---o---
A winter night.
The wind was bleak, the clouds heavy.
Having bid farewell to Bailu, the one she was most concerned about, Jingliu once again set out on her journey.
Going to the Herta Space Station was not her own wish, but a mission from Ye Feng.
In his words, it was, "You've been wandering around the Xianzhou for so long and have only pulled two people in. It's time to change locations. A new map brings a new atmosphere, you know."
Coincidentally, the Herta Space Station had business dealings with the Xianzhou. There were irregular "flights" between the two, making travel convenient.
Jingliu did not refuse, though not out of obedience to Ye Feng.
It was simply because as long as Ye Feng said things like, "You wouldn't want Baiheng to be unable to wake up, would you?" or, "This will help you, Master, cut down the very [Stars] from the sky," Jingliu would still obediently do as she was told.
Jingliu had anticipated Ye Feng's gambit, so there was no need for further words.
Since the outcome was already determined, why add to her own troubles?
Jingliu's mind was clear and empty; her actions were as crisp and decisive as her moon-like greatsword of ice crystal.
Ye Feng, in turn, had anticipated Jingliu's anticipation of his gambit. Thus, he simply smiled and waited for the results.
He was very much looking forward to what kind of surprise the Herta Space Station would bring him.
Jingliu had already boarded the interstellar vessel and was quietly reading through some documents in her seat.
The Herta Space Station was established a very long time ago, at least before the 8th Amber Era.
Its existence was due to Herta, seat #83 of the Genius Society. Unsatisfied with the laws of ordinary worlds, she cast her gaze upon the unsolved existences in the galaxy, hoping those distant mysteries could satisfy her curiosity.
To this end, Herta led the construction of a museum-like starship, launched it into planetary orbit, and began the research work of "sealing all that is strange within the starry sky." The renowned Herta Space Station was thus born.
Jingliu noted that Herta was originally a short-life species, yet today she remained young and beautiful, her life showing no signs of ending.
Herta's personal experiences were also incredibly rich, and she acted as she pleased.
She came from Azure Star, established a partnership with "the Corporation," helped the "Xianzhou" fight against Abominations, acquired many collectibles from the "Astral Express," and even had a few skirmishes with the "Garden of Recollection."
Jingliu's expression was as placid as an ancient well, but she couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder in her heart.
"...Immortality. Has she truly achieved it through her own wisdom alone?"
The peerless female swordmaster closed the documents.
What a formidable person, Jingliu thought, slowly entering a meditative state.
Outside the window, streams of light flew past.
…
…
"Hi~ A new day begins with a wonderful encounter. Elysia, did you miss me?"
"Good morning, Mr. Ye Feng."
Elysia's greeting was perfectly conventional. Although she wore a smile, it was… too ordinary.
Ordinary. This was a word that had absolutely no connection to Elysia.
No matter who she was with, the pink-haired elf was always brimming with enthusiasm.
But, Ye Feng was the exception.
"Have I been treated as the 'one and only special person' by Elysia? I'm so happy."
"Hmm…"
Elysia paused for a moment, then beamed. "Wow, you can interpret it that way? Mr. Ye Feng, you're really optimistic."
"Right? Elysia should also maintain an optimistic attitude at all times. Even when you're being fucked, you have to face it with a smile."
"Thank you for the encouragement, Mr. Ye Feng. I'll do my best."
"You can already handle this kind of topic so calmly? As expected of my Elysia."
The pink-haired elf's eyes were clear, her figure as flawless as crystal, and a smile like scattering flower petals bloomed on her lips.
"Hmph, hmph, a cute girl's heart is capable of anything, you know… Hmm, that doesn't feel quite right to use here."
"No, it's quite fitting. By the way, Bronya has already obtained the Core of Reason, so it's time to fulfill my promise to you. Once the ritual is complete, Elysia will receive the same level of [Permissions] as Snake-Snake."
"Oh?"
Elysia hadn't expected Bronya to obtain the Core of Reason so quickly, nor had she anticipated Ye Feng to be so true to his word.
"The ritual is?"
"Come, Elysia. Take my hand and join me on the path of this [Vow]."
A Vow?
Elysia hesitated for a split second, but her slender, jade-like fingers, clad in pure white lace gloves, still allowed Ye Feng to lead her.
They arrived at a holy church.
The vast and solemn church was supported by neat, chalk-white pillars, giving it a grand and magnificent appearance.
At this moment, the interior was adorned with fresh flowers and sacred light. A graceful nun stood in a golden halo, like a merciful Madonna, her gaze fixed upon the mortal world with pity.
"Aponia?"
Elysia stared ahead in surprise.
This was the first time she had encountered Aponia in this world.
However, Aponia seemed to turn a blind eye to Elysia.
The nun, bathed in holy radiance, had her hands folded in front of her skirt in a ritualistic manner.
Her slightly lowered eyelids made it seem as if she were reciting chapters of the scripture from a book.
Though it was silent at this moment, a grand and holy hymn seemed to resonate through the air.
Elysia looked at Aponia in a daze, letting Ye Feng lead her to stand before the nun.
"The [Vow] is about to begin," Ye Feng said with a smile.
Elysia didn't notice at that moment, but her clothes had transformed into a wedding dress.
A light, layered, pure white long gown covered her body like flowing clouds.
Pure, beautiful, as if all the wonderful moments of her life had converged in this instant.
"The [Vow] is about to begin."
Eh?
Before Elysia could react, she saw the nun pick up a ring like an officiant and ask her:
"Elysia, do you take this man to be your partner? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, or for any other reason, to love him, care for him, respect him, accept him, and be forever faithful to him, until death do you part?"
"Wh-What?"
Elysia stared blankly at Aponia, as if in a dream.
Is this how [Permissions] are granted?
Why does this feel like… a wedding from the Current Era?
Ye Feng said, "A vow is not a marriage. This is merely a step in granting the [Permissions]."
Even though it wasn't necessary.
"..."
The pink-haired elf's brain short-circuited for a moment, her expression somewhat resembling the dazed look of the Elf Elysia.
"Um…"
"You are not willing?" Aponia asked.
Isn't that a matter of course?!
Even for someone like Elysia, she wouldn't want her wedding… alright, he said this wasn't a wedding, but a ritual for a vow.
Ye Feng smiled. "It's fine if you're not willing. However, this would be you giving up on your own, so don't say I went back on my word."
"Er…"
Elysia looked at Aponia, then back at Ye Feng, utterly conflicted.
The pink-haired elf never would have imagined that her dear friend's first appearance would be to present her with such a massive dilemma.