This unique self-introduction gave both Phainon and Cyrene a momentary pause, before Phainon couldn't help but chuckle. "Galatic Baseballer? And that stick behind you is a Baseball Bat? Looks like it'd have a pretty good grip."
Hearing this, Cyrene also smiled lightly, easing the atmosphere between them considerably.
Welt shook his head helplessly, but continued on Stelle's behalf, offering a more formal identity clarification:
"You can call her Stelle. As she indicated, we are all travelers from beyond the stars, journeying in accordance with the will of the Trailblaze. You may also call us—'Trailblazers.'"
"Not from the sky above, but... beyond it?" Phainon's expression visibly sobered upon hearing this, a slight frown forming. "That complicates things somewhat."
"What do you mean?" Welt, keenly catching the shift in his tone, immediately pressed.
"If you truly hail from beyond the stars, then this matter exceeds our jurisdiction," Phainon looked up, his tone becoming formal and cautious.
"On Amphoreus, any affair concerning 'the beyond' is a forbidden topic. Only the six demigods presiding over the holy city of Okhema are qualified to handle such matters."
"According to protocol, I must take you to see them. It is my duty. I ask for your understanding." As he spoke, his posture shifted subtly. Though he showed no overt hostility, he was prepared to react if these "visitors from beyond" suddenly turned violent or tried to flee.
"That is fine," Welt responded, to Phainon's surprise, with remarkable calm and even a hint of understanding. "We were hoping to establish dialogue with the rulers of this land ourselves. Direct communication will save much unnecessary trouble."
Establishing direct contact with the higher-ups would be far more beneficial for understanding this world, finding a way to restore communications, and potentially securing aid.
"So straightforward?" Stelle leaned towards Dan Heng, whispering sotto voce with a trace of suspicion. "It's not gonna be like Belobog again, is it? First day, VIP treatment, best hotel. Next day, some flimsy excuse and straight to the slammer..." She clearly remembered certain experiences all too well.
"That won't happen," Cyrene, whose hearing was excellent, turned to Stelle. "Among the six demigods who oversee the holy city, one holds authority over 'Law.' In Okhema, the authority of law is supreme."
"In other words, as long as you do not actively violate the city's explicitly stated laws, you will not face punishment without cause."
"I see. May I ask who the six demigods presiding over the holy city are, specifically? And what authority does each hold?" Dan Heng calmly raised the key question.
"If we can have some understanding beforehand, we can be better prepared for subsequent negotiations and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings."
"We can discuss this as we walk," Phainon suggested, glancing at the gloomy sky. "The wilderness is truly unsafe. Also, the civilians from the nearby temple sanctuary should have been evacuated by now. We must reach the rally point quickly."
"If we miss the 'Infinity Gate' opened by Teacher Tribbie, we'd have to walk for days to get back to Okhema." He gestured for them to proceed together.
...
The group moved along a faintly discernible path. The desolate scenery around them stood in stark contrast to the weak yet tenacious light on the distant horizon.
"So," Welt clarified the information he'd just gathered, speaking to Phainon beside him. "You're saying the holy city of Okhema is jointly protected by Amphoreus's six demigods, operating under a rotational governance system?"
"And these six demigods hold authority over 'Passage,' 'Earth,' 'Law,' 'Ocean,' 'Romance,' and... 'Trickery'?" He paused slightly. "May I ask which one is currently presiding over Okhema?"
"Currently, it's the Demigod of Trickery's turn to preside," Phainon answered, then shrugged. "But... although the rule is for the six demigods to take turns, in practice, everyone seems to find it bothersome. Usually, the daily administrative authority ends up being tossed to the Demigods of Law and Romance."
"After all, everyone has their own duties and pursuits, and doesn't want to be tied down by trivial governance. When Cyrene and I become demigods in the future... well, I suppose we'll probably do the same," he admitted candidly.
"So, Okhema's internal management has effectively formed two factions? A Law faction and a Romance faction?" Dan Heng inferred based on common sense.
"Ah? There are no factions," Phainon quickly waved his hand in denial. "It's just that both the Demigods of Law and Romance feel they need some rest time and don't want to handle official duties constantly. So it became them coordinating and taking turns managing the city's specific affairs between themselves. Their relationship is actually quite good."
Then, Phainon looked towards the distant lands corroded by darkness, his voice growing steadier. "As for division... as you can see, most of Amphoreus's land and sky have been swallowed by an unknown darkness. Survivors gather within limited areas of light."
"But it is precisely in such an apocalyptic crisis that humanity should abandon internal strife, support each other, and strive forward together. This is also the belief the mentor of all Golden Descendants—the Demigod of Passage—has always taught everyone."
"By the way, you mentioned earlier 'when you become demigods...'" Welt keenly latched onto a key point from Phainon's previous words and was about to inquire further.
"Alright, let's not discuss these for now," Phainon cut him off, pointing towards a camp ahead where quite a few people had gathered. "We're here."
"Snowy, Cyrie, you're back?" Tribbie walked lightly to Phainon's side, her gaze gentle. "Tell Teacher honestly, did you do anything impolite to the guests?"
"Of course not," Phainon affirmed. "I got along with them just fine."
He then added the crucial information in a low voice: "They are from beyond the stars. No clear hostility detected so far."
Then, turning to the three Express crew members, he raised his voice for a formal introduction. "This is the Demigod of Passage, Teacher Tribbie. She is also the mentor to all of us Golden Descendants."
"And behind you... leaning against the wall, is the Demigod of Trickery, currently presiding over Okhema."
Stelle and Dan Heng were startled upon hearing this, whipping their heads around. They were shocked to find a figure had silently appeared leaning against the entrance of the passage they had come from.
The figure seemed to merge with the shadows, soundlessly blocking the path of retreat.
"When?!" Dan Heng's body tensed instantly. Though Cloud-Piercer was not raised, his stance was fully alert.