Returning to the present, at the Space Station:
"Miss Lumina, that aura we sensed earlier..." Welt adjusted his glasses, his expression grave as he turned to Lumina.
Though it had only lasted a moment, he had felt a power that transcended all living beings.
"An Emanator..."
"Yes, just as you suspected," Lumina nodded, offering no secrets to Welt. "He was targeting me. The Antimatter Legion's invasion of the Space Station was essentially collateral damage."
Lumina sighed, her face etched with guilt.
"No, you mustn't feel guilty," Himeko quickly reassured her. "Under Asta's command, the Space Station sustained minimal damage. And despite the Antimatter Legion's assault, not a single person was injured or killed."
Seeing Lumina's dejected expression, Himeko hurried to comfort her.
"Well, that's the silver lining," Lumina acknowledged, picking up Stelle.
Though the player's perspective had already gone dark, she still had to maintain the act. Besides, Stelle's body was remarkably soft and exuded a faint, alluring fragrance. Judging by appearances alone, no one would ever guess she was actually a Stellaron that had gained sentience.
"Should we take her to the Train or keep her here at the Space Station?" Lumina asked Himeko, cradling Stelle in her arms.
"The Space Station's medical facilities are fully equipped. Let's take her inside."
"Hmm..." Lumina nodded without another word, cradling Stelle in her arms as she entered the Space Station.
"So, what exactly happened back there?" March 7th asked Welt, watching Lumina's retreating figure with a puzzled expression.
Even someone as naive as March 7th could tell that something significant had transpired with Lumina.
"Miss Lumina was also involved in a battle, but thankfully, she's unharmed," Welt replied, shaking his head. He chose not to mention the Lord Ravager incident to March 7th.
"Of course I know that," March 7th retorted, planting her hands on her hips with a hint of exasperation.
Seeing the serious expression on Welt's face, March 7th realized he wouldn't elaborate. She gave up asking and hurried after Lumina.
"Sister Lumina, wait for me! Wait for me!"
"I'm strong! Let me carry Stelle!"
"March seems quite fond of Miss Lumina," Himeko chuckled, watching March 7th trail after Lumina.
"That's a good thing," Welt said, adjusting his slightly reflective glasses. "It's an honor for March to befriend Miss Lumina."
"True..." Himeko murmured, her voice tinged with awe as she recalled Lumina's extraordinary deeds.
Inside the Space Station, Lumina found a relatively quiet corner and gently set Stelle down. Turning to March 7th beside her, she smiled. "March, could you watch over Stelle for me? I need to find Asta."
"Mhm! Leave Stelle to me!" March 7th readily agreed, seeing no reason to refuse Lumina's request.
"Thank you so much!" Lumina reached out and softly ruffled March 7th's hair. Now free from the player's perspective, Lumina could finally extend her... helping hand to the other girls.
"Hehe..."
March 7th felt an unprecedented sense of comfort under Lumina's touch, as if her own mother were stroking her hair.
"I'll be going now." Lumina reluctantly withdrew her hand, waved goodbye, and left.
After searching for Asta, Lumina finally spotted her taking a break and drinking water in a resting area. Perhaps with the Space Station's crisis completely resolved, Asta had earned a brief respite. Lumina quietly approached Asta and playfully poked her on the head.
"Hmm? Oh, Sister Lumina!"
Asta's expression was a sight to behold, cycling through shock, confusion, and finally delight in a dramatic display reminiscent of a certain pirate anime.
Lumina suppressed a chuckle as her expression gradually turned serious. She took a deep breath and said, "Asta, I've come to apologize."
"Huh?"
Seeing Lumina's solemn demeanor, Asta initially thought something important was about to be revealed. She adopted an equally serious expression, only to freeze mid-pose upon hearing the apology.
"Apologize? Why?" Asta blinked in bewilderment, looking utterly adorable.
Lumina recounted her century-old pact with the Lord Ravager and their recent encounter, embellishing the story to emphasize her own responsibility.
Although she knew the Antimatter Legion's appearance on the Space Station was entirely due to the Stellaron Hunters and had nothing to do with her, she willingly took the blame.
[You're such a saint! Why are you shouldering the consequences for someone else's actions?]
Hearing Lumina's words, the System cursed under its breath.
"Because I want to... increase her favorability."
[What?]
"I'm going to make her think this incident is my responsibility, building an image of someone who takes responsibility for their actions. Later, when she realizes it wasn't my fault, her favorability towards me will naturally increase."
Lumina hummed softly, patiently explaining her plan to the System.
After listening to Lumina's explanation, Asta remained silent for a moment before waving her hands frantically. "It's alright, Sister Lumina! No one was hurt."
"So you don't need to apologize."
"See? She's already falling for it~"
[Then how will you tell her the truth?]
Lumina smiled but didn't answer. Instead, she silently started a countdown in her mind.
"Three... two... one..."
"Miss Lumina had absolutely nothing to do with the Space Station's intrusion."
As Lumina's countdown reached zero, a woman's voice rang out clearly.
"See? One step after another, all according to my plan."
[...]