I, on the Starry Sky Railway, change everything

Cocolia's gaze shifted to the window.

In the distance, the great rift valley blasted out by the space-based orbital artillery still radiates high temperatures, contrasting with the icy and snowy landscape.

Do you know what this strike means?

"With a large number of Rift Monsters eliminated, the Silvermane Iron Guards can relax a little."

“No, this means that Himeko has the power to destroy Beloberg. That abyss is equivalent to half a city. Even if her claim of controlling the power of the railgun is an exaggeration, its current power is the limit. If the target were Beloberg, the city's order would collapse, the people would be displaced, and we would no longer be able to protect anything.”

Sensing the underlying meaning in her words, Bronya immediately defended the extraterrestrial visitors.

"They didn't destroy Belloborg City. When they were clearing out the Rift Monsters in the alleys, Hoshi and March 7th both held back to avoid affecting the street buildings. Himeko didn't even lift a finger. Why are you imagining that kind of future?"

Because of Belleberg's 700-year history, it has proven time and again that reality is extremely cruel.

Because our guardian star god Krippar, as Hua Yi said, has never looked down upon this lonely city.

"Step back, Bronya."

"Mother!"

"You must be tired, you should step down."

"……Yes."

Cocolia was finally all alone in the Great Guardian's office and reception room.

A sudden burst of inhuman murmurs and wild pronouncements rang out, as if telling a story.

Cocolia remained calm, as if she had expected this.

The voice appeared when she was a little girl.

At first, it was a gentle and kind female voice that made the listener unconsciously lower their guard. As the girl Cocolia responded again and again, until she became the Great Guardian and, as the voice guided, transferred the lower-level Iron Guards to the upper-level area, the female voice gradually became distorted and turned into the murmured ravings it is now.

The content has never changed.

Strength, nourishment, a new world.

For a long time, it was a lifeline.

However, the information provided by Hua Yi turned this straw into a dangerous trap.

Cocolia watched in silence as the heat gradually subsided, snow began to accumulate, and the great rift valley was soon buried by the wind and snow again.

Chapter 150 It Was Foreseen

After leaving Cripperburg, Hua Yi and his group learned the location of the inn that Himeko had mentioned from the administrative officials. They declined the offer to lead the way, saying that they still wanted to explore the city. Finally, Hua Yi and his group ended their negotiations with the officials of Beloborg and were free to walk around the city.

The sound of the space-based railgun echoed in all directions. Even though the city's visibility was limited by the high walls, the nearby snowstorm had not completely dissipated, and it still sparked widespread discussion among the citizens.

People say that in the distance where frost and snow are falling, a sun is faintly visible.

The cold wind, carrying the sounds of people, became the main background noise on the street.

Seeing that Ji Zi seemed to be deep in thought, and that San Yueqi and Xing seemed unable to figure out the current situation, Hua Yi cut to the chase.

"Did you notice? Cocolia used words like 'rift creature' and 'life' instead of 'monster'."

"Yes!"

"Judging from the Great Guardian's appearance, she doesn't seem to be overflowing with saintly compassion and trying to protect the Rift Monsters. Otherwise, she wouldn't have needed to point out their active areas outside the city to Himeko—could she have pointed out a fake location?"

"No, the satellite did observe that a large number of monsters were gathered there, and their strength was extraordinary. It really is a dangerous area."

“Cocolia has some unrealistic fantasies about star cores, which is not an isolated case in the universe. People make wishes to star cores, are bewitched by star cores, and so on.”

Upon hearing Hua Yi's words, Xing blinked twice.

Can a star core really bewitch people?

So I also have one in my body. Does that mean my eloquence skills have improved, or my personal charm or something?

Galaxy Baseball Man has a unique way of thinking. If they weren't still in a public place, she would definitely have cornered Hua Yi against the wall, struck what she thought was a cool pose, and then asked him, "Do I look good?"

Himeko, being a mature older sister, was clearly much more level-headed and began to ponder Cocolia's behavior.

"If that's the case, there should be subtle sensations when star cores get close to each other."

"The Star Core is not in Kripperburg, nor in Cocolia's body, but there are rhythmic fluctuations of the Star Core in her body. That's why I emphasized the danger of the Cancer of All Worlds and the power of the weapons of the great powers of the universe, and had Himeko personally demonstrate the orbital cannon as a warning."

The position of Great Guardian has been passed down for seven hundred years, so there must be a mature successor training model, and education on fighting monsters and protecting the people must not be neglected.

In this situation, Cocolia is still affected by the star core, and her mind cannot be changed by a few words from the extraterrestrial visitors.

"She's stalling for time. Otherwise, even if she doesn't ask us to help her eliminate the monsters and repair the rift immediately, she should at least explain the current state of humanity's fight against the rift's erosion."

"Wow, I thought Cocolia was quite polite, but she turns out she's a bad woman!"

"Should we go back now and expose her?"

“There’s nothing wrong with this delay. Now that most of the monsters in the snowfield have been cleared out, I plan to propose going to the lower district tomorrow. There are no Silvermane Iron Guards there, and the people will inevitably be displaced in the face of the rift’s erosion.”

The city on the surface of Beloborg is called the Upper Zone, while there is a hollow underground city structure, which is the Lower Zone, mainly for mining.

Originally, the upper district was responsible for economic and political functions, while the lower district provided mineral energy, each fulfilling its own role. However, since Cocolia transferred the Silver Mane Iron Guards from the lower district and closed off communication between the two districts, they have lost contact, with only regular material exchange routes between them.

"The Train Think Tank's records of Yalilo-VI are still stuck in the era of lush vegetation. Could it be that the Interstellar Peace Corporation has the latest intelligence, and you have reviewed the information shared by the company in advance and made preparations?"

Hua Yi's explanation was so clear that Ji Zi's face lit up with curiosity.

Since landing on the planet's surface, everyone has been traveling together, and Hua Yi has never asked anyone for this information.

"Well, it's because I understand fate and can predict the future."

"He's clearly an anonymous figure, so stop trying to practice [mystery]. First, he claimed to be veiling the history of Belloberg, a complete fabrication of historians' statements, and now he's acting like a riddle-maker."

"Long live understanding!"

"Now that Cocolia has sealed off the lower districts, is it really possible for us to get there through normal negotiations?"

“Originally it wouldn’t have worked, but after demonstrating our strength, it shouldn’t be a problem. However, in my opinion, it would be best if Himeko stayed in the upper zone to keep an eye on Cocolia, while I went to the lower zone. Hoshi and Mitsukishiro can decide where to go themselves.”

Could it be that you already had this arrangement in mind before you even got off the bus and asked me to participate in this pioneering trip?

The red-haired woman's eyes flickered as she reviewed Hua Yi's words and actions once more...

"So that's why you made me use the railgun? To make Cocolia wary and pay more attention to me, but that will only make her more vigilant, won't it? Even if I stay in the upper district, I can't freely enter and leave Kripper Castle."

As expected, the navigator was exceptionally intelligent and quick-witted, able to repair the Star Train and bring [Pioneer] back to the grand stage of the universe.

Hua Yi did not hide anything from his companions.

“I will suggest that Bronya go to the lower district with me. I have good reason for it, and Bronya herself should agree. So, Cocolia will have to make a choice: whether to let the terrifyingly destructive Himeko act with the heir, or to keep an eye on the dangerous person who is capable of destroying Beloberg herself.”

"Terrifying, dangerous—can't you choose some nicer adjectives for me?"

"I am describing the situation from Cocolia's perspective, and it has nothing to do with my personal evaluation. In my eyes, Himeko is clearly an intellectual, gentle, mature and beautiful lady."

"Hmm, not bad this time. I'll reward you with a coffee later~"

"What about me?"

"Oh? You want coffee too?"

"I wanted Hua Yi to praise me!"

"Xing is dashing and spirited, and March 7th is lively and adorable. Are you satisfied?"

"Hmph, 5.7, that's about right."

"Oh dear, I didn't ask for praise like Xing does, but since you've already complimented me, I'll definitely accept it graciously~"

Upon seeing this, Himeko's lips curved into a beautiful smile, but she quickly regained her composure.

“I think it’s better for March 7th and Star to stay with you. But are you so sure that Cocolia, who is suspected of being affected by the Star Core, can still maintain familial affection and put herself in her adopted daughter’s shoes? Bronya and she don’t even have a blood relationship.”

"That depends on what choice she makes."

After sharing his various considerations and plans with the train crew, Hua Yi changed the subject.

"Next is free exploration time. Since the Great Guardian is being so friendly, we can't refuse his kindness—I hereby declare that all expenses will be charged to Cocolia's account!"

Chapter 151 In the Square

In front of Fort Cripper is a large square that the district is proud of, a place that ordinary people think of as the first place to take a walk when they have nothing to do.

Unlike the Golden Opera House, which primarily caters to the wealthy and powerful, or the historical museum, which prohibits loud talking and has a sparse collection, it is a place where adults can chat and linger, and where children can play and frolic.

In the center of the square stands a strangely shaped ice sculpture.

Given that Belleberg is equipped with heating devices and is relatively warm, the "ice sculptures" that can maintain their shape for a long time are probably made of some kind of mineral.

A group of children surrounded a girl who was not much taller than them but was wearing a guard uniform, listening to her explain the history and culture of Belleburg.

"Let me introduce myself. I am the intelligence officer of the Silvermane Iron Guard and the temporary guide for the Beloberg Historical Tour. I am Pelagia Sergeevna—you can just call me Pelagia."

"Sister Pera~"

The children elongated their voices and obediently cooperated.

The energetic children can no longer run outside the city to play, and even the interior of Beloborg has recently been eroded by rifts. A street has been blocked by the Iron Guard, and the place where they can chase and play has become 13 smaller.

In the somewhat empty central square, a young woman offered to be a guide, just to listen to her stories.

"Sister Pera~"

Young Xing, mimicking a child, called the petite blue-haired, blue-eyed girl "older sister," drawing her attention and leaving the tall Galaxy Baseball Man speechless.

"...Some adults should refrain from casually imitating children."

Oh, I'm an adult in this Pera's eyes!

Star cores really do bring a charm boost; I'm a mature woman now!

With this thought in mind, Xing decided to stand beside Hua Yi with a more reserved and elegant demeanor.

However, in the latter's eyes, her expressions and actions were quite funny.

"Alright, children, please look: This is the Everlasting Winter Plaque, erected to commemorate the great city builders. The city builders were followers of the star god Kripper. Back then, Lady Alisarand foresaw the crisis, built the high walls, established Beloberg, and protected the flame of human civilization. This is the origin of the Great Guardians."

"Lady Cocolia also has the surname Rand. Are they from the same family?"

"No. The surname Rand is also a tribute to Lady Alisa. Every Grand Guardian, after selecting a future candidate from the entire Beloborg, will be given the surname Rand. It is a kind of inheritance."

The knowledge that Pera shared with the children was quite useful.

"The monument to Eternal Winter consists of two parts: a gear symbolizing the power of knowledge and industry, and a huge ice crystal symbolizing the cold wave. The gear binds the ice crystal, representing the spirit of the city builders who did not succumb to the wild nature."

Wild and untamed nature?

Doesn't she know that the cold wave originated from the star's core and is a non-natural disaster?

Himeko gained a deeper understanding of the consensus within the Silver Mane Iron Guard. At the same time, it also indirectly showed that Cocolia really did know about the existence of the Star Core all along; otherwise, she wouldn't have reacted that way when Hua Yi mentioned it.

They should be even more surprised and start digging deeper.

"By the way, these ice crystals are not real ice blocks, but rather earth marrow that has changed color. It is the main energy source we use, and its color is related to the ambient temperature during processing."

Pera was introducing the history of Belleburg and the Winter Monument to the children, while the shouts of newspaper vendors and small groups of people could be heard from time to time.

"I want the latest issue of the newspaper, as well as all the past issues of the newspapers in your store, and all kinds of books such as history, drama, and fantasy stories."

Hua Yi walked to the bookstore in a corner of the square and delivered a big sale to the owner.

"Please give the bill to the High Guardian Cocolia."

"For Lady Cocolia?!"

The shop owner was startled.

"Are you a purchasing agent from Cripperburg?...Excuse me, I shouldn't have inquired about these things. Um, let me confirm again, do you mean you need every single newspaper and every single book?"

“That’s right. If you don’t believe me, you can ask the Iron Guard to go to Kripper Castle to confirm the situation first, and then send the things to the Goethe Hotel.”

"Ok!"

The shop owner didn't dare to delay and hurriedly asked someone to confirm.

Ordinary Silvermane Iron Guards are not qualified to directly request an audience with the High Warden, so Pella, who teaches history to children, becomes the best candidate.