"Ah!!!"
The Belobog natives who had just been brought up from the Underworld had been muttering among themselves, wondering whether Cocolia and the upper city's elites were plotting something.
In the blink of an eye, they were hit with a shocking truth.
"Wait, Supreme Guardian, are you saying Belobog's problems have already been resolved? There won't be any more Fragmentum eroding our land in the future?"
Seele and Natasha gathered their thoughts and asked the question they cared about most.
Back when the blockade between the upper and lower districts was enforced, Cocolia's official explanation had been that they were gathering the Silvermane Guards' strength for a decisive battle.
Most people had doubted that explanation. Now, Seele even wondered whether her own perspective had simply been too limited to comprehend the Supreme Guardian's deeper plans.
"Yes, but it wasn't our doing. I made many mistakes."
Cocolia shook her head, her expression conflicted.
She no longer felt worthy of the people's respect.
"It was the Starsea Empire's vanguard. To them, Belobog's problem was nothing difficult at all."
"We have been isolated from the world for too long. In both strength and technology, we are far behind."
Cocolia's gaze shifted toward Herta and Kafka.
A Stellaron Hunter and an Emanator of Erudition—their presence was a complete dimensional mismatch for Belobog. With a flick of their fingers, they had solved a problem that had plagued Jarilo-VI for over seven hundred years.
"Ah..."
The Underworld had access to very limited education and information. Natasha and Seele had only heard fragmented legends about the "Genius Society." They never expected to meet true geniuses face to face.
"Uh..."
After hesitating for a long time, Seele finally thanked Herta.
"Thank you... very much?"
"If you want to thank me, you can come assist with some experiments. I want to study Belobog's native species—especially the differences between the upper and lower districts."
Herta's puppet replied expressionlessly.
"..."
"Then joining the Starsea Empire... what does that mean?"
Natasha asked again.
"We were able to overcome this crisis thanks to the Starsea Empire's help. You understand as well—after being cut off from the universe for so long, we have fallen far behind."
Cocolia handed a document to Seele, Natasha, and the other girls from the Underworld.
"While we were trapped in the cold tide, too much has changed outside. The Starsea Empire has replaced the Interastral Peace Corporation and become the ruler of the galaxy."
"Their strength surpasses the former corporation by hundreds or thousands of times. Now that we have the opportunity to reconnect with the universe, there is no reason to refuse."
"Belobog is too weak. We need help from the outside. This is both our fortune and an honor."
"Mm..."
Seele fell silent for a moment. In her memory, Cocolia rarely spoke so calmly to ordinary people from the Underworld. It felt strange.
It seemed the arrival of the Starsea Empire had truly changed many things.
"When the Stellaron was first discovered, both the corporation and the people on Jarilo-VI fled. And now someone actually came to help us voluntarily. That's quite rare."
Natasha rested her chin on her hand, observing the members of the Astral Express.
"You also said we've been chosen by an Aeon? Can you tell me more about that?"
"We were simply carrying out the Commander's orders to pioneer this planet. You just happened to be on their list."
"If we were to explain everything, it would take days and nights—we don't plan to stay here for long."
Himeko replied with a smile.
"If you're curious, I can take you to visit the Starsea Empire first."
"Oh..."
Faced with Himeko's enthusiasm, the girls felt a bit at a loss.
A nation ruled by Aeons sounded extraordinarily novel to them.
"Can I meet the Commander first? I'd like to understand more about you."
Seele asked.
"Of course. But we still have a small task to finish here."
Himeko readily agreed.
"Come on, let's wrap up the remaining matters first."
...
Two days later.
Belobog Central Plaza.
This was one of the landmark locations of the upper city. At the center of the plaza stood a massive statue commemorating the great achievements of Supreme Guardian Alisa Rand in saving humanity.
Early in the morning, the plaza was already packed with people.
Citizens from all across Belobog filled the space to the brim.
There were well-dressed residents from the upper city, as well as Underworld workers in mining clothes who hadn't even had time to clean themselves up.
After the blockade was lifted, they had temporarily remained in the upper city.
Many who arrived late squeezed in through alleys or climbed to higher spots to glimpse the scene.
Every resident of Belobog knew that something significant was about to happen today.
The Silvermane Guards and Angeloids faithfully guarded the central area of the plaza, keeping onlookers behind the perimeter.
"Guards! Form ranks!"
"Supreme Guardian Cocolia Rand's address is about to begin. All citizens, please remain quiet and help maintain order!"
The announcer's voice echoed across the plaza, and the crowd gradually fell silent.
Step, step, step—
Escorted by the Silvermane Guards, Supreme Guardian Cocolia stepped onto the platform.
Beside her stood Bronya, Pela, and several other guards, along with Himeko as the representative of the Astral Express.
Herta and Kafka had no interest in public appearances and left everything to the navigator.
"Citizens of Belobog, please listen—"
Cocolia cleared her throat, scanned the crowd, and slowly began.
"The reason we can gather here today is because visitors from beyond the stars have helped Belobog eliminate the source of disaster that plagued our city."
"For over seven hundred years, successive Supreme Guardians have fought cruel battles against the Stellaron and the Fragmentum to protect our home."
"But today, with the help of the Nameless from the Astral Express, we have finally achieved complete victory and eradicated the threat to Belobog once and for all."
"Whoa—"
The crowd erupted in astonishment and cheers.
When the Starsea Empire announced they had resolved the Stellaron crisis, most people had been confused. Many in the Underworld didn't even know what a Stellaron was.
But when the Supreme Guardian told them Belobog was safe, everyone understood.
"Lady Cocolia!"
"Long live Lady Cocolia!!"
The uninformed crowd began to cheer loudly.
Cocolia raised her hand to quiet them and sighed.
"I am sorry. I am not a qualified Supreme Guardian. Compared to my predecessors, I fall far short in both will and ability."
"In my despair, I made an extremely foolish decision—the blockade between the upper and lower districts. I hereby apologize to all citizens of Belobog and am willing to accept any punishment."
"If the Nameless of the Starsea Empire had not arrived in time, I would have committed an unforgivable crime against Belobog."
She paused and bowed toward the Everwinter Monument and the Astral Express crew.
Freed from the Stellaron's influence, Cocolia now realized how many foolish things she had done.
The Astral Express crew were not only Belobog's saviors, but also her own.
"Ah..."
Bronya and the crowd were stunned. In the past, even when mistakes were made, the Supreme Guardian had to maintain authority.
But judging by Cocolia's words, she no longer saw herself as Belobog's leader.
"Therefore, today I will announce another matter:"
Cocolia's expression became more solemn than ever before.
"From this day forward, I will no longer serve as Supreme Guardian. Belobog will henceforth accept the protection of the Starsea Empire."
"They are a super-civilization from beyond the stars, far more powerful than the former Interastral Peace Corporation."
"They have eliminated the threat that plagued our planet for over seven hundred years. They will bring advanced technology to Belobog, help us rebuild, and lead us into space."
"What?!"
After a brief silence, the crowd erupted into chaos.
Even though Sophons had already issued notices, hearing the Supreme Guardian declare Belobog's incorporation into the Starsea Empire was unprecedented.
And it was already a reality—there was no turning back.
"But Lady Cocolia, we..."
"Weren't we independent...?"
Some tried to argue, but Cocolia raised her hand to stop them.
"Belobog is already riddled with problems. We lack energy, our geomarrow resources are nearly exhausted, the Underworld lacks food and medical equipment, and our technology is completely outdated compared to other civilizations."
"The Starsea Empire now rules the cosmos. To save Belobog, we must follow them."
"Mm..."
The crowd fell silent. Survival outweighed everything else.
Even those who wanted to resist glanced at the Angeloids above and reconsidered.
Swish—
Cocolia signed her name on a prepared document and handed it to Himeko.
This symbolized the transfer of all authority over Belobog and its acceptance of Starsea Empire governance.
"I hereby pledge my loyalty to the Commander. Please lead Belobog to prosperity."
"Then from this point onward, Belobog will be incorporated into the Starsea Empire and abide by its laws."
"Under their guidance, we will restore our civilization and return to the embrace of the stars."
Just as Cocolia finished her oath of loyalty and the handover ceremony was completed—
Suddenly.
Boom!!—
The entire Jarilo-VI trembled as a torrent of imaginary energy instantly enveloped the whole planet.
"What's happening? An earthquake?!"
Cocolia and Bronya were startled.
Disasters like this were a major problem for Belobog.
"Quick, Silvermane Guards—evacuate the Underworld! Everyone move to open areas for shelter—"
Bronya urgently began issuing orders, only for Pela to gently tug at her sleeve.
"Lady Bronya... look at the sky. What is that...?"
As everyone looked up, they instinctively held their breath.
The eternal blizzards and cold waves that had long covered the planet vanished, replaced by a surreal torrent of imaginary energy.
The entire world seemed to have been thrown into a massive vortex of power. Violent winds formed from imaginary energy swept across Jarilo-VI, leaving Belobog trembling amid the storm.
High above, at an unreachable altitude, an indescribable existence cast its gaze upon them.
"An Aeon!!!"
Gulp—
People could hear each other swallowing.
To most, Aeons were distant legends.
A thousand years ago, the power of Preservation had once sheltered this place, allowing Belobog to survive the cold wave and the invasion of the Antimatter Legion.
Because of that, Belobog had always held the Amber Lord in great reverence.
Yet the Amber Lord had never granted further power, only enough protection for the city to barely endure.
Even as Belobog's crisis worsened, successive Supreme Guardians could only struggle on—no further miracles ever appeared.
Aeons did not concern themselves with mortals. Their thoughts and actions were unfathomable.
And now, for the first time, everyone in Belobog truly faced an Aeon.
Under that overwhelming pressure, many people dropped to their knees.
"Very well. I accept your loyalty."
Setsuna's voice carried immense power, crossing countless stars and shaking the minds of all who heard it.
"Commander...?!"
Cocolia was utterly stunned. Only now did she truly understand what kind of being led the Starsea Empire.
She stared blankly at the sky, her body stiff, unsure how to react.
"Hmph."
Setsuna glanced over Belobog.
Years of relentless blizzards had completely reshaped Jarilo-VI. Oceans and land alike were sealed beneath glaciers, leaving only a small patch where humanity could survive.
Even with the Stellaron crisis resolved, restoring the planet through conventional means would have been an immense undertaking.
—Fortunately, it only required a casual effort now.
Boom—
He extended his hand and clenched it.
A vast surge of imaginary energy gathered, sweeping across the entire planet like a raging storm.
"!!!"
In an instant, the terrain of Jarilo-VI began to change at a visible speed.
Fragmentum zones that had reached the edges of the city were compressed into singular points by overwhelming force, then vanished into nothingness.
The blizzards ceased in an instant. Dark clouds were torn apart by a blazing sun, casting warm light upon the ground.
Across the frozen seas, the ice shattered and melted one after another, revealing the ocean beneath.
The glaciers and snowfields blanketing the continents dissolved within moments, turning into flowing streams that poured into the seas.
Buried lands and cities emerged from beneath the snow, revealing their original forms.
After centuries of cold, most of the surface had become barren, with vast stretches of exposed rock.
Whoosh—
A warm breeze swept across the land, bringing life with it.
Grass and flowers sprouted from the soil. Long-dead trees burst back to life, transforming into lush forests in the blink of an eye.
From space, the once snow-covered Jarilo-VI transformed within minutes from a frozen world into a vibrant continental planet.
A blazing equator, vast oceans, and continents stretching thousands upon thousands of kilometers took shape.
Such was the power of an Aeon—capable of rewriting the laws of reality in the span of a moment.
"!!!"
Everyone in Belobog stared in utter disbelief at the changes around them.
Seele and Clara rubbed their eyes and even pinched themselves, making sure they weren't dreaming.
Blue skies, drifting clouds, and a gentle spring breeze—what had once been a frozen wasteland was now teeming with life.
Though still lacking some wildlife, it was clear that in time, the planet would return to its former prosperity before the Stellaron's arrival.
"Ah..."
Bronya opened her mouth, her throat dry, her body trembling under the pressure of such overwhelming power.
"That... is the Aeon of Trailblaze you mentioned?"
"Yes. He is our Commander—and the sole leader of the Starsea Empire."
Himeko smiled softly.
"You could consider this a small gift from the Commander in response to your loyalty."
Hiss—
Everyone felt, in the most direct way possible, the absolute power of an Aeon.
Unlike the distant, inscrutable entities of legend, the Aeon of the Starsea Empire was real—visible, tangible.
An ordinary person could truly call upon an Aeon.
In the past, the power of Preservation had only allowed Belobog to survive in isolation, barely enduring.
But Trailblaze?
The Aeon of the Starsea Empire had restored vitality to an entire planet in an instant.
A miracle.
Before such a miracle, the long-suffering people of Belobog were completely convinced.
Even those who had previously doubted Trailblaze or felt wary of the Starsea Empire now had no room for skepticism.
No one dared question them any longer. No one dared harbor even the slightest disrespect.
All doubts vanished, leaving only pure reverence.
Thud.
Some of the Underworld miners and civilians were the first to kneel.
"Sacrosanct!!—"
Soon, more and more people followed—ordinary citizens, upper city residents, even the Silvermane Guards maintaining order—all kneeling in unison, bowing toward the sky.
Across all of Belobog, without exception.
Even Cocolia and Bronya lowered their heads, awed by the Aeon's power, not daring to look directly at the being above.
Time seemed to freeze. Silence fell over Belobog, even breathing subdued.
"..."
After a long while, it was only when Kiana spoke that people slowly began to raise their heads.
"You can get up. The Commander already left—he just came to take a look."
"Mm..."
Seele and Natasha stood with the crowd, still dazed as they looked toward the sky.
The imaginary energy had long since dissipated, leaving only a vast expanse of blue sky and drifting clouds.
Only the transformed world around them proved that this was no dream—that an Aeon had truly cast Their gaze upon Belobog.
Many people could barely stand, still immersed in overwhelming shock.
"You're very fortunate. The Commander personally reshaped your planet."
"The Sophons and Angeloids will handle the remaining work. Belobog's issues are completely resolved."
Himeko clapped her hands lightly.
Then she smiled and invited the still trembling girls.
"Come on. I'll take you to the Starsea Empire."
"Oh—but before that, we need to go pioneer another world first."