Chapter 90: Ice, Machinery, and Rock Records

"Because of 300 power stones i have release one more extra chapter with regular chapters" Back to the story

Two days had passed since Bronya's sensational inauguration speech. Gu Tang and his group were leisurely exploring Belobog, enjoying the perks of being heroes.

Snap! 

The sound of a camera shutter clicked.

"Alright, heh, this one turned out really well," March 7th said happily, holding the photo.

The picture was of Gu Tang and March 7th posing in front of the Eternal Winter Monument.

"Yeah, it's a nice one," Gu Tang nodded, looking at the photo in March 7th's hand.

The two were traveling around Belobog, taking photos as souvenirs of their journey. As for Stelle and Dan Heng...

Dan Heng had suddenly decided he wanted to experience mining in the Underworld and dragged Stelle along. His excuse was that he had internal injuries from the previous battle and might be in danger if they encountered Rift monsters, so he needed Stelle to protect him.

So, only Gu Tang and March 7th were left.

"Um... excuse me..." A citizen nervously approached, holding a notepad and pen. "I'm sorry to bother you, but could you heroes give me an autograph? I really admire you..."

"Sure, no problem," Gu Tang took the pen and signed his name with practiced ease. 

Although he didn't know many complex characters, he had made an effort to remember how to write his own name. Just for this effort alone, the Intelligentsia Guild should pay him.

"Hehe, leave it to me," March 7th also signed her name, with a cute little four-leaf clover at the end of her girly handwriting.

"Th-thank you! I'll cherish this as a family heirloom!" The citizen hugged the autographed notepad excitedly, bowing repeatedly.

After the citizen left, March 7th watched him go and remarked, "We sure are popular."

"As we should be. We're the heroes who saved this world," Gu Tang said calmly.

"So this is what it's like to be a celebrity, huh? Feels great... Alright, next stop!" March 7th said enthusiastically.

The two of them headed to the Everwinter Mechanical House.

"Serval, you still alive?" Gu Tang pushed open the door and called out unceremoniously.

"Alive and kicking! You're just in time; I was just talking to Clara about you guys," Serval said with a big smile.

Clara was also in the workshop. She looked around at all the gadgets in awe. "Serval's little shop is so amazing, filled with all kinds of treasures... Clara loves it here!"

"Clara, this kid... so well-behaved!" Serval hugged Clara affectionately, petting her head. "Unlike those rascals from the architects' families who keep calling me 'auntie'..."

Gu Tang raised an eyebrow. "Sorry, Serval, but Clara probably just likes the machinery here."

"I see, so Clara is just after Serval's assets," March 7th said thoughtfully.

"Nonsense, I have my own charm too!" Serval said, patting her chest indignantly.

"By the way, Serval, we're here to take some commemorative photos," March 7th said, lifting her camera.

Serval blinked. "Photos? I thought only fan meetings had that kind of thing—well, for you three, I can sign autographs for free!"

"Your autograph probably isn't worth as much as ours," Gu Tang quipped.

"Fine, then sign a bunch for me. When I'm out of money, I'll sell them," Serval shot back without hesitation.

"If Serval runs out of money... you can come to Clara! Svarog gave Clara a lot of pocket money," Clara said kindly.

"Being supported by a little girl... tsk tsk..." Gu Tang shook his head.

"Hmph! I wouldn't do that... unless Bronya supports me," Serval retorted.

March 7th looked at Serval, speechless. "That's not much better..."

Clara looked carefully at March 7th's camera. "I remember... when I was little, Mr. Svarog also took pictures of me..."

Serval pulled Clara to the front of the workshop's counter. "Come on, Clara! Stand over here, and I'll teach you the best angles for photos..."

"Great, great... Clara, don't be too tense. Serval, don't be too smug. Get closer... three, two, one! Cheese!" March 7th pressed the shutter.

Snap!

"All done. This photo is a gift for you, as a farewell present from the Astral Express," March 7th handed over the photo.

"Wow, really nice! If only the photographers at my concerts were half as good as you!" Serval praised, looking at the photo.

"Huh... am I really that short? I thought..." Clara looked at her image in the photo, a bit disheartened.

March 7th quickly comforted her, "Don't worry, Clara, as long as you keep eating well, you'll grow tall like Gepard!"

Gu Tang reached into his storage bag. "As long as you drink my potion, not only Gepard but even Svarog... no, even the height of the Stellarons, isn't out of reach."

March 7th quickly stopped him, "Let's not interfere with natural human growth. Life always finds a way."

"Alright... Oh, by the way, Serval, here's a gift for you." Gu Tang handed over a beautifully wrapped record. "This is my album. It should be perfect for someone with a rock soul like you, and it's autographed too."

"Haha! Awesome, I can't wait to listen to it," Serval accepted the record happily. "The Dark Side of the Moon? Great name!"

Then, Serval handed Gu Tang a record of their band's album.

"Don't let the rock spirit in you die out, Serval."

"Hey, same to you. Next time we meet, make sure you play me something even better."

The two bumped fists.

...

...

...

"Well... We've taken the photos and toured the city. What's next?" March 7th stretched.

"Next, it's time to head back to the train," Dan Heng said as he and Stelle walked over.

They were both wearing yellow safety helmets.

"Dan Heng, you're back. How was your mining adventure in the Underworld?" March 7th asked curiously.

Dan Heng gave a thumbs up. "With my hard work, I earned 150 Winter City Shields."

There was a tone of pride in his voice.

Stelle took off her helmet and shook her hair. "Didn't expect to actually encounter Rift monsters, but I took care of them easily."

"Seems like, as Himeko said, this planet won't be returning to peace anytime soon," March 7th sighed.

Gu Tang crossed his arms. "Bronya and Seele didn't waver when they heard the news. I believe in them."

Dan Heng nodded. "As long as we look up at the stars and hold onto hope, Jarilo-VI will eventually return to the embrace of the stars."

"By the way, where are those two? Haven't seen them all day, and I wanted to say goodbye," March 7th inquired.

Gu Tang waved his phone. "I just asked. Bronya is swamped with work. Seele is with her, discussing various things since she's now the representative of the Underworld."

"Sigh, it's a bit disappointing... But whatever, I'm sure we'll see them again soon!" March 7th said energetically, putting her hands on her hips.

"That's a certainty," Dan Heng looked at Gu Tang. "After all, your romantic affairs aren't sorted out yet."

Romantic affairs...

Stelle sighed, something she rarely did. "Dan Heng, do you think... this kind of thing will happen a lot? Like, on every expedition?"

Dan Heng frowned. "Shouldn't... be... right?"