The next morning.
"Speaking of which, what did you do yesterday, Stelle?" Aleph asked as he stretched.
"Oh, right." March looked at Stelle with curiosity. "Yesterday morning I took Aleph with me, then later we met up with Dan Heng. We didn't see you again until those weirdos showed up and Aleph put on his little puppet show."
Stelle tilted her head and stared at them with a blank expression.
… Somehow, Aleph and March felt like they'd done something wrong.
"Traitors. You went and had fun without me." She said. The tone of her voice only made the guilt weigh heavier on both of them.
"…Although it wasn't exactly fun." March muttered as she rubbed her temple, remembering everything that had happened with her memories and the Divination Matrix.
Ugh.
Stelle finally sighed.
"Well, a lot happened." She said and went to grab a bag. "First off, I got these."
Aleph's eyes widened so much that March thought they might pop out.
What Stelle pulled out was a coat with soft, fluffy cat ears and two raccoon pajamas. Judging by the sizes, one was clearly for her, and the other for someone else.
*Gulp.
Aleph couldn't help but swallow at the glorious sight.
"Where'd you buy that?" March asked, nodding. It did look really cute.
"In the Aurum Alley." Stelle replied with a satisfied smile as she sat down on Aleph's lap. "I was bored, so I went for a walk around the Exalting Sanctum and ended up there. Oh, and I also met a girl who claimed to be a friend of Dan Heng's. I think her name was Sushang."
Dan Heng, who had been quietly sipping tea nearby, choked a little.
"I think I left some files I forgot to check…" he said, abandoning his cup and walking off.
"What's got into him?" March asked as she watched him leave, until a lightbulb practically lit up above her head.
Maybe she was the friend Dan Heng had met up with?
This needed further investigation.
"Anyway. Back to my story." Stelle clapped her hands with a pout to bring back their attention.
She was telling them what she did—why did they have to pay attention to Dan Heng instead?
"Basically, I saved a bunch of shops, accidentally humiliated some idiot—I think his name was Snop… Snoopy? Snot? Whatever, I forgot. Oh, and I guess I'm his archenemy now. At least that's what he screamed while running away all embarrassed. Also, some guy named Xiaohan was really insistent on taking me out to dinner for some reason. I turned him down, of course, because that would've meant missing Aleph's cooking."
"Oh." Aleph nodded calmly, while March took a slight step away from him.
Aleph's expression hadn't changed at all, and the air around him felt completely normal.
So why did it suddenly feel like the temperature had dropped several degrees?
...
Stelle went on with her tale.
"Later on, I had tea with a friend I made while walking around—Mr. Xiyan. While we were talking, we came up with an idea… One that proves my genius as a businesswoman!" Stelle puffed up her chest with pride. Her bright eyes locked onto Aleph, almost as if she were expecting something.
Aleph gave her a few pats on the head.
"What idea?"
"Well, see, some time ago I decided I wanted to be a writer…"
"Ah!" March clapped her hands together in realization. "Now that you mention it, I think I heard something about a new novel that got so popular they turned it into a stage play, and I even heard the Corporation might adapt it into a movie. I think it was called Estella the Mystic Bat. You and Mr. Xiyan made that? Did you base it on our Trailblazing adventures? I think I heard something in there about Harijo-VII or October 8th…"
Stelle shook her head quickly.
"Any resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidental. Besides, how could it be based on our travels? The names aren't even similar—I mean, she's called Estella and I'm Stelle. Not the same. Not even close."
March squinted at her suspiciously for a few seconds. A bead of sweat slid down Stelle's temple, but her face remained completely neutral.
"Hmm… I guess that makes sense. Probably just a weird coincidence. After all, that October 8th girl's nothing like me. Pfft, from what I heard, she's the kind of airhead who barely knows how to use her brain." March chuckled.
For some reason, Stelle looked away, visibly guilty.
That wasn't her fault! It was Xiyan's!
*******
Aleph paced back and forth in circles, hands on his head.
[Weren't you feeling really confident yesterday, Master?]
"I was arrogant, Burroughs—arrogant! Now how the hell am I supposed to convince them to go to Jarillo-VI?!"
[You should've thought it through more carefully.]
Aleph suddenly stopped and crossed his arms, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"What if...?"
His eyes lit up as a new idea sparked in his mind.
[What sort of plan just popped into your head?]
"What if I knock them all out and hijack the Astral Express? Once we're on Jarillo-VI, they won't have any choice but to join in the festivities."
[...Please refrain from such plans, Master.]
"You're no fun."
Finally, with a defeated sigh, Aleph flopped onto a nearby couch.
He soon lifted his head when he felt a familiar weight settle on his lap.
"Oh hey, Stelle."
For some reason, this kind of contact between them was becoming increasingly common.
To the point that he couldn't help but wonder why.
"I'm bored. Wanna go for a walk with me?" She asked, lying across his body.
"Alright."
Damn it, March.
Why did she have to teach Stelle the puppy eyes?
Stelle stretched her arms, sat on him for a moment longer, then slowly got up.
Aleph stood as well. Truth be told, he wasn't in the mood to move—but if Stelle asked him in that tone... well, who could say no?
[And your plan to convince them to go to Jarillo-VI, Master?]
"...I'll think about it on the way."
....
And that's how they ended up in Aurum Alley.
The place was still just as colorful, though noticeably livelier than the day before. The stalls were better arranged, some had fresh paint on their roofs or new signs hung up. There was even background music and a pleasant aroma of spices wafting through the air.
"Oh! Stelle!" Called a familiar voice.
A young woman with a sword on her back, chestnut hair, and lively eyes ran over to them.
"Huh...? Is that you, Sushang?" Stelle raised her hand in greeting.
"Yep! So good to see you again! Oh, and you must be..." She looked at Aleph, tilting her head a little. "Big brother? Boyfriend? Or something?"
Aleph raised an eyebrow, intrigued. She seemed like a perfectly normal, even likable girl.
What was it about her that made Dan Heng act so weird?
"I'm Aleph Avesta. Stelle's babysitter, part-time Trailblazer... and." He said, bowing theatrically. As Stelle and Sushang watched, he created an ice top hat and pulled a tiny ice bunny out of it. "A magician by calling!"
Sushang clapped with sparkling eyes.
Stelle elbowed him in protest, pouting—she wasn't March, she didn't need a babysitter.
[Also a demon summoner and a full-time idiot, but we won't put that on your business card.]
"Thanks, Burroughs." He muttered sarcastically in his mind.
Sushang suddenly widened her eyes, as if something important had just occurred to her.
"Oh right! Mingxi wanted to see you! And since Aleph's here too, you can go together." She began guiding them. "After what happened yesterday with that IPC guy, things are moving faster. Seems like the Corporation's prepping another eviction attempt... but we have no clue how yet."
Aleph yawned and cracked his knuckles.
"Classic corporate move—if you can't win fair and square, just pretend the rules are in your favor."
"And what do you need?" Stelle asked, grabbing a candied chestnut from one of the stalls and offering it to Aleph.
Paid with Aleph's credits, naturally.
"Mingxi's trying to organize a visibility campaign for the Alley. They want to make it more touristy, more visited, so public opinion will protect it before the Corporation makes their move."
"Visibility campaign?" Aleph tilted his head curiously.
"Yeah… cultural events, promotions, performances, raffles... they're even considering bringing in public figures for live shows. You know, flashy stuff."
[Is this our moment to shine, Master?]
"No... You know I've got stage fright."
Sushang looked genuinely enthusiastic.
"Which is why you two are perfect. Astral Express travelers, heroes who defeated Phantylia the Undying! Famous, mysterious, and stylish! No one'll be able to ignore you!"
"And what if I say no?"
"Then Stelle says yes, and you end up looking like the mean guy who left her alone to do all the work." Sushang said with a shameless grin as she puffed out her chest.
Aleph sighed.
"Why do I always end up dragged into this kind of mess?"
[Because no one else wants to do it, and you're too much of an idiot to say no.]
**************
The sun was shining high over Aurum Alley, lighting up every awning, sign, and food stall.
Aleph walked calmly, carrying a bag with a few things Stelle and Sushang had asked him to help move.
After thinking it over, he had finally decided to do his part and donate some of his funds to contribute. So, he left the credits he'd earned from Qingsu and the missions he completed for her in Stelle's hands, while he took care of deliveries until the robo-cranes were ready.
He was convinced he could trust Stelle with his funds.
What's the worst that could happen?
...
Error.
Grave error.
[Master, an alert has just been triggered on your main account. A rather large transaction.]
Aleph stopped in his tracks.
"...What?"
[Three hundred and thirty thousand credits. Transferred from your account to the Aurum Alley Recovery Committee.]
Aleph's legs trembled like those of a newborn deer. Only pure willpower kept him from collapsing to his knees.
He slowly turned toward Stelle, who at that moment was laughing with Sushang as they greeted shopkeepers, completely carefree.
"Hey, Aleph!" She called cheerfully. "I helped pay part of the debt! Now they can stay longer!"
Aleph swayed.
He tried to breathe slowly to keep it together.
But in the end, he couldn't.
"My credits! My bat! My beautiful, glorious custom bat! I… I thought I'd finally be able to retire the old ice bat and have a companion of my own." His voice was pure tragedy.
"So dramatic. It was just a few credits," Stelle murmured, not seeing the issue.
March and Dan Heng spent way more on clothes, makeup, and cleaning products.
So it had to be a small amount, right?
Sushang clapped her hands.
"Don't be discouraged, Aleph! Lots of people offered to throw you a little feast as a thank-you for your generosity."
Aleph jumped up off the ground with shining eyes.
"330K credits? A man with my talents can make that any day of the week. Let's go get that feast!"
And just like that, a delighted Aleph trotted off through Aurum Alley.
Sushang leaned toward Stelle.
"Should we tell him he went the wrong way?"
"Nah, he'll figure it out."
....
But sadly, every good moment is destined to be short-lived.
"You there!"
The arrogant voice snapped them back to reality.
Striding in with his head held high came Skott.
He adjusted his sunglasses with one hand, the grin on his face possessing a supernatural ability to provoke the urge to punch it.
...At least, that's how Aleph felt.
"You thought you could stop me, but no! I'm back! And this time, with undeniable backup!"
"...Snoopy." Stelle muttered, tilting her head. "You again?"
"It's Skott, and you'd do well to remember it!" He snarled, glaring at the girl who had once made him bark like a dog. "I've got official documents, environmental reports, structural risk assessments, expired permits. All of this proves Aurum Alley is a hazard to the public. Eviction will be immediate, and naturally, everything will fall into corporate hands."
Sushang stepped forward.
"That's a lie! A lot of those reports are forged!"
"Huh? And may I ask what proof you have to support such a claim? Without any validation, that's nothing but malicious defamation!" Skott burst out laughing, mocking her.
Mr. Huo emerged from the crowd with a recorder in hand and a calm smile.
"Kid, I think you ought to reconsider a few things," he said before pressing play.
> 'Hey Skott, if I use my sword to draw a mustache and a pig tail on the Grand Master's statue, would that be considered vandalism or urban art?'
"..." Skott fell silent, trembling with rage. The man behind him took a step back, looking embarrassed.
Aleph put a hand to his forehead.
"Was that a threat?"
"No. Just a preview." Stelle replied, pulling a black marker out of her pocket.
.....
By the time they were done, Skott could only scream in outrage while Stelle turned him into a human graffiti piece.
Move? How was he supposed to do that with the ice shackles Aleph had stuck him with?
"That's it! I'm sick of you all! My honor, my career… ruined by a bunch of travelers, shady merchants, and a girl who can't tell fiction from reality!"
...
At that moment, a tall guy with black hair and a calm smile approached.
"Oh, Stelle. What a coincidence, I was just thinking of you. Did you know I have access to one of the finest restaurants in Luofu? Maybe you'd like to join me for an exclusive dinner… just the two of us, far from all the noise and nosy eyes."
Aleph looked at him. Xiaohan didn't acknowledge him at all.
[Master…]
"..."
"Thanks, Xiaohan." Stelle replied calmly. "But I'm sure Aleph's cooking is better. Right, Aleph?"
Aleph let out a "Hmph" and smiled as he stepped in front of Stelle, blocking Xiaohan's view.
"Yup."
Xiaohan frowned but said nothing.
Skott looked like he was about to lose his mind.
"Fine, ignore me then! But you won't stop progress! I'm shutting this Alley down, and if you're still in it—so be it!"
********
"Aleph, Stelle. Could you help Mr. Du?" Mingxi asked while struggling to carry what was practically a mountain of orders.
Aleph tilted his head.
"Something wrong with his stall?"
"He's experimenting with new versions of the Blazeburn Tea." She explained, trying to keep her glasses from slipping. "He wants to adapt the recipe for a broader audience. But he needs unbiased tasters."
"And he picked us?" Aleph asked, pointing at himself and Stelle.
"Yes. He said having the heroes of the Luofu try it could make for good publicity."
...
Moments later, both were seated across from Mr. Du, who ceremoniously placed three different cups in front of them.
"First variation. I toned down the strength of the flavor a bit, but added a few ingredients to preserve the essence."
Aleph took a sip.
And immediately launched like a rocket, sprinting across Aurum Alley in search of a water source.
"I'M BURNING!!!" He shouted in a raspy voice while frantically scanning for a fountain.
Stelle wasn't so lucky.
She took a gulp, gave Mr. Du a shaky thumbs-up while mumbling "it has character," and then passed out with a blank expression.
...
After rehydrating and reviving, they moved on to the second cup.
"This one's not as spicy, right?" Aleph asked cautiously, eyeing the bubbling red liquid in his cup.
"No, I just modified the recipe a little and made it sweeter." Mr. Du looked at them expectantly.
They exchanged glances and nodded with determination before downing the entire contents in one go.
"Why are General Jing Yuan and Dan Heng wearing wrestling outfits and suplexing Phantylia?!" Stelle cried, her eyes sparkling as she staggered.
"Does March's hair taste like cotton candy?" Aleph mumbled with a soft giggle, using Stelle to stay upright. "If I let Dan Heng bite me, will I turn into a dragon, or will he turn into me?"
"Amazing, I've never thought about that." Stelle whispered while wrapping her arms around Aleph. "You're such a wise, talking magic raccoon."
...
An hour and many glasses of water later, only one cup remained.
They eyed it with suspicion. Aleph sniffed it. Stelle pulled out a coin and flipped it into the air.
"If it lands heads, we drink together." She said.
Heads.
…They both stared at the coin with blank faces.
With a resigned sigh, they took the final cup in one gulp.
The flavor was bold, yet balanced. A smoky note, lingering sweetness, no burn. Warmth without aggression.
"…This is amazing." They said in unison.
Mr. Du nodded, satisfied.
"Then the third recipe will be the one I use from now on. Thank you for your help."
...
An hour later, with all the work done, Aleph and Stelle finally got a moment to rest, sitting with Sushang in front of a candied fruit stall.
Their peace was quickly interrupted by a lively voice.
"Shang-shaaang~! I thought I'd find you here!"
A young woman with orange hair tied in a low ponytail approached with a spring in her step, her red dress swaying with each movement.
"Little Gui!" Sushang greeted her with a big smile. "It's so good to see you!"
"And I'm thrilled to find you too!" The newcomer looked at Aleph and Stelle. "And these are…?"
"This is Aleph and that's Stelle. They've been helping out with the restoration of Aurum Alley." Sushang explained.
"Ooh! Pleasure, pleasure!" Guinaifen gave a small bow. "I'm Guinevere, but you can call me Guinaifen like Shangshang does. I'm a street performer, streamer, and… amateur reporter of paranormal happenings!"
"Paranormal?" Aleph asked, intrigued.
Guinaifen nodded and puffed out her chest proudly—though she quickly leaned in and lowered her voice.
"There are rumors. Ghosts. Sightings in the Tranquility Garden. And this time, it's not just bored merchant stories. The Ten Lords Commission has started moving around the area." She smiled and looked at them. "Shangshang and I were planning to check it out tonight. Want to come along?"
Aleph looked at Stelle. She looked right back.
Finally, they both nodded at the same time.
"Perfect! Then get ready for a night full of mystery, potential frights, and the chance to be in my next livestream!" Guinaifen said with a wink.
[Master.]
"Yeah?"
[Why do I have the feeling this night won't end in peace and quiet?]
"Burroughs, you're being paranoid. What could possibly go wrong?"
"Aleph, Stelle. Are you here?" Dan Heng's voice soon rang out.
It didn't take long for him to show up.
"Himeko asked me to let you know that the meeting to decide the Astral Express's next destination will start soon, and you should—"
His words were abruptly cut off by an enthusiastic shout.
"Dan Heng!"
Sushang smiled and waved her arms, bouncing with joy as she greeted him.
Aleph and Stelle tilted their heads in confusion, watching as Dan Heng visibly backed away with every step Sushang took toward him—
—until he finally turned and fled the scene.
Sushang returned shortly after, pouting with her arms crossed as she sat next to Guinaifen, grumbling.
"Hmph… First he leaves without saying goodbye, then he ignores my messages, and now he runs when I try to say hi." She kicked her feet in frustration. "So mean! Little Gui, are you sure this is just shyness?"
Guinaifen nodded with complete seriousness.
"Absolutely."
Once again, Aleph and Stelle exchanged confused glances before simply shrugging, saying goodbye to Sushang and Guinaifen, and heading back to the Astral Express.
***********
The light had just begun to slip past the horizon, tinting the rooftops of the Aurum Alley stalls with warm hues. Aleph and Stelle, having split off from Sushang and Guinaifen, were walking back toward the Express.
"Think there'll be any cookies left?" Aleph asked, adjusting his coat.
"If March 7th got there first, then no."
"..." He'd be lying if he said he was surprised.
"...Yeah, that was my first thought too."
The two of them boarded the main car in silence.
Welt, Himeko, Dan Heng, March 7th, and Pom-Pom were already seated. Aleph noticed how Stelle sat down without saying a word, but with her back perfectly straight and the face of someone who absolutely had not spent 330K credits without permission.
She'd get what was coming to her—eventually.
"Alright. Since we're all here, it's time to discuss the Astral Express's next destination."
Aleph took a deep breath. Time to speak up.
"About our next stop..."
Everyone looked at him.
Aleph swallowed.
"Well, uh… we received a formal invitation from Bronya." He began.
[You've taken the first step. Don't ruin it now, Master.]
Mentally cursing Burroughs, Aleph pushed on.
"It's to attend the Calisol Festival. I figured it might be a good chance for us to rest a little after everything we've been through here in the Luofu."
Dan Heng stared at him silently, arms crossed, before speaking.
"I don't have a strong opinion either way. Whether we go or don't, I'll adapt."
Welt tilted his head, studying him closely.
"…'Rest and relaxation,' huh? I suppose that would be fine. Besides, I'd like to explore the place a bit. Didn't really get the chance last time we were there."
Despite his words, Welt gave Aleph a knowing smile, as if he'd picked up on something deeper behind them.
Aleph wasn't sure why, but he felt a sudden wave of embarrassment.
What was happening…?
"I know it might seem like a waste of time… but it's a good chance to relax. Be with the people there. Reconnect with those we helped. And…"
He scratched the back of his neck, and when he spoke again, his voice came out much softer than he intended.
"…And, well. I… I really miss Jarillo-VI."
[May I ask why you feel such a strong urge to return, Master?]
"Technically speaking… I could consider Jarillo-VI my home. I mean, I was created and thrown there literally a second later. After learning that, and after everything that happened there—doesn't it make sense to grow attached? Everyone wants a place to return to. I don't like digging into it much, but even if I have memories spanning years… I've only really been alive for a few months, y'know?"
[I see.]
Himeko smiled softly, pulling Aleph out of his mental conversation with Burroughs.
"You don't need to justify it, Aleph."
He looked at her, surprised.
"Huh?"
"I understand what that place means to you. Besides…" She crossed her legs with elegant ease. "We can't depart for Penacony just yet."
"We can't?"
"I received a report a few hours ago." Welt cut in. "The Family informed us that the Carismonia Festival has been delayed. Some troublemakers and a few 'stowaways' have been causing disturbances."
"Which gives us more than enough room to swing by Jarillo-VI" Himeko finished, clearly amused by the dumbfounded look on Aleph's face.
March 7th raised a hand.
"I'm in! I wanna see Seele, Bronya, and Serval again! And Belobog's weather makes me look even cuter—especially now with my new scarf and winter outfit!"
Pom-Pom whipped out a list and started jotting down souvenir ideas.
Aleph blinked.
"...Does that mean I won?"
"It means there was no need to convince anyone." Said Himeko, giving him a playful wink.
Aleph lowered his head, muttering under his breath.
"…I was gonna make a whole presentation. Stats, tourism projections, even a mini economic report on Belobog…"
"You did that in your free time?" March 7th stared at him, stunned.
"I was desperate and out of ideas!" Aleph shouted, backing up with his face flushed red—he looked like a cat whose tail had just been stepped on.
Welt and Himeko laughed, and Aleph could only bury his face in his hands to hide how red it had gotten.
...
An hour later, with everything settled, Aleph, Stelle, Sushang, Guinaifen, and March 7th—who had joined after Stelle invited her—were gathered at the dock near Aurum Alley, where a Starskiff awaited them.
"Ready?" Guinaifen asked, tightening her coat and securing her camera.
"Absolutely." Stelle replied, boarding quickly.
Aleph, holding a flashlight and a ghost-repelling charm courtesy of Sushang (which was just lavender incense with a sticker on it), climbed into the Starskiff.
"How did I even end up agreeing to this?" He couldn't help but wonder.
[Same reason you ended up 330K credits poorer and with half of Aurum Alley chanting your name.]
"...Because I'm awesome?"
[No. Because you're an idiot.]
The Starskiff set off, heading toward the Garden of Tranquility.