Master Gongshu cleared his throat and, mimicking Giovanni's tone with dramatic cadence, recited, "The Luofu's anchor sinks deep in the Sea of Stars, but is the damage to the ship's hull caused by the Abominations of Abundance, or the Sins of Desire you've indulged for eight hundred years?—That's what the gentleman said."
March was utterly baffled. She blinked her large eyes and asked confusedly, "Master Gongshu, what does that mean? I don't understand it at all."
Master Gongshu shrugged helplessly. "I don't know either. I'm afraid you'll have to figure it out yourselves. The Luofu's hull is perfectly fine. If there were really a problem, how could we at the Artisanship Commission not repair it? So, I also find his words quite baffling."
Daziel's brow furrowed deeply as he sank into thought.
This sentence carries a lot of information. "'The Luofu's anchor sinks deep in the Sea of Stars'" – this likely refers to a problem with the Luofu's foundation or something critically important.
"'Is the damage to the ship's hull caused by the Abominations of Abundance, or the Sins of Desire you've indulged for eight hundred years?'" This part feels more like a metaphor. 'Abominations of Abundance' could be understood as internal threats, while the 'Sins of Desire nurtured for eight hundred years' sounds more like an external issue, perhaps some long-accumulated flaw or hidden danger.
It seems this Giovanni knows some secrets... Daziel mused internally. He specifically had Master Gongshu relay this message; there must be a reason.
He looked up, bowed respectfully to Master Gongshu, and said sincerely, "Thank you, Master Gongshu. In that case, we'll take our leave now."
"Mm, go on, go on," Master Gongshu waved dismissively, watching Daziel and March depart.
After leaving Cloudford, March couldn't help asking, "Daziel, who do you think that Giovanni guy really is? I can't understand a single one of his riddles."
Daziel shook his head. "Judging by the mask he wears, I suspect he might be an Elation Pathstrider, but beyond that, I don't know..."
March put her hands on her hips, puffed out her cheeks, and declared indignantly, "Ugh... this feeling of being manipulated is so frustrating! You said before there was no point asking him directly, but next time we meet him, I'm definitely going to ask!"
"Oink! Oink!" The Topaz spirit grunted a few times, shaking its head in agreement with March.
"Let's just head back and rest for today, Daziel," March stretched lazily and yawned. "Tomorrow, we'll head to the next stop—'Herta Space Station's Decisive Paradise'."
"Alright, it's about time we headed back," Daziel nodded.
On the way back, the two were walking along normally.
Suddenly, March seemed to notice something. She nudged Daziel lightly with her elbow and whispered, "Hey, Daziel, look over there—those Corporation employees, the way they're looking at us is weird, don't you think? Could there be trouble?"
Daziel followed her gaze and saw several employees in Interastral Peace Corporation uniforms standing nearby, staring intently at them. Their eyes held a look of... fanaticism?
Looking at them, Daziel's expression turned strange. Aren't these guys the low-budget Team Rocket knockoffs from the original story? Oh, what should they be called here... the Topaz Fan Club? I thought they wouldn't show up in this timeline, but it seems what's meant to happen will happen... Daziel couldn't help but complain internally.
The group opposite didn't give Daziel much time to think. Before Daziel or March could react, the Corporation employees strode towards them menacingly.
"Hahahaha! I knew we'd find you here!" one of the aggressive-looking employees shouted, laughing exaggeratedly.
"We knew we'd find you! You little brats from the Astral Express!" another vicious-looking employee chimed in. "The battle data from your match with Champion Candidate Serval already exposed you! Hand over that Warp Trotter you have, nice and easy, and it'll be better for both of us."
"Huh? Who are you guys?! Why do you sound like you're performing crosstalk? We haven't done anything to you, have we?" March looked utterly bewildered, hands on her hips as she questioned them. "And calling us 'little brats from the Astral Express'? What gives your Corporation the nerve?"
"Listen up! We are members of the 'Topaz Fan Club'!" the aggressive employee declared proudly. "That Warp Trotter is incredibly important to Director Topaz! We must get our hands on it!"
"We must get our hands on it!" the vicious employee echoed. "We have to gather all the strongest Aether Spirits in the universe and give them to the Director. That way, she can achieve consecutive victories at the Festival!"
Hearing this, Daziel's expression shifted.
While March was arguing with the two employees, he silently moved behind the Topaz spirit.
Then, unnoticed by anyone else, Daziel's hand lightly landed on Topaz's perky rear, giving it a gentle pat. Simultaneously, in a voice only Topaz could hear, he whispered, "Look at you, unable to keep your subordinates in check. You're in for it tonight."
"Hmph! Hmph!" Topaz's body trembled slightly, the sound seeming like anticipation mixed with a shiver.
These idiots would never guess that their goddess, the champion of the previous Interastral Tournament Festival, is actually this Warp Trotter.
And furthermore, because of the reckless actions of these simps, Topaz is going to get fiercely 'infused' tonight.
If they knew the truth, would they kneel and beg me to be gentle?
The thought made Daziel chuckle inwardly.
Daziel stepped forward, cleared his throat, and announced loudly, "It seems you villain-types aren't very well-informed. If you want my powerful Aether Spirit to contribute to Topaz, why would you want this," he gestured vaguely, "instead of just a pig?"
As he spoke, Daziel took a coin from his pocket and tossed it lightly upwards.
The coin traced an arc through the air, and at its zenith, it suddenly erupted in blinding light.
When the light faded, a massive Mother of Deception, easily over ten meters long, stood menacingly before them.
The Mother of Deception let out a low roar, and immense pressure instantly blanketed the area.
"Wh-What is that? Holy crap, does an Aether Spirit of this level even exist?!" The aggressive employee turned pale with fright, his voice trembling.
"Ahhhhhh, we're gonna die, we're definitely gonna die!" The vicious employee collapsed straight onto the ground, legs shaking uncontrollably.
Daziel shot them both a contemptuous look. Seriously? It's just data in a virtual game. Do you need to be this dramatic? Addicted to cosplaying Team Rocket, are we?
He walked over to the Mother of Deception, patted her side gently, signaling her to retract her aura. Cocolia obediently lowered her head, the light around her dimming as she shrank back into Daziel's coin.
"Well? Still want it?" Daziel toyed with the coin, looking at the two Corporation employees with a half-smile.
"N-No...!" The aggressive employee waved his hands frantically, cold sweat already beading on his forehead.
"We... we're leaving..." The vicious employee scrambled up from the ground, grabbed his companion, and they stumbled away from the scene.
"Tch, boring. Didn't even need to fight," Daziel clicked his tongue, putting the coin away. Still, have to admit, using an Overlord-class Aether Spirit like this feels great. Strong stats, high intimidation factor.
Maybe I should go get another one?
Daziel looked towards the distant Alchemy Commission, the towering form of the Ambrosial Arbor faintly visible, lost in thought.
The System's voice chimed in opportunely—
[Master, I know what you're thinking. But forget about Phantylia during this 'Aetherium Wars' event. You'll get your wish during the next event, 'Foxian Tale of the Haunted'.]
"Have to wait another version update?" Hearing this, Daziel couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed.
[What? Addicted to driving big trucks already?]
Daziel nodded thoughtfully. Maybe just a little...
Night fell, sprinkling the sky with stars.
It was getting late. Daziel took March back to Belobog.
Goethe Hotel, inside their room.
Round one was over. March slept soundly.
Daziel sat on the bed, meditating with his eyes closed.
Suddenly, he felt a soft touch against his back. Slender arms wrapped around him, gently embracing his waist.
"Topaz?" Daziel opened his eyes, asking softly.
"...Mmm," Topaz's voice came from behind him, carrying a trace of laziness and... anticipation.
"Those fan club members of yours are certainly enthusiastic," Daziel's lips curved upwards slightly, his tone teasing.
"Hmph, I never acknowledged having a fan club like them," Topaz didn't answer directly, merely burying her head against Daziel's back and nuzzling him slightly. Having spent so much time cosplaying the Warp Trotter, Topaz had gradually adapted to this kind of interaction.
"Even if you say that, you can't escape tonight's punishment, you know," Daziel turned, pulling Topaz into his arms, a playful glint in his eyes.
"I... I never said I wanted to escape..." Topaz's voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz, an alluring blush creeping onto her cheeks.
"Oh? Is that so?" Daziel lowered his head, whispering into Topaz's ear, "Then I... won't hold back. Remember to keep it down, don't wake March."
"...Mm..."
The atmosphere in the room instantly became charged…
Daziel's round two commenced!
The night continued with Daziel filling every hole with topaz—not even her tight mouth escaped being used as a fuck hole.
In the heat of the moment, the topaz ended up spurting onto poor March, who woke up murmuring, still drowsy.
"Daziel, close the window, it's raining…"
…
Climax!
[Target Topaz's Corruption Value increased by 2%]
[Topaz Current Corruption Value: 100%]
[Mission Complete. 'Anime Volume' reward has been delivered. Please check.]
[Anime Volume: Watermelon Belly, High-Pressure "Water" Gun, Sky-Filling "Rain" are no longer just dreams!]
[Congratulations, Master, on obtaining your Second Personal Treasure. The marking on Topaz's stomach is now complete.]
The next day arrived. Daziel and March reached the next Decisive Paradise—Herta Space Station.
As soon as they arrived, March's gaze instantly locked onto a familiar figure, a hint of displeasure crossing her face.
"Look, isn't that Mr. Giovanni?" she said, raising her voice slightly, her clear tone laced with complaint. "Of course, we run into him again! Always sneaking around ahead of us, then making those champion candidates deliver messages after we're done. I can't stand it!"
"Daziel, don't stop me." She turned her head, her azure eyes looking at Daziel beside her with a hint of petulance. "Let me go ask him myself. I want to see exactly what game he's playing!"
Daziel looked at March's adorable, pouting face, a slight smile playing on his lips, amusement in his eyes.
"If you want to ask that badly, then go ahead." Since his little girlfriend insists, might as well let her. Perhaps an Elation Pathstrider really would lay down riddles while simultaneously telling her the answer... After all, those guys are capable of anything; you can't judge their thought processes by normal standards. Daziel was also curious to see what would happen next.
Having received Daziel's permission, March immediately strode towards Giovanni.
Giovanni seemed to notice them too. He stopped, turned around, his face still hidden behind that signature mask, preventing anyone from seeing his true expression.
His gaze fell on March walking ahead, then swept over Daziel beside her, a meaningful smile playing on his hidden lips as he spoke first, "Well, if it isn't you two. Hope you've been well. We meet again." Giovanni's voice held a deliberately casual tone, as if they were just old friends bumping into each other on the street.
March stopped in front of Giovanni, her blue eyes fixed on him, making no secret of her confusion and dissatisfaction. She got straight to the point, "Mr. Giovanni, you've been intentionally guiding us towards a certain goal all along, haven't you?"
She paused, pressing further, her tone probing, "Making the Venue Champion at each location relay messages to us... What exactly are you trying to achieve?"
"Oink oink! Oink oink?" The Topaz spirit beside them also seemed to question him.
Hearing March's direct query, Giovanni's eyes shifted slightly, but the smile remained on his masked face, seemingly unaffected.
He chuckled lightly, replying somewhat mysteriously, "Hahaha, so that's what you were concerned about." Giovanni waved his hand dismissively, as if their questions were trivial matters in his eyes. "Rest assured, you'll find out the answer to this process in the end."
Giovanni didn't answer March's question directly. Instead, his tone shifted, becoming serious. "The only thing I can guarantee you both is that I bear absolutely no ill will towards either of you." The mask hid Giovanni's expression, making it impossible to tell his sincerity as he spoke.
Daziel hadn't spoken until now. He had been quietly observing Giovanni, his sharp gaze trying to pierce through the mask and discern the true intentions hidden beneath the smile. Hearing Giovanni's guarantee, Daziel's interest was suddenly piqued.
A playful smirk touched his lips as he deliberately pressed, "Just the two of us?"
"Yes. Isn't guaranteeing no ill will towards you two enough? I can swear on this mask of mine," Giovanni emphasized again, his tone firm, as if willing to stake his Path on it. However, as everyone knows, the words of Elation Pathstriders cannot be trusted. They seem to lack any shred of credibility.
Hearing Giovanni's firm reply, March frowned slightly. Her doubts hadn't lessened; instead, they grew stronger. "You! Then what about everyone else? Belobog, the Xianzhou, Herta Space Station... they'll all be affected, won't they?" she pressed, wanting to know what roles others played in Giovanni's plan, or if they would be caught in the vortex.
Giovanni seemed unwilling to dwell on this question. He raised a hand, glanced at his watch, and feigned surprise. "Oh my, look how time flies! Forgive me, but I must be going now, you two."
Without waiting for March to ask again, Giovanni turned and bolted as if his soles were greased, his speed astonishing.
March watched Giovanni's rapidly retreating back, stomping her foot in frustration. "He just takes off again... I wonder how much of what that guy says is true and how much is false," she grumbled, a mix of helplessness and annoyance in her voice.
Just then, a somewhat lazy, yet cute voice suddenly spoke up from behind them: "Hey, that masked guy is gone now, right?" The speaker seemed to have been watching them secretly, only revealing themselves after Giovanni had left.
_____
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