Acheron frowned and realized something was wrong

Although Mount No. 1 was clearly reluctant, she still followed the Security Department member, whose expression looked as if he had just seen a ghost.

The only reason she felt at ease was that Lin Shuang had maintained constant contact, allowing her to sense Mount No. 1's condition and state of mind at any moment. She had also given detailed instructions on everything to be cautious about.

More than that, this guy was smarter than Lin Shuang had expected. It was obvious that Mount No. 1 could grasp the emotions of those around them.

Watching Mount No. 1 leave, Lin Shuang could only hope they would prove themselves strong.

"Lin Shuang, you really helped a lot. Not only did you save people, but you also added a valuable combat force to the Defense Department. I don't even know how to thank you properly."

Asta's tone, when speaking in private, was noticeably different—much softer than when she addressed the public. As she spoke, she pulled out her phone and held up a QR code.

"Add me privately. Hehe, we can discuss your reward later."

Who would refuse the contact of a wealthy woman who could casually transfer 200 million credits?

Lin Shuang, of course, accepted without hesitation.

Seeing Asta's name appear on her friend list, Lin Shuang suddenly remembered—she hadn't even added the rest of the train crew as friends yet.

Speaking of the Astral Express, she truly wanted to board and travel with them for a while.

But not now.

"By the way, do you mind if I contact Ms. Herta in your name?"

Asta held her phone up to her lips as if it were a microphone, blinking her beautiful eyes twice before asking.

"...Didn't you mention in your email that Herta was interested in me? It's only natural for you to inform her, isn't it?"

Lin Shuang scratched her head, puzzled by Asta's specific question.

Wasn't she here because of an appointment? Why hadn't she already informed Herta? Did that mean she was planning to stay at the space station for a while?

"Haha, just checking."

Asta laughed and brushed the question aside.

Just then, Lin Shuang's phone rang, and Acheron's name popped up on the screen.

Noticing this, Asta casually mentioned she would contact Herta, then turned away to give Lin Shuang some privacy.

She recognized the name. A 'Galaxy Ranger' named Acheron, at least according to official records. It was said that Acheron and Lin Shuang had worked together to resolve a Stellaron crisis, reopening a congested route.

Regardless of who contributed more, one thing was clear: both were exceptionally skilled.

And the two of them were clearly close.

That was why Asta tactfully stepped away.

Lin Shuang nodded and, without moving far, opened the chat window beside Asta.

[Acheron: Are you there? Busy?]

[Lin Shuang: Not busy, just a bit caught up in things. I'm at Herta's space station.]

[Acheron: Have you met Herta?]

[Lin Shuang: No, but I did meet the Antimatter Legion...]

[Acheron:?]

[Acheron: Need me to step in?]

[Lin Shuang: No, no, its just a Doomsday Beast. I can handle it...]

As she typed, Lin Shuang quickly explained everything that had happened since arriving at the station.

After reading the explanation, Acheron responded with a string of ellipses:

[Acheron: ...]

[Acheron: You really... always run into trouble wherever you go. You make me worry.]

[Acheron: Be careful. Call me if anything happens.]

Lin Shuang smiled at the message and replied:

[Lin Shuang: You weren't like this before. You used to want me to get into more trouble so I could gain experience.]

[Acheron: ...]

Another string of ellipses.

There was a long pause, the screen showing 'typing...' for a while, but no message came.

—

Acheron was passing through a shattered star field when she saw Lin Shuang's message. She had instinctively curled her lips into a small smile, ready to respond—

Only to suddenly realize something.

She had changed.

It was undeniable that Acheron had always been a kind person, willing to help even complete strangers. That was how things had been when she first met Lin Shuang. Later, as Lin Shuang grew stronger, Acheron had trained her, more out of responsibility than anything else.

But now, things were different.

On one hand, she felt reassured by Lin Shuang's strength and hidden cards. On the other, she found herself increasingly worried about her safety.

If Lin Shuang were to tell her she planned to die for her ideals—

Acheron wasn't sure if she would let her go.

That sudden realization made her hesitate. She wasn't sure how to reply.

She wasted time, overthinking.

Then, with a sigh, she decided—there was no need to figure everything out right now.

They had time.

Lin Shuang had time.

Not everything needed an immediate answer.

Acheron exhaled, quickly typing a reply:

[Acheron: That's different. Last time, you provoked an Emanator. Who knows what kind of trouble you'll attract next?]

Still, she hesitated slightly before pressing send.

Would Lin Shuang notice how long she had paused? Would she ask? How was she supposed to reply naturally?

Luckily, Lin Shuang didn't seem to care, brushing past the delay without a second thought.

[Lin Shuang: Okay, okay, I'll be careful. If anything happens, I'll call you immediately.]

[Acheron: Good.]

With that, Acheron quickly ended the conversation, scanning the surroundings before continuing on her way.

—

Lin Shuang put her phone away just as Himeko returned to the control console. She and Asta exchanged nods but didn't speak.

Himeko's gaze landed on Lin Shuang.

"Now that I think about it, I haven't properly welcomed you yet. Once things settle down, if you have time, you should visit the train."

Ms. Himeko's long dress and coat weren't overly revealing, yet—

The high slit reaching her waist. The low neckline of her dress.

Everything about her exuded the elegance of a mature woman.

"Of course! I've wanted to board the Astral Express for so long. If you don't mind, I'd love to come aboard as just another nameless passenger."

Lin Shuang's eyes lit up as she immediately agreed. Himeko chuckled, covering her mouth with a hand.

"The train welcomes all who seek adventure. I look forward to having you with us, Lin Shuang."