Chapter 23, Lumine: Look at how the mighty have fallen, everyone!

Just as Himeko finished speaking, the door to the observation car was pushed open, and Ye Yun walked in with Hook, Clara, and Rios.

"Yo, what a coincidence? I just got back and I already have business."

Paimon was pleasantly surprised by Ye Yun's sudden appearance. "Ye Yun! You're back!"

Ye Yun nodded and introduced them to the others. "These two little ones are Hook and Clara, and the one behind me is Rios, my spirit."

After speaking, Ye Yun patted Hook and Clara on their little heads. "These are your sister Himeko and Uncle Welt, and the two beside them are Paimon and your sister Lumine. Say hello."

The two little ones greeted them obediently.

Welt could not help but twitch at the way the two little ones addressed him after hearing Ye Yun's instruction. Why is Himeko a "sister," but he is an "uncle"? Is he really that old?

Paimon was also a bit dissatisfied. "Why is Lumine 'sister,' but when it comes to me, it's just my name!"

Ye Yun did not answer Paimon, but instead reached out and picked her up, placing her next to Hook. Everyone looked over, and to their surprise, Paimon was even shorter than Hook!

Paimon was stunned into silence for a moment. She flew over to Lumine's side, looking dejected. Why! Why am I so short! No way!

Seeing this, Lumine took out a pack of spicy gluten strips and tossed it into Paimon's arms. Upon seeing the snack, Paimon’s mood shifted instantly; she began to grin and quickly tore open the package to start eating. Seeing this, everyone couldn't help but smile. Paimon really is a foodie to the bone; when it comes to her, food is the ultimate trump card.

Ye Yun left Hook and Clara in Himeko's care and went over to Lumine.

"Are you still looking for that unsealing pill from last time?"

Lumine shook her head. "Not for now. I want to buy a vehicle, preferably one that provides a place to rest."

Ye Yun thought for a moment. "How about an off-road vehicle?"

Lumine considered it; an off-road vehicle had plenty of space and was suitable for her travels in the wild. However, it wasn't exactly comfortable for sleeping. "I want to look at something else. An off-road vehicle is fine, but it's missing something."

Ye Yun spoke to everyone, "Let's go, come over to my place and sit for a while. My treat for drinks."

Paimon was the most enthusiastic when she heard someone was treating. With her mouth still stuffed with spicy strips, she flew over to Ye Yun and stared at him.

...

Afterward, the group arrived at the car where Ye Yun's shop was located. Ye Yun led Lumine to the small bar. "You look around first, I'll whip up some drinks."

Ye Yun went into the small bar to prepare drinks for everyone. He prepared orange juice for the two children, Paimon, and Lumine. He made a cappuccino for Himeko, and Longjing tea for himself and Welt. Ye Yun first called Paimon over to take the orange juice for herself and Lumine. Then, he carried the rest of the drinks over to the booth area.

As he approached, he saw Hook and Clara looking at Himeko with expressions of pure adoration. Ye Yun leaned in to listen; Himeko was explaining the Astral Express and the Nameless to the two children. The pair was clearly fascinated by the stories of the Nameless.

"Hook, Clara, come drink some orange juice. Brother Ye Yun is busy, so make sure to listen to Sister Himeko, understand?" Ye Yun placed the two cups of juice in front of them, and they nodded in agreement.

Ye Yun turned to Himeko and said, "Himeko, sorry to trouble you to look after these two little ones. I'm going to help Lumine finish her shopping."

Himeko smiled. "It's fine, Hook and Clara are very well-behaved."

Ye Yun nodded, reassured, and returned to assist Lumine. He took a sip of his tea and sat on a barstool next to her. "So, did you find anything you like?"

Lumine shook her head, sighed, and spread her hands. "Nothing～"

Ye Yun pondered. "What about a camper? How about this off-road style camper?"

"It comes with a kitchen, a bathroom, a bedroom, and a small storage space. Both sides can expand outward to provide an extra table and a rain canopy. It even has a solar power system. The price is only 2,000 Star Credits."

Lumine looked it over; it was indeed perfect. But... the price... she couldn't afford it. She had just exchanged her currency and only had 1,420 in total. After returning yesterday, she had been searching for treasure chests constantly. Fortunately, she had used the unsealing pill to boost her strength, otherwise, she wouldn't have even gotten that many Primogems.

"I think I'll look at others."

Ye Yun noticed the fleeting embarrassment on Lumine's face. "What? Not enough money? I can let you sign an IOU, no interest."

Ye Yun trusted Lumine's ability to earn Star Credits quite a bit. After all, she possessed an invincible passive skill: "Will never miss a single treasure chest in sight."

Lumine was pleasantly surprised. "Really? I am a bit short on cash."

Ye Yun nodded. "Of course it's real. How much are you short?"

Lumine took out all her Star Credits. "Here, this is all of it, 1,420 in total."

Ye Yun took the 1,420 Star Credits and added 580 of his own to cover the difference. He snapped his fingers, summoning a camper encased in a bubble.

"So, what do you think? Shall we head to your world now?"

Lumine was surprised. "You can go to my world?"

Ye Yun nodded. "Of course, others can too, but you have to go through the portal I open; the ones you open won't work."

Himeko and Welt looked over at this. Welt closed the book in his hand. "Ye Yun, can you take us to Lumine's world?"

Ye Yun nodded. "I can. Well? Do you want to go and take a look?"

Welt was moved. He had originally wanted to go on this Trailblazing journey, but had to stay behind to train the newcomers. He couldn't pass up the chance to visit another world. However, someone had to stay to watch the Express.

Seeing the melancholy on Welt's face, Himeko smiled. "Welt, you go. It's fine if I stay to watch the Express."

Welt shook his head. "You go instead. I'll stay behind."

Just as Himeko was about to insist that Welt go, Ye Yun interrupted. "Alright, both of you go. As for the Express..."

Ye Yun turned to look at Rios, who was standing by the window watching the sea of stars. "Rios, keep an eye on the train."

Rios turned around. "No problem, leave it to me."

Ye Yun nodded and turned back to Himeko and Welt. "Don't worry. Rios's strength is at the half-step Emanator level. With it here, nothing will happen to the Express."

Himeko was surprised to hear about Rios's strength. Just now, her attention had been entirely on Hook and Clara, and she had forgotten about the fire-deer that Ye Yun called a "spirit."

Furthermore... was Ye Yun's own strength a bit off? He was only a high-level Pathstrider when he set off yesterday. It had only been a day, and he was already an Emanator?