Under these three major powers, numerous smaller factions had emerged.

Small factions needed to rely on the larger powers for survival.

And Nashus was one of the more prominent among these smaller factions.

Because their planet produced a kind of beautiful gem, a favorite ornament of the royal nobility.

It was also for this reason that they were able to obtain an imperial free pass for trade.

During this explanation, Hannah listened very attentively.

Having been away from interstellar space for a while, she needed to catch up on the latest situations concerning various powers.

Before nightfall, they chose a small hotel nearby to rest.

The cost of living in District Nine was very low, staying one night only required a copper coin.

Cash only.

The hotel was pretty run-down, full of "retro" charm, with only a few interstellar hunters sitting in the hall having dinner.

The food in District Nine was mostly meat from mutated beasts, which didn’t taste very good, but at least it was enough to fill one’s stomach.

A few people were chatting, their voices loud.

"...Once the border restrictions are in place, no one is allowed to go out, our current missions are all within Blackwood Forest. In a few days, it will be time for the creatures of Blackwood Forest to reproduce and store food; who’d dare to enter then."

"Just the other day, Big Strong Ma’s mercenary group entered the Blackwood Forest, and I don’t know who led the way, but they ran into several man-eating bee nests one after another, one by one, their heads were stung so badly, I couldn’t bear to look."

"If you ask me, it’s the royal folks who are the cowards. They can’t even handle a bunch of wanderers, spending all day brainwashing and bragging, unaware..."

The people of District Nine did not fear the royal family; they had their own set of rules.

So, it was always possible to hear the most news here.

...

Hannah’s room was right across from Gregory’s.

The room was small and simply furnished, a bed, a chair, a table, and that was all.

No running water was available, and there was a shared washroom downstairs.

Though the accommodations were Spartan, such was the norm in District Nine.

Jinlian climbed onto the table, rubbed its paws twice on the surface, and immediately a small pile of dust accumulated.

It sat down in the small clean spot it had made, "Master, are we really going to the Lost Realm?"

It had already inquired with Big White.

That place was really terrifying, a place where not even light could penetrate, and at night, hair-raising roars could be heard.

It was said that those were the sounds of abandoned mutated beasts tearing each other apart.

Hannah pushed open the window, which perfectly framed the bustling street market, "Mmmm."

"But that place is very dangerous."

Jinlian wiggled its little tail, its black curly fur collecting dust.

Hannah looked up at the pitch-black sky; without bright lights in District Nine, the stars shone particularly dazzlingly.

She said, "Even if it’s dangerous, we must go."

Jinlian’s wagging tail stopped, its tiny eyes filled with confusion, "Is it for Tree Star?"

The Tree Star mech recognized its owner, and it couldn’t understand why its master would look for a mech that required ownership recognition.

It had many more questions.

The biggest question was the true identity of its master.

Acquainted with the God of War Wayne Lane, familiar with the First Princess, and even having appeared on the royal wanted list.

"I remember Wayne Lane once mentioned that you too were a princess," it said.

Jinlian climbed up onto the windowsill and sat down beside its master.

Hannah sighed, smiling, "Have you ever seen a princess as down and out as me?"