The Stellaron sensed imminent annihilation the moment Anming appeared. Without hesitation, it lunged toward Cocolia—its only vessel to unleash its full power.
A chaotic beam of golden energy laced with black tendrils shot toward Cocolia. Her spear shattered instantly, but before the Stellaron could consume her, a sword's edge severed its advance.
"We meet again, Supreme Guardian."
Anming stood before Cocolia, Wuye embedded in the snow. A ring of sword intent expanded, shredding falling snowflakes into dust. A thin cut bloomed on Cocolia's cheek, blood like rouge. Pain awakened clarity.
Seven centuries of Preservation had shown Cocolia no dawn of hope.
Gray clouds choked the sky. The Overworld's despair mirrored the Underworld's darkness.
"Who… are you?" Cocolia whispered, staring at his back—a silhouette weathered yet serene.
"Just a Trailblazer." Anming sheathed his sword.
The Stellaron recoiled, energy spiraling out of control. It shot into the clouds and merged with the mountainous Creation Engine. The earth quaked as boulders cascaded down the Everwinter Monument.
The Engine's eyes glowed crimson, its colossal arm swinging down like divine punishment.
Stelle yanked Cocolia away. "Move! You wanna become roadkill?!"
A green comet streaked across the sky—Firefly's Molten Knight slammed into the Engine's head, sunlight blazing across her armor.
Anming smiled. His transformation device ignited. Flames crawled up his body as SAM's armor materialized, Firefly's warmth embracing him. How long had it been since they'd fought side by side?
Gold and crimson meteors collided. Firefly's swords sliced the Engine's right arm into sparking wreckage. The titan lurched, collapsing under its weight.
"One skill to break its weak point?!" Stelle gaped. "Broken!"
Cocolia watched, awestruck. This wasn't a battle—it was a dance of starlight.
Stelle snatched Cocolia's ice-sealed lance. "Preservation's will… chooses." The weapon blazed anew in her hands.
March's arrows cleared a path. "No solo acts, idiot! Teamwork!"
Stelle charged up the Engine's fallen arm. Cracked ice melted under amber light.
"Flame Lance—Charge!"
The lance dragged her forward, molten trails scorching the Engine's hull. Anming's SAM soared past, meteors raining behind him.
The Stellaron roared. A black hole yawned above, warping reality itself.
"Anming!"
"Firefly!"
Gold and crimson intertwined. Hands clasped midair, their voices merged:
"We'll ignite the starry sea!"
Their combined strike pierced the singularity, shattering the prelude to genesis.
Seven centuries of frost ended in a supernova's glow.