Together with the Astral Express crew and Stelle, of course, we headed toward the gigantic hologram of a planet. Ever since being isekai'd here, I have seen things I thought could only be found in fiction. It feels strange, really; in a world with such advanced technology, you can't help but admire it.
We saw Asta beside the hologram.
"Projectile Radar Tracking, normal. Telemetry signal frequency, unusually high. Maintain at normal levels," Asta was heard giving a report. Judging from her worried tone, I was sure it was serious enough to make me nervous about my safety again. I tried to calm myself, but it didn't do much as what she added next was enough to make me fall into a state of depression. "Our measurements predict that the Legion is about to unleash over ten waves of continuous attacks. Everyone brace yourselves."
Ten waves? That's right, I heard it clearly. I tried to maintain my calm facade. It seemed that the people beside me showed no reaction to that specific information. Of course, why would they?
"Asta, we're back!" March said with a wave.
Asta turned around, relief evident in her tone as she spoke. "Whew, I'm glad that you're all back safe. Arlan just told me about the situation at the storage zone—and about his injury… thank you for all your help," Asta expressed her thanks as she bowed her head slightly.
I glanced at them to see if they spoke out, but no one did, and so I decided not to. Asta continued shortly after, "In times of disaster, I realize more and more that the space station's researchers are its most valuable assets… Alas, we were ill-prepared for such emergencies… we should have built up our security and combat departments." Asta wore a frown as she added the last bit of her words.
Knowing how rich she was, why couldn't she just buy a fleet of spaceships guarding this gigantic spaceship? Is her father limiting her allowance to prevent such a thing? Nah, that couldn't be it. What kind of father would make their daughter vulnerable, especially in outer space? I fell into deep thought as Asta continued.
"On the other hand, the entire crew of the Astral Express seems to be extraordinarily skilled." Asta's eyes gazed at us and appeared to be locked onto me. "And it appears you have new faces."
Ah, she's looking at me? Oh, she's looking at me. I took a breath. Don't mess this up, don't mess this up. "Hello, Lady Asta, Ethan Almiyer from the Storage Department." I placed my hand over my chest and bowed to show respect to my seniors. Nailed it.
Asta nodded. "I see, it's no wonder you're familiar." Eh, she recognizes me? "You're bringing in new recruits?" Asta asked the three members of the Astral Express.
"That depends, if they want. Trailblazing is not just limited to us; it is open to all people who want to join," Himeko answered.
'Heck, if I want to join them,' I thought, finding that thought amusing. It was then Dan Heng decided to ask some questions.
"Ms. Asta, may I ask what's the current situation of the space station?"
Asta took a moment to answer as she reconsidered her words. "The situation is under control… for now. The damage to our security system was minor. The intruder only managed to alter a small amount of data, so it was an easy fix." She paused as her expression took a slightly grim turn. "The real problem lies with the researchers…"
Eh? I stared wide-eyed at her. What did we do? I started to get nervous. Would she fire most of them, maybe including me? I knew it; she was angry at us for being so useless. I started sweating as my thoughts ran wild.
Stelle appeared to notice me shaking a bit and I saw her smiling. I shot her a look of confusion. What's that smile for?!
It appeared I was worried for nothing as Asta continued, "They trust Madam Herta wholeheartedly and never thought that the space station would be breached by the Legion. A broken spirit is far worse than a broken body."
"Let us help," Himeko offered with a smile. "We'll go speak with the researchers, and with Ethan here, it would be easy to talk to them. Right now, the space station can't afford any more unexpected turns, especially from within. Have you tried contacting Herta?"
"I sent multiple letters, all met with silence," Asta wore a frown. "You know her, Himeko, the space station is but a mere warehouse for followers and rare items. She doesn't really care about it." At the last word of her sentence, she began to look to the other side, clearly frustrated.
'Damn, Madam Herta is cold as fuck,' I couldn't help but take that impression of her. I mean, opinions were already divided on her, but no, she had to make it worse.
Himeko placed a hand on her hips, eyes showing a flash of understanding. "I knew it." She shook her head. "No matter. I'll also send a letter to Herta and tell her that we've brought the rare item she seeks. At least that might get her attention."
Asta's expression softened into one of relief, a small smile curving on her lips. "Thank you, Ms. Himeko. I'll leave the reassurance of the researchers in your hands."
"Don't worry, Ms. Asta. It's for the good of all," Himeko replied. She then turned to us. "I'm sure all of you know what to do?"
"Of course, Ms. Himeko. You can trust us with this task. It'll be a walk in the park," March said, nodding firmly. Confidence was radiating in her body even I couldn't help but envy her for that. I wish I had that confidence in life.
"I'll talk to Arlan," Dan Heng suddenly said. "I'm gonna have an update on his condition."
"Wait, I'll come with you," I said, catching Dan Heng's eye. He nodded.
"Alright, while Stelle and I begin questioning the researchers," March added, pulling Stelle by her hand. Stelle just stayed silent as usual, but I could feel like she was against the decision, judging by how she seemed to try to wiggle herself out of March's grasp.
Eh, maybe that's just me.
+++===+++
It didn't take long for us to spot Arlan. He was situated nearby in what seemed to be an advertisement board.
"Yo, Arlan!" I called out. As I closed in enough, I noticed the pained expression on Arlan's face, but it quickly disappeared as he saw us coming.
"Ethan? And... Mr. Dan Heng? What are you guys doing here?" Arlan questioned. He wasn't surprised to see me; rather, it was Dan Heng.
"We just came here to check on you," I explained. "Are you doing alright?" Arlan is one of the few people I consider to be okay in my book; that's why I was concerned for him. And of course, him saving me played a big role in that. I basically owed him my life.
"I'm fine, this pain is nothing, really. I'm used to it," Arlan tried to brush it off, a faint smile playing on his lips. "In fact, I should be proud of it. It's a reminder that I can protect everyone." He cleared his throat, a hint of nervousness seeping into his voice as he quickly added, "But don't tell Asta what I just said."
"Don't worry, my lips are tightly sealed. Also, when you look at it that way, then I suppose that's a very good mindset to have." I said slowly, nodding.
"Indeed. A scar is not something to fear, but to be proud of. It represents your experiences, both the suffering and the growth that comes from them," Dan Heng said, agreeing with me.
Man, is he some old master in xianxia novels or something? I shot him a deadpan look. It honestly reminded me of those since his clothes appeared to be from Asia.
"T-That is true, Mr. Dan Heng. Thank you for your insights," Arlan replied, still nervous. His expression then suddenly turned downcast. "Still, I feel bad for the researchers who didn't make it. Most of them came to the space station because they admired Madam Herta. But now they can't reach her or even their own families."
"That is true," I agreed after a few moments of hesitation. Some were lucky to survive, while others were unlucky and died alone, screaming. I glanced at my watch. If it weren't for this, I would be one of them. I really needed to figure out how to activate this damn watch.
"Alright, Arlan, we'll give you some space to rest." Those were the last words I spoke to him as we quickly bid him goodbye.
As we walked, I took a single glance at Dan Heng. "So should we interview the remaining researchers to see how they're doing?"
Dan Heng nodded. "It would be appropriate. It will help gain more understanding about their situation."
"Aight."
A couple of minutes later…
I stretched my arms as I felt suddenly tired from all that talking. "That should be all right. We talked to seven people, and all of them had the exact same reaction," I began recalling.
"Fear, nervousness. It's normal," Dan Heng said.
"I know. Aren't you afraid as well?" I asked him.
Dan Heng nodded. "Of course."
"You don't show it though," I pointed out with a raised brow.
"Just because I don't show it doesn't mean I'm not afraid," Dan Heng commented with a stern look.
"Right. I only wish I could fight like you." I sighed, shaking my head at the thought of me being like them, only a dream.
"What do you mean? If you tried hard enough and used that watch of yours, then you could," Dan Heng replied. I blinked and glanced at him, confused. Watch? Wait, how did he—
"Oh, Ethan! Dan Heng! Over here!" We saw March waving at us.
"March, how was your side doing the mission?" Dan Heng questioned as we finally closed in on them.
"Oh, it was fine, but all of them seemed pretty scared and nervous about this whole thing," March commented with a sad look. Stelle said nothing as she stared off at something in the distance.
"So—" I began but was interrupted by a loud alarm bringing the people around the master control zone to panic.
[ALERT!]
[Outer shields under attack!]
[OUTER SHIELD CAPACITY 87%!]
"What's happening!" I shouted loudly as the alarm was even louder.
Asta quickly went towards the interface. The alarm sound was gone, much to my relief, but then a hologram was shown to us in the middle. We could only watch in horror as it showed a gigantic dragon starting to break through the shields. A heavy silence enveloped us, but only for a moment as Asta hurriedly said,
"Take the Express and leave."
"What about you, Asta?" Himeko asked, concerned.
Asta took a breath. Deep down she was nervous as her hands started to shake. "I'll stay," she finally said with a resolute expression, gone was the nervousness.
I couldn't help but stare at her in admiration. Now that's a leader.
A flash of hesitation crossed Himeko's face, but seeing the determination on Asta's face, she relented. "Let's go," she said to us before leaving in a hurry together with March and Dan Heng who followed after her.
I saw Stelle hadn't run off yet, and before I could say anything, she suddenly grabbed my hand and ran, pulling me in the process.
"Hey, let go—!" I tried to untangle her grip, but to no avail.
"We don't have time. Let's go," Stelle said sternly as she only tightened the grip on my arm. I stared at her blankly, feeling like I had no choice but to obey. Why? Well, for starters, I couldn't do anything since she is unsurprisingly stronger than me. Talking would be just as useless seeing how stubborn she was. I felt like my pride as a man was starting to break as I was dragged like a puppy by its owner. I was so embarrassed that I had to hold my tears as I saw my fellow researchers looking at me.
++++====+++
"The supply zone shields won't hold on for much longer. You all need to hurry…"
"I'll be here; you've got to fend them off."
"You… hurry…"
"That's the last of the message until the communication cuts off completely," Dan Heng stated as the communicator shut off.
Everyone had a grim look on their faces as another heavy silence enveloped us. It was then Dan Heng who spoke again, breaking the silence. "Are you thinking of going back? Let me remind you, that's the Doomsday Beast, the legion planet destroyer."
"Wait, did I hear you say Planet Destroyer?" I couldn't help but want to clarify. I must have heard it wrong, right? There's no way that thing could destroy planets. Why would it be here?
"Yes. It's infamous for its capability to burn civilizations on any planet they set their eyes on. It won't be too long before we get the same treatment," Dan Heng affirmed, and just like that, I felt dread as I stared off at a random wall.
"Dan Heng! You don't have to make it sound like we have no hope," March said accusingly, her glare set on him.
"I'm just saying."
"Don't worry, Ethan, this space station is tougher than it looks. It's, after all, Herta's own creation. As long as the Lord Ravager does not intervene, then there should be no problems," Himeko assured.
Despite that, I haven't felt a single ounce of assurance. Stelle started patting me on the back, which still did not help either.
"B-But we can't just run away like this, right? It feels wrong," March frowned. She was right; aren't they basically meant for this type of situation? I might have vouched for her if it meant defeating this planet-destroyer of a dragon and saving my only home in my second life.
"The Doomsday Beast can rip apart the shields like tearing through paper, and Herta is not here. The station's defenses are too weak to stand against the Antimatter Legion," Dan Heng explained. "Either way, the legion has the blessing of the Aeon, Nanook. They came prepared, and everyone here is not."
"But then what about Aeon, Nous? Madam Herta is from the Erudition, right? Then shouldn't that Aeon help us in this situation?" I asked Dan Heng, who listened closely to my words.
"That's more complicated than it is. Also, there's no military might in this station other than a few guards," Dan Heng replied. "Even if we got the blessing of the Aeon, Nous, the chances of beating the full might of the Antimatter Legion are still slim."
"Then that's why we have to leave and take Stelle and Ethan with us," Himeko suddenly said.
"Eh?" I blurted out. Me?
Stelle blinked, showing a confused look but didn't say anything.
"Stelle and Ethan?" It seemed the three of us were surprised by Himeko's decision, aside from March, who looked clueless.
"They're that important?" Dan Heng questioned, eyes set on Himeko.
"I have a feeling that both of them can help us turn the tides… though I could be wrong," Himeko said, appearing to be deep in thought.
"Wait, wait, wait." I suddenly called out, putting my hands in front. Heads turned to me. "Okay, I get Stelle's part, but how can I turn the tide exactly? When I can't even handle a single goon of the Antimatter Legion?" I specially asked Himeko this question.
Himeko blinked, and she giggled.
"What? What's funny?"
"Ethan, tell me what's on your right wrist?"
"My watch?"
"Do you believe it's ordinary?"
It took me a moment to get her words right into my head before staring at her in shock. Does she know? Wait, wasn't this what Dan Heng just said a while ago? Something about my watch. Do they both know? I quickly took a glance at March. Nah, she doesn't know.
"How—" Before I could question it, Himeko suddenly grabbed my wrist. I resisted for a bit, but she was obviously stronger than me, so I just let her be rather than risk a broken arm.
"This watch of yours isn't normal. Ethan, you may not know or perhaps had a guess." Himeko stared intently into my eyes. "This watch of yours contains an energy similar to Imaginary Energy."
"Huh? Imaginary—Huh?" I blurted those words out, not knowing what to say.
Himeko let go of my wrist, her eyes turning away from me. "Isn't that right, Dan Heng?"
I saw Dan Heng nod. My brows furrowed. "Wait, so the reason you backed up Stelle to bring me along was—"
Himeko chuckled. "Bingo."
"...."
"Wait!" March suddenly shouted. "He had powers all along? Then why were you just hiding behind us while we did all the work?" She accused me, pointing a finger.
"Seriously, I don't even know how to activate it. How can I even help? Might as well kill me," I retorted with an even glare.
"I might need the two of you to calm down," Himeko said, stepping between us. "It's not Ethan's fault, March, and he does bring out a point. Using a power he doesn't know would make him the same as a regular person, unlike you, who already mastered yours."
"Hey, I had to work hard for it, you know? To master it," March protested with a pout.
"Of course, sweetie, but Ethan here is a special case, like I said." She turned back to me. "Tell me, Ethan, have you ever used your powers before?"
"Uhm, a couple of hours ago," I answered truthfully, to which Himeko nodded.
"I see, but you don't know how to use it, correct?"
"I tried to activate it, but it didn't work," I told her, partially repeating what I said just a few seconds ago.
Himeko appeared to be eyeing my watch as she spoke. "I have a guess as to what may be the cause of that."
I looked up at her. "Really?"
"Ms. Himeko, I think we may need to continue this conversation later on," Dan Heng interrupted. "There is still the Doomsday Beast problem going on."
"We'll talk about this later, Ethan. For now, let's focus on the situation at hand," Himeko said as she brought out a hologram map of the station and enlarged it, showing where we were in the station. "Alright listen up, this is where we are now, the supply zone where the maintenance crew works. There's a path here that leads to the nearest railway platform. Let's head over there and meet up with Welt."
"Welt? Another one of yours?" I turned my head to March.
"Of course. He's been on the Astral Express after Himeko," March replied, then placed her attention back on Himeko. "Isn't he on the Astral Express, Ms. Himeko?"
"The Astral Express tracks our coordinates in real-time…. And with such a huge change in the space station's movements, there's no way that Mr. Yang wouldn't have noticed," Dan Heng answered instead.
"That is true," March began, nodding slowly, accepting Dan Heng's reasoning.
I began wondering why they held him in such high regard. Is he someone powerful? I took a pondering look as Himeko continued the conversation.
"Hmm, I can almost guarantee that your Mr. Yang is on his way," Himeko said. "Right now, we might be able to handle things if it's just the Doomsday Beast. But if the Destruction Emanator were to appear…"
"It would lead to complications or worse," Dan Heng finished her words.
I looked at them before placing my attention on my watch. 'If you're gonna work, Watch, ain't no better time than this.'