Though the train had stopped, no one dared to disembark, as the scene before them was far too awkward and strange. Feeling everyone's gaze on her, Bronya forced a composed expression and said, "Everyone! Since we have allies in the mechanical workshop, let's head there first to regroup."
As the heir to the Supreme Guardian and commander of the Silvermane Guards, Bronya's prestige in some ways exceeded that of Cocolia. Cocolia's authority stemmed from her position as the Supreme Guardian, but Bronya, as the heir, had earned a reputation as a wise commander, having led the guards in successfully intercepting numerous Fragmentum creature incursions.
Because of this, when Bronya indicated that she wasn't looking for trouble, the Silvermane Guards breathed a sigh of relief.
However, the guard captain sensed something different. The heir to the Supreme Guardian had brought people from the sealed-off Underworld, and they looked determined and battle-ready? Could she be planning to overthrow the current Supreme Guardian and take the position herself?
That would be fantastic. If it were true, things would improve dramatically. Cocolia's erratic leadership had long been infamous and replacing her with someone who understood how to lead in combat would be a good change. What's more, rumors had been circulating within the Silvermane Guard ranks in recent days.
The rumor was that the current Supreme Guardian had died years ago, and what remained was a mere shadow, manipulated by the Fragmentum's will to destroy Belobog. Though unconfirmed, Cocolia's bizarre decisions over the years had been so extreme that many had begun to take this rumor as truth.
In the meantime, Gepard had temporarily agreed to follow Cocolia's orders to advance, but in reality, he had stalled, fortifying their defenses instead. Whenever someone needed a break, they'd simply report an injury. No one knew how Gepard had managed to arrange it, but the hospital always confirmed "severe injury with no lasting damage, requiring rest."
As for reporting this to higher authorities? The Silvermane Guards trusted Gepard, Bronya and Pela — but not Cocolia.
Meanwhile, back on the train, after witnessing the Silvermane Guards collapse, Clara looked up at Svarog beside her. "Mr. Svarog, what happened to them? Were they affected by Uncle Pei Guang?"
Svarog, after a long moment of calculation, which ultimately yielded nothing, replied, "Yes. They were influenced by the erratic behavior of the Starship holder. According to calculations, this behavior has a certain contagious effect. Clara, when you notice such behavior, you must close your eyes and cover your ears."
Clara nodded firmly. "Clara understands. But Clara still feels that uncle and the big sisters aren't bad people."
Svarog confirmed, "By human standards, their actions, though strange, have so far produced outcomes considered to be within the good person category."
Clara nodded vigorously. As for our "good person" Pei Guang? He didn't follow Bronya to the mechanical workshop but instead turned his attention to the fallen Silvermane Guards.
Pei Guang asked, "Did anyone issue a quest? I need to turn it in!"
Hearing this, the Silvermane Guard captain leapt up in a dramatic flip. "My teacher, Karol… how is he?"
Pei Guang pulled out a large bundle of belongings. "He's dead. The Fragmentum expanded into Rivet Town in the Underworld. He missed his chance to escape while evacuating students and was consumed by the Fragmentum creatures, reduced to ashes. This is his final letter."
For a moment, the Silvermane Guard captain was stunned. "What? The Underworld…"
In his understanding, the separation of the Overworld and Underworld was to concentrate their forces against the Fragmentum's invasion. No one had ever said the Underworld had been overrun by the Fragmentum. And now, Pei Guang was telling him that Rivet Town had fallen? The most prosperous part of the Underworld… and his former home…
The Silvermane Guard captain stared at the letter and the pile of mementos Pei Guang handed over, his body stiffening. But he quickly regained his composure, his voice choked with emotion. "Thank you, sir. I…"
Pei Guang rummaged through his inventory and found the "quest item." "These are his mementos, take care of them. Natasha has already arranged your quest rewards. Of course, if you want to give me more rewards, I won't refuse!"
When it came to rewards, Pei Guang's attitude was simple: he wasn't picky. A little, a lot — as long as there was something, he'd take it!
Having said that, he left. But as he departed, Bronya glanced at the scene: watching the guard's captain quietly sob, her heart ached.
Bronya stopped and turned to the now-standing Silvermane Guards. "Everything he said is true. I've already uncovered the truth myself. Please, trust me. I promise to bring justice and let you all know the truth."
As her experiences accumulated, Bronya's resolve only grew stronger. She had once thought she could do nothing, but now she was certain of one thing: she might not be able to change the world, destroy the Stellaron, or stop the Fragmentum's invasion. But she would do everything within her power to protect Belobog and its people as long as she lived.
The group departed, leaving the Silvermane Guards to gather together. What? Stand guard? Orders? They had already put on such a grand performance to let Pei Guang and the others through; they weren't worried about violating protocol now.
"Captain… are you alright?"
Hearing the concern from his comrades, the Silvermane Guard captain shook his head. "I'm fine, just... the wound is a bit deep…"
At that moment, everyone fell silent. Physical injuries meant little to the Silvermane Guards. Even if they became disabled, they were willing to take up support duties in the rear. But this time, the captain's wound was to his heart. He was originally from the Underworld, and his teacher had taught him the principles of life, pointing him toward his future. This teacher, second only to his parents in importance, had died to the Fragmentum's corruption?
The captain muttered, "So the rumors were true… the Fragmentum has already invaded the Underworld…"
A more impulsive guard spoke up, "Captain! I say we head down now! They need us down there."
A more composed guard countered, "I don't think that's wise. If we leave now, we'll be branded as traitors…"
The impulsive guard turned to the captain, "What do you think we should do?"
The captain carefully put away the will and then handed his own will to a nearby, silent guard. "Your entire family is up here, so I'm leaving this to you. This is my will. And... tell Commander Gepard that I'm heading to the Underworld. I serve the Silvermane Guards of Belobog, not Cocolia."
"I am a Silvermane Guard of Belobog. I cannot stand by while my mentor and friends die without explanation, nor can I ignore the corruption spreading through my homeland. You all know how fast the Fragmentum expands in unguarded areas. I refuse to watch the Underworld be devoured. Don't feel obligated to come with me. If Commander Gepard or Leader Bronya punishes me, so be it. I'm heading down!"
The captain, who had been feigning death moments ago, made his choice. He remained loyal to the Silvermane Guards, willing to sacrifice his life to defend Belobog.
However, just as he was about to take action, the previously silent guard stopped him. "Captain, hold on."
There was a communication line at the platform. He used it to contact Gepard in the restricted zone of the Silvermane Guards.
After receiving the news, Gepard confirmed his thoughts. "I see. So she's learned the truth? I understand. I now order you all to head to the Underworld to defend Belobog. I'll send two additional teams to support you shortly. Remember our Silvermane Guards' mission."
On the other end of the line: "With the will of preservation, we defend Belobog! Until the very end."
Gepard replied, "Yes! With the will of preservation, we defend Belobog. And… survive."
Gepard didn't know the full situation in the Underworld, but from his informants' reports, the situation there was likely worse than the Overworld.
Rivet Town had already been consumed by the Fragmentum: one could only imagine how dire things had become in the Underworld.
As for what Bronya would do next, Gepard didn't have the capacity to help her right now. In recent days, the Fragmentum creatures' attacks had become more frequent—so frequent that his weapon had sustained damage, and he couldn't even ask his sister to repair it.
As he hung up the phone, one of the scouts rushed over. "It's bad! The Fragmentum creatures are attacking again…"
Without asking further, Gepard grabbed his weapon and charged out.
He glanced at the shield in his hand. The weapon his sister had made for him had started malfunctioning due to the constant assaults from the Fragmentum creatures. But...
"In the name of Landau. Years of cold hardens the will. We shall never fall!"
At that moment, ice spears, formed by his power of Preservation, rained down on the Fragmentum creatures attacking Belobog. His willpower sparked the resolve in all his comrades.
Gepard looked at the creatures endlessly advancing toward Belobog, his heart resolute. "No matter what, we will hold them off. Sis… Pela, Bronya… whatever you're doing, hurry. I trust you… You'll figure out whether the current Supreme Guardian is still truly a guardian."
As the Silvermane Guards in the restricted zone continued to resist the Fragmentum's invasion, the captain and his team, following Gepard's orders, took the train to the Underworld.
But as soon as they arrived, they saw Natasha waiting at the platform.
The captain spoke up, "We are the Silvermane Guards! We've been ordered to help the Underworld resist the Fragmentum invasion! Wait... Natasha? You still look so young."
Natasha smiled, "Hm? Did I treat you before? Well, this isn't the time for reminiscing. The Fragmentum creatures in the Underworld have already been wiped out. We have enough manpower to handle any remaining threats for now. Wait, don't tell me you didn't know?"
Natasha was incredibly sharp. Seeing these guards and hearing their words, she immediately realized they had been influenced by Pei Guang and his companions. They had no idea what was really going on and had rushed down in a heat of passion.
Still, this was a good thing. The fact that these guards were willing to come down and help resist the Fragmentum meant they were connected to Pei Guang and the Underworld. That meant they could be allies.
At that moment, the guards, who had hastily taken the train down, were left dumbfounded. What? What were they supposed to know? They had just learned about the situation in the Underworld themselves!