["Things unfolded exactly as Mr. Yang predicted. The Divination Commission detected faint mechanical noise in the background of Kafka's communication. After consulting craftsmen from the Artisanship Commission, it was confirmed that Kafka is currently located at Stargazer Navalia."]
["Mr. Yang believes a tough battle may be imminent and decides to rest and recuperate first, conserving energy to wait for the right moment."]
["By the way, Stelle, let's send a message to the Express to reassure everyone. Especially Dan Heng—hehe, ask him what he's up to, then tell him how much fun we're having here!" March 7th couldn't wait to brag.]
[Stelle immediately sent Dan Heng two messages, but both failed to deliver for some unknown reason.]
…
[Not long before, aboard the Astral Express.]
[Dan Heng stood by the window, gazing worriedly at the scenery of the Luofu outside.]
["You've been standing here dazed for half an hour. It's rare to see you so troubled." Himeko approached to comfort him. "Worried about those two kids' safety? With Mr. Yang there, you can relax a little."]
["…" After a moment of silence, Dan Heng spoke. "Himeko, you saved the Stellaron Hunters' remote communication logs, right? Can I see them?"]
["Of course." Himeko nodded and pulled up the previous transmission.]
[As the recording played from the beginning, Dan Heng watched silently—until the moment Blade appeared. His entire body tensed abruptly, and he exclaimed, "Stop!"]
["You know him?" A hint of unease rose in Himeko's heart.]
["The Xianzhou is in danger…! This man—if he's on the Xianzhou, then everyone—Mr. Yang, March 7th, and Stelle—they'll all be in danger!" Dan Heng's composure shattered, a rare display of agitation.]
At this moment, in the Great Tomb of Nazarick.
"To force Dan Heng into such a state… Blade's strength must be truly exceptional."
"The shattered sword in Dan Heng's memories must be Blade's weapon. From this, it seems Blade is also a human swordsman—and his skill is likely on par with Dan Heng's… no, perhaps even stronger."
Though Ainz lacked lungs, he still took a deep breath and exhaled.
…He could sense it. The opportunity he had been waiting for had finally arrived.
After dismissing Sebas, he summoned Cocytus alone. The Guardian now knelt respectfully on one knee, only daring to raise his head upon receiving his master's permission.
"How goes the Lizardman governance experiment? …Cocytus."
"Proceeding smoothly, Ainz-sama." Cocytus visibly tensed.
"Is that so…"
Ainz had largely ignored the experiment since subjugating the Lizardmen. But after witnessing Jingliu's breathtaking swordsmanship in the Celestial Screen, he couldn't help but wonder—could any human possibly replicate her techniques?
The thought lasted only a few seconds before dissipating like a bubble in his mind.
Swordsmanship talent varied greatly. Without her personal guidance, attempting to replicate her techniques based solely on a recording was pure delusion. Not only would humans fail, but even Cocytus might struggle.
Had Jingliu still been alive, there might have been a chance. But she had been utterly annihilated by Jing Yuan's Divine Favor, her peerless swordsmanship vanishing with her.
Yet Blade still lived.
From Dan Heng's reaction, it was clear that Blade, as a swordsman, was not only alive but immensely powerful—giving Ainz the chance to study and replicate his techniques.
"Cocytus, you are to record Blade's martial techniques, master them… and then teach them to the Lizardmen."
"Ah, Ainz-sama…" Cocytus seemed hesitant, his words trailing off.
"If you have something to say, speak freely, Cocytus."
"I…" He had no intention of opposing the Supreme One's decree. In fact, he would sooner give his life than commit such insolence. But faced with reality, the words slipped out unbidden.
Cold sweat instantly condensed into icy beads on his silver-white carapace, rolling to the floor.
"…This subordinate merely believes that fully mastering their swordsmanship may require considerable time."
Cocytus had no doubts about his own martial talent, but he also had no illusions about the complexity of Xianzhou swordsmanship—especially after witnessing Jingliu's techniques.
"No matter. Proceed at your own pace, Cocytus." His master's voice was gentle, almost soothing.
"Additionally, when instructing the Lizardmen, teach them only a single technique—the simplest one in the sword style."
"I wish to see how much a single, meticulously honed technique can elevate their overall strength. Once ready, we shall test it against my undead legion."
——
["He's connected to what you… tried to escape from, isn't he?" Himeko saw through Dan Heng's turmoil at once. He was deeply unsettled.]
["Yes." Dan Heng nodded heavily. "But I… can't ignore him. I fear… my burdens have finally caught up, dragging everyone else into this."]
["Who doesn't carry burdens? Even March, who remembers nothing, shoulders heavy things of her own." Himeko reassured him.]
["Don't overthink it, Dan Heng. By protocol, the Express docks for seven standard days. During that time, passengers are free to do as they please. Do what you must—better than regretting inaction later."]
[Himeko's words steeled Dan Heng's resolve, helping him finally make a decision.]
[As he turned to leave, Himeko suddenly added, "By the way, once this is over, you'll keep traveling with the Express crew, right?"]
[Dan Heng didn't answer, but his nod was solemn and unwavering.]
"Why do I have such a terrible premonition…?"
In the Court of Fontaine, Navia stared at Dan Heng with visible distress, as if foreseeing some tragic outcome. Tears welled in her eyes: "Not that… anything like that, please!"
"Calm down, Navia. You're not imagining some Inazuman light novel trope, are you?"
Clorinde lightly chopped the girl's forehead with a hand, her expression deadpan. "Like… 'the fiancé who promises to return after the war,' or 'Don't worry, it'll be fine,' that sort of thing…"
"Indeed." Furina elegantly sipped her tea, tilting her head in thought. "What was that line from the light novel I read before? Ah, I remember now…"
"Navia, don't underestimate the bonds of the Express crew!"