Chapter 40 - 39: March 7th - Is This Just a Game? It's More Thrilling Than Our Actual Experience!

"Uncle Yang, our battle here is over." "The remaining Stellarons are yours to seal!" "We'll meet on the train later; this Trailblazing journey has been quite challenging!" "And during the final confrontation, something truly shocking occurred!" "You might have observed it from your vantage point above, but not as clearly as we experienced it firsthand." As Old Yang read each message from March 7th, he couldn't help but smile wryly. He genuinely didn't know how to explain it all. Should he say: "Your entire Trailblazing journey was crystal clear to us." "We had a continuous viewpoint following you closely, with real-time tracking." "We could even witness inner monologues and events unfolding within your mental worlds vividly!" Nope! It's best to let Himeko handle the explanation. Old Yang promptly replied, "Alright, sealing the Stellarons is my responsibility." "Remember to find Himeko; she has something important to show you." March 7th responded with a Pom-Pom emoji giving a thumbs-up. In Boulder Town... March 7th, Dan Heng, and Stelle had reported their triumphant victory to Natasha and informed her that the lockdown on both upper and lower levels would soon be lifted. This news swiftly spread through Wildfire's intelligence network. Residents of the Underworld rushed onto the streets, as if celebrating a festival. March 7th enjoyed this festive atmosphere and enthusiastically dragged Stelle and Dan Heng to various landmarks they had visited before, taking photos at each spot. Dan Heng, expressionless, spoke up, "With the restrictions between upper and lower layers lifted, we can now use the cable car to return to the Overworld." "Don't rush so much! There are still several places we haven't explored down here!" March 7th exclaimed, full of excitement. "Aren't you eager to meet Hook, Clara, and those kids again?" Dan Heng shook his head. "I'm not particularly good with children." At that moment, Stelle opened her phone. Suddenly, Stelle's smile froze. "That's...a video from Himeko?" March 7th leaned closer and grinned, "What is it? Did Ji Zi and Uncle Yang send us some praise?" "Huh? It's a video?" "Could they have recorded the process of sealing the Stellaron?" "Quick, let's open it!" Stelle was taken aback because the thumbnail showed her drawing the flame spear. However, this event occurred within a mental space akin to the cosmos—how could Himeko possibly capture such footage? Perhaps... Just a coincidence? She tapped on the video. A melodious tune instantly filled the air. The scene that unfolded... Was precisely her moment of drawing the spear within the mental world! "How is this possible?!" Stelle stood stunned, her body completely rigid. Beside her, March 7th's eyes widened, as if she too had turned to stone! Seemingly isolated from the bustling crowd and children's chatter around them, their attention was wholly captivated by the content of the video. Even Dan Heng, known for his icy demeanor, felt a ripple in his usually calm heart upon hearing the melody playing behind him. Just as he was about to inquire about the song, he noticed Stelle and March 7th staring at the phone screen with shock, already distancing themselves significantly ahead. Dan Heng furrowed his brow, subconsciously reaching for his long spear. Something about this scene felt...unsettling. He swiftly approached the two of them just as the video displayed footage of someone engaged in battle. To his surprise, it was none other than himself! "Realm of Illusion, Dream Unending." "Shatter!" The tip of the spear emerged from behind Cocolia, splattering ink across the screen like blood. Next, Stelle's image appeared on the display: [Unyielding Blaze Spear] "The spearhead ignites." "Spear of flames, charge forth!" Flames seemed to leap out from the screen, forming a colossal pillar that soared towards the sky! "Is this...a game...?" Dan Heng observed some typical gaming elements on the interface but still couldn't be certain due to the striking realism and additional special effects. "Was this recorded during our fight with Cocolia?" Stelle asked, puzzled. "No way! Our actual battle wasn't anything like this!" "What's going on with this video? Could Ji Zi be messing with us by creating something like this?" "But let's be honest, your combat scenes look seriously epic!" "And me, what about me? Am I in there too?" "Ji Zi wouldn't forget about me, would she?!" As soon as these words were spoken... March 7th indeed took action. "Stand still now; I'll bless you right away." [Shield Boost] "Huh?" "What?" "Just that?" "Why do both of you look so cool?! Why can't I just add some buffs like this?" March 7th pouted, feeling quite disheartened by the stark contrast between her abilities and theirs. Dan Heng's gaze turned serious, and he said sternly, "Quiet down, March. "We're approaching a crucial moment." March sulkily puffed out her cheeks, seeking sympathy from Stelle with pleading eyes. However, her best friend completely ignored her, fully absorbed in the unfolding video scene. "I shall personally forge a magnificent new world!!" Cocolia unleashed the concentrated meteorite in her hand, accompanied by an immediate shift to vocal background music. A shudder ran through Dan Heng's body. Stelle's pupils contracted sharply, and the hairs on her back stood up! March 7th's face was filled with shock, as if she had seen a ghost! After a long moment, the trio gradually recovered from their astonishment. "Is-this...this a game?" "The combat scenes..." "It feels even more intense than our actual battles!"