Magical Girl's Knight Brother

Chapter 577 Preparing to Depart

The World Tree's enormous branches, like stations extending into the unknown void, are enveloped in a soft aura of life.

The air was filled with the fragrance of ancient wood, the smell of steam and coal smoke, and a sense of tension and anticipation about embarking on an unknown journey.

A rugged steam train, blending pyrotechnics and fantasy, rests quietly on tracks constructed from living branches. Its dark boilers radiate heat, and white steam billows from its chimneys with a steady "whoosh" sound, like the breath of a giant beast.

This expedition to the dream world is no child's play.

Tang Zijun knew that it was a battlefield where even the gods were struggling and might have already collapsed.

Their mission wasn't a short-term support mission, but rather a long-term commitment to establish a foothold amidst the nightmare waves. Therefore, the preparation of supplies was of paramount importance. "Hurry up, handle that box of sealed dark weapons gently. Yes, pile it in the reinforced corner of the third carriage. Those compressed food packages over there are neatly stacked; this is our rations for the next few months," Katie's clear voice echoed on the station.

Katie always took Tang Zijun's requests seriously. Right now, she had transformed into the strictest foreman, directing a group of faintly glowing "passengers" she had summoned. Under her command, these energy-based "passengers" were methodically loading bags and boxes of vital supplies—from tightly sealed food and water purification devices to shimmering dark weapons, sturdy alloy plates, and even several potted plants radiating life, each containing branches of the Tree of Life in a special container—onto the train. Tang Zijun hadn't forgotten how dire the situation was in the dream world. The branches of the Tree of Life were brimming with vitality; if planted around Black City, they would drastically alter the environment, perhaps even having a miraculous effect on the devastating winds.

Of course, the most crucial task was to prepare a residence for the flower fairies. After discussing with the Queen, Tang Zijun directly mobilized half of the Queen's Guard and, led by Hyacinth, headed to the dream world. Steam and spiritual light intertwined, creating a busy and wondrous scene.

Not far away, Xiao Xiao was holding Tang Cao and Su Siyao's hands, whispering something to each other.

Their expressions were serious and earnest, clearly indicating they were giving instructions on some important matters. Tang Cao's face was tense, and she nodded vigorously from time to time. Little White on her shoulder also had its ears perked up, looking very attentive. Xiao Xiao was also one of the travelers on this trip; her water elemental magic was very powerful on the front lines of the river region.

In this bustling scene, the most incongruous yet seemingly omnipresent presence is Scáthach.

She did not participate in the preparations for the mission, but quietly disappeared into the thick, smoke-filled shadows of the huge steam train. Her deep black cloak seemed to blend into the shadows, with only her dark purple eyes gleaming faintly in the darkness.

She calmly observed it all—the busy humans, the piled-up supplies, the billowing steam.

That gaze was deep and unwavering, as if scrutinizing a swarm of ants about to step into the eye of a storm, carrying the detached indifference unique to an ancient being, and a hint of indescribable... scrutiny and waiting. It was in this tense yet orderly atmosphere of preparation...

Qin Nan, like a thief, took advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention to her and quietly shuffled over to Tang Zijun's side.

Tang Zijun was standing near the locomotive, holding a list that Chang Lei had just delivered. Her gaze calmly swept over the mountain of supplies piled up at the station, as if she were checking something. Qin Nan's heart was pounding like a drum, her cheeks flushed uncontrollably, and her fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of her clothes.

She took several deep breaths before mustering the courage to speak in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz.

"Tang...Tang Zijun"

Tang Zijun turned her head upon hearing the sound, her gaze falling on her face with a hint of inquiry.

Under that gaze, Qin Nan almost lost all the courage she had mustered. She quickly lowered her head, staring at her toes, her voice even softer and more stammering. "That...um...I...I..."

What's wrong with you?

Tang Zijun raised an eyebrow. "The Qin Nan I remember wasn't this hesitant. You're just like Tang Cao, making the same mistake." Like Tang Cao?

Qin Nan bit her lower lip, then suddenly raised her head, as if she were making a desperate decision, and said rapidly, "I want to go with you too! To the Dream World!" After saying that, she looked nervously at Tang Zijun, her cheeks as red as ripe tomatoes, her eyes filled with anticipation, trepidation, and a hint of barely perceptible shyness. She quickly added, as if to prove her worth, "I... I've improved a lot in strength now, and Little Grey can be a great help. I... I won't hold you back, really!" Little Grey on her shoulder silently covered its face with its wings.

Tang Zijun looked at her quietly, her expression unchanged.

Qin Nan's heart was in her throat; she could almost hear her blood rushing through her veins.

Time seemed to freeze for a few seconds.

Tang Zijun's lips moved slightly.

"What did you say?"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the little gray dog ​​on her shoulder, and added a sentence.

"You were already on the list of personnel this time."

"Huh?" Qin Nan was stunned.

Seeing her like this, Tang Zijun chuckled and ruffled her hair. "Didn't we agree last time that as my 'divine messenger,' you have to take good care of your responsibilities in the dream world?" "Divine...divine messenger..." Qin Nan felt a lump in her throat as she felt the touch of the hand on her head.

What she seeks is not merely a divine messenger.

After a pause, Qin Nan whispered, "Tang Zijun, you still owe me one, do you remember?"

"I remember," Tang Zijun said, arms crossed. "What, have you decided what you want?"

"Not yet~" Qin Nan turned her head. "You...it's good that you still remember..."

Just then, Tang Cao, who was not far away, ran over quickly with Su Siyao, followed by Xiao Xiao.

"Bro! I'm going too!"

Tangcao is always so straightforward.

Tang Zijun had already guessed that she would say that. Knowing his sister as he did, he knew she was always drawn to where the action was, and with such a large-scale operation, she couldn't possibly stay idle. "Okay."

"I'm telling you, this isn't negotiable. Even if you don't want to, I'm not going to cheat you!?"

Tang Cao was prepared for rejection, but she didn't expect Tang Zijun to agree so readily. She froze on the spot, and even the ahoge (cowlick) on her head twitched. "You, you agreed?"

"Yes." Tang Zijun nodded and smiled.

Upon hearing this, Tang Cao jumped up slightly as if she'd won the lottery, then quickly composed herself, trying to put on a straight face and pretend nothing was wrong, but the joy in her eyes and brows was impossible to hide. "Hmph, since you need me so much, brother, then this young lady will be merciful and go with you!"

"Brother Tang, can I come along too?" Su Siyao tentatively raised her hand.

"You?" Before Tang Zijun could speak, the ferret Nuomi couldn't help but interject. "Don't you think you look out of place standing among this group of extraordinary beings?" "I, I, I... I'm very useful too, okay!" Su Siyao retorted angrily.

"For example?" Ferret Nuomi tilted her head.

"I heard it's incredibly cold in the dream world right now!"

"so what?"

"So I can warm Tang Ge's bed!"

"puff!"

Qin Nan almost fell over because she lost her balance.

Note that she dropped the stool.

"You don't have to go to such lengths just because you want to go..." Tang Zijun couldn't help but chuckle, then he became slightly serious. "Yaoyao, you've been to that world before, you should know it's extremely dangerous." "I know," Su Siyao nodded repeatedly. "That's precisely why I want to go even more. I know I'm just an ordinary person, I don't have your immense power, Brother Tang, nor do I possess Tangtang and the others' dazzling magic, but I'll still contribute my share."