Chapter 25: with translation of chapter title

【"Well, star passenger, hurry back to your seat, I'm about to start the countdown."】

【"Everyone get ready, three, two, one..."】

Under Pam's countdown, the train's massive body began to gradually accelerate, the pieces on the chessboard also began to tremble, and then a blue membrane-like substance spread rapidly from the train's front, instantly enveloping the entire train.

The train seemed to have entered some kind of spatial rift, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

Jes widened their eyes in amazement, asking, "Is this the fold-jump technology of another world?!"

He could never imagine how this train, which looked ordinary and somewhat retro in design, could achieve that.

In his consideration, if the energy of the Hextech crystal could be perfectly activated, long-range fold-jump technology could be achieved. However, according to the calculations, the energy required for fold-jumping grows exponentially with the volume of the object, and for an object the size of a train…

"Perhaps this is the might of the Star God," Victor murmured sighingly.

A mere mention of the Star God can easily smooth over the huge chasm between two worlds.

"Accompanied by flashing light, the train shuttled from the singularity, and that blue substance surrounding it began to gradually peel off; in Xing's astonished gaze, the train's jump was already complete."

"The space station originally outside the window had disappeared, replaced by a huge white planet standing silently in the distance."

"This is exactly their destination for this trip—Ayrillo-VI."

""Thousands of years have passed, and Ayrillo-VI has actually become like this?" Ji Zi compared it to the lush planet in the database, feeling emotional: "Times change, seas turn to fields.""

""Is that white, blank planet our target for this trip?" Xiao San Yue's eyes suddenly widened, and she instinctively hugged her own arms."

"Even before setting foot on this planet, a chill was already creeping up from the soles of the feet."

""Spatial readings abnormal! Orbital stability rate dropped to 12%!""

""The docking plan has changed; this station's docking time is extended from seven days to indefinite!" As Pam's warning sounded, Ji Zi's face rarely darkened, and the atmosphere in the train momentarily seemed affected by Ayrillo-VI, turning cold and stiff."

""Indefinitely…" Xing glanced at Ji Zi beside them."

""If we compare it to an ordinary land train, it's like the tracks ahead suddenly break, with a bottomless abyss below…" Ji Zi smiled helplessly, "At this point, we can only emergency brake, right?""

"San Yue Qi rubbed her forehead; it was obvious this wasn't her first time seeing such a situation."

""The preliminary test results are out, and the source of the anomaly is still the 【Star Core】." Seeing the atmosphere solidify as everyone discussed, Walter walked over slowly, his gaze involuntarily turning to Xing, "It's the same substance as the 【Star Core】 placed inside your body.""

"Xing asked, bewildered: "What exactly is the Star Core?""

""There are many mysteries surrounding the Star Core; even the Black Tower couldn't fully analyze it. But you don't need to worry too much—we've encountered situations where the Star Core blocked routes before, so even if we don't understand its principle, we still have ways to counteract its influence.""

"Walter nodded: "The only thing we can be certain of is that the arrival of the Star Core will bring drastic changes to civilization and ecology, and will also produce spatial distortions such as rift realms.""

""Ayrillo-VI's transformation into an ice‑locked planet is probably inseparable from the influence of the Star Core.""

""According to our speculation, the Star Core is a calamity seed sown across worlds by a certain Star God; if we don't eradicate the source of the disaster, 【Expansion】 cannot even be discussed.""

——

Nazarick Underground Great Tomb.

Walking toward the Throne Hall, Koseftes' steps were extremely heavy. Moreover, as if infected, the slaves following behind him also had heavy, slow steps, not even daring to lift their heads.

The reason for the heavy steps was the light screen that had appeared in the sky not long ago; its content was truly beyond imagination, and Koseftes, despite racking his brains, never expected that the human strength shown inside could be so strong.

When the light screen's playback reached the point of the train's fold‑jump, Koseftes received a transmission from his master, prompting him to go to the Throne Hall together with the other guardians to pay respects.

It was probably not a simple meeting, but rather he wanted to hear these guardians' opinions.

——especially those "Star Gods".

Thinking of this, Koseftes' body stiffened; though he possessed absolute resistance to freezing air and cold, his trembling was certainly not due to external factors but stemmed from within. Recalling the gaze of the annihilating Star God, intense pressure seemed to spread from his chest to his limbs, causing his steps to falter——

"Koseftes, are you intending to keep the Supreme One waiting?"

A cold voice came from above the steps; hearing it, Koseftes snapped his head up to see Albedo and Shalltear looking down at him from above.

Besides them, Demiurge, Sebas, and the other guardians were all present, standing on either side of the stairs.

Everyone's eyes seemed to carry a silent reproach.

"Sorry I'm late; if my tardiness caused everyone to be punished by the Supreme One——"

"Let's skip those words; if your slowness makes Lord Ainz of the Supreme One slightly displeased, then you can only atone with death." Albedo's golden eyes held a hint of blame, but punishing Koseftes also takes time, and we can't afford delay right now.

After a brief explanation of the meeting's precautions, the guardians, led by Albedo, entered the Throne Hall together with their respective servants.

Koseftes entered a room he had only visited a few times before, his heart filled with immense joy.

The perfect architecture and carvings symbolize the Supreme One's outstanding taste; besides that are the banners symbolizing the Supreme One and the world‑class treasures deep within. Even though Koseftes, as a guardian, would find it difficult to come to this room, calling it the core of Nazarick Underground Great Tomb is truly deserved.

After saluting the emblem of Ainz Ooal Gown on the wall, Koseftes and the other guardians all knelt, lowered their heads, and waited silently for their master's arrival.

"Welcome the Supreme Ruler of Nazarick Underground Great Tomb, Lord Ainz Ooal Gown!"

The voice of the battle maid Yuri rang out, the door opened with a soft creak, followed by the clear sound of shoes and the tapping of a cane on the floor.

Footsteps slowly passed by the guardians, then came the sound of climbing the stairs and of sitting on the throne, after which Albedo's voice rang out loudly in the hall.

"Please raise your heads and behold the visage of Lord Ainz Ooal Gown."

Koseftes immediately raised his head, fearing that his slowness would displease the Supreme One.

Wielding the scepter symbolizing rulership, his whole body shrouded in dreadful aura, and his back emitting a mysterious dark light, the Supreme One was indeed the highest ruler of Nazarick Underground Great Tomb.

Albedo approached the Supreme One step by step, bowed slightly, and said, "Lord Ainz, the guardians have gathered before you; please issue your command."

"Hmm…" Ainz struck his scepter heavily against the floor, drawing everyone's gaze, then he slowly spoke: "Welcome to my presence, guardians. You have more or less guessed why I summoned you here."

The scepter was slowly raised, pointing at the light screen visible through the wall——

"Now, regarding the 【Star Core】 and the 【Star God】, please each share your thoughts."