Gestalt, who emerged from the bathroom to wash himself of the sweat he had accumulated, heard Pom-Pom over the intercom, "Our next destination is: Thalassa, all passengers please make your way to the lounge cabin."
"Thalassa, hmm," Gestalt made his way to his bedroom, and after donning the dark shirt, white hanfu, and long dark pants.
Entering the lounge, he overheard a conversation between Welt and Caelus.
"Though your power is mysterious, it is related to the stellaron, so eventually you will be able to control it."
"I see, thank you," Caelus replied, seemingly relieved by the information.
"Please don't worry about it. We have handled dozens of stellarons, so if the stellaron inside you becomes unstable, we have multiple ways to re-stabilize it."
Gestalt walked over to them, intending to join the conversation.
"Ah, Gestalt, done with all the clothes? I hope they are to your liking," Welt scanned up and down, looking at Gestalt in the new matching clothes.
"I am very pleased with them, thank you," Gestalt nodded with a smile before turning to Caelus. "And young Caelus, I still remember how you saved me during the Doomsday Beast battle. If any trouble comes your way, you're welcome to discuss it with me. I am no expert in emotional turmoil, but my music can calm the soul, and my battle prowess is still powerful, though far from my prime."
"Thank you for the offer, Gestalt, I'll keep it in mind."
"Your valiant soul is far more deserving than my music. Haha, if you so wish, I can teach you how to properly wield any weapon. I have learned many battle styles in my long life."
"No thanks, I'm more suited to swinging a bat rather than stabbing with a sword." Though many people Gestalt had encountered might be offended by this, thinking a mere bat would surpass their sword style, Gestalt simply laughed it off and patted Caelus, telling him if he ever changed his mind, Gestalt would always be willing to teach him.
"Attention! The warp will commence in 5 minutes. Passengers are recommended to take a seat. I'm talking to you, March." Pom-Pom's voice sounded over the intercom again.
"Hmph, you just don't understand what 'never giving up' means," March 7th, who had just entered the lounge cabin, commented.
"March, I think Pom-Pom is just worried you'll seriously injure yourself someday," Himeko followed after March.
After chatting to pass the time, all passengers were informed that the warp would start in 20 seconds.
Gestalt took a seat and silently heard March repeating, "I won't fall over."
Soon the Astral Express departed from Herta's space station, moving to an empty part of space before Pom-Pom began the countdown.
*Zzp* As fast as it arrived, the inertia entered and left Gestalt's body.
"Owww," lifting one side of his blindfold, Gestalt saw March had fallen over.
"I'm sure you'll get it someday March. I recommend training your core to keep your posture steady in any situation," Gestalt said to March before turning to the planet of their destination.
As the name suggests, Thalassa was composed almost entirely of water, with several islands dotted across the world.
"This place is said to be a popular destination for tourism, as the beaches and oceans are as beautiful as the starry skies themselves," Himeko, who was carrying several pieces of equipment, set them on the table before walking beside Gestalt and Welt, wearing shades and an oversized white sun hat.
Welt, seeing her attire, was amused. "Ha ha, you always mentioned wanting to visit this planet. Why don't I stay on the train while you and the youngsters explore and enjoy the beach?" Welt offered but then, reminded of Gestalt's actual age, most likely exceeding his own, added, "Ah right, sorry, I didn't mean to call you young. It's just your appearance made me unconsciously consider you as young."
"Haha, no need to apologize. Rather, it makes me feel like I am back in my younger days again."
Himeko, who heard Welt's offer, instantly took it with joy.
"Ooh, is that our destination?" March 7th, who had just recovered from the fall, was instantly fascinated by the great blue planet and took many pictures.
"It indeed is young March. From what I've heard, it will be more of a vacation than an adventure, with great beaches and wide oceans." March, upon hearing this, instantly became excited and rushed to her room before returning with a white sun hat and a handbag.
Dan Heng, who had just come out of the archive, was confused by Himeko and March's sudden change in appearance, but after he looked over at the planet, he instantly knew why.
"Himeko, what's the reason we're here?" Dan Heng, who always prioritized the mission first, asked.
"Oh, Herta wanted us to investigate the abnormal water movement recently recorded in Thalassa," Himeko said.
"...? Shouldn't an on-site researcher be assigned to this mission instead of us?"
"Yes, but the reason we're here is because of Gestalt. Though I tried to explain his situation to Herta, she simply said, 'Even after completely wiping his memory, I'm sure his muscle memory will remember. That researcher does nothing but experiment all day If he's not at a site, his body is bound to remember something,' and gave me these pieces of equipment." Himeko pointed at various sets of equipment used to record tectonic plates and underground volcanic activity all compact to a backpack.
"My my, this employer of mine is indeed quite the taskmaster. I'll see what I can do, though I'm not familiar with this kind of equipment." Gestalt inspected the tools before putting down his blindfold and walking back to his bedroom to retrieve his sword.
As he returned, Gestalt passed by Caelus, who had just emerged from his room.
Caelus was even more confused by the two girls wearing sun hats. "Isn't this an adventure, not a vacation?"
~~
The five Astral crew members gathered in the lounge, ready to be warped to Thalassa.
"Is Mr. Yang not joining us?" March looked over to the seated Welt.
"No, March. I'll stay on the train in case something happens, though that rarely occurs in a highly populated tourist spot. You never know."
"Awww."
Before March could respond further, they were covered in a blue light and warped to the city's space harbor.
The space harbor was a giant building, equipped with hi-tech devices for receiving warping personnel.
Many people passed by, warping in and out of the harbor. Most were tourists eager to experience the famous beaches.
"Let's find a hotel before exploring the city," Himeko suggested. "And Gestalt, I'll teach you how to use the tools Herta gave us once we're at the site."
"Oh, you're too kind, Miss Himeko, but I will do it myself. It would be cruel to take away your time after you've been anticipating this destination for so long." Gestalt was confident he could figure it out on his own, and if not, he could always consult his beacon for instructions on operating the machinery.
Exiting the harbor, the smell of salt filled the air as the strong wind fluttered their hair.
"Woah!" March exclaimed. On their right side, tall structures filled their view, with stores of many types lining the streets. This was the district area, where hotels, shops, and other industrial districts were located.
Yet on the left, a vast beach, pristine and free of trash, buildings, or human intervention, stretched before them.
The merchants who had immigrated here had unanimously agreed to preserve the beach's natural beauty by keeping it clean and untouched.
This attracted tourists, kick-starting the planet's rapid industrialization.
Many stores and hotels were now owned by the IPC, which saw a lucrative business opportunity on the planet.
The first immigrants who had industrialized the planet now lived in luxury.
Fighting the urge to rush to the beach, they checked into a hotel and unpacked their belongings.
Himeko and March shared a room, while Dan Heng, Caelus, and Gestalt shared a three-bedroom.
Caelus, excited about the trip, eagerly went to the balcony and saw a view overlooking the vast ocean.
"Quite the sight," Dan Heng, who had joined him, quietly took in the scenery.
"You boys enjoy the view and the beach. I'll go handle the task assigned to me," Gestalt said as he stood from the bed, grabbed his backpack, and left the hotel.
Gestalt had received one point of interest to investigate. Consulting his beacon, he saw a large highlighted circles dotted on the map.
"Excuse me, may I ask you a question?" A male voice sounded from behind. Lowering his blindfold, Gestalt turned to see the man.
"Oh, sorry, never mind," the man said, seeing the blindfold and assuming Gestalt was blind.
"Ah, young man, don't worry. Ask your question, and I'll answer to the best of my ability."
"No, I'm looking for someone, but I'm afraid your blindness won't help much."
"Haha, don't worry, young man. This blindfold is just a shackle of mine. Look." Gestalt lifted his blindfold, revealing his functioning eyes.
He took a close look at the man before him.
The stranger had long golden hair and striking green eyes, supporting his handsome appearance. He was neatly dressed in a white outfit adorned with gold that matched his hair. The most noticeable feature was the coffin he carried on his back.
"Ah, I apologize for assuming you were blind," the man quickly said.
"No need to apologize. If I saw someone else wearing a blindfold, I'd think they were blind too," Gestalt chuckled before continuing, "Now, for the person you're looking for—could you describe their appearance in more detail?"
"She has long silver hair that reaches her back. She wears a dress resembling Xianzhou clothing, and she's usually hard to talk to. Her most distinguishing feature is that she wears a black blindfold."
"Hmm, sorry, young man. I can't recall anyone like that. If I had seen her, I'm sure I'd remember." Gestalt scratched his chin before turning back to the man. "Did she give you any specific location where she might be?"
"...No, her only message was 'Ocean, come quickly,' and I've been exploring the beach ever since, but I still haven't found her. So I took my chance of asking people that might caught sight of where she had gone" The man retrieved his beacon from his pocket and showed the chat between him and the mysterious woman.
"I apologize I wasn't of more help," Gestalt said. "But since my destination is on the beach, would you like to accompany me? There may be a chance you'll find the person you're looking for." Gestalt offered.
"Hmm, well, I have nothing to lose. Let us accompany each other for a while, then," the stranger accepted.
Gestalt smiled, readjusting his blindfold to cover his eyes again, and continued walking toward the beach. "Ah, right, where are my manners? My name is Gestalt."
"Nice to meet you, Gestalt. My name is Luocha, a traveling merchant." Luocha studied Gestalt closely, noting features that resembled people from the Xianzhou. "Tell me, are you perhaps from the Xianzhou?"
"Hmm? Well, it seems I originated from there, indeed. Though I've recently lost my memory, so I'm left to wander until I find somewhere to settle."
"Oh, sorry to bring that up."
"No need to pity me, young man. I've gotten used to this life." Gestalt chuckled, briefly reminiscing about his life after his first demise.
'Wander, wander, and then wander more until I find my old home.'
"If you don't mind me asking, why do you wear a blindfold?" Luocha asked.
"This blindfold is a special relic. It helps me think clearly, without any haze."
Luocha furrowed his brow, realizing the similarity between Gestalt's situation and that of his companion.
"My companion also has a similar problem. Though sometimes, she loses control."
"Ah, to think someone else suffers as I do. What a pitiful soul." As they continued speaking, Gestalt accidentally bumped into someone.
"Hey! Watch where you're going, punk!" A disgruntled-looking man turned around, glaring at the blindfolded Gestalt.
"Leave him alone, can't you see he's blindfolded?" Luocha tried to defuse the situation.
"So what? A blind man shouldn't be walking around like this. Now pay up, can't you see I'm injured?" The man pointed to his bruised shoulder. The injury didn't seem recent, indicating it was likely staged.
"I'm a doctor. If you wish, I can heal the wound and we can pretend this never happened," Luocha offered, trying to avoid conflict.
"A doctor? Hah! You don't look like you could operate on anyone." The man sneered, but soon felt warmth in his shoulder as a green hue enveloped it, healing the bruise completely.
"See? Now, if you don't mind, we'll be on our way." Luocha grabbed Gestalt's arm, amused by the situation, and attempted to leave.
"Hey, where do you think you're going? Boys! Get them!" With a snap of his fingers, several men appeared, surrounding them.
Luocha realized too late that, distracted by the conversation, they had wandered into an isolated area.
"Well, I guess peace isn't an option," Luocha said, summoning a rapier as he positioned himself near Gestalt. "I'd recommend staying close. These men mean trouble."
"Haha, no need to worry about me, Luocha. By the way, you said you were a doctor, right?" Gestalt asked as a yellow glaive, formed from imaginary elements, appeared in his hand. He took a ready stance.
"I'm not the best doctor, but I'm good enough to stop bleeding in a few seconds."
"Good. Let me teach these hooligans some respect. I suggest you step back." Trusting Gestalt's battle prowess, Luocha took a step back, giving him space.
"Look at this clown! Pretty cocky for a blind guy!" The leader laughed, and the rest of the gang joined in.
"Using your arms for evil, you'll be punished!" Gestalt declared as he slashed horizontally in a 360-degree arc, the glaive's pole extending as it passed through the thugs' bodies.
For a moment, the thugs felt nothing and laughed, thinking it was just an illusion.
"Ha! It's just a trick, boys! Get him—AHHH!" The leader's scream cut through the air as his arms suddenly fell to the ground. The other thugs followed suit, their arms severed in the same instant.
Luocha, who had also been in the path of the glaive, felt nothing.
"Now, quickly heal them," Gestalt said calmly, lowering his glaive as it returned to its normal length. He slammed the butt of the weapon into the ground, emitting a golden brilliance. "But leave their arms detached."