Chapter 113: I'm Hooked

Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel.

Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff

******

[Option 1: Looks quite realistic, want to touch it and see? - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: This type of item will...]

[Option 2: Just observe quietly - Completion Reward: Acquire Skill, Sage. When used, you'll become exceptionally calm.]

[Option 3: Shout, "Mom, how can I live without you?! Mom, take me with you." - Completion Reward: Himeko's Bigshot.]

Upon seeing the word 'sage', Bochang's eyes widened slightly. However, after reading the skill description, his enthusiasm fizzled out.

"What kind of sage is this... Are they joking?"

"Option 1."

Without much hesitation, Bochang chose to give it a try by touching the illusion.

Although the Sage skill might have some use under specific circumstances, nonetheless...

Bochang decided to opt for the random item draw instead.

Time continued flowing.

"Himeko, isn't it?"

Kafka turned around, his voice languid as he stared with wide, seemingly pupil-less eyes. Simultaneously, he raised two fingers towards Himeko.

The redheaded woman remained silent, calmly observing what Kafka might do next.

"My apologies for interrupting your gathering."

Having teased them briefly, Kafka continued walking away.

At that moment...

March 7th appeared ready to speak but was halted by Himeko's outstretched hand.

Pom-Pom still hid behind Welt-Yang, the lop-eared rabbit barely reaching above his knee, cautiously peeking out to examine Kafka—a sight quite adorable.

In the ensuing silence...

With his back to everyone, Kafka spread his hands open.

"But after hearing my request..." As he approached the window, Kafka gently tapped his slender fingers on the table several times, "I believe you will understand my audacity."

"I want to ask you all—"

With a drawn-out tone, Kafka turned around and found Bochang unexpectedly close.

Since they were using holographic projections, their physical bodies were not present nearby.

Therefore...

Unaware of Bochang's sudden approach until turning back, Kafka was taken aback.

"You..." Kafka watched as Bochang reached out and swept his hand across her slender waist.

Witnessing this scene, March 7th placed her hands on her hips and expressed her discontent, "Bochang, what are you doing?"

"Oh, just curious if I could actually touch it," Bochang replied, turning with an innocent smile.

Seeing someone take the lead, Stelle, who had been hesitating, also approached Kafka and poked her projection with a finger.

"Can't touch it, just like the Void Whales on the ceiling," Stelle observed, blinking at Bochang. "How fascinating..."

"Pascal... analyzing... conclusion is... holographic projection... target poses... no threat... reassessing—low risk, allowing deactivation of alert."

Upon Kafka's appearance, Pascal had immediately entered its highest state of vigilance.

It refrained from attacking solely because the newcomer hadn't yet displayed any threatening behavior.

Himeko sighed and rubbed her forehead in exasperation.

The initially serious atmosphere was completely dissipated by Bochang and Stelle's antics.

[Reward distribution in progress—Congratulations on obtaining the equipment item: Teleportation Ring. Allows teleportation within a ten-meter radius at will. Contains three energy units; each use consumes one unit, with a recharge time of twenty-four hours to restore one unit. Note: This type of item...]

"Huh? I won again!"

Having previously drawn two useless items, Bochang now obtained a much-needed teleportation ring—a significant win.

"Those silly kids..."

Kafka couldn't help but inwardly shake her head. Ignoring Stelle and Bochang standing beside her, she continued, "In any case... I need to request that you change your destination."

Noticing that she was being disregarded, Stelle felt inexplicably disheartened.

Fortunately, Bochang remained by her side.

However...

"Is Bochang giving a silly grin?"

Stelle observed the sudden upward curve of Bochang's lips.

Although it quickly vanished, it left Stelle somewhat puzzled. She couldn't understand why Bochang would smile.

"Is it because of Kafka?"

"A change in destination? All I can say is... you've come to the wrong place, Kafka." Himeko spread her hands. "We have no intention of accepting your request or getting involved with the Stellaron Hunters."

Her refusal was straightforward.

The Stellaron Hunters were notorious outlaws after all.

Any association with them would only tarnish the reputation of Astral Express.

Undeterred, Kafka bypassed Stelle and Bochang, addressing Himeko directly... She mentioned Xianzhou Luofu and the presence of a Stellaron there.

Apparently, just forty-five hours ago, a Stellaron erupted on Xianzhou Luofu. The locals have since blamed the Stellaron Hunters for the explosion and arrested one of Kafka's companions—Blade, a menacing-looking black-haired man.

Kafka's primary objective was to resolve the Stellaron crisis, clear the hunters' names, and secure Blade's release from custody.

Kafka demanded that Xianzhou Luofu release Blade.

He also warned that if they didn't go to Xianzhou Luofu, the spreading Stellaron would contaminate the entire region, potentially leading to the loss of nearly half the ship's inhabitants.

However, March 7th did not believe these claims and bluntly contradicted Kafka without any hesitation.

Stelle, on the other hand, seemed inclined to help, suggesting, "We could owe the Stellaron Hunters a favor."

The others remained silent, expressing no clear stance.

In the end... they simply watched as Kafka departed.

The holographic projection suddenly appeared and just as abruptly vanished.

Throughout their interaction, Kafka's gaze barely lingered on Stelle and Bochang; his attention was primarily focused on Himeko. The conversation itself revolved mainly around Himeko and Welt Yang.

After Kafka's departure, Himeko promptly said, "March, go fetch Dan Heng."

All members of Astral Express were present except for Dan Heng.

Earlier, Pascal had gone to look for the stoic little azure dragon, Dan Heng. His response was, "Just wait, I...I'll be right there."

However, even now, he hadn't shown up.

March 7th nodded. "Alright, Himeko."

With a deep glance at Bochang, March 7th left the train hall.

Finally able to ask after holding it in for so long, Serval ventured forth, "Um... what exactly are these Stellaron Hunters? And what about Xianzhou Luofu, the company, and all that..."

"Well, that's quite a long story," Himeko said, turning to Serval. "To put it simply, the Stellaron Hunters are a group of wanted criminals pursued by a company. The bounty on Kafka is astronomical, and they don't care whether he's captured dead or alive."

"The full name of the company is Interstellar Peace Corporation. Similar to Belobog, they follow the Preservation Aeon faith. They develop and sell products across the universe, maintain trade routes, and have established the universal currency known as Credits..."

"As for Xianzhou..."

While March 7th went to find Dan Heng,

Himeko took the opportunity to enlighten Serval with some background knowledge.

Stelle looked at Bochang and asked, "Should we go check on them?"

"Mm-hmm."

Bochang understood immediately—Stelle undoubtedly wanted to find March 7th and Dan Heng.