16 Cold and Barren Lands

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Gonna change from 3rd Person to 1st Person POV for this and future chapters overall.

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Erwin Linestone POV

"So, you're telling me there is gonna be a delay because Himeko wants to invite Caelus to be a member of the Express," I said knowing how much he did to protect March and his unknown background.

"That is certainly what Aunt Himeko wants" said by March

"And with his background and memory loss, he will probably be more likely to join" with Dan Heng beside March.

"True, but why is it taking so long" I said despite my background as one from another universe I wanted to know why as it was a few hours since Caelus had woken up from his form self self-destruct.

"Miss Herta had asked Caelus to study why and how his body can host a Stellaron," March said giving me the information needed to ease my worries.

"That would make much more sense" I felt knowing that it was a study of some sort I then asked March "What's a stellaron?"

"A Stellaron is a cancer of the world created by the Aeon of Destruction Nanook for he believes that the universe is a mistake and should be destroyed." Dan Heng explained while I was shocked at what a stellaron is.

"Well at least the Caelus is not exploding anymore" 'At least it's not some sort of explosive orb of a certain wizard but that's the wrong fandom' I said and thought still waiting in the parlor car looking at the various records.

I got a request on my phone with a group chat with everyone I then responded to a few messages on normal topics then Himeko messaged that she was outside the express and that she with Caelus would explain the delay.

*A few minutes of explaining later*

"So let me guess this straight, when you woke up after the ordeal of you almost blowing up Herta had come late which was after the disaster was gone she now appeared in her space station via the dolls she made here," I said looking at the window seeing the very doll looking in front of a closed gate.

"Yup the same one," said Himeko looking at the very same direction Erwin looked at.

"I hope it's not another one of those killer dolls" I muttered

"What about the dolls," March said while she heard me say it.

"Just know that appearances can be deceiving" I awkwardly go to another part of the parlor car where the synthesizer is to which my probe scanner later scanned but I didn't want to make another one since the one in the parlor car is still functional.

I then saw some snacks and drinks within the synthesizer terminal and synthesized some using a random assortment of materials but I'm new in this universe so the laws are different here.

I then went to Caelus who is currently seated on the yellow couch.

"So anything interesting while being with Herta?" I asked offering him a snack.

He explained to me about the Simulated Universe which was supposed to be called the 'Metaverse' and how it's a recreation to provide information about Aeon's past which has given me curiosity.

He then went on to talk about the dreams he was having about the Universe, The Astral Express, Aeons, and the Stellaron on his body then came March to disturb his concentration saying about touching the stars.

I then asked if she had questions of her own to which he replied about March telling him about the crew finding her in 6th Phased Ice, finding a way to melt the ice, and forgetting who she was to name her March 7th which was nice of March to share her perspective to Caelus.

*ahem* 2x "The Express has reached a safe distance from the space station" To which got up and went next to the nearest window to my astonishment we already left the space meaning I've been clueless about the departure and didn't give my attention outside talking to Caelus.

Another announcement was made "The train is about to make the jump" to which I hurried to the couch while March is currently standing in the center bracing herself.

"March I don't think that's a good idea" I worriedly glanced at her to which she replied, "It's ok I've done this before".

In my training when launching at high speed I knew about safety but March just stubbornly disregarding her safety to which we are covered in blue then a flow of energy rushed out in forwards then to my eyes everything stopped and I looked around the parlor car then towards the window.

A planet of pure white which suggests they travelled towards another sector of a solar system.

"After all those millennia... is this what Jarilo-IV has become?" Himeko responded while looking at the planet.

"Huh? So that snowy planet is our destination this time?" March said while looking at Himeko.

"Yes... Looks like this Trailblazing expedition won't be easy." Himeko then responded back

"Spatial readout anomaly! Star rail stability is down to 12%!" Pompom said the current statistics.

If anything I know about spatial disturbances it's either from an energy surge or something that caused the express to lose stability which I'm more currently going towards the first option since there isn't anything my probe scanner picked up except for energy readings.

To which I listened more then was told it came from a stellaron which means another stellaron is nearby to which Himeko then said we could visit the planet.

"I'll be right back," I said sprinting towards my room and wearing my space uniform which I transferred into my work uniform and went through my store interface to find uniform customization and found one for cold weather.

The Tundra Suit has the most compatible conditions for cold weather I put on my helmet and changed the option to the Tundra Suit then confirmed the purchase.

I then changed my uniform option to the Tundra Suit which I'm enveloped in the same nebula substance that brought me but I can move around to which I can only see the nebula then it disbursed leaving me with the Tundra Suit I purchased.

I then joined with the others as they saw my new suit which got March jealous of how I got new clothes while she got regular ones for today's expedition.

Dan Heng dragged March to the launch pad to which we were deployed (more like transported) to an area near our destination.

When we got there we walked around looking at the carpets of snow around us we then stopped where Dan Heng greeted "Jarilo-IV, we're here."

With snow, snow, and snow for all I can see with my suit designed to warm my body in cold temperatures.

I can get used to this lifestyle.

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Any criticism is welcome here as I'm not much into writing stories but enjoyed doing them, and any criticism made I don't really respond but update any errors commented by other. Ciao. 

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