Chapter 480: 2.2 Main·Pinocony (151)

"Now that's the exciting part—who says the Holy Grail War must always be a bloodbath? When legends meet, there's never a shortage of attention."

Lancer leaned his face close: "Oh…? Little miss, I didn't realize you're actually quite clever."

"Huh? What do you mean 'didn't see it'? Lancer, if your eyes are useless, donate them to the needy heroic spirits!" Lin let out a haughty, tsundere‑laden hum, "Of course I'm the most clever Master! Isn't that right, Shirou?"

"Ah, why does this involve me…" Wei Gong Shirou smiled helplessly, "Um… Lin is right about everything."

——

The group chose 【Pioneering】 and pressed onward. Following Mi Sha's steps, they pushed open the large door at the far end of the room.

……

La Ge Wo Ke Xia Er Mi Ha Yi Er: "Mi Ha Yi Er! Where are you going?"

【Navigator】 Mi Ha Yi Er: "Someone has to step up to save Lusha Ka, Little Mi Sha—why can't it be me?"

"Don't go, okay? Or take me with you—please, don't leave…"

【Navigator】 Mi Ha Yi Er smiled gently, with a touch of kindness and comfort: "Even without me, you know how to move forward. Brave Captain Mi Sha, the Compass is waiting for you. Haven't you always wanted to become an adventurer even greater than me?"

"Let's go, board that train, and… begin your journey?"

The young child waved at the elder and then stepped onto the train bound for the stars.

……

【Helmsman】 Fa Er Ke A Meng Sen: "Mi Ha Yi Er, where are you headed?"

Mi Ha Yi Er lowered his head nervously: "I… I'm going to clean the observation car floor! I promised the conductor…"

"Stop. First tell me, you repaired this watch?"

"Uh… yes, yes."

A Meng Sen saw the boy's nervousness, loosened his shoulder, and smiled faintly: "I know what it looked like originally—broken chain, worn back case, the scale almost worn away… How did you manage it?"

"How I did it… it's hard to explain, but I know it can be fixed…" Mi Ha Yi Er suddenly recalled something, "It's the hand, Mr. A Meng Sen. The hand is still intact and can point the right direction, so the rest can be dealt with."

A Meng Sen nodded approvingly: "From now on, you'll work with me. I'll handle the conductor side; haven't you always wanted to tinker with the train? Starting today, you're the mechanic on board."

"B-but I only know how to fix watches…"

A Meng Sen chuckled lightly: "Hehe, don't worry, one thing leads to another; wherever it's lacking, I'll fill it in. I'll teach you."

——

Demon Slayer.

"Is this the microcosm of Mr. Mi Ha Yi Er's life?"

Tan Zhi Lang looked up, gazing longingly at the scene in the sky. If someday they could slay all the demons and watch Mi Dou Zi settle down, he too hoped to earn a chance to board the train and see the faces of the stars across the galaxy.

But that day is probably still far away…

"Tan Zhi Lang!!"

The door to Tan Zhi Lang's dorm was yanked open, and Shan Yi burst in, panting heavily.

"Big event! All Pillars gathering! Every Demon Slayer Corps member must attend!"

"Huh? So urgent?" Tan Zhi Lang hurriedly threw on a jacket and followed Shan Yi out. Arriving at the assembly point, they saw a vast number of swordsmen kneeling in the courtyard, the Pillars seated inside the hall, and Lord Chan Wu Zhai Yao Zai stepping out, assisted by his lady.

"Everyone, I'm sure many have already heard from the crow that Upper Rank Two was successfully defeated by Kasa Pillar Shi Tou Mu Yi Lang."

The Lord's voice was faint, but his words rippled like the tide, sparking an overwhelming roar of cheers.

"As expected of Lord Shi Tou!"

"Did Mist Breathing develop a new sword style?"

"This… this is a bit too strong, isn't it? Is it still possible to vie for Lord Shi Tou's successor now?"

……

Watching the bustling crowd, Chan Wu Zhai raised his hand lightly, and the roaring cheers that had just been boiling over abruptly fell silent.

"Mu Yi Lang's recent expedition did not employ Mist Breathing, but rather a new breathing technique of his own." At this, Chan Wu Zhai's mouth curved into a faint smile. "It was derived from Miss Jing Liu's swordsmanship in the sky, a unique creation… 'Ice Breathing'!"

"Huh? Miss Jing Liu's sword technique is many times faster than the sword speed of Thunder Breathing… can anyone actually see her sword moves?" Shan Yi recalled the scene when Yan Qing wagered with Jing Liu, involuntarily inhaling a cold breath; that demonic body often doesn't even know how it died, and its sword speed far exceeds human limits, right?

Tan Zhi Lang also lowered his voice, murmuring, "It seems that ever since Miss Jing Liu displayed her sword technique, three or four Pillars have been meditating on that style, but only Lord Shi Tou has produced results…"

"I heard that Lord Shi Tou apparently sliced off Upper Rank Two's head with a single, understated strike… just like killing an ordinary demon, leaving me not even knowing that Upper Rank's name…"

The Lord in the room let out a soft cough, and Shan Yi instinctively covered his mouth.

"According to my intel, Wu Can has already learned of this and gone into hiding. I'd like every Demon Slayer Corps member to master the Ice Breathing technique, so Mu Yi Lang will conduct special training." Chan Wu Zhai looked at the respectfully kneeling youth beside him, "What do you think, Mu Yi Lang?"

Shi Tou Mu Yi Lang bowed respectfully and nodded, "I will obey the Lord's orders."

——

【Helmsman】 Ge Lan Huo Mu: "Ge La Wo Ke, where are you going? We should set off for the next stop."

Mi Ha Yi Er inhaled deeply and solemnly said, "I… might not leave. I intend to stay in A Si De Na, with La Za Li Na and Tie Er Nan."

"Oh… does this remind you of home?"

Mi Ha Yi Er shook his head: "The people of A Si De Na have only secured a minor victory; true freedom… is still a long way off. Ha Nu Nu needs us. Rest assured, not every journey leads to the star‑sea. Even if we leave the train, our 【Pioneering】 won't end."

Ge Lan Huo Mu smiled faintly, placing a hat on Mi Ha Yi Er's head: "It's fine, I knew you lot couldn't be kept. Go with peace of mind, friend, and take this as well."

"Is this… Mr. A Meng Sen's hat? Why…" Mi Ha Yi Er was stunned.

"When he left, he said he'd give it to his best student. I think the time has come. Farewell, La Ge Wo Ke, take good care of Tie Er Nan and La Za Li Na. Remember… write us a letter."