t in any unnecessary danger. But you should know that the Stellaron Hunters are always unpredictable. If you find yourself in trouble, don’t hesitate to contact us.”   

Caelus smiled gratefully at her and nodded. “Thanks, Miss Himeko. I’ll keep that in mind. Anyway, the General has invited us to attend the upcoming Double Seventh festival to celebrate as a thank you for saving Luofu.”   

Among the crew who heard the news, March’s pinkish-blue eyes lit up with excited squee. “A festival?! That sounds amazing! I’ve always wanted to experience one of the famous Luofu celebrations! What do they do at the Double Seventh Festival, anyway?”   

“The Double Seventh is one of the Luofu’s most revered traditions. It’s a celebration of unity, love, and the bond between individuals.” Himeko let out a light-hearted chuckle at the young girl’s enthusiasm. “Think of it like a celestial event where people express their appreciation for one another. They say it even bridges the divide between mortals and the stars.”   

March grinned, moving closer to nudge Caelus playfully in a whisper. “Sounds like the perfect place for you and General Jing Yuan to have a romantic rendezvous!”   

The Trailblazer simply rolled her eyes and scoffed. “I don’t know what you are talking about.”   

Welt gave a small smile and continued the topic. “The General inviting all of us to the festival is a sign of his gratitude and a way to strengthen our alliance with the Luofu. It will be an opportunity to solidify our ties and learn more about the traditions of the Xianzhou people.”   

“I agree. It’ll be a chance for all of us to relax a bit; we still have weeks left before the next jump. It might be nice to enjoy some peace for a change.” The red-haired navigator agreed, her smile curved wider knowingly when she spotted March letting out a joyful squee noise.   

Clasping her hands together, the pink-haired girl let out a dreamy sigh. “I can already imagine it now—the beautiful decorations, the food, the music... Oh, and maybe they’ll have some amazing clothes we can wear!”   

Caelus smiled brightly at her hyped-up behavior. “I guess I don’t have much of a choice, huh? But the General mentioned something about traditional attire for the festival. He said it’s part of the custom.”   

“Ooooh, I can’t wait to see what cute skirts or dresses they have!” March’s pinkish-blue eyes gleamed with mischief. “Don’t worry—I’ll ensure you don’t look too out of place. We’ll all be dressed to impress! That includes you as well, Dan Heng!”   

“Not even having a say in this matter...” Dan Heng heaved an exasperated sigh, resigning his fate to join Caelus in being towed along by March. He could foresee her nagging about getting cooped up in the archives again.   

Shaking his head with an exasperated face, Caelus turned to the dark-haired man and smiled. “But, you should celebrate with us too, Dan Heng. The General really wants you to go with him as his companion for the festival.”   

“W-What?!” The pink-haired girl exclaimed with a surprise look. Even Dan Heng broke out his usual stoicism to express a wide-eyed shock upon hearing it from the Trailblazer.   

She leaned in toward Caelus, lowering her voice to a whisper, “Wait, Cae… Are you telling me you want Dan Heng to go with Jing Yuan to the festival?”   

Caelus blinked, not immediately catching on to her confusion, then nodded his head with a chuckle. “Yeah. The General wanted to invite Dan Heng himself, but I suppose I could do him a favor and relay the message for him.”   

March couldn’t believe what she was hearing and seeing from her friend. His perfectly plastered smile only hid whatever emotions and thoughts were behind it. Her heart panged further with worry, yet her lips remained shut when the young man wasn’t keen on being called out in front of everyone.   

Eventually, the pink-haired girl plastered a cheerful smile to simmer the worry inside her. “Well, I guess it’s official. We’ll all be dressed up for the Double Seventh Festival, including you, Dan Heng. And who knows? Maybe you’ll end up having a good time too.”   

Still visibly surprised by the invitation, Dan Heng’s teal eyes shifted toward Caelus to decipher his true thoughts. But, the gray-haired young man gave him no emotion except a supportive smile. He then returned with a curt nod and mumbled. “If the General insists, then I suppose I have no choice….”   

Himeko chuckled softly, her gaze moving between the three younger members. “It sounds like we’ll all be attending as a group. The General’s invitation is a gesture of goodwill, so we should embrace the opportunity to learn about the Xianzhou culture together.”   

“If Jing Yuan is inviting Dan Heng personally, it would be best to deliver the message in his own words, Caelus. We may be their special guests, but there is no reason to play messenger for something as trivial as this.” Welt’s brows furrowed, and he crossed his arms. “Regardless, it sounds like we’ll have plenty to prepare for.”   

“I’ll take note of that, Mr. Yang,” Caelus simply said, offering a small smile to ease the tension.  

=0=

As Caelus finished reminiscing to himself, March leaned back in her chair to let out an exasperated sigh. “You’re always getting into the most mysterious situations, Caelus. But this one takes the cake; it nearly caused us all a heart attack when we couldn’t reach you. We’ve gotta keep better tabs on you!”  

Back in the lounge, Caelus snapped out of his memories and smiled at March’s concern. “I appreciate it, March. But today isn’t really about training or any commission work. It’s more of a personal day between me and Yanqing.”  

Himeko raised an eyebrow from that last sentence, sipping her coffee thoughtfully. “Personal day?”  

“Yanqing’s calling it a ‘date,’” The Trailblazer admitted with a half-hearted chuckle, immediately regretting it when he saw March’s eyes expressed a horrified look.  

“Wait—’A date?’ Like an actual romantic date?” March leaned forward, her fork frozen mid-air as her eyes widened in surprise.  

Caelus held up his hands quickly, shaking his head. “No, no, no!! It’s not like that. It’s complicated. Yanqing thinks I’m going after the General, and now I’m just trying to clear things up while spending time with him.”  

“That does sound concerning for Yanqing. He must’ve really respected Jing Yuan.” Himeko chuckled warmly, though her red eyes gleamed with a knowing look. “I assume Jing Yuan has trusted you to take care of him for a while?”  

The young man gave a sheepish, weak grin to the Express Navigator. The word ‘trust’ itself was an understatement of how much Jing Yuan handed him to his apprentice to go out with. But, the mere memory of Jing Yuan from last evening made his heart crestfallen again.  

“Is something wrong, Caelus?” Mr. Yang finally spoke up from behind his glasses, his tone calm but perceptive to see through the worries coming from him.  

“No, nothing at all,” Caelus quickly shook his head with a grin. He should also forget his feelings before they head off to the next world. He looked at the three and offered a parting smile. “I will have breakfast at Starskiff Haven later before finding Yanqing.”  

“Be careful, Caelus,” Welt advised. “And don’t forget to contact us soon if there is any trouble.”  

With a final nod, Caelus stepped out of the Astral Express, heading toward the promised meeting place. As the door to the lounge closed behind him, the remaining members exchanged glances.  

“Something’s weighing on him,” March muttered quietly, her eyes still on the door. “I just wish he’d open up a bit more.”  

“In time, March. Caelus has his own way of processing things. He’ll open up when he’s ready.” Himeko reassured the young girl with a thoughtful expression  

Welt agreed, picking up his coffee cup and adding. “The festival will be an opportunity for all of us to reflect. Whether it’s personal or political, we’ll have to navigate the event carefully.”  

The group then continued their breakfast in a comfortable silence. However, for Caelus himself... 

=0=

Holding a small hand towards Caelus standing before him, Yanqing smiled brightly and suggested. “Caelus, let’s hold hands!”  

“... Come again?” The Trailblazer simply uttered with a stupid expression on his face. His gaze flickered between Yanqing’s outstretched hand and his enthusiastic smile. “You want to hold hands?”  

“Of course! I have learned that when two people are in love with each other, they would hold hands together on a date, Caelus.” The young boy answered with a smile so bright and so innocent that it only transformed the older man’s expression into a dumbfounded face.  

... Who on Aeons taught him that?! – Caelus lifted one of his gloved hands to pinch the bridge of his nose. How and where he even got this knowledge from brought him intense concern and worry. Yanqing may be a hardworking young retainer for General Jing Yuan, but this was too much to an extreme.  

Taking a deep breath to inhale and then exhaling, the Trailblazer lifted a hand to rub the back of his head gingerly. “Yanqing, you said this… ‘Date’ of yours is to prove my love for the General, right?”  

“That’s right!” Yanqing nodded with an eager smile.  

“Then, I won’t hold your hands.”  

The blond-haired young retainer blinked his amber eyes surprisedly at the straightforward answer. “Why…?”  

“Well…,” Caelus pondered his words carefully. “Because I love Jing Yuan, and I don’t want to hold anyone else’s hands except him?”  

Upon saying that, the young man immediately cringed to himself. He could already feel the second-hand embarrassment of saying this out loud in public. Yanqing merely stared at him, his bright amber eyes still wide with confusion. Caelus scratched his head. How was he going to explain the situation to the young boy without making it even more awkward than it already was?  

“You see,” The Trailblazer started, his voice sounding firmer. “Holding hands is something special that people do when they’re, you know, really, ‘really close’—like, in a romantic way. I’m just... It’s not because I don’t like you, but because it should be reserved for the person you have those feelings for.”  

This time, Yanqing’s facial expression transformed into a thoughtful look, processing the explanation to him. After a beat, he nodded slowly and said in an understanding tone. “I get it. So, you only want to do things like that with General Jing Yuan because you love him, right?”  

Caelus felt his cheeks flush slightly, caught off guard by how plainly the boy put it across and rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “Uh… Right, yeah, I guess you could put it that way,”  

The young lieutenant’s face broke into a bright smile again, seemingly satisfied with the answer. “That makes sense! I just thought... If you were going to prove your love to the General to me, we should practice what people do on dates.”  

“Huh? What do you mean by practicing—?”   

Before the Trailblazer was about to clarify further, Yanqing went to him and clung onto his arm happily, his amber eyes glowing with excitement. “Let’s go, Caelus! You haven’t eaten anything yet, right? I know a good place the knights enjoyed a quick meal together!”  

“But I have already eaten earlier—WOAH!!” Despite Yanqing’s miniature stature, he had easily dragged Caelus along in a sprint to wherever his destination was. The latter’s long legs stumbled in each step to keep up with Yanqing until… 

=0=

“Two breakfast sets of Congee with dumplings and tea,” The waitress said, Arriving at a table near the bridge on Starwatcher Avenue, where Yanqing and Caelus were seated.  

She set down the two trays on the table for the both before taking a bow and left. Caelus stared at the spread in front of him with wide eyes, his stomach protesting despite his earlier snack.   

However, Yanqing looked eager and excited, with his mouth almost watering at the food. “It smells good, doesn’t it? During one of our patrols, we stumbled onto this restaurant when we were hungry and about to collapse! Their signature dish is their congee. You should try it, Caelus.”   

Yanqing grinned widely, picking up his soup spoon and diving straight into the food. “Thank you for the food. Let’s eat. The breakfast is on me! The General has given me more allowance for our date today.”  

“Sure.” Caelus smiled weakly, picked up his spoon, scooped up a small portion of the congee to cool it, and carefully sipped it. The taste of the warm porridge mixed with herbal and spices taste slid down his throat, comforting and smooth. He couldn’t help but let out a content sigh. “This is pretty good.”  

The blond-haired young boy smiled at his response, clearly pleased with himself for picking the place. “I told you! They have the best congee in all of Xianzhou. Even the Cloud Knights come here regularly. I should bring the General here one day; he would love their tea and pastries.”  

The Trailblazer smiled at the young lieutenant’s enthusiasm. Though Yanqing’s innocent misunderstanding of their ‘date’ was amusing, it was also heartwarming to see how much he looked up to Jing Yuan and wanted to take their time together seriously.  

As Caelus scooped up the congee to blow at it, he heard the young boy’s voice again. “Caelus.”  

“What is it—?” The young man swallowed down the congee before looking up to see—  

“Open wide! Aaah!” Yanqing offered his spoonful of congee to the older man with his outstretched hand while wearing a big grin.  

PSSSSSHHHHHHH!!!!   

“Gaaghh! Geeghh! Heeacchh!”   

Caelus spat out the congee to the side and coughed violently from the burning pain scalded inside his throat. Yanqing immediately placed his spoon into the bowl and picked up the glass of tea for him. “Are you alright, Caelus?”  

“I’m fine…” The Trailblazer weakly coughed as he took the tea appreciatively to sip it down his throat. After placing the glass onto the table, he looked at Yanqing in the eye with a somewhat hesitant expression. “But, Yanqing… Um, what were you trying to do exactly…?”  

Yanqing blinked in surprise, still holding the spoon out, his expression completely innocent, and tilted his head. “What do you mean, Caelus? Isn’t this what people do on dates? I saw it in one of the scrolls about romantic dinners! They feed each other with food and treats to show their love to each other.”  

“What kind of scrolls are those?!!” The young man exclaimed in his mind. He could already feel the headache coming from his own worry. How did that scroll reach a young child like Yanqing in the first place?!  

Caelus coughed one last time, his face turning slightly red from embarrassment. He quickly glanced around to ensure no one was watching before returning to the young lieutenant. “Well, that’s… That’s not something I’m going to do with anyone except Jing Yuan. Also, feeding someone is a pretty intimate thing too. Not something you do casually.”  

“I see…” Yanqing seemed to have accepted it, an understanding nod.  

However, as he placed the spoon down, the young boy’s curiosity returned to ask another question with an innocent voice. “Doesn’t that mean you and the General are in love and going out with each other already? You feed the General Tuskir Wraps a few weeks back!”  

“N-No, no, no, absolutely not! You’ve got the wrong idea,” Caelus sputtered, his face turning an even deeper shade of red as he frantically waved his hands. “The General isn’t in love with me at all. That was… That was just him taking hold of my hand and holding Tuskir Wraps to eat from there. It wasn’t anything romantic!”  

Yanqing, still innocently blinking, tilted his head. “But isn’t that what people in love do? They take care of each other. Feeding the General sounds pretty romantic to me.”  

Caelus groaned inwardly, burying his face in his hands. How was he supposed to explain this without digging into an even deeper hole? He peeked through his fingers at Yanqing, who still looked at him with wide, curious eyes, clearly not understanding the gravity of the situation.  

But what about when Jing Yuan fed him the bun during that dinner while Luocha watched them? What did that action even mean for him? – The Trailblazer now questioned himself as much as he didn’t want to recall those memories of that day. Why was Jing Yuan leading him like this if Dan Feng was still in his heart?  

Was it all a joke to tease him and to forget about it the next day…?  

Regardless of how he tried to figure out the intentions behind Jing Yuan, it won’t mean anything to him now. The Trailblazer sighed, pushing away the dull pain aching in his heart to focus back on the young boy. “You aren’t wrong. People close to each other might do things like feeding one another, but it doesn’t always mean something romantic. Sometimes, it’s just being considerate, looking out for your friend or family. And what I did for your General was exactly that.”  

“Really?”  

Really? Even the young man himself wasn’t convinced by his own words; however, as the saying went from the books in the Express archives, he would need to fake it to make it. Caelus nodded firmly once more and smiled his most convincing, bright smile to the young boy. “Yeah, sure. People just have different ways of showing affection to their friends and family. You will encounter many people when you’re strong enough to travel outside the world!”  

Yanqing’s amber eyes widened, this time, seemingly understanding the meaning of the Trailblazer’s words. “I see. So, you have many different friends from the universe to experience this, Caelus. Thank you for enlightening my knowledge.”  

“No problem,” Caelus returned with another nod, while internally heaving another sigh of relief. But, before he could return to his food, the young lieutenant pointed out. “But you should tell the General and I more of these stories. I’m sure he’d like to hear it.”  

“Yeah, maybe someday…,” The Trailblazer muttered under his breath, the familiar heavy weight of pain returning in his heart. Despite his sincerity, the boy clearly meant well, which had come from a misguided intention from reading that suspicious scroll.  

But… It wasn’t like Jing Yuan would be interested in hearing his stories now that he had Dan Heng to prepare his date for the Double Seventh Festival. As the two continued their breakfast in silence, Yanqing smiled innocently again as though another idea had come to his mind.  

Preparing for the next attack in his heart, Caelus observed Yanqing place his tea down and asked him, “So, Caelus. Since you said you love the General, you must know and understand what he likes.”  

In silence, the gray-haired young man paused to process the question. He had expected another outrageous plan from that strange scroll, but the question was seemingly easy at face value. It wouldn’t be hard to entertain him further. “Hmm… I do think I know a few things he likes….”  

Immediately, the young boy’s amber eyes sparkled with anticipation. “So, what is it? Or maybe his favorite tea blend? The General never really talks about it to me. He always says that every tea and food is his favorite, and we shouldn’t be picky about what we eat. But I’m sure there must be something he really loves the most.”  

If the earlier surprise hadn’t caught the young man off-guard, the Trailblazer would now be taken aback by his curiosity. He lowered his head slightly and lifted a hand to his chin to ponder the question carefully.  

Jing Yuan had always been an enigma to him—a man who radiated strength and warmth but kept his true feelings concealed. And now, he was expected to know these intimate details about the General, as if their connection was deeper than it actually was.  

“Immortal’s Delights Bubble Tea,” Caelus finally answered thoughtfully.  

Yanqing’s face now expressed a surprised and confused look at the answer. “Immortal’s Delights?”  

“Yeah, the General seems to have a sweet tooth himself.” The Trailblazer unconsciously let out a fond chuckle. “The first meeting I had with him, he requested my help finishing the drinks when no one was around. In return, he taught me how to play Starchess, and those drinks became a regular part of our sessions together.”  

Looking back at those memories, if it hadn’t been for Jing Yuan, he wouldn’t have known such a delicious treat to share with March. Not only that, but it was also those times when he was the happiest with him as a friend before he realized his own feelings.  

Meanwhile, the young boy remained surprised and confused by its reasoning. He turned his head to the side and murmured to himself. “So, the General likes Immortal’s Delight the most….”  

Caelus’s brows furrowed with worry. Was his answer not to the expectations he knew about the General? “Is everything alright, Yanqing?”  

“Oh, no, I’m fine, Caelus,” The young boy shook his head firmly and gave a small joyful smile. “It’s just… This is my first time hearing about the General drinking Immortal’s Delights. Normally, he has always advised me to take less sugar in my diet as part of my discipline in learning swordsmanship. I like sweets too, so hearing the General was just like any of us who enjoys such indulgence occasionally makes me happy to know this.”  

It was Caelus’s to blink his eyes in surprise at the comment, then let out a soft laugh and smiled faintly. “I guess even General Jing Yuan has his indulgences. It’s not something he would want to advertise to everyone, but… He enjoys his sweets when he’s in a relaxed mood. Maybe he just doesn’t want you getting distracted from your training.”  

“That makes sense!” Yanqing’s amber eyes sparkled at the idea of Jing Yuan having his biggest secret kept close to his heart. “The General is always so focused on his duty, it’s hard to imagine him enjoying something like that. But… I’ll have to tease him about it next time!”  

A warm chuckle left Caelus at the young boy’s close relationship with Jing Yuan, but he could feel a slight tightening in his chest again. The conversation was harmless, but thinking about all those little details he had come to learn about Jing Yuan—the things that made him human, vulnerable—reminded him how deeply he had fallen for the man. And how, despite those moments over books, Immortal Delights, and Starchess, their relationship remained stuck in this confusing limbo.  

Would he ever be more than just a friend to Jing Yuan? Or would his one-sided feelings finally move on to someone else?  

“Caelus, are you alright?” The young boy’s concerned and cautious voice snapped the young man out of his thoughts.  

“Huh, what is it?”  

Yanqing’s brows furrowed with worry, and they spoke softly. “You look like you’re in pain, Caelus. Did something happen?”  

Caelus’s face looked taken aback briefly, and he shook his head. “No, nothing at all. I was just thinking about one of my past commissions. Let’s finish the food before it gets cold.”  

“You’re right! But next time, you should take the General out on a real date, Caelus. Show him how much you love him by getting his favorite food.”  

The statement hit Caelus like a punch to the gut, the casual way Yanqing threw out something so profound. He opened his mouth to respond but found himself speechless for a moment. The young lieutenant had no idea how complicated things were between him and Jing Yuan—or how much of a mess his feelings were.  

Still, he managed a faint smile and ruffled Yanqing’s hair. “I’ll think about it. Let’s finish the food before it gets cold, Yanqing.”  

After Yanqing gave a mock salute, flashing a bright and proud grin as they continued their meal quietly, Yanqing had taken the liberty of initiating conversation with the older man from time to time, sharing with him about his day of training and perfecting his latest form to show to the General.  

For Caelus, however, he only found himself dragged back into his torrent of thoughts, his spoon moving mechanically through the bowl and picking up the dumplings. And his head nodded occasionally to show that he was listening. 

=0=

Stepping out of the passenger Starskiff, Caelus found himself in the Artisanship Commission. While the area was still decorated with festive ornaments for the Double Seventh Festival, more workers were moving in and out with large metal materials. He spotted other members of the Artisanship Commission building up displays, which were probably part of a performance during the festival.  

Turning back to the young boy, the Trailblazer wondered. “Is there another sword you wanted to buy here, Yanqing?”  

“Nope,” Yanqing turned to him and shook his head. “Do you remember when we came here the last time, Caelus? You still haven’t purchased your own sword as a souvenir! Right now, we’re on this ‘date’ of ours; it’s my treat to get you something perfect.”  

“Oh yeah, I remembered now. Those were the fun times when we worked together to trick Fu Xuan from finding Qingque and Bailu.” Caelus answered amusedly.  

On the first trip, he came here with Yanqing, who helped him choose swords to purchase, and this led to his meeting with Qingque and Bailu, who were getting away to play Celestial Jade. One thing led to another, and Luocha joined in, protecting Xiaoyu from her bullies and, eventually, a walk spent with Jing Yuan—  

No.  

Stop.  

Caelus quickly shook his head before his mind recalled further about that memory that would sting his heart painfully again. If Jing Yuan had forgotten about it, there was no reason he should replayed it again.  

“Alright then, let’s find something that suits me,” Caelus said with a grin, shaking off the melancholy that had threatened to take hold. He followed Yanqing through the bustling dock area, watching as the boy’s eyes lit up at the familiar store coming into their view.  

In front of the store, a dark-haired middle-aged man wearing a brown Artisanship Commission uniform inspected each of his swords, guns, and assorted weapons on display. Yanqing was the first to call out to him. “Good day, Master Zhang!”  

Master Zhang stood up and turned around, a warm smile spreading as he recognized Yanqing. “Ah, Lieutenant Yanqing! Back again so soon? Have you come to pick out another masterpiece for yourself?”  

Yanqing shook his head, his expression brimming with pride as he gestured towards Caelus. “Not today, Master Zhang. This time, I’m here to help my date, Caelus, find a sword that suits him. He’s been traveling across the galaxy, so it must be sturdy yet versatile.”  

“Your date?” The older man’s face grew shocked and skeptical, looking at Caelus, whom he recognized as the Hero who saved Luofu. Questions immediately formed inside his head, but the Trailblazer immediately raised both hands high above his head, signaling him to just play along with the young boy’s strange antics of the day.  

Despite the skepticism, Master Zhang simply smiled and nodded approvingly, then motioned for them to step closer to his display counter. “Oh, of course, Lieutenant Yanqing. I think I’ve got just the thing for him.”  

He moved behind the counter, pulling out a few black, high-quality, furnished wooden cases from beneath it. With a careful hand, he opened each of them to reveal an array of swords, each unique in its craftsmanship by its hilt, the blade, and the ornaments.  

Leaning down to give a closer look, Yanqing’s amber eyes sparkled with admiration. “Caelus, you should try these! Master Zhang’s blades are the best in the Artisanship Commission.”  

“Haha. I’m just a mere craft smith who enjoys creating these masterpieces.” The older man laughed at the young boy’s proclamations and switched to Caelus. “You may take your time to choose, Caelus. A sword is a life companion. It should call to you and feel right in your hand.”  

“Sure,” Caelus acknowledged the advice before gazing at the display. The swords gleamed under the sunlight, each more exquisite than the next. His fingers hovered over them, unsure of where to begin. He didn’t know much about swords—his weapon had always been the Trailblazer’s bat—but something was fascinating about picking a blade that was just his.  

Slowly, he reached out and picked up a blade with a sleek, polished hilt. The weight of it in his hand felt solid and balanced. He gave it a few swings, testing its feel, but something didn’t quite click.  

“No, not this one. It’s too heavy,” The young man muttered softly, placing the sword back into the case.  

Another sword picked up into his hand, and the Trailblazer moved his arm, holding it up and down slightly. “Hm… Too light.”  

Yanqing lifted a chin, his brows furrowed as though trying to help choose among the selections. “Maybe something balance between the two? You’re quick on your feet, yet you can hit very hard at the same time. Maybe a blunt weapon would suit your style more.”  

“Then, I have something that might work.” Master Zhang went underneath the counter to pull out another brown wooden case. It was smaller in width compared to the other opened case. When he opened it, it revealed a simple-looking short rod, yet the intricate design etched along the body of shiny silver and gold. “This one is made of high-grade alloy, which is light but durable. Excellent for someone who needs both speed and strength.”  

Caelus took the weapon in hand, and immediately, it felt different—natural, as though it belonged there with him. He swung it once, then twice, and smiled. “This… Feels right.”  

“It suits you perfectly, Caelus.” The young lieutenant agreed with a wide grin.  

The brown-haired man chuckled with a kind smile and explained. “This blade was forged with precision and care by a man named Yingxing, a former apprentice of Xianzhou Zhuming’s General, General Huaiyan. They said this was his first work when he graduated, and now it’s found its rightful owner.”  

The Trailblazer couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride at the praise, though some of him still felt a little out of place wielding a weapon other than his curio bat. He turned to Yanqing and smiled with a warm, earnest grin. “Thanks for gifting me this, Yanqing. I really appreciate it.”  

Yanqing’s face flushed slightly at the praise and scratched his head sheepishly. “Well, you deserve something nice, Caelus. You’ve done a lot for us. And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll need that staff for a real challenge!”  

“Yeah,” Caelus chuckled softly, returning his gaze lingering on the blade. “Maybe one day.”  

“I will keep this up nicely for you.”  

After Master Zhang took the staff back, Yanqing followed the older man to complete the purchase, leaving Caelus to do his own window shopping. Even the store's interior was decorated with the festivities, but Caelus couldn’t help but admire the handicraft.  

Soon, his eyes laid onto a calligraphy brush set with engraved inkstone on the display shelf at the back of the shop. The lustrous light yellow wood of the brush shaft glimmered beautifully under the sun. The head of the brush hair was strong and sturdy; it reminded him of Mimi’s luscious tail, which was groomed with great care.  

The inkstone, carved with great detail, reminded him of the small pond behind the Sky-Faring Commission office. Caelus could see each line marked across the small bonsai tree with precision.  

And there was also a tiny redwood comb with engraved carvings of peony flowers.  

It was as though the creation sitting there in tranquility called out to him. Upon reaching the shelf, the Trailblazer held the brush like the most precious thing in the world, bringing him to a memory lane of months ago….  

=0=

Knock knock   

“Jing Yuan, I’m here for our next Starchess session,” Caelus knocked on the door to Jing Yuan’s office inside the Seat of Divine Foresight. It was another week that he made plans with the General to hone his skills. He had picked up a few tricks he found in the bookstore at Exalting Sanctum and couldn’t wait to show it off to the older man.   

“You may come in.” Jing Yuan’s voice spoke behind the door.   

At that acknowledgment, the familiar scent of herbal tea greeted Caelus as he entered the General’s private office. A place that had come to feel oddly comforting despite its grand and formal atmosphere.    

Jing Yuan sat at his desk, not yet glancing up from the documents he was working on. He wore that same calm expression that always put Caelus at ease, even when the weight of his own responsibilities threatened to overwhelm him.   

Beside him, Mimi rested behind her Master, eyes closed, in a slumber. The little finches perched on her mane and body, chirping about, didn’t seem to wake her up.   

“You’re early. It must have been a wonderful day for you today, Caelus.” Jing Yuan remarked, finally lifting his gaze from the parchment. A subtle smile danced on his lips. “I was just finishing a poetry, but you’re welcome to sit and play with Snow Lion while I complete it.”   

“Sure,” Caelus smiled, turning to see Mimi wake up. She stood to stretch her limbs and walked towards him. “Hey, Mimi. You look like you have a good dream just now. Let’s head over there and wait for your Master a little while more, alright?”   

The white lion simply roared in delight at his companionship, and the two went to the side as Jing Yuan instructed. While Caelus tried to focus on petting Mimi’s fur, complimenting her beauty, and talking to her about his day, his yellow eyes couldn’t help but roam across Jing Yuan’s desk.   

It was always meticulously organized, with papers neatly stacked, calligraphy brushes symmetrically aligned, and another set of six Immortal Delights cups off to the side—a treat they’d often share before their Starchess games.   

“You always seem so at ease when you’re writing,” The young man couldn’t help but point out his observation; his eyes then shifted to the smooth, deep black ink stick above the inkstone. “It’s like I’m seeing someone other than this Jing Yuan before me. Is it really interesting?”   

Jing Yuan chuckled softly at the curiosity shown by the Trailblazer, leaning back in his chair with his voice softening to a rare vulnerability. “That’s because it reminds me of simpler times—before all the responsibilities of leadership as a General. Calligraphy, gardening, and Starchess… Allow me to slow down and just… Exist in this very moment.”   

A warmth bloomed inside Caelus’s chest, holding a quiet appreciation for these moments when Jing Yuan allowed him to see beyond the composed facade he put on. During these times, he realized how much he admired and cared for the man, even if the General remained oblivious to the depth of his feelings.   

“You should try it sometime, Caelus,” Jing Yuan added, snapping the Trailblazer out of his daze, his free hand gesturing to the brushes. “You might find it just as soothing as I do.”   

Caelus blinked in surprise at the invitation, his eyes darted at the brush, looking as though it was a foreign entity, then back at the General. “Me? I’m not sure I’d be any good at it.”   

“Are you saying someone of your caliber is afraid to try something new?” Jing Yuan’s gaze turned to tease, a hint of challenge in his golden eyes. “How about a wager? I’ll treat you to a meal if you can write short poetry from this piece of parchment.”   

“You’re on!”   

Later, when the Luofu General handed Caelus the brush and guided his hand over the paper, explaining the strokes and the pressure needed to form the characters, the Trailblazer couldn’t help but feel the closeness between them.    

Their hands brushed several times, and with each touch, a jolt of electricity shot through him. It was a fleeting, gentle contact, but it stirred emotions that Caelus struggled to contain. He tried to focus on the task, steady the brush as he moved it across the parchment.    

But all he could think about was how close they were, how natural it felt to share these quiet moments with Jing Yuan, and how much he wished for more than the friendship they had built.   

Once Caelus had finished, he handed his clumsy poetry to let fate judge his work. He had only written a snippet based on one of the books Jing Yuan loaned to him. The hands stained in black ink were evidence of the splotches and prints on the paper. And he fidgeted on his seat, would the General found it hideous in his eyes?   

Another few seconds later, the General who was assessing his work murmured with a thoughtful expression. “For a first attempt, it’s quite impressive, Caelus.”   

“You’re just being nice, Jing Yuan.” The Trailblazer grinned embarrassedly and lifted a hand to scratch his cheek. “But I’m sorry for ruining your desk there…”   

“I never make false compliments, Caelus,” Jing Yuan replied smoothly, his gaze locking onto Caelus’s with an intensity that made the Trailblazer’s heart skip a beat. He reached his hand to rub off the black stain on the younger man’s cheek. “You did well.”   

It felt like time had slowed down; the air between them transformed into something unspoken, more profound. Caelus wondered if Jing Yuan felt it too, or if he was simply imagining the connection that seemed to pulse between them.   

“Now, I owe you a meal from our wager.” The General finally broke the silence with his gentle voice. He rose from his spot, offering a hand to him with a smile as bright as the sun. “Shall we have our stomachs filled before our match?”  

=0=

Letting out a slow breath, the memory faded as Caelus carefully placed the brush back on the shelf. His heart ached despite the warmth of their shared moments. There was always a distance—a line he wasn’t sure he could cross and didn’t know if Jing Yuan even wanted him to cross.  

“Oh, you’ve got a good eye even for calligraphy brushes too, young man.” Master Zhang’s voice called out as he returned to the storefront with Yanqing.  

The Trailblazer quickly straightened up, feeling a bit caught off guard. He hadn’t realized Master Zhang and Yanqing had finished their transaction. Turning to face them, he smiled awkwardly. “Not exactly. I just thought this set looked... Peaceful.”  

Yanqing looked between Caelus and the calligraphy brushes, and his eyes sparkled. “You like calligraphy too? That’s a surprise. I would like to see some of your work when you have the time!”  

“I wouldn’t say I’m into it... But I tried it once. Someone showed me how.” Caelus chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his neck.  

Yanqing’s amber eyes sparkled further with curiosity, but he didn’t press further, letting the silence linger in understanding. Master Zhang, on the other hand, tilted his head thoughtfully. “Ah, it seems this person had quite the impact on you. A good teacher, I assume?”  

“Yeah... He’s taught me more than I can put into words,” Caelus responded, his thoughts drifting back to Jing Yuan once more. The soft tone in his voice didn’t go unnoticed by the others, though neither pried into its meaning.  

The older craft smith nodded thoughtfully and smiled. “I see. Then you can have this for free.”  

“What?” Caelus’s eyes widened in disbelief, and his hands entered the inventory space to dig for credits. “No, I shouldn’t. At least let me pay for it.”  

Before Yanqing could protest him, Master Zhang raised his hand to stop both of them with now a sheepish yet sad smile on his face. “It’s quite alright. Frankly speaking, I have wanted to throw it away. This masterpiece was made when I was still a young fledgling. I had wanted to give this my old love before I was designated as part of the maintenance team of the war against the Plague Authors. However, when I have returned… She has already found her perfect partner to spend with.”  

A painful silence settled over the room as the weight of Master Zhang’s words took root. Caelus and Yanqing exchanged brief glances, the atmosphere suddenly thick with unspoken emotions. Though simple, the older man’s story mirrored a struggle Caelus knew all too well—the ache of unspoken feelings, the helplessness of watching someone you care about choose a different path.  

Master Zhang shook his head, breaking the somber air. “But that was a long time ago. What’s past is past. If this brush calls to you, then it’s better it finds a new home. Maybe it’ll help you write your own stories, your own future. Or even someone else who you think should write their story.”  

Caelus hesitated momentarily, his fingers brushing the smooth surface of the inkstone once more. He could see Jing Yuan’s calm, guiding hands over his and feel the warmth of their shared moments. But he knew that no matter how much he cherished those memories, they were just that—memories.  

Eventually, he nodded, accepting the gift with a small smile. “Thank you, Master Zhang. I’ll take good care of it.”  

Yanqing stepped forward with a grin, trying to lift the mood. “I know a great place where we can grab some food. We still have a lot of time before our date ends!”  

With the calligraphy brush and inkstone set wrapped neatly in a box, the pair left the store to continue their way to the next destination. The young boy still wore a bright smile as he chirped. “But still, I never knew you could do calligraphy, either. You’re really amazing, you know that?!”  

Despite the boy’s ramblings with praises and wonders of what other achievements he never knew about, the Trailblazer’s gaze lingered at the box in his hand. What was he to do with it now? Should he give it to Jing Yuan and then get the man to brush off his feelings again?  

What a joke he was.  

Caelus sighed to himself. To throw this set away was a complete waste and an insult to Master Zhang’s wish, but who else could he give it to—? 

“So, when will you give it to him, Caelus?” Yanqing’s voice caught his attention. He turned to face the young boy whose amber eyes darted between him and the wrapped box and grinned. “You really have impressed me today, Caelus. There were so many things you paid attention to regarding the General. And you worked hard to stay by his side to spend that time with him; you must have really loved the General! He deserves—”  

“Actually, this is for you, Yanqing.”  

The Trailblazer’s interjection halted Yanqing’s excitement to look at him curiously. Caelus simply widened his grin and offered the box to him. “It’s for today’s… Date, yeah, date. You put in all the effort to show how much you cared for the General. And I’m glad to know that he has you by his side.   

“Truthfully speaking, I don’t know much or understand anything about the General. I just happened to notice those things from our meetings, that’s all.” A sheepish look appeared on Caelus’s face as the young boy only stared at him wordlessly. “Even spending time with him, he isn’t much different from how he usually is as a General. But I think he could finally be himself alone with Dan Heng. The two are really close, and who knew each other better than anyone else.”  

It was better this way to give up his hope than to be hurt again. He stood no chance from the beginning and couldn’t fault Yanqing for trying to test him. The poor boy mistook him as the wrong person suited for his Master. 

Seconds after seconds, Yanqing silently looked at him and the box back and forth with his big amber eyes. His expression of shock and disbelief encompassed his struggle to comprehend what was told to him. He hoped to find any crack in that smile, yet only that joyful grin was plastered across the Trailblazer’s face. 

“Caelus…” The young lieutenant lowered his head and bit his lips.

“What is it?” Caelus asked gently, with his listening ear ready to hear the boy’s trouble and cry for help. 

“… Is this my fault for dragging you out without your permission…?” Yanqing’s head lowered, and he replied in a weak tone.  

The smile on the Trailblazer’s face dropped to replace with his own shocked expression, with his own yellow eyes growing big. “N… No! O-Of course not, Yanqing! I had fun today—!”  

“Then, why do you look so much in pain when you say that? Are you trying to run away from your feelings for the General, Caelus…?”  

That question pierced right through the armor which shielded Caelus’s heart. Before him, Yanqing looked at him in the eye with a slight frown. Although his eyes appeared to be on the verge of crying, there weren’t any tears. However, the pain he saw in that young boy made him come to his own senses of what he did.  

The tension between them hung in the air, thick and palpable, as they struggled with the emotions stirred by the conversation. Caelus hadn’t intended to hurt Yanqing, but his attempt to distance himself from Jing Yuan, to bury the depth of his feelings, had clearly struck a chord with the young boy.  

Yanqing’s voice was soft but firm, a quiet tremor underlying each of his words. “I’m not a child, you know. Please don’t try to treat me as one. I can see it—the way you look at him. You care about the General, just like I do. But why… Why are you giving up? He deserves to know how you feel. You deserve to be happy too.”  

Caelus stood there, frozen by the intensity in the lieutenant’s eyes. His heart twisted painfully, guilt and self-doubt swirling inside him. Yanqing wasn’t wrong. He did care about Jing Yuan—more than he could ever put into words. But his fear of getting his hopes and crumbling it down, kept him from even considering the possibility.  

“I…” The gray-haired young man began, his voice faltering as though between trying to lie to Yanqing further or telling him the whole truth. “Yanqing, it’s not—”  

“Hey, isn’t that…”  

The voices of passerby interrupted the two, making the Trailblazer fully aware of where they were. Their commotion was now a spectacle, garnering attention and curiosity about the full story behind it.  

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he turned towards Yanqing and urged him gently. “Let’s take this elsewhere. I will explain everything that you should know.”  

Instead of answering him verbally, Yanqing nodded in silence and followed him from behind. As they walked through the dock to board the passenger Starskiff, Caelus couldn’t help but wonder if he had made the right decision on whatever happened next.

Notes:

There's nothing more painful for Yanqing when he sees his friend and teacher forcing himself to be happy 😭

The last part definitely made me teared up because Caelus tearing himself of being unworthy to Jing Yuan, and doesn't want to cling onto that false hope anymore if he knew Jing Yuan still chooses Dan Heng over him.

Thankfully, this story ending is still a happy ending, rest assured. He is going to need that pep talk to chase the General again. And regarding his relationship with Dan Heng after what happened previously, if you think it's too rush they made up, don't worry, this wasn't the end for them.

You'd already notice the two still didn't sit down to talk things out, so there's going to be something that bites both of their backs really hard when it does.

Anyway, thank you guys for reading this, and good luck for those pulling on 2.6 patch banners. Or if not, hope you guys have enough funds by the time patch 2.7 is here!

Disclaimer: I don't want to spoil the story much, but I feel this should really be said and posted both before and after the chapter. I have only shipped Yanqing and Caelus as pure platonic ship between friends or if not even mother/son for Jingcae ship. The endgame is still Jingcae for this story.

Chapter 23: Bonds of Brotherhood in Vulnerability

Summary:

“But, don’t you see? That brat is probably a nobody General Jing Yuan picked up from the streets. He is just pitying him for his parents abandoning him as a baby. It’s a wonder someone would take him—!”

“Are there Cloud Knights with retards like you who don’t know how to respect their superiors?”

The two knights stopped in their tracks, turning around with startled expressions. They hadn’t expected to be confronted, and certainly not by him. The Trailblazer’s yellow eyes glinted with a sharpness they hadn’t anticipated.

Notes:

Things were left rough for both Caelus and Yanqing on the last chapter... 🥲 But hopefully they do patch up here!

Also, how did you guys found patch 2.6 so far? Especially from a certain director who have been helping to direct the show with his leading star Caelus? 🤣

For those saving for Sunday, he will soon be in everyone's home even with the price of the wallets going broke 😭🙏 Keep saving, the wait is only another month left for him!

“… Is… Is that what happened after I left to prepare for today…?” Even though the hurt remained in Yanqing’s eyes, he still couldn’t believe what was confessed before him, as he and Caelus now hid themselves in a corner in Starwatcher Avenue Cloudbreadth Sleeves clothing store.

Caelus merely nodded with a solemn expression and answered. “That’s right. The General doesn’t remember making the promise of me being his companion for the Double Seventh Festival. He chose Dan Heng instead to accompany him. I suppose... It was only natural he chose him as Dan Heng was his old love from the past.”

The young lieutenant’s amber eyes grew further in disbelief, his fingers clutching the fabric of his robes on the side as though trying to grasp some kind of understanding. His expression showed the hurt, and now his youthful face was caught between confusion and sorrow. “But... You two have been spending so much time together. I thought... I thought you were important to him, Caelus.”

“I thought so too,” Caelus let out a bitter chuckle, leaning against the wall. “But sometimes... People hold onto the past; no matter how much time you spend with them, you can’t change that. Jing Yuan and Dan Heng, or rather… Dan Feng, they have a history with each other, and I can’t compete with that.”

“This isn’t fair! You shouldn’t just give up because of that! I’ve seen how you look at him—how much you care. Don’t you think the General should know how you really feel?” Yanqing’s small hands tightened into a ball of fists, his voice trembling with frustration bordering on shouting.

Caelus lowered his head, his brows furrowed from his emotions pressing down on him. He had tried to bury them, to convince himself that it was better this way for him, for Jing Yuan, and even for Dan Heng. But Yanqing’s earnestness was making it harder to keep that wall up. “I don’t know if he even ‘wants’ to know, Yanqing. Why would he…? It would affect the relationship between the Xianzhou Alliance and the Nameless and our friendship. The General has always been so composed, so unreachable. But, he... He never lets me in the way he does with Dan Heng.”

“... Maybe…,” Yanqing’s voice softened, his frustration giving way to a quiet determination. “Maybe he’s afraid too, but I can’t say it is… You know how the General is—he always puts others before himself as the leader. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t care about you. I’m sure you know this more than anyone….”

A silence settled between them, accompanied only by the occasional hum of activity from outside the shop. The Trailblazer sighed, running a hand through his silver hair as he processed Yanqing’s words. The young boy had always been insightful, more than people gave him credit for. Yet…

“I don’t want to get hurt again,” Caelus admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “It’s easier to just... Let it go and give them my best wishes.”

What was there for him to continue holding onto that rope, but only for his hands to burn by the friction before it was severed?

“… Letting go of your feelings isn’t the same as moving on, Caelus.” With a step closer to the Trailblazer, the pain expression was now replaced by a more resolute and firmer look, but his tone remained gentle and respectful. “Even if the General is a leader admired by many for who he is, he is not perfect. And, neither are you. You can’t keep running away from your heart’s desire. The General should know your honest feelings as much as you deserve to be true to yourself.”

Caelus faced the young boy with a conflicted and heavy heart. He had spent so much time hiding, distancing himself from Jing Yuan out of fear of rejection and losing their fragile connection. But Yanqing’s words struck something deep within him, a part of him that still longed for something more, even if it seemed out of reach. “I don’t know if I’m ready to face all this. What if... What if telling him makes things worse? What if it ruins everything?”

Yanqing met his gaze with a big smile, putting both hands on his hips and puffing up his chest. “Then, it will be my turn to support you instead, Teacher! You have always taught me everything I never knew about beyond this ship. I don’t know what the General was like with Master Dan Heng or his past. But I see now that the General is the happiest with you and can be himself without the weight he carries for everyone. So….”

Taking the wrapped box of the calligraphy set from the older man’s hold into his, the young boy raised a hand to tap onto his chest. “Leave this to me, So please don’t give up your feelings for the General, Caelus. I will give your gift to him this instant. And if he doesn’t appreciate it, I will tell him off for you instead!”

“Hold on, Yanqing, I—!!” The following words to stop the boy from running off faded into silence for Caelus. He could only watch in awe upon realizing how fast he was now and the potential the young boy would have as he trained further.

The weight of their earlier conversation still hung in the air. But there was also a sense of clarity, a faint flicker of possibility that had not been there before. For the first time in a long while, Caelus allowed himself to consider that maybe there was still a chance for him and Jing Yuan.

Breathing out a sigh, Caelus couldn’t help but shake his head in exasperation and amusement. “Maybe I should wait for him at the Sleepless Earl instead.”

As he exited from the corner and began walking towards the designated store, a pair of familiar scornful voices reached his ear. “Told you, didn’t I? That lieutenant is neglecting his duties to play truant with that short-lived human. What does General Jing Yuan even see in him?”

“He only has his swordsmanship talent to cover his ass. Nobody would want to pay attention if it weren’t for that.”

“It’s those bastards again,” Caelus thought, spotting the familiar pair of Cloud Knights chattering about as they walked. He wouldn’t forget the voices of those who badmouthed Yanqing behind his back a few weeks back.

The moment the familiar scornful voices of the Cloud Knights reached Caelus’s ears, his earlier amusement faded into quiet anger. His hand was about to reach for the curio bat stored in his inventory, but he soon stopped.

Assaulting a knight straight up would only cause more problems for Yanqing and the Express, the Trailblazer reasoned logically. The hand he raised slowly put down and relaxed to the side, turning to walk away.

His footsteps slowed, and he watched as the two knights continued their conversation, their tone dripping with contempt.

“He’s just a kid with a sword, waving it around like a toy.” One of them sneered, shaking his head. “The General’s wasting his time for his age. Many others are more suitable to be promoted in his position.”

“Yeah,” The other knight agreed with his friend, “it’s pathetic how much attention the General gives him. Doesn’t even deserve the rank. I still can’t even believe the General letting him off the hook after he disobeyed his orders to go after Blade is insane.”

Caelus’s pulse quickened as he tried to walk further away, his teeth gritted to control his anger. He knew Yanqing was more passionate and hard-working than anyone despite all who saw him as a child with natural-born talent, and hearing these insults behind his back made his blood boil. Yanqing deserved better, especially from those who were supposed to fight alongside him.

“But, don’t you see? That brat is probably a nobody General Jing Yuan picked up from the streets. He is just pitying him for his parents abandoning him as a baby. It’s a wonder someone would take him—!”

“Are there Cloud Knights with retards like you who don’t know how to respect their superiors?”

The two knights stopped in their tracks, turning around with startled expressions. They hadn’t expected to be confronted, and certainly not by him. The Trailblazer’s yellow eyes glinted with a sharpness they hadn’t anticipated.

“What are you talking about?” The taller knight stepped forward, his voice sneering at the unwelcome intruder with disdain. “And what’s it to you? How we feel about our superiors isn’t your business, outworlder.”

With his jaw set rigidly in anger, Caelus stood his ground and carried on in a chilly manner. “Sadly for you, when it concerns someone I care about—especially a close friend—it’s my business.”

Their words echoed into the Trailblazer’s mind, each insult piercing his nerves more deeply than the one before it, erasing any desire to avoid physical conflict. He would be damned if he ignored this; these knights had been the first to cross the line.

The shorter of the two knights, emboldened by his companion’s presence, scoffed at the other’s pathetic attempts to intimidate them. “Oh, so the little lieutenant has a bodyguard now? And here I thought he could handle himself, given how much the General coddles him.”

Stepping another step forward to close the distance, the Trailblazer’s voice lowered with the intensity of his glare. “Yanqing has earned his place more than any of you who just stand around running your mouths. And if you can’t see that, then maybe it’s not him who doesn’t deserve the promotion.”

Clearly unimpressed, the taller knight scoffed. “Look, we don’t want to entertain a complete outsider like you. Return to where you came from and let us handle the military issues.

With his hand creeping toward the spear, he took a menacing step forward. Caelus’s yellow eyes shifted to the weapon for a moment, but his posture did not change. It was nothing compared to the enemies he had faced, who were far more dangerous than these two.

“Funny how brave you get when you think no one’s watching,” Caelus remarked with a thin, derisive smile, yet his voice dripping smug sarcasm. “Too bad for you, I’ve got a good memory for faces. You want to talk big? Fine. But let’s make sure you repeat it when the General’s around.”

The knights hesitated momentarily, the taller one’s confidence wavering slightly at the mention of Jing Yuan. He glanced at his companion, unsure of how to proceed. However, the shorter of the two knights quickly rebounded like his temper and snapped back at him. “You think you can get away with using our General’s name, outsider?! You ask for it!”

The Trailblazer swung his arm backward, preparing to draw forth his curio bat to prepare for combat. When the knight swung down the spear to strike at the young man, a smaller hand easily reached hold of the weapon to seize its movement.

And at that second, the two knights stood horrified in fear upon realizing the presence of the young lieutenant. “L-Lieutenant Yanqing…!”

Yanqing’s previously cheerful expression was replaced by an authoritative and stern look as he glared at the two with narrowed amber eyes. “What is the meaning of this? Explain yourself.”

The abrupt shift in Yanqing’s behavior calmed the mounting tension between the Cloud Knights and Caelus. His unanticipated arrival caught the knights off guard. Without delay, they straightened their positions and withdrew their weapons.

“For what reason are you here, L-Lieutenant Yanqing? How...?” Now that his confidence had been shaken, the taller knight stumbled in a panic.

Yanqing withdrew his raised hand to place it behind him and demanded, in a sharp and cold tone like his sword, “You were talking quite loudly a moment ago. By how animated you two are, it seems to be an interesting conversation.”

Of the two knights, the shorter and more combative one attempted to save his honor. “We... We were just talking about some personal issues. Nothing to worry about.”

The young boy’s unblinking stare completely undermined his attempt at casualness. Caelus remained where he was, watching the knights fall apart under the pressure of their superior’s remarks. A small part of him felt vindicated, but most of all, he was impressed by how swiftly Yanqing had defused the situation—at least for now.

“Personal matters, you say?” Yanqing crossed his arms, taking a step closer to the pair. “I didn’t realize slandering and discriminating the General’s guests, no, the hero who saved Luofu counted as personal matters. Maybe I should inform the General to get us a better understanding. I’m sure he’d love to hear how the two of you treated our heroes.”

The two knights paled from the visible skin of their necks and now shaking with dread at the foreboding fear. With all of the bravado done, the taller knight stuttered out. “N-No, sir, there’s no need to trouble the General with something like this!”

“Oh? Then perhaps you can explain to me why you think it’s acceptable to disrespect me or anyone who isn’t from Xianzhou behind their backs?” The young boy tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing with the anger becoming evident and demanded. “You know full well that behavior like this undermines everything of how the Xianzhou Alliance pledged to the IPC. Are you trying to bring shame and disgrace to the General from your unsightly behavior of a Cloud Knight?”

The shorter knight, visibly panicked, tried to step in. “We were just... Frustrated! It wasn’t personal, we swear!”

“And now, it wasn’t personal?” Yanqing’s voice was low but filled with a quiet fury. “So, belittling someone’s abilities, birthright, and worth isn’t personal? You may think I’m young, that I don’t understand the politics of this, but I do. And I will not tolerate this attitude towards anyone under the General’s command or my friends.”

The taller knight opened his mouth, likely offering a flimsy apology to save himself, but the lieutenant wasn’t finished. “Consider this your only warning. If I catch you two badmouthing Caelus or any one of the Astral Express again, I’ll ensure the General hears every word of it to find the appropriate punishment.”

Both knights swallowed nervously, clearly outmatched and outmaneuvered. They knew they had no choice but to concede. Bowing their heads in unison, they yelled in a hasty voice, “Y-Y-Yes, Lieutenant! We apologize!!”

“All right. Now go back to your work.” Although Yanqing moved away from the two older men, his hawk-like gaze remained fixed on them. With their pride intact but bruised, the two knights turned and hurried away without further dispute.

Caelus let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding, watching them disappear down the street. It was sure quite a turn of events, but he swore under his breath to give them his own beating if they ever appeared before him again.

The young boy remained silent for a moment longer, ensuring they were out of sight before his shoulders eased and the intensity in his expression melted away. He released a soft sigh and turned back to Caelus with a smile closer to his usual self. ““Are you alright, Teacher? I’m sorry for the knights attacking you. I’ll be sure to inform the General to remind us that every one of the Nameless deserves our respect.”

“Hey, it’s really fine,” Caelus chuckled softly, shaking his head. “You do know how to handle yourself, don’t you?”

“Of course, it comes with the job as a General’s retainer,” Yanqing simply smiled, though his casual demeanor showed a slight hint of pride. “But those two were way out of line. I’m glad I got here in time before things escalated.”

The Trailblazer nodded, his chest feeling warm and grateful for the boy’s maturity. “Thanks for stepping in. I might have lost my temper if you hadn’t shown up.”

The young lieutenant waved it off with a humble smile. “You were just defending me, Caelus. I appreciate it more than you know. But you don’t always have to fight my battles for me. I can handle it, you know?”

“Yeah, I can see that now, ‘Lieutenant Yanqing.’” The Trailblazer laughed, which caused Yanqing to frown at him playfully.

As the two stood there, the earlier conversation they’d had resurfaced in Caelus’s mind. He glanced down at Yanqing, feeling a strange mixture of relief and apprehension. “Anyway, that was kind of quick. Did you really…?”

“Well…,” The young boy rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, and he admitted in a quiet voice. “When I arrived, the General wasn’t in his office or anywhere else. Miss Qingzu told me that he had some appointments with Master Dan Heng, and he wouldn’t be back until evening.”

“Oh, right, of course...” The young man’s heart panged with ache. He should have expected Jing Yuan to spend more time with his friend to prepare for their date later.

However, Yanqing’s voice perked up cheerfully to reassure him. “But don’t worry so much! I have placed your gift on his desk with a note on top of it. There’s no way he wouldn’t notice your effort and thoughts when you picked that calligraphy set for him, Caelus!”

“That’s true,” Caelus returned with a small smile.

Plink

A drop of water fell from the sky onto his shoulder, making the Trailblazer see the dark-colored sky high above them. Before he could do anything, a sudden torrent of rainfall drenched them without warning. Yanqing’s face turned into a nervous expression, and he switched towards his inventory. “The weather forecast didn’t say anything about rain today…!”

“If this is another of Fu Xuan’s divinations, I guess it’s one of those days she got it wrong,” Caelus chuckled, raising a hand to wipe the rain droplet on his face, and then pulled the hood of his coat over his head.

Taking out a white paper umbrella and opening it, Yanqing raised it to shelter over their hands and gestured to an alley nearby. “Let’s head this way. We can wait there until the rains stop.”

=0=

The two hurried under the awning of a deserted store, escaping the worst of the downpour, which now came with thunder. Once inside, they both shook off the rain, the tension from earlier fading into the background. As they stood in the shop, surrounded by abandoned boxes and furniture, Caelus glanced at Yanqing again. Something was reassuring about the young lieutenant’s steady presence—his maturity, despite his age, and his loyalty that ran more profound than most people realized.

Yanqing noticed the older man’s glance and tilted his head. “What is it, Teacher?”

Caelus shook his head with a smile and confessed. “It’s nothing at all. Just that… Thanks, Yanqing. I’m happy to have you as a good friend.”

“Same to you, Teacher.” The boy grinned back, his earlier seriousness replaced by a genuine warmth.

“Mrrow…”

“Did you hear something?” Yanqing’s expression became alert, his head looking to his left and right to search for the source.

The Trailblazer also moved his head to try and locate the source. When the cry returned, he turned his head towards the large stack of boxes. “It’s coming from over there.”

With a nod, the two made their way over stealthily while remaining alert to a possible ambush. However, upon peering behind the stack, they saw a litter of five white-colored kittens looking up at them with wary yet curious expressions.

The kittens mewed softly as they blinked wide at Caelus and Yanqing. They exchanged surprised looks before Yanqing crouched down to look at them closer. “They are just babies, and their body is soaked to the bone….”

One of the braver kittens cautiously sniffed at Yanqing’s hand before rubbing its tiny head against his palm. The young boy laughed warmly at the sight before gently picking up one of the little furballs and cradling it.

Caelus also crouched beside him to reach out a hand to stroke another curious kitten, his gaze darting at the kittens and the heavy downpour. “Let’s wait for their mom to return together. Maybe she’s still outside hunting for food to feed them.”

“Good idea,” Yanqing nodded earnestly. “It would be bad if their mom returned and couldn’t find them.”

The two sat near the kittens as they settled to rest near them. The young lieutenant had taken out a handkerchief to wipe each of them as dry as possible while Caelus carefully inspected to see if they would be injured.

After they finished cleaning, the kittens nestled on their laps and fell into a peaceful sleep. A fond smile curled on the Trailblazer’s lips, and the way the kittens slept reminded me of the times he would find Mimi asleep before she awoke and wanted to play with him.

With another quiet chuckle leaving his lips, Caelus soon spotted Yanqing, his head lowered slightly, suddenly wearing a despondent expression. “Something the matter?”

“Looking at them…,” An unusual, sad sigh left the young boy’s lips, he muttered. “You have heard what those two knights have said. I have never seen my birth parents, not even now. I don’t know if they didn’t want me or if they are already gone… But then again, I don’t have many memories anyway, so... I’m okay.”

Even as the young lieutenant said those words, Caelus’s heart ached with sadness and pain for him. “I’m… Sorry, Yanqing. Things must have been difficult for you and the General.”

Yanqing merely shook his head with a faint smile to assure him. “Not really. The General had it harder, I think. He must’ve put in so much effort to train me while doing his duty at the same time.”

He raised his head to look at the ceiling, his mind diving into a memory of his early childhood….

=0=

“Woah…,” Yanqing’s big amber eyes sparkled in amazement, watching a parade of starskiff ships performing different themes they were assigned to: flowers, spring, snow, dragon dance, and many more. A celebration of the Lunar New Year with streets decorated in red and gold ornaments and people wearing bright colors to celebrate the season

But, one of the ships that stood him out was a play of two actors, one who acted as a cloud knight with a sword while the other wore a costume of a Plagues Author’s abomination to reenact the victorious war a few hundred years ago.

The young boy clung onto the bridge barrier, attempting to view closer to the beautiful swordplay they did. He wanted to mimic them in his training and show the General that he could beat him with this powerful technique.

Another couple with their child stepped in as he tried to move in, blocking his view. The young blond-haired boy pouted in annoyance; they hindered his plans. He moved to search for a better spot to watch the play.

However, each time he thought he had found it, people bigger than him moved to stand there to watch. Yanqing’s excitement slowly faded into frustration as he darted around, trying to find a gap in the crowd where he could see the performance. But with every move, someone taller would step before him, blocking his view.

“Papa, look at that lady moving the branch,” The young girl exclaimed to her father while she was being carried up. The amber eyes who saw the interaction quickly turned away before the envy inside him grew. If he had a mom and dad, maybe things would not have been so difficult in the first place.

Finally, he gave up and sighed, feeling small and invisible among the sea of people. He was about to turn away when a familiar voice called behind him. “Yanqing.”

The young blond-haired boy turned to see the Luofu General standing nearby, smiling gently. His tall figure and long white hair made him easily noticeable from the crowd. As Jing Yuan approached him, he noticed Yanqing’s disheartened expression. “You look troubled. Is something wrong?”

Yanqing quickly shook his head, trying to hide his disappointment. “Nothing, General… Everyone’s so tall… I can’t see anything.”

“Is that so?” Jing Yuan chuckled softly and, without hesitation, bent down and lifted Yanqing up, placing him on his shoulders. “There. How’s that?”

The boy’s eyes widened in surprise as he suddenly had the best view of the parade. From this new height, everything seemed magical again—the bright colors, the performers, the lively crowd. Yanqing’s earlier frustration melted away, replaced with excitement and awe.

“Wow! This is amazing!” He exclaimed, his tiny hands gripping Jing Yuan’s hair for balance to stand on his shoulders to watch. Yanqing turned to the General to give the biggest and brightest smile. “Thank you, General!!”

Jing Yuan’s smile deepened at his young charge’s joy. “Sometimes, Yanqing, when things seem too big, you just need a different perspective.”

=0=

As the walk in the memory lane ended, Yanqing’s expression softened with a nostalgic smile. “Thinking again… If someone ever asked who my father was one day, the General would be the only person who came to mind. He has always been there for me. So, even if I never knew my birth parents, I don’t feel like I missed out on much.”

Caelus’s chest tightened with empathy and admiration for the young boy. Despite the weight of his circumstances, Yanqing had grown strong and resilient. “You’re lucky to have him. And he’s lucky to have you too.”

Yanqing’s smile brightened, and they nodded in agreement. “Yeah, I guess we’re lucky to have each other.”

The kittens stirred slightly in their laps upon hearing another familiar mewling noise in their ears. “Meow…!”

The Trailblazer and Yanqing spotted a fully grown white cat approaching them with a raw fish in its mouth. The cat mewled again. “Meow!”

“Mew!”

“Oh, cat mommy is back!” The young boy watched the kitten leap from their laps and hurried to their mother’s place.

Caelus stood alongside Yanqing as he saw the kittens circling around their mother to wait for their meal. Seeing them mewling and nudging at her for attention warmed his heart even further. “I’m glad to see she came back safely. Look, the rain has stopped.”

Outside the store, the streets were still slick with raindrops, and the air was thick with the scent of the wet pavement and the faint sounds of distant birds chirping. Caelus stepped outside and brushed his coat. “Seems like we’ve been waiting here long enough. We should probably move before it pours again.”

Yanqing nodded and headed out of the store, stretching after sitting for so long. He glanced at the cats and turned back to his older friend. “You’re right. There’s one last place we should go before our ‘date’ ends.”

“Sure, lead the way.” A playful chuckle left Caelus’s lips, making the boy smile brightly at the comeback. They walked side by side toward their next destination. The lingering warmth of their earlier conversation stayed with Caelus. Yanqing had opened up to him in a way that felt deeply personal, and it only made him appreciate their bond even more.

=0=

By the time they arrived at Exalting Sanctum, it was already late evening. Yanqing turned his head slightly to his older friend to chat in an animated voice. “Since you have already tried Peking roast duck with their fluffy bun, I would recommend also—!”

“You guys are sure easy to spot, haha! Are you going to Aurum Alley?” A familiar high-pitched voice of a young girl caught the two’s attention.

Facing the front, a light purple-haired girl with twin braided hair, draconic horns, and her tail, wearing a light and dark-colored dress, stood in front with her arms crossed. Her face was proudly smiling to greet them.

Yanqing’s amber eyes grew surprised, and he bowed his head respectfully. “Dragon Lady, what brings you here?”

“Fu fu, as a renowned doctor, I regularly go out for street food. A-After I’m done treating my patients, that is!: Bailu quickly corrected her sentence before puffing her chest out. “Anyway, basically, I’m an expert on all the culinary delights the Xianzhou has to offer, so—!!”

“Before you continue, Yanqing and I aren’t your free meal ticket?” Caelus rolled his eyes, unamused; he could already see where this was going.

As the young boy expressed his astonished look, the Dragon Lady scratched the back of her head sheepishly. “E-Eh-he he, was it that obvious…?”

She quickly composed herself with a loud coughing sound as though her throat was choked with a bun and clarified. “But the more the merrier, right? I always go out to see patients, so I know the food establishments around here like the back of my hand. I’m the best companion for a foodie you could ever hope for! And I won’t change anything for my services… Except for food, of course!

“And if you get into medical trouble — gastrointestinal discomfort, sprained ankle, yada yada — you’ll have a professional doctor by your side! That’s a two-in-one deal!”

Caelus then raised a hand to massage his forehead. He should just consult any medical expert about his incoming headache, except her, who was the root cause. What kind of doctor was she to bribe for free special services in exchange for food?

Then, Yanqing, who had looked between Caelus and Bailu with an utterly confused look, voiced out assuredly. “I think it’s fine for the Dragon Lady to join us, Teacher. It has been a while since you saw her after you went off to investigate the neutron bomb culprit.”

“… Fine, she could join, I suppose.” As the Trailblazer sighed in resignation, Bailu raised her hands high and cheered with a ‘Yay!’ at being allowed to tag along.

The young lieutenant then placed a hand on his chest and smiled at the older man. “And please do not worry about the food! Today, it is on me!”

=0=

“One Tuskir Wrap and two Berrypheasant skewers, please,” Caelus handed out his notes of blue-colored credits to the Vidyadhara lady tending by the store.

“Alrighty, here you go,” The store owner said to the young man, who handed him his purchases before he uttered a thank you and left to return to where his two friends were.

Standing by the edge of the food stall, Bailu waved her hands to him excitedly from her seat while Yanqing had a guilty and gloomy aura surrounding him. The Dragon Lady’s eyes moved between the snacks in the gray-haired young man’s hand and the person himself. “So, is there anything good?”

“Yeah, this is yours,” Caelus huffed in exasperation at the apparent anticipation around her, giving her the pink-colored cake snack.

Instantly, the young girl’s blue eyes sparkled brightly, and her small hands immediately snatched the food from the Trailblazer. “Fantastic! Hey, how did you know my favorite food?”

“I just know you that well,” The young man smiled confidently. Turning to Yanqing, he handed him one of the skewers. “This is yours, Yanqing. Eat it while it’s hot.”

Yanqing heaved another painful sigh from his lips as he took the food with an apologetic look. “I’m sorry for making you pay for this… It should’ve been me to treat you guys instead….”

A warm laughter escaped Caelus, and he petted the young boy’s head reassuringly. “It’s no big deal. Think of this as me repaying you for the food earlier today.”

“You guys were hanging out today?” Bailu chomped and chewed her snacks with her cheeks puffed up.

“Yeah, we’re just browsing for swords.”

The Dragon Lady merely nodded and hummed. “Heh… I see….”

“Ah! It’s the Dragon Lady...” The store owner headed towards the table, carrying two plates with a variety of snacks and placing one of them before the young girl. “Here, I’ll get you another serving; no need to be shy.”

“Thank you, Auntie!”

The Vidyadhara smiled kindly at her before turning towards her other two companions. “And, please help yourselves too. Please feel free to order more if you need.”

“Thanks!” Caelus answered as he picked up another Tuskir wrap to devour it.

Amidst the bustling of the diners, time flies by before any of them even notice it. The three companions chatted as they ate, each picking up a piece of snack until all the plates were cleared cleanly.

When the sense of time returned to them, the three now stood in the atmosphere of Aurum Alley’s bustling night market. Bailu raised her tiny hands to rub against her stomach with a satisfied sigh. “I’m so full of snacks I can hardly move. I haven’t even gotten around to business yet.”

“I feel the same way,” Yanqing grinned, lifting a hand against his stomach. “I don’t think I can eat another if the owner gives me.”

“Really? I feel like I could go for second or third!” Caelus raised his eyebrows at the two kids with a challenging look, and the three burst out laughing loudly at their banter.

Bailu wiped a tear away from an eye and suggested. “I wanted to stop by Elegance Pagoda to buy some medicine jars while I’m out. Come on, let’s go.”

Just when they were about to head off, a middle-aged man’s concerned and curious voice caught their attention. “Hey, what’s going on at the dock?”

“Some of the dock workers got into an argument with the IPC folks.” Another man replied to him.

Then, a vigorous female voice came after, loud enough to secure Caelus and his companions’ attention firmly. “Watch your words, no need to be aggressive here...!”

“...How about we see what’s happening at the dock?” Bailu suggested with a now curious yet worried expression.

Yanqing nodded as he adjusted his posture, preparing for combat when needed. “Let’s check it out. If there’s trouble, we should step in before it escalates.”

Caelus nodded, already falling into step beside him. “It definitely sounds like trouble by the woman’s voice.”

“Come on, let’s hurry! Someone gets hurt and needs medical attention!” The Dragon Lady urged the two to make haste towards the commotion.

As they approached the docks, the murmur of raised voices grew louder. The crowd gathered at the scene was agitated, with a few dock workers shouting angrily at a group of three IPC representatives, their pristine black uniforms standing out against the workers’ worn clothing.

At the center of the commotion, a woman stood before a brown-haired man who would be the leader of his group.

The other was a brown-haired young woman in pigtails with brown eyes, wearing a white-colored combat dress with yellow detached sleeves. Her posture was rigid but calm, trying to defuse the situation.

Unlike the brown-haired man with dark-colored sunglasses, he leaned his body forward to sneer at her.” When did you decide to show up, little Miss Feisty? How is this any of your business?”

“As a Cloud Knight, I can’t just sit back and do nothing when I see civil unrest. And for your information, my name isn’t “little miss feisty” — it’s Sushang!”

“Sushang..?” Caelus murmured in surprise upon recognizing the familiar young woman.

Yanqing turned towards the Trailblazer with a curious look. “Do you know this Cloud Knight?”

“Not exactly,” The gray-haired young man shook his head, his gaze returning to the brown-haired Cloud Knight. “I have only met her by chance at the Sleepless Earl listening to the Storyteller Mr. Xiyan’s stories. She was one of Dan Heng’s friends, whom he met when he first returned to Luofu.”

While the young lieutenant nodded thoughtfully, he noticed a bespectacled dark-haired woman wearing a dark, blue-colored uniform with both hands resting on her breast. Yanqing recognized this attire as belonging to the merchant guild.

She then stepped beside Sushang and urged her. “Please, miss, allow Aurum Alley Merchant Guild to take care of this matter.”

“You’re from... The Merchant Guild?” The brown-haired Cloud Knight’s brown eyes widened in surprise at her arrival.

“Yes. My name is Mingxi. I’m the secretary of Aurum Alley Merchant Guild,” The bespectacled woman introduced herself aloud. “But most people just call me Miss Secretary. This leasing dispute is between the IPC and the Merchant Guild—!”

However, the brown-haired IPC interrupted with an angry shout. “What a joke! You people can’t “take care” of anything! Everyone here knows that the Aurum Alley Merchant Guild is as incompetent as it is dysfunctional. The lease for the docks isn’t even paid yet — anyone care to guess whose fault that is...?”

He then pointed his finger accusingly at Mingxi and declared. “I’ll tell you who! The Merchant Guild and their incompetency!!”

The crowd surrounding Caelus and his companions became noisier with their loud voices; their concerns, doubts, disbelief, and hostile reception towards the Merchant Guild were now an arrow to attack the Secretary. Mingxi’s head only lowered when she could refute nothing to the IPC staff or her own people. “... I’m not denying that.”

“Then say it out loud so everyone can hear: Aurum Alley Merchant Guild apologizes to every vendor here for defaulting on the lease and leaving us to pick up the mess!” The brown-haired man persistently continued to verbally assault the dark-haired secretary. “Better yet — get down on your knees and beg for forgiveness!”

“This guy is horrible!” Yanqing cursed under his breath, his hands itching to draw his sword.

Caelus’s hands clenched into fists, irritation bubbling beneath his skin. He wasn’t about to stand there and let the IPC bully their way through the situation. Even Bailu’s usual light-hearted demeanor darkened, her tiny brows knitting together.

Before he could draw his curio bat, Bailu’s expression grew alert and reminded him in a low hiss. “Wait, easy there! We just came to watch, remember?!”

“She is right,” The young lieutenant reluctantly nodded. “If we were to interfere right now, it would only cause more troubles in our alliance relationship with the IPC. The General won’t be pleased if he finds out, Caelus.”

“Tch… But standing here being a cameraman is even more frustrating.” Caelus grunted as he relaxed his stance.

Sushang simply rolled her eyes in frustration. They were going in circles at this rate, and she glared at the man. “Ugh, you’re being completely unreasonable. Why can’t we talk this over?”

“I’m not being unreasonable. I’m making a friendly inquiry. When will the IPC receive its lease payments?

The condescending tone from the false politeness directed at Mingxi only caused her to flinch and try to answer back. However, the longer her mouth struggled to come up with a reply, the more she felt eyes boring holes into her soul. She turned her head away slightly and lowered to answer reluctantly. “... I’m afraid we can’t pay at the moment.”

A scoff left from the IPC Sales Rep as though expecting the answer he would receive; he turned to the bare and desolated dock of cargo and ships. “We leased this whole dock to your Merchant Guild, hoping it would rejuvenate Aurum Alley, and look at it now — a perfectly good freight dock has gone to waste!”

“They said ’at the moment.’” Sushang glowered to emphasize the point from Mingxi’s words. “That doesn’t mean they’ll never make the payments... Right?”

The brown-haired IPC Sales Rep laughed viciously at the doubtful tone that even left the Cloud Knight. “Haha, don’t be so gullible. You don’t even have faith that they would keep their promise to pay back! But… How about we make a little bet?”

“A bet?” Sushang looked at him skeptically, as did the crowd, wondering if this IPC fool had lost his mind. Even as Caelus turned his focus towards the IPC staff, there was a sense of foreboding from his guts that things would really turn into something far worse than it already was.

“If the Merchant Guild can pay back the money it owes, I’ll get down on my knees and apologize to all the people of Aurum Alley... I’ll shout it loud and clear — ‘I’m a raving idiot howling into the wind!’ And then I’ll bark like a dog. How does that sound?”

The condition towards them sounded favorable to Sushang’s ears. On the least of it, this man would make a fool of himself in front of everyone if the Merchant Guild delivered their promise. She then nodded firmly and replied. “Hmph! Deal. And if they can’t?”

“Don’t take the bet!” When the moment Caelus managed to step in, it was already too late for his voice to reach her.

However, before the brown-haired young woman could react to anything to the unexpected presence, they heard a snort escape from the mastermind, as though he had already gotten Sushang dancing in his palm. “Oh, that’s simple. You apologize to me in front of Aurum Alley’s people and bark like a dog. Not only that, but you can also say goodbye to your plans of hosting the Double Seventh Festival here once this dock is returned rightfully to us!”

Notes:

It looks like unfortunately for Caelus, things with Jing Yuan will have to be set aside to make a certain IPC bark like a dog he is 🤣
This is the last of the event-focused story arc I will write aside Belobog's Treasure Hunt Mine for this fic. Any other would most likely be companion stories focused if it were to be integrated in.

But, I won't really write all of Aurum Alley story arc for this. To be honest, this patch is not my favorite with the first half being interesting, and subsequently was all business + NPC focused. I wanted to see more canon playable characters interaction, so this Aurum Alley event is going to have quite a number of canon divergence for some of the cast.

I hope you guys have enjoyed this chapter, especially my favorite of Yanqing's flashback in his childhood with Jing Yuan. The father-son bond they have with Jing Yuan caring for Yanqing like his own was a heartwarming sight to see. (And no, Jing Yuan, this doesn't excuse you from the queue line of people beating you up for Cae)

The next chapter would take a while because I'm on a vacation trip, so I might not have the time to write. I'm working on another story, no thanks to a certain director memokeeper. And also, I'm actually not done with outlining for this story arc... 😅

So thank you guys again for reading this chapter, comments are appreciated! 🥰

Chapter 24: Getting back into the Business

Summary:

Caelus glanced at Bailu and Sushang, their words catching him off guard. For a moment, the weight of the situation seemed lighter. He wasn’t alone in this, and maybe that was enough.

“I thought I was daydreaming when I saw familiar faces here….”

Notes:

Another month for another new chapter of the story, and also the last chapter for the year 2024!

Not only that this is the last Sunday (my timezone at least and maybe yours too if you're on the other side of earth 😅), before Sunday's banner is here on Wednesday. Good luck to everyone's pull to get him home 🙏

So now, here's to a new arc in this Jingcae slowburn fic!

*Disclaimer: I do not work in a logistics or transport department for planning and scheduling delivery, nor packing/stacking of goods in a crate. So please do not shoot me on the solutions that was given in the fic for Aurum Alley event .·´¯`(>▂<)´¯`·.

With both hands on her head, Sushang screamed in irritation and panic while her onlookers of Caelus, Bailu, Yanqing, Mingxi, and her workers expressed worries in their own way. “Aaahh….! I can’t believe I fell for their trap…! If I lose the bet, it’ll reflect badly on the Cloud Knights...!!”

Once the IPC Sales group had left, the crowd had dispersed with either amusement, doubts, or even acceptance of sealing Aurum Alley’s fate to the IPC. Only Caelus and his group stayed behind to consult further about the situation and understand it better.

However, even the Trailblazer placed a hand on his head to sigh again at the current predicament. “Don’t you think it’s a little late for you to regret it?”

“It sure is…,” The brown-haired Cloud Knight let out a long groan, slumping her shoulders. “But how was I supposed to know he’d pull something that low? I thought I could handle it...”

Mingxi adjusted her glasses with a sigh; her expression was filled with guilt from her heavy heart weighed from the earlier confrontations. “This young man is right. Miss, there’s no reason for you to take such a bet... We’re the ones who dragged you into this, even you too, Lieutenant Yanqing.”

“You are not at fault here, Miss Mingxi,” Yanqing reassured with a gentler voice. “Those IPC men were the ones who chose not to settle the dispute privately. You are only trying to resolve this problem for your workers there.”

Despite those calm and reassuring words, one of the dock workers, a dark-haired Vidyadhara man standing behind Mingxi, was still unconvinced. “We appreciate you sticking up for us, but this...”

Caelus simply shook his head to counter it calmly and firmly, even with quiet anger laced towards those IPC men. “Maybe it’s true that these things should have been left for the Merchant Guild to handle. But, from what we saw, it’s a one-sided bullying against all of you. Sushang stood up for what is right.”

As Bailu nodded agreeing, she looked up to the bespectacled woman to ask. “So, is it true what they said back there, the Merchant Guild can’t pay back the lease to the IPC?”

“… Miss Secretary, just tell it like it is,”

The nudge from her sulking colleague dock worker made Mingxi breathe out a breath with a heavy heart. She looked at each of the two strangers, the Healer Lady and Lieutenant Yanqing, revealing to them all. “As things stand now, the Merchant Guild is in no position to pay back the lease. We owe the IPC an arm and a leg this whole port of Aurum Alley.”

“But, the Aurum Alley looks like it’s flourishing though?” When the Trailblazer turned to gaze behind him at the alley district, there were now fewer people than the moments earlier when they first arrived here.

The Merchant Guild’s secretary shook her head only further to dispel the notion the young man had. “It may look that way from the outside, but the truth is, we’ve been struggling to keep things running. The food hawkers are thriving, but dock operations and other businesses are stretched to the breaking point.”

Yanqing folded his arms thoughtfully, his sharp gaze shifting from the Merchant Guild members to the now-empty dock of cargoes and ships. “So, it’s a cash flow problem, not incompetence.”

Mingxi gave the young boy a bitter and reluctant smile. “You could say that. Our investments are supposed to pay off, but it’s taking longer than anticipated... And the IPC isn’t known for their patience.”

“And now we have a ticking time bomb of a bet.” Sushang groaned again, rubbing her temples. She stomped a foot in frustration. “I thought I was helping, but I just made things worse.”

Bailu crossed her arms and huffed in a sagely tone. “Well, what’s done is done. No use crying over spilled milk.”

“Exactly,” Caelus agreed, raising a hand to chin to rub thoughtfully. Is there something we could do to improve the cash flow? Or even to fix Aurum Alley’s balance sheet?”

“If we can make the businesses more profitable, then maybe we have a chance of paying back the IPC?” Sushang also chimed in her thoughts with her own thoughtful expression.

“If we cut costs and tap into new revenue streams, we can turn things around.” The bespectacled secretary followed their suggestion with a hope that appeared as briefly as the gloom returned. “A lot of vendors in Aurum Alley don’t want anything to do with the dock, though, so it may be hard to find new sources of revenue...”

Sushang gestured with a hand waved out to the side. “What about cutting costs?”

“Cutting costs means reducing expenses. As you can see, the dock isn’t fully utilized, and the workers, well…”

The sulking female worker quickly interjected at the secretary with a panicked voice. “Hey, hey, hey, don’t get any funny ideas about laying people off!”

Caelus raised a brow at the outburst, exchanging a glance with Yanqing briefly, and turned to face back. “Miss Secretary isn’t going to fire anyone. But let’s be real: if the dock isn’t being used, there’s no point keeping things the way they are.”

“Maybe we just need a way to get the dock back into business. Make it appealing for vendors to sign a contract with the guild.” Yanqing suggested with a thoughtful nod. “If the right business flows in, the IPC will have no reason to cause trouble.”

The other worker, who was more friendly than her colleague, voiced her concern. “It’s easier said than done. The IPC’s reputation precedes them—they’ve scared off most of our clients. If you ask me, I think our ordering system is rather inefficient. I’m sure we could reduce our costs if we could improve it.”

“What’s wrong with the ordering system?” Sushang was now directing everyone’s attention to the friendly dock worker.

She shook her head at the brown-haired cloud knight’s query and clarified. “It is more of our inventory management, to be precise. We’d usually have many goods received from the orders in different sizes. However, the system could never optimize the best solution to place the goods in a single starskiff ship. Because of that, the orders would get delayed, and many customers have feedback to us on the horrible service.”

Caelus folded his arms, listening carefully to the dock worker’s explanation of every word. His brow furrowed, and he summarized more to himself. “So, the real problem isn’t just money. It’s inefficient. If your logistics system is disorganized, no wonder the orders are delayed.”

“This sounds more like a puzzle than a problem. If we fix the system, we might save costs and attract new clients.” Yanqing nodded thoughtfully, crossing his arms.

Sushang perked up, eager to contribute with both her hands placed together. “Alright, let’s brainstorm! How do we optimize the logistics? Maybe consolidate shipments or prioritize essential goods?”

“Please follow me this way.” At her gesture, Caelus and the rest followed her and Mingxi further down the docks, arriving at the cargo area where pallets of goods were tied down to a pallet on different racks. Some were covered in a white cloth, though a quarter were covered in a thin layer of dust.

Stopping before the covered and dusty cargo at the end of the cargo rack shelf, the friendly dock worker resumed her explanation of where she left off. “These goods are our oldest orders from the vendors to their customers. They haven’t left here after storing for 400 years.”

“400 years?!” Caelus exclaimed in disbelief.

The young lieutenant quickly added to further clarify what the bespectacled woman meant. “If we were to convert the years, these goods were stored here for 14 years to you, Teacher. However, it is still troubling, and the General would not be pleased to hear about this…”

Mingxi rubbed her temples, exasperation clear in her voice. “And that’s just not the worst of it. Other shipments are almost as old and buried beneath newer stock. With this backlog, new orders keep getting delayed; it’s a reason why the vendor doesn’t wish to have any business relations with us.”

“Have any clients even followed up on them? Or did they just give up on receiving their goods?” Bailu tilted her head with a finger on her chin, inspecting the dusty crates.

The Merchant Guild secretary shook her head with a sigh. “The customers would only go through from their vendors, and they have long since stopped contacting us, Healer Lady. Others write off their losses or find alternative forwarders. The problem is, if we try to dispose of the cargo, the IPC will claim it’s an asset of theirs—one more excuse to punish us.”

While another groan came from Sushang at the piles of undelivered goods, Caelus’s head lowered and mulled to himself silently for a moment. And then, he finally spoke. “Can I try something?”

“… I didn’t realize you’re such an entrepreneur,” Although the secretary was surprised at the proposal, her face showed no signs of rejection.

“Even the president hasn’t been able to solve anything... Is this short-lifer really up to the job?”

The Trailblazer rolled his eyes at the doubt and scoffed. “At least it’s better than standing around to mope on the situation.”

He then moved towards the cargo and tapped onto the terminal in front of it. A sizeable holographic mapping of a starskiff of a two by six square grid rectangular shaped bay.

“For each starskiff, we would try to fulfill four orders in one to process the delivery.”

The young man simply nodded idly at Mingxi’s instructions. His yellow eyes examined the available items: 10 large dark rectangular crates, 2 small dark square crates, 6 rectangular blue mates, and 2 large steel globe-like decorations.

“All of these need to be placed in one starskiff, hmm...,” Caelus noted, and the dark rectangular crates looked sturdy enough to serve as the base. His fingers moved the hologram crates to placed onto the bay layout. Each rectangular crate was stacked horizontally side by side to fill into two rows.

Once he had finished, he looked at the other three items. Caelus squinted thoughtfully at the holographic display, drumming his fingers against the terminal.

He muttered to himself as he considered the optimal arrangement in his mind. “If we pack everything efficiently, we might save space and time.”

Caelus moved the six mats from the bottom of the screen to above the large rectangular crates. “Since these mats are flat, they should provide more space for stacking and prevent damaging the goods beneath.”

Next, the Trailblazer hovered two dark square crates on the screen to stack above the two blue mats. “These small crates can fit perfectly to stack for smaller items if needed. Here... And here.”

The large steel globes were the trickiest—too bulky, which would take up nearly half of the cargo bay but was necessary for the shipment. Caelus thought to himself for a few moments and concluded in a murmur. “Those globes thought they looked heavy, but if the starskiff’s driving speed were the same as the passenger’s starskiffs, consistent and slow speed, they wouldn’t fall off so easily.”

The young man touched the interface screen on the terminal to drag the globes, carefully placing each globe atop the crates. “If the crates are sturdy enough to form a foundation, they should hold these without issue.”

The grid was nearly complete, with each item nested tightly into place. Caelus tapped the screen to initiate a real-life simulation, and the crane near the rack shelf began to move. It picked up each item and positioned it according to the terminal’s layout.

Once the final globe was placed onto the starskiff, the interface flashed out running numbers for a few seconds. Then, the status box on the interface flashed a green light that the shipping requirement had been fulfilled, and it could proceed to be shipped out. It cued a mixture of surprise and disbelief from Mingxi and the dock workers of the solution presented before them.

Yanqing leaned in, his amber eyes glowing in amazement, and turned to the older man. “This should be perfect, Teacher. After they fastened the goods to secure them, this should minimize shifting during transport.”

“Still…,” Sushang moved closer towards the cargo starskiff. One hand was placed against her forehead to scrutinize the layout carefully. “Isn’t this… A little unsafe?”

“Don’t worry; our motto is ‘safety first,’  “the friendly worker beside her assured her with a confident grin.

Mingxi clasped her hands together in delight at their first successful shipment after all the pain they had endured. “Hahaha, this will undoubtedly save us on shipping costs. “

“I’m so awesome. I’ve done such an amazing job!” Caelus puffed up his chest proudly, wearing a shameless and arrogant grin.

While Yanqing looked at his teacher in awe, Bailu rolled her eyes and crossed her arms childishly. “Geez, don’t get too full of yourself...”

Despite the cheerful optimism from the workers, one of the dock workers still voiced his pessimism. “It’s impressive... But inventory efficiency isn’t enough to save us if you ask me. If Heron Express doesn’t deliver the goods, then they’re just gonna sit around collecting dust. “

“I see your point. “Mingxi acknowledged thoughtfully and turned towards the external guests. “If you have the time, could you accompany me to Heron Express’ Aurum Alley branch office?”

“Of course! It’s just… I’m better with brawn than brains….”

While Sushang hesitantly accepted the offer due to her capabilities, Yanqing returned with a firm nod. “Very well. Please lead the way, Miss Mingxi.”

“Seems like I could make a career out of this. “Caelus acknowledged aloud more to himself with a loud hum. However, the young Vidyadhara lady’s eyes rolling at him incredulously would like to argue that statement otherwise.

=0=

Arriving at a store in the middle right of the alley, a dark-haired Foxian man wearing a blue shirt and white pants stood by the door. He soon spotted the familiar bespectacled woman, with unfamiliar people following her. She greeted him politely, “Mr. Yuanfeng….”

“Why, it’s Miss Secretary. And who do we have here? “Yuanfeng gestured to the guests behind her.

On cue, Sushang first took the initiative to introduce herself. “I’m Sushang of the Cloud Knights. You already know the little girl with horns on her head and Lieutenant Yanqing. Lastly, this is…”

“I’m Caelus,” The Trailblazer spoke up with a polite nod to the other man.

With a curt acknowledgment to each of them, the dark-haired foxian man began to summarize what he had learned. “Good to meet you all… Miss Secretary, I heard you made a bet with the IPC… And if you lose, you have to bark like a dog together with canceling the Double Seventh Festival event that will be held soon?”

“…The word got out pretty quickly, huh?”

Yuanfeng only sighed louder with exasperation when Mingxi didn’t try to refute him, putting a hand on his forehead with a groan. “Those outworlders from the IPC are the worst — how did you get bogged down with them?”

“This noble Cloud Knight here is the one who made a bet with the IPC….”

As the Trailblazer gestured to Sushang, the latter nodded with the guilty expression of a culprit who instigated the events. “That’s right, no one else in Aurum Alley needs to worry — it’s all on me. But, if the Merchant Guild pays back what they owe, the only one barking will be that IPC stooge.”

Mingxi watched another sigh leave the foxian man’s lips and followed up. “We made our inventory more efficient, but the dock workers said we still need a way to distribute the goods. I was wondering if Heron Express would be interested….”

“So, you’ve made the dock more efficient but lack the distribution power to get things moving,” Yuanfeng crossed his arms thoughtfully, considering the offer. “Heron Express has the resources for delivery, but… Those dock workers don’t want to take responsibility, and I’m afraid it’s not our responsibility, either.”

Sushang’s face grew earnest. “Then who should we blame? The IPC?”

Yuanfeng merely shook his head gravely and corrected. “The IPC said that they would handle operations at Aurum Alley and promised to give subsidies to the vendors… I suspect they secretly told all the vendors not to use the dock for logistics.”

“… Sounds like the IPC set a trap for the merchant guild,” Although he had been quiet for a while, Yanqing finally voiced out with a thoughtful yet concerned expression.

“But that doesn’t explain why the orders are so low.” Caelus’s question that came after wasn’t to counter the young lieutenant’s assumption but rather another problem that surfaced in this predicament.

Even now, Mingxi’s brows furrowed to ponder the gray-haired young man’s thoughts. “... That’s a good point. If we can’t pay back the rent, the financial damages will be manageable, but the reputational damage will be irreparable. If the Merchant Guild loses everyone’s trust, it’ll become an empty shell of its former self... And without the Merchant Guild, the IPC will have no competitors in Aurum Alley’s business district.”

Yuanfeng agreed with her reasoning, continuing where she left off: “The IPC wants to turn this place into a big logistics warehouse. By then, the food hawkers and used goods stores will have to move away.”

“Ah... So no more Aurum Alley?”

“Correct.” The dark-haired foxian man grimly nodded at the dreaded and panicked look from Bailu. “The physical space will still exist, but the Aurum Alley we all know — its fragrances, its bustling tourists — will be nothing more than a memory.”

Yanqing’s face also twisted in anger and frustration as he murmured. “This won’t be good at all. If it reached the General’s ears, he’d be furious. Although General Jing Yuan values the alliance with the IPC, he wouldn’t want to see Aurum Alley reduced to just another warehouse district.”

Caelus’s gaze hardened, and he was wearing a severe face and clenching his fists tightly. “Then we need to prevent the IPC from achieving their plan. If we can get the vendors back on our side, maybe there’s a way to cut off IPC’s influence without open conflict.”

Also, to show that they shared the same sentiments, Sushang returned to the group to lift their spirits. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves—what will we do about the matter?”

“On the logistics side, we can reduce costs by ensuring the delivery routes are planned efficiently.” An idea formed in the Merchant Guild’s secretary, switching to Yuanfeng, she implored him. “Mr. Yuanfeng, please allow Caelus to try his hand at it. He has some skills that could prove useful in this area.”

“I can’t make any promises, but I’ll try my best.” The Trailblazer returned to them. There wasn’t any optimal solution right now, but if there was something to light the way, he’d take that step forward instead.

Yuanfeng tapped on the holographic screen before him when his hand gestured in the air. The goal was to create a large square grid map of the Aurum Alley, with each different starting point of the area and the topmost center of the map.

“The starting points are based on each of the stores situated here. The Heron Express would have the cycranes pick up the courier goods and bring them to the docks. However, they don’t usually have much energy to traverse longer routes, so you must optimize the shortest and fastest way to reach them.” Yuanfeng explained to Caelus, whose gaze remained focused on the map.

Soon, Yanqing moved to stand beside him to examine the map grid and concentrated as he studied the map. “With so many stores scattered across Aurum Alley, getting the orders to the docks without overloading the cycranes won’t be easy. If they collided with each other, it would only delay the process further.”

Caelus nodded, his gaze shifting between various points on the grid. “Right… Hm? What are these square marks with the feather icon, Mr. Yuanfeng?”

At where the Trailblazer pointed to the unique square grid with the feather icon, Yuanfeng answered. “These are the areas which often have a strong breeze. We usually mark them to avoid the cycranes on preventing the goods from being blown away.”

“How strong is the wind?” Caelus asked.

“It’s your average breeze in the night,” The dark-haired foxian man shook his head. “However, because these cycranes are lightweight machines, they’d get dragged into the wind currents and head in the wrong directions.”

“Wind currents…,” Yanqing repeated the specific word to himself. He had seen it himself a few cycranes going off course when the weather was breezy. It’d taken a while for them to relocate towards the destination it was supposed to head to. But what if…

The young lieutenant turned towards Caelus with a wide-eyed revelation look. “Hey, Teacher.”

“I have the same thoughts as you, Yanqing,” Caelus replied, making the young boy smile brightly at the shared solution. “We could use the wind to push them in the right direction. If we map the routes so that the cycranes can take advantage of those wind currents, they’ll reach the docks faster and use less energy,” Caelus continued, his voice filling with excitement as he turned to Yuanfeng. “If we can synchronize the wind patterns and the cycranes’ paths, we might even reduce the risk of them getting lost along the way.”

The dark-haired Foxian’s eyes widened in realization. “It… It could actually work! If we configure the delivery routes carefully, we can use the breeze as an advantage rather than a hindrance.”

Yanqing nodded in agreement and, with a confident grin, added, “This way, even if the cycranes don’t have enough battery power, they can still coast on the wind when they get close to these areas, helping them reach the docks more efficiently.”

“You two have proved resourceful—this is a perfect solution.” Mingxi watched their conversation with growing hope.

Caelus quickly tapped on the terminal, adjusting the routes on the holographic map. The path from each store was redirected to pass through a few designated ‘breezy’ points. As he configured each route, the holographic cycranes simulated their journey, coasting smoothly along the paths with minimal deviations.

The interface flashed green again when he finished, marking the optimal delivery route. Caelus and Yanqing smiled triumphantly as the workers nearby applauded their ingenuity. Sushang grinned brightly and nodded in approval. “Look at that! Problem solved, at least for now.”

With a look of satisfaction, Yuanfeng placed a hand on Caelus’s shoulder. “With these routes in place, logistics costs will be reduced significantly.”

“I knew it! You’re the heroes who can help us revitalize Aurum Alley.” Mingxi nodded with a gentle smile.

“Now, can you tell us what really happened to Aurum Alley?”

From Sushang’s prod, the Merchant Guild Secretary’s gentle expression shifted back to the same severity she wore during her one-sided confrontation with the IPC. “… Well, Aurum Alley was originally the busiest night market in Exalting Sanctum. In days past, this alley—famed for its food and commerce—was brimming with aurumatons collecting goods for their masters. All of our yearly and major festivities are celebrated here. But that prosperity has long since passed.”

Her gaze hardened at the incidents recalled in her mind. “Restrictions were placed on civilian aurumatons, and new commercial centers began to spring up. It was like being on a gentle downhill slope. Everyone knew things were changing, but no one thought it was serious.”

“Then, the IPC came into the picture with the Xianzhou Alliance,” Yanqing interjected.

Mingxi gave a curt nod to the young lieutenant before continuing. “When the Luofu was moored for maintenance and trade with the IPC increased, a new threat emerged for the Merchant Guild: the IPC’s bid for the development of Aurum Alley. Their promises were visible, tangible, and extremely aggressive. When the ‘gentle downhill slope’ suddenly became the edge of a cliff, no one could pretend to ignore it anymore. Both the Merchant Guild and Aurum Alley itself were in jeopardy.”

“Can you fill us in more on the details?” Caelus asked.

At his question, the secretary’s voice took on a darker tone. “The contract for operating Aurum Alley’s business district is about to expire, and the IPC’s regional director has seen an opportunity. They orchestrated the dock debt crisis, and that’s just the beginning.”

She paused, glancing over at the group. “Meanwhile, vendors in Aurum Alley have mixed feelings about the IPC. Some see it as a crouching tiger with malicious intentions, while others see the IPC’s promise of high profits as a chance to turn things around… But now the chill is setting in. Everyone is worried that Aurum Alley is going to disappear. The Merchant Guild has to do something to help the merchants here.”

Yanqing crossed his arms, nodding thoughtfully as he absorbed the information. “So, it’s not just about debts or subsidies — it’s about survival. If the IPC takes over, the soul of Aurum Alley is at risk.”

Caelus glanced around at the bustling shops, the flickering neon signs, and the vibrant crowd. He could sense the unique energy of Aurum Alley, a blend of history and commerce that felt alive. The thought of it turning into a sterile logistics center made his stomach churn.

“I get the gist of it.” The Trailblazer returned to face the secretary. “The IPC must end their schemes before they completely take over the dock.”

Mingxi nodded, her expression tightening. “Indeed. Therefore, on behalf of the Merchant Guild, I would like to formally invite you all to serve as’ business advisors’ in the plan to save Aurum Alley.”

“We’ll do whatever it takes to ensure Aurum Alley stays as it is!” Sushang puffed up with pride at the offer.

Yanqing nodded and placed a hand over his chest. “We’re in this together. If we can save Aurum Alley, it’ll prove that our people and traditions are worth more than the profit margins the IPC claimed to them.”

But unlike the two Xianzhou natives, who were eager and enthusiastic to help, Caelus declined with a solemn voice and weak smile. “Sorry, but I’m not a business strategist. You should look for someone else to help.”

Yuanfeng, Mingxi, and the rest fell silent at Caelus’s unexpected response. Yanqing looked at him with surprise. “Teacher… Are you really not going to help?”

Caelus shook his head slowly, offering a bittersweet smile. “Yanqing, my skills don’t lie in managing money or strategizing business plans like Miss Himeko. If I went ahead with things I’m not an expert in, it might hurt more than helping.”

“But you already came up with that delivery solution,” Sushang countered and tried to encourage him. “That was exactly the kind of quick thinking Aurum Alley needs.”

Caelus gave a small nod, appreciating her words. “I just happened to notice a way to make things easier with the tools we already had. But taking on the IPC in a full-scale effort is… More than just a simple logistics problem. And I’m not sure I have the skills to navigate that.”

Mingxi regarded Caelus carefully, then placed a hand on his shoulder. “Is that how you feel? Sometimes, the most impactful actions aren’t about direct expertise in business or economics. What Aurum Alley needs most right now is someone willing to fight to preserve what it represents.”

She gestured around at the bright, lively streets and the people laughing and chatting, bustling with life. “You and Lieutenant Yanqing have already shown you care about this place. That’s something the Merchant Guild and the vendors would respect. So, don’t turn down the offer just yet. Why don’t you talk it over with everyone first?”

=0=

“And... Send.” Caelus typed the final word into the messaging app on his phone before slipping it back into his pocket. The Astral Express group chat buzzed with its usual warmth, their messages brimming with encouragement during his weeks away from the ship. Yet...

No matter how much he appreciated their words, they felt distant, like a comforting echo that couldn’t quite reach him.

As he lingered at his spot, the flickering neon lights casting a soft glow over the vibrant streets, his mind wandered back to Feng Xiu’s venomous words. He’d dismissed her before. But now, her bitter accusations had found a crack in his armor.

“If you ever hope for our General to acknowledge your wishful feelings, you are only fooling yourself into not realizing you’re nothing but a pathetic replacement to our Highness,” Feng Xiu sneered. For the first time, Caelus wondered if she was right.

Sure, Dan Heng faced his own struggles, exiled from the Xianzhou for the sins of his past incarnation before he came to the Express. Yet, Dan Heng belonged here in a way Caelus never could. Caelus wasn’t just an outsider—he was an outworlder, a transient figure passing through lives and cities with the Nameless, never truly belonging. He sighed, his words barely audible as they escaped his lips. “This isn’t like me at all…”

It really wasn’t.

Normally, he’d be eager to accept and earn enough credits for his next gacha pull, but that sense of excitement felt dulled and replaced by a strange detachment.

When had this feeling started? Maybe it was the promise Jing Yuan had so easily forgotten—the one where the General was supposed to be his companion for the Double Seventh Festival. That memory stung more than he wanted to admit. Jing Yuan had chosen Dan Heng instead.

Of course, he had.

How could Caelus have been so naive to think otherwise?

Perhaps, as Fengxiu had cruelly implied, he was just a stand-in for something—or someone—that Jing Yuan truly wanted. Dan Feng. Always Dan Feng.

Caelus clenched his fists at his sides, the leather of his gloves creaking softly. “What was I even expecting? For him to look at me the way I look at him?”

His chest tightened at the realization, a familiar ache he’d been trying to suppress. Jing Yuan’s feelings were a labyrinth he could never navigate, marked by longing for a past that could never return, yet laced with actions that seemed to blur the lines between friendship and something more.

Still, he couldn’t shake the thought that he was chasing shadows. He wasn’t Dan Feng. He wasn’t Dan Heng. He was just Caelus—a Trailblazer, an outworlder. What right did he have to save Aurum Alley, to stand in a place he didn’t belong and dictate its future?

What right did he have to hope for anything more with Jing Yuan?

Another sigh escaped his lips as he muttered, “Maybe I should talk to the others to hear them…”

Mingxi’s advice echoed faintly in his mind, urging him to lean on his companions. He turned and began walking back toward the group. Near the alley’s exit, he spotted Sushang standing quietly, her brown eyes fixed on the bustling street ahead. There was a sorrowful distance in her gaze as though she carried the weight of the world on her shoulders.

For a moment, Caelus hesitated—the words he wanted to say caught in his throat.

But as soon as she heard Caelus’s footsteps approaching her, she turned to him with a small smile. “Oh hey, welcome back. I hope you can help out to save Aurum Alley….”

“Oh, and what if I refuse?” The Trailblazer raised an eyebrow and folded his arms.

“...You don’t want me to have to bark like a dog in front of all those people, do you?”

Caelus smirked at her growing panic and answered, “It’s content that would be worth going viral within seconds if anyone saw it.”

“Hey, knock it off, will you?!” Despite her angry shout, Sushang chuckled at his teasing and turned back to look at the streets. “Besides, I’d really like to help the people in Aurum Alley…”

When he stepped to stand beside her to view, the young man asked, “Have you also had your dealings with the IPC?”

The brown-haired cloud knight nodded and recounted her story. “My home, the Xianzhou Yaoqing, had much closer ties with the IPC. Initially, people thought they were just engaging in a little interstellar investment, but things changed over time.

“Gradually, the Yaoqing’s younger generations began to enjoy the immersia produced by the IPC’s Entertainment Division. Once they started wearing IPC clothing lines, you could hardly tell if they were Xianzhou locals or IPC employees. After their Coming of Age Ceremonies, many aspired to join the IPC to make it big.”

“Was it that lucrative to work in the IPC?” Caelus wondered with a curious, innocent tone.

Sushang shrugged her shoulders and replied, “I don’t know. The architecture across the whole delve began to change. The graceful flying eaves I saw as a child became fewer and fewer, and the glazed tiles and Fallow Earth bricks gradually disappeared. Sleek, monolithic IPC buildings started sprouting up everywhere.”

Her brown eyes, which expressed sorrow, also revealed nostalgia, yearning at the traditional buildings as she stood in the Luofu ship. “Any Yaoqing locals older than 500, like my mother, will say the Yaoqing has changed. But they’re not sure whether this change leads to a better future or if it’s allowing short-life species to dictate their way of life… It’s making everyone anxious.”

Caelus quietly absorbed the young woman’s words as he watched her, his heart feeling an odd pang of sympathy. Even though it was only one planet of Jarilo-VI, he had seen it affected by power and influence, and this felt personal. He had come to appreciate Xianzhou’s unique culture and its age-old values, and the thought of them being erased by outsiders who showed no appreciation for them felt wrong.

“A future built by the whims of outsiders, with little respect for the traditions that built this place… I can see why people would be anxious,” Caelus muttered, looking out over Aurum Alley. “The IPC seems to have a way of making everything a little too... Convenient.”

Sushang nodded, her gaze distant as memories flickered in her mind. “I remember the old streets of my hometown, how they curved around the houses, each unique. Now, they’re straightened and lined with identical buildings, each shiny and new, but… Soulless.”

“Sounds like there’s a lot more at stake here than just Aurum Alley,” Caelus said thoughtfully. He glanced at the cloud knight, who looked at him with a determined smile.

“When I saw Mingxi being confronted by the IPC, I felt the same uneasiness. She’s been around several life-spans longer than that stooge, but somehow she was still at a loss for how to deal with him.” Sushang smacked her fist into a palm angrily. “If our opponents were martial arts types, I could hold my own against them... But Aurum Alley’s problems aren’t something we can fight off with a sword. I want to help the Merchant Guild, I want to help everyone at Aurum Alley… Please help me help them!”

“… I will think about it,” Although Caelus’s face wasn’t down like before, he gave an understanding nod before leaving her alone.

Next, he spotted the familiar light purple twin-braided young Vidyadhara girl standing against the opposite side, sighing to herself exasperatedly. “I only came here for the food... I didn’t expect to get tangled up in all this dock leasing stuff.”

She tipped her head slightly to look at the young man and spoke. “Still, if you’re willing to give it a shot, maybe Aurum Alley doesn’t have to disappear.”

As he nodded to her words, Caelus’s head hit with realization, and his yellow eyes narrowed at her. “Wait a sec… You haven’t contributed anything so far.”

“That’s not true, I’m doing something right now,” Bailu countered with her arms crossed. “Persuading you to help us! An admirable contribution.”

“You’re just worried all your favorite food stands will disappear.” Caelus scoffed at her; it was too easy to tell what the Healer Lady’s thoughts were running in her mind.

Bailu raised an eyebrow, her expression becoming annoyed with his antics, and pouted. “So what!? Hmph, the food’s the best bit... Aurum Alley without food would be like a pill without medicine... meaningless!”

Caelus smirked, amused by her sincerity despite the humor lacing her words. “Right, because saving the food stands is clearly the most pressing concern, or you don’t have a ‘friend’ to provide a free meal ticket to you.”

“Hey!”

“The Healer Lady is truly worried about the Aurum Alley’s state, Teacher.” Yanqing’s voice intercepted with a warm and amused chuckle at their antics.

Moving his head towards where the voice was, Caelus greeted the young boy with a nod. “Welcome back, Yanqing. How did your discussion with the General go?”

“General Jing Yuan has been informed about the situation, Teacher,” Yanqing answered, giving Sushang a curt acknowledgment as she approached where they were. “He believes the best way forward is to unite all the locals to support the Merchant Guild. He suggested we look into the vendors here and resolve their issues, but he also warned that the IPC won’t back down easily.”

Caelus nodded thoughtfully, his mind turning over the challenge ahead. “So, we’re looking at more than just business strategies. We need to motivate people and make them believe in what they’re fighting for. It’s not just about resisting an external force; it’s about preserving a way of life.”

Yanqing smiled at the Trailblazer’s words, his amber eyes bright with determination. “Exactly! And if anyone can inspire others to act, it’s you. As a hero who saved Luofu, your actions have already shown everyone here that you care. They’ll listen to you.”

“I’m still unsure if I’m the right person for this… I’ve never been a leader, and this isn’t exactly my battlefield.” Caelus sighed, feeling the weight of responsibility. If Mr. Yang or Himeko were here, at least they would know how to negotiate with the IPC on the lease.

“Well, you don’t have to be a traditional leader to make a difference,” Bailu said, still standing by Caelus’s side. “Sometimes, people need someone who understands and can stand with their struggles. You don’t need to know all the answers—just be there when they need you.”

Sushang followed up on the young girl’s words with an assuring tone. “And it doesn’t matter whether you are a long-lived species or short-lived. All that matters is your willingness and love of this place. That’s more than enough to join the cause.”

Caelus glanced at Bailu and Sushang, their words catching him off guard. For a moment, the weight of the situation seemed lighter. He wasn’t alone in this, and maybe that was enough.

“I thought I was daydreaming when I saw familiar faces here….”

An unexpected party intervened with their own surprise when they saw the group. Being the first to face the stranger, the Trailblazer grew shocked upon recognizing the identity of the long, blond-haired older man carrying an intricated coffin on his back. “Luocha, what are you doing here?”

“You know him too, Caelus?” Sushang’s surprise wasn’t only limited to Luocha and the new information she learned from Caelus.

The Trailblazer grinned lightheartedly at her and nodded. “Yeah. Dan Heng invited him to the Express as our guest after he first arrived in Luofu. And, we sort of get along quite well together.”

Luocha offered a polite nod, his gaze fell on Caelus with a glint of familiarity and subtle amusement. “Only by circumstance, really. My journeys are often unpredictable. I happened to finish a business nearby, but… I didn’t expect to see you here, Caelus. Although I hope our reunion will be a joyful occasion to celebrate... It seems that by the troubled hearts you are wearing on your sleeves, it wasn’t a good time to be.”

Caelus rubbed the back of his neck, giving a soft chuckle. “Yeah, more than I planned to be, honestly. But, it’s more than just a challenge….”

He began recounting to Luocha everything that had happened so far: Sushang had made a bet with the IPC staff to help the Merchant Guild get out of its debt.

“I see… So, that’s the story…” The blond-haired merchant murmured thoughtfully as he tried to process the situation.

Yanqing then spoke next to inquire him, “Master Luocha, as a traveling merchant yourself, too, may I know your thoughts on this? Maybe your opinions could give us some ideas about how we could convince the stall vendors here to partner with the Merchant Guild and save this place.”

Luocha took a thoughtful pause, his gaze drifting over Aurum Alley’s bustling stalls and lively ambiance. He nodded slowly as though grounding himself in the weight of his words before speaking. “I understand the stakes here, Master Yanqing. As merchants, our lives are built on movement—trading, bargaining, and always on the road. But no matter how far we wander, places like Aurum Alley ground us. They’re not just markets; they’re the soul of a community. They give our trade meaning. The scents of spices, the vibrant colors of fabric, and the hum of negotiations with our customers tell a story. A story you can’t replicate in a ledger or an IPC report.”

He then turned to Caelus, giving him a considering look. “But from what you’ve described, the IPC’s interest here isn’t preserving that history. Their goal is to profit through uniformity, to mold everything into a sterile, efficient system. But predictability... That’s the death of creativity and culture. The IPC sees markets as machines, but a place like this? It’s alive.”

“Exactly!” Sushang’s brown eyes lit up, fist tightening. “If Aurum Alley is lost, it would be like erasing a part of the soul.”

Luocha nodded, affirming her words. “Convincing the vendors to stay isn’t just about credits or partnership agreements. It’s about helping them realize what they’re truly fighting for. This alley represents generations of tradition, countless stories told through every stall and every exchange. It’s something the IPC cannot and will not ever understand. And yet, it’s something worth preserving—not just for their livelihood, but their identity.”

The group fell into a pensive silence as Luocha’s words settled among them. Caelus looked around at the vibrant colors and energetic movements of the vendors and customers.

“Perhaps, if you’d allow me to, I would like to offer my assistance to revitalize Aurum Alley, “The blond-haired merchant said, startling the four.

“You’d be willing to help us?” Bailu’s tail swished back and forth in anticipation.

“Not as altruistic as you ought to hope for,” Luocha smiled kindly to the young girl. “As a merchant, I would feel troubled about losing my customers here if the Aurum Alley is gone. It will take a while to find potential new clients from months to years. But also, if a friend of mine requires help, then who am I to turn a blind eye to them?”

Caelus’s eyes softened at the other man’s kind gaze, surprised but grateful. “Thanks, Luocha. We could really use someone like you on our side. You see things differently, and people might listen to a business merchant with your experience.”

Sushang beamed, her enthusiasm brightening. “With you here, it feels like we really do have a shot! And with all of us working together, I know we can make a difference.”

Yanqing looked around everyone with his amber eyes, fierce and determined. “Then it’s decided. We’ll bring the vendors and merchants together, showing them that Aurum Alley is worth fighting for.”

The group exchanged determined nods, each feeling the renewed strength of a united purpose. They left together and headed for the same destination: to find Mingxi and give her their answer to the invitation.

=0=

Multiple footsteps approached where the Merchant Guild’s secretary stood; she turned to greet them. “Welcome back, everyone. And… You are…?”

At Mingxi’s prod, Luocha placed a hand on his abdomen and bowed politely. “I’m an interstellar merchant – my Xianzhou registered name is ‘Luocha.’ I have heard from Caelus about your troubling issue and wish to provide my aid to this.”

Mingxi looked slightly taken aback but quickly composed herself, bowing politely. “Your help would be deeply appreciated, Master Luocha. It’s rare to have an outworlder who understands the intricacies of trade and culture as deeply as you do.”

The blond-haired merchant offered a small, reassuring smile. “Thank you.”

“And, what about you, Caelus?” Switching towards the Trailblazer, she asked again. “Will you become a business advisor for Aurum Alley?”

Caelus rubbed his chin sagely with his eyes closed to ponder loudly. “Hmm… After much consideration, I’m still not up to it.”

“… Huh?! Go consider some more, then!!” Bailu yelled at him in disbelief.

“Yeah, yeah, fine. I’ll do it.” The Trailblazer rolled his eyes playfully at the Healer Lady, then returned to Mingxi. “But, I still don’t know the first thing about business or consultancy….”

“A willingness to help is all we need.” Mingxi smiled assuredly at him with a grateful expression.

She then turned towards each of everyone in the group. “Oh! I still haven’t discussed this with the president — let’s pay them a visit.”

The group nodded and followed Mingxi towards an oriental, white-colored building with a green roof, feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension simmer in the air. The path they took was lined with bustling vendors, artisans, and curious customers who glanced at the unfamiliar assembly and whispered among themselves.

Outside the building, a brown-haired Vidyadhara in a green-gray detached sleeve tunic, with matching shorts and dark-colored thigh-high stockings, stood near the steps as she turned her head towards Mingxi and her group. “Miss Lianyan, please tell the president that I have someone who can help us with the leasing situation at the dock… And also bring Aurum Alley back to its former glory.”

Lianyan nodded to the secretary and moved her head to look at both Caelus and Luocha. “And, you two are?”

“I’m Caelus,” The Trailblazer nodded.

Alongside him, Luocha also politely nodded to her. “My name is Luocha. I’m an interstellar traveling merchant.”

Acknowledging the two men with a curt bow of her head, the Vidyadhara woman switched to Lianyan. “I’ll go ask the president’s opinion on the matter. Please wait a moment.”

Lianyan approached the store’s doorway and quietly conveyed something to the one within. No one heard what she said to the president, causing curiosity about the context and identity of the mysterious president. Shortly later, she returned to the group and answered. “Okay, the president trusts Miss Secretary’s judgment, but the applicant still needs to pass a test… You must integrate Oldies Depot into the logistics plan.”

“I’m a flex my skills for you real quick. Let’s do this, everyone,” Caelus smacked his fist into his palm with a confident grin.

“Of course, at your lead, Caelus.” Luocha smiled.

Lianyan then began on the holographic screen floating in front of her, tapping a few buttons to generate the familiar large square grid map of Aurum Alley in front of the two men. The Oldies Depot store was on the bottom right, and the dock was at the top middle of the map. Not only that, but the previous first route, which Caelus made the first time, was also on the map.

“So we would also need to make sure the new route would not collide against the existing route,” Caelus muttered loudly, his yellow eyes studying the map. He traced his finger along the floating grid map, eyeing the highlighted path from the dock to the Oldies Depot and their initial route with a focused frown.

Luocha leaned in, studying the map with a calm, calculating gaze. “What about the back here?”

The blond-haired merchant tapped onto a left square grid of the Oldies Depot, and his finger hovered above the screen to move in the same direction. “This route is not only unused but also has less human traffic. The goods of this shop are mechanical parts and heavy equipment, and if I’m not mistaken, the cycranes though well-equipped, would require a longer time to deliver to the port.”

“That’s true, and their battery limit is also noted. They can’t take a longer route too far to transport the items.” Caelus nodded in agreement, seeing the logic in the older merchant’s suggestion. “If we use that quieter route, we can reduce unnecessary delays and avoid heavy traffic. Plus, the cycranes will use their energy more efficiently with fewer interruptions. Let’s map it out that way.”

Luocha nodded, switching to the map. His gloved finger gracefully tapped on the Oldies Depot square icon. He dragged it across to the left before moving it upwards to connect the dock in a single smooth movement. Then, the interface flashed green again, marking the optimal delivery route.

Lianyan took note, adjusting the holographic display to highlight the new route, and observed it with a hint of admiration. “I have just received a word from the president. “The president acknowledges your expertise and agrees to confer management responsibilities accordingly. Aurum Alley Merchant Guild would like to issue a formal request… Please help us emerge from this crisis and revitalize Aurum Alley!”

“You make it sound so formal,” Caelus chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck as the weight of responsibility settled around him again. Despite the daunting task, the warmth and support from everyone gave him a sense of confidence he hadn’t felt before.

“Now that that’s settled, please come see me at the dock when you have time,” Mingxi told the group to get their attention. “You’ll be able to help the dock workers do the inventory and help Heron Express with logistics planning. I keep tabs on all the goings-on in Aurum Alley, including rumors and the latest gossip. If we can solve some of the problems in the community, it could help rejuvenate Aurum Alley.”

“If it involves helping people in need, count me in too.” Sushang pumped up in excitement with a smile.

Yanqing also grinned politely and acknowledged. “So do I. As the lieutenant of Luofu Cloud Knights and on behalf of the General, I will extend my support in this endeavor. The General has always emphasized the value of community, and I believe it’s our duty to stand with Aurum Alley in this time of need.”

Bailu twirled a strand of her hair with a thoughtful expression. “Mm… I may not be able to help here often. But I can give my services to keep everyone in good health at Alchemy Commission! With all this planning and work, people are bound to get worn out, and I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen.”

“I could also provide my medical services too,” Luocha smiled.

With a chuckle, Caelus looked at each of his companions, a sense of unity strengthening his resolve. “Then it’s settled. Together, we will bring Aurum Alley back to its former glory!”

Mingxi smiled, her gratitude evident. “Thank you all. Your willingness to work together to preserve the spirit of Aurum Alley is more than we could have hoped for. The important thing right now is to generate enough revenue before the payment due date. I’ll be off to the dock then. Stop by anytime.”

“Alright, then!” Caelus replied with a resolute nod, glancing at his companions. “Let’s get to work. We’ll bring Aurum Alley back to life together.”

A chorus of determined agreements rose from his friends. Bailu’s tail flicked back and forth excitedly, and Yanqing punched his fist into his palm with a grin, clearly ready for the challenge ahead. Sushang gave a thumbs-up enthusiastically, and Luocha simply nodded, his serene smile brimming with quiet confidence.

As they left the president’s office, they couldn’t help but marvel at the bustling heart of Aurum Alley. Each vendor and stall seemed like a piece of history waiting to be preserved.

Together, they were ready to transform Aurum Alley’s future while honoring its past.

Notes:

Caelus's harem wrestling mcee anounncer: What do we have here?! It's Luocha returning into the ring with a steel chair his coffin!! How would our challenger Jing Yuan fare up against another of his many rivals!!!

 

Soo... Who did not expect Luocha to return after being done in the earlier chapters? 🤣 Luocae is back on the menu for a while again in this Aurum Alley arc. And I have been really hoping that he actually shows up in the event to give more characterization input in his fake identity.

Sure it was all a ruse for his real purpose of arriving here, but his messages with Caelus feels like a completed wasted opportunity to skip them in exchange to rush the whole Luofu arc. Also, sadly there is a little to no appearance of him in Yaoqing arc except mentioning of his status in the prison.

Hence, this event arc is definitely quite a divergent to canon story, including also I won't be covering all of them as it would take too long to finish. And I do have something else planned after this arc too.

I hope you guys have enjoyed the chapter! Comments are appreciated 🥰

Chapter 25: Back and Forth Negotiations

Summary:

As Caelus also halted to hear the details, the merchant pondered with furrowed brows before answering. "The story is called 'The Legend of Trailblazer,' a retelling of our certain gentleman's heroic deeds who saved Luofu in the recent crisis."

"Trailblazer?! That means—!"

When the young boy turned around to look at the gray-haired older man with a wide-eyed, glittering admiration and new respect, Caelus only placed a hand onto the side of his forehead as though sensing the familiar migraine from a particular memory in the past. "Don't remind me of that, please…. More importantly, I can't believe people buy that story rather than what we have been through."

Notes:

Hey there again! And also wishing everyone early Happy Chinese New Year when it's here next week! ~~~///(^v^)\\\~~~

How is everyone's journey in Amphoreus? Did you guys took the time to complete the story? Or did you guys went through without sleep?! ∑( 口 ||
3.0-3.7 will definitely be the longest ride for Caelus's journey to walk with Chrysos Heir to save their world.

And returning to this story, it's not forgotten for sure. But... I would also suggest that you take the time to read it because it's about near 8k words long... (￣_￣|||)

But I really hope it won't wear you down since I won't lie it's more of an in between chill and break chapter from the issues on Jing Yuan and Caelus. So... Hope you guys like it?

Slow footsteps, his attention drawn to a holographic screen in front of Caelus under the artificial sun, he tapped on the vendor's name displayed on it. "According to Mingxi, they are trying to recruit at least six merchant stores to link them up with the delivery service."

Flipping onto the next screen, his finger trailed down on the list. "Delicacy Pavillion, Longevity Hall, Elegance Pagoda, Du's Teahouse, the Food Stands, and a budding new merchant, Mr. Huo. Mingxi and Sushang said they will meet up with Mr. Huo while we handle the Food stand first."

Turning to his two companions, Luocha and Yanqing, the Trailblazer continued, "We'll split the tasks evenly to save time by taking each of the stalls. The Food Stands are nearby, and their integration into the delivery network is vital. And with the right pitch, I think we can convince them."

After breakfast in the inn, Caelus made his way to the dock, where Mingxi was with Sushang, Luocha, and Yanqing, who were already there. Mingxi also told them that if they encountered any issues handling the merchants, they should inform her soon so that she could take over.

"Understood," Luocha adjusted his black glove on his left hand with a composed expression. "I believe our approach should emphasize the efficiency and benefits of a shared logistics system to receive the trust of the merchant guild. They will need reassurances that their products will reach their customers in better condition and with greater reliability."

Yanqing agreed with an eager smile. "That's correct. But I think we should avoid making things sound too complicated for them. Otherwise, they would only doubt the Guild's credibility more."

"Don't worry, we'll keep it simple. Just focus on the benefits: faster deliveries, reduced cost, and happier customers. They'll be on board once they see how this can boost their sales. Let's do this!" Caelus beckoned the young boy with a bright smile, and they made their way to the food stands.

They weaved through the bustling streets as the aroma of sizzling spices and freshly steamed buns filled the air to tempt their stomachs. Stalls lined the narrow alley, each offering a colorful array of dishes. Vendors called out to customers, their voices lively and spirited.

The first stand they approached was run by a couple, their small kiosk stacked high with baskets of dumplings. The gray-haired man greeted them warmly. "Ah, customers! Welcome! Would you like to try our famous steamed dumplings? They're fresh out of the pot!"

Caelus shook his head with a friendly smile. "Not here to eat—though your dumplings smell amazing. I'm Caelus, and these are my friends, Luocha and Cloud Knight Lieutenant Yanqing. We're working to improve Aurum Alley's logistics with the Merchant Guild. We'd like to discuss linking your stand to the delivery network."

The stall owner's wife glanced at her husband with a raised brow. "Logistics? Delivery? We're just a small stand, young man. What would we need that for?"

Luocha stepped forward, his tone gentle yet persuasive. "I understand your hesitation. But let's think of a scenario: customers who can't come here themselves can enjoy your dumplings, thanks to a reliable delivery service. The popularity of your food could expand your customer base significantly."

Yanqing chimed in enthusiastically. "Yeah! Think of all the folks who'd line up for your dumplings if they could get them delivered to their doorstep!"

The husband stroked his chin thoughtfully while the wife still seemed unconvinced. "And who guarantees these deliveries will be reliable? We can't afford to have our dumplings arrive cold or soggy."

"That's a fair concern," Caelus said, nodding. "The delivery service uses cycranes designed to maintain the quality of goods in transit. Plus, we'll oversee the setup to ensure everything runs smoothly."

The elderly couple exchanged glances, murmuring quietly to each other before the husband turned back to the group. "If this works how you say it does, it could be a big help. But we'll need to see some results first."

"That's all we ask," Luocha said reassuringly. "A trial period, perhaps? You can decide afterward if it's worth continuing."

The wife's gaze only turned more skeptical at their proposal and transformed into doubt before shaking her head firmly. "I'm sorry... We can't take any more risks for our age. I would have loved to explore the options if we were several hundred years younger."

"I understand," The Trailblazer simply smiled at them politely and bowed his head. "Thanks for hearing out."

As they stepped away from the dumpling stall, Caelus sighed softly and scratched his head. "Well, that didn't go as planned. But I can't blame them... Taking risks can be tough, especially for a small business."

Yanqing encouraged him, saying, "Don't worry, Teacher. We'll just have to keep moving and find merchants more willing to try this."

"Indeed." Luocha nodded in agreement. "The key is persistence. And besides, this is just one stall among many. Let's approach the others and refine our strategy as we go."

Their next stop was a small noodle stand owned by a young Vidyadhara named Xinyue. Like the first stall, her stand was modest but bustling, with long lines of customers eagerly waiting for her signature beef noodles.

Xinyue greeted them with a quick smile, her hands moving expertly as she prepared a bowl of noodles. "Welcome! If you're here for noodles, friends! You'll have to wait your turn for another 30 system minutes!"

"We're not here to eat," Caelus said, though the savory aroma made his stomach rumble. "I'm Caelus, and this is Luocha and Yanqing. We're here on behalf of the Merchant Guild to discuss a new delivery network."

Xinyue paused, giving them a curious glance as she handed a bowl to a waiting customer. "Delivery network? That sounds fancy. What's in it for me?"

Caelus stepped forward, his tone confident but approachable. "With the delivery network, you could reach customers beyond Aurum Alley. People who've heard of your noodles but can't make it here would finally have a chance to try them."

Luocha added, "Think of it as expanding your reach without opening a second location. The cycranes ensure the food stays fresh and hot, so your customers receive the same quality as they would at your stand."

Xinyue's brow furrowed in thought as she served another customer. "I don't know… Running this stand is already a lot of work. Adding deliveries sounds like it could get complicated."

"That's where we come in," Yanqing said reassuringly. "The Merchant Guild handles all the logistics. You just keep making amazing noodles; they take care of the rest."

The Vidyadhara woman tapped her chin, still unsure. "And what's the catch? How much of a cut does the Guild take?"

"Only a small percentage to cover operating costs," Caelus explained. "But the increase in sales would more than makeup for it. And if you're worried about the details, we can start with a trial run—no long-term commitment unless satisfied."

Xinyue's eyes narrowed slightly, but there was a flicker of interest in her expression. "Alright, I'll think about it. Still, it doesn't sound like a good business deal to me. The IPC has offered to take no cut and is willing to sponsor more funds to grow the stall bigger."

"Right, sure. We'll follow up with you soon," The Trailblazer simply smiled politely at her before he and his friends left.

Once they were out of her hearing range, Yanqing finally voiced out from his heart. "That doesn't sound good at all…."

Even the blond-haired merchant nodded with a rather severe expression; he lifted a hand to his chin. "Yes, indeed. The IPC are even more aggressive in their tactics than I thought…. It looks like they have their fingers wrapped around the vendors here."

Caelus frowned as he processed the implications of Luocha's observation. "If the IPC offers deals like that, it's no wonder the merchants hesitate to work with the Merchant Guild. All the more reason they would side with the IPC to support them taking over the dock."

"The IPC is promising growth and security—things small vendors dream about, especially those who recently started their business, Caelus." Luocha glanced at the younger man. "If we wish the tides turn in our favor, we must change how we approach this matter. Instead of emphasizing the efficiency of the delivery network, we should focus on building relationships with these merchants. They need to see us as allies, not just any merchants."

"Good point," The gray-haired young man stopped walking and turned to his companions. "If we can show the merchants that the Guild is invested in their success. Not just profit but their own stories, we might have a chance."

Yanqing's amber eyes lit up with renewed determination. "Right! We can remind them that the IPC only cares about their bottom line. The Merchant Guild is here to work with them, not over them."

Luocha nodded thoughtfully. "A more personal approach might also help us identify which vendors are truly independent and which are already under the IPC's influence. The more allies we gain, the stronger our network will be."

As they reached the next vendor on the list, a familiar tall Vidyadhara woman sighed rather loudly, garnering the three's attention. Yanqing's face colored with recognition, and she pointed out, "That's the Tall Auntie from her stall we patronized yesterday."

"Let's find out what's wrong," Caelus said, taking the lead in front of the group to approach her. When he reached close, he asked, "What happened?"

The Vidyadhara woman looked at the group to express an immediate relief breath she held. "Oh, you're finally here, customer! I met a warmhearted Cloud Knight lady not long ago. She's your friend, right?"

"Oh, you must mean Miss Sushang?" Luocha prodded, which the Tall Auntie affirmed with a nod.

"Yeah, and she's super nice." The young blond-haired lieutenant added.

The Vidyadhara woman wiped her hands on her apron and leaned slightly forward, her voice dropping to a whisper. "She helped me fend off some shady-looking folks earlier. Said they were 'surveyors' for the IPC, but their questions sounded more like threats. They wanted to know why I wasn't 'jumping on the opportunity' they offered. That's no way to conduct business. It's more like bullying."

Caelus exchanged a sharp glance with Luocha and Yanqing, his expression tightening. "The IPC doesn't seem content with just enticing merchants. If they resort to intimidation, things might escalate faster than we thought."

Yanqing crossed his arms, his posture stiffening as the seriousness of the situation sank in. "That's crossing the line. The Aurum Alley merchants are just trying to make an honest living. We can't let the IPC push them around."

"I agree," Luocha said, his tone calm but resolute. "This confirms the need for us to approach the merchants as collaborators and protectors."

The Vidyadhara woman, noticing their resolve, softened slightly. "If I'm honest, I've been hesitant about both sides. The IPC promises sound too good to be true, and the Merchant Guild... Well, they've never been particularly proactive before. I have had my own fair share of problems with their services in the past. But after meeting your friend and seeing her stand up for me, I'm reconsidering."

Caelus smiled at the chance Sushang gave them and emphasized. "I'm glad Sushang could show you what the Merchant Guild is about. We're here to help merchants like you thrive—not control or pressure you. We'll prove it, one step at a time."

The woman's lips curled into a small smile, but her brows furrowed with worry. "I appreciate that, but you'll need to do more than just say it. Actions speak louder than words, you know."

"And, what is it we could help you with?" Yanqing asked.

"I'm thinking of playing some storytelling shows in my store, but I don't know any performers. Would you please go to their live show and record a few pieces for me?"

Luocha tilted his head slightly to the side curiously, prodding her further. "Do you want to become a storyteller yourself?"

"No, not at all. I just want to attract more tourists with those recordings." Tall Auntie quickly raised both her hands up to wave at him.

But, another weary yet worrisome sigh left her lips, admitting aloud. "You know, I'm just worried about my regulars. What if I join the Guild's logistics network and provide takeout food? What will happen to them...?"

"No worries. I'm sure your regulars will still come to your stall."

Despite the reassurance from Yanqing, the older woman shook her head with her furrowed brows. "But cycrane delivery is just so convenient these days. With all those young folks ordering takeout at home, who knows what will happen in the future? To me, my relationship with my regulars is way more important than just making money. I also started this stall to hone my skills, not just earn a buck. If I really wanted to make a kill, I could have worked as a snack master at a fancy restaurant."

Caelus listened intently to the Tall Auntie's concerns, sensing her genuine care and love for her regulars and the pride in the cooking she served in her life. This wasn't just a business to her but a labor of love.

"I understand where you're coming from," Caelus acknowledged in a sincere tone after a moment. "Your stall isn't just about your food but the connections you've built with your customers. That's what makes Aurum Alley special that you've contributed to."

Luocha nodded in agreement, adding thoughtfully, "Perhaps the key isn't to replace those connections as you feared but to complement them. Cycrane delivery doesn't have to mean losing your regulars. Instead, it can help you reach people who might become new regulars in time. Those who would never have had the chance to experience your food otherwise."

"And who says you can't send a little note or a personal touch with each delivery?" Yanqing grinned, trying to lighten the Vidyadhara's mood with his suggestions. "Something that still feels like you. Maybe a handwritten thank-you or a small fortune cookie you have baked. That could make the experience just as special as visiting your stall."

The Vidyadhara woman's expression softened at the suggestions, though her furrowed brows didn't completely disappear. "That's an interesting idea. Still, I'm not entirely convinced. There's just so much uncertainty. And I'm sure the rest of us running our stalls will feel the same."

"You're right." Caelus crossed his arms and leaned slightly forward, his honest yellow eyes meeting hers. "This is a big step; uncertainty is part of any change. But if there's one thing I've learned on my journey, the right risks can lead to incredible rewards. We'll help you every step of the way, and if it doesn't feel right, you can always step back. The choice is yours, but you don't have to face it alone."

The Tall Auntie looked at him for a long moment, her gaze searching his face. Finally, she gave a small chuckle. "You've got a way with words, young man. Alright, I'll think about it. But you'll need to bring me those storytelling recordings first if you want me to consider anything else."

"Deal! Which of the recordings do you want us to look for?" Yanqing asked enthusiastically.

The Tall Auntie took a small, folded paper note to the three people from her pocket. "Sushang mentioned Back'n & Forth to me. They're up-and-comers in the storytelling industry, and I think they'd be a great fit for my stall. And let's not forget Mr. Xiyan, a well-known storyteller. I heard that Mr. Xiyan and Back'n & Forth are famous storytellers on this ship. Their recordings will definitely attract new customers to my stall! Please, help me get their recordings!"

"Of course, leave it to us," Caelus took the paper to store in his inventory, and confidently smiling at the Vidyadhara woman.

The group exchanged determined looks before setting off to find the storytellers. The sound of laughter, conversation, and music floated through the air, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

=0=

The directions led them to the Starskiff Haven, busy with visitors and natives going about their day. Yanqing took the piece of paper to lead the two older men, humming out loud, "They should be around here down this way."

While Caelus acknowledged quietly with a nod, he asked. "Do you know anything about these performers?"

The young boy shook his head and grinned weakly. "Unfortunately, I don't, Teacher… I'm always focused on my sword practice, so I don't usually pay much attention to these things. However, I have heard the gossip among the knights; they have the charisma through their acts to get their audience engaged with them. Their jokes are pretty addictive, and you won't get tired hearing of them."

"Hm… That sounds like a promising lead," The Trailblazer murmured, intrigued at the details with a thoughtful look. "If they're good enough to captivate the Cloud Knights, they must be worth the hype."

Luocha smiled faintly and chipped in. "Storytelling is an art that relies as much on charm as it does on skill. If these storytellers live up to their reputation, they'll be a valuable draw for the Tall Auntie and perhaps more vendors. For example, in Mr. Xiyan's storytelling, Miss Sushang invited me over recently for his newest story.

"Oh, what kind of story is it?" Yanqing stopped walking and turned to the blond-haired older man wearing a curious and eager look.

As Caelus also halted to hear the details, the merchant pondered with furrowed brows before answering. "The story is called 'The Legend of Trailblazer,' a retelling of our certain gentleman's heroic deeds who saved Luofu in the recent crisis."

"Trailblazer?! That means—!"

When the young boy turned around to look at the gray-haired older man with a wide-eyed, glittering admiration and new respect, Caelus only placed a hand onto the side of his forehead as though sensing the familiar migraine from a particular memory in the past. "Don't remind me of that, please…. More importantly, I can't believe people buy that story rather than what we have been through."

Luocha merely looked at him with his elegant yet amused smile. "On the contrary, I found it to be a bewitching audience to capture the audience's heart. Knowing now that you're involved in this makes the story mesmerizing."

"Just knock it off, will you…?" The Trailblazer sighed loudly. Those days of arguing with Mr. Xiyan and his cast team and resigning to see the exaggerated plots of his adventure. What did he mean most of the incidents that happened in real life were predictable, overstretched, and underwhelming to write for a fictional story?!

If there was anything to blame, the so-called destiny writer dictated the story outline in this.

The group continued walking down the lively streets with Yanqing's warm chuckle echoing after Caelus's exasperated sigh, earning a rare chuckle from Luocha.

"Please don't take it too personally, Teacher," Yanqing adjusted his sword strap on the side and smiled at Caelus brightly. "It's not every day someone becomes a legend. Besides, you and your story inspire people, even if the details are… Creatively enhanced."

"'Creatively enhanced' is putting it lightly," Caelus muttered; he didn't want to think back to the weirdest Phantylia he had ever seen compared to the actual Lord Ravager. "The Sanctus Medicus, which were trying to poison me, has become some sort of power-breaking enhancement to beat their version of the Antimatter Legion army."

"Not a bad image." Luocha quipped teasingly. "Mr. Xiyan's scriptwriting direction brings a more compelling character development to delve into his storyline."

The young man gave him a sidelong glare but couldn't entirely suppress the twitch of a smile. "Let's just hope Back'n & Forth sticks closer to reality to engage our audience."

Soon, they spotted a pair of dark-colored Vidyadhara and human men standing by the bridge, talking among themselves tucked into an uncrowded corner of the haven.

"That's gotta be them! Come on, Teacher, Master Luocha. Let's catch them before they start their next show." Yanqing dashed off ahead first.

"Coming!" Caelus acknowledged with a shout. Before he quickly followed after the young boy, the Trailblazer stopped in his tracks and turned to his other companion, standing still in his spot. "Luocha?"

The blond-haired merchant didn't answer Caelus's call. His head turned to the side, slightly wearing an impassive expression, green eyes narrowed somewhat with skepticism at the direction he was looking at. It only made the Trailblazer more curious to move his head towards the same direction.

A lone worker heading off by himself in a lax manner caught Luocha's attention. He recognized the man as one of the dock workers, and his casual demeanor seemed slightly out of place amidst the bustling energy of the Starskiff Haven.

"Something wrong?" Caelus asked, his voice low enough to avoid drawing attention from passersby.

Luocha's gaze lingered on the worker for a moment before he returned to the young man, smiling while shaking his head. "None at all. Let us not keep Miss Tall Auntie waiting for her recording from the two gentlemen."

"If you say so."

With another doubtful gaze, the gray-haired young man shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly before walking to where Yanqing was. As for Luocha, he gave one last glance to the worker before looking away to mumble to himself with a skeptical voice. "Did I overthink it…?"

The two hurried to catch up with Yanqing, who was already introducing himself to the storytellers. "Good morning, Master Back'n and Forth."

The dark-colored Vidyadhara, who appeared to be the leader of Back'n & Forth, greeted them warmly. "Ah, new faces! Always good to see fresh audiences drawn to our craft. How can we help you today, Lieutenant Yanqing?"

Yanqing stepped forward eagerly, his eyes brimming with excitement, matching his voice. "We heard about your amazing cross-talk performances and hoped to get some recordings for a vendor in Aurum Alley. She wants to showcase your talent to help draw in more customers!"

"... Alas, it looks like our audience has some other ideas today." The Vidyadhara, Back'n, raised an eyebrow, his expression half-amused.

His human partner, Forth, let out a light scoff, shaking his head with mock solemnity at the innocent request. "Come on, it's one thing to joke about others and a whole different thing to joke about our audience. If we do that, we'll end up becoming the joke in this business."

"Yeah, you laugh at your customer..." Back'n quipped.

Forth shot back. "And you end up a bummer!"

"You make an ill-timed joke..."

"And you'll be broke!" The two exchanged a few more lines before Forth could continue. He felt eyes staring at them. Soon, he noticed that Luocha, Yanqing, and Caelus were watching silently without emotion. He quickly cleared his throat awkwardly, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Wait, wait. We're not making terrible jokes. We're straying from the point, so let's get back to the folks!"

Unimpressed at the pitiful deflecting attempt, Caelus returned with a skeptical gaze and took out his phone. "How about I record the cross-talk improv you just had?"

"Nah, forget it. It's terrible, not catchy at all." Back'n lifted his hands to shoo the device away.

Then, Luocha's calm but firm voice cut through the banter. "So... Gentlemen, can we have a clear answer? Will you consider sharing your work for the Aurum Alley initiative?"

"Not so fast. We'll have to talk about it." The Vidyadhara man of the cross-talk duo held up a hand. "There's still much room for improvisation, but let's put it on hold. The recording sounds good, but I need my partner's opinion before making a final decision."

On cue, the other man beside him moved a hand to the back of his head to rub with a hesitant tone. "Well... I'm not sure about that..."

Back'n turned to his partner with a confused expression. "But why not? It's just doing our regular customers a favor, right? A flat-out rejection will make us seem heartless."

"It's not like I want to reject your request outright," Forth sighed out loud while shaking his head with uncertainty. "But you and I are just cross-talk lovers. We don't have enough experience yet to put on a great show."

"We've put on a few decent shows, but that's all about it. Frankly, we've had fewer successful performances than the coins in my pocket." Back'n went on to reveal their concerns before the three men.

Forth nodded to his partner's agreement and turned back to the group. "I just can't guarantee that our cross-talk comedy will attract customers for Tall Auntie's stall in Aurum Alley. We might be older than you, but we don't have much more experience in cross-talk performance. We just don't want to leave negative impressions on our potential audience."

"Why don't you guys do live performances instead?" Yanqing offered to them. "That would surely resolve the problems of the lack of experience, and you would also have the proper feedback to improve."

Back'n huffed, this time, his frustration bleeding out from his voice. "Because we simply don't have the time. We're just cross-talk lovers and have work to do at the dock on work days."

"I think you guys are overthinking things..." Caelus stepped in, his voice calm but persuasive. "Don't get me wrong; you're worried about your performances not being good enough. But people aren't expecting perfection. They want to connect, to laugh, and to feel entertained. And from what I've seen, you both have that spark. Even just now, your impromptu cross-talk was engaging. That's something special."

Luocha nodded in agreement, his serene demeanor lending weight to his words. "Indeed. Growth comes through practice and opportunity. You gain that experience and refine your craft by sharing your recordings or performing live. Every great artist starts somewhere, and you both have undeniable talent."

The duo exchanged uncertain glances. Back'n rubbed his chin thoughtfully while Forth fidgeted with his sleeve. Finally, Forth spoke, his voice soft but resolute. "As newcomers in this industry, we can't be too careful with our new career. So, please understand our concerns and don't make things too difficult for us."

"And... Please don't bring up the recording thing again, but if you ever want to listen to our cross-talk, you're always welcome here." Back'n spoke quietly, held with a finality in his tone.

There wasn't any more room they would allow themselves to hear them further. As the Trailblazer's yellow eyes darted between them, he simply nodded. "Understood, but thanks for hearing out, regardless."

He looked at his two companions to urge them to leave with him. Yanqing was about to say something but held back, looking at the cross-talk duo to bow his head politely, and they moved towards their next destination.

=0=

"I see your point." Mr. Xiyan rubbed his chin thoughtfully after hearing the explanation from Caelus and his friends at Tall Auntie's request; he nodded to them. "Actually, I've prepared some shows for the Sleepless Earl. Feel free to record them if you want."

The Trailblazer smiled weakly with appreciation at the offer. "Thanks for the help, Mr. Xiyan…."

"Don't mention it," Mr. Xiyan said with a grin, his fan snapping open with a flourish. "I've always believed that art can bring people together in all its forms. And if it helps Aurum Alley thrive, all the better. Besides…”

With a mischievous twinkle in his black round glasses, he added, "I owe the Trailblazer a favor or two for all those stories of mine you've inspired."

The mere mention of the word 'stories' made the young man let out a long-suffering sigh. "As long as it's not another embellished version of my adventures, I can handle it."

Yanqing chuckled happily. "You're practically an inspiring hero now, Teacher. You should be proud!"

"I'll pass, thanks," Caelus muttered, though his lips curved into a faint smile.

As the three men took their places to sit on the nearby stools, Mr. Xiyan began his performance. His movements, gesturing with his hands or the fan in his grip, and his voice, conveying the emotions and atmosphere with remarkable clarity, captivated the small audience. Every word seemed carefully chosen, drawing vivid imagery into the minds of those listening.

Luocha leaned back slightly, observing the performance with a subtle smile. "Mr. Xiyan truly is a master of his craft. His storytelling transcends mere words and becomes a living experience."

"He makes it feel so real! Even the parts I know are exaggerated are so exciting that I don't even care anymore." Yanqing nodded enthusiastically, his ears trying to pick up and remember the details.

Caelus, arms crossed, watched in begrudging admiration. "I'll admit, he knows how to hold an audience. Still, I'd prefer if he sticks to accuracy over fabricating tall tales."

As the story reached a climactic point, the audience erupted into applause. Mr. Xiyan closed his fan with a dramatic snap and bowed low, his charismatic smile radiating confidence. "It's always great to have more listeners. An art form that's in decline deserves a chance to survive."

The Trailblazer stood first while clapping his hands with a smile. "Thanks, Mr. Xiyan. This will really help out the Tall Auntie and her business."

The storyteller waved a dismissive hand, his grin unfaltering, as he handed them the recording. "Think nothing of it. Just promise me that when the next great adventure unfolds, you'll share the details with me."

"I look forward to hearing from both of you!" When the young boy looked at the recording in Caelus's grip, his smile faltered, and a heavy sigh left his lips.

Mr. Xiyan noticed, and one of his eyebrows raised behind his dark-colored glasses. "Hmm? Why are you sighing? Is there anything wrong with my performance? Or are you worried about something else?"

"Pardon him, Mr. Xiyan," Luocha said solemnly. "It is not about your performance he is troubled with. But rather…."

The blond-haired merchant explained their earlier meeting with the cross-talk duo, which Tall Auntie had asked first to get a recording. However, both Back'n & Forth rejected their offer despite their encouragement to open up to a wider audience.

Mr. Xiyan listened intently, stroking his chin as he absorbed Luocha's explanation. His fan tapped rhythmically against his palm, indicating his thoughtful consideration. When the merchant concluded, Mr. Xiyan sighed softly, his expression a mix of understanding and regret.

"Ah, Back'n and Forth…" He muttered contemplatively. "Those young ones are a talented duo, to be sure, but their hesitation is not surprising. Cross-talk, just like storytelling, seems to be on the decline these days. I totally understand why they are so cautious. After all, cross-talk shows aren't a reliable source of income anymore."

Yanqing tilted his head curiously. "So, what do you think we should do? Just leave it be? It feels like such a waste for them to keep their talent hidden."

The Vidyadhara storyteller shook his head and corrected. "They're new and inexperienced, so it's natural for them to misunderstand the industry. If you want to record their cross-talk shows, I have a way to persuade them."

"Please elaborate." Caelus frowned slightly and crossed his arms.

"It's simple, actually. You were just pulled into their way of thinking." Mr. Xiyan looked at each of the three men and explained. "Whether it's cross-talk or storytelling, it's all about constant practice in front of the audience. It's just like the Cloud Knights' daily training. I'm sure you know this better than anyone, Lieutenant Yanqing."

The storyteller continued after seeing the young boy nod slightly with an understanding look. "Always performing in the same place can be detrimental to their growth, although I understand that they still have jobs. Honing cross-talk skills is all about accepting feedback from the audience and constantly improving.

"Recording their performance could benefit them, as it means they'll have a bigger audience to test their new materials and get more feedback. This is way better than talking to themselves!"

"That's true, indeed…," Yanqing acknowledged with a thoughtful hum, as though the older man's words made sense.

"Indeed... Ugh, my bad, I didn't mean to come off as arrogant. Sorry about that."

Luocha shook his head supportively and encouraged. "None at all, Mr. Xiyan. In fact, it is the most helpful advice we needed to hear."

"So, you remember what I said, right? Just tell my words to them, and they'll understand." Took out a piece of paper from his sleeve and handed it to Caelus; he instructed the young man. "And if they're still hesitant, just tell them that I'm planning to start a storytelling show in Aurum Alley and that I'd like to use their cross-talk as a warm-up act."

The Trailblazer took the note to look at it, his yellow eyes scanning the elegant script with curiosity and determination. He smiled back at the storyteller. "You're putting a lot of faith in them, Mr. Xiyan. I hope they're ready for this kind of opportunity."

"It's not just faith alone," Mr. Xiyan answered, confident yet kind in his tone. "Sometimes, all people need is a small push to realize their potential. Besides, the audience in Aurum Alley is diverse and forgiving. It's the perfect place for them to grow."

"This sounds like a great idea! Back'n and Forth just need to see how much support they have. I'm sure they'll come around once we explain everything." Yanqing grinned.

From the young lieutenant's infectious excitement, Luocha nodded with an agreeing smile. "If not, we'll have to respect their wishes. But at the very least, they will know they have allies who believe in their talent."

Caelus tucked the note into his coat pocket and nodded firmly. "Then, we'll give it another shot. If Mr. Xiyan's words don't convince them, then maybe seeing how much effort he puts into supporting them will."

With renewed purpose, the trio left Mr. Xiyan's side and returned to the small performance space where Back'n and Forth were to deliver the storyteller's hope on that note.

=0=

Spotting the two familiar figures chatting among themselves, The sound of their murmured conversation carried over as they approached, with the duo seemingly debating their next performance.

"Excuse us," Luocha began, his polite tone cutting through their discussion. "We've spoken with Mr. Xiyan, and he had some thoughts that we believe are worth sharing."

Back'n raised an eyebrow, his skepticism clear all over his face. "You went to Mr. Xiyan?"

"Yes. But, before you chase us off," Caelus interrupted before either of the cross-talk duo could continue upon sensing their uneasiness. He held out Mr. Xiyan's written note to them. "This is from Mr. Xiyan. He wanted us to give this to you guys."

Back'n hesitated momentarily, his eyes flickering between the note and Caelus's earnest expression, then to his partner, who reluctantly nodded to gesture him to take the note. Finally, with a sigh, he took the paper, unfolding it carefully. Forth leaned in to read over his partner's shoulder, their expressions shifting from suspicion to curiosity as they scanned the neat script.

After what seemed to be more than half a system hour, the duo exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable to each other. Finally, Back'n folded the note carefully and placed it in his pocket. "Mr. Xiyan really wrote this?"

"He's serious about this. He sees your potential and will give you a platform to prove yourselves." The Trailblazer repeated the words told by the Vidyadhara storyteller.

Forth frowned, crossing his arms with doubt lingered inside him. "But what if we mess up? What if we embarrass ourselves in front of his audience?"

"That's part of the process," Luocha said gently. "Every artist has moments of doubt, but learning and growing from the experience is important. Mr. Xiyan understands that, and so does his audience."

"But, that just sounds easy to say…" Back'n rubbed the back of his neck.

"… I know where you and Master Forth are coming from, Master Back'n." Though the words from Yanqing were quiet, they held a heavyweight in them as his amber eyes looked at them earnestly.

Taking a steady, deep breath in, the young boy spoke. "My words may not mean anything to the two of you because people have always said I'm a prodigy who mastered my sword quickly at such a young age. But, I don't think there is all that is to it."

He balled a hand up into a fist and tapped on his chest. "I can't remember when it began, but I have always loved swords. I like to collect every unique piece made by the Artisanship Commission. But most importantly, I want to learn how to wield each of them to their fullest potential. So, I always bothered the General to train with me every single minute whenever possible. To fight for a bigger challenge than me, to prove myself to General Jing Yuan, I could carry my own weight to help him."

"However…," Yanqing's lips curled a bitter smile on his lips when that particular memory against a certain Stellaron Hunter struck into his mind. "I was foolish and overconfident to think I could win. Instead, I was about to face my own death until General Jing Yuan saved me. I couldn't face myself to train with the other fellow knights for my naïve recklessness to prove myself. Every time I swing my sword, I wonder for a moment why I hold them."

Later, Yanqing turned towards Caelus to smile gratefully at him, the latter urging him to continue with an encouraging grin before he returned to the cross-talk duo. "But, I realize now. I was taught by Teacher that failure isn't the end. It's a step forward. Teacher reminded me that even the strongest swords can break, but they can also be reforged, stronger and sharper than before. It's the same for us. The only way to grow is by pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zones, even if it means risking failure."

Back'n and Forth exchanged glances, their skepticism softened but not entirely erased. Forth spoke first, his voice hesitant. "That's... A nice sentiment, but having our performance played during the rush hour of the food stall with Mr. Xiyan's audience? That's a lot of pressure. What if we're not ready?"

"You won't know unless you try," Caelus interjected firmly. "Every performance you've done so far has been in a familiar space, to the same audience. Mr. Xiyan's opportunity isn't just about growing your audience; it's about growing yourselves. You might be surprised at what you're capable of."

Back'n rubbed the back of his neck, still uncertain. "It's just… We've always worked within our own little corner. Even with Mr. Xiyan's backing, the idea of stepping out feels… Daunting."

"And that's why you need to take this chance," Luocha pushed on from his calm tone, carrying an undeniable conviction. "If you don't take the first step now, when will you? Growth requires risk, but you have supporters, Mr. Xiyan, the audience, and your regulars who loved your show."

The duo fell silent, the weight of the words sinking in. Forth finally sighed as his shoulders relaxed slightly. "Hmm, yeah, he's got a point. I should've realized that sooner."

Back'n chipped in his thoughts out loud. "It's never too late to make things right. Plus, I'd do anything for a chance to give a warm-up performance for Mr. Xiyan."

"If I ever got a chance to do this in my dreams, I'd wake myself up from laughing so hard." Forth quipped back with a light-hearted voice.

"Then what are we waiting for?"

"Sure thing! Let's do this!"

The three men looked at each other with a warm and satisfied grin, proud of their accomplished goal. Their efforts to convince the cross-talk duo had paid off well, and Tall Auntie would be pleased to hear about it. They stepped back to allow both Back'n and Forth to begin their performance with the recording device placed on the ground.

Back'n and Forth launched into their routine, their words flowing in a rapid-fire exchange that showcased their wit and chemistry. Their performance was a blend of humor, clever wordplay, and moments of genuine insight that resonated with the three men.

Back'n and Forth delivered their punchline in perfect unison as the routine reached its finale. The three men raised their hands to applaud loudly, cueing them to bow with their faces flushed with exhilaration and relief.

"Wonderful performance, you guys. Tall Auntie and her customers will definitely appreciate your show when they watch it," Caelus carefully picked up the recording device to store it in his inventory space.

Forth's lips twitched into a shy grin, his usual bravado giving way to a moment of honest humility. "We'll swing by Tall Auntie's stall when we're free and get some feedback from our audience."

"Yeah, take your time, and please convey our thanks to her." As the three men turned to leave, Back'n called out after them. "Hey, don't be strangers, alright? Come see us perform again sometime!"

Caelus glanced back with a grin. "Count on it. And next time, I expect an encore."

With that, the trio made their way back through the bustling streets of Aurum Alley.

=0=

As the night came, the air buzzed with laughter and conversation in the Aurum Alley. Spotting a familiar bespectacled woman chatting with Tall Auntie, Caelus called out. "Miss Mingxi, you're here!"

Mingxi turned to where the trio were and kindly smiled at each of them. "Welcome back, everyone. Tall Auntie has called me over to discuss cooperation with the dock. It looks like things are going well at your end."

"Yeah, we've got the recordings she asked for." The Trailblazer went over to the Vidyadhara stall owner and handed her the square-shaped disc plates. "This is from Mr. Xiyan, and the other is from the cross-talk duo."

Tall Auntie's face lit up with gratitude as she accepted the recordings. "Ah, you really went above and beyond, didn't you? The customers will love these! Let me try it out…"

Putting one of the recordings into her playback device, a miniature holographic figure of Mr. Xiyan appeared from the device below, reciting the story that the trio had heard earlier. Tall Auntie smiled with satisfaction, and seeing there were no distortions or issues from the recording, she turned back to them. "Thank you for your help! With these recordings, we'll definitely get more customers. Now that my worries have been resolved, I've got to keep my promise. It's about… Oh, what was it again…?"

"Do you mean logistics planning?" Yanqing asked.

"Yes, it is. Apologies, I have a terrible memory."

"Yeah, that's the thing." The Merchant Guild secretary then turned to Caelus. "Since Tall Auntie already mentioned it, then Caelus, please add the Food Stall into the logistics plan. This way, the docks can get some new orders soon."

Caelus nodded and shifted to the holographic square grid map before him. A hand raised to rub his chin as he pondered the food stall and the docks for the best efficient route. Not longer than five seconds, the Trailblazer extended out his right hand, his index finger tapping onto the food stall on the map. The finger dragged a new colored line from the stall, moving according to the mental image of the route he had in mind and finally stopping at the dock.

It then showed a green-lit screen with a nearby cycrane picking up its signal to take a wrapped-up lunch box from the food stall to fly towards the dock.

The group watched as the cycrane took off, its wings glinting in the soft golden glow of the setting sun. Tall Auntie clapped her hands in delight, impressed with the efficient logistics plan.

"Thank you, Caelus! This is wonderful," She thanked warmly with her gratitude evident in the sparkle of her eyes. "With this setup, we'll be able to reach more customers and keep everything running smoothly. I couldn't have done it without you all."

"It's a team effort! Aurum Alley is one of the most unique places in the Luofu, and we're happy to help it thrive." Yanqing smiled proudly.

Mingxi adjusted her glasses and added, "Indeed. Cooperation like this is what keeps the Luofu alive and vibrant. I'll make sure the Merchant Guild hears about your contributions."

Luocha gave a small nod. "It was the least we could do. Aurum Alley's success benefits everyone, from the vendors to the customers."

"Indeed. Truthfully," Tall Auntie sighed with a weak and guilty expression. "On behalf of the vendors here, we initially had doubts about the Merchant Guild of their services, especially regarding the food we poured our hearts into making them. We would always receive feedback and complaints from our customers and even the regulars of stale food and tampered with infestations. However, seeing your efforts to help us, we had gone too far in putting doubts at the Guild's capability."

Mingxi was the first to grow shocked at what she heard and muttered, "This… This is the first time we are hearing about this."

Tall Auntie sighed again as she elaborated, "None of us didn't want to say anything before because I tried to assure the others it was just part of the process. But after hearing the same complaints over time, it became clear there was an issue. I suspected it was concerning the storage or transportation system we relied on."

"That's unacceptable. The Merchant Guild prides itself on maintaining quality and trust. If there's a fault in the system, we need to address it immediately." Mingxi frowned deeply, her brows knitting in concern.

Yanqing crossed his arms, his face hardening with determination. "We can't let something like this slide. If the food is being tampered with, it's not just bad for business—it's a threat to the safety of everyone on the Luofu."

Caelus's own expression was thoughtful in reflecting on the previous information. "We've already optimized the logistics route and packing of the goods, but if there's an issue with the transportation process, we should trace it back to its source."

"The tampering may not be accidental. It could be deliberate sabotage, especially if someone stands to gain from the vendors losing trust to the Guild." Luocha added.

Although it was a simple statement from the merchant, the air grew tense as the implications of his words sank in. Mingxi adjusted her glasses and looked at the three men. "I'll launch a full investigation into the matter. This is bigger than just Aurum Alley. If negligence or foul play is involved, we'll root it out. In the meantime, please continue to assist us in collaborating with the rest of the vendors for their support."

Tall Auntie's eyes shone with gratitude, though worry still lingered on her face. "Thank you. I've been worried for so long, but hearing your determination makes me feel like there's finally hope for us."

The Trailblazer stepped forward to reassure her. "We'll get to the bottom of this, Tall Auntie. It's only right that we ensure your hard work isn't being undermined."

 "Leave it to us. I will update the General, and he will be sure to support the cloud knights in keeping out suspicious happenings," Yanqing chimed in.

Tall Auntie chuckled softly, her spirits visibly lifting from their encouragements. "I'll hold you to that, Lieutenant. Now, why don't you all rest here a while? I'll whip up something special for you as thanks."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the group shared a quiet moment before retiring for the night. But they all knew the real work was just beginning beneath the surface.

Notes:

I won't deny if you feel Yanqing's speech to Back'n & Forth is... Cringe? I wanted to put more development in him after he have recovered from his 'depression' and loss in his fight with Blade, and meeting all kinds of people showed him what are the new reasons he could wield his sword for. /(ㄒoㄒ)/~~

So Luocha doesn't have much shine here but I still managed to squeeze a few bits of crumb of Luocae if it's passable when you squint it.

Regarding the tampering of the goods, it's related to the upcoming certain scene with that certain IPC man. I wanted to delve or do it more? I may have missed if Sushang did actually mentioned someone been tampering, but it feel came out of nowhere to me... So yeah. (ˉ▽ˉ；)...

To announce ahead, the Aurum Alley arc are mainly on the Streetside events but not all will be covered to avoid dragging this arc too long. So hope you guys have enjoy it! Comments are appreciated 🥰

Chapter 26: Worst Restaurant Simulator

Summary:

“Hmm…,” The petite woman poked at the sack’s contents with a finger a few times, oozing a dark-colored gas escaping from it. Her nose twitched badly at the horrid smell and recoiled away. “Ugh... Oh dear, it smells so funky... Better throw it away in a trashcan.”

“Are you a professional time-waster?” Caelus snapped at her irritably with an eyebrow raised at her.

Notes:

If you didn't expect a new chapter, neither did I. And I admit this was the worst time to take a break from since tons of things happened... Fortunately, I was already halfway done for this chapter because it was left hanging 😓

Hope you guys enjoy it?

Quiet. It was too quiet in the docks of the Starskiff Haven. No signs of workers, visitors, or even the mara-struck monsters lurking around before the group of four arrived.

Sushang stepped forward, and both her hands rested on her hips, her brown eyes sweeping across the area vigilantly for any potential ambushes they would miss out on before their plan began.

“How are things at your end, Sushang?” A familiar young man’s voice called out to her.

The brown-haired Cloud Knight turned to see Caelus standing behind her left diagonally at seven o’clock and nodded. “Eh, it looks like the coast is clear. What about you?”

“Not a single soul in sight. We should be able to tell Luocha to start the signal to lure those jackals out.” The Trailblazer raised a thumbs up to her with an assuring grin, making the young woman let out a relieved sigh.

Sushang then nodded with a bright smile. “Good. All that’s left is Lieutenant Yanqing to give his update, and we could start this sooner for Short Auntie.”

As soon as she said that, a familiar blond-haired young boy in his robes approached the two of them and answered. “The knights who were supposed to be handling this case have been returned to their station. But... Is this really the right thing to do, Teacher?”

Caelus sighed sympathetically to Yanqing’s concerns directed to him, torn between his duty as a lieutenant of the Cloud Knights and a member to restore Aurum Alley’s former glory.

How did they even arrive at this conclusion?

The answer could only be found from the Trailblazer’s mind, recalling what happened a system hour ago...

=0=

Between the piece of paper in Sushang’s hand and the quiet restaurant in Autumn Alley, the young woman looked back and forth and put it away. “Here we are. The Delicacy Pavilion, this is the place Miss Mingxi to look into next.”

Luocha stepped forward to stand beside her to examine the place on its outward appearance. “With word of mouth spreading among people, you wouldn’t even have a second thought this place is one of the most frequent eateries with their goods tampered with mysteriously by unknown assailants.”

Right on this morning after last evening’s unexpected revelation from Tall Auntie of her doubts to Merchant Guild, the Merchant Guild secretary brought it up to the four of them once they arrived at the docks.

After a thorough inspection of the goods currently in their docks, she and the workers found that at least 85% of the vendors and customers were damaged and ruined without any of them knowing. Some packages had been ripped open, revealing their contents spoiled far before their expiration. Others had puncture marks as if something small and sharp had deliberately tainted them.

Sushang crossed her arms and furrowed her brows. “Tampering on this scale... It’s not just mismanagement or poor conditions. Someone is doing this on purpose.”

“And with how calculated this all seems, it has to be an inside job or at least someone who knows the Merchant Guild’s supply chain well enough to exploit it.” Yanqing stood on her other side to chip in his thoughts.

Then, Caelus walked ahead to look around before turning to his friends. “For now, let’s gather more information to get more clues for Miss Mingxi. It could be a chance now if we could even get the owner to warm up to us to inspect their own goods in the restaurant too.”

Approaching the petite woman who was wiping the floor with a mop, she turned her head up to look at them without stopping. “Sorry, but please come back in another few minutes as we’re still cleaning the restaurant before opening for orders.”

“Actually, we’re here on behalf of Miss Mingxi, Short Auntie. She has appointed us to discuss the matters on the collaboration with the Delicacy Pavilion.” The Trailblazer corrected with a slight polite smile, causing the other to halt her actions.

Short Auntie’s brows furrowed as she tried to recall, then smiled at them brightly once she recognized what he said. “Ah, you must be the ones the Miss Secretary mentioned! The Guild plans to use the Aurum Alley dock to ship goods to other delves. Miss Secretary told me that she was hoping Delicacy Pavilion could start making takeouts — things like business meals and travel lunch boxes. Customers who don’t have time to eat out would have the option to have the food delivered to them.”

“Sounds perfect to me. I’d love a good takeout meal from Delicacy Pavilion.” Sushang grinned, already picturing herself enjoying a steaming meal after a long day of work. “Miss Mingxi sure knows how to make the most of Aurum Alley’s culinary talents.”

Short Auntie chuckled at Sushang’s enthusiasm but soon let out a sigh. “Thank you! Starting the takeout business is indeed on my priority list. It’s just….”

“And what seems to bring hesitation to your dreams?”

The casual yet understanding nudge from Luocha made the petite Vidyadhara woman shake her head before admitting. “I wouldn’t call them concerns or hesitation, more like a small request.”

Her body shifted to face the restaurant adjacent to hers, which was similarly empty, with no customers before its opening hours. She put both hands on her hips. “You see, Delicacy Pavilion has been around for a while, but when people talk about food in Aurum Alley, they think of Spices Supreme. If I were to start this whole takeout business….”

“You would need a better reputation than Delicacy Pavilion to stand yourselves out to the customers.” Yanqing finished the sentence for the restaurant owner.

“Exactly,” Short Auntie raised up a finger from her right arm and added with a matter-of-fact tone. “I can’t simply jump in only to find people are not even interested.”

Caelus folded his arms with one hand lifted to rub his chin thoughtfully. “What about using bots to get good reviews? You would be the talk of the town within a day, and a long stretch of queue greets you before you even open up your place.”

The suggestion brought up by the Trailblazer only made the petite woman shake her head in displeasure as though it had dredged up unwanted memories she had recalled. “That won’t do. Good reviews mean nothing if our monthly sales figures can’t back them up. Besides, I did try the method you mentioned... But the bots wrote comments like ‘Specially made for sensitive skin!’ They didn’t even bother to customize a bit!”

Caelus couldn’t help but chuckle at the owner’s frustration, but he quickly refocused on the issue at hand. “Alright, so fake reviews are out. So, the next best idea is to prove the quality of your food directly to the people.”

“That’s the idea. Seeing how Yancui expands her menu, I plan to hunt a few abominations and see what I can do with them!” Short Auntie nodded and voiced her own excitement about her idea.

However, in contrast to her positive opinion towards it, the group’s reception to the idea was anything but that. Luocha’s green eyes grew slightly in disbelief at what he heard. And both Sushang and Caelus became stunned, their mouths agape. “Come again?”

“Miss Short Auntie,” Yanqing struggled to compose himself and find the authority within him as a Cloud Knight Lieutenant to remind her. “Associating yourself with the Plague Authors (Abundance)—”

“Hold on, everyone! You’re misunderstanding here.” The petite woman quickly waved with both hands raised. “As I said, I want to hunt for them as my ingredients to experiment with my new dishes. These days… The import shipments from the Merchant Guild have only brought in terrible quality, which affected three-quarters of the menu. I’m not trying to place the fault with them, but I can’t even cook up my top dishes for my regulars.”

The group exchanged wary glances. Even if Short Auntie insisted it was for the sake of culinary innovation, the implications were enough to make their stomachs churn. Luocha folded his arms and sighed in an attempt to sway her. “I understand your frustration, Miss Short Auntie, but harvesting ingredients from corrupted creatures is highly questionable. Even if you find a way to purify them, the public perception alone could doom your business.”

Short Auntie crossed her arms, her face showing a frustrated look. “Then what am I supposed to do? Just let Delicacy Pavilion fall into obscurity because the Merchant Guild can’t supply fresh ingredients anymore? It’s not simple for me to find another source of supplier within a blink of an eye.”

“We’re not saying you shouldn’t seek alternative solutions, just... Safer ones. There has to be another way.” However, Yanqing’s suggestion only seemed to further fuel the petite woman’s irritation, making him wince to regret his choice of words.

Caelus suddenly snapped his fingers as though it could alleviate the situation. “What if we investigate the source of these bad shipments? If the quality of your ingredients has dropped, that might mean someone’s tampering with them before they even reach you.”

Sushang nodded in agreement. “That’s right! The goods tampering at the docks and your problem could be connected. If we can catch whoever is behind this, we might be able to restore the supply chain to what it was before.”

Short Auntie tapped her chin, considering their words carefully in her head. “That... Actually, it makes sense. If someone’s sabotaging the Merchant Guild’s goods, they’re not just hurting my business. They’re hurting the entire food industry in Aurum Alley.”

From the way Short Auntie’s facial expression was thoughtful, as if to rethink her decision, giving the group a brief moment of hope. Yet, their prayers were short-lived when her expression transformed to a determined one, raising her arm upwards with her finger pointing to the sky to declare. “But we gotta think outside the box!”

“… What…?” Sushang and Caelus repeated again in sync, this time looking completely dumbfounded at the unexpected twist.

“Shame that I’m not much of a fighter myself. Would you do me a favor and bring me a few abominations?” Being oblivious to both Yanqing and Luocha’s dumbfounded looks, the petite Vidyadhara woman went inside the restaurant for a quick second.

Then, she came with a piece of paper in her hand to give to the Trailblazer. “I heard from someone the Cloud Knights intercepted a bunch of wolves that the Unshackled was smuggling around. It would be a pity if they just got disposed of. If you can get me some, I’ll try coming up with some new menu items. You should be able to find the wolves at Stargazer Navalia. I’m counting on you!”

=0=

And so, looking at the piece of paper in his hand, which detailed body parts to dissect from the creatures, Caelus pinched the bridge of his nose understandingly from Yanqing’s concern. “I don’t think it’s a good idea too, to be honest. General Jing Yuan won’t even be happy to hear that we have disrupted the Cloud Knights’ duty….”

“But…,” Sushang shook her head from the bottled-up frustration, crossing her arms as she mulled over the situation. “If we don’t act now, this whole operation to save Aurum Alley might go down the drain. We can’t just ignore Short Auntie’s request, even if we are the ones breaking the rules here.”

Yanqing sighed and shifted his grip on the hilt of his sword uneasily. “Miss Short Auntie knew better than to obstruct a Cloud Knight’s duty, let alone creatures from the smuggler’s stash. If the General hears about this—.”

“He will.” Luocha interrupted smoothly, walking towards them with a stoic look, unlike his usual serene expression. He looked at each of his comrades-in-crime and spoke. “And that is precisely why we must ensure this plan does not fail. If we are to retrieve these creatures, then we need to do it with a level of discretion that will not alert the Cloud Knights’ attention. It is the only choice we have now to ensure Short Auntie would collaborate with the Merchant Guild.”

Caelus groaned loudly, running a hand through his hair before looking at the piece of paper again. “I still don’t like this. But if there’s a chance that the bad shipments and the tampered goods are linked to something bigger, then we have no choice but to act now.”

“Exactly! If we pull this off, we can not only fix the supply chain but also prove to the General that we were right to dig deeper!” The brown-haired young woman nodded enthusiastically to encourage her friend’s pessimistic thoughts.

Yanqing still looked unconvinced, but he eventually exhaled in resignation. It wasn’t as if he could come up with another idea to get themselves out of this mess. “Fine… But we need to do this cleanly. No unnecessary prolonged fights or getting caught.”

Luocha turned his gaze to the Trailblazer. “Then it is decided. Caelus, you will give me the signal when we’re ready. Sushang, you and I will handle distractions if needed. Yanqing, you will keep an eye on any approaching Cloud Knights.”

“Understood.” The young lieutenant nodded.

Caelus adjusted his grip on his bat and took a deep breath. “Alright, then. Let’s hunt ourselves some food.”

At the cue from the gray-haired young man, Luocha walked back to the large compass while Sushang, Yanqing, and Caelus walked towards the cargo box. One last scrutinizing of the large metal compass by the dock, the blond-haired merchant pressed the silver button on the bottom left of the machine.

“When the compass resets, it will attract those jackals…” The Trailblazer mentally noted to himself, his right gloved hand adjusting the grip of his curio bat.

The noise of the gears rotating from the large compass resounded in the area like a ticking clock counting down for the attack. Sushang took a deep breath and then out as she tightened the grip of the golden sword with both her hands.

‘3.’ The first outer ring of the metal came to a stop, and the arrow lit up in blue at the node to which it was connected.

Yanqing’s right hand rested on the hilt of his sword, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of movement. The air was tense, thick with anticipation.

‘2.’ The middle ring clicked into place, aligning with the outer ring, as the gears slowed with the machine nearing completion.

Luocha remained composed, one hand on his back and the other held up his rapier high close to his chest. Yet, there was an undeniable sharpness in his gaze, as if he were already five steps ahead in the unfolding plan.

‘1.’ The final ring locked into position, and a deep hum resonated through the air. The machine pulsed with energy, its mechanisms radiating a faint golden glow.

Then, silence embraced them like a gentle drape of soft cloth onto their skin.

For a brief moment, nothing happened. Then, a low growl echoed from the distance, followed by another. Clawed footsteps scratched against the walls of the shipping container, powerful and piercing screech growing louder as the container slowly opened to reveal dark silhouettes emerged from the shadows.

The jackals had arrived, a pack of Golden Hound and Wooden Lupus staring at the group as its prey to be devoured.

Caelus wasted no time to take the lead. “Let’s move!”

Sushang was right beside him, her sword flashing as she intercepted the yellow-green beast with a precise slash. The wolf snarled, its corrupted form shuddering as it staggered back from the impact. Yanqing moved swiftly, his blade a blur of blue light as he cut down the other beast’s horn before it could reach Caelus. “Master Luocha, how long do we need to hold out before we can contain them?!”

Luocha pulled out his rapier from one of the abominations he plunged into after it attempted to reach for his coffin and glanced at the young boy. “Not long—just keep them from scattering!”

“Right!” Caelus gritted his teeth as he swung his bat, sending another wolf tumbling back.

The pack was relentless, their frenzied howls filling the air, calling for more of its comrades for backup. Yet, the group held their ground. Sushang darted between them with agile footwork, her heavy sword each time she swung to wipe sweat from her head afterward, keeping them grouped together.

The young lieutenant’s frosty energy swords rained down with precision to sever the tendons of their legs or their heads from calling more of its own allies. He heaved out another deep breath, left hand on his chest with index and middle fingers raised, his other hand pointed at the remaining jackals to command his sword to attack.

Lastly, Caelus’s bat crashes down with enough force to break the wolves’ skulls. He later then spun his upper body with his weapon to prevent the powerful, sharp jaws of its comrades from biting into his shoulder. His teeth gritted at the strong force that caused his left leg to push back yet resist falling down to his knee.

The battle raged on, the clash of metal against corrupted flesh filling the air with a violent rhythm. Despite the odds posed by the growing number of wolves, the group held its ground, and each move coordinated with the natural flow of their movements.

Sushang dashed past the Trailblazer, her blade gleaming as it cut through the thick hide of a Golden Hound, trying to lunge at his side. “Caelus, behind you—!”

He reacted instantly, pivoting on his heel and driving his bat into the wolf’s ribs with a sickening crunch. The beast yelped before collapsing in a heap.

“Thanks!” Caelus called over his shoulder, his breath heavy but steady.

Luocha remained eerily composed in the chaos while his rapier as he skewered another beast through the chest and threw the corpse aside. With a fluid motion, he flicked the blood off the blade, his emerald eyes scanning the battlefield. “This is taking longer than expected. Lieutenant Yanqing, any sign of more reinforcements?”

The young lieutenant lowered his sword momentarily, sharp amber eyes sweeping across the dock’s shadowy corners. “Nothing yet—but these things aren’t stopping. If more show up, we’ll be in trouble. The next Cloud Knights patrolling this area will be arriving soon.”

“Then let’s end this,” Caelus muttered, narrowly dodging a wolf’s snapping jaws. “Any time now, Luocha!”

The blond merchant nodded, bringing his large white coffin by his side, and ordered. “Please stand back, all of you.”

As the three of his comrades moved back a distance, the remaining wolves growled warily, yet their movement circled around the lone man to eye at their prey. When one of the wolves began to lunge forward, the rest of them followed suit.

Luocha then placed the large coffin with a heavy thud in front of him, his green eyes narrowed with the same colored light enveloping him. “Eternal sleep is not the end… The dead will return!”

Even as the coffin remained sealed shut, green energy-like thorny vines unleashed from the sides from a burst of yellow-green light. It charged forward and pierced into each of the wolves, absorbing its vitality by the light enveloping their bodies.

One by one, the jackals howled in pain, their forms weakening as the vines drained the last remnants of their corrupted energy. Within seconds, the remaining beasts collapsed lifelessly to the ground, their bodies reduced to nothing more than faint, shimmering dust.

The battlefield grew quiet again, save for the soft hum of Luocha’s coffin as the last of the energy receded. With a slow exhale, he straightened, brushing a stray lock of golden hair behind his ear. “It is done.”

Caelus let out a long, relieved sigh, planting his bat against the ground for support. His legs ached from the constant strain, but the sight of the pacified wolves gave him some sense of accomplishment. “Finally… That should be enough for Short Auntie’s ‘ingredients,’ right?”

“More than enough. She’s definitely going to owe us big time for this one.” Sushang wiped her sword clean against the edge of her sleeve, grinning as she surveyed the aftermath.

Yanqing, however, wasn’t as quick to celebrate as his older two friends. He remained on edge, his hand hovering over his sword hilt as his eyes darted toward the distant pathway leading deeper into Stargazer Navalia. “We should move. If the other Cloud Knights find us here, we will all be in trouble….”

Luocha gave a subtle nod, already slinging his coffin back to his left shoulder. “Agreed. The sooner we deliver what we came for, the fewer questions there will be.”

“Alright, let’s grab what we need and get out of here before we attract any more trouble.” Caelus pushed himself upright, glancing at the paper Short Auntie had given him. However, the strain on one of his legs proved too much for him. His footing faltered, and his balance wavered.

Just as he was about to collapse, a steady hand caught him, pulling him back from the edge of falling. “Careful there, Caelus. You have pushed yourself a little too much.”

The Trailblazer laughed weakly at Luocha’s knowing voice and answered. “I guess so. I didn’t even feel at all when we fought. Must have been the adrenaline rush that helped us get what Short Auntie wanted.”

Luocha sighed softly with exasperation, yet with partiality for the young man, gently nudging the hand holding his arm to guide him to sit on the ground. “Allow me to take a quick look before we head back.”

“Sure,” With the blond-haired merchant’s aid, Caelus cautiously sat on the ground, with the older man following suit after he set the coffin aside. He knelt on one knee and held the injured leg lightly with one hand.

“You have a mild strain,” Luocha remarked quietly, his touch as careful as ever. “It is nothing serious, but you should refrain from any more reckless maneuvers for the rest of the night.”

“I’ll try to resist the urge,” Caelus quipped, though he softened the sarcasm with a grateful nod. “Thanks, Luocha.”

The merchant merely shook his head and smiled at him. “I will take that you listening to a doctor’s advice to be my payment instead. But, the very least I could do for you is to alleviate the pain.”

With his left hand outstretched before the injured limb, the necklace trinket worn around the dark gloved hand glowed in the same green light as earlier. Instead of absorbing vitality from the enemies, Caelus felt the muscle strain from his leg fading away.

As the healing warmth seeped into his leg, the Trailblazer let out a slow, relieved breath. The throbbing ache dulled into a faint memory, and he flexed his ankle experimentally. “Feels better already,”

He glanced up at Luocha with a grin. “You’re a lifesaver.”

“I am simply fulfilling my duty,” Luocha replied smoothly, with a warm smile, withdrawing his hand to then offer the young man a seat. “Now, let us finish our task before our luck runs out.”

“Hey, you two! Check out what we gathered from the remains!” Sushang waved her hands excitedly at the two men while Yanqing squatted on the ground to move items into a sack.

Caelus exchanged a brief glance with Luocha before pushing himself up with the merchant’s help. The lingering warmth from the healing still pulsed faintly through his leg, but his stance was steady again. He stretched once, just to be sure, before making his way over to where Sushang and Yanqing were sorting through the scattered remnants.

“What did you find?” The Trailblazer crouched down beside them.

Yanqing held up a thick slab of flesh from the wolves’ bodies, grinning. “These wolves’ meat is definitely fresh enough for Short Auntie’s experiments. Weird as it is, she’s gonna love how much we found for her!”

Caelus leaned closer to sniff a few times, his face twisted with displeasure when the overwhelming, nauseating stench hit him, and he recoiled away. “I really don’t want to know what she plans to do with it….”

“Probably something that will make us regret helping her,” Sushang quipped, shoving a cumbersome piece into the sack. Her golden sword was already sheathed and dissipated into her inventory, but her enthusiasm hadn’t dulled in the slightest. “But hey, a job’s a job. And we survived, so that’s a win!”

Yanqing chuckled softly, adjusting his grip on the sack. “Can’t argue with that. Besides, your moves were amazing back there too, Miss Sushang. Your swordplay’s sharp; your master who taught you must have been a wonderful teacher!”

Sushang laughed, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face, and scratched the back of her neck sheepishly. “You can thank my mother for that. Her efforts in drilling her teachings must’ve paid off. But you’re really incredible. The way you handled that pack leader. Fast and precise, you’re truly a prodigy under the General’s teachings!”

“Thank you.” The young boy grinned bashfully, his expression one of humility. “But I still have a long way to go before I can truly live up to the General’s standards.”

Standing beside Caelus to watch the exchange between the two knights, he looked back at Caelus, and they smiled at each other. Seeing Yanqing open up and Sushang’s infectious energy felt… Comforting, especially for the young boy who was initially closed off, now allowing others to show him things that he had yet to know of.

Luocha, having quietly observed their exchange, finally spoke encouragingly to the blond-haired boy. “Humility is a sign of wisdom, young lieutenant. But do not let it undermine your confidence. You have proven yourself more than capable earlier in the fight.”

Yanqing’s cheeks flushed slightly at the rare praise, and he gave a small, respectful bow. “I’ll keep that in mind, Master Luocha.”

“Alright, that’s enough mutual admiration,” Caelus quipped as he tied the sack securely shut, shifting it over his shoulder. “Let’s deliver this nightmare fuel before I start imagining what Short Auntie’s cooking up with it.”

Sushang laughed brightly, brushing the dust off her knees as she stood. “Don’t worry, Caelus. If she tries to feed us anything weird, I’ll taste it first. It’s the least I can do for a fellow warrior.”

“I’m holding you to that,” Caelus shot back, half-serious in his statement.

The four of them moved as one unit, their earlier banter softening into a focused silence as they made their way toward the rendezvous point.

=0=

Walking right towards the restaurant, the air seemed lighter—less tense—compared to the chaos they had just survived. Sushang hummed cheerfully to herself as she swung the sack over her shoulder. “You know, I’m starting to wonder if Short Auntie always asks for weird things on purpose. First, I heard she ask for gourd beast oil, now mutated wolf meat… What’s next? Dragon saliva of another planet?”

“Don’t give her ideas,” Caelus groaned, shifting his sack in his hold to the other shoulder. “She might actually try to raise a commission and find some.”

Yanqing chuckled softly beside him, adjusting his grip on the sack he carried. “She does have strong innovation ideas that maintain her business. But, honestly, it’s not so bad working together like this. Feels… Easier.”

The Trailblazer raised a brow at the young boy’s tone. There was a warmth in Yanqing’s voice—a quiet openness that felt different from their usual training. It reminded him how much the young lieutenant had changed since they first met. Less guarded, more willing to trust and open with others who weren’t the General.

The aroma of spices and freshly steamed buns drifted through the air as they reached the worn wooden steps of the restaurant. Despite it being before the opening hours, the surrounding area was buzzed with quiet activities.

Cloud Knights in casual attire, dock workers off their shifts, and the occasional merchant exchanging stories over hot drinks.

Caelus pushed the door open, the familiar jingle of the bell announcing their arrival. Short Auntie was already behind the counter, her sharp eyes glinting with interest the moment she spotted them. “How was it? Learn anything?”

The gray-haired young man dropped his sack with a loud ‘thud’ and let out an audible groan. “I swear, the things we do for you… You owe us big time for this haul.”

“Hmm…,” The petite woman poked at the sack’s contents with a finger a few times, oozing a dark-colored gas escaping from it. Her nose twitched badly at the horrid smell and recoiled away. “Ugh... Oh dear, it smells so funky... Better throw it away in a trashcan.”

“Are you a professional time-waster?” Caelus snapped at her irritably with an eyebrow raised at her.

Short Auntie, utterly unfazed by his sharp tone, merely waved her hand with a dramatic sigh. “Sorry, I just can’t serve this to my customers. So gamey, so intrusive...”

“Master Yancui can handle it. So can you!” The Trailblazer grumbled, flopping onto a nearby seat while Yanqing and Sushang tried not to laugh.

“Don’t put me on a pedestal. Yancui is supremely talented. Me? Not so much.”

“But there are no trashcans on the Xianzhou!” Caelus groaned dramatically into the table, his head raised up slightly in realization at what he said before he hurriedly added. “… Trust me, I’ve checked.”

The petite woman raised a finger and was about to correct the Trailblazer, but then she remembered and hummed thoughtfully. “Right on point, young man.”

As Caelus sighed in relief she hadn’t start suspecting his hobby of trash-hunting, Sushang couldn’t hold back a laugh anymore. “She’s right, Caelus. That thing reeked worse than any Mung Bean Soda. I thought my sword would corrode just being near it!”

“It’ll be a miracle if my hair doesn’t smell like that for the next week...,” Yanqing muttered under his breath, still smiling despite himself.

Luocha stepped forward with a hint of dry amusement in his tone. “Perhaps next time, you might consider specifying fresh ingredients. Or, at the very least, edible ones.”

Short Auntie chuckled, clapping her hands once. “Alright, alright. You’ve made your point. Guess I’ve no choice but to hand these to Little Tian and see if she can use them for medicine.”

Taking each of the sacks from the four individuals, the petite woman then entered the back of the kitchen. Once the door closed, Sushang, Yanqing, and Caelus breathed in and out deeply as though fresh air returned to the room.

Except Luocha, who simply breathed at ease, now had his brows furrowed sternly while being deep in ponder. The brown-haired Cloud Knight, who noticed this, asked first. “Hey, Luocha. Is something the matter?”

“Yes, well… Sushang, did you say something about your sword would corrode just being near it?”

The brown-haired Cloud Knight raised one eyebrow curiously and nodded simply. “Yeah. But it’s not literally melting or anything like that. I never heard anything of the Abundance abominations would be this rotten smelling—!”

“BLERRRRGGGGGGH!”

“What the—?!” Sushang nearly jumped as she exclaimed in surprise.

Caelus stood up from his seat with a wary expression. “That came from the kitchen. Didn’t Short Auntie just go in there?”

Yanqing immediately stepped toward the kitchen door, his instincts taking over as his hand returned to his sword. “Something’s wrong….”

Without hesitation, Caelus and Sushang moved behind him, ready for anything. Luocha was the last to approach, slower, more cautious—but his gaze was already scanning for signs, piecing things together with a physician’s precision.

One last nod, Yanqing pushed the door open to allow his older friends to enter the kitchen. In a corner of the kitchen, the familiar petite woman hunched over while squatting on the ground before a wooden pail as she vomited into it.

“Short Auntie!” Sushang quickly moved to support her by gently stroking her back.

“Wait…” Short Auntie tried to answer the younger woman, but she felt another nauseous bile coming right up from her throat. “I think I’m gonna throw up. Excuse me now….”

Yanqing knelt beside them immediately, reaching into his sleeve and retrieving a small flask of water near the sink. “Here—sip slowly. Don’t force yourself to speak yet.”

Luocha moved forward next, kneeling to examine her with swift but gentle hands. He touched her wrist lightly, checking her pulse with a frown deepening on his face. “Her pulse is erratic. Cold sweat, shallow breathing… This is no simple nausea.”

Sushang’s eyes widened. “You think it’s from the meat?”

The blond-haired merchant didn’t respond at first, his gloved fingers brushing under Short Auntie’s jaw as he observed the pallor of her skin. “Possibly. It could be exposure to a corrupted pathogen—something beyond normal decay. A rot not of natural origin.”

Caelus’s stomach twisted at that. “You mean… Something worse than just mutated beasts?”

“It’s a possibility, but I’m not certain of it myself. We should dispose of those abominations right now due to her current condition.” Luocha then turned towards Yanqing. “Also, please get the doctors to look at her as soon as possible, Yanqing. She is far too ill to be opening her store.”

Before the young lieutenant acknowledged, Short Auntie quickly turned to them with her frantic pale face. “No, no, I can’t close the restaurant today at all! People are counting on me! The lunch rush… Deliveries to the Cloud Knights… And Little Tian was supposed to come in later—she doesn’t know the recipes yet!”

Her voice wavered between panic and stubbornness, but her body betrayed her determination. Another wave of nausea seized her, and she barely managed to lean back over the pail in time. Sushang gently held her shoulders, whispering softly, “Shhh, it’s alright. Just breathe. We’ll handle everything.”

Luocha placed a firm but reassuring hand on her back. “I understand your dedication, but your health comes first. You will not be of any help to anyone if you collapse. Let us assist in your stead.”

“I-I don’t—” Short Auntie began, but her voice cracked as exhaustion overtook her. With a reluctant sigh, she turned towards Caelus with a weary expression as she pleaded. “If I may be so bold as to ask... Caelus, can you please do me one more favor? Please run around the store and take all the customers’ orders, then pass those on to the kitchen.”

“Whatever you want, Short Auntie. I’m here to help.” The Trailblazer placed a hand on his chest and nodded with an expression mixed between earnestness and worry.

The petite woman breathed out a weary, shaky breath from her pale, relieved face. “That’s great. Then I can take it a little easy. It’s simple, really—you just have to remember the dishes, portion size, and things to avoid for every order.”

Sushang quickly steadied her just before she almost fell forward. “I should get some rest. The world spins... Guess it won’t take long before hallucination kicks in. Let me know when you are ready.”

Short Auntie’s words trailed into a faint murmur as she leaned back against the brown-haired Cloud Knight supporting her, her eyes fluttering shut. Sushang then eased down onto a nearby cushion that Luocha pulled hastily from a nearby crate.

“For now, I would prepare to ease her fever when her body temperature spikes.” The blond-haired merchant reached for a cooling salve from his coffin. “Sushang, grab a cloth and wet it. We need to keep her temperature maintained until the doctors arrive.”

“Got it!” Sushang bolted from the room, moving faster than usual with urgency spurring her.

Yanqing stood nearby, tense, his fingers twitching at his side as he watched the petite woman’s condition worsen. And he also headed towards the door. “The physicians should already be on their way now. I’ll escort them here straight, Teacher.”

“Good thinking. Be careful,” Caelus called after him.

Once Yanqing disappeared from sight, the Trailblazer turned back toward the sickly woman with concern. He crouched next to her and gently squeezed her hand. “Hang in there, Short Auntie. You’ll be alright.”

“… Just another dish to serve…” The petite woman mumbled deliriously, barely coherent. “Don’t… Don’t forget to refill the jasmine tea to our customers by the windows…”

Caelus nodded solemnly, his voice soft yet firm to assure her. “You can count on me. I’ll take care of the customers.”

Luocha looked over at him, expression grave after noticing Short Auntie’s body temperature worsen by a degree. “Be cautious, Caelus. If the meat was truly tainted with something beyond decay, we may be dealing with a greater threat than we assumed. Prolonged exposure could affect others if not handled properly.”

“I’ll steer clear of anything suspect. We’ll keep the food safe once the chef arrives for work to not use these ingredients.” Caelus gave a nod. He stood up and exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. “Guess today I’m the waiter. Besides, how hard could it be to serve one or two customers?”

=0=

“... Me and my big mouth...,” Caelus’s right yellow eye twitched badly at the sight before him.

Not just one or two customers; it was like there must’ve been some great discount sales happening on the ship, and all the restaurants were filled up with queues as long as it stretched to the exit of Aurum Alley waiting for their turn.

“I knew Delicacy Pavilion was popular, but I never thought there’d be this many people...?” Caelus groaned internally in his mind as he watched a few waiters who showed up earlier and got their engines going to take and serve the orders. “Can I really remember everything if two customers order at the same time?”

“I-I’m sorry. Could you please repeat that?” Sushang replied with a nervous, sheepish smile, as the order from her customer she was taking down had slipped her mind.

Taking a deep breath, Caelus adjusted the apron Sushang had hurriedly tossed at him and grabbed a notepad from the counter. He murmured to himself a quick pep talk: “Alright, Caelus. You’ve fought the doomsday beast, beat one of the lord ravagers, chased down Stellaron Hunters, and handled political trouble in Belobog. You can handle some hungry customers—”

“Excuse me! I ordered double pork buns, not shrimp dumplings!” One of the female customers shouted at Sushang, her sharp, screeching voice making the nearby guests flinch in pain.

Or so he thought.

“S-Sorry, I will change it right away!” Sushang bowed frantically before taking the hot steaming basket of shrimp dumplings and ran back to the kitchen, almost knocking into Yanqing, who was balancing two trays of dishes that were as tall as his height.

“Where’s my jasmine tea? I asked for it fifteen minutes ago!”

Yanqing tried to turn his head in the direction of the voice and acknowledged. “H-Here, I will tend to you right away—!”

“Waiter, waiter! Can I get an extra side of spicy tofu and hold the peanuts this time? I’m allergic, remember?”

Sushang nearly tripped over a stool after bringing the correct dish to the customer. “I thought training under my mom was hard, but this—this is endurance training for the soul!”

Caelus could only give a weak chuckle as he headed to the next customer. “What about you, sir?”

“Mmm, I’d like one portion of scallion chicken and one portion of moonlight rice. Large bowls, please.” The male Vidyadhara man responded with a thoughtful hum after reviewing the menu.

“Okay, one moment, please.”

As the Trailblazer scribbled down, the companion with him chirped out. “Gimme one portion of cinnamon pork ribs on rice and a portion of steamed soy sauce chicken. No coriander. Please don’t forget.”

Caelus nodded quickly, trying to keep up as he scribbled onto the notepad, the words already blending together in his head. “One cinnamon pork rib on rice, steamed soy sauce chicken, hold the coriander. Got it. Large scallion chicken and moonlight rice too.”

Before he could step away, another hand shot up from the following table. “Young man, over here! I’ve been waiting since before your shift started! One purple taro with pork—Mmm, actually scrap that purple taro with pork. Give me a crispy suckling pig instead and a medium cup of herbal tea—lukewarm, not hot!”

“And don’t forget dessert later!” Someone else piped up from across the area. “My granddaughter’s coming soon, and she loves the osmanthus jelly here.”

“Got it, got it…!” Caelus called back, his voice a little strained as he flipped to a new page of his notepad, already wishing for a memory module upgrade. How does Short Auntie do this every single day without going insane?!

From the kitchen door, Luocha’s calm voice drifted over the clamor when the Trailblazer approached the small counter by the kitchen. “Caelus, I remember the first diner wanted a portion of scallion chicken, and—?”

“A large bowl of moonlight rice.” Calues answered.

“Yeah, that’s it!” Another voice beside the blond-haired merchant called out as they placed it down on the tray.

And Luocha came out to place it on the counter. “The second diner wanted cinnamon pork ribs on rice, and—what else?”

“Steamed soy sauce chicken. No spring onion, no ginger, and no garlic—”

The second guest shouted fiercely from their seat. “Guys, I said no coriander!”

It made Caelus flinch when he realized that specific request from the customer completely slipped his mind, while Luocha simply murmured to himself thoughtfully as he took the corrected dish to place on the new tray. “I wonder why some people hate coriander...”

Behind the Trailblazer, Sushang was now juggling two trays while apologizing profusely to three different tables. “I’ll bring your side dishes in a moment! Yes, yes, I’ll refill your tea right away, ma’am!”

Yanqing, meanwhile, balanced another towering stack of bowls with the ease of swordsmanship training, though a thin line of sweat ran down his brow. “This is more intense than dueling ten Cloud Knights in a row….”

As Caelus stacked the two trays on top of each other, the cook called out to him again. “The third diner wanted crispy suckling pig and a drink of—what was it again?”

The gray-haired young man blinked his eyes, trying to refresh the memory from his mind that just blanked out on him a second ago. And he simply uttered back. “They didn’t order a drink?

“Hey! I ordered a medium cup of lukewarm herbal tea.”

Oh, right, they did; Caelus winced internally at another slip. Luocha soon returned with the last tray of food and the cup of tea together.

The chaos only escalated from there.

Caelus dashed from table to table, weaving between chairs and dodging impatient elbows. He announced breathlessly, setting the tray down as carefully as he could. “One crispy suckling pig and lukewarm herbal tea—medium size!”

The customer sniffed the tea, frowned, and waved him back. “This is hot. I said lukewarm. I could boil noodles in this thing!”

The Trailblazer froze. “You… Could… Boil noodles…?”

It seemed that Luocha had made a mistake on his end with all the orders flooding in. Caelus shook his head, snapping out of it. “Right, sorry! I’ll fix it right away!”

He spun around—and almost tripped over Yanqing, who was crouched awkwardly, trying to pick up a fallen chopstick without spilling the towering trays balanced on his arms.

“Ah, sorry, Yanqing!”

“It’s fine, just—whoa, watch your step!” Yanqing hissed through gritted teeth, using one knee to steady a tray threatening to topple over.

Meanwhile, Sushang skidded past them, her hands holding a plate in each hand, with another awkwardly balanced on her head. “Make way! Tofu delivery coming through!”

A child from one of the tables pointed excitedly. “Mama, the waiter lady’s got food on her head!”

“Don’t point at others. It’s rude.”

Back in the kitchen, Luocha rubbed his temples, counting the small pieces of notes stacked up beside him. He called out without looking up, “Caelus, we are running out of scallion chicken. Should we switch to ginger pork for table four?”

Caelus poked his head in, slightly panicked, that his mind again decided to malfunction on him from the coming rush hour. “Uh—what did they order again?!”

A booming voice from outside the kitchen helpfully shouted, “Scallion chicken! Large! No ginger, no spring onion, no garlic, no coriander, and absolutely no tofu!”

“... Right. Scallion chicken it is,” Luocha sighed deeply, adjusting his gloves and starting on the order like a doctor preparing for emergency surgery. “I’ll be at the back with the cook to assist on the preparations.”

Then, back in the dining area outside, the crowd seemed to multiply a hundredfold as if the Aeons decided to praise the group’s hard work by providing them with even more work!

“Waiter, my jasmine tea still hasn’t arrived!”

“Excuse me, where’s my dessert?!”

“Are you sure this is vegetarian? I taste meat in this dumpling!”

Sushang spun in a circle, momentarily overwhelmed. “Everyone, please, I’m just one person! I can’t refill tea, deliver tofu, and explain dumpling ingredients at the same time!”

From the back of the restaurant, a lone voice echoed wearily: “Hey, where’s my Peking duck roast buns?!”

“H-Here, sir, coming!” Yanqing scrambled once he placed a tray down and rushed over, accidentally bumping the bell that triggered a flood of more takeout orders from the back. The receipt machine started printing furiously, spitting out order after order like an unstoppable force.

Luocha glanced up at the paper trail spiraling toward the floor and sighed, massaging his forehead. “I feel like I’ve seen this before… Somewhere between chaos and divine punishment.”

As the lunch rush roared on, one thing became clear—none of them were quitting until Short Auntie’s restaurant was still standing. Even if it killed them mentally in the souls.

=0=

After a long period of hard work, the customers gradually dwindled down and eventually left with Caelus and everyone slumping their bodies over the tables while seated. Luocha had gone to check on Short Auntie while the rest of his friends rested.

At some point, Mingxi had already arrived at Delicacy Pavilion, and Short Auntie coming to the dining area as well, with the merchant escorting her to support from the back. She had a thin blanket wrapped around her shoulders and smiled proudly at Caelus, Yanqing, and Sushang. “Thanks for your hard work. There were loads of diners today. It’s tough for one person to do everything you did.”

Caelus rubbed the back of his neck, offering her a tired but genuine smile. “I don’t know how you do it, Short Auntie. I thought fighting monsters was rough, but this... Was just another whole new level of exhaustion.”

Sushang flopped onto a chair beside him, arms dangling limply. “My legs feel like jelly... And my arms feel like they’ve lifted a whole army of tofu blocks... I guess this is what it means to serve with heart, huh?”

“If I trained this hard every day, even General Jing Yuan would be surprised…” Yanqing set down the last empty tray with a relieved sigh, wiping sweat from his brow. “But honestly, I’ll take a duel over this any day.”

“You kids really helped me today. I owe you all a meal—on the house, once I’m better.” Short Auntie let out a soft laugh, her voice still weak but warm.

Luocha returned from the kitchen, wiping his hands with a cloth. “Her fever’s stabilized for now, but she’ll need proper rest for the next few days. For the time being, her restaurant will have to close until she gets better.”

“I will work on the rest to process the collaboration with the Merchant Guild.” Mingxi nodded once to agree and turned back to the gray-haired young man. “Caelus, please add Delicacy Pavilion to the logistics plan. This way, the docks can get some new orders soon.”

“On it…,” Caelus groaned tiredly, one hand lazily raised up into the air to gesture for the holographic screen to appear before him. A single yet slow stroke of his finger connected the Delicacy Pavilion store on the grid map to the dock; the screen lit up with a green light, signaling the nearby cycranes to begin their work. “Done….”

Short Auntie gave a gentle chuckle, her eyes soft with gratitude. “Rest for now, all of you. You’ve earned it. Actually... The IPC came looking for me once before, hoping to buy this place. I asked them what they planned to do with it, and they just said they wouldn’t stick a diner here — so I told them that I’d have to think on it.”

The IPC name alone somehow made all of the fatigue vanish into thin air so that their ears could keenly listen to this new piece of information about the corporate grunts’ movements.

The petite woman let out a quiet sigh as she admitted. “Delicacy Pavilion might not be as famous as Spices Supreme, but if I just sold out like that, then nothing would be left at all. And wouldn’t that be a shame? So I thought maybe I could create some new dishes, like Master Yancui, and earn a little fame and fortune for myself.

“But then later on, I figured out that I wanted to cook what I was good at, and I wanted to keep my little diner going... So, Miss Secretary, everyone: I hope you can help me make a name for myself.”

“Hmm, don’t worry, Short Auntie!” The bespectacled woman cheered on with a smile. “I hope we can cooperate again in the future. We’ll definitely make a name for Delicacy Pavilion.”

Short Auntie smiled warmly, her eyes crinkling at the corners despite the weariness still clinging to her features. “Thank you, truly. With all of you helping, I feel like this little place might finally get its chance to shine.”

The group fell into a comfortable silence, letting the exhaustion melt away for a moment as the afternoon light filtered through the windows, casting long, golden beams across the now-quiet diner. The chaos from earlier seemed like a distant storm that had finally passed, leaving only the warm calm of shared effort and camaraderie.

Finally, after escorting Short Auntie back into her room, Luocha approached Mingxi with a grave and concerned expression. “Miss Mingxi, have you looked into the reports that the Alchemy Commissions sent to you about Miss Short Auntie’s condition?”

Mingxi’s warm smile faded slightly as she adjusted her glasses, her expression growing serious. “I have. The initial reports from the Alchemy Commission... Aren’t optimistic even if she is out of danger.”

Her voice dropped, quiet enough that only Luocha and the others nearby could hear. “The ingredients she was trying to use for her new recipe didn’t just cause her to have normal food poisoning or similar symptoms. The Alchemy Commission members found there are traces of residual foreign toxins in her bloodstream. Ones that shouldn’t have been present in the food ingredients she uses.”

Caelus straightened a little despite his exhaustion, his brows furrowing. “Toxins? Are you saying someone poisoned her indirectly through those abundance abominations?”

The Merchant Guild secretary nodded gravely and adjusted her glasses. “It’s not certain yet. The traces are faint, and if the healers didn’t catch them early, they might’ve gone unnoticed. But if you ask me, it doesn’t look accidental.”

She glanced toward the kitchen where Short Auntie rested. “Someone wanted her out of commission when they knew that she might turn down their offer. And if Master Luocha hadn’t tended to her sooner, it could’ve been much worse.”

Sushang’s fists clenched on her lap, energy sparking despite her tired body. “It’s the IPC, isn’t it...?”

Yanqing’s sharp gaze narrowed, and he folded his arms. “The IPC was pushing to buy the Pavilion, weren’t they? And when she refused, what happened then? They had even known she would be inspired by a new recipe to look for ingredients. Sounds too convenient with everything that happened so far.”

Luocha’s expression remained calm, but his voice lowered, steel beneath his usual softness. “The IPC may be many things, but they wouldn’t resort to something this crude without plausible deniability. If they are involved, it’s through hired hands... Or intermediaries covering their tracks.”

“So, they’ve got an insider within the Alley to sabotage the revival?!” The brown-haired Cloud Knight smacked her fist against her palm angrily, though not without reason, as Yanqing expressed a sympathetic look at what she was feeling now.

Mingxi sighed. “I’m already having the Guild’s intelligence network investigate the recent supply shipments. If something was tainted, it had to come from one of the distribution channels... or worse, someone directly targeting her livelihood. Until we found solid evidence, we should keep this quiet. If whoever did this finds out we’re on to them, they might strike again.”

Turning to each of the four people, the bespectacled woman suggested. “For the time being, please continue to work with the other vendors on their problems and convince them to join the cause to save Aurum Alley.”

The group exchanged quiet nods, the weight of responsibility settling once more on their shoulders, despite their exhaustion. No longer was this just about saving a struggling neighborhood—it was about protecting the people who called it home.

And so, even as the quiet hum of the diner lingered in the air, the fight to save Aurum Alley was far from over. They would rise again tomorrow—ready for whatever storm came next.

Notes:

We still got a bit of long way for Aurum Alley arc but I don't intend to drag this out longer than necessary

I will try to update but no promises since I'm also working on my other fic for ZZZ side 😅

But thanks for reading! Comments are appreciated 🥰

Chapter 27: Prescription for Trouble

Summary:

“Shameless?!” Qingque gasped in mock offense, pressing a hand to her chest to clench onto the middle as if having an incoming heart attack. “I’ll have you know that my suffering is real. My condition is the very definition of incurable—”

Bailu, still trying to support the diviner’s weight, pouted at her. “You don’t look sick to me. You’re just heavy!”

Notes:

Another new chapter for Aurum Alley arc, hope you guys enjoy it!

PSA: Did anyone pick that one drink from Sparkle visit in the bar to get a surprise visit from a certain general in the dream? 👀

One hand holding a dumpling bun with a chopstick, the other hand raised with his fingers scrolling on the phone. Caelus hummed as he dropped the dumpling into his mouth, chewing as he spoke at the same time. “We have gotten at least 30% of the vendors to support the Merchant Guild.”

“Really?” Yanqing placed down his cup of tea after drinking to cleanse his palate from the breakfast.

From the report that Mingxi sent to the Trailblazer’s phone, the progress in restoring Aurum Alley has shown a 30% increase over the past few days, as they went to each store to convince the owners to join their cause. It was never a smooth-sailing journey with skepticism and grudges directed at the Merchant Guild, but step by step, progress was being made.

Caelus nodded, swallowing his bite before continuing with a satisfied grin. “Tall Auntie’s word really helped spread to the other food vendors. Once they heard about the improved delivery system and saw it working firsthand, they became more willing to listen.”

He paused to take another bite, speaking around the dumpling. “Though I have to admit, watching you try to explain logistics while avoiding the technical jargon was pretty entertaining.”

Yanqing’s cheeks flushed slightly, a mix of embarrassment and exasperation crossing his features. “I did think that not everyone needs to hear about cycrane routing algorithms and supply chain optimization. They reminded me of the faces when General Jing Yuan is about to fall asleep from one of Lady Fu Xuan’s speeches.”

The gray-haired young man chuckled, covering his mouth with his hand as he swallowed another bite. “Definitely. Though watching you explain delivery schedules while trying not to sound like you’re reading from one of the General’s tactical manuals was its own kind of entertainment.”

“Teacher!” Yanqing protested, nearly choking on his tea as he coughed. “I was trying to be relatable! You should have seen your face when I started talking about ‘optimized cycrane deployment patterns’ to that first vendor.”

“To be fair,” Caelus grinned as he picked up another dumpling with his chopsticks, “the look on Tall Auntie’s face when you used the phrase ‘tactical food distribution’ was priceless. I thought she was going to ask if we were planning to feed an army.”

The young lieutenant groaned, burying his face in his hands. “I spent so much time listening to the General’s strategic briefings that I forgot normal people don’t talk like that. At least Luocha was there to translate the technology into actual business terms.”

“Speaking of which,” The Trailblazer scrolled through another section of the Merchant Guild Secretary’s report and hummed, “A few of the vendors that are keen to join and want us to take a look at them.”

“Which ones?” Yanqing perked up, his earlier embarrassment forgotten.

“Let’s see...” The Trailblazer squinted at the screen, bringing it closer to their view to read out loud. “Longevity Hall. According to the request from Little Tian herself, she wants to enroll in the cycrane delivery system to distribute on-shelf medicines to her customers.”

Yanqing tilted his head, brows rising. “Little Tian? Isn’t she the doctor who runs her own store there?”

Caelus nodded, scrolling further. “That’s her. Mingxi notes that while she is still hesitant about joining the Guild, Short Auntie’s been pushing her to go for it. About how it’ll make medicine deliveries faster, especially for the elderly who can’t walk to the Hall themselves.”

“That’s a really great idea,” The young boy tapped his chin thoughtfully. “If we provide the data from Miss Mingxi on how the reformed system was able to get the goods delivered safely and on time, it could make a huge difference for the Alley. And if people see it working, they’ll trust the system more.”

“Let’s not keep her waiting then,” Caelus picked up the last dumpling on his plate to chew before he stood from his seat. “We should be able to catch her before the first patient comes in.”

=0=

Although the small corner path near Spices Supreme to the left was deserted of people, the warm sunlight of morning summer shone gently in the restful place. The sound of cicadas hummed faintly in the background, mixing with the smell of dried herbs carried from the shop ahead.

Wooden signboards swayed softly in the breeze, one of them etched with the bold characters of Longevity Hall. The painted edges had faded with age, but the orange storefront itself was tidy—pots of green plants lined the entrance, their fragrance mingling with the medicinal aroma wafting from inside.

Caelus slowed his steps, glancing back at Yanqing as he followed behind. “Looks like we made it before the morning rush.”

“Good,” Yanqing murmured, straightening his posture as though bracing himself for another negotiation. “Doctors aren’t exactly known for having free time once patients start filing in—”

“Miss Qingque, you can’t always come to me for a medical certificate. This is a pharmacy. We don’t do diagnosis.” A familiar voice of a brown-haired, tall Vidyahdara woman wearing a long white-green dress uniform chided exasperatedly at her ‘patient’ as though trying to maintain civility against absurdity in front of her.

And the said person of a familiar brown-haired petite woman with pigtails, clasped her hands together in a prayer with her eyes shut as she implored her ‘doctor’ again. “Little Tian, you always gave me a medical certificate before. You can’t just turn off the tap now! I’ve contracted an incurable disease. So, you have to save me. You’re from the Alchemy Commission, right?!”

Little Tian rubbed her forehead and insisted firmly with a now tired voice. “Miss Qingque, you know how the Alchemy Commission is. If you’ve got an incurable disease, go and see them there!”

“The Alchemy Commission can’t diagnose my disease, Little Tian. Can you help me pick out a little ailment that won’t spill the beans for me?”

“Just say that you’re lazy, and you’ll never have to reveal anything.” The Vidyadhara woman scoffed with a quip at her friend’s tantrum, already knowing the reasons for picking out a sickness for her.

Qingque whined, and she stomped on her foot. “If I could use laziness as an excuse on a medical certificate, I would—but you know I can’t!”

“… Isn’t that Miss Qingque…?” Yanqing blinked his eyes twice, as though trying to ascertain he wasn’t seeing things from the summer heat.

Looking over at the commotion, Caelus couldn’t help but grin at the familiar scene unfolding before them. “Yeah, it’s her, alright. And it looks like she’s up to her usual tricks.”

“Should we step in?” Yanqing whispered, glancing between the arguing pair and Caelus.

Before Caelus could respond, the sound of small, hurried footsteps approached from behind them. Both turned to see a familiar small figure with twin-tailed purple braided hair bouncing toward the pharmacy.

“Little Tian!” Bailu called out cheerfully, utterly oblivious to the ongoing drama. “I brought the medical supplies you requested from the Alchemy Commission!”

The young Vidyadhara healer came to a sudden halt as she noticed Qingque still clasping her hands together in front of Little Tian. Bailu’s large green eyes blinked in confusion as she took in the scene.

“Oh! Qingque, what are you doing here?” Bailu asked innocently, tilting her head. “Are you sick?”

The brown-haired diviner’s green eyes immediately lit up with opportunity, and she quickly turned to face the short Vidyadhara High Elder with renewed hope. “Healer Lady! You’re here at the perfect time. Please tell Little Tian that I have a severe condition that requires immediate medical attention!”

“Qingque...” Little Tian warned, her tone growing more stern.

“Is that so?” Bailu asked, genuinely concerned as she approached Qingque. “What symptoms are you experiencing? Fever? Nausea? Unusual fatigue?”

Right before Qingque could reveal her ‘sickness’ for a diagnosis, the taller Vidyadhara woman moved a step forward and reminded. “Miss Qingque, our High Elder doesn’t have the time to help you provide a medical certificate. Also, I’ve got a customer. Hold on a second.”

Turning to where both the Trailblazer and the young lieutenant were, they gave each other a look. And then, Caelus sighed knowingly with resignation at whatever came next when Little Tian’s rather over-the-top excitement greeted them when they approached her. “Well, if it isn’t Caelus, my good brother! And Lieutenant Yanqing, too! I heard that the Guild is trying to port merchants onto the logistics platform... I was actually thinking of signing up, but only on one condition: Can you please help me handle this Qingque lady?”

Darting between Qingque, Bailu, and Little Tian, the gray-haired young man folded his arms. “We got your message from the start...”

“But... These are two separate things,” Yanqing refuted with his stoic professionalism. “Please do not try to mix them up, or else we would get the Merchant Guild in trouble.”

Little Tian pressed her hands together, bowing her head briefly as though asking for patience from the Aeons themselves before looking squarely at the young boy to beg. “Lieutenant, I assure you, ‘Making a deal with the docks’ and ‘getting Miss Qingque to give up her quest for a medical certificate’ are now the same thing!

“If I can’t have a single day without Miss Qingque barging in here with her ‘incurable diseases,’ then how can I possibly manage deliveries and a growing patient list? Please, I’m desperate here.”

Qingque immediately seized the opening and coughed loudly, her body slumped forward dramatically onto Bailu, who squeaked a complaint while struggling to hold her weight. “See? Even Little Tian says my presence is important! My illness must be real if it’s affecting negotiations at this level.”

Yanqing exhaled slowly, pressing two fingers to his temple. “Miss Qingque, faking illness is not only irresponsible, it’s also wasting valuable time for both physicians and patients. If the General were here—”

“Oh no!” The brown-haired diviner cut him off, widening her eyes in feigned horror. “Don’t tell me you’re going to report me directly to the Master Diviner? Lieutenant Yanqing, have mercy! At least let me have a dignified ailment before you destroy my career!”

Watching the escalating absurdity with frustration, Caelus lifted a hand before Yanqing could respond further. “Alright, fine. You just want us to refute Qingque with evidence, right? Do you have it in your store?”

“Yes! Do you mind fetching them for me instead? They should be on my desk near the medicine shelves.” Little Tian straightened instantly, adjusting her sleeves with newfound dignity.

The Trailblazer arched an eyebrow, already sensing that he and Yanqing had somehow been roped into doing errands before even starting negotiations. Yanqing leaned closer to his older friend and muttered under his breath, “Didn’t we come here to discuss deliveries, not play physician’s aide, Teacher?”

“This is turning into more of a battlefield than the actual Merchant Guild meetings.” Caelus fought the urge to sigh once more at this déjà vu sensation hitting him. Still, he gave a curt nod toward the Vidyadhara woman. “Fine. We’ll get them.”

“Thank you both!” Little Tian replied with a broad, almost mischievous smile that belied her otherwise serious tone. “Once you bring me those documents, I’ll prove to this shameless diviner that she’s perfectly healthy!”

“Shameless?!” Qingque gasped in mock offense, pressing a hand to her chest to clench onto the middle as if having an incoming heart attack. “I’ll have you know that my suffering is real. My condition is the very definition of incurable—”

Bailu, still trying to support the diviner’s weight, pouted at her. “You don’t look sick to me. You’re just heavy!”

“I’m not heavy! I’m tragically frail!”

Before the bickering could spiral further, Caelus gave Yanqing a light push toward the shop door. “Come on. Let’s grab whatever she needs before this turns into a full-blown debate about the weight-to-illness ratio.”

The inside of Longevity Hall was as tidy as the outside promised—shelves of carefully arranged jars filled with herbs, dried roots, and powders lined the walls, their earthy scent mixing into a potent perfume of medicine.

“There.” Yanqing headed towards the wooden desk cluttered with scrolls, ledger books, and neatly tied bundles of prescriptions. Among them sat a small lacquered box with the Alchemy Commission’s seal. “This should be the stuff Little Tian wants to show to Miss Qingque. Let’s see, there’s this Pan-Cosmic Quick Diagnosis Booklet… A Celestial Jade Game Record… Copy of Medical Certificates from some of the patients….”

While Yanqing was browsing through the desk, Caelus headed to the shelf that he had noticed tucked half-hidden between the medicine bottles when they entered. A folded paper with contents printed of Collaboration Invitation from the Interastral Peace Corporation.

“This is…?” Questions ran wildly within Caelus’s mind, however, before he could read the details—

“Teacher, did you find something?”

The gray-haired young man put the piece of invitation inside his coat, something to talk about with Little Tian later, after dealing with Qingque’s shenanigans. He turned back to where Yanqing was carrying the materials he had gathered in his arms. “Later. Let’s not keep Little Tian waiting before Qingque decides to fake a deadly terminal illness instead.”

After taking some of the materials from Yanqing’s hold into his, Caelus stepped out together with the young lieutenant to head back to where the other three ladies were waiting.

Back outside, they found the three women in precisely the same positions they had left them in—Qingque still dramatically clinging to Bailu. At the same time, Little Tian stood with her arms crossed, looking increasingly exasperated.

“Here we are!” Yanqing announced, setting down the materials he’d gathered on the ground. “The Pan-Cosmic Quick Diagnosis Booklet, some medical certificates from previous patients, and…”

He paused, glancing at the items uncertainly. “A Celestial Jade game record?”

“That belongs to me,” Little Tian admitted sheepishly as she took the jade device into her keeping. “Miss Qingque and I are game mates. But that’s not why I gave her a medical certificate. Do you have other pieces of evidence I could take a look at to assist you from the side?”

Caelus showed off the other two objects, one booklet and a few copies of paper, that the young blond-haired boy had retrieved from the Vidyadhara woman’s desk. “There’s this ‘Pan-Cosmic Quick Diagnosis Booklet’ and the medical certificates you’ve issued before. Would this do?”

“Hmm...” Picking up the booklet, Little Tian flipped through the pages briefly with a thoughtful expression. “This one’s rather old. Some notes I put together for myself. But with the recent massive influx of Outworlders, I’m seeing outbreaks of all kinds of things that I haven’t seen before.”

She then handed the booklet back to him before taking the stack of medical certificates next. “Even with the pharmaceutical tech of the Alchemy Commission, you still have to find the right cure when treating people... Outworlders can’t just obtain medical prescriptions at will. They need that prescription from the Alchemy Commission. As for the medical certificates...”

Little Tian flipped through each of them, as if to recall the diagnosis she gave to her patient before certifying they were unfit for duty, she answered. “Miss Qingque came to get a medical certificate from me before for ‘Feebleitis.’ I’m actually not sure if it’s a real thing. I just made up the name by looking through a few poetry books.

“But no good deed goes unpunished. The Alchemy Commission suspected I faked my medical qualification and told me to resit my alchemist exams. Well, it won’t happen again. Making up a random name won’t work.”

“You made it up?!” Qingque’s face fell in absolute betrayal, throwing her hands into the air. “Feebleitis sounded so authentic! I trusted you with my suffering, Little Tian!”

“Your suffering? The only one suffering here is me, every time you barge into my shop!” Little Tian snapped the certificates shut with a sharp clap.

Bailu blinked her eyes to look at the two older women between her, her little arms still half-wrapped around the petite diviner’s waist. “… Wait, so Feebleitis isn’t real?”

Caelus flicked through his holographic screen, which displayed the databank information. “Nope. Looks like there’s not even such an illness from past trailblazing records in other planets, or maybe Dan Heng had never even heard of it either.”

“It felt real,” Qingque muttered under her breath, slumping forward dramatically until Bailu nearly toppled over with a loud yelp. “The fatigue, the despair… The hopelessness of being forced to work for another hundred years…!”

“That’s just you playing Celestial Jade until dawn,” Little Tian said flatly, tucking the certificates back into their box and turning towards the two young men. “Anyway, with this, I can finally put a stop to her antics—!”

Before the Vidyadhara woman could declare it was over, Qingque straightened up her body again. This time, her facial expression showed great urgency as she placed her hands together to beg. “But, I really do have a good reason to ditch work! 

“The diviner in charge of scheduling made a mistake, and all the divinations ended up getting delayed. And knowing how angry the master diviner would be, with a swipe of the pen, that diviner tried to frame us with that workload…. According to the current plan, a month’s work now has to be done in half a month. Every diviner at the Divination Commission has fallen victim to this ‘delayed workload’...”

Bailu looked between Qingque and Little Tian with growing understanding, her tail flicking slightly behind her as she chirped out. “Oh! I remember now. Master Diviner Fu Xuan mentioned something about work scheduling issues when she visited the Alchemy Commission last week. She seemed really upset about it.”

“Exactly!” The said diviner seized on the confirmation like a hungry animal latching onto the food presented to her like an opportunity, turning back to Little Tian with renewed desperation. “You see? It’s not just me being lazy! The whole Commission is in chaos because of that scheduling disaster. Everyone’s working double shifts, and the Master Diviner is breathing down our necks like a dragon guarding its hoard!”

Little Tian’s stern expression softened slightly as she processed this information. “So... You’re saying the work overload is legitimate?”

“Completely legitimate!” Qingque nodded vigorously. “How about this: I’ll take a medical certificate, and you play the role of ‘sick leave auditor-diviner.’ C’mon, let’s play it out. If my excuse is watertight, then you’ve no right to stop me. But if my reason is deemed groundless...”

Caelus raised an eyebrow at her pointedly. “Then you can give up on the thought of taking leave.”

“Deal!”

Between the Trailblazer and the brown-haired diviner, Yanqing approached the older man, tipping on his toes slightly to whisper into his ear. “Teacher, are we really doing this…?”

“Little Tian did say to do whatever to convince Qingque to stop coming up with fake sickness, so…” Turning back to the petite woman, Caelus inclined his head a little to signal her. “You can start.”

With a few throat-clearing noises, Qingque straightened her posture with her voice mimicking that of the ever-stern and stoic Fu Xuan, and announced. “Hello there, I’m the custodian, Qingque, from the Divination Commission. I sincerely regret to inform you that I am feeling unwell due to contracting an ‘incurable disease,’ and must request a period of sick leave in which to rest and recuperate.

“My symptoms include hair loss,” The brown-haired diviner showed her non-existent bald spot on the top of her head.

Next, she moved her left arm weakly as though there was a sudden loss of energy. “Headache in my arm—”

Then, finally, Qingque pointed to her flat stomach to declare. “And a swelling liver, all of which severely impacts my daily work duties. To avoid my condition worsening or infecting any other diviners, I should take active treatment measures.

“I am requesting a leave of absence for the next ten days so that I may fully recuperate and return to work duties. I pledge to recover as soon as possible and will do my best to make up for lost progress once I return to work. Thank you for your support, and looking forward to your approval!”

“… Is this how you normally talk…?” Caelus then spoke in a deadpan voice, and his right eye twitched slightly at the acting. Clearly, if he were certified with a medical license, he would diagnose her as lacking in creativity to come up with an excuse!

Qingque exclaimed in horror and retorted. “What, no! This is how I talk when I want to request sick leave. Proficiency in the language is a basic skill for salaried workers.”

Yanqing stared at her flatly, unimpressed even at her self-proclaimed ‘deadly sickness’ she was struck with. “A headache in your arm? That’s not even anatomically possible.”

“It is when you’re spiritually attuned!” The older woman shot back without missing a beat, flipping her black sleeves like she was delivering the final word of a scholarly debate. “Energy channels! Meridian flows! If you knew half the suffering of a diviner, you’d understand.”

Bailu tilted her head, scratching her cheek thoughtfully. “Mmm… But even if meridians were blocked, it wouldn’t cause a headache in your arm. At best, maybe tingling or soreness.”

“You’re not supposed to fact-check me mid-suffering!” Qingque whined, her shoulders sagging dramatically.

“Alright, fine,” The Trailblazer sighed exasperatedly with reluctance, seeing how she was still persistent in her stance, he prodded. “So, what is this ‘incurable disease’ that you needed a medical certificate for?”

“Right, you said this disease is ‘incurable.’ How am I supposed to treat that?” Little Tian’s sharp light green eyes narrowed, her arms crossing tightly over her chest.

The brown-haired diviner blinked at her, lips parting as if she hadn’t thought that far ahead. “… Well, uh… Aren’t I still waiting to get a medical certificate from Little Tian? Let me come up with a random name for my illness—what about ‘No-Game-No-Life Syndrome’?”

“Please do not attempt to come up with the name of the illness on the spot.” The Vidyadhara doctor replied dryly.

With another sigh, Caelus then handed the stack of medical certificates back to Little Tian. “This should help to refute Qingque’s argument, Little Tian. I think you mentioned before that you had given her a fake diagnosis on the last visit.”

Pulling up one of the slips of paper among the stack, Little Tian murmured quietly when she recalled. “This is the medical certificate that was used last time…”

“Yeah, yeah! This one!” Qingque, as she pointed triumphantly, as if it were an imperial decree. “Just change my ailment to ‘No-Game-No-Life Syndrome’ and everything will be fine? I mean, there are all sorts of weird conditions across the cosmos…. You just need to randomly make a disease up. Nobody’s going to check up on that—provided it looks reasonable. That’s how it went down last time.”

The nonchalant and carefree demeanor of the diviner had seemingly triggered something in Little Tian. Her green eyes sharpened, narrowing at Qingque as if the petite diviner had just committed blasphemy in the middle of Longevity Hall.

The stack of certificates in Little Tian’s hands gave a sharp snap when she crushed them up, startling Bailu so much her tail puffed up.

“‘Randomly make a disease up’?” Little Tian repeated slowly, her voice tight with incredulity. “Do you have any idea how serious that sounds? These papers are official records, recognized by the Alchemy Commission.”

Bailu tugged gently at her sleeve, her voice small. “L-Little Tian… Maybe don’t get so worked up. Miss Qingque didn’t really mean any harm…”

But the doctor shook her head firmly, clutching the certificate in one hand. “I’m afraid not, High Elder. This has to stop. Once, it might have been me being too lenient, but if she thinks this is some sort of game—”

Qingque flinched at the sudden rise in tone, her bravado cracking. “W-Wait, I didn’t mean it like that…! I just thought—”

“You ‘thought’?” Little Tian snapped. “If someone were to really cross-check, it wouldn’t just be you getting scolded by Master Diviner Fu Xuan—it would be my license, my credibility, my entire profession on the line! The Alchemy Commission has sent someone after me before to check if the symptoms I listed are recorded in their medical texts! If I gave out certificates like toys, the Commission would collapse into chaos!”

Even Caelus blinked in surprise—he had expected exasperation, maybe a lecture, but not this flash of genuine anger from the usually patient Vidyadhara woman. Though perhaps the pent-up anger that the older Vidyadhara woman had in her veins was on the verge of exploding.

Qingque’s mouth opened and closed like a fish, her usual wit failing her under the intensity of Little Tian’s scolding. She looked to Caelus for rescue, then to Yanqing, then even to Bailu, but all she found were grimaces or awkward silence.

Finally, she wilted, shoulders slumping. “… If that’s so, then I don’t want to get Little Tian in trouble... I’ll have to come up with something else. I’ll go back and have another think about it.”

At that moment, a familiar dark-haired, bespectacled woman walked into the group, looking at each of them, and said. “I didn’t expect to see a debate happening here when Little Tian invited me over to discuss the partnership with the Merchant Guild. As far as the verdict was concerned, you won, right?”

Caelus smiled when Mingxi grinned at him and boasted. “Fu Xuan the diviner will thank me for it, Miss Mingxi.”

Little Tian looked visibly relieved at Mingxi’s arrival, her shoulders relaxing from their tense position. “Miss Secretary! Perfect timing. I had just... Finished dealing with Miss Qingque’s usual requests.”

“Ah, I see,” Mingxi said with a knowing smile, though her tone remained professional. She glanced at the crumpled medical certificates in Little Tian’s hands and the guilty expression on Qingque’s face. “I take it the situation has been resolved?”

“More or less,” The Vidyadhara woman replied, smoothing out her uniform. “Miss Qingque finally understands the consequences of fake medical documentation. Though I suspect she’ll be back with a new scheme before the week is out.”

Qingque winced, scratching the back of her head sheepishly. “Hey, I said I was sorry! And I promise I’ll find a better way to handle my work problems. Maybe next time, I’ll actually try to come up with a more legitimate illness to skip work.”

Mingxi observed the exchange between the two women amusedly before turning to Caelus. “Now then, Caelus, please add Longevity Hall to the logistics plan. This way, the docks can get some new orders soon.”

“Sure,” Turning Caelus flicked open his terminal and began connecting the store to the dock for the cycrane to pick up the goods. “There. That should sync up with the Guild’s distribution schedule by tomorrow.”

As the screen lit up with a green signal, a cycrane immediately responded, swooping down from the artificial sky to hover near the pharmacy entrance. Little Tian watched with genuine amazement as the mechanical bird picked up her packed medicines and flew off to the dock.

“This is remarkable,” She murmured, her earlier anger forgotten in the face of the live demonstration. “The response time is almost instantaneous. How does it know exactly which packages to prioritize?”

Yanqing stepped up with a slight, prideful smile. “The system is based on urgency codes and delivery zones. Medical supplies automatically get priority routing, especially for elderly or mobility-impaired patients.”

“Perfect! This will make such a difference for my regular customers,” Little Tian chirped enthusiastically.

However, it only lasted for a few seconds before the Vidyadhara woman’s expression turned somber. “Actually, before you came, Caelus, Lieutenant Yanqing, I contacted Miss Secretary. Really sorry for not mentioning that to you. Our humble Longevity Hall really doesn’t need any logistics. I just want to express my allegiance, that’s all. I hope you and the Aurum Alley Merchant Guild can kick out those arrogant brutes from the IPC. Really show them who’s the boss around here.”

Both men’s eyes grew wide from surprise, but Caelus then expressed confusion soon after as he took out another slip of paper to show it to Little Tian. “Then… Why did you have this collaboration invitation from the IPC?”

“This is…” Little Tian took the paper with her own shock now, as though she did not expect this to be found and shown before everyone, especially right in front of Mingxi.

“I didn’t mean to snoop around your place, but while we’re looking for evidence, this sticks out like a sore thumb.” The Trailblazer explained calmly.

He watched the Vidyadhara woman’s face, showing a complicated look, hesitating for a moment before deciding to let out a resigned sigh. “… Yes, this is entirely unrelated to Miss Qingque. As you know, IPC has sent invites to all guild merchants in Aurum Alley, wishing to strike deals with all of them.

“The general idea is for me to transfer ownership rights of the store onto someone, and claim a nice fat transfer fee... But the IPC doesn’t understand that having nothing to do is far worse than being poor for a long-lived species, so the merchants haven’t immediately flipped sides.”

“But what made you change your mind to work with the Merchant Guild instead?” Yanqing asked next.

Little Tian paused, her hands still gripping the IPC invitation as she gathered her thoughts. “It wasn’t an easy decision, Lieutenant Yanqing. When the IPC first approached me, their offer was... Tempting. And I was no different from the other vendors who received the invitation.”

She glanced around the group, her expression growing more serious. “They promised immediate financial security—a lump sum payment that would set me up for decades. No more worrying about rent, or struggling to keep the pharmacy stocked with expensive medicines.”

Mingxi nodded thoughtfully, though her expression remained neutral. “That’s consistent with what we’ve heard from other vendors. The IPC knows exactly what people need to hear to sway them over.”

“But that’s just the surface,” The Vidyadhara woman continued, her voice taking on a bitter edge. “When I read through the contract details more carefully, I realized what they were really asking for. They wanted me to convert Longevity Hall into a dispensary for mass-produced pharmaceuticals. No more personalized treatments, traditional remedies, or checkups—just standard IPC medical products.”

Bailu’s eyes widened with horror, and she exclaimed. “But those don’t work the same way for everyone! Different people need different treatments, especially long-life species versus short-life species.”

“Exactly!” Little Tian’s voice grew more animated. “The IPC sees medicine as a one-size-fits-all commodity. They don’t understand that treating a Vidyadhara patient requires different knowledge than treating a foxian, human, or that some conditions can only be addressed with traditional Xianzhou herbs that have been cultivated for centuries.”

Yanqing crossed his arms and narrowed his amber eyes severely. “So you realized that accepting their offer would mean abandoning everything you’ve built here.”

“More than that,” Little Tian said quietly. “It would mean abandoning my patients. Mrs. Chen has been coming to me for forty years for her joint pain treatment. The IPC’s standard anti-inflammatory would barely touch her condition. And young Mr. Liu’s stress-related symptoms respond best to a specific blend of calming herbs that takes weeks to prepare properly.”

Caelus studied the paper in Little Tian’s hands before turning back to her. “But that doesn’t explain why you kept the invitation.”

Little Tian looked down at the cursed item in her hand, her expression conflicted, revealing her inner thoughts as she spoke. “Because... What if the Merchant Guild can’t save Aurum Alley? What if we lose everything anyway? At least with the IPC, I’d have some financial security, even if it means giving up everything I care about.”

The admission hung heavy in the air, and for a moment, nobody spoke.

“Mm… I don’t think the merchant guild will fail, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

Qingque countered with a sheepish grin, scratching the side of her head when everyone turned to look at her. “Do you remember Ruoye? Her divination business outside of our Divination Commission is always average for her tiny shop. I heard the IPC came knocking on her door, and they gave up when she drew out a bad fortune for them.

“They accused her of trying to hurt them, but she stood her ground to call out on trying to hear what they only wanted to listen in their favor.” A confident smile bloomed on the brown-haired diviner’s face, and she went on as she looked at both Caelus and Yanqing. “And I heard from my friends that you guys were going around reminding them of their love for Xianzhou instead of resigning their fates to the IPC. So, if I think everyone here in Aurum Alley remembers why they started their business here, it's because of their passion… I’m sure Aurum Alley will be fine.”

Little Tian’s expression brightened noticeably at Qingque’s unexpected words of support. The tension that had been building throughout their conversation seemed to ease as she looked around at the group with newfound resolve.

“Ruoye really did that?” Little Tian asked, a small smile beginning to form. “She actually drew a bad fortune for them when they pressured her?”

Qingque nodded enthusiastically with a cheerful grin. “Oh yes! And when they accused her of rigging the reading to spite them, she just shrugged and said, ‘The cards don’t lie, and neither do I. If you don’t like what the future holds, perhaps you should reconsider your path.’”

The way that the brown-haired woman mimicked her friend’s exact words with surprising accuracy caused Yanqing to chuckle softly. Bailu clapped her hands together excitedly. “That’s great! It just shows the IPC isn’t as invincible as they pretend to be.”

Mingxi adjusted her glasses thoughtfully. “This is valuable intelligence, Miss Qingque. It suggests that the IPC’s influence isn’t as absolute as we feared. If other vendors are finding the courage to resist their offers…”

“Then there’s still a chance,” Caelus finished with a resolute voice. He looked at Little Tian with renewed determination. “You don’t have to choose between financial security and your patients. We can find a way to save Aurum Alley that preserves what you’ve built here.”

Looking back at the IPC invitation once more, Little Tian’s green eyes, and she slowly but deliberately tore it in half first, then repeated the process until it was torn into bits of paper.

She turned back to where Mingxi, Caelus, and Yanqing were, with her expression now no longer lost, but resolute in the decision she had come to terms with. “You’re right. Mrs. Chen and Mr. Liu trust me not just because of my medicines, but also because I understand their individual needs. The IPC could never replace that personal touch.

“Miss Secretary, I want to formally commit to the Merchant Guild. Not just for logistics support, but as a full partner in saving Aurum Alley. And Miss Qingque…” The Vidyadhara woman turned to the diviner with a small smile, “Thank you for reminding me what we’re really fighting for.”

Qingque beamed, looking genuinely pleased for the first time since they’d arrived. “Well, if you want to repay the favor, just help me come up with a legitimate medical certificate next time. Besides, if Aurum Alley thrives, maybe I’ll finally have a legitimate excuse to visit during work hours—for official Divination Commission business, of course. “​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

“If you have managed to convince Fu Xuan first,” Caelus threw a snark at her with a teasing grin, making the shorter woman roll her eyes at him.

The brown-haired diviner spun on her feet slightly and raised her hand to wave goodbye. “I’ll get going then, Little Tian. You keep working at it. You can do it. And afterward, let’s play a few hands of celestial jade.”

“Cool, cool, I’ll see you at the games table.” Little Tian waved back with a genuine smile. As Qingque walked away with noticeably lighter steps than when she’d arrived, the remaining group watched her go with a mixture of amusement and relief.

“Well,” Mingxi adjusted her glasses once more, “That was certainly more eventful than I expected when I came to discuss logistics partnerships.”

Yanqing chuckled, shaking his head. “At least it ended well. Though I have to admit, watching Miss Qingque try to convince everyone she had a ‘swelling liver’ was… Memorable.”

“She means well,” Bailu snorted charitably, her tail swishing gently. “That’s just… Creative in her problem-solving approaches.”

Caelus glanced around the now-peaceful Longevity Hall, noting how the earlier tension had dissipated entirely. Little Tian was already busying herself with organizing her medicine shelves, humming quietly as she worked. The torn pieces of the IPC invitation lay forgotten on the counter. “Another merchant secured. That makes what, about a third of the vendors now?”

“More than that, actually,” Mingxi replied, pulling out a small compact terminal and looking at her data. “Word is spreading faster than we anticipated. Several other shop owners have reached out after hearing about our successes with Tall Auntie and the others. It seems that seeing real results is far more convincing than any sales pitch.”

The blond-haired boy straightened with renewed energy. “Then we should keep the momentum going. Where to next?!”

The Merchant Guild Secretary put away her terminal with a satisfied smile. “Apparently, a few stores in Central Starskiff Haven are interested in the new ordering system. If we can bring them on board, their reputation alone will influence the remaining undecided vendors.

With the afternoon sun casting longer shadows across Aurum Alley, the group stepped back into the bustling marketplace. The sounds of vendors calling out their wares and customers haggling over prices filled the air.

Behind them, through the window of Longevity Hall, Little Tian could be seen carefully preparing a special herbal blend for one of her long-time patients; her movements were confident, passionate, and purposeful. The IPC invitation was nowhere to be seen, swept away with the day’s other forgotten troubles.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Notes:

Probably by the time you've finished reading this chapter, it's quite a canon divergence of the actual event story flow from the game. Originally, this Longevity Hall merchant event is right after that debate with the IPC Skott.

But i decided to bring it forward to expand a bit more of the character interaction, particularly Qingque and Bailu for this case. And also more general friendship banter among the group outside of the romance trouble for now. Though that is definitely not forgotten since this whole fic started was because of 1.3 main plot shit-fest that I wrote this

So hope you guys had enjoyed reading, and comments are appreciated 🥰