"An eruption on a world along the Star Rail... Could it be a situation similar to the Luofu?" Welt asked, his brow furrowed. If not, it would mean a Stellaron had landed there on its own. But... which planet could be so unlucky?
"The specific cause is still unknown. The intelligence Asta gave me didn't clarify that point. Even the Corporation is completely in the dark right now," Himeko said, shaking her head helplessly.
"The place where the incident occurred is Punklorde. It's known as a hacker's paradise, and many famous hackers in the universe come from there. Stelle should be familiar with it, considering you've crossed paths with that little girl from the Stellaron Hunters."
Himeko turned to look at Stelle. Stelle had specifically mentioned this in a previous Trailblaze report. Because it involved two members of the Genius Society and a Stellaron Hunter, the memory was quite vivid for Himeko.
"Yeah, I fought Silver Wolf... but, it seems I was just bait," Stelle said, scratching her head with an embarrassed laugh.
"Using Aether Editing to edit reality is the standard practice for hackers on Punklorde. Of course, not all of them do that," Himeko nodded.
"So, why did Asta contact us? The Corporation should be quite capable of handling Stellarons, right?" March 7th asked, looking at Himeko with a puzzled expression.
"Er... based on my deductions, it's possible the Corporation itself doesn't understand the current situation. Furthermore, the Astral Express has a deep friendship with Asta, and the Corporation's upper echelons are likely aware of this..."
Himeko's expression also became a bit awkward. Although she shouldn't think this way, now that little March had brought it up, and considering the Corporation's usual way of doing things, everything seemed to fall into place...
"In other words, the Corporation just wants to use us as free labor," Tingyun stated, wearing a look that said, "I knew it."
"This little lady was once in charge of receiving envoys at the Sky-Faring Commission and often traveled with the merchant fleets. I am very clear on the methods of those people from the Corporation."
"That's right. But as [Nameless] who walk the Path of [Trailblaze], it is our duty to reconnect the Star Rail. In addition, the Corporation has promised to open some shortcuts for the Astral Express, with Asta's credibility as a guarantee. We definitely won't be on the losing end of this Trailblazing journey," Himeko said to the group with a satisfied nod and a smile.
The Corporation wanted to reduce its expenses and thus sought out the Astral Express. But to think they could treat the Express like a lamb to be fleeced... they could dream on.
However, the terms the Corporation offered were very generous. From this, it was clear they were truly at their wits' end.
"I have another question. Why doesn't the Corporation just go to Punklorde directly?" Stelle raised her hand again. Her obedient appearance earned a very satisfied nod from Wende, who was sitting on the other side. See, how polite my kid is!
Wende was deeply moved. He was also trying to remove the cold little hand that was about to touch his thigh, but he found that his strength was no match for this bad woman's. Forcibly removing it would require using his Yin-Yang energy...
Forget it. Let her touch it. In this situation, it's not like I'm the one losing out.
"I'll answer that," Welt said, pushing up his glasses as he stood.
"The coordinate data on the Corporation's star charts are all based on data left by a former Nameless of the Astral Express, Oswald Schneider. But times have changed, and many things are different now. If the Corporation wanted to travel to a Stellaron-affected Punklorde using outdated data, they would likely have to pay a very heavy price."
"So that's why the Corporation called us? The cost is the main factor?" March couldn't help but roast them.
"There's also the cost of personnel and transport," Dan Heng quietly added from the side.
"Hiss... It's been so long since I've heard you make a sarcastic comment, I'm almost not used to it," March said, giving Dan Heng a complicated look.
Dan Heng: (Turns his head away.)
"Dan Heng is right. Personnel and transport are also major factors. But most critically, the Astral Express, as a creation of an [Aeon], possesses inherent advantages that the Corporation cannot match. And the most crucial point is that the Express holds the original, most accurate coordinates for the previous journey to Punklorde," Welt added for clarity.
"So, in short, we have to deal with the Corporation again?" March said gloomily.
"It seems so. They will dispatch a specialist to assist us in our [Trailblazing] of Punklorde. But don't worry, the Corporation's people will only complete their own tasks and won't do anything extra," Himeko reassured March.
"Alright..."
"Now then, regarding the upcoming journey to Punklorde, does anyone have a different opinion?"
Himeko scanned the group in the train car, her tone even.
"Me, me, me! On Punklorde, is the food normal?" March raised her little hand again.
"Er... yes, it's normal."
"Great! Then I have no objections!"
Slap...
Wende placed a hand on his forehead, looking completely helpless. It seemed the last trip to Belobog had truly traumatized little March.
"Hehe, why do I get the feeling that little sister March doesn't want to face something like mung bean milk again?" Tingyun covered her mouth and chuckled, her golden eyes full of reminiscence as she looked at March.
"Huh? Of course not! It's just mung bean milk... Okay, fine, I really can't handle it."
Little March, who had been about to act tough, saw the look on Tingyun's face and was suddenly reminded of the great embarrassment she had suffered when she first arrived on the Xianzhou. Her defiant posture instantly deflated like a popped balloon, and she slumped onto Stelle.
"..."
Dan Heng unconsciously scooted away from March.
Watching the group's interaction, Himeko felt a bit helpless, but the meeting had to continue.
"Since no one has any objections, we will head to Punklorde after things on the Xianzhou are wrapped up."
"Why not go directly? Isn't the situation on Punklorde very dangerous?" Stelle asked again.
"Aiya! You dummy! The Stellaron's influence on the Star Rail hasn't completely dissipated yet! It's risky for the train to depart now!"
March, who was draped over Stelle, turned around and pinched Stelle's soft cheek in a lecturing manner.
"Ow..."
Watching March and Stelle start messing around again, Himeko's mood, which had been soured by the Corporation's business, brightened considerably.
"Then, this train meeting is now adjourned. You are all dismissed."