"The first Guardian commanded the Silvermane Guards here, securing a fleeting moment of respite at the cost of immense sacrifice."
"But the Legion from beyond this world was tireless. She quickly realized that mortal flesh could never stand against such a terrifying foe."
"In near despair… she turned her gaze to the [Stellaron Core], making the first wish."
On the path to Everwinter Ridge, Cocolia recounted the past to Bronya.
"So… the Eternal Freeze was a calamity born from humanity's wish…"
Cocolia gave a cold laugh. "Ironic, isn't it? The Stellaron Core merely granted humanity's desire, yet for centuries we've shunned its existence."
"They even dared to use [it] to suppress the Stellaron Core… Pathetic. Laughable." Seeing Bronya's confusion, Cocolia patiently explained:
"A device crafted with technology not of this world… The [Company] and the builders of old foolishly thought it could contain the Stellaron Core."
"I know you have many questions, daughter. Be patient… Soon, you'll have all the answers."
"That's not true! Mother… Did you know, last night in the lower district, a head of the Church came—"
"Bronya, what have you experienced these past few days in the lower district? Your precious [Eternity], THEY won't come to save us."
Over these few days, Cocolia had proven that slandering [Eternity] wouldn't save Belobog—it had even cost her daughter.
A sudden daze hit her, and Cocolia halted, clutching her forehead.
"Mother… Are you alright…?"
Cocolia endured the throbbing pain. This [Eternity] had some weight—mentioning it triggered a headache.
"No need to worry. Keep moving."
…
Not long after, Adrian and the others appeared directly via the [Gate of Myriad Paths].
"Teleportation is so convenient. Thanks, great Teacher Adrian." March 7th stretched lazily. With Freesna having cleared the Voidrangers, walking wouldn't have been an issue either.
Hm…
"Wait, why am I praising Teacher Adrian, and Priestess Sister looks so thrilled?"
March 7th stared at Freesna's beaming face, lost in thought.
"Ahem… Praising Adrian is akin to praising [Eternity]. I'm deeply pleased."
"Huh?" March 7th shook her head, unable to fathom the mind of an Emanator of [Eternity].
The Church's head was already absurd enough. Forget him using Sampo as a weapon—throwing a bomb at his own chest mid-fight was enough to make March 7th's jaw drop.
By comparison, Adrian was practically a beacon of pure, holy light.
March 7th began confessing to Adrian, asking [Eternity] to forgive her ignorance and praising Ite.
Feeling something was missing, she decided praying empty-handed wouldn't do. So, she pulled out her portable soap-scented item.
"Don't look at me like that! Isn't this a Church prayer item?"
"Hahaha… Well done! Facing a great battle yet staying true to [Eternity]—your spirit has my approval!" Freesna approached March 7th, patting her shoulder.
"Hehe~ It's probably useless, but a last-minute prayer might bring some luck!" March 7th closed her eyes to pray.
"There's something like that? Count me in!"
Stelle joined in, beginning her own prayer to [Eternity].
"Sometimes… I feel you're not a qualified Emanator of [Eternity]."
Dan Heng rarely snarked, but a seed of doubt took root in his mind. No way he'd join in such pointless prayers.
"Agreed."
"Haha…"
Adrian laughed it off. After the prayer session ended, everyone's gazes shifted to the final stone steps ahead.
"There's only one path left. Wherever it leads, it must be the end of this journey."
"I don't want to reach the end so soon… I hope my journey never ends." Even at the moment of the final battle, March 7th stayed optimistic.
"In other words… Bronya, and the fate of the upper and lower districts, lies ahead… in our hands."
"Strange. I thought I'd be scared or nervous… but I'm not. All I feel now… is that this isn't real."
"Always talking about Bronya… That unyielding spirit of [Eternity] makes you a perfect candidate for the Church of Eternity!"
Freesna's eyes blazed with fervor. Himeko was the ideal recruit for the Church.
"No way."
Having witnessed Head Blake's outrageous antics, Himeko knew joining might boost her strength… but she'd never bow to such absurdity!
Freesna read her thoughts, her emerald eyes glinting. "Hm… What if Bronya joined with you?"
"Pfft!"
Adrian, sipping his milk tea, nearly choked.
He was curious—where had Freesna been all these years? She used to rely on brute force… Now she was using tactics?
Heh, she's grown.
Himeko was clearly stumped, thinking hard before answering:
"Well… It's not impossible… Wait, you almost threw me off! Where were we?"
Himeko had seen the Church of Eternity's recruitment tactics—terrifying. If it were the pure and kind Bronya, she might actually join.
Clearly, Bronya was number one in Himeko's heart.
"Hmph… [Eternity] keeps its word." Having decided to recruit both Himeko and Bronya, Freesna was determined to make it happen.
"As for how, hehe~ Ouch!"
Before she could finish, Adrian landed a heavy fist on her head.
"Don't be a riddle-talker."
"Ugh…"
Stelle echoed Himeko's earlier words: "Back to the topic—you said it all feels unreal."
"Then… shall we return to the starting point and do it all over again?"
Adrian's suggestion was met with four vetoes, excluding Freesna.
"No way! That's like getting to a critical moment in a game and suddenly crashing—it's awful!"
"Resting at the starting point… sounds kinda nice…"
Stelle, as if possessed by IX, suddenly turned pessimistic and defeatist.
"Hey, don't say such gloomy stuff now!"
"The Express travels through world after world. We're just passersby, witnesses to a story."
"We always avoid getting swept into the tides that decide a world's fate… but sometimes, we can't help it."
March 7th picked up Dan Heng's thread: "In other words, Stelle… your first [Trailblaze] journey has been insanely lucky!"
"I knew it. The Express crew isn't watching me…" Adrian grew sentimental.
"Ah! Sorry, Teacher Adrian, I forgot about you!" March 7th slid into an apology.
"I was about to say some pointless, discouraging words, but never mind. Adventuring with you all makes even the biggest challenges feel surmountable." Himeko's lips curved upward.
"Exactly! A joyful adventure doesn't need so many rules."
"Helping those in need, making trustworthy allies, and saving a few worlds along the way…"
"That's the spirit of [Trailblaze]!"
"[Eternity] transcends all rules!"
"Huh?"