Where does confidence come from?
No—
The moment her gaze fell upon the Creation Engine, Topaz immediately cast aside the doubt that had subconsciously arisen in her mind.
She gradually came to understand, and then felt relieved.
She slowly nodded and acknowledged:
"The philosophy of long-term development has transcended time and transcended life. That Lady Rand truly was a great person."
Topaz suddenly smiled and turned her gaze toward Bronya.
"However, the Lady Rand standing before me is not inferior in the slightest."
"Thank you for your recognition, but I actually didn't do much."
Bronya deeply understood that she had only done something insignificant.
"I merely gathered the people of Belobog together and told them that the hard-won freedom we obtained is once again facing a tremendous threat."
"If we want to preserve this freedom, we must take action and prove to those skeptical gazes that we have both the will and the ability to grasp our own destiny."
"The result is right before your eyes. The adults and children of Belobog have already made their decision. They want to protect their home with their own hands."
Topaz stroked Numby's head, her gaze falling to the ground as she murmured softly.
"Such a huge surprise… I truly couldn't have anticipated it no matter what."
It had to be said that the preconceived notions born from her own hometown's experiences were unfair to this world.
Seeing that Topaz wasn't speaking, Stelle and March 7th exchanged glances and, in perfect tacit understanding, chose to remain silent.
To be honest, when they heard Leon's survey results in Qlipoth Fort, they had felt deep pity for this planet.
What a cruel fate...
But upon second thought, the Stellaron had already been resolved. Solving the hidden dangers left behind by the Stellaron was not impossible either.
Topaz pondered for a long time before letting out a soft sigh.
"I will help you fight for this opportunity. Equating your situation with my own childhood experiences was a major mistake on my part."
"My hometown never had a leader with unwavering will. The people gave up on saving themselves very early on."
"Yet your civilization actually persisted in the wind and snow for seven hundred years… It is truly admirable."
"So you're willing to retract your previous decision?"
A trace of joy flashed across Bronya's face.
"As for that debt, we will definitely find a way to repay it slowly. It's just that we need time..."
Topaz slowly shook her head.
"Unfortunately, the annexation of Jarilo-VI was a strategic decision approved by the company's upper management."
"Even if I intended to overturn this decision, convincing the people above would be extremely difficult."
Upon hearing this, Bronya's gaze dimmed, and the joy on her face gradually turned into disappointment.
The Express crew had helped so much, and everyone had worked so hard for so long… yet it still wasn't possible...
March 7th couldn't bear it and tugged on Stelle's clothes beside her.
"…Is there anything else we can do to help this world and help Bronya?"
Stelle felt helpless in her heart.
As a little Stellaron spirit who had just left the nest, her foundation was basically zero. What methods could she possibly have?
If she really had to name one, then it would be—
She turned her head to look at the two senior members of the Express crew.
Two options appeared on the player's display screen.
① "Ask Himeko for help."
② "Ask Leon for help."
Because meaningless options had been greatly reduced, Ah Xian was especially cautious every time they appeared.
Clearly, the different choices this time would most likely lead to different ways of handling the situation.
"Let's first see if Leon has a solution, then look at Himeko's."
The current plot could not be reviewed, but they could look at other people's records. There would definitely be people who chose Himeko.
Stelle put her hands together: "Please help me, uh, I mean… is there still a way to help this world and Bronya, Leon…?"
As soon as her words fell, numerous gazes immediately landed on Leon.
There was expectation, there was pleading, and there was also curiosity.
Leon opened his eyes and swept his gaze over the women present. After pondering for a moment, he took out his phone and made a call.
"Just treat it as Miss Topaz coming to Jarilo-VI for a paid vacation. What do you think?"
The somewhat inexplicable words left everyone present confused.
Meanwhile, the players were already covered in question marks.
Who was he talking to?
They had been looking forward to the other party revealing their identity when they replied, but they never expected that Leon would simply put his phone away.
This…?
Their confusion deepened even further.
Only Himeko's eyes held contemplation, as if she had guessed certain possibilities.
Unfortunately, she showed no intention of explaining either.
Just as Topaz couldn't help but want to ask, it was her turn to receive a communication.
This time, the players could hear the content that Topaz was hearing.
It was just that the voice had been processed, making it impossible to distinguish gender, and it also sounded strange.
"After returning to company headquarters later, submit a report as usual. For now, rest easy and take your vacation."
The communication ended.
Topaz was somewhat dazed. It took more than ten seconds for her to come back to her senses. She glanced at Leon with a complicated look in her eyes.
She managed her emotions very well. She did not lose her composure, nor did she intend to ask further questions.
"Miss Bronya, the company's upper management has withdrawn their decision. Congratulations. You have gotten what you wished for and can now lead the people here to personally protect this world with your own hands and your own methods."
When all hope seemed lost, a new path appeared.
For Bronya, there was nothing more surprising than these words right now.
"Thank you, Miss Topaz!"
Bronya bowed deeply. At the same time, she wasn't foolish—she knew who the greatest contributor truly was.
"Leon, on behalf of all the citizens of Belobog, I sincerely thank you and thank the Express crew for everything you have done for this world."
"As Nameless, this is simply part of the Trailblaze. You're welcome."
Leon casually waved his hand, not minding it at all.
He had only used up some favors. Not only had he not suffered any loss, but he had gained quite a lot in return.
The players' faith had been established, and their curiosity about themselves had also been satisfied.
A win-win… No—
A five-way win.
"Yay!"
March 7th jumped excitedly, her face full of joy.
"It really wasn't easy. Being able to resolve things through peaceful means is truly wonderful. Everyone is happy."
Stelle spread her hands helplessly: "But the Radiant Sun Festival probably won't be happening anymore, right?"
March 7th: "Oh right! I almost forgot we originally only came to experience the festival atmosphere."
"Now that everyone in the city is busy with construction work, I'm afraid the celebration won't be held."
"But looking on the bright side, being able to connect with a high-ranking company executive like Miss Topaz can also be considered a worthwhile trip, right?"
These words made Bronya feel full of guilt.
Topaz, on the other hand, had a face full of helplessness and inwardly thought that Leon was being low-key.
This person had long since connected with Diamond, and even possessed the ability to persuade Diamond to sell a favor regarding Jarilo-VI.
With him around, why would the Express crew need to connect with her?
No matter how you looked at it, it felt a bit like putting the cart before the horse.
Originally, she had already prepared herself mentally—
As long as the Astral Express could vouch for Jarilo-VI, then she would be able to use that to persuade the company's upper management to withdraw their decision.
At most, she herself would face a painless punishment such as demotion in exchange for an outcome that preserved this world's freedom.
She never expected that Leon would also give her a huge surprise.
But regardless, there was one thing March 7th said that wasn't wrong.
Everyone was happy.