After taking a deep breath to compose herself, Tingyun managed to say, "Galactic Gardians, you certainly have bold titles! But still, thank you for your generous assistance. But may I ask how you entered this sector? My ship was the last one to dock, and the Jade Gate has been sealed by the Sky-Faring Commission."
March 7th shifted uneasily, whispering, "Pei Guang, her words have a double meaning. It feels… uncomfortable."
Pei Guang, unfazed, responded, "No problem, just tell her the truth."
Stelle added, "This one's tricky, Pei Guang! You handle her. I'm heading ahead to scout!" Stelle's attention was caught by a vase tucked in a nearby corner, and she was determined to get it.
Pei Guang gave her a nod. "Go for it! And any treasure you find, go ahead and grab it for yourself."
Stelle replied earnestly, "You're the best, Pei Guang! If I run into any enemies, I'll catch them for you. And don't worry, I'll place the treasure within easy reach for everyone."
"Stay safe!" Pei Guang called out, watching her set off to explore and clear out any treasures they came across.
Once Stelle left, Pei Guang turned to Tingyun and explained, "We got a mission to deal with the Stellaron crisis here. And how did we get in? You know Silver Wolf, the Stellaron Hunter? She's the one who helped us out. Oh, and we came because she said half the people here were doomed otherwise, so we're here to lend a hand."
Tingyun's eyes widened. "What? The Silver Wolf? The galaxy's highest-valued bounty helped you get here? If it's her, I suppose that makes sense."
Smiling sweetly, Tingyun nodded in acknowledgment. "But seeing the condition of these Cloud Knights, it's clear that you are kind-hearted people! Unfortunately, I lack the authority to approve of any actions you wish to take here without permission from Madam Yukong."
March 7th turned to Pei Guang. "What does she mean? Feels like she's not giving us the whole story."
Pei Guang translated, "Basically, we need to speak to her superior if we want the go-ahead to act freely. Back home, we'd call this a 'polite way of laying down the laws.'"
Tingyun's expression froze for a moment. Did they really just describe their plan as 'acting freely'?
He then addressed her directly, "Alright, take us to your leader so we can get clearance to roam around and do what we need. Stelle, March 7th—I bet they'll assume we're up to no good and restrict us until things get so out of hand that they'll come begging for our help. Lucky we came prepared with a backup plan."
March 7th and Stelle knew he was referring to Seele, who was on standby on the Astral Express.
But Tingyun cleared her throat, prompting Pei Guang to wave his hand dismissively. "Ms. Tingyun, enough talk, just lead the way. And if they do end up arresting us, make sure the cell's decent and we get some decent meals and transport so we can spring into action when things go south."
Tingyun hid a small smile behind her fan. "My dear hero, you jest! But really, there's little I can do without Madam Yukong's approval. Still, if you have a message you'd like me to relay, I'd be happy to pass it on."
Pei Guang nodded seriously. "Our objective is clear: we're Trailblazers, here to contain the Stellaron threat and protect your people. Look, we've already saved so many lives—this should prove our goodwill. So, either let us roam freely to do our work or lock us up; either way works for us."
Tingyun nodded again. "Honored heroes, if you've done no wrong, why should there be any need to arrest you…?"
As Tingyun spoke, she suddenly heard the sound of porcelain shattering in the distance. She turned instinctively to see Stelle swinging her bat at a decorative vase.
The sight left her speechless, swallowing back her words. She decided to report all of this to Yukong in detail later.
Calming herself, Tingyun resumed, "I understand. I'll pass this information on to Madam Yukong. Please, follow me—I'll lead you to her."
Tingyun led the way, while March 7th leaned over and whispered to Pei Guang, "Pei Guang, is there something off about this woman?"
Pei Guang replied, "Who knows? But if she's innocent, great. And if she turns out to be the final boss, we'll just handle her in the end."
Tingyun continued to guide them, with the Trailblazers following, and behind them, the mine cart full of salvaged "materials," guarded by Herta puppets and Svarog units.
As they walked, Tingyun noticed the same Mara-struck soldiers they had encountered before, still sound asleep on the ground, each with an IV drip and a pacifier in their mouth.
The sight was startling. These enemies weren't just immobilized; their battered clothing looked as though someone had thoroughly searched them for valuables.
It wasn't only the Mara-struck soldiers; even the spontaneously animated machines were dormant, pacifiers in their mouths as well. Tingyun's eyes widened in shock. These automatons, given life by some unknown force, had also fallen asleep after consuming the strange liquid. What was it?
As they proceeded, she observed that the decorative vases were all smashed, yet only obstructive cargo crates had been slightly repositioned, their valuable contents untouched. Tingyun began to wonder if the Trailblazers had an unusual inclination for destruction.
Watching Stelle knock down yet another vase with her lance, Tingyun held back her curiosity. She thought to herself that perhaps she'd ask once they returned to Starskiff Haven. For now, she'd keep quiet—she might end up in one of those trash cans herself!
Though she knew Pei Guang's team was indeed saving lives, their methods were both incomprehensible and, frankly, a little crazy. Tingyun decided not to provoke them for now.
After all, Pei Guang, Stelle, and March 7th's approach to combat was quite intense. Stelle in particular left a strong impression: against living beings, they snuck around and fed them coffee, but against Stellaron-influenced creations, Stelle would sneak behind them and launch a powerful attack from below.
Watching Stelle's War-flaming lance flare with a brilliant amber hue, even Tingyun could feel the heat radiating from the strike.
Seeing this, Tingyun had a sudden realization: the most terrifying force in the universe wasn't the Antimatter Legion or the Abominations of Abundance. It was the Trailblazers of the Astral Express!