Chapter 36 - 35: The Game Mirrors Reality!

At this moment, the entire internet was focused on the climactic battle unfolding on Jarilo-VI! However, what most people didn't realize was that beyond the game, the real-world conflict was happening simultaneously—virtually live! "Bronya! I don't know exactly what transpired between you and them. Even if you explained it here, I probably wouldn't grasp those complex matters. But there are two things I am certain about— "First, these guys went through immense hardship to reach this place solely to seal away something called the 'Stellaron.'" "Secondly, do you remember what I said before? If anything happens to you, I'll definitely come save you." "So, understand this: Even if that woman brainwashed you and made you forget our pact completely—I will knock you out and bring you back!" As Seele delivered her forceful declaration, Bronya faced the most crucial decision of her life. After a moment... Bronya's gaze grew resolute. "Cocolia, thank you for everything." "But... I'm sorry, Mother. This time, I cannot stand by your side." "You said the depths of human nature are filled with foolishness and cowardice, which might be true—desperation can reveal the darkest parts of one's heart." "...But you overlooked those who strive to survive and fight amidst despair. I've witnessed their shining light on the Frontline, in the Underworld, and in the corners you disregarded." "Our ancestors built this city with their own hands, striving to preserve civilization amidst raging storms. Even if this world is destined to crumble, the path leading to its end should be paved by humanity itself— "—not by surrendering fate to this seed of calamity!" "Wow...wow..." "Help me! These two are just too shippable!" "Bronya's speech was absolutely brilliant!" "I'm fired up now, bros!" "They're finally about to clash!" After listening to Bronya's speech, Cocolia's face was completely devoid of emotion. Guinaifen anxiously watched the scene unfold before her, palms sweating slightly. If this truly mirrored events happening in reality... She still hoped that at this crucial moment, Cocolia would come to her senses. Even with her mind corrupted by the Stellaron, Guinaifen didn't believe Cocolia's love for Bronya could be feigned. Having experienced immense pain herself, she did not wish to witness such heartache again. However, some things are ultimately unavoidable. Following a low whisper from the Stellaron, Cocolia spoke, "I see... Your choice is... indeed so. I understand now, Bronya." "What a pity... Unfortunately, you won't get to see the beautiful new world. You couldn't break free from the shackles of your thoughts... Did you know? You were meant to be... the 'Mother' of the new world." As Cocolia finished speaking, the ground began to tremble incessantly. A mass of frost appeared in her hand, transforming into an icy spear. "Without breaking from the old, there can be no path to the new." "As the Great Guardian, I command you to arise— "—the Creation Engine!" An enormous mechanical claw extended behind Cocolia as a colossal robot emerged from beneath the snow, towering like a mountain. Red lights illuminated its face, and steel arms swept towards the crowd below with unstoppable force! Cocolia, wielding the ice spear, hovered beside the Creation Engine, gazing down upon them. [Battle Commencement] Guinaifen licked her lips, exclaiming, "This battle isn't quite what I imagined!" "Do we stand a chance against that Creation Engine?" "And hey... weren't you supposed to abandon Preservation's power for the Stellaron, Cocolia? Still relying on The Architect's strength, huh? You're such a hypocrite!" In the live stream chat, comments flooded in agreement, echoing "Indeed." Meanwhile, aboard the Astral Express... Himeko was extremely busy at that moment! On one screen, satellite imagery of Jarilo-VI displayed. Stelle, March 7th, Dan Heng, Bronya, and Seele were engaged in fierce combat against Cocolia and the Creation Engine amidst the silver snowfields. Alongside icy blasts and swirling blizzards, occasional explosions lit up with massive bursts of fire. Welt had already descended below. Thus, the responsibility to oversee the train and advance the game's storyline fell entirely on Himeko. Although the battles unfolding on both fronts differed, they now reached the same critical juncture simultaneously! Remarkably! Just as Himeko activated the railgun, the exact sequence appeared within the game! Her hands trembled involuntarily, heart rate quickening slightly. It felt as though she were controlling reality—an inexplicably surreal sensation! Suddenly, the satellite feed showed Stelle being struck by Cocolia from atop the Creation Engine, engulfed in a violent flurry of wind and snow. Himeko's palms instantly grew clammy. However, in the very next instant... Suddenly, Stelle reappeared at the center of the battlefield, wielding a long spear engulfed in raging flames. Compared to her earlier demeanor, it was like witnessing a completely different person! "That spear... It's The Architect's weapon..." "Not only has it been unfrozen, but now it's ablaze?" "What exactly happened in that instant?" Himeko shifted her gaze towards another part of the screen. At this moment, the game entered a pivotal narrative sequence, showcasing an animated battle scene. Her expression turned grave. "It must be at this critical juncture!" She had a premonition! Much like their encounter with the Doomsday Beast last time, she anticipated that from Stelle's perspective, they would witness another extraordinary experience within her mental world!