Chapter 43

One of the Wingweavers with dragon wings stretched out their right hand, conjured a fireball in their palm, and then threw it downward.

Seeing this, Jepard stepped forward and positioned himself in front of the group, crossing his arms to create an enormous invisible shield, "Absorb."

The fireball collided with the shield, instantly turning into energy and merging with the shield.

Fiery red patterns emerged, forming a flame emblem in the center of the shield that was supposed to be invincible by the way.

Even science is dead.

"Hmm? That's somewhat interesting," one of the five Wingweavers remarked disdainfully.

Another Wingweavers, dark as ink and almost human-like, with antlers on their head and a pair of dark wings, pulled out a silver-white long spear and aimed it at the group from below.

"Since you've come out, let's have a proper battle. Don't act like turtles!" 

Seele naturally refused to back down, standing up and glaring at the Wingweavers with the spear. "Come at me, who's afraid of whom?"

However, Seel was perhaps a bit too competitive. She was surrounded by a cloud of black smoke, which transformed her into a blackened figure, looking even darker than the Wingweaver.

Seele then proudly nodded at her new appearance.

The Wingweaver: "..."

Sampo, who was observing from a distance: "..."

The corners of his mouth twitched. "If it were a year ago, I would never have expected Seele to behave this way. What a significant change."

He took a picture of Dark Seele and carefully saved it. Then, he expressed regret, "It's a pity the Guardian doesn't plan to intervene. Is he planning to use these abundant people to grind levels for them?"

After some contemplation, he shrugged, "Well, it's not my concern."

Sampo snapped back to attention and started appreciating the not-so-intense battle.

At the same time, Stelle had finally arrived on Jarlio-VI. She was currently standing in a snowy field, looking puzzled at the Antimatter Legion roaming around and the Wingweavers flying over Beloberg. 

Stelle: "Huh? How did Beloberg end up like this? What happened during this time? It feels like they've faced more than what I experienced in the Xianzhou."

After some investigations with March Seven and Welt back on the Luofu, they managed to apprehend "Mummy" Kafka, however, they also watched her being taken away by a cold-hearted man. 

Then.....

They finally discovered the mastermind behind the Xianzhou Turmoil - Danshu, a blind alchemist. 

Her only friend had lost her life to one of the Hunt Aeon's arrows during the Third War against Abundance. Seeking revenge against Lan, Danshu embarked on the path of immortality and brought Abundance creatures back to the Xianzhou. 

However, during their pursuit, they were blocked by some Abundance creatures and had to watch Danshu escape.

They could only return to the Ten Commissions and report the incident to the Helmsman, receiving some rest time.

After that, Stelle then recalled her commission from Herta, which was to inspect her puppet on Jarlio-VI.

She never expected that upon returning to Jarlio-VI, she would witness such a "lively" scene.

After a moment of thought, Stelle dispatched several virtual pawns, then after that, she passed through the invisible barrier, and entered Beloberg. Her destination, Adonis office!

In response to her arrival, Adonis, seated on a chair, greeted her with a calm smile. "You're here."

Seeing Adonis's composed demeanor, Stelle withdrew her previous concerns and stated her purpose. "Supreme Guardian, I've been entrusted by Lady Herta to check on the puppet she left in this place."

With a perplexed look, she added, "I wonder where it is now?"

Adonis replied, "Ah, you're referring to Alice. She should be in the lower area. You can go and find her."

Stelle: "?"

Wasn't it Herta's responsibility to have her Puppet observe the Great Guardian? Why is it being neglectful of its duties?

Or

Could this be the reason Herta sent her puppet here?

She nodded and then gazed at the sky outside the window as she asked, "Supreme Guardian, it seems like you're facing some trouble. Do you need assistance?"

Adonis looked at Stelle thoughtfully.

After a moment, he said, "Not for the time being. You can start by fulfilling the task Herta assigned to you."

Stelle nodded.

She took the subway to the lower area.

Looking at the dim yet cozy surroundings, she couldn't help but exclaim, "I thought the lower area's environment would be much worse."

So, where should she start looking for Herta's Puppet?

Just as she was thinking about it, a slightly surprised and coquettish voice reached her ears. "Ah! It's that naughty outsider!"

Stelle turned to the source of the voice.

Indeed, it was the Dark Lorde Hook!

There were still two people accompanying her, but the individuals were different from the last time she saw them.

One was an adorable young girl in a red winter coat, and the other had a cute gothic-style dress with a spiral drill hairstyle.

As she looked closer, Stelle furrowed her brow.

Wait a minute.

That face, along with the interface joints – wasn't this one of Herta's Puppets?!

How did she end up like this? Stelle was left in shock, feeling like her entire worldview was collapsing.

That Herta... could actually dress up so cutely?

She quickly took a picture of Alice, sent it to Herta, and began typing a message.

["Herta, are you sick, or has your Puppet gone haywire? She's turned into this! Image of Alice.JPG."]