Felicity didn't return to her room. Instead, she ran toward the far end.
As Herta's so-called guest, her access exceeded that of an average researcher. Simply flashing her ID card could bypass most barriers.
At the very least, the upper levels of the station posed no hindrance to her.
Her destination, naturally, was the origin of the stronger life signal outside the station.
Even a Void Trampler had managed to put a hole through her hand—what were the chances this new thing could vaporize her?
Not impossible.
With light steps and a grin, Felicity scanned the crumbling wall and easily spotted the massive breach.
That was where the virtual soldiers had poured in from.
She did wonder—was their number truly endless? Could this suicidal fighting style really hold up across multiple waves?
Also, someone should help Asta.
That thought floated through her mind. She raised her hand, and in the dark of space, rootless trees began to bloom. With the power of Abundance, even this lifeless vacuum couldn't smother green vitality.
The Void Soldiers, lacking intellect, charged without hesitation. The more elite Tramplers simply fought with sharper instinct.
With no mind, there was no fear—once they spotted Felicity, they lunged in mindless fury, desperate to tear her apart.
Leaves rustled gently. A single vine cracked through the air, latching onto the swarm. Wherever it struck, life was drained, and husks drifted away as silent debris.
"Kind of like Plants vs. Zombies."
Felicity smiled faintly, shifting her gaze, scanning for the strongest source of life.
—There it is.
It hadn't even tried to hide. It was circling the station, almost as if it was searching.
But now, it had noticed her.
A shadow tore through space. The gust from its wings scattered nearby enemies like dust. It landed with force before her, raised its head, and let out a shrill hiss.
"Roar—"
It resembled a dragon—long, near-useless tail, flight-capable wings, but a humanoid frame armored in violet scales. A glowing core pulsed faintly in its chest.
"...Hmm."
Felicity propped her chin, studied the creature, then shook her head slightly.
"Definitely stronger than the Trampler. But... still not enough."
Not enough to pose a real threat, anyway.
Might as well help Asta wrap this up.
Glancing briefly at the ongoing plant-vs-zombie chaos behind her, Felicity turned her attention back to the Doomsday Beast.
She raised her hand. A massive plant-formed spear bloomed in the air above her.
Sensing the threat, the Beast ascended. Behind it, a purple magic circle appeared. Dozens of golden lights shimmered into being like distant stars.
Its chest core began to flash.
Felicity blinked once, flicked her fingers, and launched the wooden spear. It pierced clean through the Beast's core and body.
Squeak—
Its attack fizzled. The creature collapsed mid-air like a burst balloon, plummeting fast.
Felicity clapped her hands. Its life was fading. Judging from its strength, it had been the lead threat in this wave. In that case, she could now—
But then, something stronger than the Beast stirred in the distance. Felicity turned instinctively, eyes narrowing.
Out in space, a tall man approached slowly.
Draped in a gray-brown suit and shawl, cane in hand, his brown hair framed a shadowed face.
He noticed her watching. Slowing, he adjusted his glasses, then spoke calmly:
"I am Welt Yang of the Astral Express. May I ask your name, senior?"
Welt.
Felicity stared for a moment, then recognized him from his voice.
He was another Astral Express member, but rarely disembarked. Even someone as idle as Felicity had only glimpsed him a few times.
If she hadn't remembered his face, she might've attacked him just now.
"I'm Felicity, I suppose. I'm… the assistant to Herta, the stationmaster?"
She paused, recalling the vague title Herta had offhandedly given her.
Then, as if to clarify: "Not the acting stationmaster's assistant."
Not that assistant?
Welt blinked. Besides the acting stationmaster, the Herta Space Station only had one true owner—Genius Society #83's Madam Herta.
He glanced at the botanic battlefield nearby and nodded slightly.
Felicity did seem qualified to serve Herta. And there was no reason for her to lie.
"The Astral Express passed by and saw the station under attack. We came to offer aid."
Welt explained his appearance.
"I've already heard the details from March 7th and Dan Heng. The situation's under control. Everyone should return to position."
Felicity nodded curtly. Since he was one of theirs, there was no need for small talk.
"It's not over yet, I'm afraid."
As Felicity turned to leave, Welt spoke again, stopping her. He pointed at the beast pierced by her spear.
"That creature—the Doomsday Beast—it still contains the trapped wills of the living. Its core runs on antimatter. Even with its body destroyed, it won't die so easily."
"...?"
Felicity froze. Then turned—fast.
The Beast's broken form was already surging toward the station at a terrifying speed.
"Why didn't you say that sooner?!"