Chapter 37 - 36: The Trailblazer's Secret! A Remarkable Scene Remanifests!

Within Little Gui Zi's live stream, After a fierce battle, aided by Himeko's railgun support, the Creation Engine finally ceased its activities temporarily. However, this was just the first hurdle. Cocolia remained above the Creation Engine—the true enemy was still her! At that moment, Stelle exchanged glances with the others and began charging forward, scaling the Creation Engine's colossal steel arm like a bridge. "I'll cover you!" Bronya swiftly eliminated each monster blocking their path with precise shots. Suddenly, the Creation Engine reactivated, its arm tilting vertically, causing Stelle to inevitably slide downward. Several ghostly blue butterflies fluttered past them. In response, Seele transformed into a blur and rushed upwards. "Grab onto me!" Their hands locked together as they swung around like a pendulum, using this momentum to propel Stelle higher onto the next level of the Creation Engine. Finally, at the pinnacle of the highest point, Dan Heng thrust his spear into a gap, serving as a crucial fulcrum! This sequence of moves flowed seamlessly, leaving Guinaifen utterly speechless! Overwhelmed with excitement, she couldn't help but burst into applause. "Our Star Rail protagonist is insanely cool!" "Their coordination is impeccable!" "Cocolia, where do you think you're running now?" "That combo move was insane! It's got me fired up!" At the shoulder of the Creation Engine, Stelle finally confronted Cocolia. Wasting no time, Cocolia enveloped herself with ice and snow, swiftly acquiring a new form. Thorns made of icy crystals covered her body, while her skin turned as dark as the night sky, barely retaining any semblance of humanity. Her voice resonated from within this transformed shell: "Listen... Feel the surge of power... Hear it singing..." "The promise granted to me by the Stellaron is the sole hope for this world..." "Seven hundred years ago, it expelled the Antimatter Legion—and today, it will erase your existence as well!" Guinaifen was utterly astounded. She had initially expected this final battle to be between humans. Instead, upon reaching the scene, it had become a confrontation between humans and colossal robots. Now, having finally confronted Cocolia, they discovered she could even transform! This new appearance alone exuded an overwhelming presence that left viewers breathless, evoking a sense akin to challenging divine beings themselves! The rapid background music, combined with the howling winds, instilled a feeling of tension and despair among all watching players. In reality, the situation wasn't far off! At this point, only the protagonist remained to fight alone, without teammates, support, or backup roles. [Cocolia, Mother of Delusions] still retained her weaknesses to Fire, Lightning, and Quantum attributes as a boss. With each attack dealing merely hundreds of damage, the protagonist couldn't break through Cocolia's elemental shields. "How can we defeat her?!?" As Guinaifen watched their health bar steadily deplete, knowing there were more stages to Cocolia's transformation, she felt close to tears. "This is impossible to beat!" "Could it be scripted for a plot twist?" "The Astral Express Crew's trailblazing journey can't fail here, right? So even the game storyline has been crafted this way." "I refuse to give up! Is there anyone who can help us?" Cocolia had completed her charge. Before her, a shimmering ring of frost materialized and condensed fully. She began her execution proclamation: "Humans... always weak and foolish, ever overestimating themselves." "Let me bestow upon you despair!" In that instant, Guinaifen and all watching players held their breaths, hearts seemingly skipping a beat! The ice spear launched from Cocolia's hand, piercing straight through Stelle's chest. With defiance, Stelle closed her eyes as her indestructible bat slipped from her grasp, and she fell from the Creation Engine's shoulder. Guinaifen was stunned, tears glistening in her eyes. The stream chat fell completely silent! No one anticipated such a turn of events! However, in the very next second... Stelle's closed eyes opened again, finding herself in a peculiar space. Guinaifen jolted, her grief instantly replaced by surprise and awe! The battle wasn't over yet! All the viewers realized this moment marked the climax of the storyline! This marked the pivotal turning point of the battle. Everyone held their breath, not daring to blink. The whistling wind, Cocolia's declaration, and the tense music all faded away momentarily. A serene silence enveloped them, allowing one to hear their own heartbeat. "Is this...the universe?" Stelle looked around. She saw nebulae, meteorites, and asteroid belts scattered across the void. At the very center, ahead of her, something resembling entwined tree roots stretched out, encasing a striking crimson light that pierced the heavens, drawing immediate attention. "I was just fighting with Cocolia, so why am I here...?" "...Last time I came here, Nanook glanced at me briefly. Could it be..." Unconsciously, she began walking towards the radiant presence before her. Moments ago, it had been a life-or-death struggle, but now she found herself traversing through an ethereal, otherworldly space. The stark contrast between these two extremes sent shivers down Guinaifen's spine, causing goosebumps to rise on her skin. As she walked, scenes from Belobog unfolded around her like phantoms, showcasing events as they transpired. Whether it was her military guards, former friends, or even her own daughter, Cocolia had chosen a path of indifference and secrecy. Step by step, they arrived at this present moment. Unconsciously, Guinaifen found herself near the spiraling tree roots. There stood a young girl. "This city is weeping... The power of Preservation is fading." "In the end... we could not withstand the will of the Stellaron." The girl's name was [Will of the Protector]. It seemed to be a re-manifestation of some spirit and intent. Continuing with her ethereal voice, she said, "...but we have no right to blame anyone." "For the past seven centuries, the rift has relentlessly expanded every second. What we leave for our successors... is neither faith nor wealth, but boundless despair. "Witnessing the home under the vow of Preservation gradually disappear before our eyes... is a torment. Coupled with those persistent, seductive whispers..." "Even the most steadfast will cannot escape wavering; this day is destined to arrive. His protection... is fated to leave us." ["—There will always be those who remain unshaken."] Guinaifen decisively chose this option. "You—" "A mere passerby, yet determined to shoulder the fate of an entire world..." "Well then. What more do I have to lose...? And what is there left not to try?" "Touch the glow of Amber, Trailblazer. See if the will you [Preserve] within your heart is strong enough... strong enough to attract Their gaze." The little girl's gaze fixed on the radiant light at the center. At the base of the glowing aura lay the riding spear. No longer obscured by ice and snow, it revealed its true colors—an amber-like shaft and a handle forged from black basalt. Red light swirled around it like dancing flames. Approaching the spear, Stelle's eyes gradually hardened with resolve. She extended her hand and grasped the spear's handle. In that instant, players across the universe held their breaths! Guinaifen clenched the game controller tightly, almost to the point of cracking it with sheer force. It felt as though she were gripping the defiant Amber Spear herself! Inside Herta Space Station, numerous players watched the live stream on large screens. Asta had thoughtfully arranged ample seating, ensuring everyone could comfortably follow the unfolding narrative from their chairs. However, at this moment— Everyone involuntarily stood up, captivated! Involuntarily, all the researchers stood up as one, their eyes intensely fixed on the screen! They yearned to leap into it and witness this extraordinary moment firsthand! Inside the train carriage, Himeko's gaze was deep and contemplative. Her slender fingers rested against her chest, momentarily forgetting to move, reflecting the fantastical scene unfolding before her eyes! Such sights were unimaginable, never seen in reality! Within that brief instant, Stelle's mental world had experienced such a surreal and awe-inspiring journey! Without witnessing the game's storyline, how could one truly grasp its essence?