Chapter 35: Mechanical Ascendance
“I don’t believe it!”
Mo Rabbit sighed with a dramatic flair, shrugging her shoulders like a seasoned performer at a discount theater.
“You don’t believe? Well, there’s nothing I can do about that!”
“How could there be anyone among humans capable of fighting against the First Generation Star Eclipses?!”
“Hey, maybe they’re the chosen one!”
“You’re just messing with me, right?!”
Loti Shana glared at Mo Rabbit as if trying to peer into her soul for the fib.
However, Mo Rabbit’s eyes were as calm as a still lake. Apparently, Loti Shana’s tough stare had no effect whatsoever on her.
In fact, Mo Rabbit casually plopped herself down on Loti Shana’s throne, exuding an air of utter nonchalance.
“Let me tell you something: the Ballad Conductor has disappeared. For humans, that’s basically equivalent to saying they’re totally dead.”
“Impossible!?”
I have to admit, the shock on Loti Shana’s face was downright hilarious.
The antics of the First Generation Star Eclipses were always a good laugh.
Though I suppose it’s a bit like dancing on a tightrope—one wrong move and the fall could be catastrophic.
Of course, Mo Rabbit kept it within limits; she wouldn’t make a reckless leap.
Pissing off a First Generation Star Eclipse is not exactly a wise maneuver.
On the surface, Loti Shana looked like an overbearing loli Eclipse.
But think about it: surviving from eons ago to now? Definitely not as simple as she appears.
But I have to say, she seems easier to deal with than the previous First Generation Star Eclipses.
Sure, she has terrifying power and dangerously intense obsessions, but she might actually be more manageable than the earlier ones.
Well, I guess that’s only if you’re Night Star Lan.
If a regular human dares to outsmart a First Generation Star Eclipse, they’re in for a world of hurt.
Even Mo Rabbit wouldn’t dare to fool around with this one; most of the time, she spoke the truth.
Once you’re caught, there’s no room for regrets.
It sounds fearless, but inside she’s treading carefully.
“How did the Ballad Conductor disappear?” Loti Shana asked, her curiosity piqued.
Don’t get it twisted—she wasn’t worried about that guy.
The camaraderie among First Generation Eclipses is like that of two passing ships in fog—they just don’t care about one another.
What happened to the Ballad Conductor was as irrelevant to her as yesterday’s news.
But a threat to the First Generation Eclipses? Now that’s crucial!
Loti Shana knew all too well that each First Generation is a headache to deal with, and they don’t poke their noses into each other’s business.
That rules out shopping mall drama!
So, who exactly made the Ballad Conductor crash and burn?
Loti Shana narrowed her eyes at Mo Rabbit, unleashing a wave of pressure that seemed to say, “You better not lie, or you’ll be sorry.”
Mo Rabbit kept on smiling.
“I just told you, didn’t I? The Ballad Conductor’s demise is tied to Night Lan; she’s like your First Generation Eclipses’ natural enemy. Understand now?”
“Hmph, is that so? Very interesting. I think I’ll keep my hopes up and try to turn her into one of my citizens!”
Loti Shana flashed a cunning smile and continued her interrogation.
“She’ll come here, right?”
“Probably.”
“When she steps onto my territory, that’ll be her moment of failure. The Ballad Conductor’s downfall is definitely her own fault, not because of some overwhelming power from Night Lan. The only thing that really terrifies me is the Origin of the Stars.”
Loti Shana spoke with confidence, as if she were counting her chickens before they hatched.
Mo Rabbit was at a loss for words.
While she believed in Night Star Lan’s limitless power, she honestly had no idea how this would end.
Mo Rabbit couldn’t predict the outcome—her credentials simply weren’t enough.
Just then, Loti Shana suddenly focused hard on Mo Rabbit sitting on the throne.
“How long do you intend to sit on my throne? Not only are you trying to sway my citizens, but you’re also establishing a new nation on my land? You think these provocations can be overlooked?!”
Mo Rabbit’s smile faltered.
“Is it too late to skedaddle now?”
“Hmph! You might evade the d*ath penalty, but the living offenses still apply! You’ll just have to become my aide!”
Loti Shana grabbed Mo Rabbit’s head, not giving her a moment to react.
All Mo Rabbit felt was a strange power invading her body, her humanity and emotions slowly fading, while her once-lively interests morphed into an intense obsession.
This was a sign she was becoming an Eclipse.
Having gotten comfortable with the risks of being assimilated, she didn’t foresee being forcibly Eclipse-fied.
No doubt about it, that’s a classic move for a First Generation Eclipse.
But, hey.
Mo Rabbit had seen this coming.
She wasn’t naive enough to think she could just stroll away after encountering a First Generation Eclipse.
The worst-case scenario was d*ath.
Remaining here as an Eclipse might just be the best outcome.
And… it’s actually a splendid opportunity to experience what being a true Eclipse is all about.
For her, that’s a rather delightful turn of events!
Loti Shana released her grip, staring at the smiling Mo Rabbit in confusion.
“You’re happy? Becoming one of my kind won’t erase your memories. You will gradually evolve into a proper Eclipse; how can you not feel sad and upset about becoming something that’s no longer you?”
“Whatever, I’m just here to have fun.”
Mo Rabbit grinned as she stepped down from the throne, feeling a mischievous urge rising within her.
“Seems like after becoming a true Eclipse, my strength has increased quite a bit. Is the whole ‘darkening makes you three times stronger’ thing actually true?”
Seeing the aura emitting from Mo Rabbit, Loti Shana squinted her eyes.
“What are you up to? You think getting stronger means you can resist me?”
“No, no, no! I’m not foolish enough to think I can stand against a First Generation Eclipse.”
Mo Rabbit quickly shook her head, but her smile grew brighter.
She could sense the thrill of strategic mastery coursing through her veins.
“I suddenly feel like… I don’t need to wait until Friday.”
“Huh?”
Mo Rabbit sprang into action, taking dainty steps to the side, casual and leisurely without a hint of urgency.
“I already tested this: in your territory, I can’t open the Theater Door. That means I don’t have that kind of permission, or perhaps my strength isn’t enough. But after becoming your ‘citizen,’ I can open that door!”
“What do you plan to do?”
“I’ve always felt that passive waiting is not my style. I prefer being proactive. It’s the same in life and work.”
Mo Rabbit smiled and extended a hand, a strange energy rapidly surged, and a mysterious door appeared on the nearby wall.
“After what just happened, I admit that I might not have the ability to solve the troubles myself, but I can definitely bring in someone who can. Ultimately, the result will be the same; rather than wait for her to show up, why not just invite her over?”
“After becoming a true Eclipse, I’ve come to realize there’s no need for pretense between us. I’m the announcer for the theater, and she’s the audience performer. We’re friends, and when friends are in trouble, you’ve got to speak up.”
Mo Rabbit looked deeply at Loti Shana for a moment.
“In other words, I’ve changed my mind. To be blunt, I’m here to see you take a fall. Get ready to enjoy this; I’m bringing you the Mechanical Ascendance!”
The next second, from within the Theater Door, a puzzled, youthful voice echoed.
“Ah? Where does this door lead? I think I heard Mo Rabbit’s voice.”
