[It seems that Svarog really enjoys rational analysis!]
[MOSS saw this and gave a like!]
[MOSS saw this and felt very exasperated!]
[MOSS: "Oh, this is familiar to me!"]
[MOSS's Honkai Star Rail counterpart?]
[I get it now—the Vagrants and Wildfire started fighting, then Svarog came to mediate, and his method was to beat up both sides so they couldn't fight anymore! Genius!]
[Pay attention to the question—they weren't fighting, he took control of the mining zone, so there was nothing left to fight over.]
[Ah, I see!]
——
"Svarog! We still haven't settled our last score!"
"Seele of 'Wildfire,' your resistance holds no value. The calculation results are clear: remaining in the Underworld is the optimal survival strategy."
Seele retorted, "Here we go again what calculation results, what survival strategy? I don't have time for your long-winded nonsense. Call off your lackeys now, or don't blame me for being ruthless!"
However.
Svarog showed no concern whatsoever and immediately prepared to leave with Clara.
"His robots don't seem very friendly!" Caelus remarked, eyeing a new type of humanoid robot blocking their path.
At this moment, the screen displayed the name of the new robot—Automaton Grizzly.
"Mills, please… try not to hit them too hard." Clara gently instructed before following Svarog away from the scene.
Seeing their path completely blocked, Caelus had no choice—if words wouldn't work, then fists would.
Life or death didn't matter; if they refused to yield, he'd fight.
Caelus pulled out his bat and charged forward first.
...
Though it took some effort and left him a little sweaty, he still managed to take down the "big-bellied robot" in front of them.
"Whew!" March 7th put away her weapon. "How many more of these big guys are there?"
Seele pursed her lips. "A lot. That's why 'Wildfire'—no, the entire Underworld—has no way to deal with him."
"That girl in red?"
"You mean Clara? Don't worry about her. That kid seems to have a good relationship with Svarog—she's always following him around. Svarog won't hurt her.
Though I didn't understand it the first time I saw it either, I'm used to it now. Let's hurry and find the boss!"
Before she could finish speaking, Oleg walked into the frame from off-screen, accompanied by background music carrying a slightly "finding joy in hardship" tone.
"No need to look for me everywhere, Seele!"
"..."
After a brief exchange, the trio got straight to the point with the "Wildfire leader."
They recounted everything that had happened so far and their goal of finding the "Stellaron" to Seele and Oleg.
"Ho! So you guys even put on quite a show up there?" Seele remarked, glancing subtly at Bronya as she spoke.
Oleg lowered his head in thought for a few seconds. "Wildfire has its own problems, but as for the Stellaron you mentioned, I've never heard of it either. However, if even the locals don't know the secret, I do have one answer."
"Cocolia?" Caelus frowned slightly as he replied.
"Hahaha!" Oleg let out a bitter laugh. "She's nothing but a liar. She deceived the Underworld and couldn't care less about our survival."
Bronya glared at Oleg. "Enough. I won't allow you to insult the Guardian in front of me."
Oleg spoke earnestly, "Kid! The words may be harsh, but they're the truth. You've seen plenty down here yourself, haven't you?"
Bronya fell silent.
It was true!
If she hadn't been "accidentally" brought down by Sampo,
she might never have known the reality of the Underworld in her entire life.
Everything she had seen and heard along the way was far removed from her understanding of the Underworld.
She even began to question her own actions—like leading the Silvermane Guards to capture the trio.
Seeing Bronya's shaken expression, Oleg didn't press further.
He returned to the trio's main topic.
At this point, Oleg's dialogue revealed a wealth of information:
"Svarog is a robot from seven hundred years ago, before the Eternal Freeze, who participated in the battle against the Antimatter Legion.
He absolutely adheres to the 'calculations' he derives—dead-set on his conclusions.
Svarog doesn't take 'Wildfire' seriously at all. For a long time, he hasn't even given us a chance to negotiate.
As for you all… I'm not so sure.
We can discuss specific methods tomorrow—there's no rush.
It's getting late, and you must be exhausted. Head back to town and rest—I'll arrange everything!"
March 7th developed PTSD the moment she heard "rest." "Rest again? I've developed a psychological shadow toward this world's idea of 'rest'…"
Oleg responded with a smile before turning to Bronya. "As for you, Silvermane girl—got a moment? I'd like to talk to you alone."
Just as the trio was about to leave, Caelus approached Bronya first.
"I noticed you and Seele worked together pretty well along the way, huh?"
"Did we? I don't recall much. I've undergone strict military training—I can coordinate with any fighter."
"Sigh…" Caelus feigned a deep sigh. "Some people really could stand to be a little more honest."
"...
Fine. I admit Seele is exceptionally talented. The two of us… did cooperate quite well. But that's all."
Caelus chuckled but said nothing more, then walked over to Seele. "So, do you trust us now?"
"Complete trust? That's not so easy. But you guys are alright—you actually step up when things happen!" Seele then pointed at Bronya, who stood not far away with a solemn expression. "By the way, let me confirm—that大小姐 (young lady) Bronya, is she really a Silvermane Guard?"
"Yes. And she's a leader, too."
"Huh? She commands troops? That's pretty impressive.
I just thought all Silvermane Guards were cold and emotionless. But Bronya gives me a different impression!
Whatever—I need to talk to the boss. I'll catch up with you later."
With that, the camera slowly followed the trio as they walked away.
[What was the point of that last part?]
[Telling you to ship them!]
[Are Seele and Bronya lesbians?]
[Yes, the yuri situation is looking promising.]
[No problem here—Seele as the top, Bronya as the bottom, perfectly fitting the necessary character dynamics.]
[Hahaha, do you think they'll switch roles later?]
[Honestly, from their dialogue, it's clear they've already moved past their initial biases and even seem to have a special dynamic. They've gone from rivals to… well, isn't this just the basic setup for a romance?]
[Well said. Ship it!]
——
The scene shifted to the trio arriving at the best hotel in the Underworld.
A woman seemed to have been waiting for them. When she spotted the trio,
she waved. "Hey! You must be the guests Oleg mentioned? Welcome to the Goethe Hotel!"