Imaginary energy could not be seen, yet it undeniably existed.
Empowered by Trailblaze energy, the Astral Express pierced into the sphere of Imaginary energy as smoothly as chopsticks sliding through tofu. The surrounding Imaginary currents attempted to close in and mend themselves, only to be blocked by the invisible, intangible concept of the "Silver Rail."
As long as this Silver Rail was not obstructed by something like a Stellaron, it would grow broader and more convenient with repeated use.
Gazing out at the absolute darkness beyond the window, Nolan sighed softly.
"This must be what most of the universe truly looks like."
Even on Earth, there had been theories that over ninety percent of the universe consisted of dark matter and similar unknown substances. Here, however, there was the added presence of Imaginary energy.
"Even Akivili's path only covers an insignificant fraction of the cosmos. Turning the unknown into the known… that's what Trailblazing is all about."
Himeko was also looking out the window. Her crimson eyes shimmered like a tranquil lake stirred by faint ripples as she turned to smile at Nolan.
"If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have had such a wonderful opportunity."
This act of Trailblazing had allowed her to advance significantly along the Path of Trailblaze. The Path's feedback had strengthened her abilities in many aspects.
As a result, she developed a slight fondness for Nolan.
[Himeko Has Developed Good Feelings Toward You, Obtained 800 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.7 (320/700)]
March 7th experienced the same:
[March 7th Has Developed Good Feelings Toward You, Obtained 800 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.7 (350/700)]
In truth, everyone felt similarly. It was just that only the girls' affection increases were displayed on the panel.
Nolan smiled and looked at Himeko with curiosity.
"By the way, if the train keeps running, where would it go? It won't get lost in unexplored regions of the universe, will it?"
After all, he had used the "Void Star Sea" as a transfer point to bring the Astral Express directly from Herta Space Station. There was no established route from the interstellar society to Teyvat.
No one knew which direction beyond Teyvat would lead back to the explored universe. If they happened to head deeper into the Imaginary energy sphere, the Astral Express might continue traveling endlessly without ever reaching the familiar galaxy.
"There's no need to worry," Himeko replied with a gentle shake of her head, her long red hair swaying lightly behind her. "The train is an extension of the Path. Wherever it travels leaves a record. No matter where we are, we can always return to places we've been before."
"At this very moment, we're on our way back to Herta Space Station. According to the train's earlier feedback, we're approximately two hundred thousand light years away."
"Fortunately, we have sufficient Trailblaze energy, so there's no risk of getting lost within the Imaginary energy sphere."
"I see. This train is pretty amazing," Nolan said in surprise. As expected of a creation of an Aeon.
"Warp jump preparations beginning. All passengers, please take your seats, pa."
At that moment, the conductor Pom-Pom's voice echoed through the broadcast system.
Two hundred thousand light years was not a distance the Astral Express could simply travel through at conventional speed. Even at light speed, it would take two hundred thousand years.
Warping was therefore inevitable. Under the mighty power of the Path, as long as they warped from Teyvat's star system back, the Silver Rail would be laid down all the same. There was no need to physically traverse the entire route in order to establish it.
As a creation of an Aeon, the Astral Express could complete a single warp across any distance, provided it possessed sufficient Trailblaze energy.
Therefore, after the train initiated its warp jump, it took less than ten minutes to arrive at the star system where the Blue Star was located.
After informing Asta, Nolan directly used the "Void Star Sea" to transfer the Astral Express into the space station itself.
There was no need to go through the entire docking procedure again.
Before long, the Astral Express was once more parked steadily on the platform. Afterward, everyone discussed and settled on a specific departure time for their next planet, which would be one week later.
During this period, they could continue relaxing either in Teyvat or at the space station. As for how they would return to Teyvat now that the train was back, Nolan would naturally teleport them there.
Before dismissing the meeting, Nolan brought Stelle over to introduce her to the crew of the Astral Express.
After thinking it over for several days, Stelle felt that since Nolan had already joined the Astral Express and she herself had nothing in particular to do, she might as well follow Kafka's expectations and join as well.
As long as she was not a bad person, the crew had no reason to refuse, especially with Nolan's recommendation.
Among them, March 7th was especially excited.
After all, on the Astral Express, Welt was a middle aged man, and Dan Heng was the quiet, reserved type who also appeared older than her.
Naturally, March 7th felt a slight generational gap with them.
Only Himeko, as another girl, shared more common topics with her. Yet Himeko often played the role of an older sister. Compared to someone close to her own age and also a girl like Stelle, it still felt a bit different.
So with Stelle joining, someone around her age, March 7th was naturally much happier.
She enthusiastically pulled Stelle along to familiarize her with the train and introduce her to everyone. At noon, they even held a small welcome lunch together.
With nothing pressing to do for the time being, Nolan decided it was time to carry out his plan to control the entire Stellaron Hunters organization through Kafka and Silver Wolf.
In truth, given his strength and his ability to summon incarnations, he did not truly need such an organization to work for him.
However, the leader of the Stellaron Hunters possessed prophetic abilities. If Kafka and Silver Wolf were under his control, it would be easy for that leader to discover it.
To avoid potential conflicts, it was simpler to control all of them at once.
After telling the Astral Express crew that he was heading out for a stroll, Nolan entered the "Void Star Sea." In one corner, Silver Wolf was passing the time by playing games.
Kafka, meanwhile, sat in a chair, lightly stirring the iced lemon tea on the table with a straw. Her violet red eyes were slightly unfocused, as if she were lost in thought.
The temporary sofa, table, and various daily supplies placed there had all been brought by Nolan.
After all, he could not exactly mistreat his captives.
"You bastard! How long are you planning to keep us locked up here? I'm bored to death!"
Sensing his arrival, Silver Wolf tossed her phone aside and glared at him angrily.
She had already cleared the games on her phone several times and grown sick of them. There was no internet here to download anything new. It was pure torture.
"Didn't I just figure out how to arrange things for you and come straight over to tell you? No need to get so worked up," Nolan replied casually.
"Fine. Since you've already controlled us, we can't refuse whatever you tell us to do anyway. So just say it. We've been stuck in this dull environment for days. I'm getting tired of it too."
Kafka sighed softly and stopped stirring her drink.
(End of Chapter)
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