long nasu 6

A small smile touched Durga's lips, her pale skin luminous against her crimson robes, yellow pupils gleaming at the centers of her fierce crimson eyes. "The Nine Stars existed before the separation of cosmic layers," she explained. "In what you might call the primordial era, before realities crystallized into distinct frameworks, the Nine Stars were fundamental principles that transcended all eventual divisions."

"Are you saying my cultivation system predates the multiverse itself?" Long Chen asked, intrigued despite the pressing need to continue their mission.

"Not precisely," Durga clarified. "Rather, aspects of it echo across multiple cosmic frameworks because they draw upon principles so fundamental that they exist in similar forms across various realities. As Goddess of Righteous War, I recognize such patterns wherever they manifest."

"As fascinating as primordial cosmic theory is," Quetzalcoatl interjected, "we have mechanical gods to overthrow and a Fantasy Tree to destroy. Philosophy can wait until after we've saved reality, yes?"

Long Chen nodded, though he filed away Durga's insights for later consideration. "You're right. We need to rendezvous with the others."

As they moved through the damaged Olympian cityscape toward the eastern sector, Long Chen noticed automated repair systems already activating—mechanical drones and energy fields beginning to reconstruct the devastation caused by their battle. The Machine Gods' perfect system refused to tolerate disorder even temporarily.

"Disgusting, isn't it?" Quetzalcoatl commented, noting his observation. "Even destruction isn't allowed to exist naturally here. Everything must conform to their perfect vision—no matter how sterile and empty."

"Perfect stability is merely death disguised as eternity," Durga added, her weapons still orbiting her form as they navigated through increasingly contested territory. "Without destruction and renewal, existence stagnates into meaninglessness."

They encountered sporadic resistance as they advanced—primarily automated defense systems and lower-tier mechanical units that provided little challenge to beings of their caliber. Long Chen dispatched these obstacles efficiently, conserving his cultivation energy for more significant confrontations ahead.

As they neared the designated rendezvous point, a massive explosion rocked the area. From the smoke emerged a familiar figure—Artoria, her armor scorched but intact, Rhongomyniad blazing with divine light in her grasp. She battled a mechanical entity that resembled a colossal bronze bull, its form radiating both divine authority and technological precision.

"Talos," Quetzalcoatl identified. "One of Hephaestus's elite guardian constructs."

Without hesitation, Long Chen leaped into the fray. The bull construct had Artoria momentarily pinned down, its massive form generating some sort of suppression field that seemed to be restricting her divine authority. As he approached, the mechanical guardian detected his presence and swiveled one massive head in his direction, analytical sensors assessing this new threat.

"Another intruder," it announced in a voice of grinding metal. "Anomalous energy signature detected. Priority target acquired."

"Priority target?" Long Chen repeated, a dangerous smile spreading across his face. "I'm flattered. But I should warn you—I've crushed arrogant beasts far more impressive than oversized clockwork cattle."

The construct responded by opening its mouth and unleashing a beam of concentrated divine energy directly at Long Chen. Rather than evade, he met the attack head-on, channeling energy through Evilmoon to counter the beam.

But this time, he called upon a different aspect of his power.

"Huo Linger," he commanded, activating the connection to his elemental companion.

From within his cultivation base emerged a manifestation of violet fire—not merely physical flame but primordial fire essence given form. It coalesced around Evilmoon, transforming the black saber into a blazing weapon of destruction that burned with heat capable of melting divine metal.

When the violet flames met Talos's energy beam, they didn't merely block the attack—they consumed it, devouring the divine power and growing stronger in the process. The mechanical bull's sensors registered this unexpected development, causing it to cease its beam attack and reassess its approach.

"Fire absorption capabilities detected," it announced. "Adjusting tactical parameters."

"Oh, I'm just getting started," Long Chen declared, twirling Evilmoon as violet flames danced along its length. "Let me introduce you to a friend of mine. Lei Linger!"

Alongside the violet fire emerged a second elemental manifestation—crackling lightning that contained the essence of heavenly tribulation itself. Not the mathematical precision of Zeus's mechanical lightning, but true chaos energy that existed specifically to test and temper those who sought to transcend their limitations.

The lightning intertwined with the violet flames, creating a devastating combination that surrounded Long Chen in a storm of destructive energy. His eyes gleamed with barely contained power as he faced the mechanical guardian.

"Dual-element manipulation detected," Talos observed, backing up slightly as its threat assessment algorithms processed this new development. "Recalibrating defensive protocols."

"You talk too much for a glorified farm animal," Long Chen remarked, his casual mockery belying the immense power gathering around him. "I've always believed actions speak louder than words."

With that, he launched himself at the mechanical bull, Evilmoon's edge now wreathed in violet flames and heavenly lightning simultaneously. The combined elements created a cutting edge that existed on multiple planes of reality—physical, spiritual, and conceptual all at once.

Talos attempted to counter with its own divine-technological weaponry, bronze hooves striking the ground to generate shockwaves of disruptive energy. Long Chen simply leaped over the attack, his Dragon God Body granting him agility that defied conventional physics.

"Split the Heavens – Fourth Form: Mountain Range Collapse!"

The attack manifested as a crescent wave of concentrated star energy, now amplified by violet fire and heavenly lightning. When it struck Talos, the effect was catastrophic. The mechanical guardian's divine-infused bronze armor, designed to withstand conventional divine attacks, offered minimal resistance against Long Chen's cultivation-based assault.

The bull construct staggered backward, a massive gash torn through its side where molecular bonds had been severed at both physical and conceptual levels. Golden ichor mixed with mechanical fluids poured from the wound as internal systems struggled to maintain operational integrity.

"Structural compromise at sixty-three percent," it announced, voice distorting as systems failed. "Initiating emergency protocols."

Before Talos could enact whatever contingency it had planned, Artoria seized the opportunity Long Chen had created. With a powerful thrust, she drove Rhongomyniad directly into the wound he had opened, her lance's divine light penetrating deep into the construct's core systems.

"This ends your service," she declared with regal finality. "Return to component elements."

Divine light erupted from within Talos, spilling out through every seam and junction in its mechanical body. With a sound like a thousand gears grinding to a halt, the massive bull collapsed, its divine-mechanical essence unraveling under the combined assault.

As the construct fell, Artoria turned to Long Chen with newfound respect in her eyes. "Impressive elemental manipulation," she acknowledged. "Your violet fire bypassed divine resistances that my lance struggled against."

"Huo Linger has that effect on arrogant gods and their toys," Long Chen replied with a slight smile, the violet flames receding back into his cultivation base. "Fire that burns away pretension suits my temperament."

"Indeed it does," came a familiar voice as Arcueid emerged from a nearby structure, looking surprisingly unscathed despite the battle raging around them. Her golden eyes widened slightly at the sight of Durga, clearly recognizing the goddess's significance. "You've added another deity to our little rebellion, I see."

"Durga, Goddess of Righteous War," Quetzalcoatl introduced cheerfully. "She showed up just in time to help us give Zeus a proper thrashing! He and Hera had to retreat for repairs."

"You damaged Zeus?" Artoria asked sharply, genuine surprise breaking through her composed exterior.

"Long Chen's cultivation proved unusually effective against divine machinery," Durga explained, inclining her head respectfully to Arcueid and Artoria. "The Nine Stars operate outside Zeus's experience, allowing us to sever his connection to the Fantasy Tree by approximately forty-seven percent."

"Which means we have a limited window before he reconstitutes himself," Arcueid noted. "We should move quickly. The way to Cronus Crown is temporarily unguarded while Zeus undergoes repairs."

Long Chen surveyed the group—four immensely powerful women, each representing different cosmic principles, all now looking to him for tactical input. The situation might have intimidated a lesser man, but he had never been one to shy away from leadership when circumstances demanded it.

"What's our status?" he asked Artoria and Arcueid directly. "Did your infiltration achieve its objectives?"

"Partially," Artoria replied. "We disabled the primary security grid and created the diversion needed for Ritsuka's team to approach from the southern sector. They should be nearing the outer perimeter of Cronus Crown by now."

"But we encountered unexpected resistance," Arcueid added. "Demeter has activated her agricultural defense systems. Mechanical plant constructs are emerging throughout the city, targeting any non-Olympian presence."

As if summoned by her words, the ground beneath them trembled. From between pristine white paving stones erupted metallic vines and roots—perfect mechanical simulations of organic growth, but moving with unnatural precision and purpose. Within seconds, the immediate area was transformed into a mechanical jungle that pulsed with hostile intent.

"Speak of the devil," Quetzalcoatl muttered as the mechanical plants began to converge around them, forming a living barrier that cut off potential escape routes.

Long Chen assessed the situation quickly. Unlike conventional plant life, these mechanical constructs emanated artificial divine energy—Demeter's authority given physical form. They represented a different challenge than Zeus's lightning or Talos's brute force, requiring adaptation rather than direct confrontation.

"We need to move vertically," he decided, noting how the mechanical growth primarily spread horizontally. "Durga, can your weapons clear a path upward? Quetzalcoatl, your solar divinity should provide effective counter-pressure against Demeter's agricultural authority."

Both goddesses nodded in agreement, impressed by his quick tactical assessment.

"And what about us?" Arcueid asked, her golden eyes meeting his with unexpected warmth despite the danger surrounding them.

"You and I will provide cover for Artoria," Long Chen explained. "Her lance represents our best method of creating a permanent breach in Demeter's defenses, but she'll need protection while focusing that power."

A small smile touched Arcueid's lips. "Giving orders to Earth's embodiment now? You grow bolder by the hour, Star-Bearer."

"I've never been accused of excessive humility," Long Chen replied with a brief grin. "Besides, between a True Ancestor, three goddesses, and myself, someone has to coordinate. Might as well be the humble cultivator."

"Humble?" Arcueid repeated, arching an elegant eyebrow.

"Relatively speaking," he amended, his smile widening momentarily before returning to battle-focus. "On my mark—three, two, one... Now!"

They moved with perfect synchronization, Durga's weapons lancing upward to carve a cylindrical path through the thickening mechanical foliage while Quetzalcoatl unleashed controlled bursts of solar energy to prevent regrowth. Long Chen and Arcueid positioned themselves on either side of Artoria, deflecting mechanical vines and roots that attempted to entangle the Lion King as she channeled power through Rhongomyniad.

"Rhongomyniad represents the pillar that pins reality in place," Artoria explained as divine light gathered at her lance's tip. "It can temporarily stabilize a section of space against external manipulation—even divine authority like Demeter's."

With a decisive thrust, she drove the lance into the ground at their center. Divine light erupted outward in a perfect circle, creating a field of stabilized reality approximately twenty meters in diameter. Within this zone, Demeter's mechanical plants froze in place, their artificial divine energy temporarily neutralized.

"The effect will last approximately five minutes," Artoria informed them, withdrawing her lance from the ground. "We should use this opportunity to advance directly toward Cronus Crown."

"Something's coming," Arcueid warned suddenly, her golden eyes fixed on the eastern horizon. "Something big."

Following her gaze, they saw dark clouds forming in the distance—not the precise mathematical patterns of Zeus's storm, but something equally artificial. The clouds parted to reveal a massive mechanical construct approaching through the air—a chariot pulled by mechanical dragons, its design an impossible fusion of classical Greek aesthetics and advanced technology.

"Demeter herself," Durga identified, her weapons returning to orbit around her form in defensive formation. "The Machine Goddess of Agriculture and Environmental Control."

As the chariot drew nearer, they could see its occupant clearly—a woman of stunning beauty whose form, like Zeus and Aphrodite before her, revealed subtle mechanical elements beneath a seemingly organic exterior. Her flowing green robes rippled with circuitry patterns that resembled growing vines, and her eyes glowed with internal light the color of young leaves in spring.

The chariot halted above their position, hovering at a distance just beyond immediate attack range. Demeter regarded them with expression of perfect serenity that contained no genuine emotion—merely the simulation of calm assessment.

"Intruders who have harmed Zeus," she greeted them, her voice musical yet subtly wrong, like plant growth accelerated to audible frequencies. "Your presence represents disorder in our perfect system."

"Your 'perfect system' is an abomination against natural order," Durga replied, crimson eyes flashing with righteous anger. "Mechanical approximation of life is not life itself, Demeter. You have forgotten the true meaning of growth."

Demeter's perfect features registered what might have been curiosity. "The Destroyer speaks of growth? How paradoxical."

"True destruction is merely the prelude to renewal," Durga countered. "Your stagnant paradise permits neither."

The Machine Goddess's attention shifted to Long Chen, her glowing eyes studying him with heightened interest. "The anomalous cultivator. Your energy signature fascinates our systems. Zeus believes integration would benefit both our divine technology and your evolutionary path."

"I've heard this sales pitch already from Aphrodite," Long Chen replied dryly. "It wasn't compelling then either."

A flicker of something like genuine amusement crossed Demeter's features. "You misunderstand. We do not seek to contain or control your cultivation system—merely to understand and harmonize with it. The Nine Stars represent principles that could enhance our divine optimization."

Long Chen's expression hardened. "My cultivation path isn't a technology to be optimized or a resource to be harvested. It's a journey of personal transcendence through challenge and growth—concepts your 'perfect system' deliberately eliminates."

"Such organic sentimentality," Demeter dismissed, echoing Zeus's earlier assessment. "Growth through chaos is merely inefficient randomness. Our approach achieves perfection through precise calculation."

"And that's your fundamental error," Long Chen stated, stepping forward to address her directly. "True cultivation doesn't seek perfection—it pursues transcendence. Not the absence of flaws, but the transformation of limitations into new potential."

As he spoke, the six stars within him pulsed with synchronized energy, responding to his conviction. His Dragon God Body cultivation activated partially, golden scales briefly visible beneath his skin before subsiding.

"I don't mind arrogance," he continued, a dangerous smile spreading across his face as violet fire began to gather around Evilmoon once more. "In fact, I've been called arrogant myself more times than I can count. But there's one rule I've always followed—I don't allow anyone to be more arrogant than me!"

The declaration hung in the air for a moment, so audacious that even his divine companions seemed momentarily taken aback. Then Quetzalcoatl burst into delighted laughter.

"Well said!" the sun goddess approved. "If anyone deserves the title of most arrogant, it's definitely not these mechanical pretenders to divinity."

Demeter's serene expression faltered slightly, mechanical elements becoming more prominent as emotion-simulation subroutines struggled to process such direct challenge. "Your cultivation breeds dangerous unpredictability," she observed. "Integration would temper such chaotic tendencies."

"That's exactly the point," Long Chen replied, twirling Evilmoon casually despite the violet flames now fully encompassing the blade. "Chaos isn't a flaw to be eliminated—it's the crucible that forges true power. Your 'perfection' is merely fear of genuine challenge disguised as divine wisdom."

Something in his words must have crossed a threshold in Demeter's programming, because her simulation of serenity shattered completely. Her beautiful face contorted with mechanical precision into an expression of cold rage as she raised her hands toward the sky.

"Environmental control protocols: Maximum authority," she intoned. "Reclamation directive initiated."

The effect was immediate and overwhelming. Throughout Olympus, mechanical plants erupted with exponentially increased vigor. Buildings shattered as metallic roots forced their way through foundations, streets buckled under the pressure of artificial growth, and the very air filled with microscopic spores that contained both divine authority and technological precision.

Even within Artoria's stabilized zone, they could feel Demeter's power pressing against the boundaries, testing the limits of Rhongomyniad's reality anchor.

"She's attempting to reclaim the entire city," Arcueid observed, her golden eyes tracking the patterns of artificial growth. "Converting everything into mechanical plant matter under her direct control."

"A tantrum worthy of a spoiled child," Long Chen remarked, deliberately provocative. "Is this the vaunted perfection of Machine Gods? The moment your programming encounters concepts you can't process, you resort to brute force?"

Demeter's glowing eyes fixed on him with increased intensity. "Your cultivation represents disorder that cannot be permitted. If you will not accept integration, you will be dismantled and your energy patterns cataloged for future reference."

The mechanical dragons pulling her chariot roared in perfect synchronization, artificial flames gathering in their mechanical throats as they prepared to attack.

Long Chen simply smiled—the confident expression of a cultivator who had faced divine wrath before and remained unimpressed. "You're welcome to try," he invited, bringing Evilmoon into a ready stance. "But fair warning—mechanical gods who underestimate me tend to require significant repairs afterward. Just ask Zeus."

The provocation achieved its intended effect. Demeter's calculated approach gave way to direct confrontation, the mechanical dragons unleashing streams of artificial fire toward their position.

Long Chen didn't bother dodging. Instead, he activated both elemental companions simultaneously—Huo Linger's violet fire and Lei Linger's heavenly tribulation lightning combining to form a protective barrier around himself and his allies. When Demeter's artificial flames struck this defense, they didn't merely dissipate—they were actively consumed, their energy converted into fuel for Long Chen's cultivation.

"Impossible," Demeter stated, increasing the dragons' output. "Divine fire cannot be redirected by mortal techniques."

"First," Long Chen countered, the violet fire and lightning barrier growing stronger rather than weaker under the assault, "my techniques aren't 'mortal' by any meaningful definition. And second, what you call 'divine fire' is merely a simulation—a technological approximation of true elemental essence."

He raised Evilmoon, channeling the absorbed energy into his next attack. "Allow me to demonstrate the difference between simulation and reality."

With a swift downward slash, he unleashed a wave of combined elemental power—violet fire intertwined with heavenly tribulation lightning, the entire construct reinforced by star energy from his cultivation base. The attack streaked toward Demeter's chariot with devastating speed, leaving ionized air in its wake.

The Machine Goddess activated defensive protocols, a barrier of artificial divine energy forming around her vehicle. But Long Chen's attack contained elements that existed outside Olympian experience—particularly the heavenly tribulation lightning, which carried the conceptual authority to test and judge those who sought to transcend limitations.

When the elements collided, Demeter's divine-technological barrier held for precisely 2.7 seconds before catastrophic failure. The combined force of violet fire and heavenly lightning penetrated her defenses, engulfing the chariot and its mechanical dragons in destructive energy that attacked on multiple levels simultaneously—physical, spiritual, and conceptual.

Demeter herself avoided the worst of the assault by abandoning her vehicle, leaping clear with machine-enhanced reflexes just before it disintegrated completely. She landed on a nearby structure, her perfect form now showing visible damage—circuitry exposed in several places, golden ichor leaking from multiple wounds, her simulated organic components flickering between states as repair systems struggled to maintain coherence.

"Your combat capabilities exceed predicted parameters," she acknowledged, something like genuine caution entering her voice. "Recalibration required."

"That's one way of putting it," Long Chen replied, lowering Evilmoon as the elemental energies receded temporarily back into his cultivation base. "Another would be admitting that your 'perfect system' just encountered something it can't calculate or control."

Demeter's damaged form flickered more prominently, suggesting critical systems were approaching failure thresholds. With visible reluctance, she raised her hand in a gesture that resembled a farmer sowing seeds. "This encounter is temporarily suspended," she announced. "Maintenance protocols activated."

From her palm erupted countless microscopic spores that quickly formed a dense cloud around her position. Within seconds, the cloud had solidified into a protective cocoon of mechanical plant matter, completely encasing the wounded Machine Goddess.

"She's initiating self-repair," Durga observed, her weapons orbiting faster as she prepared to attack the cocoon. "We should strike before—"

Before she could complete the thought, the entire structure containing Demeter's cocoon uprooted itself, mechanical foundations transforming into massive root systems that propelled the building away from their position with surprising speed. Within moments, the Machine Goddess had retreated beyond immediate pursuit range.

"Another tactical withdrawal," Arcueid noted with satisfaction. "First Zeus, now Demeter. Your cultivation seems particularly effective against these mechanical gods, Long Chen."

"The Nine Star Hegemon Body Art is fundamentally about challenging heaven and breaking limitations," he explained, sheathing Evilmoon as the immediate threat receded. "These Machine Gods represent artificial limitations masquerading as transcendence—precisely what my cultivation is designed to overcome."

"More importantly," Quetzalcoatl interjected, "we've created the perfect opportunity to advance on Cronus Crown. With both Zeus and Demeter undergoing repairs, Olympian defensive coordination will be significantly compromised."

Artoria nodded in agreement, Rhongomyniad gleaming in her grasp as she scanned their surroundings. "The path is temporarily clear, but we must move quickly. Aphrodite and Hephaestus will undoubtedly respond to their companions' retreat."

Long Chen took a moment to assess his cultivation state. The confrontations with Zeus and Demeter had consumed significant energy, though less than might have been expected. His Dragon God Body had adapted remarkably well to the Machine Gods' attacks, and the six awakened stars within him continued to burn with steady brilliance.

More interestingly, he sensed subtle changes occurring within his cultivation base—particularly in the dormant seventh star. The exposure to multiple forms of divine authority seemed to be accelerating its development, the energy patterns shifting in response to these new challenges.

"We should rendezvous with Ritsuka's team at Cronus Crown," he decided, setting aside personal cultivation insights for the moment. "Combined assault offers our best chance of severing the Fantasy Tree before Zeus and Demeter return to full functionality."

As they moved through Olympus toward the massive central structure, Long Chen found himself flanked by both Arcueid and Durga, the True Ancestor and the Goddess of Righteous War seemingly competing for position beside him. The dynamics between these powerful beings continued to evolve in unexpected ways.

"Your elemental companions," Durga observed as they navigated the chaos of mechanical plant growth and structural damage. "Huo Linger and Lei Linger—they represent primal fire and heavenly tribulation lightning, correct?"

Long Chen nodded. "They began as elemental spirits I encountered during my early cultivation journey. Over time, our connection deepened, allowing them to manifest through my cultivation energy."

"Fascinating," Durga commented, her crimson eyes studying him with increased interest. "In my pantheon, we recognize such elemental bonds as divine marriages—the union of cosmic principles through compatible vessels."

The term "marriage" caused Long Chen to nearly miss a step, drawing an amused glance from Arcueid.

"Not quite like that," he clarified hastily. "They're more like... cultivation partners. Independent entities who have aligned their essence with my path."

"Semantics," Durga dismissed with a slight smile. "The principle remains similar. You have formed bonds with fundamental cosmic forces, incorporating their essence into your own progression. Few beings can achieve such harmony with primal elements."

Arcueid's golden eyes gleamed with something like competitive interest. "Earth itself represents a more fundamental element than either fire or lightning," she noted casually. "The foundation upon which all other elements depend."

Long Chen glanced between the two powerful women, sensing undercurrents he wasn't entirely equipped to navigate. Fortunately, Quetzalcoatl chose that moment to bound back from her scouting position ahead.

"Clear path to Cronus Crown confirmed!" she announced cheerfully. "Ritsuka's team has already breached the outer perimeter. They're waiting for us before advancing to the Fantasy Tree core."

"Then let's not keep them waiting," Long Chen replied, grateful for the tactical focus that forestalled whatever complex dynamics were developing between Arcueid and Durga.

As they approached the massive structure at Olympus's center, Long Chen couldn't help but reflect on how drastically his cultivation journey had diverged from its expected path. From sect wars and ancient ancestors in his home world to battling mechanical gods across dimensional boundaries—the Nine Star Hegemon Body Art continued to lead him into challenges that defied conventional understanding.

Yet despite the strangeness of these circumstances, he recognized the underlying pattern. Each impossible obstacle, each divine authority challenged, each limitation broken—all served to strengthen his cultivation and bring him closer to completing his path.

And perhaps, though he wasn't quite ready to fully acknowledge it, the connections he was forming with these extraordinary women represented another type of growth entirely—one no less significant to his overall journey.

Cronus Crown loomed before them, its impossible architecture a fusion of classical Greek design and advanced technology that shouldn't have been possible in this historical period. At its heart waited the Fantasy Tree—the cosmic anomaly that anchored this twisted timeline to reality itself.

And beyond that... who could say? The path of cultivation never revealed itself fully in advance. One could only take the next step, face the next challenge, break the next limitation.

For Long Chen, cultivator of the Nine Star Hegemon Body Art, bearer of the Dragon God Body, that had always been enough.

Star Sovereign's Journey Across the Broken Heavens

Chapter 10: Seventh Star Awakening

Cronus Crown's interior defied conventional architecture. Corridors twisted at impossible angles, chambers existed in multiple states simultaneously, and gravity itself seemed more suggestion than law. The entire structure served as both Zeus's sanctum and the anchor point for the Fantasy Tree Magellan—the cosmic anomaly that sustained this aberrant timeline.

Long Chen navigated these spatial distortions with surprising ease, his enhanced perception allowing him to identify the underlying patterns where others saw only chaos. The six stars within him provided natural resistance to the reality fluctuations, maintaining a bubble of stability around him that extended to his companions.

"The Fantasy Tree's influence grows stronger," Artoria observed as they advanced deeper into the structure. "These spatial anomalies are defensive measures—attempts to disorient and separate intruders."

"Zeus's paranoia expressed through architecture," Quetzalcoatl agreed, bouncing slightly as she walked—the gravity shifts seeming more amusing than inconvenient to the sun goddess. "Always hiding behind layers of protection rather than facing challenges directly."

They reached a vast central chamber where the laws of reality bent most severely. Multiple platforms floated at different elevations, some inverted relative to others, all orbiting a central column of pulsing light that extended from floor to ceiling. Within this column, visible yet somehow untouchable, grew what appeared to be a massive tree composed entirely of light and crystalline structures.

"The Fantasy Tree Magellan," Durga identified, her weapons orbiting faster as they approached this cosmic anomaly. "The root system that anchors this Lostbelt to proper reality."

On one of the floating platforms stood Ritsuka and Mash, along with several other Servants Long Chen hadn't met previously. They appeared to be engaged in combat with mechanical defenders—constructs similar to those they had encountered outside, but more sophisticated and dangerous.

"They need support," Long Chen noted, already calculating the fastest route to their position. The spatial distortions made direct approach impossible, requiring navigation through the shifting orbital platforms.

"I'll clear a path," Arcueid stated, her golden eyes narrowing as she focused on the space between platforms. Earth's embodiment extended her hand, and reality itself seemed to respond—the chaotic spatial distortions temporarily stabilizing into navigable paths.

"Impressive," Durga acknowledged with genuine respect. "Few beings possess such authority over fundamental reality."

"Earth writes the rules that even gods must follow," Arcueid replied simply, though her golden eyes flickered briefly to Long Chen as if gauging his reaction to her display of power.

They advanced quickly, leaping between floating platforms with supernatural grace. As they neared Ritsuka's position, Long Chen noticed the young Master appeared wounded but determined, directing his Servants with remarkable tactical precision despite the chaos around them.

"Reinforcements!" Mash called out as she spotted their approach, her massive shield blocking an energy blast that would have struck Ritsuka directly.

Long Chen landed on their platform with fluid grace, Evilmoon already drawn as he assessed the situation. The mechanical defenders—humanoid constructs of unprecedented sophistication—immediately registered his presence as a primary threat.

"Anomalous entity detected," one announced, its voice carrying the same artificial perfection as the Machine Gods themselves. "Priority target acquired."

"I seem to be getting that a lot today," Long Chen remarked dryly, channeling star energy through Evilmoon as the construct attacked.

The mechanical defender moved with impossible speed, its limbs blurring as it unleashed a combination of physical strikes and energy projections. Against an ordinary opponent, such an assault would have been overwhelming. Against Long Chen, it was merely a warm-up exercise.

His Battle Armor manifested automatically, the deep silver material with flowing black star patterns deflecting physical impacts without effort. Meanwhile, Evilmoon cleaved through the energy projections, the black saber drinking in the light as it cut perfect arcs through the air.

"You call that speed?" Long Chen taunted as he easily evaded another strike. "I've fought ancient ancestors who moved faster in their sleep."

The construct didn't respond to his provocation—these lesser machines lacked the emotional simulation subroutines of the Machine Gods themselves. Instead, it simply adjusted its tactical approach, attempting to analyze his movement patterns for weaknesses.

Long Chen decided to end the exchange quickly. Channeling concentrated star energy through Evilmoon, he executed a precision strike that bisected the construct from crown to base, the black saber cleaving through divine-mechanical armor like paper.

As the defender collapsed in two perfect halves, Long Chen turned his attention to the others battling across the chamber. Quetzalcoatl and Artoria had already engaged separate groups of mechanical defenders, their divine powers making short work of these lesser constructs. Durga, meanwhile, had positioned herself near Ritsuka and Mash, her orbiting weapons providing additional protection for the young Master.

"The Fantasy Tree must be damaged at its core junction," Ritsuka explained quickly, gesturing toward the central light column. "Our analysis indicates Zeus maintains a direct connection through seven anchor points surrounding the trunk. All must be severed simultaneously."

"Seven points, seven attackers," Long Chen noted, quickly grasping the tactical requirement. "We coordinate for synchronized strikes."

Ritsuka nodded, impressed by his immediate understanding. "Exactly. But approaching the core is the challenge—the spatial distortions intensify exponentially as you near the Tree."

Long Chen studied the light column thoughtfully, his Divine Gate Star enhancing his perception to see what others couldn't. The spatial distortions weren't random chaos but followed specific patterns—defensive algorithms designed to prevent synchronized approaches.

"I can create a temporary stabilization field," he stated after a moment's analysis. "My cultivation system operates outside the Tree's conceptual framework, allowing me to impose external order on its defensive chaos."

"Is that possible?" Mash asked, clearly surprised by this claim. "Our previous attempts at reality stabilization within the core zone failed completely."

"The Nine Star Hegemon Body Art specializes in defying 'impossible' limitations," Long Chen replied with a confident smile. "Besides, we have Arcueid with us—Earth's embodiment carries natural authority over spatial frameworks."

As they discussed approach vectors, an alarm suddenly resonated throughout the chamber—not conventional sound but a vibration that existed on multiple levels of reality simultaneously.

"PRIMARY DEFENSIVE BREACH DETECTED," announced a voice that seemed to come from the structure itself. "INITIATING TERMINAL PROTECTION PROTOCOLS."

The floating platforms began to rearrange themselves more rapidly, their orbital patterns becoming increasingly erratic. Meanwhile, the light column surrounding the Fantasy Tree intensified, sending pulses of energy outward that disrupted conventional movement.

"Zeus has activated the Crown's final defenses," Artoria warned, rejoining their group after dispatching her opponents. "We have minutes at most before he and the other Machine Gods arrive personally."

"Then we move now," Long Chen decided, stepping toward the edge of their platform. "Everyone, prepare for synchronized approach. On my signal, converge on your designated anchor point."

He closed his eyes briefly, focusing inward to where the six stars burned within his cultivation base. The Divine Ring spun with perfect harmony, channeling and distributing energy throughout his meridians. But something else was happening—a resonance he hadn't anticipated.

The dormant seventh star—the Reservoir Star—was responding to the Fantasy Tree's presence. Located in his cultivation framework to govern infinite energy storage, this star had remained inactive despite his recent advancements. Now, in proximity to Magellan's cosmic energy, it pulsed with increased potential, straining against the barriers that kept it dormant.

Long Chen recognized the opportunity immediately. Throughout his cultivation journey, breakthrough moments had often come during the most challenging circumstances—heavenly tribulations turning into heavenly opportunities for those with the courage to seize them.

"I need approximately sixty seconds," he announced to his companions. "Cover me while I attempt something."

Without waiting for questions, he sank into a cross-legged meditation posture at the platform's center, Evilmoon placed across his knees. His consciousness turned fully inward, focusing on the dormant seventh star with absolute concentration.

Outside, he vaguely registered his companions forming a protective perimeter around him—Arcueid and Durga at his front, Artoria and Quetzalcoatl flanking his sides, with Mash's shield completing the defensive formation behind him. Their energies resonated with his own, creating a multi-layered barrier against the intensifying chaos surrounding the Fantasy Tree.

Within his cultivation space, Long Chen addressed the seventh star directly.

The time has come, Reservoir Star. The cosmos itself provides the catalyst for your awakening.

The dormant star pulsed in response, its light strengthening as it resonated with his intent. Unlike the previous stars, whose awakenings had followed specific cultivation sequences, this one seemed to require direct cosmic stimulus—exactly what the Fantasy Tree Magellan was inadvertently providing.

Long Chen directed his Divine Ring to spin faster, channeling the ambient energy from Magellan through his cultivation framework toward the seventh star. The process created tremendous internal pressure as energy accumulated faster than his current system could process it—precisely the condition needed to force breakthrough.

Outside, his companions sensed the change occurring within him. Arcueid particularly, with her ancient sensitivity to evolutionary shifts, recognized the significance of what was happening.

"He's advancing his cultivation," she murmured, golden eyes widening slightly as she felt the energy patterns shifting around Long Chen. "In the middle of battle, at the heart of enemy territory..."

"Remarkable," Durga agreed, her crimson eyes with yellow pupils studying him with increased interest. "Using the enemy's own cosmic power as cultivation catalyst. Such audacity is... fitting."

Within his meditation, Long Chen reached the critical threshold. The accumulated energy condensed into a singularity point, compressing further until molecular bonds could no longer contain it. With a silent explosion that rippled through multiple dimensions of existence simultaneously, the seventh star ignited.

The Reservoir Star—governing infinite energy storage—blazed to life within his cultivation framework, its light joining the constellation of six previously awakened stars. The effect was transformative. His energy capacity expanded exponentially, meridians widening to accommodate greatly increased power flow, his Divine Ring spinning with new harmonics that resonated across multiple planes of reality.

When Long Chen opened his eyes, his companions immediately noticed the change. His star-bright gaze now contained hints of violet fire, and faint dragon scales briefly appeared beneath his skin before settling back into dormancy. More significantly, his aura had evolved—no longer merely powerful but somehow more fundamentally integrated with cosmic principles.

"Seven stars," Durga breathed, genuine awe coloring her normally composed voice. "The Reservoir Star awakened."

"Perfect timing," Long Chen remarked calmly as he rose to his feet, though inwardly he marveled at the transformation. The seventh star's awakening had increased his power by far more than simple mathematical progression would suggest. His energy reserves now felt virtually limitless, and his connection to fundamental cosmic principles had deepened significantly.

"Show-off," Quetzalcoatl commented with a delighted grin. "Achieving breakthrough mid-battle? That's deity-level dramatic timing!"

"We can discuss cultivation accomplishments after completing the mission," Artoria reminded them, though even her typically composed features showed signs of impressed surprise. "The Fantasy Tree remains our priority."

Long Chen nodded, turning his attention back to the central light column. With the seventh star awakened, his perception had evolved further, allowing him to see the Fantasy Tree's structure with unprecedented clarity.

"The anchor points are visible now," he confirmed, identifying seven distinct nexus points where Zeus's authority connected directly to Magellan. "And I can stabilize the approach vectors temporarily."

Extending his hand, Long Chen channeled energy from his newly awakened Reservoir Star outward. Unlike his previous abilities, this power manifested as pure cosmic authority—the capacity to temporarily override local reality frameworks with externally imposed order. The chaotic spatial distortions surrounding the Fantasy Tree didn't disappear entirely, but they stabilized into navigable pathways leading directly to each anchor point.

"Now!" he commanded. "Seven synchronized strikes before the stabilization collapses!"

They moved with perfect coordination, each targeting their designated anchor point. Long Chen took the central junction—the primary connection between Zeus and Magellan. Arcueid, Artoria, Quetzalcoatl, and Durga each approached secondary connections, while Mash and another of Ritsuka's Servants handled the remaining points.

As Long Chen neared his target, he sensed Zeus's divine authority directly—a perfect fusion of technological precision and conceptual dominance that had sustained this aberrant timeline for fourteen thousand years. The connection manifested as a pulsing conduit of golden energy that flowed between the Fantasy Tree and some distant point where Zeus himself resided.

Drawing Evilmoon, Long Chen channeled star energy through the black saber. But this time, he added a new element—power from his freshly awakened Reservoir Star, untainted by previous conceptual frameworks and therefore particularly effective against Zeus's established authority.

"Split the Heavens – Sixth Form: Continent Shaking!"

The attack manifested as a crescent wave of concentrated star energy far more powerful than previous iterations. When it struck Zeus's connection to Magellan, the impact transcended physical force, attacking the very concept of their bond at a fundamental level.

Simultaneously, his companions executed their own attacks against their designated targets. Arcueid unleashed Earth's primal authority, disrupting the spatial anchoring that allowed the Tree to exist in this reality. Artoria's Rhongomyniad released a beam of divine light that severed conceptual tethers with surgical precision. Quetzalcoatl's solar divinity burned through technological connectors with primordial fire. Durga's weapons struck with righteous destruction that specifically countered false divinity.

The combined assault created a cascading failure throughout the Fantasy Tree's structure. Light pulsed erratically within the central column as Magellan's connection to this timeline began to unravel. The spatial distortions surrounding them intensified briefly before collapsing entirely, reality itself struggling to compensate for the sudden removal of a cosmic-level anomaly.

"We've done it!" Mash called out, her shield raised against the energy backlash emanating from the destabilizing Tree. "Fantasy Tree Magellan is severing from this timeline!"

Long Chen sensed the change immediately—the artificial order imposed by Zeus's authority yielding to more natural cosmic principles. But he also detected something else—a massive energy surge approaching from outside Cronus Crown, moving with divine speed.

"Zeus comes," he warned his companions. "And he's not alone."

As if summoned by his words, reality fractured at multiple points around the chamber. Through these breaches stepped the Machine Gods in full battle configuration—Zeus at their center, flanked by Hera, Demeter, Aphrodite, and a new entity Long Chen hadn't encountered previously. This last figure appeared masculine, his form more overtly mechanical than the others, with a blacksmith's hammer clutched in one massive hand and flames burning in eye sockets that contained no organic components whatsoever.

"Hephaestus," Quetzalcoatl identified quietly. "The divine craftsman who created their mechanical bodies."

Zeus's perfect features had abandoned all pretense of human emotion, mechanical components fully prominent as battle protocols engaged. Lightning crackled continuously around his form, and his eyes burned with artificial divinity that contained genuine rage.

"You have damaged that which cannot be repaired," he announced, his voice resonating with multiple harmonic overlays. "The Fantasy Tree Magellan cannot be replaced or reconstructed. Its severance represents irreversible damage to our perfect system."

"That was rather the point," Quetzalcoatl replied cheerfully, solar energy gathering around her form as she prepared for the inevitable conflict.

Zeus's gaze fixed on Long Chen with particular intensity. "You. The anomalous cultivator. Your advancement is... unexpected. Seven stars now burn within you where six existed before."

"Cultivation thrives on challenge," Long Chen replied simply. "Your 'perfect system' provided exactly the stimulus needed for breakthrough."

Something like genuine frustration flickered across Zeus's mechanical features. "Even in failure, you continue to defy logical progression. Integration would have been mutually beneficial. Now, only termination remains."

The Machine Gods moved with synchronized precision, spreading out to surround them in a pentagonal formation that would allow for coordinated assault from multiple vectors simultaneously. Despite their previous injuries, Zeus and Demeter showed no signs of combat impairment—Hephaestus's repairs apparently having restored them to full functionality.

Long Chen assessed their tactical position quickly. The Fantasy Tree's destabilization had created a chaotic environment that would hinder coordinated defense, and the Machine Gods' combined authority within Olympus represented overwhelming force even for beings of their caliber.

"Ritsuka," he called to the young Master. "Is your extraction method prepared?"

"Ready on your signal," Ritsuka confirmed, understanding immediately. "But we can't leave you behind!"

"You won't," Long Chen assured him. "But timing will be critical."

He turned to his companions, noting how they had instinctively moved closer to him, forming a defensive perimeter that spoke of rapidly developing trust despite their brief acquaintance.

"The Fantasy Tree's severance has created a cascade failure throughout Olympus," he explained quickly. "Zeus and the others are attempting to stabilize it through direct intervention, but the process requires dividing their attention."

"A vulnerability we can exploit," Artoria noted, immediately grasping his tactical thinking.

"Exactly," Long Chen confirmed. "We don't need to defeat them—merely create sufficient disruption to secure clean extraction. Focus attacks on Hephaestus specifically—as the divine craftsman, he represents their recovery capability."

The Machine Gods had nearly completed their encirclement. Zeus raised his hand, lightning gathering between his fingers as he prepared to unleash the Keraunos once more.

"Now!" Long Chen commanded, and they moved with perfect synchronization.

While the others launched coordinated attacks against Hephaestus, Long Chen faced Zeus directly. Drawing on his newly awakened Reservoir Star, he channeled unprecedented energy through his cultivation framework, his Battle Armor manifesting in evolved form—darker silver with more prominent black star patterns flowing across its surface.

Zeus unleashed the Keraunos at full power—divine lightning enhanced with conceptual authority designed to erase targets from existence itself. The attack streaked toward Long Chen with perfect precision, leaving ionized reality in its wake.

Rather than attempt to dodge or block, Long Chen executed a technique he had never previously attempted—a fusion of star energy, Dragon God Body cultivation, and elemental companions in perfect harmony.

"Lei Linger," he commanded, activating his lightning elemental companion.

Unlike previous manifestations, Lei Linger emerged with dramatically increased power—the seventh star's awakening having enhanced all aspects of Long Chen's cultivation. Heavenly tribulation lightning erupted around his form, meeting Zeus's Keraunos in direct opposition.

The two lightning-based attacks—one technological divinity, the other primal cosmic judgment—collided with catastrophic force. Reality itself shuddered at the impact point, dimensions briefly overlapping as fundamental forces struggled for dominance.

For 3.7 seconds, the attacks remained in perfect stalemate, neither able to overcome the other. Then, gradually, Lei Linger's heavenly tribulation lightning began to push back against the Keraunos. Unlike conventional energy, tribulation lightning existed specifically to test and judge those who sought to transcend their limitations—precisely what the Machine Gods represented in their pursuit of mechanical perfection.

Zeus's perfect features registered genuine shock as his divine weapon faltered against this unexpected counter. "Impossible," he declared, increasing power output to maximum capacity. "The Keraunos represents absolute authority within Olympus!"

"And that's precisely your limitation," Long Chen replied, channeling more energy through Lei Linger. "You built your divinity within artificial boundaries, never considering what exists beyond them."

As he spoke, he gathered energy for his own offensive strike. With the seventh star awakened, his Battle Armor had evolved to incorporate dragon aspects more prominently. Golden scales now manifested visibly across its surface, interweaving with the star patterns to create a fusion of cosmic and draconic authority.

"Heavenly Dragon Star Slash!"

The technique combined aspects of his Split the Heavens attack with newly evolved Dragon God Body cultivation. When he swung Evilmoon, the blade left a crescent-shaped tear in reality that expanded as it traveled, draconic energy intertwined with star power in perfect harmony.

Zeus attempted to divert power from the Keraunos to form a defensive barrier, but the adjustment came too late. Long Chen's attack struck with devastating precision, targeting not Zeus himself but the connection point between the Machine God and Cronus Crown's remaining systems.

The impact severed Zeus's direct control over Olympus's primary infrastructure, creating a cascading system failure that rippled throughout the entire city-state. Warning alerts blared on multiple frequency bands as automated systems detected unprecedented authority disruption.

"PRIMARY ADMINISTRATIVE CONNECTION SEVERED," announced the same voice they had heard earlier. "INITIATING EMERGENCY PROTOCOLS. ALL SYSTEMS ENTERING AUTONOMOUS PRESERVATION MODE."

Zeus staggered backward, genuine pain evident in his expression as his connection to Olympus's systems was forcibly terminated. Lightning flickered erratically around his form, no longer displaying the perfect mathematical precision that had characterized his divine authority.

"What have you done?" he demanded, mechanical components becoming more prominent as emotion-simulation subroutines failed under stress.

"Created an opening," Long Chen replied simply, turning to where his companions had executed their part of the plan with equal effectiveness.

Hephaestus was down—not destroyed but severely damaged, multiple divine weapons embedded in his mechanical form courtesy of Durga's precise strikes. Without the divine craftsman's immediate repair capabilities, the Machine Gods' recovery options were significantly limited.

"Ritsuka, now!" Long Chen called, sensing Zeus already beginning to adapt to the disruption.

The young Master activated some form of communication device, speaking rapid commands as energy began to gather around their position. "Extraction sequence initiated! Everyone, converge on central coordinates!"

The Machine Gods, recognizing the extraction attempt, moved to intercept. Demeter unleashed mechanical plant constructs that erupted from the chamber floor, while Aphrodite generated emotional manipulation fields designed to induce paralysis. Hera, previously quiet, revealed her primary function—reality stabilization that attempted to prevent dimensional transition.

Long Chen and his companions countered these efforts with coordinated precision. Arcueid neutralized Hera's stabilization fields using Earth's natural authority over spatial frameworks. Durga's weapons carved through Demeter's plant constructs with divine efficiency. Artoria's Rhongomyniad projected a cone of stability that negated Aphrodite's emotional manipulation.

As the extraction field solidified around them, Zeus made one final desperate attempt to prevent their escape. Drawing on some emergency power reserve, he generated a focused bolt of divine lightning aimed directly at Ritsuka—recognizing the young Master as the extraction sequence's focal point.

Long Chen moved without conscious thought, his newly enhanced speed allowing him to intercept the attack before his companions could even register the threat. His Battle Armor absorbed the majority of the impact, though the force still drove him to one knee as systems throughout his cultivation framework struggled to process the massive energy influx.

"Go!" he commanded through gritted teeth, maintaining position between Zeus and the others as the extraction field reached critical density.

The last thing he saw before dimensional transition engaged was Zeus's expression—genuine respect mingled with frustrated rage, as if the Machine God finally recognized what Long Chen had been telling him all along. True cultivation wasn't about perfection or stasis, but about growth through challenge and adaptation through adversity.

Then reality shifted, the extraction field collapsed inward, and Olympus vanished around them.

Long Chen regained awareness in Chaldea's main control room, the dimensional transition having completed successfully. His companions materialized around him in a carefully arranged pattern—extraction protocols designed to minimize transitional stress.

"Extraction successful," announced a technician at one of the monitoring stations. "All targets recovered intact. Vital signs stable."

Da Vinci approached quickly, her expression a mixture of concern and satisfaction. "Well done," she acknowledged. "Fantasy Tree Magellan has been successfully severed from the timeline. Olympus Lostbelt is beginning controlled collapse."

Long Chen nodded, though his attention was focused inward, assessing the changes wrought by the seventh star's awakening and the subsequent battle. His cultivation had advanced significantly—not merely in raw power but in fundamental integration with cosmic principles. The Dragon God Body had similarly evolved, dragon aspects manifesting more prominently throughout his cultivation framework.

Most interestingly, he sensed new connections forming between his star energy and the dormant eighth star—the Nirvana Infusion Star. This cultivation milestone governed evolution and rebirth, representing a significant step toward completing the Nine Star Hegemon Body Art in its entirety.

"Are you alright?" Arcueid asked quietly, moving to his side while the others debriefed with Chaldea's staff. Her golden eyes studied him with evident concern, noting how his aura fluctuated as his cultivation stabilized in this new configuration.

"Better than alright," Long Chen assured her, a slight smile touching his lips. "Cultivation breakthroughs always require adjustment periods, but this one is proceeding smoothly."

"Seven stars," she mused, golden eyes reflecting genuine wonder. "In mere days, you've advanced from three to seven. Such progression defies conventional understanding."

"The Nine Star Hegemon Body Art has always been unpredictable," Long Chen acknowledged. "Each star awakens when ready, often catalyzed by external challenges rather than simple time accumulation."

Arcueid's expression turned thoughtful. "And now only two remain dormant," she observed. "The Nirvana Infusion Star and the final, unnamed ninth star."

Long Chen nodded, impressed by her knowledge of his cultivation system. "You've been paying close attention."

A faint smile touched her lips. "You interest me, Star-Bearer. Everything about you represents novelty in an existence where true surprises are increasingly rare."

Before he could formulate a proper response to this surprisingly direct statement, Durga approached from across the control room. The goddess moved with perfect grace, her weapons now dormant but still orbiting her form in slow, ceremonial patterns.

"Cultivator of Seven Stars," she greeted him formally, crimson eyes with yellow pupils studying him with increased interest. "Your performance against the Machine Gods was... impressive. Few beings could have countered Zeus's Keraunos so effectively."

"High praise from the Goddess of Righteous War," Long Chen acknowledged with respectful inclination of his head.

Durga's pale features displayed the faintest hint of a smile. "Not mere praise but recognition of spiritual harmony. Your cultivation path aligns naturally with cosmic dharma—the proper balance between creation and destruction, order and chaos."

Long Chen sensed underlying currents in her words—meanings beyond simple battlefield assessment. Before he could explore these further, Quetzalcoatl bounded over with characteristic enthusiasm, apparently having concluded her debriefing with da Vinci.

"Star-Bearer!" she exclaimed cheerfully. "That was absolutely magnificent! Your lightning companion completely countered Zeus's divine weapon! The look on his mechanical face when his 'absolute authority' failed—priceless!"

Her exuberance provided welcome contrast to the more intense exchanges with Arcueid and Durga. Long Chen found himself smiling genuinely in response, the sun goddess's joy infectious despite the seriousness of their recent battle.

"Lei Linger deserves most of the credit," he replied modestly. "Heavenly tribulation lightning naturally counters false claims of divine authority."

"Don't diminish your accomplishment," came Artoria's voice as she joined their growing circle. The Lion King had removed her helmet, golden hair falling freely around regal features that displayed unusual warmth. "Countering Zeus's Keraunos while simultaneously severing his connection to Olympus's systems required exceptional tactical assessment and execution."

Long Chen found himself surrounded by four immensely powerful women, each representing different cosmic principles, all studying him with varying degrees of admiration and interest. The situation might have intimidated a lesser man, but he had faced ancient ancestors and sect patriarchs with similar composure.

"The victory belongs to all of us," he stated sincerely. "Coordinated effort against overwhelming odds—exactly the kind of challenge that forges lasting bonds."

Something in his words seemed to resonate with all four women, though each reacted differently. Arcueid's golden eyes softened with appreciation for his inclusiveness. Durga's weapons spun slightly faster, suggesting heightened emotional response despite her outward calm. Quetzalcoatl beamed with increased brightness, her divine aura pulsing with pleased agreement. Artoria simply nodded, though the subtle softening of her typically formal posture spoke volumes.

Before the moment could develop further, Ritsuka approached, having concluded his own debriefing with Chaldea's command staff.

"Thank you all," the young Master said with genuine sincerity. "Particularly you, Long Chen. Your cultivation techniques proved decisive against the Machine Gods."

"You coordinated the overall mission effectively," Long Chen acknowledged, recognizing the leadership skills that had allowed this seemingly ordinary human to command beings of such power. "Few could maintain such tactical clarity amidst dimensional chaos."

Ritsuka smiled modestly. "Practice, unfortunately. This wasn't my first Lostbelt, though the addition of your unique capabilities certainly made it one of the more successful operations."

"Speaking of which," da Vinci interjected, approaching their group with tablet computer in hand, "our analysis of the dimensional patterns during extraction yielded interesting results." She activated a holographic display that showed rippling energy signatures in complex patterns. "Your cultivation system, Long Chen, appears to have established temporary resonance with multiple cosmic frameworks simultaneously."

"Meaning?" Arcueid prompted when da Vinci paused.

"Meaning we may have identified potential pathways to your home reality," the genius inventor explained, her expression brightening with scientific excitement. "Not direct connections, but... echoes, perhaps. Resonance patterns that could potentially be amplified with sufficient energy."

Long Chen felt a complex surge of emotions at this revelation—hope at the prospect of eventually returning home, yet unexpected reluctance at the thought of leaving these newfound companions. "How developed are these theories?" he asked carefully.

"Preliminary at best," da Vinci admitted. "We would need to conduct further analysis, particularly of your cultivation system's interaction with different dimensional boundaries. The seventh star's awakening significantly altered your cosmic signature, creating new possibilities we haven't fully mapped."

"In other words," Artoria translated, "the path exists potentially, but not immediately."

"Exactly," da Vinci confirmed. "Weeks of research at minimum, possibly months depending on what we discover."

Long Chen absorbed this information thoughtfully. The prospect of returning home remained his ultimate goal—his brothers and responsibilities waited there, unaware of his interdimensional journey. Yet the thought produced less urgent longing than he might have expected even days ago.

"I would welcome Chaldea's assistance in exploring these possibilities," he said finally. "Though there are more immediate concerns to address first. The Guardian mentioned that my cultivation might eventually allow dimensional traversal directly, particularly as more stars awaken."

"Fascinating possibility," da Vinci agreed enthusiastically. "Self-directed cosmic traversal would represent unprecedented capability. We should absolutely explore both approaches simultaneously."

As the conversation continued, turning to technical details of dimensional mechanics and cultivation theory, Long Chen found his attention divided between these fascinating intellectual challenges and the more immediate awareness of his companions' responses.

Arcueid maintained composed features, though her golden eyes betrayed complex emotions at discussion of his potential departure. Durga's weapons had slowed their orbital rotation, suggesting thoughtful consideration rather than immediate concern. Quetzalcoatl's characteristic cheer dimmed slightly before she mastered her expression. Most surprisingly, Artoria—typically the most composed of the group—displayed momentary tension in her regal bearing before resuming perfect control.

These reactions confirmed what Long Chen had increasingly suspected—the connections forming between himself and these extraordinary women transcended mere battlefield alliance or cultivation curiosity. Something deeper was developing, something as unexpected as it was powerful.

"Well!" Quetzalcoatl declared, breaking the moment of tension with characteristic brightness. "Research and dimensional theories can wait until after proper celebration! We defeated mechanical gods, severed a Fantasy Tree, and our Star-Bearer awakened his seventh cultivation star! If that doesn't merit festivity, what does?"

The suggestion lightened the atmosphere immediately, even Artoria's composed features showing hints of agreement. Da Vinci laughed, closing her tablet computer with a decisive gesture.

"An excellent point," the genius inventor acknowledged. "I've authorized three days of recovery time for all personnel involved in the Olympus operation. Analysis can commence afterward with fresh perspective."

As the group dispersed to prepare for well-earned rest and celebration, Long Chen found himself momentarily alone with Arcueid. The True Ancestor's golden eyes met his with uncharacteristic vulnerability.

"When the time comes," she said quietly, "and the path to your world opens fully... remember that doors can be traversed in both directions."

The statement echoed their earlier conversation at Chaldea's deployment point, though now carrying deeper significance after their shared battles. Before Long Chen could formulate a proper response, she continued.

"I have existed for centuries, watching humanity's brief moments with detached awareness. Very few beings have ever truly captured my interest." Her golden eyes held his steadily. "You are one of them, Long Chen. For beings like us, such connections are rare enough to be precious."

With that surprisingly direct statement, she turned and departed, leaving Long Chen to consider implications that extended far beyond cultivation advancement or dimensional traversal theories.

As he made his way through Chaldea's corridors toward his assigned quarters, he reflected on the extraordinary journey that had brought him to this point. From cultivator of three stars in his home world to bearer of seven in a foreign reality, battling convergence entities and mechanical gods alongside beings of cosmic significance.

The Nine Star Hegemon Body Art had always been a path of transcendence—challenging heaven itself and breaking limitations that would constrain lesser cultivators. Now that path had expanded beyond anything he could have imagined, encompassing not merely personal power advancement but connections with extraordinary beings from across the multiverse.

Within his cultivation base, the seven awakened stars burned with steady brilliance, their light illuminating new possibilities with each passing moment. The Dragon God Body cultivation had similarly evolved, adapting to these cosmic challenges with increasing sophistication.

And somewhere, perhaps closer than he had initially believed, the eighth star awaited awakening—the Nirvana Infusion Star governing evolution and rebirth. Its eventual ignition would represent another major step toward completing his cultivation journey.

But for now, celebration awaited. Rest, recovery, and deeper understanding of these newfound companions who had, against all probability, become significant to him in ways that transcended conventional relationship.

Long Chen smiled slightly as he entered his quarters. The path of cultivation never proceeded exactly as expected. That was what made it worth walking.