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The joyful mahjong session passed swiftly.
Several hours flew by in the blink of an eye.
Himeko, occupied with her tasks, didn't return at all during this time.
March 7th stretched lazily and glanced at her phone, saying, "Hmm... It's getting very late now. Let's call it a day; we need our sleep."
"If you don't rest well, your skin will suffer," she added, followed by a big yawn.
Bochang nodded and stood up.
"Alright, let's wrap things up for today."
Stelle and Serval had no objections.
After playing for such a long duration, everyone was tired, especially Serval, who suffered multiple crushing defeats.
So...
They tidied up the mahjong table and each returned to their respective rooms.
Although they had resolved the crisis posed by Stellaron,
it would still take some time for its effects to completely dissipate.
During this time, everyone could only wait on the train.
Bochang briefly freshened up and settled comfortably onto his bed.
It was already midnight, and Bochang felt drowsy. Closing his eyes, he quickly drifted off to sleep.
On the other hand, March 7th lay down but couldn't fall asleep for quite some time.
Her mind kept replaying what Bochang had said earlier, causing her excitement to surge.
While playing mahjong, she managed to distract herself somewhat, but now with idle moments...
She began indulging in wild fantasies again.
"Hehe... Bochang wants to be closer with me..." March 7th tossed and turned on her large pink bed, continuously reminiscing about their recent interaction. "To say such things while holding my hand, how shameless... Heehee..."
As she recalled Bochang's gaze, the warmth of his touch, and his deep voice, March 7th couldn't help but let out a subtle, infatuated giggle.
March 7th couldn't help but giggle softly like a smitten schoolgirl.
"I wonder...what is he doing right now? Is he feeling the same way?"
The pink-haired girl clutched her blanket tightly, wrapping her long, pale legs around it as well, unable to resist recalling the events of the previous night.
At that time, March 7th had indeed been quite intoxicated, but she hadn't completely lost consciousness...
As memories flooded back, she hugged the blanket even tighter, causing the soft contours of her chest to visibly shift.
Meanwhile, Bochang was enjoying a sound sleep.
It might have been due to possessing the Sheep Talisman; whenever Bochang felt drowsy, falling asleep came effortlessly to him.
The clock's hands ticked steadily onward.
Before long, morning arrived on the second day.
Bochang woke up early and had just finished his morning routine when Conductor Pom-Pom's voice echoed throughout the train through the loudspeakers.
"Hello—hello! Apologies for the wait! Dear passengers, thanks to the exceptional efforts of our four Trailblazers, the rift's activity has been minimized, and all readings of the star rail have returned to normal ranges! The train is about to resume its journey, departing from Jarilo VI. Please sit securely and hold on tight. Take one last moment to bid farewell to this planet!
"Additionally... please gather at the train hall as the route planning meeting is about to commence."
And so...
Bochang made his way to the train hall.
There he found Pom-Pom, Himeko, Welt Yang, Serval, Stelle, and March 7th.
Only Dan Heng was yet to arrive.
Pom-Pom glanced around and said, "Pascal, go find Dan Heng; the route planning meeting is starting soon."
"Pascal... acknowledged."
The robot Pascal promptly set off next to Pom-Pom.
Having such a helpful robot nearby allowed everyone to save considerable effort.
Upon spotting March 7th and the others, Bochang greeted them first.
"Good morning."
Serval and the group responded with smiles.
Bochang then asked, "Himeko, have we decided on our next destination?"
"It's already been determined. We'll formally announce it during the meeting shortly; no need to rush..." Himeko looked at Bochang. "Before the meeting begins, you can sit nearby and enjoy a cup of coffee or something similar."
"All right."
With that, Bochang plopped down onto the soft red sofa, just one meter away from March 7th.
"March, you don't look too well... Did you not sleep well last night?" Bochang curiously observed her.
March 7th's cheeks flushed slightly as she protested, "No way... Don't make things up. Last night... I had a really sound sleep."
"That's good."
Seeing this reaction, Bochang refrained from further comment.
Meanwhile, Serval picked up the kettle, brewed coffee for everyone individually, and personally served it to them.
"Freshly made, please enjoy." Serval handed out the cups of coffee.
Bochang accepted one, saying, "Thank you."
As they sipped their coffee, casual conversation flowed among the group.
Pascal, who had gone to fetch others, returned promptly.
However, even as the warp route meeting commenced, Dan Heng did not show up, leaving his whereabouts unknown.
The conductor, Pom-Pom, didn't wait any longer and proceeded without him.
"Ladies and gentlemen! The official Warp Route Meeting is now beginning!" The lop-eared rabbit mascot, clad in its red uniform, looked around at everyone. "Firstly... Pom-Pom would like to express gratitude to our passengers, The Nameless, for successfully resolving the issue here, allowing the train to continue racing along the star rails!"
"Next, your conductor will announce the name of the next station—"
Before Pom-Pom could finish, it was abruptly interrupted.
Suddenly, a holographic projection appeared in the train's main hall.
It was none other than Kafka herself.
"Long time no see, everyone on the Astral Express." Holding her black umbrella, the tall and poised woman lifted her head. "I am Kafka."
Upon seeing this uninvited guest, Himeko and Welt Yang's expressions instantly changed.
Pom-Pom couldn't help but take a few steps back, hiding behind Welt Yang.
Serval, unsure of the situation, mirrored their reactions, becoming tense as well.
"Hmm... What perfect timing, with everyone gathered here... It seems almost everyone is present," Kafka remarked calmly. As she stepped forward, she noticed someone seemed to be missing.
After Kafka's appearance, Himeko quickly glanced at Bochang and Stelle.
They had long been aware that the Herta Space Station was invaded by the Stellaron Hunters.
They both suspected that Bochang and Stelle had connections with the Stellaron Hunters.
As such, Himeko immediately assumed Kafka's presence was related to these two individuals.
However...
The question now arose—how did Kafka appear here? Himeko scanned her surroundings, hoping to find any clues or traces.
But she discovered nothing.
Seeing Kafka unexpectedly, Stelle was stunned, her eyes widening significantly as she couldn't help but examine him from head to toe.
This person...
Stelle felt very familiar with him; she could even recall his name.
Himeko knew it was merely a holographic projection—the real individual wasn't present. Consequently, she remained composed and simply glanced at her hands, stating, "There's no need for a captivating introduction, Stellaron Hunter."
Her tone was distinctly unfriendly.
After all, she was a wanted criminal by the Interstellar Peace Corporation.
Bochang silently observed the unfolding scene, unsure of what he should do.
[Dating Options have been activated.]