On the Astral Express, conductor Pom-Pom was gazing out at the snow-covered planet through the window.
That's right, the Astral Express had returned to Belobog.
But the return wasn't to support Pei Guang's trailblazing group: rather, they were currently unable to head to Penacony, and since the Express's annual deep cleaning was coming up, it was en route to the "Washtopia" for a thorough cleaning.
On the way to the Washtopia, they happened to pass by Belobog during its holiday season and the finals of the Interastral Tournant Festival, so Pom-Pom decided to make a temporary stop here.
That was Pom-Pom's official reason. But, of course, it had its own motives. The open laptop beside it, streaming the competition finals, had already revealed to everyone the real reason the Express was here.
"The winner of this final match! The ultimate champion of this year's Interastral Tournant Festival…"
Hearing the host's announcent on the livestream, Pom-Pom turned away from the mirror.
"Looks like our passengers have claid victory, pom! That ans it's ti for this conductor to step up!"
While Pom-Pom made its preparations, back at the scene of the Interastral Tournant Festival in Belobog, three people and a piggy bank stood at the very center of the competition arena.
The loudspeakers bood with the thrilling final result.
Topaz walked over to offer her congratulations: "Congratulations on becoming the Champion Team~"
"Champion?" Pei Guang looked at Topaz and asked, "We're not the true champions yet, right? If I rember correctly, we still have to challenge a hidden expert, soone who defeated you before, didn't they?"
Topaz nodded. "That's right! Only by defeating them will you truly be the champions. But be careful! That expert is very strong."
Recalling her own Aether Spirit battle with Pom-Pom, Topaz's head practically buzzed. Who knew where Pom-Pom had gotten such bizarre Aether Spirits?
A cha was fine, but plushies and drinks, too?!
And the most devastating part? She lost to it!
But for that reason alone, Topaz was a little excited to see Pei Guang's reaction when he found out the identity of the final opponent, and especially his face when he saw their Aether Spirits.
Topaz could admit it: Pei Guang had a deep understanding of the ga. But how would he respond to a lineup that involved a cha cuddling a bunny while drinking coffee?
Pei Guang responded confidently: "Isn't it just the fifth mber of the Four Heavenly Kings? I've been ready for this. Co on! Let see if this enemy is soone who's mastered the starter trio!"
March 7th: "Starter trio? What's that?"
Pei Guang explained, "It's a reference from my hotown. In gas, it refers to the first three companions who stick with the player from the beginning. Based on my experience, you, Stelle, and Dan Heng are my starter trio! Wait, how did I forget myself? I'm a player character too…"
Stelle smugly chid in: "I get it! The initial companions each have their own pasts, and together we work hard, grow stronger, and eventually face the ending side by side, right?"
Pei Guang nodded. "Exactly! I just can't figure out which character this mysterious expert is going to use. According to most ga traditions, it should be soone I know—or at least soone I'm familiar with."
Listening to Pei Guang's serious analysis, Topaz didn't even know how to begin roasting him. Cautiously, she asked, "You really don't know who the final expert is?"
Pei Guang shot back, "Why would I know? But from what you and Hiko said, the final opponent is soone we know? Asta? General Jing Yuan? Who else?"
Pei Guang seriously mulled over everyone he knew. In gaming terms, the final boss could be anyone, from the uniquely positioned Asta and Jing Yuan to characters like Hook or the little kids he'd exchanged a few words with.
Anyone was possible.
Seeing how seriously Pei Guang was thinking about it, Topaz smiled. "Looks like you really don't know. No worries, if all goes as planned, Giovanni will contact you later with the next steps. I think this final expert will definitely catch your interest—and might even surprise you in unexpected ways."
Topaz had been watching Pei Guang's matches the whole ti. And honestly? She was happy, but it seed like the fun ca more from playing with friends. Only Stelle and March 7th were fully imrsed.
Still, Topaz understood. Pei Guang's strategies were simply too powerful. He used lineups that any player could technically assemble, fully leveraged every character's traits and chanics, and steamrolled every opponent, including herself.
If it were her, facing such unchallenging battles would've drained her interest too.
Pei Guang: "Hm? Surprise? Now I'm even more curious!"
Topaz: "You better be careful! That final expert is seriously strong. If you don't take it seriously, the only result waiting for you is failure."
Pei Guang: "? I'd never lose!"
Hearing Pei Guang jinx himself, Stelle curiously asked, "And if you do lose?"
Pei Guang: "If I lose, I'll eat… Wait, hold on—what's going on? You want to lose that badly?"
Only just now realizing what he almost said, Pei Guang had nearly promised to eat for free and mooch off others!
Seeing how quickly Pei Guang caught on, Stelle shook her head in disappointnt. "Too bad. Couldn't bait you into it."
Pei Guang: "You're asking for it!"
March 7th: "Why are you copying ?!"
With the cheers of the audience ringing beneath the stage, Pei Guang, Stelle, and March 7th began to fool around, while Topaz showed a rare smile.
After a bit of joking around, the group returned to the waiting area. As soon as they arrived, Pei Guang, Stelle, and March 7th were pulled into the crowd by Giovanni.
"Your performance was simply amazing. Congratulations on becoming the champion team. If it's convenient, please head to the snowfields on the outskirts of the city!"
Pei Guang: "Alright~"
After giving a quick reply, the three of them hurried to the snowy outskirts of the city, where they saw Giovanni standing in a familiar spot, waving at them.
March 7th: "This place… it's where we first arrived in Belobog, isn't it? How does he know about it?"
While March was muttering to herself, Giovanni, who had seen their arrival, called out to them: "You've co. Now that you've beco the champion finalists, it's ti to face the real challenge. To be honest, that expert has been eagerly awaiting this match with you. For this day, he even made a detour to this planet."
Pei Guang: "Oh? Who is this person?"
Giovanni: "I'm only here to guide you. You'll et this mysterious player shortly. He'll bring you an unprecedented surprise and joy."
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