Chapter 7: Using the Vishnu Super Transformation Factor

When Welt, pale and clutching his stomach, staggered back into the Astral Express's lounge, he was met with a sight that made his eyes widen in disbelief.

There was Theresa, nestled comfortably in Himeko's arms on the sofa, leisurely sipping from a massive cup of ultra-concentrated coffee!

He watched in astonishment as the coffee that had caused him such excruciating pain seemed like a sweet treat to Theresa. The young girl's adorable expression showed no hint of distress or discomfort.

She sat contentedly in Himeko's embrace, slowly savoring each sip of the intensely bitter brew, her small face radiating pure enjoyment.

"Ah, Welt, you're back," Himeko greeted him, her gaze affectionate as she looked at Theresa in her arms. "You know that coffee you all avoid like the plague? Theresa and I find it quite delicious."

"Exactly!" Theresa chimed in, kicking her short legs. "Old Yang, yours is so lame! Sister Himeko's coffee is way better!"

Welt stared in silence, clutching his stomach. He suddenly remembered Theresa's bizarre taste preferences. This was the same girl who drank the most bitter melon juice as if it were lemonade! Compared to that, a mere cup of concentrated coffee was nothing.

"Ugh... Uncle Yang, my stomach hurts so much! It feels like I drank sulfuric acid!"

"Whoa, she's actually leisurely sipping Himeko's coffee! No wonder Uncle Yang knows her—this woman is terrifying!"

March 7th stepped out to witness a scene that shattered her worldview. For the first time, she saw someone other than Himeko herself calmly enjoying that sulfuric acid-like coffee!

"... "

Dan Heng, pale and clutching his stomach, was equally speechless.

"Truly worthy of being a friend of Mr. Yang," Dan Heng said with genuine admiration, watching Theresa savor the coffee with an air of contentment. "We are humbled."

"Huh? Is it really that bad?" Theresa tilted her head, a hint of puzzlement in her voice. "It's actually quite pleasant—rich, flavorful, and just as satisfying as bitter melon juice for this Bishop. Thank you for the treat, Sister Himeko!"

"Oh, and now that we're here, you can all just call me Theresa. After all, this isn't my world anymore," she added with a wry smile. The others, seeing her bittersweet expression, offered comfort. March 7th pointed out that at least Theresa had Uncle Yang here, someone she knew.

Meanwhile, March 7th herself remembered nothing of her past, having been rescued by the Astral Express, completely alone and adrift.

"The Astral Express welcomes all friendly Nameless. You're welcome to travel with us until you and Welt find your way back."

Himeko smiled indulgently, stroking Theresa nestled in her arms. Theresa's adorable appearance naturally drew Himeko to her.

Himeko couldn't explain her inexplicable fondness for Theresa, but perhaps it stemmed from the girl's endearing mix of cuteness and maturity.

[The Astral Express is approaching the Space Station. Please prepare to disembark, and be extremely cautious—something seems amiss at the station!]

Pom-Pom's warning rang out, prompting the group to prepare to disembark.

"Oh, right, Theresa, you can call me March 7th or Little March. After all, Uncle Yang mentioned your age..." March 7th said tentatively.

Welt awkwardly adjusted his glasses, feigning ignorance. By now, he was absolutely certain this was Theresa—only she possessed the peculiar palate to appreciate Himeko's coffee.

"Never mind Old Yang. He didn't mean any harm. As for the Alliance Leader stuff, ask him if you're curious. He'll tell you if he wants to, but if not, there's nothing I can do."

"As for how I managed to board the Astral Express and avoid becoming space debris, I owe it all to Old Yang. I'm deeply grateful to him. And given my age, I hope you don't mind me calling you Old Yang, right?" Theresa turned to Welt, who chuckled and nodded. After all, they were old acquaintances, and he certainly wouldn't take offense.

"My name is Dan Heng, from the Xianzhou Alliance. That's all I can share for now. Please don't hold it against me," Dan Heng said earnestly, his gaze fixed on the endearing Theresa.

"Alright then, I'll call you Dan Heng. Just call me Theresa, like Himeko said."

"Everyone here has their own story, right? That's why we're all embarking on this journey to find what we're looking for, right?"

"And I'm searching for a way back home. I'll be relying on everyone for the time being."

"After all, this isn't a place I'm familiar with. I'll stay vigilant and start using my brain."

Theresa smiled and leaned against Himeko's embrace. As for the Oath of Judah, it had transformed into a necklace around her neck—after all, the full-sized Oath of Judah would have been far too conspicuous.

Welt nodded, observing the slightly different Theresa. After all, she didn't have her usual group of Herrscher students to rely on here, so her changed demeanor seemed perfectly natural to him.

Though Theresa bore the Apocalypse surname, her relationship with Otto was merely symbolic—that of grandfather and granddaughter in name only. In essence, she was a Kaslana by blood.

It was well-known that Kaslanas tended to rely on external brains when they had support, neglecting their own intellect. Now that Theresa was on the Astral Express, without anyone to lean on, her Kaslana instincts would inevitably kick in, forcing her to think for herself again.

Moreover, Theresa wasn't truly foolish. This wasn't the naive "Dumb Theresa" of old, but a more astute version, akin to the cunning "Smart" Theresa.

Click.

As the Astral Express pulled into the Space Station and came to a halt, Welt opened the doors. Himeko smiled and took Theresa's hand, leading her off the train.

The moment they disembarked, the Nameless passengers realized why the Space Station felt amiss: it was swarming with Antimatter Legion forces!

"Everyone, prepare for combat!" Welt ordered. "Theresa, how much of your strength have you recovered?"

Welt turned to Theresa, his gaze questioning. Everyone was curious about the extent of her abilities.

"I'm not sure how long I was asleep," Theresa said apologetically. "The Honkai energy within me seems to have undergone some changes. I need time to adjust."

The others nodded in understanding. After all, they had rescued her after her long drift through space, so they understood her need to recover.

"Alright, Theresa, stick close to us," Welt said quickly. "Himeko and I will clear the path ahead, while Little March and Dan Heng stay by your side!"

As the group sprang into action, Theresa focused her thoughts. She activated the Vishnu Super Transformation Factor stored within the Oath of Judah.

Created by the dragon guy they met, this Super Transformation Factor was remarkably simple to use. It no longer required injection, having been condensed into a single pill.

With a thought, Theresa had the Homu System teleport the pill directly into her mouth. She swallowed it unnoticed by the Nameless, who were preoccupied with clearing out the Antimatter Legion.