“Hehe, no need to thank us, Uncle Yang! Everyone gets something!”
…
Phainon then produced a beautifully wrapped coffee box from behind his back.
“Himeko, we got you some instant coffee.”
Seeing the coffee, Himeko eagerly took it.
“Thank you so much. I’ll go brew some right now for everyone to try.”
Feeling the slightly accusatory glances from Welt and Dan Heng, March became a little flustered.
“It’s pre-mixed instant coffee, so it should be fine, right?” Even she sounded uncertain under their stares.
“Last but not least, Dan Heng’s gift!” Stelle pulled out the buzzing keychain.
“We got you this keychain. Make sure to keep it with you!”
“Uh… thanks.” Staring at the tiny buzzing trinket in his hand, a flicker of resignation crossed Dan Heng’s usually stoic face, though beneath it lay a barely perceptible warmth.
“Haha, just kidding!” Of course, they hadn’t only bought him that.
Stelle produced a USB drive from behind her back.
“There’s some data on remote planets and factions in here. You can add it to the train’s Data Bank.”
Accepting the USB drive, Dan Heng felt a surge of gratitude for having such companions.
“Everyone, enjoying yourselves?” Himeko’s voice came through, a tray of six steaming cups in her hands.
“Come try the coffee March and the others brought back. I didn’t add anything this time!”
Clearly, Himeko was well aware of the devastating effect her coffee had on the crew.
With the train about to warp, every member’s health was important.
As for her improved recipe, that could wait until they had more time.
Taking a careful sip, the rich aroma of coffee filled Himeko’s mouth, lifting her spirits.
“This is truly excellent coffee!” Himeko smiled with satisfaction.
“Alright, time for business. Now that the space station matter is settled—just some simple cleanup left—it’s time we headed to our next destination.”
She paused for effect.
“Don’t keep us in suspense, Sister Himeko!” March 7th pouted.
“We’re really curious where we’re going next.”
“Alright, little March.” Himeko smiled and patted her head.
“Our next stop is Jarilo-VI.”
“Jarilo-VI?
What kind of place is that?” March 7th turned to Dan Heng, the train’s “guardian.” Get faster updates on novelping.com.
“According to the Data Bank, Jarilo-VI was a tourist planet covered in lush vegetation, with pleasant scenery. Of course, with several thousand years having passed, I can’t say for sure what it’s like now.”
“Really? Then this Trailblaze trip should be a breeze!” March 7th beamed.
“I declare! I’m going to have a great time on Jarilo-VI!”
“Maybe don’t set yourself up like that,” Stelle said, giving her a deadpan stare.
“Hehe, what did you say?” A dangerous glint flickered in March’s eyes.
“My jinx can’t possibly work every single time, right, Stelle?”
Feeling the pressure closing in, Stelle pressed herself against Phainon.
“March, Sister March, Mother March, Grandma March! Oww, I’m sorry!”
Watching the two frolic, everyone shared a laugh.
Just then, the conductor’s voice came through the speakers.
“Attention, all Nameless passengers. Please take your seats. The train is about to warp. Especially you, Passenger March 7th!”
“Hehe, I was just testing my limits.” Caught red-handed, March 7th laughed awkwardly and turned to Phainon and Stelle, who were already seated.
“Oh right, this is your very first Trailblaze. Are you twice as excited?”
“Of course! I’m ready to make a name for myself as the Galactic Baseballer across the entire universe!” Stelle declared, hands on her hips.
“Jarilo-VI…” Phainon stared out at the starry sky beyond the window, a flicker of doubt in his eyes.
Ever since the system had granted him tremendous power, he had grown increasingly uncertain about his future.
The burdens on his shoulders kept mounting, and he wasn’t sure if he was prepared to carry them all.
Sensing his shift in mood, March 7th stood up, sat down on his other side, and gave his arm a light punch.
“Hey! Don’t be like Uncle Yang, always worrying about things that haven’t even happened yet.”
Hearing this, Welt, who had been sipping his coffee, choked and coughed.
“Ahem, ahem.”
“Hehe.” Glancing at him, March continued, “We’re young! We should be full of energy! Come on, let’s do a relaxation exercise with me!”
Without waiting for Phainon to agree, March enthusiastically continued.
“Step one: Pinch the source of your anxiety.”
“Uh, how am I supposed to pinch that…” Phainon didn’t even finish before Stelle shouted from the side.
“I’ve got it!”
“Really?” March turned to look at her.
“Step two: Focus all your anxiety into that one point you’re pinching.”
“Wow, you’re a natural. Most people struggle to get that far.” March was genuinely impressed.
“Step three: Pull hard, then throw all that anxiety away!”
“Thrown away!”
“You’re a genius! I’ve never even managed that myself. How do you feel now? Lighter?”
“Haha, I really am a genius!”
“What about you, Phainon? Feeling better?”
Sensing her concern, Phainon’s resolve gradually solidified.
“Much better. Thanks, partner!”
“Alright, everyone take your seats! The train is about to warp!” Pom-Pom had arrived in the parlor car.
“Find a seat quickly. Don’t be like Passenger March 7th, running around the train.”
“I’ll go make the final preparations before the warp.” With that, the conductor waddled back to the cab.
Watching him leave, March 7th stood up from the sofa and, to Phainon’s surprise, said, “Phainon, want to challenge me at not falling over during the warp?”
“Ask Stelle. I’ll pass.”
“I’m in!” Stelle stood up alongside March.
“Let me show you what the Galactic Baseballer can do!”
“Attention, attention,” Pom-Pom’s voice came through again.
“Please return to your seats. The warp is about to begin.”
“3… 2… 1.”
A wave of dizziness swept over them, accompanied by two “Oof!” sounds.
The train had arrived at its destination.
Jarilo-VI.
Before them lay a white planet, completely encased in ice and snow.
Himeko stared at the “snowball” in mild shock.
“Several thousand years have passed, and Jarilo has become like this?”
“Wait, what happened to it?” March 7th snapped a photo with her camera, visibly disappointed.
“Looks like my vacation plans are ruined.”
“Indeed. It seems this Trailblaze won’t be easy either.”