Chapter 165: Okhema Visa, Gotcha!
Stelle subconsciously glanced at her two companions first, her eyes silently asking for their input.
To her surprise, she found both Dan Heng and March 7th already looking right back at her. Their expressions were a mixture of inquiry and unwavering trust. Unbeknownst to her, she had become the natural spokesperson for their small team when faced with invitations like this.
Dan Heng met her gaze and gave a slight, reassuring nod. His voice was as calm as ever, yet it carried the full weight of his confidence in her. "Stelle, you make the decision. Whether we accept or not, we'll face the consequences together. I trust your judgment."
He personally approved of the goals Phainon and the Chrysos Heirs had laid out, but he entrusted the final call to Stelle, the one who best embodied the spirit of the Trailblaze.
"Mhm, mhm! Dan Heng's right!" March 7th immediately chirped in agreement, a supportive smile blooming on her face. "Me too! Stelle, you just decide! The three of us will advance and retreat together, no matter what!"
A warm current washed over Stelle's heart, followed closely by a deep sense of responsibility at her companions' unreserved faith. She turned back to the Chrysos Heirs warrior, whose sincere eyes were fixed on her, and broke into a bright, firm smile.
"Phainon, we accept your invitation. Count the three of us in for dealing with Nikador." Her smile turned a little mischievous. "This is what a Trailblazer would do anyway. Besides, that guy attacked our carriage. We need to settle that score properly."
She agreed readily, but then her tone shifted, becoming serious. "However, there's one thing I need to make clear beforehand."
"The five companions who are about to arrive… whether or not they're willing to participate in this crusade against Nikador, and what their intentions might be, we can't make any guarantees or decisions on their behalf. You'll have to wait until they get here to ask them yourselves."
The moment Phainon heard Stelle agree, a smile of pure, unadulterated joy erupted across his face. He immediately bowed low. "That's wonderful! Thank you, all of you! Okhema and the Chrysos Heirs will never forget your kindness!"
But in the wake of his elation, another piece of information from Stelle's words suddenly drilled into his mind. He froze mid-bow, his joy dissolving into sheer, uncomprehending surprise.
He repeated her words, his voice halting. "Wait, wait a minute! Stelle, did you just say… five companions… who are about to arrive?"
He had been completely unaware of this. His eyes widened in astonishment. "You… you have more companions who can come to Amphoreus?"
"Yep!" Stelle nodded with a matter-of-fact expression, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. "They should be here around tomorrow! Ms. Aglaea already approved their request to visit. We also agreed to keep their identities as visitors from beyond the heavens a secret for now."
She didn't seem to think there was anything strange about it at all.
Phainon stood there, trying to process this stunning news, momentarily speechless. He hadn't expected that other visitors from beyond the sky could arrive, let alone five at once. This completely defied his understanding of the "Sky Blockade," but he quickly regained his composure. No matter who the newcomers were, since they were Stelle's companions, they were unlikely to be malicious.
He swiftly composed his expression and replied with solemnity, "I see… Regardless of whether your companions are willing to lend a hand, Okhema will fulfill its duties as a host. We will properly entertain all guests who have come from afar. Please rest assured on this point."
With the important conversation concluded, Phainon explained the simple method for leaving the Core of Creation. After ensuring they understood, he took his leave, needing to organize the new information and discuss the next steps with Aglaea and Tribbie.
Dan Heng and Stelle, having grasped the technique, were about to concentrate and depart when March 7th hastily called out to them. "Hey, hey! You two, wait a moment!"
They turned back to see March holding her precious camera, angling for the perfect shot of the twelve magnificent constellation totems and the vast, swirling entrance to the Hollow in the distance.
March's tone was filled with mock complaint. "Seriously, we're in front of such a spectacular and memorable sight, and I haven't even finished taking pictures yet! Aren't you going to get a souvenir photo? Who knows when we'll be able to come back here again!"
Dan Heng and Stelle exchanged a look, sharing a helpless smile. They had no choice but to patiently stand still and wait.
March 7th excitedly ran back and forth, selecting the best angles, capturing the ancient, mysterious totems, the brilliant starry backdrop, and the grand plaza, one by one, into her camera's memory. She kept muttering to herself, "This composition is good," and, "The lighting is perfect here."
Only after she had taken enough photos to fill several albums did March 7th finally run back with a satisfied grin. "Alright, alright! We can go now!"
The three then focused their minds in unison. Their consciousnesses gently withdrew, and the scene before them rippled like the surface of a pond.
The next second, they were back in the luxurious and comfortable private bathhouse.
"Phew—" Stelle tilted her head back and let out a long, drawn-out sigh. She almost instantly abandoned all thoughts of 'review'and'analysis,' making a beeline for the incredibly inviting lounge chairs on the balcony.
Collapsing onto one as if she were boneless, she let out a groan of pure satisfaction. "Ahhh—it's still so comfortable here!"
She turned her head, looking at Dan Heng, who still seemed to be mulling something over, and called out lazily, "Dan Heng—don't rush to debrief! Rest for a bit, then hurry up and get on the chat group to give everyone the good news! They must be getting anxious!"
Dan Heng looked at Stelle, who had completely shifted into vacation mode, and then at March 7th, who was happily bouncing toward another lounge chair in imitation. A flicker of helplessness crossed his face.
But he had to admit, ever since they set foot in Amphoreus, they had been operating at high intensity—fighting, negotiating, exploring, and being bombarded with information. Even he was feeling a hint of mental fatigue.
'Never mind,'he thought.'The most important negotiation is complete, and the good news is indeed worth sharing immediately. A little relaxation won't hurt.'
With that, Dan Heng uncharacteristically did not refuse Stelle's suggestion. He nodded gently. "Alright."
He walked over to an empty lounge chair and sat down with a relatively elegant posture. Though he didn't collapse into it like Stelle, the tension in his shoulders visibly eased.
The three of them settled into their most comfortable positions, their consciousnesses once again sinking into the familiar interface of the chat group.
Stelle: "@Everyone! Big news! Diplomatic Master Stelle has successfully negotiated! The Okhema 'visas' are settled! Aglaea agreed to let everyone come over!"
She couldn't wait to announce the good news the second she was online.
[Zenless Zone Zero] - Ling: "Wow! Really? That's great! Stelle, you guys are amazing!"
[Genshin Impact] - Paimon: "Yay! As expected of Stelle! So efficient!"
[Zenless Zone Zero] - Wise: "You've worked hard. Was the negotiation process smooth?"
[Genshin Impact] - Lumine: "Well done."
The group was instantly flooded with cheers and praise, and a cascade of 'like' emojis scrolled past.
Stelle's vanity was thoroughly satisfied. Like a cat being petted just right, she wriggled proudly on her lounge chair.
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