The emerald jungle, tranquil villages, and deep ravines flowed past the moving window—each scene shifting without pause.

Stare too long, and you’d lose yourself in the blur.

The compartment swayed and rumbled like a train, lulling me into drowsiness.

Right. I was indeed inside a private cabin aboard this world’s equivalent of a railway carriage.

Across the small table sat Preman—real name Preya—commander of the Sincere Kingdom Pioneering Squad. He observed my expression with keen interest.

Preman wore formal commander’s attire, his meticulously crafted demeanor embodying the public-facing male identity he currently maintained.

**Preman:** First time riding this thing? Not bad, huh?

**Seventh Ju:** Ah…

He likely thought I was awestruck by novelty. Truth was, I was stunned this world even *had* trains.

According to Preman, this rail line—built by the Sincere Kingdom—cut north through key cities and capitals of several nations, terminating in Technica. It served as a vital artery connecting the Sincere Kingdom to the wider human world, preventing isolation from global affairs. The technology behind it remained secret; operating the train required specialized Wish Power, draining a driver’s lifetime Wish Points. Only the wealthy or powerful rode it—evident from the lavish attire of those who’d personally greeted Preman after boarding.

Our final stop was the Lightdark Corridor, a narrow nation bordering both Technica and the Divine Temple.

I tore my gaze from the window and pulled a small object from my pocket, examining it closely. A parting gift from friends before departure—a pocket-watch-like device.

Inside the lid, four mismatched hands spun erratically—speeding, halting, drifting out of sync. Clearly not for telling time.

**Preman:** Don’t know what that is?

**Seventh Ju:** …No.

**Preman:** It’s called "Traveler’s Time." A portable keepsake—perfect for travelers. Each hand represents a friend. Legend says when all hands align, you’re thinking of each other. It’s said to increase reunion chances. Its meaning? "Anticipating our next meeting."

**Seventh Ju:** So… a farewell gift carrying wishes?

**Preman:** Exactly.

I carefully tucked away the Traveler’s Time. My eyes drifted to the large, man-sized crate beside Preman.

**Seventh Ju:** …Are we really traveling with just *that*? And your outfit draws attention.

**Preman:** No worries. I’ve planned carefully.

He adjusted his collar—a gesture radiating such effortless charm that no one would question his presented gender.

**Preman:** This identity offers maximum advantage, minimal risk. Though… some unavoidable trouble may still find us.

**Seventh Ju:** Wouldn’t more guards be safer? Just the two of us—

**Preman:** Aren’t *you* enough, Seventh Ju?

**Seventh Ju:** …………

**Seventh Ju:** You trust me this much? No regrets?

**Preman:** Tsk. I told you—excellence earns trust. And between you and Aiton? You’re the reliable choice. More people would only make *me* more conspicuous.

**Seventh Ju:** …Flattered. What’s in the crate?

**Preman:** Something you’ve seen.

He patted the surprisingly lightweight box, lowering his voice.

**Preman:** …One mandible from that giant worm.

**Seventh Ju:** —!?

**Preman:** Useless except as a trophy. But it’ll convince wealthy merchants to invest in our kingdom. It’s one of my bargaining chips. Guard it well.

**Seventh Ju:** Right… Though anyone stealing it would probably faint from shock. Wait—"one of"?

I scanned the empty cabin. No other "chips" in sight.

**Preman:** What are you looking for? *You’re* the other bargaining chip.

**Seventh Ju:** ……………………

**Seventh Ju:** So I’m now pilgrim, bodyguard, *and* negotiation collateral?

**Preman:** Mm. Forgot "lover."

**Seventh Ju:** —PFFFT—!!

I choked mid-spit-take as Preman smoothly dodged the spray.

**Seventh Ju:** —Cough—!

**Preman:** Heard rumors you joined the Pioneer Team through my "backdoor," yes?

**Seventh Ju:** …That’s… true.

**Preman:** And were labeled my gay lover?

**Seventh Ju:** ………………

**Preman:** So why not *use* that? Military types attract seduction traps. If we let people *assume* we’re involved—no confirmation needed—it blocks "female weapons" aimed at us. Less trouble for both.

**Seventh Ju:** But you’re actually—

**Preman:** —Hmm? Would having a woman as your lover upset you?

**Seventh Ju:** No… not that.

I avoided his teasing gaze.

**Seventh Ju:** I just… lack experience with normal relationships. Might disappoint you.

*Poppy’s face flashed in my mind. Then again… was anything with her "normal"?*

**Preman:** No issue. I know male courtship etiquette. You play the softer role.

**Seventh Ju:** ………………

*How did I end up discussing gay dating tactics with an older woman?! This never happened in my old world—and I don’t want it here either!*

**Preman:** Don’t overthink it. Public gay couples aren’t overly affectionate. We’ll act like new lovers. Just be your usual self; I’ll handle complications.

**Seventh Ju:** …I really don’t want this "role."

*Better avoid being pegged as Preman’s gay lover altogether…*

**Preman:** Almost forgot your actual duties.

He unfolded a map onto the table—showing borders of the Divine Temple, Lightdark Corridor, Technica, and Numeria. His finger tapped a spot on the Corridor’s southeastern edge.

**Preman:** Here. Aiton and Aibin’s hometown. Their parents run an inn—we’ll stay there. First, we apply for inner-circle pilgrimage rights. Approval takes time.

**Seventh Ju:** How long?

**Preman:** With the king’s recommendation? Thirty days.

**Seventh Ju:** …Thirty… *days*?

**Preman:** The Temple’s capacity is limited. Approval doesn’t guarantee entry—you’ll face multiple screenings by Divine Officers. Use the wait to learn skills. Seventh Ju… you’re illiterate, aren’t you?

**Seventh Ju:** ………… Yes.

**Preman:** Knew it. Saw your panic during the physical test. Don’t worry—I’ll enroll you in literacy classes. Basic theology too. Even a dullard could learn what’s necessary.

**Seventh Ju:** No need to set the bar *that* low…

**Preman:** Such a shame. Talent like yours, buried in the boonies without education…

His genuine regret struck me.

**Seventh Ju:** …Thank you.

**Preman:** You’re welcome. Though…

**Seventh Ju:** …?

**Preman:** Why thank me with such a pained look?

**Seventh Ju:** …………

*Because while you’re honest with me… I hide abilities that would terrify you. Proof of how far I’ve crawled to survive.*

Silence thickened. Preman’s gaze pierced mine, searching. I jabbed at the map’s junction of Lightdark Corridor, Technica, and Numeria.

**Seventh Ju:** —What’s this place?

**Preman:** The Grand Colosseum. Technica worships strength. Every two years, they host the "Three Battles" tournament. This summer’s the next one.

**Seventh Ju:** "Three Battles"?

**Preman:** "Death Battle," "Red Battle," and "Ben Battle"—each with distinct rules and audiences. A martial contest where victors gain honor… even royal candidacy.

**Seventh Ju:** …………

*Death Battle? Sounds grim. Not my concern anyway.*

**Preman:** If negotiations and your studies drag on, we might attend as spectators. You’d learn foreign customs unseen in the Realm of Sincerity.

**Seventh Ju:** Haha… maybe.

**Preman:** I’d also network with wealthy merchants who enjoy such spectacles. Time to finalize client targets.

**Seventh Ju:** *That’s* your real "side trip," isn’t it…

I sighed, turning back to the window.

Where will this train carry me on yet another unknown journey? I still have no idea.

But I’ve made up my mind: this opportunity before me is absolutely not to be missed.

—To understand the Divine Temple, enter it, and find a way to completely sever Miss Poppy’s ties with it.

Until this succeeds, I can only shamelessly keep relying on Preman’s trust and reciprocation.

Once my goal is achieved, I’ll properly repay him for his help.

...

The scenery outside the window kept shifting—different vegetation, different village styles. The least changed was that ravine, visible all along the way.

It appeared and disappeared across the undulating terrain, gradually narrowing as if it would shrink into a finger-thin crack.

Like... the footprints of a creature growing as it walked, starting from the Divine Temple and fading toward the direction we came from.

I recalled that day, the inner voice the Fall of the Stars had whispered to me.

Is this... the path you’ve walked over countless years, Fall of the Stars?

Inside the cover of my friend’s gift—the "Traveler’s Time" watch—I’d secretly slipped in a tiny piece of white silicon stone, less than half a centimeter wide, unnoticed by anyone.

It was a fragment from the core of the Fall of the Stars’ body, accidentally left on my hand when I shrank from a sky-piercing giant back to human form.

With this, I suppose I’ve fulfilled your wish to return...

...huh?