Chapter 30: Seeking More Information

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"Why not ask about that blue crystalline structure? Whenever I see something like that... it makes me wonder if there might be a connection to my own origins." March 7th's gaze wandered over the monument.

Before being found by the Astral Express, the pink-haired girl had been frozen within a large block of ice, drifting through space. Consequently, upon seeing similar crystals here, she couldn't help but indulge in some speculation.

In fact, when first laying eyes on this icy planet...

March 7th had wondered if it could be her homeland and whether it held any ties to her past.

Of course...

She also hoped it wasn't her homeland for a simple reason—it was far too cold.

Bochang placed one hand on his hip.

"Is there anything else you'd like to know? Stelle, do you have any questions?"

"I'm quite curious about the Frostwave mentioned by Pela. How did it occur?" Star understood that everything here likely involved Stellaron, but... she still wanted insights from the locals' perspective.

Perhaps there would be unexpected revelations?

"All right, I'll go ahead and ask," Bochang nodded, stepping out from the crowd. He raised his hand, "I have a question."

"Please proceed," Pela responded with a smile.

Smiling warmly, Pela responded.

Bochang asked, "What is this blue crystal?"

"You're asking about the material? It's colored earth essence."

Earth essence was a mineral energy source unique to Jarilo VI. From large-scale city heating to small handheld counters, everything relied on earth essence for power. Belobog's Underworld was specifically designed for its extraction.

The Underworld also used earth essence to trade with the Overworld for essential supplies.

"And... do you know how the Frostwave occurs?"

As Bochang posed this question, Pela's smile gradually faded. She glanced him up and down, uncertain if he was simply teasing her as some high-ranking official might.

After all...

Just moments ago, the girl who seemed part of his group casually joined the children in calling out, "Pe-laaa Sister!"

Well, let it go; no need to dwell on such matters. In front of the children, Pela maintained a positive demeanor. "For that question, you should ask the experts from the research department, not me," she said. "Although even they may not have a precise answer... The cause of the Frostwave has puzzled Belobog's scientists for centuries."

Pela was not tall; despite being referred to as a young woman, her petite frame barely differed from that of a little girl.

So... she could be considered a legally acceptable "loli."

Dressed in a blue and white uniform, Pela looked up at Bochang. With her large black-framed glasses, she exuded a scholarly aura, something neither Himeko, Stelle, nor March 7th possessed.

Moreover, her adorable round face made one irresistibly want to gently pinch it.

"Any more questions?" Pela asked just as she finished speaking.

The entire world abruptly fell into another standstill.

[Dating Options activated.]

[Option 1: In a serious tone, say, "I'd like to know your measurements." - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a starship destroyer. Note: Such items may...]

[Option 2: With a slight bow, ask, "How can I invite such a beautiful lady for dinner?" - Completion Reward: Yandere's Double Gaze. Note: Watch your back!]

[Option 3: Give a straightforward response, "No further questions, Pela-sis." - Completion Reward: Pela's Eyeball Roll.]

"You want me to choose option one, right?"

"Seriously, with such minimal rewards, you expect me to say something like that in public?" Bochang muttered inwardly, "Not happening unless you sweeten the deal."

Clearly, in response to Bochang's objection, "Dating Options" had no intention of providing any further clarification.

The black-haired youth continued grumbling.

"It's oddly surprising though; asking for measurements in public, yet Pela didn't even give me a 'Big Booty' slap. She truly...is too gentle." Suddenly realizing something, he thought, "Wait...could it be because she's too short and couldn't reach?"

If not for the slightly negative aspect of option two's reward,

Bochang would have undoubtedly chosen it.

"Maybe next time I should avoid Stelle and March 7th when trying this out? Flirting with other girls in front of them isn't quite appropriate."

Now, he found himself struggling between options one and three.

Both choices were somewhat embarrassing.

The difference was that option three seemed less humiliating but offered no reward.

After hesitating briefly...

"I guess option one then."

In the end, Bochang succumbed to the allure of the reward.

The world resumed its activity, with footsteps and conversations flooding back into their ears, forming a stark contrast to the brief silence moments ago.

With a serious expression, Bochang stated, "I'd like to know your measurements."

"Huh?"

Pela, wearing her black felt hat, was taken aback, momentarily unable to comprehend the request. Like a small animal encountering its natural predator, she instantly froze.

March 7th's eyes widened, mouth agape, displaying disbelief.

The nearby children, unsure of what "measurements" meant, simply watched quietly.

March 7th swiftly placed her small hand on Bochang's shoulder, offering an apologetic look to Pela. She said, "My apologies, something must have gotten stuck in his head just now; he hasn't recovered yet. Sorry for any inconvenience caused, I'll take him away right now."

Without resistance, Bochang was promptly dragged away by March 7th, still holding onto his shoulders.

Pela remained silent, observing as the blue-haired, blue-eyed girl watched the trio depart with a thoughtful expression on her face.

These three individuals were somewhat peculiar.

This was evident just from their attire.

Pela wondered to herself, "Should I investigate them?"

Meanwhile... Bochang nervously listened for system notifications.

[Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! You have received one delicious crab roe bun. By giving it to someone else, you may deepen your friendship. Note: This item has been stored in the system space.]

"Delicious crab roe bun?" Bochang scratched his head, thinking how this seemed tailor-made for luring children. "Maybe I could try giving it to Clara..."

Considering he still had Clara's chemise, he could first use the delicious crab roe bun to ease tensions and then reveal the chemise...

As Bochang plotted his scheme, March 7th had already led Stelle and Bochang into a narrow alleyway.

"Hey... what were you thinking just now?!" March 7th exclaimed, pointing at Bochang. "Why would you suddenly ask for a girl's measurements? It makes her really uncomfortable."

"Eh heh." Bochang lightly tapped his temple.

March 7th retorted, "What does 'eh heh' mean?! Never mind, forget it... But from now on, don't ask girls about their measurements in public, even if you're curious—it's inappropriate, seriously... And Stelle, stop casually calling others 'Big Sister Pela' as if nothing's wrong with it! Ahh... hanging out with you two, I feel like people might start considering me a weirdo too..."

"Bochang, my measurements are..." After a brief silence, Stelle unexpectedly spoke up.

As she recited her Enigmata numbers, Bochang scrutinized her closely and remarked, "Well, well, Stelle, you've got more going on than one would guess from your appearance."