Chapter 37: The Native Steps onto the Path, and Joy Begins to Stir Up Trouble
On the bustling streets of the Imperial Capital—
Dressed in outlandish clothing, Kafka, Silver Wolf, Saeko Busujima, and Elias strolled leisurely, fully enjoying the cultural shock of this strange new world.
For Kafka and Silver Wolf, who had already traveled to countless planets and witnessed many civilizations across the universe, this wasn't much of a surprise.
But Saeko Busujima was wide-eyed, constantly looking around, unable to take in everything at once.
"This world is so fascinating," she mused. "The people here have such high physical capabilities. I've even spotted a few who, back on Earth, could be Olympic champions."
Silver Wolf chewed on her bubble gum, lazily blowing a bubble before answering, "Well, it is another world. Even in the universe, there are strange and rare energies that enhance biological evolution."
"For example, when Imaginary Energy degrades into Internal Imaginary Energy, some civilizations have learned how to harness it for cultivation, creating brilliant magical systems."
"Though, if you ask scientists, they'd tell you that so-called 'magic' is just a primitive, rudimentary application of Imaginary Energy. The locals know what it does but have no clue why it works."
Saeko Busujima admired her insight. "Silver Wolf, you really know a lot."
The bubble Silver Wolf had been blowing popped. "Eh, it's nothing. If you've been to enough planets and civilizations, you naturally pick things up."
Kafka smiled. "Enough of that, Silver Wolf."
"You've already noticed, haven't you? Ever since we stepped into this city, we've been targeted by multiple sources of malice."
"And despite the prosperous, orderly appearance of this city, it reeks of rot and corruption beneath the surface."
Silver Wolf shrugged. "Of course I noticed. I mean, we were Stellaron Hunters before this."
"This is a low-development civilization. It hasn't yet advanced to the point of true freedom, democracy, or equality."
Saeko Busujima casually brushed her fingers over the watch on her wrist—a storage device where her katana was safely stored.
Her sharp gaze scanned their surroundings.
She had only recently become a Pathstrider, but even now, she was capable of destroying an entire street in a single strike.
"I've noticed it too," she murmured, her lips curling slightly. "Leave them to me."
The thought of cutting down vile men already had her blood surging with excitement.
Elias grinned. "Relax—just enjoy yourselves."
"Do whatever you like. Anything."
He had absolute trust in the Astral Express crew—whatever they did would undoubtedly be for the better.
Silver Wolf looked at Elias. "Then can we split up, Lord Elias?"
She had been holding back for a long time now.
The colors of dusk reflected in her eyes.
The stench of corruption and oppression in this city made her deeply uncomfortable—it reminded her of the slums in Punklorde, where she had once struggled to survive.
Her homeworld, Punklorde, was a planet drenched in neon lights and cybernetic augmentation, but the disparity between rich and poor was astronomical.
The rich lived in paradise. The poor lived like caged animals.
She wanted to dig deep into the darkness beneath this medieval kingdom's shining facade.
Then she wanted to shatter it.
To tear it down.
To destroy it all.
She had once wanted to do the same in Punklorde—but back then, she had no power. She had given up.
But now—she had power.
Kafka lightly patted the gun at her waist and smiled. "I'd also like to go off on my own."
Elias looked at the two women, who were already bristling with restless energy just from being in this oppressive city.
"Of course you can," he said with a carefree smile. "Do whatever you want."
"Even if you turn this whole planet upside down, it doesn't matter."
After all—
The moment Paths descended upon this world, it had already begun to boil over.
Silver Wolf and Kafka exchanged glances—then both grinned.
"Heh… you said it yourself, Lord Elias. I won't hold back." Silver Wolf's smirk was full of wild delight.
No wonder the entire universe recognized the Path of Trailblaze as the most fiercely protective Aeon.
This absolute sense of security was simply too good to be true.
"Go ahead, cause as much chaos as you want," Elias waved his hand dismissively. "Let's go, Saeko. We'll continue exploring the night market."
Saeko Busujima nodded. "Yes, Lord Elias."
Even as he strolled casually through the lively streets, his awareness extended through every Trailblazer under his domain.
His Path of Trailblaze granted him omniscient vision—allowing him to observe everything from all angles without missing a single detail.
Old Yang really is from Earth's 21st century, huh? He went straight for spreading the Red Ideology.
The Revolutionary Army is about to become a real Revolutionary Army now.
Originally, the so-called Revolutionary Army was merely a band of opportunists. Though they opposed the Empire, their leaders were far from noble—their ultimate goal wasn't freedom for the people, but seizing power for themselves.
Some of them even collaborated with foreign nations—the Northern Tribes, the Western Kingdoms, and the Southern Raiders—all of whom were essentially glorified bandits that preyed on innocent citizens.
But now—
"When Teigu are no longer the sole source of supernatural power... When the oppressed commoners begin to awaken powers greater than Teigu..."
"That's when things will get truly interesting."
At that moment, visions surfaced in Elias's mind—
[Three young villagers, fresh from the countryside, arrive in the Imperial Capital, eager to make a name for themselves. But their travel money is stolen, and they are left with nowhere to stay—until a sweet, golden-haired noble invites them into her home.]
[They wake up, drugged and locked inside a storage room—only to discover the noble's horrifying secret.]
[Tortured commoners, broken bodies nailed to the walls, and cages filled with half-dead prisoners.]
Elias's eyes gleamed with amusement.
"Tatsumi and his two friends didn't split up this time? Instead, they all arrived together?"
"Such pure, righteous rage... They desperately want to be saved... They long to serve justice..."
"Ah, the passionate justice of youth—so idealistic, so untainted."
"I love stories like these—the pursuit of everything beautiful."
Without hesitation, Elias shifted his gaze, locking onto the three tragic protagonists.
Tatsumi—one of the most unfortunate male leads in anime history.
Back when Elias wasn't yet a Aeon, he yearned for stories like this—tales of heroism, courage, and righteous justice. He had longed to experience them firsthand.
But now—
Now, he was a Aeon.
And he would participate in these tales—not as a mere witness, but as the one guiding them.
Elsewhere, new Trailblazers were emerging.
In the eastern region of the Empire—
A benevolent preacher, who had dedicated his life to spreading kindness, fervently prayed for divine guidance.
In that moment—he unknowingly stepped onto the Path of Trailblaze.
Meanwhile—
A pink-haired girl, with a sweet and delicate face, hesitated at the border of the Revolutionary Army's recruitment camp.
Clutching a compact mirror, she stared at her own reflection—
"I want to create a world where everyone is treated equally."
With that single thought—she too walked onto the Path.
Elias smirked.
"As expected—Aha just can't sit still."
Elias glanced over at Aha, who had just tossed a mask at Prime Minister Honest's feet, scaring him.
Aha's voice echoed.
"Hehehe... My dear friend, now that the forces of justice have begun to move... it's only fitting for the final villain to step onto the stage, don't you think?"
Even without the Path's support, the Aeon of Elation was still stronger than Elias himself.
There was no doubt that Aha had started writing the script the moment the Astral Express crew arrived.
Elias chuckled. "Then I'll leave it to you. Just don't break the villain's faction too soon."
Aha's laugh grew even more delighted.
"Ohoho~ Worry not, my dear friend!"
"I promise you—this grand battle between justice and evil... will end in the most ridiculous way."