"Because of 100 power stones i have release one more extra chapter with regular chapters" Back to the story
Seele walked up to Natasha. "Natasha, how are you feeling?"
Natasha looked up at the bright blue sky. "It's strange... When I was on the cable car, my mind was filled with things I wanted to do after we got back. But now... I just want to find a place to sit, zone out, and watch these busy people... just spend the whole day like this."
"Enjoy this moment of peace," Seele smiled warmly. "You deserve it."
Meanwhile, Gu Tang and the others were chatting with Gepard.
"Pioneers, welcome back to the administrative district," Gepard greeted them.
March 7th looked surprised. "Pioneers... It's the first time we've been called that on this planet!"
"The Constructors thought it necessary to address you in a more formal manner. The term 'outsiders' sounds somewhat distant," Gepard smiled.
"Does this mean... I'm a Pioneer now too?" Stelle gently touched her chest, murmuring to herself.
"What are you talking about, Stelle?" March 7th playfully patted her shoulder. "Being willing to stand up for others, facing the unknown and difficulties without fear, you've always been a qualified Pioneer."
"Really... That's great," Stelle smiled.
Gu Tang confidently stated, "I've recently realized that I've always been a Pioneer. Haven't I been exploring the path of scientific research all along? The Pioneer Aeon should pay me."
The Pioneer Aeon exclaimed, "What a rude guy."
"Oh, come on, you nearly turned their train into a giant robot," March 7th looked at Gu Tang in disbelief.
"Hmph, no one can predict an Aeon's thoughts. Maybe Akivili was a fan of giant robots," Gu Tang shrugged.
Stelle asked, "I have a question. The train we're on is a creation of the Pioneer Aeon, so where is the Pioneer Aeon now?"
Gu Tang replied, "Probably dead."
Stelle gasped, "What?"
Welt coughed, "Gepard, what were you saying just now...?"
Gepard stood up straight, speaking solemnly, "Regarding the events in the restricted zone, please allow me to once again apologize. You were not malevolent... I should have trusted Serval's judgment more."
Welt shook his head. "No need to apologize; you were just fulfilling your duty."
Stelle arrogantly put her hands on her hips. "Thank me. It was my violence that woke him up."
"I wanted to refute that, but thinking back, you did realize Gepard's hesitation through the fight..." March 7th said helplessly.
Gu Tang acknowledged, "Well said, Stelle. Violence is a universal language."
This statement could probably gain approval from both the Destruction and Harmony Aeons.
"Your strength is indeed impressive. If not for knowing you had important matters to attend to, I would have loved for you to help train the Silvermane Guards," Gepard said with a smile.
"Sounds interesting. We'll come help if we have the chance," Gu Tang nodded.
"Thank you very much... Also, Lady Bronya's inauguration speech will begin soon. I was specifically sent to inform you all," Gepard informed them.
Gu Tang raised an eyebrow. "So soon? I thought she'd rest a bit more."
"Hmm, Lady Bronya insisted on giving the speech as soon as possible, to provide an explanation to the city's people," Gepard nodded. "The speech will be held in front of the Everwinter Monument. I hope you all can be there to witness it."
"Great, let's go! I'm going to take lots and lots of photos!" March 7th exclaimed, snapping her fingers in excitement.
…
…
In front of the Everwinter Monument, resembling a giant ice crystal, a grand red platform had been set up.
Several elite Silvermane Guards stood behind the platform, looking spirited and imposing.
With some time left before the speech, Gu Tang chose to sit on a bench by the roadside, leisurely watching the passersby.
He saw Clara and a group of children curiously watching the cars on the road.
Reunited family members embraced with tears in their eyes, as if trying to reclaim lost time.
Many people held drinks, smiling as they toasted every person they met.
"Hey." Seele sat down beside him.
"Hey, what's up?" Gu Tang responded casually.
Seele crossed her legs and casually draped her arm over his shoulder. "Nothing, just realized I haven't thanked you."
"We're close enough to skip the formalities," Gu Tang replied.
He saw someone in the distance playing a guitar, a cheerful song stopping a crowd to listen.
"Ha, true... I'm not great at expressing emotions..." Seele's toes tapped lightly to the rhythm of the music.
Neither of them looked at each other; they just stared at the street ahead.
"Gu Tang, I'm really glad I met you all," Seele said with a smile. "What about you? How do you feel about this planet?"
"Environment-wise, it's pretty bad. But the people are nice," Gu Tang said slowly. "The journey has been quite interesting."
"Hey, that's a higher rating than I expected," Seele chuckled.
Welt stood behind them, nodding approvingly at the two.
Doesn't it feel like a strong bond between brothers?
Ten points for the bond!
That was Welt's judgment.
Then, to Welt's astonishment...
Seele gently leaned her head on Gu Tang's shoulder, murmuring, "It's strange, being around you makes me feel like a different person..."
She closed her eyes, enjoying the moment of relaxation and peace.
"How... how could this be!" Welt stumbled back a few steps, visibly shaken.
Seele's subtle gesture had completely transformed the atmosphere, overturning Welt's judgment.
"I still... have so much to learn!" Welt gritted his teeth.
It seems I need to keep exploring the path of friendship!
Indeed, isn't this also a kind of pioneering spirit?
The Pioneer Aeon said: Alright, kids, you're all right.
"Welt, look! Look! Aren't these photos great? This is the proper way to use a camera!" March 7th proudly displayed several photos to Welt.
Apparently, she was still holding a grudge over Welt using her camera.
Welt glanced at them; they were mostly pictures of March 7th with various landmarks.
He then pointed to the spot beside March 7th. "The composition's not bad, but it'd be perfect with a friend in it."
"Oh, right, we definitely need some group photos with Gu Tang," March 7th exclaimed and dashed towards the bench where Gu Tang was sitting.
Welt sighed. "What a slowpoke..."
Then he noticed March 7th returning.
Welt glared at her, expressionless. "Weren't you going to take photos with your friend? Why are you back?"
March 7th scratched her head. "Seele's leaning on Gu Tang's shoulder asleep. I didn't want to wake her..."
"Are you an idiot? The bench is so long, just sit down and lean on the other shoulder," Welt scolded her, exasperated.
March 7th blushed. "Oh, that'd be so embarrassing..."
Welt pointed expressionlessly towards the bench.
March 7th looked over and saw Stelle had already leaned on Gu Tang's other shoulder.
She blinked. "Wow..."
"Fine, I'll demonstrate for you." Welt said to March 7th.
With that, he charged over.
Though both shoulders were occupied, the middle was still free. Dan Heng thought he could just sit on Gu Tang's lap.
Then Stelle kicked him away.