Chapter 2

"Great Guardian, I have brought the three outsiders to see you," Jepard saluted with a firm and respectful gesture, prompting Adonis to nod appreciatively.

"I've received your report, Jepard. Well done," Adonis acknowledged.

He then turned his attention to the newcomers, March, Dan Heng, and Stella. "Welcome, visitors from beyond the cold wave... No, visitors from beyond the Sky, right?" Adonis inquired, trying to make them feel at ease.

"I am Adonis, the 19th Guardian of Belobog. Please state the reasons for your visit, and I shall attentively listen." 

Adonis had learned courtesy and how to address guests and subordinates after becoming the Great Guardian. 

In just a year, he had undergone a significant transformation. His manner of speaking, his body language, and every aspect of his demeanor had been refined. 

Despite being only 20 years old, one would think Adonis had years of experience and worldly wisdom.

Adonis's courteous and experienced demeanor was nothing more than a façade, at least to outsiders. He acted this way to maintain appearances, putting on a show for those who didn't know the truth.

The Galaxy Baseball girl, Stelle suddenly regarded Adonis with suspicion. "You believe we're from outside here?" she questioned. Her remark caught Dan and March's attention, and they turned their gaze back to Adonis.

"From the way you present yourself before me, especially your attire, I can easily tell you're not from around here," Adonis responded as he leaned back in his chair. 

He was not wrong; everyone in Belobog treated him with the same respect Jepard did. Of course, he was aware of their true identities; this was just another act.

March Seven couldn't help but feel embarrassed as he glanced down at his thin and fancy clothing. Indeed, in such a cold environment, no one would wear attire like his.

Noticing March's discomfort, Adonis inquired knowingly, "So, tell me your intentions."

Dan Heng took the opportunity to step forward, regarding Adonis with caution. "We're here for something called [Stellaron]."

"Stellaron?" Adonis pursed his lips in thought. "I've had a few encounters with it in the past. I wouldn't expect someone to seek out this 'living cancer.'"

Adonis was deliberately misleading them. He had intentionally left the [Stellaron] unsealed, and he knew its whereabouts very well.

His gaze shifted to the right, where a table and chair were set up with a few documents scattered across it. His eyes met the gaze of a woman seated there, and she let out a soft sigh. This woman was Cocolia.

After Adonis had subdued her and suppressed the influence of the [Stellaron] that plagued her, along with Bronya, Cocolia had managed to regain her sanity.

March Seven and the others followed Adonis's line of sight and noticed the papers on the table in the corner, along with the woman who was attending to them. 

They were momentarily taken aback by her charm but quickly regained their composure. At this point, the woman was merely assisting Adonis.

Adonis's voice drew their attention back to him. "Regarding the Stellaron, I sealed it at the top of Permafrost Ridge. Though, I did manage to seal it, but I couldn't completely contain it. I was only able to minimize its effects to some extent."

Upon hearing Adonis's revelation, Dan Heng, March Seven, and Stella's eyes widened in surprise. They exchanged glances for a moment before returning their attention to Adonis.

Dan Heng offered a courteous nod. "Thank you, Lord Guardian. We will now take our leave to deal with the [Stellaron]."

March Seven, ever confident, reassured Adonis with a pat on her chest. "Hey, Lord Guardian, you don't need to worry about our safety. Rest assured; we are very strong!"

As they turned to depart, Adonis halted them with a word. "Wait."

The sudden stop surprised the three of them, and they turned back to face Adonis. He continued, "Regarding the matter of the [Stellaron], as the Great Guardian of Belobog, I'd like to witness this. I'm sure you understand. Besides, I want to observe the process of sealing this [Stellaron]."

Dan Heng paused, considering the request. 'Well, he is responsible for the people of Beloberg, and he's the one that calls the shots here, so I guess,' he reasoned. Dan Heng nodded and looked at Adonis.

Jepard, however, firmly stood in an attempt to dissuade Adonis. "Lord Adonis, you can leave this to me—"

Cocolia, who had been quietly working at her desk, interjected in an oddly confident tone. "You don't need to worry about him; he'll be okay." She spoke without looking at any of them as she continued her work.

Adonis rose from his chair, briefly eyeing Cocolia before addressing them, particularly Jepard. "Jepard, if you're that concerned, then Seele and Bronya can accompany me."

After some contemplation, Jepard reluctantly nodded. "In that case, please be cautious, Lord Adonis."

Adonis then shifted his attention to the three members of the Astral Express crew. "Since it's getting late, why not take this time to explore Belobog? We'll depart tomorrow."

March Seven eagerly agreed, using the opportunity to look for some food, albeit discreetly. Dan Heng expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Lord Guardian."

Subsequently, Jepard led March Seven, Dan Heng, and Stella away from Fort Creeper and towards the central square.

March Seven stretched lazily as she inquired, "By the way, who was that woman over there? She has the same demeanor as the Great Guardian himself. Can it be...?"

Stella nodded in agreement. "I had the same feeling."

Jepard looked at the two of them and confirmed, "Madam Cocolia is the previous Great Guardian."

March 7: "Ah this…"

Stelle: "this…"

Dan Heng: "…"

"The reason Madam Cocolia is there is to assist Lord Adonis. After all, he's still young. She's managing Beloberg alongside him, and her position is similar to that of a Vice," Jepard explained.

Dan Heng paused for a moment before asking, "Forgive my curiosity, but from what I can see, Madam Cocolia is still quite young. There must be a reason why Lord Adonis is now the Great Guardian, correct?"

March Seven quickly chimed in, "Of course, if it's not convenient to share, it's perfectly fine."

Jepard shook his head and replied, "There's nothing that can't be shared. The details about those two are well-known in Belobog, and you can find out with a bit of inquiry."

"To put it simply," Jepard continued with a somber expression, "Adonis, the Great Guardian, earned the respect of the people and overthrew Lord Cocolia to assume the position of Great Guardian."