Chapter 17: Life Is Only Partings

Stelle found Himeko effortlessly. 

The man in the suit standing next to Himeko was just too eye-catching. 

"Your new outfit suits you," Stelle complimented as she walked up to Gu Tang.

Himeko smiled, "Isn't it great? March 7th turned red and ran back to the train as soon as she saw him."

March 7th's reaction was entirely within Stelle's expectations.

"Dan Heng took a bunch of photos with Gu Tang after seeing him," Himeko added.

Dan Heng's reaction was a bit beyond Stelle's expectations.

"No need to compliment me. I know I have no sense of style. This outfit was designed by Herta," Gu Tang said, spreading his hands.

"By the way, where's your magical waist pouch?" Stelle asked curiously, circling around Gu Tang.

"Herta said the waist pouch didn't match the suit and turned it into an inner pocket," Gu Tang replied, patting his chest.

"With your charm, anything you wear would look great," Himeko said to Gu Tang, then turned to Stelle. "So, have you settled everything with Herta? Ready to board the train?"

Stelle nodded calmly, "It's time to start the next journey."

"I have a feeling you'll become a great Trailblazer," Himeko said as she started walking. "Come, I'll show you the Astral Express."

Gu Tang and Stelle followed her.

Stelle asked Gu Tang, "Do you know about that project called the Simulated Universe?"

"Of course. I helped Herta a lot during the early stages of the project," Gu Tang said naturally.

"Why not stay here and continue the research? I don't know much, but those things must be very tempting for researchers," Stelle said, puzzled.

Gu Tang sneered, "Geniuses seek answers; I can't even be bothered to ask questions."

...

...

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On the platform, a train was quietly docked.

The black body, golden decorations, overall looked exquisite yet not lacking in a steady and dignified aura.

Its structure looked rather ancient, as if one could smell steam and hear the gears turning. It seemed more like it belonged in a museum, not something that could traverse the universe.

The Astral Express—the train once ridden by the Aeon of Trailblaze, Akivili. Traveling across the starry tracks, passing through numerous worlds.

"It's such a beautiful train," Stelle praised.

"Gu Tang! Stelle! Over here, over here!" March 7th stuck her head out of the window, waving excitedly.

"Looks like March 7th can't wait anymore," Himeko patted Stelle's shoulder. "Well then, let's get on board."

"Hold on a sec..." Gu Tang turned around, looking behind him.

"Mr. Gu Tang!" A voice called out as Alan ran towards them.

"Ah, you're that... bowling ball! No, the... comatose prop!" Stelle pointed at Alan, trying to recall his name but couldn't.

"I'm Alan," Alan could only helplessly introduce himself to Stelle, then took out a delicate small gift box and handed it to Gu Tang. "Mr. Gu Tang, this is a gift from the young lady... the station master, to celebrate your journey."

A smile crept onto Stelle's lips, "Let me guess, did the station master also say something like 'I don't care about him at all, this gift is just a reward for protecting the space station, I don't care if he boards the train or not'?"

Alan was sweating bullets and wiped his forehead, "Something like that, yes..."

So hard, Asta, such a hard mouth. Even the Preservation Aeon would call it unshakeable.

Stelle sighed inwardly.

Gu Tang took the gift box, "Thank you, Alan. Please convey my thanks to Asta. Tell her I'll come back often."

"I will relay your message accurately," Alan placed his hand on his chest and bowed to Gu Tang. "I wish you a safe journey, Mr. Gu Tang."

Gu Tang nodded and walked towards the train with Stelle.

"How do you feel about leaving the space station? You've lived here for a long time, right?" Stelle glanced at him out of the corner of her eye and asked.

"Life is only partings, Stelle," Gu Tang didn't turn his head, only said this.

Inside the train, it was more spacious than they had imagined.

Large floor-to-ceiling windows looked like they would offer a great view of the universe.

Warm lighting, soft carpets, comfortable red sofas, and green plants decorated the interior.

"Nice, looks cozy and inviting," Stelle said, satisfied.

"The conductor will be happy to hear that. Oh, there's one more passenger you haven't met yet," Himeko looked at a middle-aged man walking over.

With short brown hair, black-framed glasses, and an air of scholarly wisdom.

A gray coat paired with a black scarf, adding to his aura of calm and restraint.

Low-key, yet reliable and trustworthy, this was the impression the man gave.

"Hello, welcome aboard the train. I'm Welt Yang," Welt greeted with a smile, looking very friendly.

"You can call him Mr. Welt, or like March 7th, you can call him Uncle Yang," Himeko introduced them.

"No need to be so formal, just call me Welt," Welt smiled and waved. "We're all companions on the train, no need to be too reserved."

Welt thought about taking care of the newcomers, understanding that stepping onto a journey for the first time could be nerve-wracking.

Unfortunately, these two were anything but nervous.

Stelle blinked, looking at Welt, "Wow, an uncle. I thought the train only had handsome guys and pretty ladies."

Thud.

Welt clutched his chest and knelt down, "A mental attack... not even the Stellar Ark can defend against it."

Dan Heng frowned seriously, "A single blow and Mr. Welt is down. Stelle, truly formidable..."

March 7th patted Welt's shoulder, "It's okay, Uncle Yang, you're a handsome uncle, still within the handsome guys and pretty ladies category."

"Welt knows a lot of things. If you have any questions, feel free to ask him. Of course, if it's something related to the train, come to me. I'm happy to answer," Himeko said.

"Hey! You! Yes, you!" A voice called out at Stelle's feet.

Stelle looked down and found a peculiar creature.

With long ears, wearing a red uniform, and a pocket watch on its waist, it looked fluffy.

"I'm Pom-Pom, the conductor here. Listen up, newbie, I'll only say this once," Pom-Pom stared at Stelle.

Though small in stature, Pom-Pom had quite an aura.

"Recently, a lot of people might tell you: 'You're special.' But this is the Astral Express, and many passengers here have their own secrets," Pom-Pom emphasized the rules of the train. "Since you chose to board, you must follow the rules here. You're not the only special one, remember that."

"Don't worry, there's no one more well-behaved than me," Stelle confidently patted her chest.

"...Although Pom-Pom doubts it, your attitude is good. Alright, if you have any issues on the train, you can come to the conductor," Pom-Pom nodded.

Then, he looked around suspiciously, "Wait, aren't there supposed to be two newcomers? Where's the other one?"

"You mean bro? He just went to the engine room, saying he wants to increase the train's speed by a billion times," Dan Heng said nonchalantly.

"Wha-wha-wha-wha-wha-wha-what?????!!!!" Pom-Pom exclaimed in shock and rushed over.

"See, I told you I'm very well-behaved," Stelle said, watching Pom-Pom's retreating figure.

"With these two newcomers, the upcoming journey looks like it'll be even more interesting," Welt said, though his tone was helpless, a smile crept onto his face.