「 "The coordinates are right here—you all decide. Though our pursuits differ vastly, the orbits of Stars will eventually intersect. Farewell."
Kafka's projection vanished on the spot. As for the coordinates, Silver Wolf would transmit them later.
"March, fetch Dan Heng."
Himeko ordered with a grave expression.
Welt frowned beside her.
"How could the mighty Xianzhou Alliance be breached by a single Stellaron?"
"Is the Xianzhou Alliance that powerful?"
Stelle asked curiously.
"Something's amiss. The Xianzhou Alliance is one of the few factions that draws power directly from an Aeon. They follow Lan 『 Hunt 』, with the mission to eradicate the Aeon of 『 Abundance 』—their strength far surpasses that of the now-departed Akivili's 『 Trailblaze 』."
Welt nodded without hesitation.
"Among the Aeon's, Lan isn't particularly powerful—the Path of 『 Hunt 』 is relatively narrow in concept… But unlike most Aeon's, Lan pays great attention to mortals, bestowing power upon the Xianzhou Alliance almost unreservedly."
"So, I doubt a Stellaron would be any trouble in an Aeon's eyes…"
Welt murmured pensively,
"Either the Stellaron Hunters are lying, or… the Luofu harbors an even greater threat…" 」
「 .....」
~ Genshin Impact World ~
"To grant power unreservedly to mortals… That almost confirms the Xianzhou generals are all Emanators of the 『 Hunt 』."
Mavuika speculated.
"But judging from General Jing Yuan's performance, while Emanators are powerful, they aren't unkillable—at least when facing his master, Jingliu, she once overpowered him in swordsmanship."
"True, just like the seat of the Pyro Archon."
Mavuika gazed at her clenched fist.
"As long as you possess sufficient strength, anyone can claim the title of Pyro Archon. Yet even as an Archon, one remains mortal, bound by life and death—just as Jing Yuan couldn't escape mara-struck in the end."
Chasca narrowed her eyes in thought.
"Perhaps there's another possibility—each general excels in different fields?"
"For instance, some specialize in strategy, like Jing Yuan; others might excel in combat or possess unique abilities…"
"That's plausible."
Mavuika nodded.
"But I believe the Aeon's blessing isn't for specific individuals but for the title of 'general'—in other words, whoever holds the position becomes an Emanator."
—
「 After a while, noticing March 7th and Dan Heng hadn't returned, Stelle decided to check the rear carriage.
When she arrived, March and Dan Heng were deep in conversation.
"Huh? Why are you here, too? I've already explained everything to Dan Heng. Remember—we're all voting 'no' later! I refuse to follow that woman's orders!"
The moment March spotted Stelle, she huffily made their stance clear in advance.
Even the usually calm Dan Heng seemed uncharacteristically hesitant, his eyes tinged with conflict.
"To think something like this would happen so suddenly. Another Xianzhou ship might be fine, but the Luofu… I can't go."
"I'm forbidden from setting foot on the Luofu… 'Where governance reaches, my steps shall not tread.' " Speaking of the past, sorrow flickered faintly in Dan Heng's eyes. 」
「 .....」
~ Akame Ga Kill World ~
"Hmm… Banned from entry. Seems Dan Heng's past is quite extraordinary."
Najenda remarked with a chuckle.
"Must've done something earthshaking on the Luofu, no?"
"Eh? Boss, how'd you guess that?"
Mine looked up curiously.
"Simple, Mine. Think about it—without NIGHT RAID's fake identities, could you freely come and go in the capital?"
"Of course not. We're already wanted criminals."
"Exactly. We committed what they view as 'cardinal sins,' hence the warrants. Similarly, Dan Heng likely committed a grave offense on the Luofu, leading to his exile and eternal banishment."
Najenda paused before adding,
"And you must've noticed—Dan Heng's spear skills are exceptional, surpassing even Akame's… His combat experience and maturity far exceed his apparent age. My guess? He's a native of the Luofu—a long-life species."
"So Dan Heng just looks like a teenager."
Mine scrutinized the projection of Dan Heng—that flawlessly youthful face showed no trace of time's passage.
She swallowed enviously.
"In reality, he's old enough to be my great-great-great-great-grandpa?"
"Poor phrasing, Mine."
Najenda smiled faintly.
"'Mature' fits better."
—
「 After rallying for unanimous 'no' votes, March returned to the main carriage with the others.
"Are you alright, Dan Heng? Did March fill you in?"
Himeko asked gently.
"Yes, I'm fine. I understand the situation."
Himeko: "Good. Then, regarding this special matter, let's vote on our course of action."
The five nodded and quickly made their decisions.
Dan Heng voted against. Stelle, her mind swirling with Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing? I forgot to raise her hand—effectively another 'no.'
Meanwhile, Himeko, Welt, and March 7th all voted in favor.
"Three to two. Majority rules—the Express will set course for the Xianzhou!"
"Didn't you say you'd vote 'no'?"
Stelle gaped at March in disbelief.
"Uh… On second thought, if that woman wasn't lying, skipping the Xianzhou would mean countless innocents suffer…"
March scratched her head sheepishly.
"This isn't the time for whims… Hehe." 」
「 .....」
~ Genshin Impact World ~
"Eh—Dan Heng's not going this time? Then his unresolved trauma won't be addressed?"
Yumemizuki Mizuki looked crestfallen.
"He's banned from entering the nation—let's not push him."
Yae Miko smiled faintly.
"Though Dan Heng isn't joining, Mr. Welt is leading the team this time… He strikes me as quite reliable."
"You're just curious about that blackhole-generating weapon of his, aren't you?"
Ei remarked flatly between sips of dango milk.
"Oh? Aren't you, Ei?"
Miko's smirk deepened.
"From what we've seen, Mr. Yang hasn't displayed extraordinary personal power—his greatest asset appears to be that weapon. Freely creating black holes… Not even gods can do that, can they?"
Ei didn't disagree, nodding silently.
"So, I'm curious about Mr. Yang's true capabilities. This Xianzhou trip is far more perilous than Belobog… Surely it'll give us a clearer measure of him, no?"
—