The Pink Elf Group Tour - part 1

"Indeed, it's precisely as I anticipated," Luo Mo responded, his voice echoing the certainty of his expectations. He continued, "Furthermore, the stigmata you hold in your hand is a gift specifically meant for you."

Elysia's eyes sparkled with delight as she exclaimed, "A gift for me? What an unexpected surprise!" Her voice was filled with genuine happiness and surprise.

Luo Mo didn't harbor any resentment or hard feelings. He was fully aware that the stigmata could be harnessed to its maximum potential in Elysia's capable hands. He also knew that there would be numerous instances in the future where he would require her assistance.

Mobius, however, seemed less optimistic. His mouth tightened as he voiced his concern, "But surely, a single stigmata won't be able to get all of us out, right?"

Luo Mo responded with a reassuring smile, "That's why it's up to you two!" His gaze shifted between Mobius and Vill-V, indicating that he was referring to them.

He was well aware that in the future, even in terms of combat prowess, it would be possible for the Heroes who ventured out to match the Stigma Project. However, at the present moment, he felt somewhat overwhelmed.

The unique nature of Heroes meant that they couldn't alter their stigmata at will like ordinary individuals. Despite this, Luo Mo held a firm belief that the two doctors, with their vast knowledge and expertise, would be able to find a way to do so.

 "By the way, Ms. [Great Magician] Vill-V, can you help me look at this chip?" Luo Mo suddenly remembered something and promptly handed over a chip that he had intentionally brought along. It was of the same variety as the one Wendy possessed.

"A chip, you say?" Vill-V's interest was piqued, not just by the object in question, but also by Luo Mo himself, who had managed to produce such a fascinating item.

With a spark of curiosity in her eyes, she accepted the chip, turning it over in her hands, studying it from every angle. However, her initial excitement soon gave way to disappointment as she remarked, "This appears to be a very ordinary chip, nothing particularly special about it. It's somewhat reminiscent of the chips commonly used in the robots from the Mu continent in the past, although this one seems to be of a much rougher make."

Unfazed by her blunt assessment, Vill-V continued, "Is this the current standard of technological advancement? Should I be commending the progress of the Embers Project, or lamenting the lack of a single genius?"

Luo Mo could only respond with a bitter laugh, offering no rebuttal. If the technology of the present era was on par with that of the former civilization, he would have to contemplate where to lay it to rest. He wouldn't feel any remorse about it, not in the slightest.

"I must ask for your assistance. this chip currently in the midst of a battle within a teenage girl's brain, fighting against the Herrscher's core. The problem we're facing now is that we can't extract it," Luo Mo explained, his voice laced with concern.

Vill-V's eyes widened in surprise as she took another closer look at the chip. A wave of confusion washed over her, leaving her slightly puzzled. "How did this device end up being implanted in a person? And how could it possibly combat the Herrscher Core? There are too many peculiarities here. I'll need to investigate further," she mused, her brows furrowing in deep thought.

She held the chip in her hand, contemplating whether the former civilization itself was outdated or if the people of the current era were simply too experimental.

"Your help is greatly appreciated, Ms. Vill-V!" Luo Mo expressed his gratitude, relieved to have the chip in the hands of someone capable of understanding its complexities.

"Now, let's discuss our escape plan," Mobius interjected, her gaze fixed on his target like a snake eyeing its prey.

"Indeed, figuring out our escape is of utmost importance at the moment. Let me have a look at that!" Vill-V chimed in, shifting her attention from the chip to their current predicament.

Luo Mo spread his hands in a helpless gesture, revealing his pendulum. "At the moment, we only have this one stigma. I'm afraid there's nothing else I can offer to aid your escape."

"So, you're implying that there might be more to come in the future?" Mobius quickly picked up on the subtle hint in Luo Mo's words.

"Indeed, but that's a matter to consider once your successfully escaped," Luo Mo responded, his tone steady and composed.

It seemed as though a snake had unwittingly slithered into a trap, ready to become a pawn in the grand scheme of the Ship's. However, Luo Mo remained reserved, his facial expression giving nothing away.

"Heh, it appears you're in need of my assistance, correct?" Mobius chuckled softly, a mysterious glint in her eyes.

"That's the primary reason for my visit. If you assist me, you're essentially helping yourselves. After all, who wouldn't want more of such a valuable resource?" Luo Mo retorted, meeting Mobius's gaze.

In the face of Heroes, Luo Mo knew he didn't hold much sway. However, he had played his cards carefully, laying down his chips one by one, and had achieved his initial objective.

Now, all that remained was to see how far the Heroes were willing to go to lend their aid.

...

In a different location, a heartfelt plea echoed through the air. "Eden, Eden, would you accompany me on this journey?" Elysia, clutching the stigma card tightly in her hand, sought out her closest friend, Eden, to discuss this pressing matter.

Eden remained silent, lost in thought. She was a superstar from the previous century, a relic of a bygone era. She had willingly given up her chance at survival for the sake of that era. However, faced with Elysia's earnest request, she found herself wavering.

Eden, cradling a glass of wine in her hand, studied Elysia who stood before her. Elysia's eyes sparkled with anticipation, her cheeks flushed with excitement. Eden couldn't help but be moved by her friend's childlike enthusiasm.

In that moment, Eden realized she was willing to venture into the unknown, to explore the world of tomorrow, all to fulfill her dear friend's request. A soft smile graced her lips as she nodded in agreement. "Of course, my dear Ellie! I would be delighted to accompany you and witness the art and grandeur of the present civilization."

Elysia's face lit up with joy at Eden's response. "Oh, Eden! I adore you so much, my dear Eden." Overwhelmed with happiness, Elysia threw her arms around Eden, hugging her tightly.

Elysia positioned herself at the center of the gathering, her hand clutching a small pink horn adorned with a love heart. With a flick of a switch, she addressed the crowd, her voice amplified by the horn.

"Testing, testing! All systems go," she announced, her voice echoing around the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, the Pink Elf Group tour is now officially open for registration. Attention all adventurers, if you're planning on joining us, please sign up quickly. We'll be departing soon!"

Eden watched the animated Elysia from a distance, a gentle smile playing on her lips as she sipped her wine. She found herself wishing that Elysia could maintain this level of enthusiasm every day. "If only Elysia could be this lively all the time, it would be wonderful," she mused to herself.

Suddenly, a small voice piped up from the crowd. "Ellie-san! I'd like to sign up too," a cat called out, standing on its tiptoes and waving its paw frantically, as if afraid of being overlooked.

Pardofelis, a fellow adventurer, chimed in, "Since so many people are heading out, we thought we might join in and gather some supplies… or rather, soak up some sun." she added shyly, "Sister Ellie, you must look out for us!"

"Absolutely! Little Pardo, you're in! Anyone else?" Elysia's voice rang out, filled with enthusiasm and anticipation.

Aponia, however, seemed less eager. "Ellie… I'm sorry, but I won't be able to join you for a while," she apologized, her hands folded over her stomach. As a devoted follower of Elysia, she had integrated herself into the entire Elysian Realm. But now, to her dismay, this commitment was proving to be a hindrance.

Elysia responded with understanding, "Oh, Aponia? Well, don't worry about it! This beautiful girl here won't hold it against you!"

Meanwhile, Kalpas watched the unfolding scene with a cold, detached expression. "Hmph… How tedious!" he remarked, his voice icy.

Elysia turned to him, her tone challenging, "So, Kalpas, are you joining us or not?"

Kalpas responded with a nonchalant shrug, "You guess? You're a boring woman, but it seems I can spare some time now." Without waiting for Elysia's response, he turned on his heel and walked away. Halfway through, he paused and called over his shoulder, "Sakura, if you need help, just call me!"

Sakura watched him leave, a thoughtful expression on her face. She didn't attempt to persuade him otherwise. This former colleague of hers had been surprisingly composed today.

"Well, it seems that even the ever-reluctant Kalpas has made his decision!" Elysia exclaimed, her voice filled with amusement. She pulled out a list from seemingly nowhere, quickly scanning the names. "So, the ones venturing out are Eden, Sakura, Little Padou, Mobius, Vill-V, and myself. What about the rest of you?" She directed her question towards a group huddled in the corner.

Kevin shook his head, a hint of regret in his eyes. "Myself, Su, and Hua won't be able to join you, at least not for a while." His words hung in the air, and the crowd understood the unspoken implications. They didn't press the matter further.

Hua glanced at Kevin and Su, a resigned expression on her face. Once again, a decision had been made on her behalf, and once again, she chose to accept it.