Isn't this just having lowered perception applied?
Could it really be because of me?! Tian An came to a conclusion.
"It probably isn't just that perception was lowered, it might have been confused as well," Tian An replied.
"Confused senses?" Hearing Tian An speak, March 7th wore a puzzled expression.
"Yes. From the moment we entered that space, your senses should have been confused or tampered with," Tian An answered. "I feel like it's connected to this train cabin..."
"Let's put that aside for now. By the way, where did Pom-Pom go?" Dan Heng had just done a lap and hadn't seen that short figure anywhere.
"He drank my special coffee earlier, he should be in the conductor's room now..." Himeko said, sounding slightly apologetic.
Coffee? Ah, then never mind.
"So, does that mean only Theresia wasn't affected?" Himeko mused. "Strange, very strange."
Let's broaden our perspective. Since the Express was moving in a loop within that space, perhaps that hibernation pod was too? Was it really waiting for the Astral Express to arrive?
How Tian An wished the power within her body possessed a soul, something that could emerge and help her answer these questions.
"Regardless, at least we've escaped that space. The Express has resumed its normal course towards our original destination, the Herta Space Station," Himeko stated. "For the time being, let's just observe carefully. Don't let these things disrupt our lives."
"So we're just ignoring that space?" March 7th asked worriedly. "What if other people get pulled into it?"
"Little March... there's nothing we can do about that, at least not right now. Before exploring something unknown, we must be fully prepared. We couldn't even free ourselves from that space's influence," Himeko explained gently.
"Oh, okay then," March 7th replied, sounding a little downcast.
"However, I promise you, after we reach the Herta Space Station and deliver the commission, I will talk to Ms. Herta. With her knowledge, she should know the truth behind that bizarre space," Himeko said. This wasn't just her train; she was responsible for the safety of everyone on board, not someone who would rush headlong into things without considering the consequences. The Express crew were good people, but they weren't idiots.
"It's okay, I trust you, Himeko-jiejie," March 7th said, scratching her head. "Miss Theresia, if anything else unusual happens, please remember to tell us, okay?"
"Mm, okay," Tian An answered instantly. Perfectly docile face.JPG
"Alright, it's getting late. Everyone should head back and rest. I'm going to check on our little Conductor," Himeko waved her hand, turned off the holographic screen, and addressed the group.
"I'll go with you. The Archives are mostly sorted out. It's too early to go back, I'd just be idle," Dan Heng stood up to join her.
"I'll just monitor the Express's condition for a while, in case another incident occurs," Welt remained seated on the sofa, seemingly engrossed in his phone.
Are you really monitoring the train, Uncle Yang...?
"Then Theresia and I will head back first!" March 7th announced.
"Goodnight, Little March."
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
"Mm-hmm, no scary fourth voice this time," March 7th chirped, happily bouncing as she led Tian An towards the bedroom.
They're all working, does that make me look like a slacker...? Ah well, March 7th is keeping me company anyway.
"Oh, right, right! Theresia, can you show me the angel smile again!" Reaching the bedroom door, March 7th suddenly turned around, grinning.
"Angel smile?" Tian An pointed at herself, confused.
"Yes! That one! The way you smiled at us before, it was so beautiful!"
Though Tian An didn't quite understand which smile she meant, she did her best to curl her lips upwards, then formed a heart shape with her hands.
"Like this?"
Click~
"Perfect! Theresia looks prettiest when she smiles!" March 7th's camera clicked several more times. Tian An was half afraid she'd make the camera freeze up.
"Come on, let's take one together! Tomorrow, I'll introduce you to the cabins and the rest of the crew," March 7th invited Theresia, holding the camera up high.
No need, I already know everyone. Tian An thought this internally but didn't say it aloud. While she was interested in the plot, she hadn't played for a long time, so there were many story details she didn't know or had forgotten.
"Cheese!"
Click~
March 7th received a buff: HP Recovery +30%!
"Well then, welcome back to our little nest!" March 7th grandly opened the bedroom door, although Tian An had already seen everything inside.
"Let's deal with these things tomorrow. For today, let's just rest," March 7th declared, promptly diving onto the bed and rolling back and forth.
"Um... then I'll grab a sheet," Tian An agreed.
"Grab a sheet? Why grab a sheet?" March 7th stopped rolling, looking perplexed.
"Aren't I sleeping on the floor?"
"Why would you sleep on the floor? We'll sleep together! There's no reason to make a guest sleep on the floor," March 7th grabbed Tian An's hand and pulled her down to sit on the bed.
"But..."
"Could it be... Theresia-jiejie dislikes me~?" March 7th put on a pitiful expression, her tone whiny and fragile.
"No, absolutely not!" Tian An quickly waved her hands in denial.
"Hehe, that's good then! This bed is huge, don't worry about it being troublesome," March 7th said, conveniently forgetting her earlier antics on the bed.
Uh... just don't strangle me in your sleep. Tian An pondered inwardly.
She didn't even notice that her hand had reached out and was now stroking March 7th's head. March 7th didn't resist, instead just fiddling with her phone, letting Tian An pet her.
Oh no, have I started treating March 7th like that certain bunny? Though March 7th was wonderful, everyone is irreplaceable! Wait, speaking of replacing... aren't I kind of replacing someone right now...? No, no, no, how can the actions of a scholar be called 'replacing'? This is about carrying forward Teacher Xiao Te's spirit!
Unconsciously, Tian An seemed to have retreated into her inner world again. Or perhaps, she had always been living within the confines of her internal actions, pleading for someone to lead her out...
"Theresia... my head's going to go bald..." March 7th mumbled, her head swaying from the petting. It felt nice, but her hairstyle was getting messed up.
"Sorry, I didn't notice. March 7th is just too cute," Tian An chuckled, lowering her hand.
"So, will Theresia-jiejie sleep together with the cute March 7th?" March 7th asked.
Having such a lively little sister is actually quite nice.
"Mm, okay," Tian An agreed.
———————————————————
The night is still long, the road is still far. We don't need to pursue the value of our current selves so intensely. Instead, let your feelings take flight, search for the connection you truly desire.
May you have a good night...