XXI

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On Ecliptora, Nolan, his wife Liana, Himeko, and Welt Yang press on, their search for the Astral Express continuing. They've been travelling for days, their journey taking longer than expected due to constant detours and unexpected obstacles. Welt, his usual stoic demeanour masking a growing sense of concern, consults a compass, the needle pointing southward. Himeko, walking slightly behind Welt, glances around the landscape. The area is lush but treacherous, the terrain dotted with deep crevices and hidden traps. She tightens her grip on her weapon, the Firely lance, and moves a little closer to the group.

Himeko: "How much further, do you think?"


Welt glances up from the compass, his expression a mixture of determination and uncertainty.

Welt Yang: "According to the compass, it shouldn't be too much farther. But the terrain becomes more... unpredictable ahead. We must stay vigilant."

Nolan and Liana, who have been walking a little ahead of the group, turn back, concern etched on their faces. Liana speaks up, her voice laced with worry.

Liana: "Welt, are we sure we're going the right way? It feels like we've been walking in circles for days."

Welt shakes his head, a flicker of impatience in his eyes.

Welt Yang: "We're making progress. It's just... slower than I would like."

As if to punctuate his words, a rumble goes through the ground beneath their feet. A nearby crevice splinters and breaks apart, sending a shower of pebbles down into the chasm below. Everyone instinctively moves back, away from the edge. Liana grips Nolan's arm, fear evident in her eyes. Nolan, his strong demeanour faltering for a moment, looks around cautiously.

Nolan: "This planet's getting more dangerous by the minute, Welt."


Welt nods, his gaze sharpening as he studies the surroundings.

Welt Yang: "Indeed. We need to be more careful."

Himeko, scanning the area, suddenly points at something in the distance.

Himeko: "Welt, look. Over there. Is that...?"

As the group looks towards where Himeko pointed, they're met with the sight of Vettel, Jingliu, Seele, Topaz, and Numby. It's a reunion none of them expected, and the group looks at each other in a mix of shock and relief. Nolan and Liana are the first to break into wide smiles, rushing towards their son and daughter with open arms. Liana has tears in her eyes as she hugs Vettel first, then Seele, her voice choked with emotion.

Liana: "Seele, Vettel. We've been searching for you for so long. Thank goodness you're safe."

Seele, who looks somewhat shaken but unharmed, hugs her mother back. Vettel stands next to them, his eyes filled with relief and a hint of concern. Nolan steps forward and claps Vettel on the shoulder, the pride of a father evident in his expression.

Nolan: "Vettel, my boy. I'm glad to see you in one piece."

Welt, Himeko, Topaz and Numby, who have been observing the reunion, now move closer, their expressions a mix of happiness and curiosity. As the reunion settles a bit, everyone turns to Jingliu, who steps forward to clarify. Jingliu, her voice calm and steady, addresses the group.

Jingliu: "Yes, I am indeed Vettel's wife."

There's a collective gasp of surprise from the group. Nolan and Liana glance at each other, their expressions a mix of shock and confusion, while Seele's already know. Welt, unsurprisingly, remains stoic, but there's a hint of interest in his eyes. Himeko steps forward, her tone curious.

Himeko: "We weren't aware Vettel was married. When did this happen?"

Vettel clears his throat, feeling slightly on the spot.

Vettel: "We got married recently. It... It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. We were in a tight spot and..."

Jingliu interjects, her voice even.

Jingliu: "It's true. The situation demanded drastic measures. We decided to marry for practical reasons."

The group looks at the couple with a mix of scepticism and surprise. Nolan and Liana exchange a glance, both taken aback by this revelation. Welt's eyes flicker between Vettel and Jingliu, a hint of understanding in his gaze. Seele, who has been quiet until now, finally speaks up, her tone slightly sarcastic.

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