I opened a shop on the Astral Train

[CloudyWorld]

Chapter 31

[System Notice: Preparing to place a lottery shop. Please evacuate the store to avoid accidental injury!]


[System Notice: Preparing to place a lottery shop. Please evacuate the store to avoid accidental injury!]


[System Notice: Preparing to place a lottery shop. Please evacuate the store to avoid accidental injury!]

Hearing the announcement, Yuri quickly gathered everyone. "Alright, everyone, let's step out for a bit. My shop is about to undergo an upgrade."

Without hesitation, everyone stood up and made their way toward the observation car. The three little ones ran the fastest, their tiny footsteps clattering across the floor as they bolted ahead.

Soon, they were all in the observation car.

Silver Wolf, who had been peacefully napping in her "box," now sat on the sofa with her legs crossed, looking thoroughly annoyed.

"I was sleeping so well, and you woke me up just for some remodeling? Ugh, this is seriously affecting Silver Wolf's rest!"

Welt looked over at Yuri, curiosity flickering in his gaze. "Yuri, you just said your shop is about to be upgraded?"

Yuri, who was currently communicating with the system, nodded with a smile. "Yep. Something fun is being added. But I won't spoil it—just wait and see."

Welt and the others exchanged intrigued glances but chose not to interrupt Yuri while he focused on his system interactions.

[System Notice: The store is undergoing renovations. The host can expand the store for 5,000 Star Coins. Would you like to proceed?]

Yuri paused for a moment and asked mentally, "How much space will be added?"

[System Notice: The store will expand fivefold, including 3 booths, 1 lounge area, 1 reception room, 1 host-exclusive lounge, and 1 library.]

Yuri wasn't too concerned about the booths and additional spaces.

But the private lounge? That hit him right in the heart.

Up until now, he and Dan Heng had been sleeping on the floor in the information room.

"Upgrade it. Now!" Yuri ordered without hesitation.

[System Notice: 5,000 Star Coins deducted. Store expansion will be completed in one hour.]

With the system handling the upgrades, Yuri turned back to chat with the others.

---

Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, an hour had gone by.

[System Notice: Store upgrade complete. The host may now return to the store. Wishing you a prosperous business!]

Yuri grinned at the notification. "Alright, everyone, the upgrade is done. Let's go check it out."

Welt and the others, brimming with curiosity, followed him back inside.

---

Upon entering, everyone was stunned.

"This… this place got huge!"

The store still retained its original layout: a kitchen, a small bar, three booths, and the long dining table in the middle.

But now, a massive new area had been added to the right.

At the center of this new section was an enormous lounge area, capable of seating dozens of people. Sofas of various shapes and designs were scattered throughout: rabbits, whales, lions, tigers, noodle bowls, gold ingots, thrones—even a lazy beanbag shaped like a trash can.

The moment Klee, Hook, and Diona saw the animal-shaped sofas, their eyes lit up.

"Wow! This place is amazing!"

Giggling, the three little ones rushed over and began hopping between sofas, playing and laughing as they bounced around.

Yuri called out, "Be careful!"

The three little ones responded with a quick "Oh!" before continuing their antics.

Yuri and the others continued their tour.

Next to the lounge area was the newly added lottery shop, complete with 3 booths and a large display screen showcasing various artworks on the walls.

The lottery shop itself was simple: five rows of benches with 25 seats, a machine for purchasing tickets, and a massive screen displaying the grand prize.

This issue's grand prize:

[Space Jump Ability]

• Description: Allows the user to consume stamina to perform short-range space jumps. Maximum jump distance: 1,000 meters per use.
• Value: 100,000 Star Coins

Everyone's interest piqued immediately.

A space-related ability? Any power linked to space was bound to be useful.

Yuri glanced at the ticket price—1,000 Star Coins per ticket.

Without hesitation, he bought one. Welt, Zhongli, and a few others followed suit.

"Might as well try our luck," Welt mused.

After purchasing their tickets, they moved on to another newly added section—a grand reception room.

The reception room exuded elegance. A massive floor-to-ceiling window allowed natural light to stream in. Near the window was a coffee table adorned with a beautifully crafted tea set, surrounded by lush bamboo and flowers.

On the left side of the entrance, a small private cinema with just five seats was neatly tucked away.

Zhongli and Welt instantly fell in love with the place.

The two exchanged glances and, without a word, claimed seats in the reception room, clearly planning to stay there indefinitely.

Yuri sighed. "Wow, they're really making themselves at home."

Turning to Dan Heng, Yuri asked, "What about you?"

Dan Heng thought for a moment. "I'll check out the library. Looks like there's one next door."

With that, he left for the newly added library.

Yuri, on the other hand, made his way to his private lounge.

Located behind the small bar, his new room was spacious—about 60 square meters. Inside, there was only a sofa, a dining table, a wardrobe, and a two-meter bed.

"Looks like I'll need to buy some furniture later," Yuri muttered, already planning the décor.

Meanwhile, Silver Wolf had already returned to her "box," curled up on the sofa with a blanket pulled over her head.

---

Time flew by.

Before anyone knew it, night had fallen.

---

Kevin slowly blinked awake, groggy from sleep. Checking the time, he realized it was already close to 7 PM.

"Wait… I slept the entire day?!"

He leaped out of bed, hastily got dressed, and hurried toward Yuri's shop.

Still half-asleep, he pushed open the door—only to freeze in place.

His drowsiness instantly vanished as he stared at the transformed store in shock.

"Wait… Did I walk into the wrong place?"

Confused, he shut the door and double-checked.

Nope. This was definitely the right location.

Pushing the door open again, he took another look inside.

"No! What the hell happened?! I just took a nap, and now the whole store looks completely different?!"

Silver Wolf, who was eating at the bar, glanced up lazily. "You're not imagining things. That bastard Yuri remodeled the shop while you were out cold."

Kevin let out an exaggerated sigh. "Damn it, I can't leave for a second without the whole place changing!"

---

Kevin wandered into the sofa lounge area and was immediately stunned.

"This place is huge!"

His eyes suddenly sparkled as he spotted something irresistible.

"Hiss!!! What is this?! What is this?! A perfect sofa like this exists in the world?!"

Without hesitation, Kevin dashed over and flopped onto the trash can-shaped lazy sofa.

"Ah~ This feels amazing."

He sank into the plush cushions, pure bliss written all over his face.

After a moment of relaxation, he shifted slightly and noticed the lottery shop not far away.

"Lottery shop? What's this?"

Curious, he got up and wandered inside.

"A lottery, huh? Let's see what's going on here."

Kevin examined the setup, quickly getting interested. With a confident smirk, he waved his hand and bought ten lottery tickets.

"Hehe! This time, I'm definitely winning big!"

Checking the draw date, he saw there were still two days left. With that, he pocketed his tickets and returned to the lounge area to rest.

Before long, March 7th, Ying, Amber, Eula, and the others arrived, settling into the newly expanded space.

Kaeya sat at the small bar, sipping his drink alone.

At this point, everyone had started treating Yuri's shop like their personal entertainment venue.

---

Meanwhile, in Liyue Harbor…

Hu Tao soared off Tianheng Mountain on her flying motorcycle.

"Wuhu~ The Hall Master is back!"

She had flown all the way from Jueyunjian, cutting her usual half-day journey down to just half an hour.

Had she traveled on foot, the mountainous terrain would have made the trip unbearably long.

She zipped through the skies, heading straight for Yujing Terrace—but the moment she arrived, she alarmed the Qianyan Army.

"Who goes there?!"

A squad of Qianyan soldiers immediately surrounded her, weapons at the ready.

Hu Tao quickly threw up her hands in surrender.

"I surrender~! Don't hit me~!"

The soldiers hesitated, then relaxed upon recognizing her.

"Master Hu? Oh, it's you."

Hu Tao was well known in Liyue Harbor—after all, she used to roam the streets every day, advertising Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's 'set meals.'

Despite her odd behavior, the people of Liyue had great affection for her. She might have been eccentric, but she had a kind heart, often helping travelers fend off monsters in the wild.

One of the soldiers sighed. "Master Hu, that was dangerous. Please don't pull stunts like that again. What if something went wrong?"

Hu Tao gave a sheepish grin and a deep bow. "Sorry, sorry, I'll be more careful next time. You guys carry on—I'm off!"

Waving goodbye, she revved up her flying motorcycle and sped toward Wanmin Restaurant.

As she cruised through the streets of Liyue Harbor, heads turned in amazement.

"Look! What is that?!"

"Isn't that Master Hu? What's she riding? It moves on its own!"

"Could this be some kind of new mount in Liyue? Which shop is selling it?"

"No idea, but it looks incredible. Let's find out where she got it!"

Hu Tao ignored the murmurs, focusing on maneuvering carefully through the streets to avoid accidents.

Soon, she arrived at Wanmin Restaurant.

Standing up on her motorcycle, she peeked into the kitchen window.

Inside, Xiangling was busy at the stove, skillfully preparing dishes, while Guoba diligently kept the fire burning.

A mischievous glint flickered in Hu Tao's eyes.

"Hehe~"

She took a deep breath and shouted.

"Xiangling!"

Then, she ducked under the window, completely out of sight.

Xiangling turned her head. "Huh? Who called me?"

She glanced around, even lifting the curtain at the doorway to check outside.

Nothing.

"Guoba, did you hear someone call me?"

Guoba, still tending the fire, shook his head and shrugged.

Xiangling frowned. "Weird… Maybe I imagined it?"

Shrugging, she went back to cooking.

Hu Tao peeked up from the windowsill again.

Hehe~ She didn't notice. Time for round two.

"Xiangling!"

Once again, Xiangling whirled around—still seeing nothing.

"Who is it?!"

Even Guoba perked up, scanning the area.

Xiangling checked outside again. Customers were still peacefully eating their meals.

Confused, she sighed and turned back—only to come face to face with a grinning ghost mask.

"WAAAHHHH!!!"

Hu Tao had leaped up, baring her fangs like a phantom.

Xiangling screamed, jumping nearly a meter into the air.

When she landed, she saw Hu Tao laughing uncontrollably.

Fuming, she stomped her foot. "Hu Tao! You scared me again! I'm not playing with you anymore!"

Still giggling, Hu Tao scratched the back of her head and pulled out a bear-shaped handheld fan.

"Okay, okay, forgive me. Here, I brought you a gift."

Xiangling crossed her arms. "Hmph. What's this?"

Hu Tao pressed the switch.

The fan whirred to life, sending a gentle, cooling breeze across Xiangling's face.

Xiangling blinked, instantly refreshed.

"Whoa! Hu Tao, where did you get this?!"

Hu Tao handed it to her. "So, do you forgive me now? It's called a handheld fan—it can blow air all on its own."

Xiangling eagerly held the fan to her face. The summer heat in the kitchen was unbearable—this was exactly what she needed!

"This is amazing! Thank you, Hu Tao! But you still haven't told me where you got it."

Hu Tao smirked and waved her closer. "Come here, I'll tell you…"

The two whispered excitedly for a while before Xiangling leaned back, staring in disbelief.

"Wait, you're telling me you went to another world?! Isn't that a little… far-fetched?"

Hu Tao nodded enthusiastically. "I know, right? But it's true! That fan in your hands? Bought it from there.

By the way, I still owe someone money. Are you free later? Let's go find some Stellar Jade."

Xiangling considered it. "Actually, Xingqiu, Chongyun, and I were planning a trip to Dihua Marsh this afternoon. You should come with us."

Hu Tao lit up. "Xingqiu and Chongyun too? Perfect! It's a plan!"

With that, she climbed over the windowsill and hopped back onto her flying motorcycle.

Xiangling blinked in confusion. "Uh… Why didn't you just use the door? It's like you're sneaking off after committing a crime."

She walked over for a closer look—and froze.

"What is this thing?!"

Hu Tao chuckled, twisted the throttle, and the motorcycle roared to life.

"This is a flying motorcycle. It can fly. I'll pick you up later. Bye~!"

Before Xiangling could respond, Hu Tao released the brakes and soared into the sky.

Xiangling stood there, mouth agape, watching her vanish into the clouds.

"Did I… did I just see a flying motorcycle?"

Xiangling sighed before muttering to herself about wanting her own motorcycle.

 

[CloudyWorld]

Chapter 32

Hu Tao soared through the skies above Liyue Harbor on her flying motorcycle.

"Wuhu!!!"

This spectacle happened to catch the eye of Ningguang, who had stepped out onto the Jade Chamber's balcony for some fresh air.

"What is that?"

Nearby, Keqing, who had been working diligently, turned at the sound of Ningguang's voice.

"What's wrong, Ningguang?"

Ningguang pointed toward the sky. "It seems Master Hu has gotten her hands on something new. Do you want to come take a look?"

Keqing, curious, set aside her paperwork and walked over to the window.

What she saw left her speechless.

Hu Tao was zooming across Liyue Harbor at high speed, heading toward Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—riding what appeared to be a flying contraption.

"What in Teyvat…? What is that thing? How is she flying? Could this be some kind of adeptal treasure?"

Ningguang took a slow drag from her pipe before setting it down. "Why don't we just go ask her? Baiwen."

Baiwen, who had been standing attentively by, gave a slight bow. "I'll make the arrangements immediately, Lady Ningguang."

---

Meanwhile, Hu Tao pulled off a sharp drift as she landed in her courtyard.

Once the motorcycle came to a stop, she turned off the engine and hopped off.

Just as she was about to head inside, she spotted Zhongli walking toward her, a notebook in hand.

"Hu Tao, you're back early today."

Hu Tao grinned. "Mhm! What's that you're holding? Something from Yuri's place?"

Zhongli shook his head. "No, this was given to me by Mr. Welt. It's called a laptop, and it has many interesting functions."

Hu Tao's curiosity instantly flared. "Oooh, sounds fun! Lemme see!"

Zhongli chuckled. "Would you like to take a look inside?"

"That's exactly what I was waiting for!" Hu Tao snatched the laptop from his hands and bolted inside like an excited child.

Zhongli smiled and followed her.

---

Inside Zhongli's home, an air of elegance filled the space. Various antiques adorned the shelves, and calligraphy scrolls hung on the walls, exuding a refined atmosphere.

Hu Tao plopped down at the table, flipping open the laptop. "Zhongli, Zhongli, come over here and teach me how to use this thing!"

Zhongli sat beside her, instructing her on how to enter the unlock password and open the video playback software.

The laptop contained several downloaded movies and TV shows.

Hu Tao scrolled through the selection, then excitedly picked a horror movie.

As the screen flickered to life, eerie sounds filled the room, casting an unsettling atmosphere.

---

At that moment, outside Wangsheng Funeral Parlor…

Ningguang and Keqing arrived, accompanied by a squad of Qianyan soldiers.

A ceremonial attendant at the entrance quickly stood to greet them.

"I greet Lady Tianquan and Lady Yuheng."

Ningguang gave a polite nod. "Is your master at home?"

The attendant thought for a moment. As she had been on duty at the entrance, she hadn't seen Hu Tao leave today.

What the attendant didn't know was that Hu Tao rarely used the main gate anymore.

Are you kidding? When you have a flying motorcycle, who walks out the front door? That's ancient history! Flying is the way to go!

"Yes, she should be home. Please, come in and have some tea while I call for her."

The attendant led them inside before heading toward Hu Tao's courtyard.

As soon as she stepped inside, she was greeted by a terrifying ghostly wail.

The attendant barely reacted. She was used to this. After all, Hu Tao often brought back… "guests."

Following the sound, she arrived at Zhongli's residence.

She hesitated. Normally, Zhongli wouldn't be home at this hour.

Today was the day of Yunjin's performance, and he rarely missed those.

With that thought, she pushed open the door.

Inside, she found Zhongli and Hu Tao, seated at a table, completely engrossed in a glowing device in front of them.

At the sound of the door opening, both looked up.

Hu Tao grinned. "Little sister, what's up? Got a new client for me?"

The attendant shook her head. "No, Lady Ningguang and Lady Keqing are here. They wish to speak with you."

Hu Tao blinked, puzzled. Ningguang and Keqing? What could they possibly want?

"Ohhh~ Could it be a big business deal for Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?"

After all, Ningguang was the wealthiest person in Liyue. If she had a business proposal, it would surely be something grand!

"Alright, alright! I'll be right there."

She quickly paused the movie and turned to Zhongli.

"Keqing, wait for me! We'll finish watching this when I get back."

With that, she rushed out the door.

Zhongli watched her go, already guessing the reason for Ningguang and Keqing's visit.

They had probably seen Hu Tao's flying motorcycle and wanted to investigate.

Zhongli wouldn't interfere. In fact, he hoped this encounter would introduce Ningguang and Keqing to Yuri and the others.

That way, he wouldn't have to explain everything himself.

With a sigh, he poured himself some tea and settled in for a quiet evening.

---

Hu Tao arrived at the reception room.

She flashed a mischievous grin as she greeted her guests.

"Oh my~ My, my~ No wonder the birds were chirping all morning! Turns out we have distinguished guests visiting today!

Good afternoon, Lady Tianquan and Lady Yuheng! Have you had lunch? If not, why don't we eat together?"

Ningguang, ever composed, smiled slightly. "Master Hu, it has been a while. We're here today because we had a few questions."

Hu Tao gestured for tea to be served, then leaned in with intrigue. "Oho~ Ask away! If this Hall Master knows the answer, I'll tell you."

Ningguang paused before speaking. "Earlier today, we saw someone soaring through the skies on some sort of magical contraption.

Would you happen to know who this person was?"

Hu Tao grinned proudly. "That was me! And that thing? It's not some magic artifact—it's a flying motorcycle. I bought it from a friend."

Ningguang's interest piqued. "A friend? To be honest, I find this flying vehicle quite fascinating. Would it be possible to acquire one?"

She was already thinking ahead—if she could get her hands on one, she could have Liyue's craftsmen study it. The business potential was immense.

Hu Tao tapped her chin. "Hmm… Should be possible. Tell you what—I have to visit my friend tomorrow. If you're free, why don't you come with me?"

Ningguang considered it before nodding. "Very well. Would you mind if I brought two companions?"

While she trusted Hu Tao, she still preferred an extra layer of caution.

Hu Tao waved dismissively. "No problem at all! Actually, my friend loves new customers. The more, the merrier!"

March 7th had told her earlier that she could bring friends to Yuri's shop.

Well then… time to introduce some high-value customers!

---

Afterwards, Ningguang and Keqing chatted with Hu Tao for a while before getting up to leave.

"Master Hu, see you tomorrow."

Hu Tao stood up and bowed. "Okay, see you tomorrow!"

As they departed, Hu Tao glanced up at the sky—it was already noon.

Deciding to make the most of her time, she asked the ceremonial officer's assistant to have lunch delivered to Zhongli's room, planning to eat while watching a horror movie.

---

Inside the Astral Express, it was already evening, and everyone was gathered around the dining table.

Tonight's meal? Spicy hotpot. Yuri had set out two large pots and let everyone serve themselves.

Kevin took a big mouthful of instant noodles and sighed in bliss.

"Yuri, can we just eat spicy hotpot all the time? This stuff is amazing!"

Yuri rolled his eyes. "If you eat too much, you'll get a sore throat. Just enjoy it in moderation."

Kevin pounded his chest. "I'm built different! I'll be fine!"

Yuri smirked. "Yeah, but Klee and the others can't handle spice like you."

Kevin instantly froze. True. The three little ones had delicate stomachs.

At that moment, Yuri suddenly remembered tomorrow's trip to the ice field.

"By the way, have we decided where exactly we're going?"

Kevin shook his head. "Not yet. Got any ideas?"

Yuri thought for a moment. "How about the area above the mechanical settlement? Didn't Swarovski open a tunnel there? We can take the portal and be at the ice field in seconds."

Everyone considered it and agreed.

March 7th lit up with excitement. "I want to ride a snowmobile! I've wanted to try one for ages! Let's bring some tomorrow!"

Kevin immediately clapped his hands. "YES! Great idea!"

Yuri chuckled. "I'll bring a few snowboards too, so we can go skiing."

He then turned to Klee, Hook, and Diona, who were sitting obediently beside him.

"I'll also grab some snow gear so you three can build snowmen."

Welt, sipping his tea, spoke up. "I won't be joining you tomorrow. I plan to head north of Belobog. There's something interesting I want to check out."

Dan Heng added, "I'll go with Welt."

As they ate, the crew continued discussing plans.

At that moment, Silver Wolf stepped out of her private booth, picked up a bowl, and filled it with spicy hotpot.

Kevin glanced over. "Silver Wolf, wanna come with us tomorrow?"

Silver Wolf barely spared him a glance before scoffing. "Playing in the snow? Boring. I'd rather stay here and game. You guys go ahead."

She grabbed a massive bowl of hotpot and disappeared back into her room, slamming the door shut.

The crew just laughed.

When they first met Silver Wolf, they thought she was a cold and calculating hacker.

Now, they understood.

She was just a gaming addict with a good heart.

Like yesterday—March 7th's phone had broken, and Silver Wolf had fixed it in minutes.

Yeah.

She was alright.

 

[CloudyWorld]

Chapter 33

The crew had just finished breakfast and were busy packing up for their trip to the ice field.

Hu Tao arrived and, noticing everyone bustling around with bags and supplies, tilted her head in curiosity.

"What's everyone doing?"

Paimon hovered over. "We're going to play in the snow! Hu Tao, wanna come with us?"

Hu Tao's face lit up instantly. "Of course! I love playing in the snow!"

Himeko, who had been watching nearby, noticed Hu Tao's light clothing and handed her a thick coat.

"Hu Tao, wear this. It'll be freezing out there."

Hu Tao took the coat, grinning gratefully. "Thanks Himeko!"

Himeko chuckled. "You're welcome. Give us a moment—we're almost ready to leave."

Hu Tao happily nodded.

At that moment, Yelan, Ningguang, and Keqing walked in.

The entire crew paused to look at the newcomers.

Yuri greeted them with a smirk. "Well, well—three beauties gracing my shop. Welcome!"

Zhongli turned to them. "This is Yuri, the shop's owner. The rest are all his friends."

Hearing this, Ningguang and her companions introduced themselves.

"Hello, Mr. Yuri. I am Ningguang. This is our first meeting—I look forward to doing business with you."

"Keqing."

"Yelan."

Unlike Ningguang, Keqing and Yelan kept their introductions brief and to the point.

Yuri, unfazed, simply chuckled. "Welcome. Has Hu Tao told you how trading works here?"

Ningguang shook her head.

Seeing this, Yuri called out, "Noelle, take care of the customers!"

Noelle, who had been washing dishes, quickly wiped her hands and ran over.

"Please follow me—I'll guide you through everything."

Yuri added, "I have some errands to run, so I'll leave you in Noelle's capable hands. She's an excellent clerk. If you need anything, just ask her."

Hearing herself praised, Noelle's cheeks flushed red with embarrassment.

Ningguang smiled. "Alright, we'll handle things here. You go on."

Noelle then led the three women toward the bar area.

Zhongli, who had originally planned to leave with Walter, decided to stay behind.

He had a feeling Ningguang and the others would soon need a loan.

Meanwhile, Yuri and the others stepped into the portal, heading off to explore the mechanical settlement.

---

Not long after Yuri's departure, Ningguang, Keqing, and Yelan had figured out the basics.

• This wasn't Teyvat. It was an entirely different world, far more advanced than their own.
• They could use Star Coins to purchase anything from Yuri's shop.

The three of them spent a long time browsing the display screen.

But Ningguang was troubled. She had no Stellar Jade on her and thus couldn't get Star Coins.

Yet, there were so many things she wanted to buy.

Keqing thought aloud. "Should I go back and bring some?"

Yelan shook her head. "Pointless. The portal is in Jueyun Karst. It'd take you too long to travel back and forth."

Keqing sighed. "Then what should we do?"

At that moment, Ningguang smirked. "I have an idea."

Keqing and Yelan turned toward her.

"What's your plan?"

Ningguang's gaze drifted toward Zhongli, who was sipping tea at a nearby table.

"I'll be right back."

Keqing and Yelan immediately understood.

She was going to ask Zhongli for a loan.

After all, Zhongli had clearly been here multiple times. There was no way he didn't have Stellar Jade or Star Coins.

Ningguang approached him. "Mr. Zhongli—"

Before she could even finish her sentence, Zhongli calmly took out 10,000 Star Coins.

"No need to explain—I know what you're going to ask. Take this. Just repay me in Stellar Jade when you return."

Ningguang accepted the Star Coins without hesitation. "Much appreciated. I'll have someone gather the Stellar Jade and return it to you promptly."

Zhongli gave a small nod before resuming his tea.

With her newfound funds, Ningguang returned to the display screen, ready to shop.

---

Keqing's anxious voice rang out the moment she saw Ningguang return. "How about it?"

Ningguang offered a slight smile and pulled out a stack of Stellar Jade. "I borrowed it. Let's decide what to buy."

The three of them took a sip of water and started browsing. Noelle, noticing their cups were empty, quietly refilled them from the kettle. Unbeknownst to them, Zhongli was observing their every move, mobilizing his divine power to discreetly monitor their choices.

As they debated their options, a disagreement arose between Ningguang and Keqing.

"We should buy this soil transformation machine first!" Keqing insisted, her tone unwavering. "With it, we can restore Liyue's polluted soil and increase food production!"

Ningguang shook her head. "The soil issue is important, but Liyue has an abundance of food right now. There's no immediate urgency. I believe we should buy the book 'Vajra Body Tempering Technique' first. Mastering it can give someone the combat strength of a top-tier original god. And once that foundation is built, they can move on to even more formidable techniques, like 'The Divine Elephant Prison Power.'"

Ye Lan remained neutral, merely watching the argument unfold. Her duty was to accompany Ningguang and Keqing, ensuring their safety. Matters of governance weren't her concern, but deep down, she leaned toward Ningguang's perspective.

Teyvat was not a peaceful world. Conflicts between nations were inevitable. Military strength was the bedrock of Liyue's survival. Just as the Emperor had once subdued other gods through sheer power to establish the prosperous Liyue of today, force remained a crucial factor in shaping civilization's fate.

Destroy or survive.

Zhongli listened in silence, sipping his tea. He was pleased with both Ningguang and Keqing—two of the most capable individuals to have ever served as Liyue's Seven Stars.

After half an hour of heated debate, Yelan finally stepped in. "Alright, enough. Both of you, calm down."

Ningguang and Keqing fell silent, turning to look at her. Keqing frowned. "Yelan, whose idea do you think is better—mine or Ningguang's?"

Yelan exhaled and turned to Noelle. "Noelle, you're from Mond, correct?"

Noelle blinked, startled. "Ah? Are you talking to me?"

Yelan nodded. "Yes. Your captain, Jean, was here before, wasn't she? Do you know what she purchased?"

Noelle thought for a moment. "Emmm… I'm not sure. I haven't been here long."

Yelan sighed in disappointment. She had hoped to use Mond's choices as a reference.

Just then, Zhongli spoke. "If I recall correctly, Jean from Mond purchased a martial arts manual and a device capable of repairing a witch's body."

Zhongli had learned this from Venti, who had once mentioned it to him over drinks. The two had caught up on various topics, including the mysterious figure named Yuri.

Hearing this, Yelan made up her mind. "Let's buy the martial arts manual first."

Keqing opened her mouth to protest, but Yelan cut her off. "Keqing, your proposal is valid—food is the foundation of a nation. But as Ningguang pointed out, Liyue is neither starving nor struggling for resources. Strengthening our military should take priority. We're not limited to one trip here. We can purchase the soil equipment later."

Keqing was taken aback, but she couldn't refute Yelan's logic. She fell into thoughtful silence.

With that, they spent 8,000 Stellar Jade on the "Vajra Body Tempering Technique" and used the remaining 2,000 on blueprints and rare ores unavailable in Teyvat.

Once they finished shopping, the three of them approached Zhongli. "Please use teleportation to send us back to Liyue Harbor."

With Zhongli's assistance, they returned to Yujingtai and took the teleportation array directly to Qunyu Pavilion. Along the way, they discussed the implementation of the "Vajra Body Tempering Technique." In the end, they adopted the same approach as Jean—selecting a faction of the loyal Qianyan Army for initial training.

Ningguang sat at her desk, resting her chin on one hand as she tapped the manual thoughtfully with her index finger. "Now that the plan is set, the next step is to consult the Emperor."

Keqing nodded. "The Rite of Descension is approaching. Shall we ask the Emperor then?"

Yelan and Ningguang agreed. There was no rush—selecting the first trainees would take time.

At that moment, golden light flickered in the room as a hooded Zhongli materialized. "I am already aware. Proceed as planned."

And just as quickly, he vanished.

Ningguang smirked. "Well, that saves us a trip to the Rite."

Keqing exhaled. "Since we have the Emperor's approval, let's begin. I'll handle selecting the personnel. Ye Lan, you'll oversee the training. Sound good?"

Ye Lan toyed with the dice in her fingers, a small smile playing on her lips. "Fine by me. Leave the hard work to me."

Before departing, Ye Lan copied the "Vajra Body Tempering Technique" for herself. She needed to master it before she could teach it.

Keqing, meanwhile, headed straight for the Qianyan Army headquarters to secretly handpick soldiers loyal to Liyue.

[Enter Jalil VI.]


A spaceship bearing the insignia of the Interstellar Peace Corporation descended near Beloberg.

 

[CloudyWorld]

Chapter 34

"Wuhu~"

"Ah~"

"Awesome!"

"Cool!"

"Ying! Slow down! I'm about to fly out!"

Several snowmobiles sped across the snow.

The riders were Kevin, March 7th, Ying, Amber, Eula, and Hu Tao.

Seele, Bronya, and the others had duties to attend to and couldn't join.

Kevin, March 7th, and Hu Tao each rode their own snowmobiles, while Ying carried Paimon and Amber carried Eula.

Paimon clung tightly to Ying's waist, her safety belt securely fastened, but her terrified expression said it all.

Eula wasn't faring much better. Though her face remained composed, deep down, she regretted every choice that had led her here. Just minutes ago, Kevin and the others had launched their snowmobiles off a massive, towering slope, soaring through the air for what felt like an eternity before crashing back down. The memory sent a shiver down her spine.

Why did I think this was a good idea? No—why did I let Amber talk me into this?!

Amber, I'm putting this on your tab!

The group eventually made their way back to the temporary camp, where Yuri was helping Klee, Hook, and Diona build a snowman.

Klee had placed Dodoco beside them for reference, and the three little ones carefully sculpted a snowman in its likeness, constantly adjusting and reshaping it.

Honestly, looking at the three of them together… they resembled their creation more than they realized.

Not far away, Himeko and Clara were busy assembling a mecha.

Clara had been eager to test her mechanical skills today and had gone to Yuri to ask for supplies.

Yuri, however, wouldn't take a single Stellar Jade from her.

"Clara needs materials to build a robot? Take whatever you want!"

Himeko studied Clara's blueprints with interest. The design was ingenious—far beyond what one would expect from someone Clara's age.

The robot was named "Family."

Designed in human form, it possessed a built-in healing function capable of treating minor injuries—a concept both practical and compassionate.

Clara, her face smudged with black grease, worked tirelessly, tightening screws with a wrench. She paid no mind to the stains, entirely absorbed in her task.

After half an hour, Clara finally completed the assembly.

She wasted no time activating Family.

The next moment, the robot's eyes flickered to life.

"Hello, Clara."

Clara's face lit up with pure joy.

"Hello, Family! Himeko! I did it!"

Himeko smiled warmly. Clara's talent for mechanics was undeniable.

"Congratulations. Now, let's test its functions."

Clara nodded and ran over to Svarog, who stood nearby.

"Mr. Svarog, could you help me find some injured people? I want to test Family's healing abilities."

Svarog immediately dispatched a few mechas to search the mechanical settlement for wounded individuals.

Before long, several of them returned, guiding a few injured soldiers forward.

Clara directed Family to begin treatment.

Minutes later, Clara cheered in excitement.

With Family's Nano-therapeutic technology—identical to the advanced models used in Black Tower Space Station—their wounds were fully healed.

As long as someone still had a breath left in them, Family could pull them back from the brink.


—

Meanwhile, Kevin and the others skidded to a stop in front of Yuri.

Kevin grinned. "Yuri, call me when it's almost time for dinner. We're going out farther."

Yuri nodded. "Got it. Anything in particular you guys want for lunch?"

Kevin's hand shot up. "Spicy hotpot!"

Yuri rolled his eyes. "We just ate. Let's talk about it in a few days."

Kevin deflated. "My spicy hotpot…"

March 7th chimed in. "Yuri, just keep an eye on the time and call us when dinner's ready. We're going racing!"

Yuri sighed. "Alright, just be careful."

"Wuhu!!!"

"Go, go, go!"

"Ying!!! I wanna go baaaack!!!"


—

Near Belobog.

A battleship marked with the insignia of the Interstellar Peace Corporation descended.

Topaz and Jade disembarked, followed by a large group of employees.

Topaz glanced at Jade. "Why are you here?"

Jade smiled. "To visit a friend, of course. You do your thing—I'll do mine."

Topaz sighed. She knew exactly who she was talking about—Clara. She and Jade had struck up an unlikely friendship, frequently chatting whenever they had the chance.

"Fine. Let's head into the city first."

Her gaze drifted toward the distant Beloberg settlement.

"Hard to believe people can survive in a place like this."

Jade chuckled. "Not for much longer. Things are about to change.

Suddenly, the distant roar of engines cut through the frigid air.

Topaz frowned. "Jade, did you hear that?"

Jade pointed toward a valley. "It's coming from over there."

The security detail immediately formed a protective line in front of Topaz and Jade.

Moments later, Kevin and the others burst out of the valley on their snowmobiles.

Seeing the crowd ahead, Kevin pulled hard on the brakes, sending a flurry of snow into the air.

The others followed suit, coming to a stop.

A team leader from the Interstellar Peace Corporation stepped forward. "Halt! Turn back immediately! Or I'll show you just how powerful our company is!"

With two major executives present, he needed to act tough—there was no way he'd let a group of girls interfere.

Kevin hopped off his snowmobile, planting his hands on his hips.

"You think you can order me around? That'd be pretty embarrassing for me, Galaxy Skyfire Man. Now move, I've got places to be."

Amber, Eula, Ying, and Hu Tao turned to March 7th, curious.

"March, what exactly does the Interstellar Peace Corporation do?" Amber asked.

March 7th shrugged. "Business. They're the biggest company in our world, following the Supreme God."

The group nodded in understanding.

March 7th stepped up beside Kevin. "That's right! You guys are taking this way too seriously. Step aside!"

The team leader narrowed his eyes and barked, "Capture them!"

At his command, a wave of armed employees rushed forward.

Kevin raised an eyebrow.

Oh? This could be fun. Might as well use this as a warm-up.

"Skyfire! Unsheath!"

[Skyfire—Unsheath!]

The Judgment of Shamash morphed into a greatsword.

A moment later, Kevin's voice rang out again.

"Judgment of Shamash: Tribulation and Destruction!"

[System Alert: POWERFUL ATTACK WARNING!]

The blade shifted into its final form—Annihilation Mode.

[System Alert: FINAL ALERT!]

Kevin swung his sword.

"RAHHHHHH!"

A devastating wave of energy surged forth!

---

Half an hour after Kevin wielded the Judgment of Shamash.

More than half of the Interstellar Peace Company's personnel lay dead or wounded. If not for Topaz and Jade intercepting Kevin's strike, everyone from the company would have perished. Even so, the two of them bore heavy injuries.

Kevin stared, stunned, at the destruction left in the wake of his sword.

Hiss! Damn it! I think I messed up!

In Belobog, the citizens cowered in their homes, staring in terror at the inferno raging just beyond their walls. What was once a frozen wasteland had become a blazing hellscape. Trees toppled as fire consumed them, ice and snow melted into nothing, and even the monstrous Voids—recently freed from their frozen tombs—were reduced to ash in an instant.

At the gates of Beloberg, Bronya, Seele, and Gepard stood, grim-faced.

Then, Yuri arrived with Rios.

They had just finished containing the flames threatening to engulf Beloberg.

"Yuri, why are you here?" Bronya asked.

Yuri sighed, rubbing his temples. "Cleaning up someone's mess."

Bronya frowned. "Mess?"

Yuri gestured at the inferno in the distance. "Yeah. As expected, this was Kevin's doing."

Bronya's eyes widened. "Kevin? What happened?"

Then, a thought struck her—could it be the Star Core?

Yuri shook his head. "No. If it were a Star Core, the destruction would be even worse. This is the Judgment of Shamash in Kevin's hands. And to be fair, I bear some responsibility—I taught him this technique. I just forgot to warn him how devastating it could be."

Bronya was speechless.

Yuri gave a dry chuckle. "Alright, alright. No point dwelling on it. Look on the bright side—once the fire dies down, you'll have a whole new stretch of land to work with."

Bronya blinked, then gasped in realization. Yes! Once the fire burns itself out, there will be land untouched by ice and snow!

Wasting no time, she ordered Gepard to gather people. Once the flames subsided, they would begin rebuilding—farmland, settlements, whatever they could manage.

At the Scene of the Incident

Kevin stood in awkward silence, the Judgment of Shamash reverting to its dual-pistol form before he holstered it.

March 7th swallowed hard. "Kevin... don't you think that move was a little too powerful?"

Kevin struggled for words. "Uh… well…"

Amber, standing beside Eula, tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Yeah, so… maybe we should, you know… run?"

The girls exchanged glances before hopping onto their snowmobiles, slamming the accelerators, and speeding away.

Topaz and Jade, watching the scene unfold, were fuming.

"HEY! They just ran away?!" Topaz stomped her foot in frustration.

Jade, adjusting her outfit, sighed. "Let it go. In the end, our men were the ones who provoked them first, Let's head to the city."

Topaz hesitated but ultimately conceded. She made a mental note—after returning, her subordinates would receive some serious training to avoid kicking steel plates like this again.

Leaving a team behind to secure the area and the company's warship, Jade and Topaz led their people toward Belobog.

Meanwhile, Kevin and the others rode toward the city as well. Then, his communicator buzzed.

"Hello? Yuri? Why are you calling me?" Kevin answered cautiously.

"Where are you?" Yuri's voice was calm. Too calm.

A chill ran down Kevin's spine. That tone! Was he about to get scolded?

"I-I'm in the mechanical settlement!" He blurted out an excuse, feeling guilty.

Yuri sighed. "Right. Sure you are. Get to the administrative district. I'll be waiting."

Before Kevin could protest, the line went dead.

Kevin groaned. "Ugh... looks like I don't have a choice."

He turned to the others. "Guess we're heading to the administrative district."

More than ten minutes later, they arrived at Belobog's entrance.

Yuri waved them over. "Kevin, what happened? You run into trouble?"

Kevin nodded quickly. "Yeah! We ran into company people, and they started it first!" He hurriedly explained, shifting the blame onto the Interstellar Peace Company.

The moment Yuri heard "company," he had a pretty good guess.

Topaz must be here to collect on a debt.

Himeko frowned. "People from the company? What are they doing here?"

"Not sure yet," Yuri replied. "But I'd bet their destination is Belobog."

Himeko considered this and nodded. On this planet, there was only one major human settlement—Belobog.

Not long after, Topaz and Jade arrived, leading a large contingent of company employees.

The moment Topaz spotted Kevin, She stormed over, fuming. "So here you are! Time to settle this! Let's go!"

Kevin muttered to Yuri, "See? Told you they started it."

Then, he pulled out the Judgment of Shamash, ready to fight.

Yuri sighed. In a flash, he appeared beside Kevin, grabbed his collar, and yanked him back. "Not yet. Let's see if this is just a misunderstanding."

He released Kevin, who grudgingly relented.

Topaz was about to roll up her sleeves for a brawl, but Jade stopped hirt.

"Enough, Let me handle this."

She stepped forward. "Hello, I'm Jade. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Yuri smiled. "Yuri."

Jade's gaze swept over Yuri and the others. Then, her eyes landed on Kevin—and more importantly, the insignia hanging from his waist.

Her pupils shrank. The Nameless.

Everything clicked into place.

"I see. So the legendary Nameless are also on this planet." She chuckled. "I suppose it makes sense. Given the Star Core corruption here, you wouldn't just sit back and ignore it."

Yuri smirked. "Naturally. And I didn't expect to find two of the famed Stoneheart Ten in such a remote place."
Jade laughed lightly. "I came to see an old friend. Topaz, on the other hand, is here on company business."

Yuri raised an eyebrow. "Friend?"

Jade turned her gaze toward a certain red-haired girl. "Clara, your sister is here."

Clara blinked, confused. "Huh?"

Jade took out her phone and sent a message.

A second later, Clara's communicator buzzed.

She checked the screen.

Sister Jade: Clara, your sister is here.

Clara's eyes widened in shock before smiling as she looked up at Jade. "Sister Jade!"

Jade chuckled, covering her mouth. "That's right, Clara."

 

[CloudyWorld]

Chapter 35

Jade called over an employee of the Interstellar Peace Company.

"Bring me the presents I brought."

The employee quickly ran to the back, retrieved a book, and handed it to Clara with a smile.

Jade walked up to Clara and handed her the book. "Here, Clara. This is a gift from your sister."

Clara's eyes lit up as she saw the title. She had been searching for this book for ages but couldn't find it anywhere online.

"Thank you, big sister! Clara loves it!"

Jade smiled warmly. "As long as you're happy."

She turned to see Topaz already deep in negotiations with Yuri. A thought crossed her mind.

"Clara, can you show me where you live?"

Clara nodded eagerly and led Jade toward the mechanical settlement. Seeing this, Himeko followed as well. She had heard of Jade before—members of the Stoneheart Ten were not to be underestimated.

Half an Hour Later – Mechanical Settlement

As soon as they arrived, Clara spotted Svarog waiting for her.

"Welcome home, Clara."

The family of robots echoed the sentiment.

"Welcome home, Clara."

Clara beamed. "Mr. Svarog, family members, Clara is back! This is my big sister, Jade."

Jade observed the two robots with great interest. They weren't just machines; they had developed their own personalities.

"Hello."

Svarog scanned Jade up and down. "Welcome to the Mechanical Settlement."

Then, turning to Clara, he said, "Clara, go rest. I'll have food prepared."

Clara smiled brightly. "Okay!" She then took Jade inside.

Excited, Clara introduced her family of robots like a child showing off schoolwork. Jade listened carefully, impressed by Clara's mechanical talent. Despite only a few days of learning, she was already building robots of her own.

Suddenly, an Alarm Blared Across the Settlement.

Clara and Himeko rushed outside, where Svarog was already mobilizing the mechas.

"Mr. Svarog, what's happening?" Clara asked urgently.

Svarog's mechanical voice remained steady. "A large hostile force is approaching. Preparing for defense."

Himeko, using a telescope, scanned the outskirts. Her expression darkened.

"Antimatter Legion."

Jade's brows furrowed. "Why are they here?"

Himeko thought for a moment before realization hit. "They must have been frozen by the Star Core. Now that it's sealed—and after Kevin's sword strike—these antimatter legions have been released."

Jade sighed. This planet was one disaster after another. First the Star Core, now an Antimatter Legion attack.

With no time to waste, she and Himeko joined the battle.

Even Clara pulled out a homemade pistol and started firing.

But the enemy numbers were overwhelming. The mechas fell one by one. Despite the efforts of Svarog, Himeko, and Jade, the situation was dire.

Soon, the defensive line was breached, and Voids poured into the settlement.

At that moment, the lights on Family No. 1 turned red.

"Killing mode activated."

In an instant, Family No. 1 charged forward, punching through a Void's chest and tearing it apart.

A wave of virtual soldiers lunged at it, but Family No. 1 kicked them away with ease, slaughtering them one by one.

Himeko, watching in astonishment, muttered, "Wasn't Family No. 1 just a medical robot? Where did this power come from?"

Clara had followed Yuri's blueprint precisely. The only explanation Himeko could think of was that Yuri had provided some unusual materials.

With Family No. 1 on the battlefield, they managed to hold the line.

Reinforcements Arrived.

Kevin and the others raced in on snowmobiles, accompanied by a large force of Silvermane Guards.

Kevin jumped off, drew the Judgment of Shamash, and was about to unleash another devastating attack—until March 7th grabbed his arm.

"Hold it! Don't use that move again."

Kevin sighed and nodded. Instead, he charged forward, swinging the Judgment of Shamash in melee combat.

Rios walked calmly into the battlefield, unfazed by the approaching Voids.

"A raging fire spreads across the land!"

With a single stomp, flames erupted outward, instantly reducing the surrounding Antimatter Legion to ashes.

From another direction, Weltand Dan Heng joined the battle. They had just returned from collecting samples when they encountered the siege.

Welt's Star of Eden hummed as it absorbed energy, forming a miniature black hole that swallowed the enemies whole.

Dan Heng dashed into the fray, reinforcing the settlement's defenses.

On a Nearby Hillside.

Yuri and Bronya overlooked the battlefield.

"What are these monsters?" Bronya asked.

Without hesitation, he ordered the company's employees to join the fight. If Yalilo-VI was going to become company property, they couldn't let it be wiped out by the Antimatter Legion.

After an Intense Battle, the Mechanical Settlement Stood Victorious.

Svarog addressed the group. "Thank you for assisting in the defense of the Mechanical Settlement."

Kevin and the others shrugged it off. "It was nothing."

Bronya smiled. "Mr. Svarog, no need to thank us—we're family."

Topaz, on the other hand, was less sentimental. "No need to thank me. I was just protecting the company's assets."

Everyone turned to him in confusion.

Bronya frowned. "Company assets?"

Topaz nodded, pulling out her phone. "Yep. And you might want to take a look at this."

She handed the phone to Bronya, who scanned the screen—her expression quickly turning pale.

"How… could this happen?"

Kevin peeked over her shoulder.

"Whoa! That's a lot of credits! Bronya, did you owe the company this much?!"

Bronya shook her head, completely stunned. "I don't know. I've never even heard of this debt."

Topaz smirked. "Of course you haven't. You borrowed it who knows how many years ago."

Bronya stared at the endless string of zeros, feeling a chill run down her spine.

---

In Bronya's office in the Belobog Administrative District, negotiations had reached a temporary standstill. Bronya asked Topaz to rest while she took time to consider her options.

She was deeply troubled. She never imagined Belobog was burdened with such an enormous debt. Just when life was beginning to improve, another crisis had surfaced, threatening to drag her people back into hardship.

Bronya decided to consult Kevin and the others about how their company had previously handled financial matters in Belobog and what the outcomes had been.

Meanwhile, Topaz made her way to the mechanical settlement, where she found Jade enjoying a meal.

Today's lunch, provided by Yuri, consisted of sauerkraut pork dumplings.

"Jade, I'm here," Topaz announced.

Jade, mid-bite, glanced up. "You came just in time. We just started eating. Want some?"

Topaz hesitated. Jade, how are you already so friendly with the people we were fighting just this morning?

Jade, noticing her hesitation, packed a bowl of dumplings and handed it to her. "Come on, try them. They're delicious. I was actually thinking of asking Yuri to sell me the recipe. I want to bring it back so those so-called chefs at the company can learn how real food is made."

Topaz caught a whiff of the dumplings, and her stomach rumbled. Glancing over, she saw Kevin devouring his dumplings enthusiastically.

With a sigh, Topaz relented. After all, it was my side that picked the fight first. Kevin's sword had left an impression—the surviving employees of the Interstellar Peace Company were walking on eggshells in Belobog, afraid to overstep their bounds.

Topaz took a bite. It was undeniably delicious.

Not long after, Bronya arrived, spotting Topaz and Jade enjoying their meal. She made her way toward Kevin, who was sitting with March 7th, Stellar Jade, Amber, Eula, Hu Tao, Paimon, and Seele.

Kevin, too impatient to eat one dumpling at a time, had skewered eight dumplings on his chopsticks.

"Watch this!" he declared, stuffing all eight into his mouth at once.

The girls were momentarily stunned before bursting into applause.

Not to be outdone, Hu Tao shot to her feet. "This hall master shall do the same!"

One by one, the others joined in, and soon, the dining table resembled a scene of frenzied hamsters stuffing their cheeks with food.

Bronya approached. "Good afternoon, everyone."

Seeing her, Seele quickly moved her utensils aside to make room. She called out for a plate and a set of chopsticks for Bronya.

By the time Bronya sat down, Seele had already placed a fresh serving of dumplings in front of her.

The dumplings had been stored in an insulated container—Yuri had made hundreds at once, ensuring there was plenty for everyone.

"Bronya, try these. They're really good," Seele encouraged.

Bronya forced a smile and took a bite.

Hu Tao, sitting across from her, noticed her troubled expression. "Bronya, something's on your mind. What is it?"

Bronya sighed, then explained Belobog's massive debt crisis.

March 7th frowned. "Bronya, you cannot sign that agreement. It's just a debt, right? We'll work hard and pay it off."

Bronya nodded. "That's true, but it will make life extremely difficult for future generations of Belobog."

Seele patted her chest. "So what? We survived the Star Core disaster—why should we be afraid of a little debt?"

Bronya smiled faintly. The people of Belobog are strong—we've always endured hardship.

However, the company demanded immediate repayment, and Belobog's credit was already overdrawn.

Just then, Yuri walked over, holding Klee in his arms.

"Bronya, I have a way to settle this debt."

Bronya perked up. "Really? What's the solution?"

Yuri smirked. "I can bring someone in to help. If she agrees, your debt will be nothing more than a minor inconvenience."

Kevin leaned in curiously. "Who is it? Someone we know?"

Yuri chuckled. "You and March 7th know her—the stationmaster of the Herta Space Station, Asta."

The moment he said Asta's name, March 7th and Kevin immediately understood.

"Of course! If Asta steps in, this will be settled in no time!" March 7th exclaimed, smacking her forehead.

Seeing their reactions, Bronya felt reassured. She quickly made a decision.

"Yuri, please arrange a meeting."

Yuri set Klee down, ruffling her hair. "Klee, go play with Himeko for a bit. I've got something to do."

Klee nodded obediently and ran off.

Yuri pulled out his phone and dialed.

Asta's voice came through. "Good afternoon, Yuri."

"Hey, Asta. Are you free? I have a friend who wants to discuss business with you."

"I'm free. Shall I meet you at your shop?"

Yuri considered it, but then remembered the Herta Space Station had no portal connection to Belobog. "I'll send you a location—come by if you're available."

Asta agreed, and they ended the call.

Yuri turned to Bronya. "She's on her way."

Bronya let out a breath of relief. "Thank you, Yuri."

Yuri grinned. "No problem. But you should start thinking about how you're going to repay the favor."

Bronya nodded, then pulled Kevin and the others into a huddle to discuss the matter.

---

Herta Space Station – Departure Platform

Asta arrived at the platform with a team of guards, preparing to board a starship to Yalilo-VI.

Just as she was about to step inside, Herta suddenly appeared.

"You're heading to see Yuri? Take me with you."

Without waiting for an answer, Herta strolled aboard the starship.

Asta sighed. She always does whatever she wants.

By the time Asta entered, Herta had already claimed a spot on the sofa, dropping a bag of Star Rail magazines beside her.

Herta eyed Asta curiously. "Why the sudden trip to see Yuri?"

Asta adjusted her gloves. "Yuri called me. He said a friend of his wants to discuss business."

Herta smirked. "This should be interesting."