My Instant Death Doomed Firefly to a Lifetime of Regret

From March 7th's perspective, the entire scene unfolded like an absurd turn-based comedy.

Anming delivered a critical hit to Stelle with a combo of slaps—"Lightning Triple Whip"—dealing super effective damage!

Stelle retaliated with alternating slaps and an elbow strike, making Anming shed tears worthy of a widower's grief. The pitiful display almost made Stelle too guilty to continue.

Of course, one could also interpret this as an intense "Space Station Slap Championship," but March 7th doubted anyone would play such games during an Antimatter Legion invasion.

"I hit too hard. Sorry," Stelle guiltily picked up her bat from the floor. "Should've knocked you out properly."

Anming: "?"

Taking a deep breath, Anming steadied himself. Though closing his eyes still brought Firefly's image, now wasn't the time to dwell on his "wife."

Damn simulation—since when do simulations feel this real? The warmth of Firefly burying her face in his chest each night—how could mere code replicate that?

He briefly cursed the Aeons. That so-called [Aeon's Blessing] was clearly Aha's idea of "fun." Since when did the Elation enjoy tragic stories? Still, without [Life too long, epitaph too short], he might never have met Firefly. If he ever encountered Aha, he'd praise the Aeon while igniting the seas with Molten Knight flames.

"I'm March 7th, this is Dan Heng—we're Astral Express Trailblazers!" March puffed her chest, projecting reliability while eyeing Anming suspiciously. Have I seen him somewhere?

"Fair Trailblazer, any chance the Astral Express could detour to Penacony?" Anming urgently needed to verify Firefly's existence.

Not even a meteor shower could distract him now.

"Like we wouldn't want to! But funds are..." March muttered before declaring, "The meaning of Trailblazing forbids it!"

Dan Heng massaged his temples, interrupting the circus. "Antimatter Legion's still here. Focus, March."

"Dan Heng, don't you know? This is the legendary Galactic Batting Legend—they say she once cracked Nanook's Achilles' heel with a bat!"

Stelle blinked at her weapon, then pointed at herself: "Me? Fight Nanook? Really?"

March snatched Anming's ID badge, squinting at the text: "Ms. Herta's Dedicated Word Smith? Seriously?"

The silence was deafening. Only Herta's space station would have such absurd job titles.

"I've been reborn! This time I'll charm President Pom-Pom, steal Auntie Himeko's navigator role, become the ultimate succubus—"

Stelle: "?"

Dan Heng sighed. "You didn't just judge the book by its cover."

March pressed closer, scrutinizing Anming's face. The [Word Smith] title explained everything—this man definitely wrote Succubus March 7th.

Anming sweated bullets. Who knew his bored fanfic writing would bite back?

"Do I look like a succubus?!" March launched a beauty assault, her pink-blue eyes resembling Penacony's finest artworks.

Anming averted his gaze, completing the "Don't Stare" challenge. "Misunderstanding! Please... put that weapon away."

"Weapon?" March glanced down at her shirt-straining chest, blushing crimson. "Kissing maniac! Peeping Tom! Succubus author!"

"Succubus author seems excessive—"

"Eww, kissing maniac~" Stelle fake-coyly covered her face, grin wider than the space station's main cannon.

Dan Heng left with his spear. "By the time you finish gossiping, the Legion will have won."

March glared at Anming—we'll settle the succubus fic later—before assessing their firepower: "You can fight, right?"

Anming rolled up sleeves. Post-simulation, he was no ordinary clerk. "Guaranteed win."

Perfect chance to join the Express crew. After this crisis, ditch Herta, become a Trailblazer, then reroute to Penacony!

Does Firefly ever think of me?

March poked his cheek. "Stop making that heartbroken face! I won't tease anymore."

"Miss March... I loved a firefly-like girl. If she's just a dream, would she still love me?"

March's expression shifted from shock to exasperation. "You cried over a dream girl? That's like simping for 2D waifus!"

"Maybe... try recreating the dream?"