The moment everyone heard Kafka's voice, obedience became mandatory.
In unison, the crowd put on their VR devices, which were now connected to their phones, ready to play the video.
Just then, Kafka's voice echoed through the broadcast:
"Shall we play a game? A game of refusing Kafka. If you can keep refusing me until the end, you'll receive a mysterious gift. If you can't hold out… then thank you for choosing to help Kafka! Shall we begin?"
The announcement sent waves of murmurs through the crowd.
"What does she mean by 'refusing Kafka'?"
"It means refusing to help her."
"I don't get it—why would we refuse? And what's this about a special reward? Using VR gear for this feels like we've got too much time on our hands."
"No idea. Feels like there's more to it, something I can't handle."
"Whatever, let's keep going! Start!"
"…"
Everything was set. The game began.
Soon after, Caelus received Kafka's plea for help via text. Instead of rushing over immediately, he first sought advice from his two "guardians" aboard the Express.
Caelus showed Kafka's message to Himeko.
After a glance, Himeko lowered her head in thought. "Is that so?… She's still on the Xianzhou."
"What do you think I should do?"
"Me? I'd suggest you go. Even if you don't want anything more to do with her, it's best to settle things face-to-face… Judging by this message, she might genuinely need your help."
"As a member of the Astral Express, I'd prefer not to associate with the Stellaron Hunters. But… she shares a deep bond with you. Based on past experiences, at the very least, she means you no harm."
"If it were me—if I were in dire straits and reached out to someone, I'd want them to come. So, follow your heart. I don't think Kafka would hurt you."
Caelus nodded silently after hearing Himeko's words.
Next, he approached Welt Yang and showed him the same message.
Welt crossed his arms. "Kafka and Blade are still on the Xianzhou? The general all but openly let them go, but that was then. If I recall correctly, the Xianzhou only revoked Kafka's warrant. Blade remains a fugitive."
"What do you think I should do?"
"Honestly, I can't figure out the Stellaron Hunters—especially that woman. But my gut tells me she wouldn't harm you. If she's really in trouble, it's better to see her."
[These two guardians are so reassuring.]
[They really empathize with him. The Express crew is such a warm family.]
[I'm genuinely envious of such a nurturing environment—it's so crucial for personal growth.]
[Hurry up, bro! Kafka's waiting! Get moving!]
[Yeah, she even sent a pic. Not going would be inhuman!]
——
The next scene showed Caelus arriving near the coordinates. At a glance—
This was the Divination Commission?
Hiding right under their noses?
So the safest place was the most dangerous one?
Caelus moved cautiously, avoiding all Cloud Knights. In a secluded corner, he finally spotted Kafka.
A brief shot revealed Blade sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed.
"Kafka mentioned he's struggling with Mara," Caelus noted silently.
Then he turned to Kafka. From this moment, the perspective shifted to first-person.
Kafka smiled warmly. Though the audience knew it was directed at Caelus, the VR immersion made everyone feel as if she were smiling at them.
Kafka spoke:
"If you had eyes like Elio's, the world wouldn't look the way it does now. Countless possibilities overlap, each representing the consequences of different choices. And at every moment, infinite choices converge into a single point—the present, the past…"
"Was this your choice? To accept my request and come to my aid?"
When Kafka appeared, the perspective reverted to the familiar first-person view. This time, however, she wasn't disheveled—instead, she wore colored contacts and light makeup.
A prompt appeared on-screen:
[Nod to agree. Shake your head to refuse.]
[Nod/Shake head?]
At first, the crowd hesitated. But Kafka herself had promised a reward for refusal. So, in that moment—
Nearly everyone shook their heads.
"No. I came to refuse you."
"Oh?" Kafka's lips quivered almost imperceptibly. "Really? You'd refuse me?"
Seeing her expression up close, everyone finally understood why VR was used—every subtle detail of Kafka's face was crystal clear.
She paused, then continued:
"If you wanted to refuse me… why are you here right now?"
The audience shook their heads again.
"Because I came to say 'no' to your face."
Kafka froze for a few seconds—this was far from the demeanor she usually displayed.
"Such a possibility might exist… but would you make that choice, Caelus?"
"If you walk away now, everything that follows will have nothing to do with you. My hopes and needs for you… will vanish."
Kafka seemed composed, yet her words carried an undercurrent of sorrow.
Many in the audience wavered. The emotional weight was unbearable.
Still, some gritted their teeth and shook their heads again.
"I just don't like you."
"I see…" Kafka's voice faltered. She forced a smile, masking her sadness.
"Very well. Then keep that choice, Caelus. Will you stay… for me?"
——
"WAAAAH!!!" Half the audience burst into tears.
"I can't take it anymore! Her expression is too heartbreaking!"