Immediately, Lilith's gaze toward the girl became even more cautious, and a hint of scrutiny appeared in her eyes.

Noticing the shift in Lilith's expression, the girl appeared slightly stunned.

"What's this? Why are you looking at me like that?" she thought.

"Hello," the girl said, her face breaking into a bright smile as she introduced herself.

"My name is Eileen, and I come from a faraway starfield."

"Eileen? Is your last name Grey?" Lilith asked in a daze.

"Huh? Why would my last name be Grey??" Eileen scratched her head, looking confused.

Why was she being asked about her surname just because she came out?

"Ah, haha, never mind, never mind!" Lilith quickly realized her mistake, her cheeks turning slightly red as she waved her hands in an embarrassed manner.

"My name is Lilith, welcome to New Dalton."

So I was overthinking things.

I knew it, my father is not that kind of person...

Lilith silently reassured herself.

"New Dalton?" Eileen looked around at the magnificent yet eerily quiet streets and buildings, clearly puzzled.

"A city as amazing as this... why does it seem like there's no one around?"

Upon hearing this, Lilith furrowed her brows.

How does she know there's no one else in the city?

At that moment, a figure silently appeared next to Lilith.

It was Vincent.

His face was solemn as he studied Eileen, trying to see through her.

However, no matter how he probed, it was as if she were enveloped in a mysterious fog, impossible to decipher.

"Miss Lilith, please be cautious," Vincent said in a low, serious voice.

"This person... is not simple."

Lilith turned her head to look at the brightly smiling Eileen, then nodded slightly.

"Alright, I understand."

"Hey! What are you two talking about?" Eileen pouted and stamped her foot, clearly upset that they were whispering among themselves.

"How rude!"

Vincent turned around, his tone steady and distant.

"Miss, may I ask why you've come to New Dalton Town?"

"Oh, nothing special," Eileen waved her hand casually, looking nonchalant.

"I was just wandering around, happened to pass by, and I thought this city looks really nice!"

She suddenly shifted her gaze, her bright green eyes gleaming as she looked at Vincent.

"Would it be alright if I stayed here for a while?"

Upon hearing Eileen's request, Vincent hesitated.

This girl was of unknown origin, and her aura was strange. Letting her stay in the city posed a certain risk.

After a moment of silence, Vincent shook his head, politely but firmly refusing.

"I'm sorry, Miss," he said, "currently, New Dalton Town is not open to outsiders. We cannot accommodate visitors."

Eileen seemed taken aback for a moment.

Then, her large, beautiful eyes quickly filled with tears.

In the next second, she suddenly started crying without warning.

"Ugh... ugh..."

She wiped away nonexistent tears, her voice choked as she spoke.

"I lost my parents when I was little... I've been wandering alone across various starfields..."

"And now, after finally finding such a beautiful and comfortable place, you won't take me in... ugh... Are you really going to let a poor girl like me continue drifting through the starry skies with no home?"

The weight of her words was evident as she spoke about losing her parents.

Seeing Eileen's exaggerated performance, Vincent couldn't help but twitch his lips.

Who would believe this?

Maybe it would fool some children.

Just as Vincent was about to refuse again, he heard Lilith's voice, choking back tears.

"...You... you're too pitiful..."

Hearing Eileen's "tragic backstory," Lilith was reminded of the difficult years she spent with her father in the wilderness before Dalton Town was established. Back then, life had been hard, but Leo always gave her the best of everything.

As Lilith started shedding tears too, Vincent stood frozen in disbelief.

Wait... Miss?!

You... actually believe her?!

For the first time, Eileen paused her fake sobbing when she heard Lilith's choked voice. This was the first time someone had actually believed her fabricated story.

At that moment, she started crying even harder.

Eventually, the two of them embraced and began crying in each other's arms.

Vincent was left standing alone, feeling helpless and confused.

In the end, due to Lilith's insistence, Eileen was allowed to stay.

However, Vincent and the others remained vigilant.

This girl had too many suspicious traits. She could bypass the barrier Leo had set, and her aura was impossible to probe.

If Eileen made any unusual moves, they would not hesitate to act, and if necessary, use the backup Leo had left in the city.

After all, President Leo had entrusted them with managing this important new city, and they had to take responsibility!

As for Lilith's safety, they weren't particularly worried.

To put it bluntly, even if the city collapsed and they all died, Lilith would remain completely safe.

The life-saving measures Leo had left for her were no joke.

Meanwhile, Lilith was happy, as Eileen's arrival meant she no longer felt lonely in this empty city—she finally had someone to talk to.

But in the midst of the joy of making a new friend, Lilith didn't notice the strange glint that occasionally flickered in Eileen's eyes.

Arcane Star Domain, Divine Peak

Albert still sat in the same position as three months ago, like a stone statue, meditating in place.

Only Wendell remained by his side, quietly keeping vigil.

Watching Albert's breath, sometimes chaotic, sometimes calm, Wendell shook his head lightly.

These past few days, he hadn't left Albert's side, serving as the most loyal guard, quietly waiting by his friend's side.

As for Leo, he had long since disappeared.

After all, he couldn't just wait in this empty place forever.

Buzz—!

Suddenly, a tranquil yet powerful aura emanated naturally from Albert's body.

Noticing this unusual movement, Wendell's expression changed.

He turned and fixed his gaze on Albert.

Could it be...?

Just then, Albert's eyes, which had been closed for months, suddenly snapped open!

His eyes, once filled with disdain for the Starsea, now held a depth and maturity that had not been there before.

"I understand now."

Boom—!

A terrifying, vast aura erupted from Albert's body, far more powerful than before!

The entire Divine Peak trembled lightly from the force.

Albert stood up.

"Albert! Are... are you alright?" Wendell hurried forward to ask.

Albert looked at his close friend, a relieved and grateful smile appearing on his face, and nodded slightly.

The next moment, the air rippled ever so slightly.

A figure appeared in front of Albert in an instant, as though it had always been there.

"Have you figured it out?" Leo smiled at the transformed Albert, his eyes filled with warmth.

"I've figured it out," Albert responded succinctly, his gaze as firm as steel.

He stared directly at Leo and solemnly asked,

"Sir... may I ask for you to strike me again?"

Hearing this, Wendell was taken aback.

He was about to speak up to stop him but was interrupted by Albert raising his hand.

"Wendell," Albert's voice was resolute and unyielding.

"These days, you've worked hard."

"Please step back. If I cannot take this step today, let this Arcane Divine Peak be the end of my invincible path."

Wendell looked into his friend's eyes, filled with pure battle intent and determination. After a long silence, he finally nodded heavily.

"Alright!!"

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