Collapse Iron: I'm a Succubus in the Universe

Sambo showed no sign of abnormality when asked, and instead explained in such detail as if afraid the three of them wouldn't understand.

Thinking of this, Qiong secretly winked at Dan Heng and San Yueqi beside her. The former nodded slightly to indicate that he understood, as for the latter...

"What's wrong? Did you get sand in your eye?"

However, we should not expose them. Since they are obviously putting on an act, we might as well continue acting for now. We'll get into the city first anyway.

Sambo acted quite convincingly throughout the journey, as if he genuinely treated the three as fellow novices, constantly sharing his experience.

But before they could exchange more than a few words, they encountered a group of soldiers dressed in silver armor and carrying weapons along the way.

"Uh, remember the Silvermane Iron Guards I mentioned? That's them... Help me out, buddy! I don't want to get arrested!"

“We have nothing to do with him. Arrest him if you want.”

Qiong made a decisive move to sever ties, which surprised Sangbo, who seemed not to have expected him to be so ruthless.

But one side's words were clearly not enough to convince these Silvermane Iron Guards. Seeing them attack, Sambo seized the opportunity and ran away at an exceptionally fast speed.

However, not long after the battle began, a blond man who didn't look like a soldier appeared on the opposing side, holding a strangely shaped iron lump in his hand.

“I, Jepard Landau, commander of the Silvermane Iron Guard, order you to abandon your fearless resistance.”

Seeing that the other side was treating the three of them like criminals, March 7th gritted his teeth.

"I got tricked by that Sambo for no reason, and I'm really angry..."

"Then next time we meet, I'll give him a good whack."

"Hey, that's a great idea!"

"I say, gentlemen, it would be better to deal with the current situation first."

Danheng sighed and rubbed his forehead. Across from him, Jepard was talking to his men, clearly referring to Sambo as the blue-haired ringleader. As for the accomplices…

“We’re not his accomplices. If you think you can use us to wait for him to come out, you’ll probably be waiting a lifetime…”

"They might not even be able to wait."

March 7th chimed in with a sarcastic remark, and their voices drew Jeppard's attention, prompting the former to continue speaking.

"I'm not making excuses, we're really not with that bastard. You saw how he abandoned us without the slightest hesitation."

We kindly rescued him from the snow, but we never expected he was using us against you. Don't be swayed!

“I am the garrison commander, not the arbitration panel. As a citizen of Beloborg, you have the right to defend yourself, but that should be done under the watchful eyes of the city builders, not now.”

As Jepard spoke, he prepared to have the soldiers around him take the three of them back. There was no point in arguing any further at this point. Qiong looked at March 7th beside her.

"In March, quickly show him the photos."

"Ah, Qiong, you're so clever! That's a great idea!"

On March 7th, hands on hips, he excitedly said something and then took out the photos he had taken earlier from a small bag at his waist.

"You haven't seen what your own planet looks like yet, have you? Let me show you the picture I took of Yalilo-VI..."

On March 7, photos of the icy planet were shown to Jepard and his men, causing a stir among the soldiers around him. They were unaware of some of the details, but Jepard knew them.

Chapter Twenty-Five: Cocolia

The matter was no longer their decision, so Jepard chose to take the three to see the High Warden, and the three did not object.

After all, they are not powerless; even if things get really bad, they have support.

"Outsiders, follow me. Beloberg is just behind this snow curtain."

After revealing his identity, his tone became less harsh, more like that of a guide introducing his hometown to the three of them.

"Welcome to [the City of Preservation] - Belberg."

In the vast white snow valley, a huge city stands in the center, its streets being one of the few places not covered by snow.

This is not the primitive city you might imagine. On the contrary, it's quite technologically advanced, with cars and subways everywhere. And once you're inside, it doesn't feel cold anymore.

Seven hundred years ago, an antimatter army from outer space ignited the planet, turning the earth into scorched earth, with burning furnaces and billowing smoke everywhere.

At the critical moment of life and death, a cold wave suddenly descended, and a fierce wind swept in without warning. The invading army was buried by the blizzard, and only Beloberg survived.

The steadfast builders established this city. Under the protection of [Guardian] Cripper, Beloborg, though battered by wind and snow, remains forever warm.

"...He talks so strangely." (whispering)

"That wasn't his usual tone; he must be quoting a passage from a classical text." (Also in a low voice)

"Oh, then why did he tell us all this?" (whispering)

"Because you asked."

Jepard's words interrupted the three's quiet conversation. Danheng and Qiong looked helpless, while March 7th was somewhat embarrassed.

Did they hear what I just said?

Thinking of this, she couldn't help but grip the soles of her shoes with her toes. The three of them were then taken to Cripperburg, the heart of Beloborg, the headquarters of the builders.

It is also the residence of the Great Guardian, whose current guardian is Cocolia Land, and she issues all major decisions within the domain.

Led by Jepard, the three entered the building and went straight to the High Warden's office. As soon as they pushed open the door, they heard a clear female voice.

"...But such a sacrifice is meaningless, you can't—"

"You may leave now, Bronya. A visitor has arrived."

From a high position, a blonde woman with an extraordinary demeanor waved her hand gently, while looking towards Qiong and the others. The one who spoke earlier was a girl with long silver hair.

Her silhouette was distinctive; even though her long silver hair was styled into a unique spiral shape, it still reached her waist.

'How interesting, what a familiar hairstyle,' was Qiong's first thought upon seeing her, and for some reason, the image of Silver Wolf appeared in her mind.

"Yes, Mother."

Bronya could only nod, and as she left, she glanced back at them with a serious expression.

Is she upset that we showed up and interrupted her report?

Ms. Cocolia then dismissed Jepard, and only when the four of them were left in the large office did she speak in a deep voice.

"Welcome, visitors from beyond the cold... no, from beyond the heavens, aren't you? I am Cocolia Rand, guardian of Beloborg. I'd like to hear your purpose once again."

"Don't you suspect our identities?"

Qiong couldn't help but ask, and upon hearing this, Cocolia smiled faintly, her tone becoming much gentler.

"Do you really want me to doubt you? Are you so insecure about the identities you claim to have? No, I don't doubt you. I can see that you are not from this world."

As Cocolia spoke, her gaze narrowed slightly, focusing primarily on Sora.

As the Great Guardian, she naturally knows far more than ordinary residents and even some nobles.

"So, don't be surprised. Although the builders haven't received any news from the stars for 700 years, I know you exist. Tell me your purpose, I'm listening."

The other person seemed to be an easy-going type, so Qiong spoke up directly.

"We've come to explore this planet."

"...Who would understand this!"

Ultimately, it was up to Dan Heng to explain. He directly stated that he had come for the [Star Core] and briefly explained the dangers of the Star Core.

"The calamities caused by the star core are different on each planet, but every world where a star core is planted will give birth to a rift."

You can think of us as well-meaning people on interstellar travel, specifically to help worlds plagued by star cores!

March 7 blinked casually, displaying such confidence that Cocolia on the other side fell silent for a moment.

Seemingly lost in thought, Cocolia didn't believe that anyone would help an unrelated planet without any ulterior motives.

However, if they use the excuse that if the star core is not sealed, they will be unable to leave the planet, then that would be much more reasonable.

"Alright, I believe you. If the current situation is indeed related to this so-called star core, your arrival will be the hope that Bellober has been waiting for for 700 years. I am willing to provide all possible assistance to help you find the star core."

It's getting late, and you must all be tired. I've arranged for you to check into the most comfortable hotel in town to rest and get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow at noon, I'll send someone to invite you all so we can discuss this important matter properly.

Cocolia's voice was very pleasant, and the three of them didn't doubt it too much, since she had no reason to lie to them.

After leaving the High Warden's office, Jepard was already waiting outside, but he had received orders not to restrict the three's movements any longer.

"She's quite reasonable."

Qiong said with some surprise, and March 7th beside her nodded in agreement.

"To be honest, I didn't expect it to go so smoothly."

It seems her pioneering journey was fraught with difficulties, but you never know, maybe that's just how the local customs are.

Jepard then left, leaving the three of them free to explore the city. On March 7th, Jepard asked the other party about places worth visiting, since it was still early.

When you arrive on a new planet, the most important thing is definitely to experience the local customs and culture!

At least that's what March 7th thought. Qiong was also free, so since the other party wanted to go shopping, he decided to go with them. Dan Heng had a similar idea.

Of course, the more likely reason is that they're worried about the two of them wandering around the city...

"Look! That ice sculpture has a really unique shape! It seems to fit in with the city in a strange way."

"No matter what it's made of, it's definitely not an ice sculpture."

"That's true, it's actually quite warm in the city. Hey? There seem to be a lot of kids gathered over there, shall we go closer and take a look?"

March 7th pointed to a spot not far from the ice sculpture. There, a woman dressed in a Silver Mane Iron Guard uniform stood among the children.

Chapter Twenty-Six Bronya

If there's one thing that stands out about this girl, it's definitely... symmetry! That's right, everything from head to toe, including her glasses, is perfectly symmetrical.

"Let me introduce myself. I am the intelligence officer of the Silvermane Iron Guard and also the temporary guide for the [Belberg Historical Tour], Pelagya Sergeevna. You can just call me Pelagya."

"Pera Sister~"

The children in front of her spoke in unison. Qiong glanced around, hesitated for a moment, and then...

"Pera Sister~"

"...Please, adults, refrain from casually imitating children!"

Pera glanced at Qiong somewhat embarrassedly. The latter looked calm, even though he was only a few months old himself.

This sight made March 7th and Danheng, who were standing nearby, unable to help but put their hands to their foreheads. If it weren't for the opportunity to learn about the city, March 7th would probably have dragged him away.

Next stop, the [Perpetual Motion] Mechanical House, but contrary to Jepard's prediction, there was no performance here; instead, it was quiet, which seemed a bit unfortunate.

"Damn, I'm so interested..."

March 7 looked dejected, but soon noticed a device on the roadside.

"By the way, look over there. I was just about to complain about this city. Why are they putting heaters outside the houses?"

This is indeed somewhat puzzling, since the disasters caused by the star core are not something that a small heater can withstand.

The three were talking when a strikingly dressed woman approached them. Her name was Shiluwa, and she was the owner of the mechanical house in front of them.

Upon learning that the three were newcomers, Hiluva showed considerable enthusiasm, which made one wonder if all the locals were like this.

After leaving Hilva, the three continued to wander around the city. As they walked, they saw some Silvermane Iron Guards guarding a street not far away.

"Ah, so that's the alley Jepard mentioned, the one contaminated by the rift? It's so close to the city center..."

"If this is left unchecked, the shops and hotels around here won't be able to stay in business for long, will they?"

It's not hard to see that the city is in a really precarious situation, and not far away, stern Silvermane Iron Guards are driving away a panicked citizen.

The latter seemed to want to reclaim the property in the alley, but the rift had already encroached on the neighborhood, and ordinary citizens were not allowed to enter.

However, the soldiers could not stop the spread of the erosion and could only temporarily clear the monsters from the rift, but the monsters would continue to be born and multiply.

After wandering around for a while, Qiong suggested that they meet up again after some free time and then check into the hotel. Danheng originally wanted to say something more.

But before he could even speak, March 7th had already agreed. With two votes to one, he could only nod helplessly. He figured he might as well go to the library here to learn about the history of this world.

"Where should we go next..."

Qiong fell into deep thought. He had just thought about going to the so-called lower city to take a look, but before he even got close to the entrance, the guards there cast sharp glances at him.

It was obvious that they didn't want him to get too close, so they had no choice but to give up the idea.

"How about we try some local specialties? But it's a bit boring going alone. I wish I hadn't suggested we split up so soon... Wait, what's that?"

Suddenly, Qiong seemed to notice something. In the street not far away, a silver-haired woman wearing an iron guard uniform was lowering her head slightly.