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"Hmph, Bochang, weren't you saying earlier that you didn't care much about this banquet? How come now you're eating even more fiercely than me?" March 7th remarked while devouring her food.
Bochang put down the chicken leg, elegantly wiping his greasy hands and mouth with a napkin.
"I simply worked too hard during today's battles and need to replenish my energy properly. Don't forget who contributed the most in this fight."
Perhaps it was a lingering effect of wearing the black bear mask for extended periods. Bochang indeed felt unusually famished, ready to consume anything within reach. The variety of delectable dishes at the banquet only intensified his appetite. He accepted every offering without hesitation.
In this scenario...
March 7th, Bochang, and Stelle became quite the spectacle at the feast. Sitting side by side, they devoured their meals like a storm sweeping away clouds. Periodically, servants would approach to serve additional courses, eliciting amazement from onlookers at the trio's prodigious appetites.
Stelle picked up her juice, took a sip, and said, "During the sealing of Stellaron, Bochang indeed contributed the most. He defeated both the robot and that person..."
When mentioning Cocolia, the gray-haired girl deliberately avoided using names due to the mixed crowd around them.
Speaking openly about Cocolia being an enemy...
In such matters, Stelle knew where to draw the line.
"That's not entirely incorrect," March 7th responded half-heartedly. Recalling how Bochang had pinched her cheeks earlier, she felt tempted multiple times to lash out but managed to suppress her irritation each time.
The pink-haired girl grabbed a dessert, seemingly treating it as Bochang, and viciously bit into it, saying, "I'll let you off for today."
Unlike Bochang and others, Dan Heng acted more like their leader, engaging in lively conversation with Belobog's Architects.
Of course...
Dan Heng never smiled; it was the other Architects who chuckled.
Bochang and his companions quietly enjoyed their meals without interruption.
Until Serval arrived.
Unlike her usual attire, the blonde big sister wore a striking purple evening gown today, accentuating her graceful figure even more brilliantly. As always, three flamboyant blue-black feathers adorned her right shoulder.
With her long hair cascading over her shoulders, Serval gracefully approached the trio and said, "So, how is tonight's meal? Quite delicious, isn't it?"
"Indeed, very enjoyable." March 7th gave a thumbs-up.
Bochang asked, "Serval, have you taken care of your family matters?"
"Hmm... Don't worry, I've already spoken with my siblings, and our luggage is packed. Whenever you're ready to depart, I can leave at any time." Serval placed a hand on her chest, adding, "There's not much here worth lingering for anyway."
Did she truly have nothing to hold onto? In reality, Serval still felt somewhat attached to Gepard and Lynx.
And there was one more person... Cocolia.
However, feeling weary of this life, Serval didn't want things to continue as they were. Embarking on adventures further away with the Astral Express might be more meaningful. Besides, Bronya supported her decision.
"Hmm... As for when we'll leave Belobog, there's no rush. We plan to rest here for another couple of days. After tomorrow's DNA test results, I even intend to visit Underworld..."
"Underworld? What's so interesting about that place? Personally, I don't think it's suitable for sightseeing."
Serval seemed puzzled, noticing the growing excitement around them.
Pela also approached, joining the conversation.
"Speaking of which, when I first captured Bochang and his group, they were also trying to find their way to the Underworld."
"At that time, it was because of Sampo... He mentioned something about meeting him there, come to think of it... That guy just won't leave us alone; he secretly contacted me twice more. It seems his sole purpose is to unlock access to the Upper Underworld..."
Bochang shared this information eagerly.
Pela nodded gently, "I know about Sampo, the wanted criminal... Apparently, he even assisted you today. And...Serval, according to Lady Bronya, you...ran off with Sampo earlier, right? We were quite worried when you disappeared suddenly."
"Hmm...well, see, I'm back safe now, so let's not dwell on such minor details." Serval smiled sheepishly.
By the time everyone returned,
Pela had been dispatched to Belobog by Gepard to oversee matters there.
Due to her busy schedule, they hadn't seen each other since their brief encounter this morning with Serval.
Lynx and Gepard had informed Pela about these incidents.
The siblings hoped that Pela could persuade Serval
to stay in Belobog instead of joining the Astral Express.
Pela willingly accepted this challenging task.
"Serval, aren't you planning to leave?" A hint of loneliness flashed in the eyes of Pela, who wore round-framed glasses. "If you go, we might never see each other again, and our rock band would also..."
This was indeed a pressing issue.
It's one that Serval most dreaded facing, but at certain junctures, she must make choices.
[Dating Options have been activated.]
[Option 1: Patting Serval's shoulder, look at Pela and say, "It's alright, Pela... Serval and I will make our band renowned throughout the universe." - Completion Reward: Obtain item, Minotaur Statue. Crushing this statue summons an incredibly powerful Minotaur Warrior to assist in combat for one hour. Note: This type of item...]
[Option 2: Hand the teleportation ring to Pela and say, "It's alright, Pela. See this ring? Just add a drop of your blood, and we can establish mutual teleportation between us. Whenever you want to see Serval, I'll bring her over immediately, and together we'll build Universe Village." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random skill.]
[Option 3: Pretend not to hear, focus on eating, and let Pela persuade Serval - Completion Reward: Serval withdraws from Astral Express.]
"Serval... it seems her emotions are still quite unstable... If I let this go unchecked, she might leave the Astral Express again, so option three can be directly ruled out."
Previously, Bochang had sacrificed a random item reward just to ensure Serval's participation on the Astral Express.
There was no way he would allow her to depart so effortlessly now.
If nothing is done...
Who will compensate Bochang for his losses?
Moreover, as a black-haired youth possessing "Dating Options," having more people around him is always beneficial. This increases the chances of triggering additional Dating Options, leading to gradual self-improvement.
Step by step, growing stronger.
Until one day, when the Stellaron Hunters can no longer abduct him.
Only then can Bochang truly unleash his full potential.
"However... do the current Stellaron Hunters still have means to capture me? Could they resort to poisoning or similar tactics?"