Chapter 9: Stelle - You smell So Good, Sister!

After Theresa cleared out the Antimatter Legion, the group split into two teams to explore other sections of the Space Station. March 7th, Dan Heng, and Theresa continued their search for Asta, while Himeko and Welt resumed clearing Antimatter Legion forces from other areas. Despite his injuries, Arlan insisted on contributing, and the others relented, allowing him to stay close to them.

Theresa accompanied March 7th and Dan Heng, eliminating Antimatter Legion forces as they ventured deeper into the Space Station.

Meanwhile, in a secret chamber housing the Stellaron, Kafka and Silver Wolf inserted the Stellaron into Stelle's chest. After bidding her farewell, Stelle slumped back to the floor and drifted into unconsciousness.

Later, March 7th, Dan Heng, and Theresa noticed a large group of Antimatter Legion troops inexplicably assaulting a sealed alloy door. The door was already on the verge of collapse under the relentless assault. March 7th swiftly activated her ultimate ability, while Theresa deployed the Oath of Judah, effortlessly annihilating the Antimatter Legion forces.

"Hey, there's a breach here! Quick, see if anyone's unconscious inside!"

March 7th rushed to the alloy door, where the Antimatter Legion had blasted a gaping hole, and peered inside.

Curious, Dan Heng and Theresa approached. Through the jagged opening, they saw a silver-haired woman lying motionless on the floor, her condition uncertain.

"Let me handle this!" Theresa exclaimed excitedly, hefting the half-ton Oath of Judah. "It can easily shatter this door. Everyone cover your ears!" Dan Heng and March 7th immediately retreated to avoid being caught in the blast.

"Take This!" Theresa roared, swinging the massive weapon and shattering the alloy door under the exasperated gazes of Dan Heng and March 7th.

The tremendous shockwave startled Stelle awake, saving them the trouble of rousing her.

"Hey, you're awake!" March 7th exclaimed, studying the dazed Stelle. "How did you end up unconscious here?"

"Ah... I don't know why I'm here," Stelle mumbled. "I can't remember anything except my name is Stelle. Who are you all? That loud noise and shaking just woke me up."

Stelle stared blankly at the group, then her eyes lit up when she saw the adorable Theresa. After all, Theresa was undeniably cute.

"I was the one who smashed down the door to rescue you," Theresa explained to the bewildered Stelle. "A large Legionnaire was attacking it, probably sensing someone inside—you."

"That's right! Theresa's super strong and has amazing strength. Having her around makes everything so much easier!" March 7th exclaimed, hugging Theresa tightly and nuzzling her affectionately. Theresa, still adjusting to March 7th's touch, felt slightly awkward. After all, just a while ago, she had been a man.

[ "She's clearly a Little Lady! Hahaha!" ] the Homu System chimed in, sensing Theresa's thoughts. Theresa's face darkened.

[ "Better than you, stuck as a useless system that can only watch the show," ] Theresa retorted mentally.

[ "Don't worry about my lovely Theresa! Once I complete a few more tasks, I'll be back in human form in no time. Then you'll see the true power of yours truly!" ] the Homu System retorted.

The Homu System chirped excitedly in Theresa's mind, instantly making her blush. After all, even when she was a man, the "Gao Fushuai" types had given her odd looks. Now that she was the adorable Theresa, wouldn't they be even more thrilled?

[Heh heh, you'll find out soon enough, my cute little bro~]

The Homu System's sinister laughter sent a shiver down Theresa's spine.

"Sniff sniff, Theresa, you smell so good~"

Theresa startled as Stelle suddenly moved closer, her words ringing in her ears.

"Wow! I didn't know Theresa's charm could even seduce other women!"

"Let me take a whiff too! What's this 'good smell' you're talking about, Stelle?"

March 7th sniffed Theresa curiously, indeed catching a faint, refreshing fragrance that made her cheeks flush.

"It's true! Dan Heng, want to give it a whiff?"

March 7th turned her bright, inquisitive eyes to Dan Heng, the only male present. Theresa glared warily at him, ready to let him experience the pain of being "patted" by the Oath of Judah if he dared to approach.

"Little March, what nonsense are you spouting?" Dan Heng retorted, looking bewildered.

Dan Heng didn't approach. Instead, he watched March 7th with a bewildered expression, clearly annoyed by her foolish remark.

"Hehe, I'm just used to it!" March 7th said sheepishly, scratching her head with an embarrassed grin. "I almost forgot you were a guy, Dan Heng!"

"Pfft!"

Stelle and Theresa burst into laughter, while Dan Heng glared daggers at the clueless March 7th. I've been a guy this whole time! he thought irritably.

"Expecting anything useful from you was my mistake," Dan Heng said. "Right, you're Stelle, right? You'll be traveling with us for now. Since you've lost your memory, we'll check with Lead Researcher Asta to see if she recognizes you."

Dan Heng eyed the disoriented Stelle cautiously. She nodded blankly, still bewildered and unsure what to do.

"Hey, there's a baseball bat here! Can I use it for self-defense?" Stelle asked, pointing to the relic baseball bat on the floor.

Everyone shrugged indifferently, while Dan Heng saw it as an opportunity to gauge her combat skills. He instinctively remained wary of newcomers.

"Hmm~ It feels good in my hand!" Stelle swung the bat with satisfaction, the relic humming as it whistled through the air. The sound left no doubt that being hit by it would be unpleasant.

"I'm Dan Heng."

Dan Heng looked at Stelle with an impassive expression.

"Hello, Stelle! I'm March 7th!" March 7th exclaimed, clasping Stelle's hand with a bright smile.

"I'm Theresa Apocalypse, but you can just call me Theresa," she said with a warm smile, observing Stelle's bewildered expression. Before transmigrating, Theresa had worked part-time as a trailblazer, so she naturally recognized the protagonist of Star Rail.

"Nice to meet you both," Stelle said with a wry smile, scratching her head. "I only remember my name is Stelle. If I recall anything else, I promise I won't keep it from you."

March 7th and Theresa nodded in understanding. Dan Heng turned and began walking toward another section of the Station. March 7th, still holding Stelle's hand, hurried after him, with Theresa close behind.

March 7th kept reassuring Stelle that this disorientation was normal for newcomers and urged her not to worry. Stelle shook her head, indicating she wasn't bothered. Her attention was focused solely on Theresa. For some inexplicable reason, Stelle sensed that Theresa, like her, was concealing a significant secret. This shared burden of mystery drew Stelle instinctively toward Theresa, a feeling of kindred spirits.

"I see Lead Researcher Asta, Uncle Yang, and Miss Himeko up ahead. Let's go join them," Dan Heng announced to the group. He strode forward to greet Welt, Himeko, and Asta, followed by the others who exchanged greetings with Welt and Himeko.