Chapter 97: Setting Off Alone

Meanwhile, in the lobby of the inn, Ms. Welt considered the device in her hand for a long moment, her brow furrowed in thought. Finally, she handed the communication terminal back to March 7th.

“The situation is certainly unusual,” she conceded, her voice low and measured. “And it’s more than just the typical energy interference from the Stellaron.”

“However, our primary objective remains tracking down Kafka. The communication issues can be reported to the Sky-Faring Commission or the General’s office later.”

“Everyone, take this time to rest and check your equipment. We will gather back here in one standard system hour to map out a specific route of action.”

Upon hearing this, Mr. Tingyun immediately brought his hands together in a respectful gesture, a disarmingly charming smile gracing his lips.

“That sounds wonderful. Benefactors, please rest and recuperate with peace of mind. Should you have any needs, or when you decide to set off, feel free to contact me via your jade signs at any time. For now, I shall take my leave to scout for the latest rumors for you all.”

With a final, graceful bow, he departed from the inn.

The rest of the group dispersed, each collecting their room key and heading off.

Chen returned to his own guest room and slid the door shut, but he didn’t immediately follow the order to rest. He walked to the window, his gaze drifting over the ancient, starlit streets of the Luofu as his mind began to race.

‘Sticking with the main group is the safe, sensible option,’he mused.’But “sensible” is also a synonym for “boring.” And with so many eyes on me, certain… operations… would be far too inconvenient to pull off. Besides, I’ve already played through this part of the plot once. There’s no need to sit through a rerun.’

Having settled on a course of action, Chen organized his thoughts and pushed the door open.

As he stepped out, he happened to see Ms. Welt in a quiet corner of the lobby, speaking in low tones with the innkeeper. It seemed she was confirming the local security situation and the layout of the nearby facilities.

“Aunt Yang,” Chen called out, approaching her.

Ms. Welt looked up from her conversation. “What is it, Chen? Not taking a rest?”

“Aunt Yang, I have an idea,” Chen said, lowering his voice and adopting a serious tone. “I’d like to request permission to operate independently.”

He quickly added, “Of course, I’ll keep my communications open and report my status at all times. I absolutely won’t venture into any known dangerous areas, and if I find anything, I’ll notify everyone immediately.”

Ms. Welt’s gaze was steady and searching. She knew that while Chen could be flighty and irreverent at times, he wasn’t one to be reckless when it came to important matters. He also seemed to have a surprising number of life-saving tricks up his sleeve. Though she couldn’t guess his exact motive, she trusted he had his reasons.

“Acting alone carries a much higher risk, Chen,” Ms. Welt’s tone turned stern. “Are you sure about this?”

“I’m sure, Aunt Yang,” Chen replied with a firm nod. “I know what I’m doing.”

Ms. Welt scrutinized him for a few more seconds before finally letting out a soft sigh and nodding.

“Very well. But you must adhere to a few rules. First, do not approach any known dangerous areas. Second, if you encounter the Stellaron Hunters or any threat you cannot handle, your priority is to retreat and call for help immediately. Do not try to be a hero. Can you do that?”

“I can! I guarantee the mission will be completed!” Chen snapped back a response, a thrill of delight running through him.

“Good. Go on, then. Be careful,” Ms. Welt said, waving a dismissive hand.

Chen was just about to turn and slip away when he saw a figure standing at the inn’s entrance. It was Qiong. She was staring straight at him, having clearly overheard their entire conversation.

“Chen,” she asked, her feet already taking an unconscious step toward him. “Where are you going?”

Chen’s heart skipped a beat. ‘Oh no. I can’t let the main character wander off stage!’

According to the original plot, Qiong was the central figure. She needed to stick with the main group to trigger all the important events. Not to mention, if he brought her along, many of his own little side-projects would become impossible to manage.

“Precious Qiong,” Chen cooed, instantly plastering a warm, placating smile on his face. He walked over and gave her a gentle pat on the head. “I’m just going to scout around the area and gather some information. I’ll be back before you know it. You should stay here and protect Aunt Yang and March, okay? They need you.”

Qiong just shook her head, her hand shooting out to grab the corner of his coat. “Together.”

“Not this time, Precious Qiong,” Chen said, his tone turning earnest as he launched into his bluff. “Look, Aunt Yang and March 7th are here. What if some bad guys or Mara-Struck try to sneak in? You’re so powerful; everyone will only feel safe if you’re here to hold down the fort. Besides, I’m going on a secret investigation. If there are too many people, it’s easier to get spotted.”

He leaned in, conspiratorially lowering his voice, his eyes wide with feigned sincerity. “I promise you, I won’t go anywhere dangerous. And as soon as I find anything, I’ll come right back and tell you, okay?”

He blinked, his voice dropping to a tempting whisper. “When I get back, I’ll bring you the best Milk Cake on the entire Luofu! You know, the one Mr. Tingyun was talking about!”

Qiong stared into Chen’s eyes, then glanced over at Ms. Welt, who was still speaking with the innkeeper. She seemed to be wavering, swayed by the combined appeal of guarding the fort and the promise of Milk Cake, but her grip on his clothes didn’t loosen.

“Be good, Precious Qiong,” Chen said softly, gently prying her fingers from his coat and patting the back of her hand. “I promise, it’ll be quick.”

Finally, Qiong slowly let go. She gave a small nod, her voice a whisper. “…Come back quickly.”

“Definitely!”

A wave of relief washed over Chen, as if he’d just been granted a grand pardon. He gave her hair another affectionate ruffle, shot a meaningful glance toward Ms. Welt, then turned and quickly slipped out of the inn. His figure soon vanished into the rising twilight of the Luofu’s streets.

Qiong stood rooted to the spot, staring in the direction he had disappeared for a long time without moving.

Ms. Welt walked over and gently put an arm around her shoulder. “Don’t worry about him. That kid is very clever. We should go and get ready ourselves.”

Meanwhile, Chen, walking alone through the bustling streets of the Luofu, was filled with a bubbling sense of excitement and anticipation.

‘Alright,’he thought, a grin spreading across his face.’Free time starts now!”So, where to first?”According to my memory, Kafka might be… hmm, maybe I’ll check around the Exalting Sanctum first? Who knows, maybe I’ll even run into Guinaifen.’

[Elysian’s Note:

Having a good time with the story?

Every single bit helps immensely:

Thanks a ton for making this journey possible!]