Chapter 64 Saving the City

Orion revived and filled with a new power coursing through his veins; he had the ability to open what he called a "door"—a rift through space and possibility itself. There were no elaborate hand movements, no arcane gestures, none of the theatrics you'd expect from a magic door to anywhere. With just a focus of his mind, a door-shaped tear in reality appeared, shimmering like liquid glass.

In an instant, the train crew found themselves whisked back to the Astral Express, with the city looming in the distance. From the train windows, Orion saw that Cocolia was struggling against the meteor and knew he had to act fast.

Orion, knowing his role as an [Emanator], he had many ways to deal with the meteor. But to test his powers, he chose the safest option.

As an Emulator, Orion's abilities gave him numerous ways to deal with the meteor. But Orion wasn't looking for the most spectacular option, only the safest one. He needed precision. A test of control.

"Transfer," he whispered to himself, his eyes narrowing in focus. "Target: the meteor."

Without delay, a colossal rift, much larger than the one before, materialized in the sky. The space door formed around the meteor with a hum, swallowing it whole. But Orion knew the risks of such a maneuver.

To contain the meteor's destructive force, he had to ensure everything involved was transported as one. The rift expanded rapidly, engulfing not just the meteor but Cocolia, the Creation Engine, and himself.

For a brief moment, Cocolia gasped, her breath stolen by the sudden absence of air. They were no longer on solid ground—they had been transported into the void of space. Luckily, Orion used his powers to protect her and prevent her suffocation.

"Looks like I used about one-third of my mental power," Orion thought. He felt much stronger now compared to before. His mental power was so high it could easily handle the stelleron, thanks to his ability to his [Remembrance] abilities.

"Looks like I've only used about a third of my mental power," Orion mused, a subtle smile tugging at his lips. His body hummed with newfound strength; his connection to his abilities was now sharper and more refined than before.

He felt it in every breath, every pulse of his energy. His mind, empowered by his [Remembrance] abilities, was now an unstoppable force. The Stellaron, which once felt overwhelming, now seemed manageable—almost trivial.

Moments earlier, when Orion had saved Cocolia, the Silvermane Guard had been stunned and left in disbelief.

"Where did the meteor go?" one of them finally blurted out, breaking the tense silence. The massive meteorite that had cast its deadly shadow over the planet, the same one that had sent shockwaves of gravitational force through the ground, was suddenly gone—vanished as if it had never existed. 

But before they could make sense of the disappearance, another astonishing sight unfolded.

Just beyond Belobog's city wall, the very air seemed to warp and bend. A low hum vibrated through the ground, and before their eyes, a space door slowly began to manifest, revealing a huge iron object—the Creation Engine.

Next, a tall man with white hair gently carried Cocolia in his arms and floated down with a smile. He seemed to be greeting them.

"Am I dreaming?" one of the Silvermane Guards asked, wiping his forehead.

Geppard stepped forward, recognizing the man.

"Why don't you recognize me with a different look?" Orion asked, floating Cocolia in the air. His white hair and clothes changed back to what they were seven years ago, and he put on a black military uniform.

"Orion Astra!?"

The crowd gasped. Some soldiers rushed forward excitedly to greet Orion.

"Sir Orion! I've always been your fan!" Even those who hadn't seen Orion before were thrilled to see him.

"Okay, okay, calm down. It looks like you've never seen a hero before."

Orion set up a protective barrier to let key figures like Geppard get close. He hugged them warmly.

"Sir, how have you been these past seven years?" Geppard asked, his voice trembling. He had spent many years with Orion and was deeply moved to see him return.

"Look how you've grown," Orion said, touching Geppard's head. The young man had become an impressive figure, which made Orion proud.

Orion looked at the soldiers who had stayed strong to protect Belobog. They had even helped him return, and their bravery touched him deeply.

After gently laying Cocolia on the bed in the medical room, Orion stepped out, his demeanor shifting instantly. The weight of the city's fate seemed to settle onto his shoulders naturally, as if the years hadn't dulled his instincts at all. He strode toward the command post with a calm authority, the kind that came from countless battles fought and won.

Geppard, standing at attention beside him, glanced up at the sky before leaning in, his voice low but eager. "Sir Orion, that meteor... did you make it disappear?"

Orion nodded.

"Just as I thought!" Geppard was overjoyed. The soldiers around him shared the same excitement and belief in Orion's abilities.

Orion walked up to the edge of the towering city wall, his gaze locking onto the colossal form of the Stellaron's incarnation in the distance. It moved slowly, its immense figure casting a long, dark shadow over the battlefield. 

The ancient incarnation of the stelleron began to move, and Orion's expression turned serious.

"Stelleron, it's time to settle the score!"