Do you think I'm stupid?

Lin Shuang wasn't particularly worried about March 7th's safety.

That beam of light was just one of many. Plus, the Doomsday Beast's attack had already been weakened by Lin Shuang's flames, cutting its power in half. Even if March 7th was hit, her Six-Phase Ice would ensure she remained unharmed.

From her vantage point, Lin Shuang clearly saw Stelle's movements. Instinctively, Stelle rushed toward March 7th, arms spread wide, shielding her from the Doomsday Beast's attack.

Everything happened in an instant. No one else could perceive what Stelle had just endured.

Then, the Stellaron in her chest burst forth with a blinding glow of destruction—

A shockwave of energy erupted, completely shattering the remnants of the Doomsday Beast's will.

But Lin Shuang had no time to concern herself with the beast.

Where was Welt?

If he wasn't stepping in, she might have to act herself. But even then, she wasn't sure how to suppress the runaway Stellaron inside Stelle.

Just as Lin Shuang leaped from the fallen Doomsday Beast and rushed toward the platform, a figure suddenly emerged within her sight.

Welt crossed the void, bypassing the Doomsday Beast to reach the rampaging Stelle. His cane touched her forehead, instantly rendering her unconscious and stabilizing her out-of-control energy.

Lin Shuang, arriving a second too late, caught Stelle as she collapsed into her arms.

March 7th, still staggering from the impact, ran over in a hurry. She looked at Stelle, then at Welt.

"Uncle Yang! Is she—?"

"She's fine," Welt reassured her, suppressing the turmoil in his heart.

Then, finally, he turned to look at Lin Shuang.

While Lin Shuang had been battling the Doomsday Beast, Welt had just arrived on the train. The raging flames had made it difficult to notice her presence atop the beast. Only after he made his move did he finally register her figure.

And the moment he took a proper look at her—

"…"

A thick silence fell between them.

This wasn't the first time Welt had encountered someone familiar. Himeko had even shared the same name.

But this?

Even if she only looked similar, it would be one thing.

But could someone explain why the white-haired girl standing before him, even down to the armor she wore, was an exact replica?

And that sword!

Damn it—if his eyes weren't deceiving him, that sword in Lin Shuang's hands was identical to the one Kiana had wielded in that world.

Don't tell me… your name is 'Kiana Kaslana' too.

Welt's mind was a chaotic mess.

It wasn't just a resemblance anymore.

This was exactly Kiana Kaslana from that time.

Even the usually oblivious March 7th noticed something was off.

"Uncle Yang… do you know Lin Shuang?"

"Lin Shuang? Oh… uh…"

March 7th's words pulled Welt out of his daze. He adjusted his glasses, trying to keep his expression neutral.

No, this had to be a joke.

That look, that armor, that greatsword—

If her flames weren't red, this would be a perfect replica.

And now you're telling me her last name isn't Kaslana?

Do I look like an idiot?

If Welt had access to March 7th's meme folder, he would have wanted to pull one out right now.

Yet, despite the chaos inside, he maintained a calm facade.

"Ahem… Apologies, Miss Lin's appearance reminded me of an old friend. My name is Welt Yang, a member of the Astral Express."

"Hello, I'm Lin Shuang."

She still had Stelle resting in her arms—someone who looked downright regal even while unconscious.

"This idiot looks ridiculous when awake, but when she's out cold, she almost looks like a queen," Lin Shuang mused.

She handed Stelle over to March 7th before straightening up.

"I'm going to check on the Doomsday Beast. Can't have anyone picking up trouble where we left off. I'll catch up with you later!"

With that, Lin Shuang sheathed her sword, flames surging around her as she leapt off the platform.

Welt glanced at Himeko, silently seeking confirmation.

She nodded slightly.

With that, Welt adjusted his glasses again and spoke.

"When Miss Lin returns, we should have a proper conversation elsewhere."

…

Lin Shuang sped through the void, searching for the Doomsday Beast. Soon enough, she spotted it drifting towards The Blue.

Despite being heavily damaged, it hadn't turned to ash. The flames still burned along its massive frame, proof that Stelle's 'Shield Counter' hadn't finished it off completely.

With a burst of fire, Lin Shuang propelled herself forward, using her silk threads to pull herself closer.

This time, it wasn't to attack—it was to prevent the beast from plummeting into The Blue.

As she stabilized it, her flames reignited with newfound vitality.

The beast ceased struggling, and its assimilation progressed even faster. Within moments, it was completely under Lin Shuang's control.

Now enveloped in flames, the Doomsday Beast transformed into a terrifying fire dragon.

At the same time, its wounds healed entirely under Lin Shuang's flames.

Stronger, evolved, reborn—

The moment it awakened, there was no hostility left. Instead, it gazed at Lin Shuang docilely, letting out a low rumbling sound as if calling out to her.

The flames receded, retreating into the core of its chest.

What had once been an antimatter engine was now a blazing heart of a Heliobus's flame.

Unlike Mount No. 1, which struggled to contain its own fire, the Doomsday Beast displayed remarkable control over its energy. And with that, its power had grown even stronger.

Seated atop the beast's neck, Lin Shuang directed it back toward the space station platform.

With a powerful yet graceful descent, the massive creature landed gently. It lowered its head, peering into the corridor where March 7th and the others waited.

Lin Shuang stepped forward, addressing everyone on the train as well as Asta, who had appeared via communication.

"Alright, I've successfully tamed the Doomsday Beast. You can lift the emergency alert now."

"Roar~"

The beast let out a victorious cry in agreement.

Unfortunately, the sheer force of its voice nearly sent March 7th flying.

At least it didn't have any saliva.

On the screen, Asta sighed, rubbing her temples.

"…Lin Shuang, you really are a headache."

Asta let out a small, exasperated laugh. The trampler incident was one thing—it was a manageable size.

But this?

A Doomsday Beast casually lying on the space station?

How was she supposed to explain this to people passing by?!

Who was Lin Shuang trying to scare to death?