There was once a king—a king whose kingdom prospered beyond compare.
The people adored him. They loved him. None mocked him, none doubted him.
In their eyes, he was perfection itself—blessed by the God they worshipped, ruling over a land where life flowed gently and comfortably.
But peace was fleeting.
Neighboring kingdoms soon declared war. What followed was gruesome—disaster beyond measure, suffering that words could scarcely hold. Then came what the people believed to be God's punishment: lightning split the skies, earthquakes tore the land apart, disease spread like a curse, and countless lives were lost.
In desperation, the citizens turned to their king, hoping for answers—hoping for salvation.
Yet not once did he speak.
He only smiled.
And in that moment, they realized the truth.
The perfect king they had adored was nothing more than a fool.
Yet they could do nothing. He was blessed by God, untouchable by mortal hands.
All they could do was mourn their losses in silence.
...…
Space—vast, complex, and endlessly mysterious—held wonders still undiscovered. Stars, matter, galaxies, and secrets yet to be named stretched endlessly into the void. Within that expanse, a lone object drifted quietly.
Inside stood a tall man with brown hair streaked with white at his bangs. He wore brown glasses, a brown leather coat, black pants, black gloves, and held a cane in his hand.
He was known as Welt Yang, a passenger aboard this drifting vessel.
Beside him stood a red-haired woman, clad in an elegant white dress split along her left side, layered beneath a black coat trimmed with gold. Red heels clicked softly against the floor as she moved.
She was Himeko, the Navigator.
The object they occupied was the Astral Express—a train capable of traveling across the universe itself.
"So, Welt," Himeko said as she sipped her coffee, her gaze fixed on the blue planet beyond the Express's window.
"Any information about this planet?"
"No," Welt replied, adjusting his glasses. "The databank shows nothing. It's likely because this planet has yet to be touched by the Trailblaze."
The planet before them was blue, rich with green land and drifting clouds. At first glance, it appeared ordinary—neither grand nor remarkable. Yet upon closer observation, a faint but ominous destructive energy seeped from its core.
"There's no doubt about it," Welt sighed. "It's a Stellaron, Himeko."
Himeko let out a quiet chuckle.
"Indeed. Even at its faintest, it still carries the Path of Destruction—Nanook's influence."
She paused, her expression shifting into one of confusion.
"With energy this weak, the Stellaron should be nearing exhaustion… and yet—"
"It hasn't been destroyed," Welt finished. "A strange case. None of the recorded worlds affected by a Stellaron ever remained this… intact."
"Mr. Yang, we've arrived."
"Mr. Yang! Miss Himeko, we're here!"
Two voices rang out behind them—one calm and cold, the other bright and energetic.
Welt and Himeko turned.
A young man stood there, his expression composed. He wore a long-sleeved, high-neck shirt beneath a green-and-white long coat adorned with jade ornaments shaped like dragons.
Dan Heng.
Beside him was a girl with pinkish-blue hair. She wore a white polo shirt under a pink dress, a black jacket tied around her wrist, and carried a camera at the ready.
March 7th.
"Dan Heng. March," Welt said, leaning lightly on his cane.
The two nodded in unison.
"Yep," March replied cheerfully.
"We're here." Dan Heng calmly replied, crossing his arms to his chest.
"Our trailblazes to this world may be full of unpredictable and dangers lurking around, are you both ready?" Welt stared at the two young lads in front of him, true he was always worried about them. He couldn't help it, after all, they're still young and have bright futures.
"Don't worry, we'll follow you as always, Mr. Yang." Dan Heng gave him a rest assuring nod.
"Yep! Don't worry, Mr. Yang, we'll do what we always do– hide behind your back when danger arises."
Welt looked at March's confident grin on her face, shaking his head.
'I really can't match her enthusiasm…'
'But still… This world feels identical to earth. Not just the geography, even the alignment of the planets and stars…'
Himeko looked at Welt's troubled face, smiling softly, she tapped his shoulder. Causing Welt to stop his thoughts.
"You look troubled, something occupies your thoughts?" Himeko sipped his coffee and Welt froze then shook his head.
"No, not really, Himeko. It's just… this world nearly identical to mine. Just thinking of my home made me homesick." Welt laugh, brushing off her worry as sigh softly.
"What about you, are you gonna stay here and watch the Express or join us?"
Himeko caresses her chin for a moment, debating what she would choose. Then she nodded.
"Sure, I have no problem tagging along. I just can't help feeling that something is wrong with that world." Having experienced countless travels and danger lurking behind their nose, Himeko is already painfully aware that this trailblaze is not going to be smoother.
"Sure enough I'm not the only one having that kind of feeling." To Welt, he was more sensitive to this kind of energy. Even the Imaginary energy, he could tell just how dire that world is when it comes to Imaginary.
Everything around them is composed of Imaginary elements, there is no exception. But seeing a world dire of it, it's not a laughing matter anymore.
"Let's go, the sooner we solve this world's problem, the smoother our ride will be."
Himeko, Dan Heng and March nodded their heads in approval and immediately headed out. Pom-Pom right now is busy fixing the system of Express, it's normal that the mascot is not here.
.....
With that said, Himeko, Dan Heng, March and Welt finally arrived at the world they were currently talking about.
"Dry." Is what they all thought while looking at the land everywhere. And ahead of the land was a kingdom.
"Mr. Yang, are you sure we are in the right place? This place is full of nothing but dry land! Even my boots got small debris inside…" March grumbles sadly, as she takes off her boots and switches it upside down, as small debris falls out before putting it right back.
"I'm sure." Welt pushes his glasses, looking at the land everywhere. A familiar feeling creeps out to him, as if… he was home– that kind of feeling.
To his side, Dan Heng, stared at their surroundings. His guard is still high and gripping his spear– Cloud– Piercer.
"Mr. Yang…"
"I know, Dan Heng. March, ready your weapon." Welt gripped his cane's handle as March confusingly looked at them, when out of nowhere, a towering shadow loomed over them.
March looked above and there, something massive was falling.
"UWAH!!" March hastily dodge, rolling at the ground as the ground she just sitting turned into a mushroom smoke and debris scatters everywhere.
Though, none of the debris comes closer to them as Welt's manipulated the gravity around them.
"Nice job, Welt. You're still as sharp as ever." Himeko complimented him, while gripping the long suitcase on her hands
"Mr. Yang! What was tha–" March was about to complain when the smoke cleared up, what they saw was a lion… no, a body and face with a lion and goat, tail as a snake and its muscular body.
"What the hell is that?!" March exclaimed in horror, she summoned her bow and gripped the bowstring tightly as her ability– Six-Phaseice– activated.
The monster moved first.
Its massive body vanished from their sight in an instant, forcing them all to tense.
Then—without warning—a glob of green liquid shot through the air at terrifying speed, hurtling straight toward them.
Unfortunately for the beast, its prey knew how to bend gravity itself.
The green sphere froze midair, suspended in space as if time itself had halted. In the same heartbeat, Dan Heng lunged forward, his spear thrusting toward the source.
The monster reappeared.
It barely dodged the strike.
"Tsk." Dan Heng clicked his tongue, spinning his spear before driving it into the creature's flank.
The blade tore through flesh.
A deafening roar shook the land as dark blood spilled onto the ground.
"Dan Heng, fall back!" March's voice rang out.
He leapt away just as a pinkish-blue arrow streaked past him, striking the monster squarely. The impact erupted into a burst of icy mist and shimmering frost.
"Nice shot!" March cheered—
Then her voice faltered.
The monster was only lightly coated in ice. With a violent shudder, it shook its body, shards of frost shattering and falling away as if they were nothing.
"How?!" March breathed.
The creature coiled its body, muscles tightening as it prepared to pounce—
THUD.
A blackish-pink spike erupted through its torso, pinning it to the ground. The monster convulsed once… then went still.
"Sigh… a Chimera." Welt let out a tired breath, lowering his cane.
"Chimera?" Himeko repeated, turning toward him, her gaze sharp.
Welt nodded. "Yes. A creature native to my world. Once nothing more than a children's story—tales of gods roaming the land, of countless monsters born from myth." He pointed his cane toward the lifeless corpse. "This is one of them."
Himeko studied the remains, eyes narrowing.
"Interesting… Welt," she said slowly, "are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"Yes," Welt replied, his tone grave. "But I can't be certain yet. I'll need more evidence."
At their side, March and Dan Heng stared at the fallen monster—one calm, the other glaring intensely.
"What kind of monster just tanks Six-Phase Ice like it's nothing…?" March grumbled angrily. She drew her bowstring once more, an icy arrow forming as she released it.
Thud.
The arrow pierced the lifeless Chimera.
"Hah! Take that!" March laughed triumphantly, pointing at the corpse.
Dan Heng simply shook his head.
I'm done. Completely done.
Himeko and Welt exchanged a glance. Himeko let out a soft laugh, while Welt sighed before calling out to them.
"Dan Heng. March. Let's move."
"Hn."
"Alright!"
They continued onward, though their path was repeatedly obstructed by more Chimeras, appearing one after another.
Fortunately, the Astral Express crew was anything but weak.
Himeko, Welt, Dan Heng, and March consistently overcame each encounter, displaying feats that would have been impossible for ordinary people.
By the time afternoon arrived, they reached a village situated near the kingdom they had seen earlier.
Their arrival immediately drew attention.
Villagers stopped what they were doing, eyes fixed on the newcomers. After all, their clothing was unfamiliar—clean, refined, and utterly out of place.
"Welt, did you notice?" Himeko whispered, leaning slightly closer.
Welt nodded. "They're staring at our clothes. Theirs are made only of wool and linen."
"Yes…" Himeko murmured. "Is it possible this world is still uncivilized? Or perhaps technology hasn't fully developed yet?"
Several gazes lingered on her longer than the rest. It was hardly surprising—her appearance, her posture, even her attire were unlike anything they had ever seen.
Whispers spread among the villagers.
Feeling the weight of those stares, March quietly shuffled closer and hid behind Dan Heng's side.
"Hey…" she muttered. "Why do they all look so scary?"
Dan Heng remained composed, standing slightly in front of her.
"They're just cautious," he said. "So should we be."
The whispers grew louder as the villagers gathered, their eyes filled with suspicion—and fear.
"Who are they…?"
"I've never seen clothes like that before."
"Are they nobles from another land…?"
"No, look at their eyes. They don't belong here."
An elderly man stepped forward, leaning heavily on a wooden staff. His back was bent with age, and deep lines carved his face. His gaze lingered on Welt's cane, then on Himeko's coat.
"Strangers," he said slowly, his voice rough. "This village does not receive travelers often. State your purpose."
Before Welt could respond, a woman clutching a child whispered urgently from behind the crowd.
"Don't talk to them! What if they're cursed?"
"Hush," another replied. "If they were cursed, the land would already be shaking…"
March flinched at that and tugged lightly on Dan Heng's sleeve. "Why does everyone here sound like something bad happens all the time?"
Dan Heng didn't answer—his eyes were fixed on the villagers' reactions.
Welt stepped forward calmly.
"We mean no harm," he said, his voice steady and composed. "We are travelers. We're looking for information about this land… and its kingdom."
At the mention of the kingdom, the villagers stiffened.
The old man's grip on his staff tightened.
"…You should not speak of such things so openly," he warned.
A younger villager scoffed nervously.
"What's there to talk about? It's all the same anyway."
Another muttered under their breath, "As long as the King smiles, nothing will change…"
Himeko's eyes narrowed slightly. "The King?" she asked gently. "Is he well?"
A brief silence fell over the village.
Then laughter—dry, hollow, almost forced.
"Well?" a middle-aged man repeated bitterly. "He's perfect, isn't he?"
"Blessed by God," someone added.
"Too blessed to speak."
"Too blessed to listen."
March frowned. "Uh… that doesn't sound like a compliment."
The old man exhaled slowly. "If you value your lives, travelers, you will not go near the capital."
"Why?" Dan Heng asked, his tone even.
The old man looked up at him, eyes clouded with exhaustion.
"Because when disaster comes," he said, "our King only smiles."
The child the woman was holding began to cough—dry and harsh. The woman turned away, shielding him, her shoulders trembling.
Himeko clenched her fist slightly.
"…I see."
Welt closed his eyes for a brief moment.
A silent king. A world stripped of Imaginary flow. Myth given flesh.
"…Thank you for your warning," Welt said at last. "We will be careful."
The villagers hesitated, then slowly dispersed, their fear lingering like a shadow over the village.
As they walked away, March whispered, "Okay… yeah. I don't like this place."
Dan Heng nodded. "Neither do I."
Himeko glanced toward the distant silhouette of the kingdom.
"That settles it," she said quietly. "Whatever is wrong with this world… it's rooted there."
Welt's gaze followed hers.
"And if a god truly blessed this land," he murmured, "then that blessing has long since rotted."
"Do they mean their king was blessed by an Aeon?" Welt murmured. "If so… which Aeon? Destruction is unlikely—this world would've been erased long ago. Too many unanswered questions…"
Himeko, Dan Heng, and March watched him in silence. They knew that expression—Welt was deep in thought.
Himeko reached out and tapped his shoulder, drawing him back.
"Don't push yourself too hard. We still have time to uncover the truth."
Welt nodded lightly. "Right. For now, let's find a place to stay for the night. We can gather information along the way."
They continued down the village path until they came across a modest wooden house. The structure looked intact, yet
abandoned—no smoke from the chimney, no sound from within.
"That one looks empty," March whispered.
"I'll ask first," Welt said.
A short distance away, two villagers were speaking quietly near a cart—an older man and a woman carrying a basket of cloth. Welt approached them calmly.
"Excuse me," he said. "May I ask about the house near the path? The one with the wooden fence. Is anyone living there?"
The villagers froze.
The woman clutched her basket tighter, while the man exchanged a wary glance with her before answering.
"That house?" the man said slowly. "No one lives there anymore."
"Is it for rent?" Welt asked. "We're travelers. We only need a place for the night."
The woman hesitated, then spoke in a hushed voice.
"It belonged to a family. The father was called to the capital."
"And the rest?" Dan Heng asked quietly.
"They followed," the man replied. "None of them came back."
March swallowed. "That's… a lot of people not coming back."
The villagers' gazes flicked toward the distant kingdom walls.
"…It's better not to ask why," the woman added. "If you value your lives, don't stay long."
Welt inclined his head. "Thank you for telling us."
As he turned away, the man called out once more, his voice low.
"Strangers—if the King smiles at you…"
He paused, lips trembling.
"…don't smile back."
The group walked toward the empty house in silence.
March whispered, "Okay. I officially hate that sentence."
Himeko's eyes narrowed as she looked toward the capital.
"A king who smiles while his people disappear…"
Welt tightened his grip on his cane.
"This world isn't just sick," he said quietly. "It's been hollowed out."
Night fell quietly over the village.
Inside the abandoned house, the air was still, carrying the faint scent of dust and old wood. A single oil lamp flickered on a small table, casting long shadows along the walls. The furniture remained untouched, as if the owners had simply stepped out and never returned.
March sat cross-legged on the floor, hugging her knees.
"…It's way too quiet."
Dan Heng leaned against the wall near the window, eyes half-lidded but alert, his spear resting within arm's reach. "Villages like this don't sleep easily."
Himeko set her suitcase aside and poured herself a cup of warm tea. "At least it's structurally sound. We'll manage for one night."
Welt stood near the window, gazing out at the distant glow of the capital beyond the hills. Even from here, it felt… wrong.
"This house hasn't been empty for long," he said softly. "The Imaginary residue hasn't fully faded."
March shivered. "Please tell me that doesn't mean ghosts."
"No," Welt replied. "Just… echoes."
The wind slipped through the cracks of the wooden frame, making the lamp flicker.
Himeko glanced at him. "You're still thinking about the King."
Welt nodded. "A king blessed by a 'God.' A world drained of Imaginary flow. And creatures from my world's myths appearing as if they were never legends."
Dan Heng spoke without turning. "If this king was truly blessed by an Aeon, the influence should be obvious."
"Exactly," Welt replied. "But what we're seeing isn't a clear Path. It's distorted—like something pretending to be divine."
March frowned. "So… a fake god?"
"Or a broken one," Himeko added quietly.
Silence settled again.
"Sigh, talking won't give us more information. You three go ahead and sleep, I'll handle watching." Welt got up from the ground, leaning on his cane slightly as Dan hand and March nodded. With the blanket Welt created, it was more than enough to sleep on, though it was not ideal to sleep on the rocky ground.
...…
Morning arrived quietly as the group resumed their information gathering—and this time, they found answers of real value.
The kingdom ahead was known as Israel—the Kingdom of God.
Its ruler was Solomon, the king said to have received divine wisdom directly from God Himself.
When the name was spoken, Welt's expression changed. His brows slowly furrowed.
Solomon.
A king blessed with wisdom. A silent ruler who only smiled. A world where myths walked, and faith had begun to rot.
"…Solomon," Welt repeated under his breath.
The coincidence was too precise. Too deliberate.
Himeko noticed at once. "You recognize the name."
"Yes," Welt replied, his voice low. "Too well."
"Sigh… there's no point denying it anymore," Welt said quietly.
"This world is my hometown."
March's jaw dropped.
"WHAT?!" she exclaimed. "You mean this is where you're from, Mr. Yang?! There's no technology here at all! You said you were a small-time game developer—or a corporate officer!"
She grabbed Dan Heng by the shoulder and started rambling at full speed. Dan Heng, however, ignored her entirely, focusing on the far more troubling implication.
"If this is your hometown," he said calmly, "then why is this world still uncivilized? There's no advanced technology. It feels like… the past."
Welt nodded gravely. "That's exactly what troubles me. Or perhaps this is the past of my world—long before the era I came from."
Himeko's expression darkened.
"That's possible… unless…"
She paused.
"…Someone deliberately tampered with time."
The four exchanged looks. No further explanation was needed—they all reached the same conclusion.
"Let's move," Welt said at last. "Staying here will only slow us down."
Without another word, they left the village behind, moving quietly toward the kingdom where Solomon sat upon his throne—
the silent king of a world that should never have existed.
By the time they arrived at the kingdom, the reality was far more dire than they had expected.
Empty.
That was the only word that came to mind.
Children wandered the streets thin and hollow-eyed, their bodies frail from hunger. The adults were no different—faces drawn, movements sluggish, hope long since worn away. Yet even so, countless eyes followed the newcomers as they passed, wary and silent.
They said nothing and continued onward, until the towering silhouette of a temple rose before them.
Guards stood at its entrance, posture rigid, spears held high. At the sound of approaching footsteps, the guards crossed their weapons, blocking the path.
"Strangers," one of them spoke grimly, eyes narrowed. "State your business."
Welt stepped forward calmly.
"We wish to speak with His Majesty. We have heard he is blessed by God, and I seek his wisdom."
The guards studied them in silence, their gazes lingering on each figure. At last, they nodded.
After all, anyone could seek Solomon's wisdom. Rich or poor. Strong or weak. There were no exceptions.
"Proceed," the guard said, lowering his spear.
They wasted no time, ascending the long flight of stairs beyond the gate. The climb was arduous, yet none of them slowed.
Though the Stellaron was their objective, it did not stop them from wanting to help the people suffering in this world. At last, they entered the temple.
What awaited them was not the image Welt had expected.
Instead of a bearded, elderly king, a young man sat upon a stone throne.
His skin was tan, his silver hair messy, a small braid falling loosely over his shoulder. Ten rings adorned his fingers, each one catching the light. One hand rested casually against the arm of the throne. Amber eyes gazed upon them.
A smile never left his face.
"…Solomon," Welt murmured, stunned.
In every story he had read, Solomon was an old man— yet here he sat, eternally young.
And smiling.
"Hn."
The man on the throne regarded them calmly, his smile unwavering.
"Visitors from beyond the heavens," Solomon said. "Tell me—what purpose brings you down to my kingdom?"
His voice held neither anger nor suspicion.
Only quiet certainty.
Despite openly acknowledging their otherworldly nature, there wasn't even a hint of caution in his demeanor.
Welt, Himeko, and Dan Heng stiffened.
Everywhere they traveled, they introduced themselves as beings from beyond the sky—unless the world they visited had prior contact with the outside. Even then, recognition never came without explanation.
"…How?" Welt asked, his voice low as his grip tightened around his cane.
This was a serious transgression. To point their weapon at the king, but to recognize them as outsiders without prior contact was reason enough to remain on guard.
Solomon chuckled softly.
"At ease," he said. "I harbor no ill intent toward you."
His amber eyes glimmered faintly.
"I am merely… curious." The smile on his face never faded.
"Curious about what?" Welt asked cautiously.
A light tap touched his shoulder. He glanced back to see Himeko, her expression calm but resolute.
"Leave this to me, Welt," she said softly, then stepped forward.
"King Solomon," Himeko began, her tone respectful yet firm, "may I be bold?"
"Granted," Solomon replied smoothly.
"Speak freely, Miss Himeko."
Her eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.
He even knows my name…
Has he had contact beyond this world?
She met his gaze.
"Have you had prior contact with the outside?" she asked. "You seem to know far more about us than you should."
Solomon tilted his head slightly, considering her words. Then he shook his head.
"Know you?" he said gently. "Yes, I know you."
"And no," he continued, his smile never wavering, "I have not had contact beyond the land of God."
The air grew heavier.
Solomon rested his hand against the arm of the throne, amber eyes gleaming.
"I simply… see what I am permitted to see."
Does this man always speak so vaguely…? Himeko thought.
Her suspicion was immediately shattered by what Solomon said next.
"Is it because of the Stellaron you seek?"
Himeko's breath hitched—just slightly.
"…Yes," she answered after a brief pause. "That is our main objective. I'll explain briefly, if I may."
Solomon nodded once.
"A Stellaron is a mass of destructive energy," Himeko continued. "Even mere contact with it can bring unimaginable harm to a planet. That is why we are here—why it is called the cancer of all worlds."
Her gaze hardened.
"You already know our purpose, so I'll be frank."
"Do you know where the Stellaron is?"
The temple fell silent.
All eyes turned to Solomon, whose smile—
still—had not faded.
I fear not. Even my eyes cannot see where it was placed in this world. It would be best if you travel to seek what you've trying to find." Solomon replied, still wearing that smile.
Hearing his respond, Himeko sigh softly before nodding as well. "Thank you, your majesty. Well then, will you allow us to leave?"
"No." Solomon shook his head and suddenly everything went deadly silent.
Welt his cane, Dan Heng ready to summon his Cloud-Piercer, and March also readied her bow and Six-Phase Ice.
Upon feeling the surrounding atmosphere turn into cold, Solomon shook his head and softly said.
"I apologize, did I speak too ominously?"
"Yes." Himeko and March replied together.
"I apologize. I meant to say, I cannot allow you to leave, not yet at least. Since you've bother yourself to came down here, it's my duty to held you a banquet. So please, join us."
"You should've said that earlier!" March retorted, letting out a long sigh of relief.
Solomon laughed softly at that.
"My apologies," he said. "While we are at it, would you be willing to share tales of your travels beyond the horizon, Visitors from Beyond?"
"I guess…" March muttered quietly, "it wouldn't hurt to share some of our travels."
Despite her low voice, Solomon heard her clearly and nodded in appreciation.
"Then, Solomon," Himeko added, placing a hand on her waist, "I believe we have much to discuss—about this kingdom as well."
"Hn. Understood." Solomon turned his gaze toward Welt and Dan Heng.
"As for you two… you are free to roam the grounds. Please, however, be mindful of the dire state of my kingdom."
"Thank you. We will," Welt replied, nodding. Dan Heng did the same.
March followed them out shortly after, leaving the chamber behind.
Soon, only Himeko and Solomon remained.
Himeko broke the silence.
"Why has this land become so dire?" she asked. "When we arrived, I saw no flowing water—barely any life at all."
Solomon shook his head slowly, his gentle smile unchanged as his gaze drifted toward the outside world.
"That is something even I cannot answer, Miss Himeko," he said softly. "I do not know why this has happened."
"I see…" Himeko murmured. "Then it may be one possibility that the Stellaron is responsible. After all, your world has absorbed an unimaginable amount of Destruction's energy."
Solomon paused.
"…Possibly."
His smile remained. But for the first time, it didn't quite reach his eyes.
Himeko studied him quietly, thinking, He knows something… but I can't prove it yet. Without evidence, any accusation I make would be nothing more than a lie…
The discussion continued until the sun slowly dipped and the sky finally consumed by darkness. But the kingdom, it was filled w in the lights, and bustling chaos of happiness. They have finally eaten, the king requested the banquet and they were part of them. It was happiness they felt, the king finally saw the glimmer of hope on them, they thought.