one~ two~

one two three four~

We sway on horseback

The hills are green

Birds are singing

Roses are pink

...

Humming the slightly childlike tune, the girl on horseback is especially joyful, chasing after the older kids in front. They run on the verdant grass, with tents spewing cooking smoke behind them and a vast world ahead, where antelopes run, rivers meander, and the shimmering water adds a crispness to the breeze.

It's been exactly a year since the fleet that covered the sky arrived on this planet, and a lot has changed here since.

Firstly, there are no more gray iron mechanical bodies chasing after them in the sky and on the ground. The pollution in water sources and soil has significantly decreased, and each settlement has devices that can purify water. Moreover, ample and unpolluted food is supplied periodically. Conflicts between tribes and settlements have greatly reduced, and large-scale wars are prohibited.

Many things that were unimaginable in the past have now come true. Even children can safely run and play outdoors, unlike the past when they had to stay in safe forts and cellars.

For children, such changes probably only bring happiness without much thought, but for many adults and elders on this planet, it's a completely different feeling, as if the world's order has been rewritten and all logical behavior has changed dramatically.

With clean food and water—things that used to be must compete for—many people suddenly lost their life goals, not knowing what to do. They just followed life inertia, stored food, and then started considering tastier meals, getting better clothes, building a warm home, etc.

Although this planet has entered a peaceful era, many members of the Federation have begun to take interest in the past history of this planet. For those in the entertainment industry, in particular, this place is like a vast undeveloped treasure from which many interesting stories can be unearthed, bringing new vitality to the gradually dull cultural circle.

Especially recently, the image of the Silkworm Moth Species has become a sensation on the internet. Many people are fond of these cute and diligent little creatures, creating numerous short comics and stories about them. Some videos capturing moments of the Silkworm Moth Species' life are watched and interpreted repeatedly by many.

"For a long time, this Lost Planet will probably serve as a window for people to learn about the history of the Fifth Epoch." A well-known sociologist commented this way.

Due to the thorough work of the Federation pioneers during the early Sixth Era, although everyone knows the general history of the Fifth Epoch, the new generation has little concrete feeling. Now, through the development history of this planet, many are getting some real sense and can glimpse a fraction of the dark times of the Fifth Epoch.

The topic of the Lost Planet remains a hotly discussed one online, as is Hexia's experience, which piques the interest of countless Federation residents. Some even eagerly hope for a film or TV series to portray it, and if Miss Hexia herself could act in it, that would be perfect, garnering widespread approval from netizens.

Regarding this request, Hexia merely smiles and shakes her head, saying she probably doesn't have time to act, but she will try to meet everyone's wishes.

After returning to the Federation, she has spent almost the entire year handling the aftermath issues of the Lost Planet. Not only was she a key participant and witness to the events, but she is also currently one of the Federation's most influential songstresses, so many decisions can't bypass her.

As everything settles down, nearly a year has passed, and now she finally has time to relax and take a break.

Four-leaf Crystal Star Domain, Jade Skirt - Northern Fifth District.

Vast woodlands spread across the mountains and fields, the slender leaves transitioning from green to orange-red, covering the world in an exceptionally pleasant manner.

Tilan brushes her fingers over the not-yet-rough trunks while strolling under the shade, as one yellow and one white puppy romp and roll on the grass and among the leaves, occasionally barking at the distance.

"Come back~" Next to Tilan, Yilin calls out to the puppies running off, urging them not to go too far.

Afterward, the two continue their conversation, catching up.

"These trees on the mountains were planted three years ago and are now almost fully grown," Yilin remarks in awe.

Since the restoration of Jade Skirt's environment, much of the barren land has once again become vibrant and full of life.

"Time flies, it's been almost ten years since high school graduation." Tilan runs her fingers through her hair in the breeze, her eyes carrying a bit of nostalgia.

"Indeed, your three-year disappearance worried me for a long time. After all, I'm just an ordinary person; it's hard to know the real whereabouts and situation of you songstresses." Yilin voiced a small complaint.

To this, Tilan could only smile apologetically, saying she was a bit impulsive at the time, rushing to save someone without thinking too much.

"So, how did things end?" Yilin asked curiously.

"Well, I can tell you some things, but you must keep them secret." Tilan thought for a moment, for being so close to her, Yilin was actually already on the Court of Judgment's watchlist.

"Ores is still alive, but she probably won't appear in the public eye anytime soon."

"I see, it's good she's alive." Saying this, Yilin suddenly realized something.

"Maybe it's better not to tell me such information in the future, just say it needs to be kept confidential." She felt that knowing too much might not be beneficial.

"Okay." Tilan nodded with a smile, and then the two continued to hold hands and walk through the woods. Yilin, knowing that Tilan hadn't returned to Four-leaf Crystal in years, tried her best to talk about things she might be interested in, such as the changes in Jade Skirt over the past few years, the situations of old friends, etc.

"Roke is now serving in the Eighth Fleet; he managed to graduate from military school as he wished. Everyone says he's preparing to work hard to become a mech pilot in the future."

"That's great. However, the assessment for mech pilots is quite strict," Tilan recalled her own training experiences from years ago.

"Cindy is currently employed at a large corporation, mainly due to the construction business brought by the economic recovery in the Northern districts. She says she now enjoys watching the construction process of those beautiful houses; it brings a faint sense of satisfaction." Yilin talked about friends familiar to both, and indeed, thanks to Tilan's classmate relationship, Cindy is quite a favored figure in the company; whenever she appears, many locals are willing to give some face.

"Clara is also running the club well and occasionally brings friends back to Payin City for gatherings, saying she wants everyone to understand her past, as well as where Grand Songstress Hexia used to live."

"This." Tilan was a bit speechless.

"Actually, the biggest attraction of Payin City's tourism industry is you now. Many people, not only from the Four-leaf Crystal Star Domain but also from other star domains, come long distances just to see what your hometown looks like and then buy your peripheral products. It's said that quite a few factories in Payin City have been converted to specialize in producing your peripheral industrial products," Yilin shared the current situation.

"Things like the 'Hexia's Student Days' series, which includes a humble nutritious meal, the stationery you often used, a communicator, the same shoes, school uniforms, and some retro industrial wrenches and ignition devices."

"Uh, okay." The young girl thought for a while, figuring she couldn't just ban this; it's a rare opportunity for her hometown's people to earn money.

"Other classmates are also doing well currently; they basically have stable jobs, and some have even gotten married." Yilin spoke about those now grown-up companions with a bit of sentiment.

"The ordinary classmates we thought they were when we were kids look completely different when seen years later."

"Everyone has grown up."

The two stood still on the hillside, looking at the lush Tree Sea sprawling over the mountains, with gentle light filtering through the leaves falling upon them.