Chapter 9: The Annoyed Station Master Asta

The elevator doors opened, and Gu Tang and his group stepped out into the main control section.

In the spacious control section, many staff members were busy with their work, their faces filled with anxiety and concern.

Despite their worries, everyone was diligently performing their tasks, striving to restore order to the chaotic space station.

"Big brother! Are you alright?"

The security personnel rushed over to them immediately.

Gu Tang handed over the unconscious Alan, and the staff carefully took him.

"Big brother! You're covered in wounds!" the staff exclaimed, looking at Alan with distress.

"It was the Antimatter Legion," Gu Tang said expressionlessly.

"Big brother! It looks like someone punched you in the face!"

"It was the Antimatter Legion."

"Big brother! You're covered in oil! It's all sticky and slippery!"

"…We encountered a Trampler from the Legion on the way back. It must have secreted the oil."

The staff took Alan away for treatment.

Of course, Gu Tang had already checked his injuries. They weren't serious, and he would likely regain consciousness soon.

If not for Gu Tang's punch, Alan wouldn't have passed out.

[Ding! Mission 'Hurricane Rescue' completed]

[Skill acquired: 'Extract']

[Extract]

[Level: 3]

[Effect: Use on enemy corpses to acquire various resources. The higher the enemy's level, the higher the quality of resources obtained.]

[Evaluation: The instinct to plunder, craft, ancient parts, extinguished primordial core...]

A tall red-haired woman walked towards them.

"Little March, Dan Heng, thank you for your hard work," she said to them, her voice gentle and soft.

"Himeko~ I'm exhausted! Those Antimatter Legion soldiers were like locusts. I use arrows, you know, it's so tiring to fight them," March 7th complained.

Graceful—this was Gu Tang's first impression of Himeko.

Her long red hair cascaded down her back with a slight curl, beautiful like a rose but intense like a flame.

Her delicate face always seemed to carry a faint smile, a blend of simplicity and allure that could captivate anyone.

Her white long dress added an air of elegance and nobility, reminiscent of a revered goddess from ancient Greece.

If anyone could best exemplify the charm of a mature woman, it was surely the woman before Gu Tang.

"I don't have any better methods. Using the railgun can take out a whole group, but if Herta sees the space station damaged, she'll definitely come after us," Himeko said with a slight smile to March 7th.

Then, she looked at March 7th and Dan Heng curiously, asking, "Why are both of you so oily? And shiny too."

March 7th looked expressionlessly at Gu Tang.

Gu Tang: "…It's the oil secreted by March 7th."

March 7th: "Who's secreting oil! I don't secrete oil, alright!"

"Alright, alright. I admit I'm one percent at fault..." Gu Tang took out a small spray bottle.

[Name: Cleaning Spray]

[Type: Daily Item]

[Level: 3]

[Effect: Just spray it on yourself, and it will instantly remove all dirt, making you feel as refreshed as if you've just had a spa and changed into new clothes.]

[Evaluation: Very useful for outdoor adventures]

He sprayed March 7th and Dan Heng generously.

All the dirt on them disappeared; not only the oil but even the dust and battle marks vanished.

They looked completely new.

"Although it doesn't look impressive, it's indeed very useful," Dan Heng said, carefully shaking out his clothes.

Of course, Gu Tang couldn't have invented such a useful item; it was given to him by the system.

"I'll give this to you," Gu Tang handed the cleaning spray to March 7th.

"Really! Hehe~ I forgive you~" March 7th said joyfully, then pulled Star over and sprayed some on her, "Come, Star. We are beautiful girls, we must stay clean at all times."

Dan Heng crossed his arms: "You really don't hold back, do you?"

March 7th raised her head proudly: "I always gratefully accept gifts from others."

Himeko chuckled softly: "Haha, young people do bond easily. It seems you've become quite close."

"Oh, right. I haven't introduced them yet. This is Gu Tang, a brilliant scientist. And this is Star, a beautiful girl we found at the space station," March 7th introduced.

"Hi, nice to meet you. I'm Himeko, the pilot of the Astral Express," Himeko introduced herself.

"So, the train's movements are all under her command," March 7th whispered to the two.

Star whispered back: "So, she's the boss of your train."

"Wow, Star, you're sharp. You got it right away," March 7th nodded in approval.

Gu Tang shook hands with Himeko: "I've heard a lot about you. Herta mentioned you before, and she holds you in high regard."

"I'm flattered. Did March 7th cause you any trouble along the way?" Himeko asked.

March 7th's gaze darted between Star and Gu Tang: "Think carefully before you answer."

"Then I'll refrain from answering," Star said decisively.

March 7th patted Star's shoulder, advising earnestly: "Star, you can learn from anyone, but don't learn from Dan Heng."

"Talk about yourself, don't drag me into it," Dan Heng raised an eyebrow.

As for Gu Tang…

He remembered what March 7th had said to him by the elevator.

'Gu Tang, after the space station situation is resolved, would you like to join our Astral Express?'

"She's a kind and gentle girl," he told Himeko.

This straightforward compliment made March 7th a little embarrassed.

"Hehe~ I'm not that great," she said, scratching her head shyly.

Dan Heng looked speechlessly at the bashful March 7th.

"Good, let's go meet Station Master Asta," Himeko said with a smile.

In the center of the main control section, Asta was issuing a series of orders.

"Projection radar tracking is normal, but the telemetry signal frequency is too high! It must be maintained at an average level!"

Her short light red hair and cute face, along with her light blue eyes that resembled a clear sky, added to her charm.

Every movement carried the poise of a dignified lady.

Her white and magenta dress was well-designed, reflecting both the academic style of the space station and a beautiful elegance.

The youthful playfulness of a girl, the intellectual charm of a scientist, and the refined manners of an aristocratic young lady, all intertwined seamlessly, giving her a unique allure.

"According to predictions, the Legion will launch more than ten consecutive waves of attacks. Everyone, hold on!"

Although she looked like a petite girl, Asta's composure while giving orders reassured many staff members.

March 7th waved her hand: "Station Master Asta! We're back!"

Asta turned around, showing a relieved smile: "Phew, I'm glad you're back safely. The security team just reported to me that Alan is fine, thanks to you."

Then, she turned to look at Gu Tang, her expression turning cold: "Hmph... I see... you're fine."

"I heard from March 7th that it was thanks to you sending them to help me. Thank you very much, Asta," Gu Tang said to her.

Asta lowered her head, muttering softly: "Has our relationship become so distant that you have to thank me formally..."

"Hmm? What's the matter?" Gu Tang asked, puzzled.

"Hmph! Nothing. I was just worried you'd die and make Herta mad. Don't get the wrong idea!" Asta crossed her arms and turned her face away.

"I helped the Trailblazers rescue Alan with my wonderful inventions," Gu Tang tried to use his achievements to improve Asta's attitude.

"Your wonderful inventions didn't blow up the space station; that's already good enough," Asta retorted, unimpressed.

"If you talk about that, Herta's far worse than me," Gu Tang countered without hesitation.

The two exchanged heated words, while the others moved a few meters away and quietly discussed.

"Strange? I remember when Station Master Asta asked us to rescue Gu Tang, she was almost in tears. Why the sudden change?" March 7th scratched her head in confusion.

Dan Heng looked at Asta, then at Gu Tang: "It's tsundere behavior, and a very traditional type. I didn't expect such a classic tsundere to exist in this era. You probably can't find another like her in the entire universe."

Staff Member B added: "Another point is that the station master is very particular about etiquette. Even if she dislikes someone, she won't show it openly."

Dan Heng nodded: "Indeed, I've met Asta several times due to the train's cooperation with the space station. She always greets everyone with a smile and behaves with exceptional decorum."

"So, if Asta is openly targeting Gu Tang, it means he's special?" March 7th said in surprise.

Star frowned, thinking hard: "Could it be... something happened between them?"

Staff Member B shrugged: "Who knows? But from the station master's behavior, it must have been something significant. Even if it wasn't deeply impactful, it was definitely unforgettable."

"Gu Tang's past... I'm really curious," Star said, looking at Gu Tang thoughtfully.

"I can understand, but it's impolite to pry into someone's past without their consent," Himeko reminded