Damn it, something's wrong with the gacha I got.

Jepard fell into a long silence.

His body beneath the armor was taut like a fully drawn bow, yet his eyes betrayed a hidden unease.

Chen Bai's words, like a pebble thrown into an icy lake, stirred up hidden and continuous ripples in his world of strict adherence to military rules and unquestionable principles.

As a Silvermane Iron Guardian, obeying the orders of the Great Protector Cocolia is an ingrained duty, an inviolable iron law for maintaining the order of Beloborg.

However, does the true meaning of "protection" simply mean blindly obeying orders from superiors?

On a deeper level, it is the most primal and profound promise that the son of Belloberg makes to his homeland amidst the snow and wind.

Two forces were clashing fiercely within him, and Jepard didn't know what to do next.

If that's really the case, then his actions have undoubtedly pushed Belloberg into an even more dangerous situation.

Hiluva, standing to the side, witnessed her brother's struggle.

She took a small step forward, the mechanical gloves rubbing softly against her skirt, and her next words broke the awkward silence.

“Jepard, there are some things you may not want to face, but your heart must have already sensed them. The changes in Cocolia over the years, the impact of the star core, are not without trace.”

She paused, a complex pain flashing across her eyes—a pain stemming from memories of the past she didn't want to face again.

"Why did I leave back then? Why did I insist on researching that forbidden star core, ultimately leading to our break...? It wasn't just because of differing ideals, Jepard. I saw danger, I saw that path that seemed to offer salvation but could actually lead to destruction. We stand here not for betrayal, but quite the opposite, to seize this last chance to protect our shared home, to protect everyone who lives here. This includes you, and all the Iron Guard comrades and civilians you swore to protect!"

Hiluva's gaze was fixed on her brother's hesitant eyes, and she said no more.

Now, she has done all the persuasion she could.

If her younger brother continues to be ungrateful, she wouldn't mind using her bloodline to suppress him and make him stay put.

After a long pause, Jepard took a deep breath and spoke:

"I understand. If what you're saying is false, I will arrest you on the spot!"

The solemnity and sorrow on Hiluva's face melted away as quickly as thin ice under the spring sun, replaced by a bright smile that Jepard knew all too well, a smile tinged with sullenness.

“That’s right, little Jay.”

Jepard's back, which had relaxed slightly, straightened up instantly, and his cold face darkened visibly, while his ears involuntarily flushed slightly: "Sis, don't call me that anymore."

After all, the title "Little Jeremy" is really a bit ridiculous.

Hiluva clearly ignored his protest. With her arms crossed, she leisurely enjoyed watching her brother's rare awkwardness, the corners of her mouth curving upwards even further, her tone as relaxed as if discussing the weather: "What's wrong with this nickname? It's so affectionate! I think it's quite cute, full of wonderful memories."

She even winked deliberately, doubling the teasing tone.

Jepard: "..."

He opened his mouth, but found that any righteous rebuttal seemed pale and powerless in the face of his sister's "I'm willing, what can you do about it?" expression.

A familiar feeling of helplessness, stemming from the suppression of blood, welled up in my heart.

He never flinched when facing the monsters of the Rift on the battlefield, and he never hesitated to uphold his principles in the face of government orders. But when faced with the affectionate and shrewish harassment of Hilva, all his defenses seemed to have met their nemesis.

"Never mind," he sighed almost inaudibly, the taut string in his heart finally relaxing in helplessness.

Call her whatever you want. After all, she's his own sister, and he seems to have never won in terms of bloodline dominance.

Just as the slightly strange yet warm interaction between the siblings was breaking up, Chen Bai's calm voice cut in at just the right moment, bringing the conversation back on track.

"Now that a consensus has been reached,"

His gaze swept over Jepard and Hilva, and he continued in a calm tone, "Then, we'll set off for Everwinter Ridge tomorrow; time is of the essence."

Jepard nodded: "Yes, I understand. I will pave the way for you."

After saying that, he turned around, took firm and powerful steps, pushed open the door of the perpetual motion machine shop, and left.

At this moment, March 7th let out a long sigh of relief and exaggeratedly patted his chest with his hand.

"Whew—that scared me to death!"

Her clear voice was filled with lingering fear and relief, "I thought a real fight was going to break out, and that Commander Jeppard would be so righteous as to arrest us!"

"Don't worry, my younger brother is all bark and no bite. Although he's a bit stubborn, he's not so bad at understanding situations."

Hiluva smiled and continued, "Alright, now that everything is settled, you can stay here with me tonight. I'll take this opportunity to prepare for tomorrow's battle."

At this point, she couldn't help but sigh.

She and Cocolia ultimately ended up like this; was this fate?

Chapter 33 Bronya's Resolve

Late at night, the door to the perpetual motion machine shop was suddenly pushed open, letting in a chilly blast of air.

Bronya appeared at the doorway, her usually impeccably styled silver hair now slightly disheveled, with a few strands clinging to her pale cheeks.

Her breathing was slightly rapid, and the rise and fall of her chest was particularly clear in the quiet room. Her usually calm and determined gray-purple eyes were now covered with an unusual layer of bewilderment and exhaustion.

"Bronya?" March 7th exclaimed first, quickly putting down what she was holding and rushing forward. "What's wrong? You look so pale?"

She reached out and touched Bronya's slightly cool arm. The touch conveyed not only the chill of the night but also a faint, almost imperceptible tremor.

With March 7's help, Bronya seemed to have exhausted all her strength and let herself be guided by her to slowly sit down on a chair to the side.

Bronya's fingertips unconsciously gripped the fabric at her knees, her knuckles turning slightly white.

She lowered her eyelids, her gaze falling on the empty tabletop, as if the smooth metal surface could reflect the chilling scene from not long ago.

When she opened her mouth, her voice lost its usual clear and steady tone, carrying a hint of dryness and trembling.

“I returned to Cripperburg…to see my mother.” She spoke with difficulty, each word seeming to carry a thousand pounds of weight. “At first, everything seemed the same as usual. But soon…I realized something was wrong. The way she spoke of the Star Core was no longer merely out of fear or exploitation, but a kind of…fervent identification. She showed me, no, attempted to show me the future she believed in—a path of complete fusion with the Star Core, of reshaping Beloborg with absolute will.”

Bronya looked up, her eyes still showing lingering fear, her face appearing even paler in the light.

"Not only did she walk that path herself, but she also wanted to drag me... into that cold eternity. The seductive and forceful whispers from the star core tried to entangle my will. I could almost feel my thoughts becoming slow and submissive..."

She paused, took a deep breath, as if needing to confirm the reality and freedom of this moment.

"Just as my consciousness was about to sink... it was the horse talisman that Mr. Chen Bai had given me beforehand that took effect. It suddenly became hot in my arms, and a warm power dispelled the cold whispers that were trying to invade my mind, allowing me to wake up instantly and break free."

Her shoulders relaxed slightly, a limpness born of lingering fear.

“Otherwise, I’m afraid… I wouldn’t be the Bronya you know anymore.”

At this point, a deep sadness appeared on Bronya's face.

Mother, did your heavy vow to protect Belloberg ultimately become the prelude to devouring all your reason and tenderness?

Is that so-called cold, dreamlike new world really more important than living people, the real land beneath our feet, and the bonds that once truly existed?

The whispers of the star core... what kind of illusory eternity did you promise that made you willingly offer up that heart that once held warmth for your homeland, for your people, for me... perhaps even for me, little by little, to that empty, dark blue?

Has it really... completely devoured everything in your heart?

Bronya's heart-wrenching cries went unanswered, only echoing and reverberating silently within her chest, leaving behind a chill and loneliness more piercing than the cold air of the rift.

“Bronya…”

March 7th whispered her name, her fingertips unconsciously clenching the hem of her clothes. She was always the most lively and energetic one in the team, but at this moment, looking at Bronya's drooping shoulders and tightly pursed lips, all the prepared, relaxed words stuck in her throat.

She could see a shattered light flickering in those usually firm and stern gray-blue eyes; it was a weariness and confusion that went deep into his bones.

March 7th reached out, wanting to pat her back, but hesitated in mid-air, as if afraid of disturbing the other's already taut strings. She ultimately only softened her voice, as if afraid of breaking something: "Don't be too sad..."

The air seemed to freeze for a few seconds.

At this moment, Chen Bai spoke up:

“Bronya, the future promised by the Star Core, no matter how tempting it may seem, is inevitably an illusion built on destruction and distortion. Belloborg’s future must not be like that.”

His words were like a sobering bell.

Bronya's shoulders twitched slightly, but she didn't raise her head.

Chen Bai continued, his tone becoming more cautious and gentle: "Moreover, our ultimate goal on this trip is to seal the star core, which is the core and source of all these anomalies."

He paused, then chose a more cautious but still open statement: "If we succeed and the effects of the star core are completely eliminated, then your mother... is not without the possibility of returning to normal."

"Really...really?"

Bronya finally raised her face. Tears had not completely faded from her eyes, but in the depths of that gray-blue ocean, a faint spark had been rekindled by these words.

She looked at Chen Bai not seeking empty comfort, but searching for even the smallest piece of evidence to support her as she moved forward.

“That’s a possibility.” Chen Bai didn’t give a 100% guarantee, but his frankness carried an unusual degree of credibility. “The power of the star core distorts the mind. Eliminating the source is the first step to undoing the distortion. There may only be a sliver of hope.”

"A glimmer of hope..."

Bronya repeated those four words in a low voice.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, as if trying to expel all the heaviness and coldness from her chest.

When she opened her eyes again, the unwavering determination in them, like steel that had been tempered, was once again solidified in her gaze.

“Even if there’s only a sliver of a chance,” her voice regained its strength, each word clear and resolute, “I will never give up. I will reshape Belloberg’s own future and bring my mother back.”

Looking at Bronya, who had straightened her back again, a barely perceptible hint of approval flashed across Chen Bai's face. He nodded slightly and said, "That's right. Preserve this determination and strength. What you need now is rest."

“Yes,” Bronya nodded solemnly, her gaze sweeping over Chen Bai and March 7th, her gratitude heavy and needing no further words, “Thank you… really.”

March 7th finally breathed a sigh of relief, quickly stepped forward, took Bronya's arm, and her voice regained its usual lightness and tenderness:

"Come on, I'll take you to your room to rest. Don't think about anything, you need to get some rest! Everything else..."

She turned back and winked at Chen Bai, "Let's leave it to our reliable companions!"

Chapter 34 The sound of meowing was incessant.

On that day, the Trailblazers rescue team marched to the battlefield with great pride and high spirits.

However, for some unknown reason, the monsters from the Rift Realm were frantically attacking the defensive line established by the Iron Guard.

Jepard, holding a large shield, stood on high ground, gazing at the entire battlefield.

He frowned, staring intently at the crazed monsters.

"What on earth is going on? These Rift Monsters have started to go berserk as if they received some kind of command. If this continues, the defense line will definitely collapse."

The number of Rift Monsters continues to surge, and with the current defensive strength of Beloborg, it probably won't last long.

"Jepard!"

Just then, Hiluva's voice came from behind.

He turned around and said, "Sister, you're here."

Jepard glanced around at the group of people who had come to join the fight. Among them were Chen Bai, March 7th, Xing, Dan Heng, Natasha, Seele, and Bronya.

"Hmm, I heard that the defenses here were attacked by rift creatures today? How is the situation?"

Hiluva nodded and asked.

"The situation is not optimistic. I don't know why these monsters have been attacking the defense line since early this morning, and their numbers are increasing. I'm afraid our defense line won't hold for long. Moreover, the road to Everwinter Ridge is already full of Rift creatures. It's very dangerous there. Sister, do you still want to go?"

Jepard said with a worried expression.

After all, he didn't want his sister to go to Yongdongling under such circumstances.

The Rift monsters are constantly attacking the defense line, and the passage to Everwinter Ridge is also crowded with Rift creatures. Going out now would be tantamount to suicide.

"Does that mean we'll never reach the location where the star core is hiding?"

On the seventh day of the third month, her eyebrows furrowed.

"Although I don't think so, ladies and gentlemen, I'm sorry, the agitation of the Rift creatures has really exceeded my expectations."

Jepard said.

"Could these rift creatures be sent by the Star Core to stop us because they knew we were coming?"

Xing said, rubbing her chin.

Dan Heng paused to think for a moment and said, "That's very possible. Since the Star Core can bewitch the Great Guardian, it means that it has the ability to command the creatures of the Rift."

Now everyone is in a bit of a predicament. The path ahead has been blocked by the Rift creatures. Is there really no way to get through?

"I'm telling you, have you all forgotten that I'm still here?"