Long Time No See

"Honestly, was it really necessary to give me such a long lecture? I felt like my ears would fall off at some point."

Yuuto rubbed his ears in an isolated zone as he and Dr. Ratio walked into an empty hallway familiar to him.

"Are you really asking after telling me you confronted an entity in its domain? Not only ignorant but also simple-minded..."

"I can hear you."

"That's nice to know. Congratulations, your ears function normally."

Dr. Ratio rubbed the center of his brows and looked at the person walking right beside him.

Ignoring his slightly disheveled appearance, he didn't find any abnormal behaviors that would raise any red flags considering what he just heard from Yuuto.

Duke Inferno had voluntarily left the Space Station.

It was news that was hardly believable at first but after confirming a few indicators himself, Dr. Ratio managed to accept that his words were true.

'The 'seed' it left behind is nothing but a dim flame waiting to be extinguished.'

Dr. Ratio clenched his fist and shattered the flame and felt its energy disperse into the surrounding air. 

Originally he had anticipated that this confrontation would last much longer with the amount of victims that were starting to pile up. But seeing it end so abruptly brought him to a standstill of what he should do now.

He decided to discard a few plans which turned null the moment Duke Inferno left so only a handful remained.

And one of them had to do with the person walking beside him.

"Give me your contact information."

"Suddenly?"

"Now that the Duke has left I see no point idling around on this station."

Dr. Ratio stopped walking and pulled out a small cube that was strapped onto his waist. Within the cube was a singular azure flame that had a different shade from the Infernal Flame Yuuto managed to absorb.

The cube rotated slowly showing a familiar transparent structure. 

"Unless that conversation we had before was just a fib then you can just ignore it."

Dr. Ratio indifferently said but Yuuto was able to catch the subtle hints of displeasure that would appear if he agreed with what he said.

Preventing a chuckle from coming out of him Yuuto gave his ID and after confirming, Dr. Ratio began to spin the cube signaling the start of his departure. 

However before he could leave, Yuuto had a question he wanted to quickly ask as it was picking at his mind.

"Before you leave, Do you know anything about leviathans?"

"Leviathans? Those ancient life forms that roamed the galaxy before the birth of Aeons?"

"I guess that's the one." 

"Hmm…"

Dr. Ratio rubbed the corner of his chin since it was an intriguing topic that many researchers and archeologists took a shot at but failed to make a significant breakthrough in. 

Considering the external influences preventing them from doing so. 

"Its history is largely veiled in mystery due to the interference of the Aeon Mythus and some departments from the IPC…" Dr. Ratio trailed off his words at the end but continued.

"Other than the Aeon Ouroboros and knowledge of leviathan corpses being used by the Warforge, there's not a lot of information I can give right now."

Yuuto shook his head gratefully as if he didn't mind. "It's alright, it was just a thoughtless question."

Dr. Ratio didn't reply but his brow curved down and the bright azure light shrouded his body. Enveloping his limbs and turning them transparent.

"The Intelligentsia Guild may have information if you wish to look further. Use my name if you face any trouble. I will contact you for inquiries about your schedule."

"Ah, sure…"

Yuuto nodded his head as Dr. Ratio gradually disappeared and a small flicker of light appeared. Leaving Yuuto all by himself in the empty hallway he found himself in.

"He's pretty thoughtful."

Seeing as he permitted him to use his name if he ever wanted to interact with the Intelligentsia Guild, Yuuto felt grateful. He never really thought of looking too deeply into Leviathans but seeing the opportunity present itself.

He didn't mind taking it as opportunities such as these may bring unexpected benefits in the future.

"But who would have thought I would hear Mythus here again."

Recalling the reason for this void of information was the Aeon he had some history with, Yuuto was even more intrigued and wondered if [Clarity] could help him learn a few things.

However, he decided to wait as another event was about to happen soon as this brief visit to the Space Station had finally reached its end.

The detour orchestrated by the Stellaron Hunters towards a certain ship.

One of the Hexafleet Flagships of the Xianzhou Alliance— The Xianzhou Luofu.

"But I feel like the gap between enemies is a bit much…"

One was the Stellaron on Jarilo-VI but now he had to face an Emanator of one of the most hostile factions in the universe.

Thankfully the personality of the Emanator was one he was somewhat familiar with. 

"Phantylia should already be in the Luofu. The planting of the Stellaron and her influence over the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus…" 

Yuuto rubbed his hair when he thought of all the different factions that would eventually appear on the Luofu and wanted to sigh.

"Let's just hope that—-oops I shouldn't finish that sentence or else I'll jinx myself."

He quickly stopped himself and clamped his mouth shut considering the power behind that cursed sentence he was about to say.

"Wuu… you're here…!!" 

"Monyuu!!!"

"Gray Bean Paste and the Wubbaboo?"

Yuuto paused when he saw the Wubbaboo and Gray Bean Paste rush toward him and wondered why they were running to him.

***

"Frustrating!!" 

In a hallway just beyond the Base Zone of the station, Stelle was holding onto her head while yelling her frustrations towards the sky.

Her haggard appearance caught the attention of a few researchers but they turned a blind eye to it. 

Probably did not want to associate with a person who was yelling sounds they couldn't understand. 

"All those damn bugs should go explode. Crawling in spaces I can't see and make all those creepy sounds!?"

Stelle shivered when she remembered the dark hallway and the number of times she got a heart attack every time she shined her light toward an empty corner.

One second it was empty but then the next time would be a giant bug that was drooling excessive amounts of saliva looking at her as if she was food.

And even when she dealt with them, the mess they would leave behind would attract more bugs and would sometimes cause them to multiply.

Bringing an everlasting cycle of her trying to kill all of them.

"I don't want to see another bug in my life…"

Stelle hung her head in defeat as she dragged her feet towards the elevator and pressed a button to go back onto the Express.

It had been a long day for her considering she was made into an assistant of Ruan Mei who worked her to the bone.

Excluding being tricked into taking an Anti-truth Serum and being tasked with capturing the rogue cake cats Ruan Mei made. Her haggard appearance came from the scare she received just half an hour ago.

"I thought I was a goner when I saw that attack…"

Reaching towards the very bottom of the Space Station she encountered a… bug.

But not like the one she was already used to but one that was terrifyingly large with the addition of attacks that were too advanced to be considered a regular enemy.

With the attention of sending minions towards her, the ball of energy that was about to crush her in the end made her stiff in place. Thankfully it shattered before it could do any major damage but the shock was still there.

"There was also this thing."

Stelle dug into her pocket and stared at the pin made from a material she was very familiar with and clenched it in her palm.

"I guess that weirdo playing chess by himself was friends with Yuuto."

Thinking back to the man sitting by himself while playing chess in the dark, Stelle didn't find it all too odd that Yuuto was acquainted with him.

Since birds of a feather flock together. She was convinced that someone as weird as that man matched Yuuto perfectly.

—-DING

Stelle felt the elevator stop and after finding her way past a few rooms she finally managed to find Himeko who was reading a book by a window.

"Himeko!"

"You're here. Finished with what you need to do?"

"Thankfully yes."

"It sounds like you had a busy day."

Himeko covered her smile and Stelle didn't disagree as it was quite an eventful day for her.

"By the way what's that?"

After making it down the platform where the Express was located Himeko pointed towards the white box Stelle was holding and asked her what it was.

"Oh, it's a present that Ruan Mei prepared for the Astral Express. I'm not sure why but she said that it was a cake she wanted to give."

"How kind of her. If it came from an individual such as Ruan Mei then we could expect it to taste delicious."

"Right…"

Stelle tried to hide her expression seeing Himeko talk about her expectations about the gift but she on the other hand didn't know if she should be happy to taste another slice of cake from her.

"By the way, is Yuuto already on the Express?" Stelle changed the topic as she hadn't seen him at all since arriving at the station.

Himeko seemed to think about her question which puzzled her but a laugh eventually came out.

"He's already inside and he seemed to have brought a few friends with him."

"Friends?"

Stelle was confused at first but after she entered the cabin where the rest of the crew were, she began to understand what she meant.

"Aww, you're so cutee!!! Here, say cheese!!"

"Monyu!?"

Near the seat was March holding onto a creature that had brown fur and a green outer shell that Stelle was familiar with. It struggled to escape but March's hold on it was quite strong.

"Interesting. So despite being an Astral Spirit, you're able to hold it?"

"I thought it was normal but I guess not."

"W-Will it sneak into Pom Pom's room at night or…"

"Don't worry, I will teach it to the rules of the Express so it doesn't trouble the conductor."

"T-Thank you!"

Yuuto smiled seeing Pom Pom beam in relief while Welt kept his eye on the Wubbaboo that was placed in his hands.

"It got pretty lively when Yuuto brought those two with him. He said that they wanted to come with him and we didn't mind as the Express is still quite empty despite us here."

Stelle absently nodded and approached the others who finally noticed her.

"Stelle, look at this! It's so adorable~."

March immediately stood up and handed Gray Bean Paste to her and Stelle felt her fingers sink into its soft skin.

"Monyu?"

"Hahh…"

Stelle took a deep sigh and suddenly dug her face into the creature in her hands and felt her frustrations from the day melt away.

"I wish I could just bite into you right now…"

"Monyu!??"

"Come one, just one bite please?"

Gray Bean Paste began to struggle and push Stelle's face away from it once it understood what she said but Stelle had a pretty good grip on it.

Yuuto who was watching their interaction smiled and leaned back into his chair and felt like it was a good idea to bring them here.

'But it was a surprise to me.'

Thinking back he would have understood why the Wubbaboo wanted to come but hearing Gray Bean Paste also wanted to join was something he didn't anticipate.

"It looks like everyone liked the little friends you brought."

"Thankfully they did."

Himeko approached Yuuto who was watching the scene with a smile and placed a white box by the table he was sitting at.

Curious at what it was, Yuuto looked at Himeko who pointed towards Stelle. "It was a gift from Ruan Mei. I heard from Stelle it was a cake she wanted to give."

Yuuto flinched when he heard Ruan Mei's name and looked at the box cautiously.

Himeko didn't notice his reaction and proceeded to open the box and what was inside was a neat row of 8 soybean cakes.

With patterns engraved into the pastry and a light tone of pink covering the surface. Yuuto noticed the faint scent of plums that delicately matched a similar smell a certain person had.

"There's also a note."

Himeko took the piece of paper that was taped near the side and read the words written on it.

"[Please enjoy these with a cup of tea. I look forward to the dessert you wish to give me.]"

She turned the paper back to see if anything else was written but those two sentences were all that was.

Yuuto on the other hand felt the corner of his lips crumble after hearing the last sentence and rubbed the center of his head.

"Should I just accept my fate…"

He grabbed a fork and immediately stabbed it into the cake. He mumbled under his breath and took a large bite and the taste of soybean immediately flooded his mouth.

"This is pretty good."

"I agree."

Himeko covered her lips as she chewed and her eyes brightened with each bite she took.

As the two enjoyed their dessert, the others began to flock to the table after smelling a mouth-watering scent that was wafting off it. 

Each of them had a bright expression while Gray Bean paste who was back in March's arms looked shocked when it noticed the dessert everyone was eating. 

"Ahem. Passengers! While you enjoy those desserts I just want to inform everyone of an important meeting! It is about our next stop to—"

As the others began listening to Pom Pom, the Express that had already departed from the Station began to have its lights flicker. Causing the crew to tilt their heads.

'Is it her time to show up already?'

Yuuto gradually noticed the appearance of a figure he hadn't seen in a while while savoring the last pieces of cake from his fork.

The others were startled by the sudden guess that appeared in front of them and narrowed their eyes.

A beautiful woman with a messy ponytail alongside a large coat draped around her shoulders. Lifting the umbrella onto her shoulders, her deep eyes carried a faint curve as she smiled towards the people in front of her.

[Long time no see, Asral Express Crew.]

"You…"

"Kafka."

[It looks like I came at a good time. You're all here…]

Kafka slowly walked towards the group who were suddenly on guard at the appearance of one of the Stellaron Hunters and kept a light smile on her lips.

Her eyes looked at each person in the cabin with her before her gaze ultimately matched with Yuuto who was now standing up.

Kafka's expression paused for a bit seeing his face but her lips eventually curved into a deeper smile.

[I apologize for interpreting your little get-together. But I'm sure you'll forgive me once you hear this request of mine.]

"Yeah right! As if we'll listen to the request of a criminal!" March frowned while Himeko agreed.

"You're in the wrong place Kafka. Whether it's a request from you or the person behind you, we're not about to accept that request nor willing to get in bed with a Stellaron Hunter."

[Is that so~?]

Kafka didn't seem to take Himeko's words seriously as she continued her walk around the cabin while making her way towards a certain person.

[It's been a while.]

"It certainly has been."

[You look much better the last time I saw you~ It was as if you were a different person.]

"I presume that's a good thing?"

[Of course. You look much more handsome now~]

She noticed the height difference that grew and the subtle changes his body had.

Kafka covered her lips seeing Yuuto smile at her compliment and her eyes glanced at the others who were looking at the two with a confused and shocked look.

[No compliments from you this time? I recalled that you called me beautiful the last time you saw me. Or is red not your favorite color anymore?]

"You…"

Yuuto was a bit surprised that she remembered his words from that time and this expression didn't escape Kafka's eyes as an alluring smile began to grow on her face.

"...No way… has he already bed with a Stellaron Hunter before?—-"

"Stelle you can stop there and March put down your camera."