The group, fully geared and prepared, boarded the elevator. With a series of twists and turns, they soon reached the boundary of the furnace's miasma.
Thanks to their thorough planning and preparation, they stepped into the miasma without hesitation.
As they crossed the threshold, Tingyun's thoughts raced. "These players… unpredictable as they are, they might actually pull this off. But no matter what happens, I can't let this end without my own contingencies in place."
Pei Guang, meanwhile, was already leading the group forward with his characteristic enthusiasm.
To blend into the environment, he led the group in donning their Abundance-themed Abundant Ebon Deer gear. The disguises made them look decidedly inhuman, ensuring that any Disciple of Sanctus Medicus they encountered wouldn't immediately recognize them as enemies.
So far, they had no idea that Pei Guang's party had this unique ability to impersonate Abominations of Abundance. After all, those who had learned of it were either captured or… no longer around to share the knowledge.
Amidst the thick miasma, Pei Guang held his shield and wooden sword, cautiously taking the lead. Despite showing no adverse effects himself, he remained vigilant and checked on his companions.
"Everyone, any unusual reactions?" he asked.
Stelle responded first. "All good. Feels great, honestly."
March 7th nodded in agreement. "Same here, no issues."
From within her trash can, Bailu chirped cheerfully, "I'm perfectly safe in here. Not a hint of the miasma's smell. I have to say, Pei Guang, this trash can of yours is seriously amazing! No one can see me, the enemies can't touch me, and even the miasma can't get in. Oh, and it's airtight too! I've been eating fermented beans in here, and there's no smell outside at all. Mmm, so good!"
As chaos brewed outside, Bailu felt nothing but serenity in her trash can. Her relaxed attitude, however, led to a few drops of boba tea spilling out during her exuberant sips.
Unfazed, she casually wiped the mess with a tissue and tossed it aside. The trash can's well-known efficiency ensured that Pei Guang would later collect and compost any waste, with all unpleasant odors safely sealed away.
Should anyone—out of curiosity or recklessness—try licking this trash can, they might even find a spot touched by Bailu's dripped drink. Who knows? Maybe licking it could cure an ailment or two…
Inside the trash can, Bailu gave the sturdy container an affectionate pat.
"Good work, trash can!" she said with gratitude.
Though the lid wasn't perfectly sealed, it radiated an unexpected sense of security for Bailu. Taking a deep breath, she inhaled the familiar scent of safety and freedom. To her, it was no longer just a trash can. It was a fortress!
What had once been an ordinary Belobog trash can now carried an air of dignity, as if imbued with an indomitable will. Its purpose was clear: to protect everything inside from any outside contamination.
When the miasma tried to invade the trash can and taint the Vidyadhara Dragoness within, it seemed to resist with defiant determination.
A trash can with dignity doesn't let its contents be sullied.
Realizing its powerlessness against the trash can's steely resolve, the miasma seemed to recoil slightly, as if acknowledging its own inadequacy. If it wanted to conquer this fortress, it would have to grow stronger.
But the trash can would not yield!
Its mission was to shield its contents from the outside world while ensuring no harm came to the world from within. And so, as the miasma pressed against its defenses, it remained steadfast.
For the miasma, it wasn't just a battle for dominance anymore—it had become a battle of pride. The stronger it grew, the more desperate it became to breach the trash can's defenses. But no matter how dense it became, the miasma could not find a way in.
And for the trash can? This affront had crossed the line. As a Belobog trash can of renown, it carried the will of preservation.
It vowed: as long as it stood, no harm would come to its contents, and no harm would escape to pollute the outside world!
The clash between the trash can and the miasma was no longer just a simple act of resistance—it had become a testament to the unyielding spirit of the Path of Preservation.
The sheer weight of the trash can's dignity forced the encroaching smoke to retreat. In that moment of triumph, if the trash can could speak, it would have shouted, "In the name of Preservation!"
Unbelievably, the trash can had developed a sense of Preservation.
This steadfast will to preserve drew the attention of Qlipoth, the Aeon of Preservation!
Amid its cosmic duties, Qlipoth felt a resonance with this powerful presence. For the first time in ages, the Aeon encountered a will so pure in its determination to preserve—a will so untainted that it mirrored Qlipoth's own origins.
When Qlipoth turned its gaze toward this source of willpower, even as an Aeon, it paused for half a second in astonishment. It saw… a trash can. The trash can, with nonexistent arms crossed, stood firm and resolute.
What in the galaxy? Why was an Aeon perceiving imaginary arms on a trash can?
The power of players, it seemed, defied even the understanding of an Aeon…
But as the Aeon of Preservation, Qlipoth adhered to its principle: granting the strength of Preservation to any being that demonstrated such pure resolve.
Even faced with Qlipoth's divine attention, the trash can maintained its purpose—steadfastly protecting the contents within it, refusing any intrusion. It was a guardian, safeguarding its domain from both internal and external threats. No matter how powerful the energy of Preservation or how tempting the offer of more strength, the trash can would not waver from its simple, pure goal.
At that moment, Qlipoth seemed to experience enlightenment. One week after delivering its last hammer blow, the Aeon brought down another decisive strike. With this act, the Amber Era gained yet another mark in the annals of cosmic history.
And with that, the trash can Pei Guang carried on his back erupted with a burst of immense Imaginary energy.