At tea time, Navia was adding sugar spoonful by spoonful to almond powder, but when she heard Danheng talking about a giant bug, she was so frightened that her hands trembled and she accidentally knocked over a jar beside her, pouring half of the sugar into it.
Since she was little, her parents had told her about the legend of the "Giant Beast" Erinus. It was said to be a monster larger than the entire city of Fontaine. To defeat it, Fontaine sent countless armies, and it was capable of swallowing Fontaine's ships in a single gulp. To this day, its mountain-like head can be seen from afar on the walls of Fontaine.
Erinaceus was one of the few giants Navia could imagine. The blender in her hand trembled slightly. "Wouldn't this monster be even bigger than Erinaceus?"
"I'm afraid it's more than that. You can't compare Fontaine's ironclad ship with a star destroyer."
Clorinde stirred her tea slowly, the silver spoon making a crisp sound as it clattered against the porcelain cup. "As the name suggests, a Star Destroyer is a weapon capable of destroying an entire interstellar civilization. The size of the ship alone is probably larger than the entire Fontaine Sea and land area combined."
"If I really want to compare..." Clorinde picked up a macaron that Navia had just baked. "In the eyes of the giant stinging insect, Erinus is probably just like that, right?"
"So, why doesn't the Interstellar Peace Company send people to destroy that monster? With the company's strength, it should be able to kill these bugs, right?"
"Perhaps... this is a low-probability event?" Clorinde gave her a meaningful look. "You're the boss of the Thorn Rose Society. You should be aware that using force is very expensive, right? Not to mention the rarity of giant stinging insects, even if you encountered one, the human and material resources required would be immeasurable."
"Even though those guys keep talking about 'protection', I don't think they have such kind intentions."
-
On the way back to the observation car, Sanyueqi felt the atmosphere was becoming somewhat tense. He glanced at Danheng and Yinzhi, who were standing beside him. "So quiet... Can you guys say something?"
"I, Yinzhi, will die without regrets, having met you all here." Yinzhi immediately expressed her feelings.
"...Never mind, it's better to be quiet."
"The others explained the whole situation to Walter. After analyzing it for a moment, he came up with a plan: 'If the train is truly swallowed... perhaps we could try to temporarily overload the train engine, impacting the insect's stomach and surging out of the Giant True Stinging Worm's body at super speed.'"
"Why not just warp away?" Xing asked in confusion.
"The preparations required for the jump are extensive, and the process will inevitably attract the attention of the Zerg," Dan Heng explained.
"Although this option carries the risk of the train engine spontaneously catching fire, there seems to be no better idea at the moment."
-
Chainsaw Man.
"Isn't the train's current situation... the same as when we were imprisoned on the eighth floor by the Eternal Demon last time?"
Denci sat cross-legged on the sofa, looking at the idea proposed by Mr. Walter on the screen. Denci yawned, "This idea is too boring, isn't it? If you ask me, I should call Ren over at this time... I have thought of a reason. If we come too late, we won't be able to kill him."
"Huh? What does this have to do with Blade? Denci, you really are an idiot, aren't you?" Pava stuck his head out of the bedroom.
"Tsk tsk tsk... Pava, you don't understand at all! Let the blade jump directly into the stomach of the real stinging insect, constantly killing the real stinging insects and making them bleed. The real stinging insects will then reproduce infinitely and be killed by the blade again..."
"One can revive infinitely, and the other can multiply infinitely, but the blood of the True Stinging Insect will only increase, and it will continue to flow! This way, the perpetual motion machine is complete! Even the Genius Club must invite me to join!"
Pava suddenly realized: "Denci, you've been talking for a long time, but how are we going to get out of here?"
"Have you forgotten the blood of stinging insects? Blood is also made of water~"
Denci let out a strange laugh. "Why don't we just have Dan Heng transform into Dragon Lord and use his ball to manipulate the blood into a dragon and punch a hole in the insect's stomach? The blood will just keep coming back the more you hit it, so there's no need to worry about running out of blood."
-
"Yinzhi noticed that everyone was feeling a little down, so she and Xing decided to help soothe them."
"Coming to Vilit and Sanyue, Vilit was a bit emotionally devastated. He was just a small-time employee in the company to begin with, and this incident was completely unexpected for him."
"Please don't worry," Yinzhi said. "I am bidding my final farewell to the bonsai. Just like meeting you all, I have no regrets in dying because I have made friends with so many of the lives on this train and discussed the path to pure beauty with you all!"
Mitsuki subconsciously moved closer to Xing beside her. "This guy has been holding the bonsai for a while now... He's developed a strong bond with it in such a short time? Although I'm also worried about the dolls in the room..."
Willett lowered his head in frustration. "I never imagined that my first meeting with you would be like saying goodbye. Well, it seems there's nothing I can do now. I, Willett, will spend my last moments listening to you tell me about trains..."
"Don't talk nonsense, why say goodbye!" Pam glared at Willet angrily, "But now, you finally started to have feelings for trains, and Pam is also very pleased."
Chapter 263: Night of Cosmic Illusion (VI)
"Even though I say that, the train can still make one last effort, right?!"
Yinzhi lowered her head slightly, her emerald eyes filled with unwavering determination: "Vilett, I will escort you to your destination. The knight will keep his promise."
Vilitt rubbed his red eyes vigorously, his voice almost tearful, "Don't think I'll be moved by your constant talk. I'm known for my hard-heartedness!"
-
Black robe patrol team.
Homelander stood in front of the conference room on the rooftop of the Water Building, his blue eyes reflecting the neon lights of New York. His fingertips tapped the glass intensely, and each tap made Shenhai and Ashley, who were standing behind him, nervous.
"Your approval rating has dropped ten percentage points." Ashley glanced at the data on the tablet and said cautiously, "Even among your die-hard fans, there are still some who think you're not as good as that pure-American knight."
"I really should tear this bitch's head off." Homeland thought, if she couldn't handle the issues of interest, tax, personnel, etc.
Shen Hai swallowed his saliva and forced a flattering smile: "Those people don't understand at all, they are just a bunch of stupid people who follow the trend-"
Homelander turned abruptly, and Deepsea's words came to an abrupt end.
"Shut up, you fishy piece of shit," he whispered.
He snatched the computer from Ashley's hand and swiped his fingers across the latest social media data on the tablet - the discussion about "Pure and Beautiful Knight Silver Branch" was rising at an alarming rate, and the comments section was almost all filled with comments such as "This is a true hero" and "I hope there are knights like this in real life."
As his finger continued to slide down, the motherland's face became more and more gloomy. There were already many video clips about Yinzhi on the Internet, and there were even topics comparing him with himself.
Ashley observed his expression and immediately stepped forward: "We can create some topics, guide public opinion, or introduce new members to the seven-member group..."
"Oh."
Homelander stared at her for two seconds, then suddenly grinned and raised his hand to grab her chin.
Terror and panic instantly etched into Ashley's eyes. Her lips were squeezed into a ridiculous shape, like two fish lips. Her throat was trying to make a hoarse and unclear sound, like an excuse... or a plea for mercy.
As her palm gradually exerted force, Ashley's face gradually turned pale.
"You're right... but it's not enough."
He finally let go of her hand, and Ashley took two greedy breaths as if she had been pardoned.
"I want this." Homelander raised his hand and pointed at the sky. Inside, the pure and beautiful knight was comforting others with Xing. Looking at Yinzhi's gentle expression, his smile gradually twisted. "No, I want something more 'perfect' than him."
Ashley immediately understood what he meant, but Shenhai didn't react for a moment and asked cautiously, "What do you mean..."
"Pure Knight—one of Walter's newest seven-member team. Handsome, elegant, and as noble as a prince from a fairy tale." He sneered, "You go find a suitable one. Find someone who matches Yinzhi's abilities."
Ashley clutched the tablet tightly in her arms. The thought of leaving the conference room rekindled her mind, which had been idle for several minutes.
"I'll arrange for the best plastic surgeon and have a screenwriter tailor a character design for him. And... I'll even make a promotional video for him promoting pure beauty and chivalry! I guarantee you'll be satisfied with this."
The motherland nodded with satisfaction, but the next second, his expression suddenly became gloomy again.
"Listen," Homelander said. "Ashley, I don't give a damn about all the PR and resources you use—but if my approval rating doesn't show signs of rebounding within three days... I'm going to rip the two pieces of silicone out of your chest along your ribs and stuff them into your flattering mouth. Do you understand?"
Ashley nodded vigorously.
Homelander slowly stood up, straightened his uniform, and regained his sunny, righteous heroic expression.
"Well, then please remember to close the door when you leave."
-
"While everyone is talking, Walter has already finished checking the engine. If there are no strong objections from those present, they can begin preparations."
"Mr. Walter—please wait a moment." Yinzhi suddenly interrupted, "I'm sorry—I suddenly had an idea that might help you resolve this crisis. While the train is being prepared, I'd like to have a private discussion with Xing."
"You! Can't you just speak your mind at this hour?" March Seven expressed slight dissatisfaction.
"If I were to raise this idea publicly, I'd be instantly rejected. But as a knight, I must help the train resolve its problems."
"Since Walter still had time, he gave them some time to discuss it alone."
After taking Xing aside, Yinzhi frankly expressed her thoughts: "I think I can get off the train and confront the giant stinging insect head-on—using my spear to attack its stomach wall, causing it to spasm and vomit out the train."
Xing's eyes widened: "Are you alone?"
Yinzhi nodded. "It's hard to describe this phenomenon... but when I see certain things, I feel a sense of beauty deep down. It's vague and can only be perceived instinctively."
“Perhaps I’ve traveled the galaxy alone for too long, and I don’t know where this feeling comes from. But as a knight, my duty is to protect the seed of beauty, to stand before it and withstand all odds…”
"And now, the Star Express is that seed. It gives me a sense of belonging, a warmth like home, which I believe comes from the deep friendship between you. Therefore, I vow to use my body as a shield to protect this warmth, rather than just live in peace and let it become a shield to protect me in turn."
-
fate.
"Interesting." Seeing Silver Branch planning to attack alone, Gilgamesh showed a rare hint of approval. "At least he knew how to decorate his end with blood, instead of wailing like a stray dog. Silver Branch... I've taken note of his name."
Kotomine Kirei stood in the shadows, his tone filled with surprise: "Oh? You actually appreciate this kind of self-sacrificing folly?"
"Foolish act?" Gilgamesh sneered. "Kirei, your vision is still so narrow. This man knew that he faced a life-threatening situation, yet he still bravely pressed forward. His courage alone is enough to make him a hero."
Looking at the slime left behind by the dead stinging insects on the train, Gilgamesh frowned in disgust. "How dare this filthy insect defile the battlefield with such an ugly gesture? It truly displeases me."
Kotomine Kirei narrowed his eyes: "But it is precisely this ugliness that highlights the knight's majesty, isn't it?"
"Hmph, you did say something decent." Gilgamesh shook his glass. "However, I'm curious about the true appearance of this insect. A monster that can swallow an entire train in one gulp. I really want to see it."
Chapter 264: Night of Cosmic Illusion (Part 7)
"Protecting these beautiful seeds to prove her devotion to Him is what Silver Branch will do during her journey."
"Idlila is his faith, and the purpose of his destiny. Countless times, while bleeding and unconscious in battle, he had seen her presence, spreading from beneath his feet and stretching into the unknown future."
"His mind told him it was an illusion, but he hoped it was real."
“In that old illusion, I kept running. His footprints on the muddy road made me sadder than any cry. And every time, I was just a little closer to seeing His figure.”
"You fight to see Him?"
Yinzhi smiled and nodded: "Well... this is my selfish desire."
"'Fall, stand, fall again, stand again, countless trials, lingering between life and death, all so we can get closer to the path once traveled by Pure Beauty.'" Yinzhi closed her eyes solemnly. "This is my oath as a Pure Beauty Knight."
"He asked Xing if she supported his idea, but Xing just shook her head calmly. As a member of the train crew, she couldn't accept Yinzhi taking such a risk alone."
"Are you worried about me? Thank you, thank you..." Yinzhi was deeply moved. "Your understanding is more precious than any treasure. I have fought many travelers and encountered flattery, contempt and provocation too much. What is rare is the same pure heart."
"Yinzhi has made up his mind. This is the destiny he should embrace. However, before he leaves, he still has one regret that he has not yet resolved: his original battle with Xing. He wants to prove his will with sword and gun, and say goodbye to Xing with this."
-
Kobayashi's Dragon Maid.
Xiaolin pushed her glasses and looked at Yinzhi who was determined to fight Xing in the sky, her brows furrowed.
"We're about to challenge that monster, so why waste our energy?" She shook her head in confusion. "Wouldn't it be better to conserve some energy before the battle begins, giving yourself a chance to come back alive?"
Thor was approaching with freshly baked muffins, his dragon tail wagging happily. She glanced at Silver's graceful yet resolute posture in the picture and smiled softly.
"Xiao Lin, you certainly don't understand the minds of these knights. Some battles are more important than 'staying alive'!"
"for example?"
Thor took a bite of his muffin and explained vaguely, "Just like us dragons roar before battle to demonstrate our strength, that knight wanted to prove his 'pure beauty' through battle. It's probably like those heroic characters on TV who, even in the face of death, still say things like 'My faith still shines brightly,'"
Xiaolin sighed: "It sounds cool, but it's actually very dangerous, right?"
Thor laughed heartily. "That's why he's called a 'Knight'! If he doesn't even have this little bit of stubbornness, he'd be unworthy of his faith."
-
"The battle with Silver Branch didn't last long. Xing defeated him quickly."
"Xing... your demeanor, your strength, your combat etiquette... have completely convinced me." Yinzhi praised Xing's performance, but he also knew that after the battle, he would also be removed from the story of the train."
"Are you sure you can get out safely?" Xing asked finally.
"Xing, I promise: I'm not a reckless person. I will be fully prepared and find the right time to escape. I came to the train to help everyone resolve the crisis. When my mission is completed, I will return to the galaxy. But... the galaxy is so big, we may meet again."
"Having come to this point, Xing stopped trying to persuade her and instead told Mr. Walter his thoughts. He understood Yinzhi's approach, but rationally, he disagreed."
"On the other side, Willett also heard about Yinzhi's plan, and his jaw dropped in shock."
"Are you starting to worry about him?"
"Don't talk nonsense! It's not true. I'm not worried about him at all. I'm only concerned about what will happen to my life if he dies. It's incomprehensible. A good death is worse than a miserable life. What is he so stubborn about? ...Okay, I am starting to worry."
-
JOJO's Bizarre Adventure Golden Wind.
Mista crossed his legs and couldn't help laughing at Vilit's hard-mouthed but soft-hearted appearance.
"Although he's a bit tough... this guy is pretty frank."
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