How a Proper Mount Should Learn to Earn Wealth

Of course, Asta shook her head and didn't bother with such trivial matters.

Instead, she lowered her head, gave a few quick instructions through the communication device, and then looked up at the group again.

"Can we move to the command desk first? Blocking the elevator entrance isn't ideal."

Lin Shuang nodded, and no one objected.

Mount No. 1 naturally followed Lin Shuang without a word. Since Asta didn't say anything, Lin Shuang ignored it as well.

The group trailed behind Asta toward the command desk.

Walking beside her, Himeko asked, "What's the current status of the space station?"

"The situation is under control. The damage to the security system is minor and can be repaired quickly. The real issue lies with the officers."

Asta's expression carried a hint of helplessness.

After all, the staff here were scientists, not soldiers. Expecting them to remain composed after such a life-threatening event was unreasonable.

"They had unwavering trust in Lady Herta... They never expected the space station to be breached. Physical injuries aside, the psychological impact is far more concerning."

Though the evacuation had been timely, casualties were inevitable.

Lin Shuang had even saved someone earlier. Seeing that his leg was injured, she treated him briefly and placed him in a safe cabin.

He certainly wasn't the only one left behind.

The sight of these wounded staff members must have shaken the others deeply.

"Has Ms. Herta been contacted?"

"...No. I've sent multiple messages, but none received a response. She only appeared once a few days ago, and it's usually difficult to reach her."

Asta shook her head, and Himeko sighed.

"I figured... Never mind, I'll try sending a message to Herta myself."

The conversation was mostly between Himeko and Asta.

Meanwhile, Lin Shuang's thoughts drifted to the arrival of the Doomsday Beast.

She hadn't had many chances to use her riding skill since acquiring it, and those few times had all been on spaceships.

So she never found it particularly remarkable.

But today, she finally tried it out—

And discovered it was called "Assimilation and Fusion."

The effect? Overwhelming.

The assimilated Mount No. 1 even took on some of the Heliobus's unique characteristics.

It was like forcefully injecting energy, evolving it to another level.

The thought of attempting the same thing with a Stellaron gave her pause.

It would be quite something if she accidentally created a walking nuclear bomb.

Thinking about it, Lin Shuang silently thanked Acheron. If not for the massive Heliobus she now wielded, she might still be relying on a Stellaron.

Her imagination ran wild—

What if the Doomsday Beast got assimilated?

Wouldn't it turn into a massive fire dragon cloaked in flames?

That sounded insanely cool.

Maybe she should ask Asta later if any researchers on the space station specialized in space folding. If they could craft two Poké Balls, carrying assimilated mounts around would be a breeze.

Lost in thought, Lin Shuang barely noticed the conversation between Himeko and Asta winding down.

The Astral Express crew decided to help stabilize the emotionally shaken staff members.

Of course, Lin Shuang suspected that what Himeko really wanted was to observe Stelle more closely.

After all, an amnesiac with an unknown background deserved scrutiny.

As for Lin Shuang...

Considering Mount No. 1, she decided against mingling with the staff. It would be better to stick with Asta.

At the very least, her presence would prevent panic upon seeing Mount No. 1.

"Thank you again for your help. Arlan's hands and feet are injured, so he won't be able to fight anytime soon."

Asta expressed her gratitude sincerely.

Unlike the Astral Express crew, Lin Shuang was merely a guest invited to the space station.

Asta had initially been contemplating how to explain the research regarding Herta to Lin Shuang, but now, she found herself owing her a favor.

"It's fine, it was just on the way."

Lin Shuang waved her hand dismissively, then pointed at Mount No. 1, which stood there, arms crossed, doing absolutely nothing.

"Is the Antimatter Legion putting too much pressure on you guys? Why not let it work as a temp?"

This massive guy needed a proper place before she found a storage solution.

Bringing it to the Blue wasn't an option.

She figured the best course of action was to register it as a non-staff defense unit.

It could remain on the space station when idle, and she could retrieve it whenever needed.

That way, she wouldn't have to lug it around everywhere.

Lin Shuang turned to Mount No. 1 and sighed dramatically. "You're a mature mount now. Time to earn your own money."

Mount No. 1: ?

If it could speak, it would definitely complain about being subjected to forced labor at barely 24 days old.

But Asta couldn't hear its thoughts.

Lin Shuang, however, could.

And she found it amusing.

"Ah..."

Having heard March 7th talk about Mount No. 1's combat strength earlier, Asta was clearly intrigued.

The only question was—would the Security Department accept it?

And could the already terrified staff members handle having such a towering creature as their protector?

That said, the Security Department was under immense strain. The Herta Space Station, at its core, was still a research facility.

The security team was small, primarily focused on dealing with the bizarre incidents caused by strange objects rather than large-scale invasions.

Against the Antimatter Legion, their forces were stretched thin.

If Lin Shuang's pet could assist...

It might not be a one-beast army, but it could certainly make a difference.

Asta, being the decisive type, quickly made up her mind.

"I agree. Let's give it a shot. How about I put your pet on the payroll as a Security Department recruit?"

She flashed a smile at Lin Shuang before lowering her head to contact the department and arrange for Mount No. 1's new position.

Lin Shuang had no objections.

Securing food and shelter for this big guy was all she needed.

She had expected only standard treatment, but Asta was surprisingly generous.

"Alright."

Lin Shuang nodded, then shot Mount No. 1 a meaningful glance.

The message was clear.

Though Mount No. 1 wanted to stay by Lin Shuang's side, it had no choice but to obey its creator.

Lin Shuang promised to visit frequently, which was enough to appease it for now.

Soon, a Defense Department officer arrived with a jog.

After listening to Asta's explanation, he was stunned into silence, staring blankly at Mount No. 1.

---

T/N: Hmm... for the past few chapters today instead of manually fixing the errors I just decided to slap it onto chatgpt before going over the minor errors. I mean, this method is a billion times fucking faster so I don't think i'll stop, but gpt shortens the words when I ask it to fix the grammar, so the chapters will be like 100 words shorter, but not much I can do about that.

At least the general meaning is going through.

If spicy scenes do come up, you better believe I will put in my best effort.