"Today, we gather here to celebrate because I have succeeded in expelling the scourge that has plagued our city for the past seven hundred years."
"Today, we turn a new page in our history. The storms and snow beyond the walls will gradually subside, and the expansion of the Fragmentum will be halted by the Silvermane Guards' efforts."
At this point, Bronya paused, her voice filled with emotion.
"With the help of the Trailblazers, I personally confirmed that the former Supreme Guardian was no longer the kind, resolute leader we once knew. The Stellaron corrupted her, using her authority to wreak havoc on this city. But with the wisdom, bravery, and fearlessness of the Trailblazers, we managed to defeat it and claim victory."
"I am deeply sorry. Sorry that I didn't notice the signs earlier. Sorry that I wavered in my resolve, allowing both the upper and lower districts to suffer unnecessary hardships."
At this moment, some in the crowd—those who had lost loved ones due to Cocolia's actions—were choked with emotion. Blame her? How could they? For years, no one had questioned the Supreme Guardian's orders. Now that Bronya had defied her predecessor's commands and made the right choice, how could they possibly hold a grudge?
Bronya took another deep breath and continued, "The people of the Underworld have shown me that these past decades have left many scars, but I seek your cooperation. We all know that without your unwavering resolve, Belobog could not have survived until today. So I ask you, citizens of the Underworld, let us work together for the great revival of Belobog."
Cheers erupted from the crowd. If Bronya had given this speech immediately after the truth had been revealed, the response might not have been so enthusiastic. But as time passed, and with the promises she had made to the Underworld being fulfilled—and even exceeded—the people's faith in her only grew stronger.
The truth might have been bitter, but the hope and future Bronya brought had dispelled the cold, breathing new life into Belobog.
As the cheers died down, Bronya's voice, now filled with renewed energy, echoed again.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the heroes of Belobog."
"Most of you are already aware of their existence. Some of you have even been reunited with your loved ones, or regained the memories of those you've missed, thanks to their help. Their arrival brought hope to this world on the brink of destruction. And for most of you here, they have provided the motivation to keep going. They are..."
Under Bronya's guidance, everyone's gaze turned toward Pei Guang, Stelle, March 7th, and Dan Heng standing on the platform.
At that moment, the crowd erupted.
As the new Supreme Guardian, Bronya had earned the people's respect, and her leadership was highly revered.
Over the past few days, thanks to her efforts, more people had come to know what the Trailblazers had done.
Many had no idea at first that Pei Guang was one of the Trailblazers—the brave soul who had ventured into the Underworld, the singer who had inspired the Silvermane Guards with his stirring music. But when the truth was revealed, and all his roles combined, Pei Guang and his team's reputation skyrocketed.
The only downside? Not many people had seen Pei Guang, Stelle, March 7th, or Dan Heng in person before. This meant that up until now, they could walk the streets of Belobog without being recognized.
But from this moment on, if they dared walk through the streets of Belobog again, they would feel like celebrities, with everyone knowing their faces.
"Look, Dad, that's the guy who delivered my letter to the Underworld!"
"They're the ones who told me what happened to my teacher!"
"They saved Belobog!"
"Trailblazers, I'm your biggest fan!!!"
The scene turned into chaos as the crowd erupted into cheers. Bronya's video clips of her fights had looked cool, but they hadn't quite compared to the satisfaction of seeing the Trailblazers in action.
As the people cheered, Bronya turned to Pei Guang and said, "Now, please let the people of Belobog express their gratitude to you!"
The moment she finished speaking, a group of people who had been preparing for this moment brought forth a statue.
It was a statue shaped like a trash can. The gray body of the can gleamed in the sunlight, with a pair of strong arms attached to its sides.
The lid of the trash can was slightly ajar, and from the crack peeked out something black, resembling a trash bag.
Perched atop the trash can lid were four intertwined weapon models: a sword, a bat, a bow, and a pink, cutesy rabbit.
When the statue was brought forward, the crowd fell silent. This trash can statue wasn't just a symbol of Belobog's glory; it represented the dignity of the city!
The people were deeply grateful for the Trailblazers' deeds. Though they possessed great power, they hadn't used it recklessly. They appeared ordinary, yet their hearts held the world.
Though the group looked somewhat comical with trash can lids on their heads, no one laughed. The trash can, once an overlooked symbol of rubbish and rejection, now stood for something more.
When the people saw Pei Guang and the others with trash can lids on their heads, they saw it as a symbol of respect—representing the dignity of Belobog's countless citizens.
If a humble trash can could play such a crucial role in combating the world's destruction, then surely the people of Belobog could also make their mark on the universe.
Especially with this statue—it embodied the heavy significance of Belobog's trash cans.
Seeing the statue, Pei Guang, Stelle, and March 7th were visibly excited, their eyes gleaming.
Even though the trash can statue was fake, the team had indeed found a legendary item within the trash cans of this city.
The three of them approached the statue, while Dan Heng, on the other hand, seemed like he wanted to disappear.
Stelle reached out to touch the statue, exclaiming, "What a clean trash can. It's a shame it lacks a bit of historical wear and tear."
March 7th agreed, "A trash can without the marks of history and no trash inside is not a good trash can."
Pei Guang concluded, "If we don't fill it up, we lose hope—and we'll never get rare items!"
Though they didn't speak loudly, their words were carried through Bronya's microphone to the entire crowd.
Bronya then took the opportunity to offer an interpretation: "The Trailblazers are saying that the future of Belobog needs to be tested by time. Just like how trash cans continually collect trash to make our lives better, we must strengthen our resolve and pass on the will to preserve. By doing so, we ensure that our descendants will live better lives. And someday in the future, no matter how weak we seem now, we will bring hope to others suffering across the vast universe, just like us!"
A member of the crowd shouted, "Celebrate! Celebrate our great Trailblazers!"
"Celebrate! Celebrate!!"
Hearing the cheers, Stelle joined in the celebration, raising her fiery spear and bat high. Flames licked the bat, and as it burned, fireworks appeared in Stelle's hands.
At that moment, the amber glow on the spear's tip illuminated the entire square, bringing real hope to the people gathered there.
Sensing that the mood had reached its peak, Bronya also raised her bayonet and pointed it skyward. Outside the city, five colossal Engines of Creation roared loudly enough for everyone to hear.
As the engines hummed and the massive machines emerged, the square fell into stunned silence. Seeing them through video footage had already been impressive, but witnessing the real thing, five of them at that, left everyone speechless.