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Chapter Text

Chapter 1: 《 Honkai: Star Rail 》
*Xianzhou, Luofu, Aurum Alley.*

Aurum Alley was a bustling hub of culinary delights and vibrant street culture, drawing visitors from all over with its diverse array of foods and lively atmosphere. However, not every corner of this famed commercial district thrived with activity. On the outskirts lay older, neglected neighborhoods—urban villages of sorts—that were sparsely populated and rarely visited. Among these, one area stood out as particularly desolate, almost entirely abandoned, resembling a ghost town.

There, in a decrepit house within this forsaken neighborhood, sat a striking young man slurping down a bowl of instant noodles.

"Damn it all!" Lin Yu exclaimed in frustration, his voice dripping with resentment. "Even after being transported into the world of *Star Rail*, I’m living worse than before!"

Just a week ago, he had been grinding for the Stygian Set to upgrade his ship, Acheron. But mere moments after finally acquiring an exceptional critical hit helmet, Lin Yu found himself abruptly whisked away to Xianzhou Luofu.

After overcoming the initial shock, Lin Yu adopted a pragmatic mindset, determined to adapt and survive in this new reality.

But survival here proved far more challenging than he’d anticipated.

This universe operated under cutthroat competition. The immortal workforce—those tireless individuals who worked day and night without rest—seemed unstoppable. There was no room for weakness or complacency. Forget about aspiring to become someone like The Nameless, exploring interstellar space and embarking on grand adventures. In this vast cosmos, those without skills or resources were utterly insignificant, disposable even.

“I can’t believe that even after reincarnating, I’m still stuck as a lowly laborer!” Lin Yu lamented bitterly, finishing the last sip of his noodle broth. “Where’s my promised system?!”

*BEEP—*

“Keyword detected.”

A cold, robotic female voice echoed through the air.

“Congratulations, host! Activating [Divine Mobile Game Development System]!”

Lin Yu’s heart skipped a beat, his hands trembling with excitement. Finally, the moment he’d been waiting for had arrived! Now *this* was the kind of treatment a transmigrator deserved!

Before him, a translucent blue screen materialized.

“To compensate for the delayed activation of the system, you have been granted one Legendary-level draw opportunity.”

Without hesitation, Lin Yu clicked the ‘Draw’ button.

*WHOOSH—*

A streak of golden light shot across the sky, illuminating the room with radiant brilliance.

“Congratulations, host! You have obtained the full content of the initial version of the mobile game *Honkai: Star Rail*!”

“*Honkai: Star Rail*?” Lin Yu blinked in disbelief.

He was already in a world based on the setting of *Honkai: Star Rail*, and now he’d drawn the very same game?

Through the system interface, Lin Yu reviewed the complete contents of his reward, cross-referencing them with his memories of the original game. Sure enough, the materials matched perfectly—it was indeed the pre-1.0 version of the game. Any future updates, however, would require spending points to unlock.

“Wealth awaits!” Lin Yu exclaimed ecstatically.

In this Honkai universe, nearly everyone owned a smartphone. Lin Yu could hardly imagine how explosively popular *Honkai: Star Rail* would become once released. After all…

For this world, the game wasn’t just fiction—it was a direct reflection of reality!

Take, for example, characters like Kafka and Silver Wolf appearing early in the game. These figures commanded bounties worth hundreds of millions from various companies. Their inclusion alone would undoubtedly attract massive attention! Moreover, players would eventually have the chance to recruit these characters and their Light Cones through gacha mechanics.

Lin Yu firmly believed that the release of this game would hold unparalleled significance for this universe.

Wasting no time, he extracted all available resources and registered his personal information on the largest mobile app marketplace in the galaxy. He carefully familiarized himself with the platform’s robust protections for creators, ensuring his privacy wouldn’t be compromised.

Still, unease lingered in the back of his mind.

What he was planning was monumental. If high-ranking officials from organizations like the Interastral Peace Corporation took notice and investigated him through backend systems, they might suspect him of possessing precognitive abilities. Such suspicions could lead to imprisonment—or worse, exploitation.

Lin Yu had always exercised extreme caution when dealing with others.

Instead of rushing to upload *Honkai: Star Rail* to the Galaxy Store, he reopened the system interface:

**[Main System Function: Develop mobile games to earn reward points]**
- **Player count, online duration, microtransactions… will all convert to points at specific ratios.**
- **Points can be used for participating in lotteries, purchasing items from the Enigmata Shop, and more…**
- **Includes numerous [Legendary]-grade items; host is encouraged to actively earn points!**

The primary functions aligned closely with Lin Yu’s expectations. In the top-right corner of the interface, he noticed a buff icon:

**[Novice Protection: For the current period, no malicious entities can observe the host: 30 days remaining.]**

Lin Yu’s lips curled into a satisfied grin.

“Perfect!” he muttered to himself. “A month should be more than enough time to make this game go supernova across the galaxy!”

Once the game gained traction, he planned to use the accumulated points to acquire powerful abilities—at least on par with an Aeon.

With his concerns alleviated, Lin Yu confidently uploaded *Honkai: Star Rail* to the Galaxy Store.

**[Upload successful!]**

Amongst the newly launched mobile games, *Honkai: Star Rail* shone brightly, radiating an aura of uniqueness that set it apart from the rest.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2: Guinaifen Live Streaming Boosts *Honkai: Star Rail* Launch!

As Lin Yu watched *Honkai: Star Rail* vanish beneath the relentless tide of newly launched games, his eyebrows furrowed slightly. True to its reputation as the largest app store in the galaxy, new mobile games flooded in one after another. His game, which had briefly appeared on the list of latest releases, was quickly buried within seconds.

“It’s unfortunate that I don’t have any resources for promotion right now,” he muttered under his breath. “I can only hope quality will speak for itself.”

Lin Yu currently resided in an abandoned shack. Not only did drafts seep through every crack, but at night, the place felt eerily haunted. However, his experiences over the past few days had taught him one undeniable truth:

Poverty is far scarier than ghosts.

*Crickle…*

Suddenly, a rustling sound echoed nearby.

Lin Yu swiftly blew out the candle beside him. Grabbing a piece of wood from the ground for self-defense, he leaned against the wall and cautiously scanned the direction of the noise.

From around the corner emerged a red-haired woman holding her phone in one hand while gesturing animatedly toward the camera with the other. She slowly approached, her voice carrying a mix of excitement and nervousness.

“Lovely folks!” she exclaimed. “Did you see that? Just now, something like ghostly flames suddenly went out. The rumors about this place being haunted must be true!”

She paused dramatically, looking directly into the lens.

“Hey, everyone, please give some likes! Little Gui Zi is gathering her courage to investigate further!”

Lin Yu stared blankly for a moment.

Could it really be Guinaifen?!

Just yesterday, Lin Yu had stumbled upon Guinaifen’s live stream using his second-hand Yuzhao device. And today, her ghost-hunting antics had led her straight to his doorstep.

Wait—live stream?

A sudden realization struck Lin Yu. This could be the perfect opportunity for promotion!

Though Guinaifen wasn’t yet a top-tier streamer, she was still considered mid-level talent with a decent following. Leveraging her platform could help *Honkai: Star Rail* gain traction and reach a wider audience!

Shakily, Guinaifen approached the entrance of the house. With the pitch-black surroundings, she relied solely on the faint glow of her phone screen to navigate.

Standing by the doorway, Lin Yu casually placed his hand on her shoulder.

Soft and smooth…

Guinaifen froze.

In the next instant—

*“AAAAHHHHHH!!!!”*

In the Live Streaming Room:

“What just happened?! I saw a hand on the streamer’s shoulder!”
“Little Gui Zi, are you okay?! If you’re still alive, give us a sign!”
“It’s over, folks. The streamer has met her end.”
“I warned Little Gui Zi not to go there earlier, but she wouldn’t listen! Woe is me, how can I live without you, Little Gui Zi?!”

After recovering from her shock, Guinaifen found herself face-to-face with a pale yet handsome young man.

“Oh my goodness, you scared me half to death!” she gasped, wiping cold sweat from her forehead.

“He’s alive!” someone typed in the chat.

Lin Yu responded with a perfectly poised smile that exuded elegance. “Apologies for startling you.”

“Who are you? Why are you here all alone?” Guinaifen asked, curiosity piqued.

“In Xianzhou terms, I’d be considered an outlander,” Lin Yu replied calmly. “As for how exactly I got here… even I’m not entirely sure.”

“Huh? Were you smuggling yourself over, or maybe kidnapped?” Guinaifen pressed, intrigued.

Meanwhile, in the Live Streaming Room, viewers realized it was a false alarm. Since Guinaifen’s camera captured Lin Yu, he naturally appeared on screen as well.

“So you’re not actually a ghost? I got so excited for nothing!” one viewer joked.

“Hey, little bro is pretty handsome! Though his outfit seems kinda plain. Streamer, can you get this cutie’s contact info?” another teased.

“Little Gui Zi, promise me you won’t fall for him, okay?” chimed in another fan.

The dramatic turn of events drew more attention, and casual likes began rolling in. The audience count in the Live Streaming Room steadily climbed. Everything was unfolding according to Lin Yu’s plan.

“I ended up in Xianzhou after playing a certain game,” Lin Yu explained, speaking the truth—but leaving out the part about being transported to this world via transmigration.

“A game? You mean it has teleportation capabilities, bringing you from your homeland to Xianzhou?” Guinaifen asked, wide-eyed.

“Here, this is the game,” Lin Yu said, launching *Honkai: Star Rail* on his phone.

Naturally captivated, Guinaifen leaned closer to peer at the screen. Soothing background music played as a vast, desolate cosmic scene unfolded. A train traversed an asteroid belt, evoking an indescribable sense of ethereal wonder.

Guinaifen squinted at the display, unsure of its significance. But experienced viewers in the Live Streaming Room immediately recognized it.

“If I’m not mistaken, that’s the Astral Express traveling along the path of [Trailblazing]!” one viewer commented.

“Huh? So this is the Astral Express? It has such a retro vibe, doesn’t it?” another added.

“I believe what the little brother said now! He must’ve been influenced by the power of [Trailblazing], which brought him to our Xianzhou!”

“Please Trailblaze me fiercely!” joked another user, sparking laughter in the chat.

“???”

The chat buzzed with excitement and confusion.

[Popularity Points +1 +1 +1…]

Guinaifen gently tapped the screen, prompting the Astral Express to embark toward an unknown nebula, officially starting the game.

“Ahhh, I accidentally clicked it—will I get teleported too?” she joked nervously.

“Probably not…” Lin Yu smirked faintly.

The game had truly begun.

Chapter Text

**Chapter 3: A Blazing Start - The Antimatter Legion and Stellaron Hunters**

In front of Guinaifen and the audience in the Live Streaming Room, a scene unfolded depicting a space station floating in the vastness of outer space.
The space station was enormous and technologically advanced, positioned near a vividly blue planet.
As a calming rendition of Pachelbel's Canon played in the background,
phantom-like figures began to materialize around the space station one by one.
These apparitions were clearly not human; their forms appeared supported by armor, and their weapons shimmered with antimatter particles.
At first glance, Guinaifen instantly recognized these grotesque entities.
"The Antimatter Legion!"
Her homeland had been obliterated by this very legion!
Naturally, she was all too familiar with such inhuman creatures.
The painful memories resurfaced, causing her fists to clench involuntarily.
Could it be that this space station would meet the same fate as her homeland, utterly annihilated by these monstrous beings?

In the unfolding scene,
inside the space station, numerous researchers scrambled in panic due to the unexpected attack.
With the help of security personnel, people were quickly evacuating.
Red emergency lights flashed on electronic screens throughout the station, amplifying the overwhelming sense of urgency.
Yet amid this dire situation,
a woman dressed in a coat appeared completely unfazed, gracefully dancing as if nothing was wrong.
Though she held no instrument in her hands,
she gave the impression of someone deeply engrossed in playing an invisible violin, fully absorbed in her performance.
This tranquil scene stood in sharp contrast to the chaos engulfing the space station!
Even more strikingly,
her crimson lips curled upward slightly,
as if the surrounding turmoil brought her a sense of delight!

As the camera executed a 360-degree close-up pan,
the woman’s face came into full view for everyone watching.
Guinaifen composed herself momentarily and adjusted the camera angle,
ensuring the live stream captured the game’s content more effectively.
"Hey folks, do you see it?"
"The graphics in this game look incredibly lifelike!"
"If I hadn’t been told otherwise, I’d think it was real-life footage!"
"Let me enlighten you all, courtesy of Little Gui Zi."
"The non-human creatures you’re seeing are part of the Antimatter Legion. These beings embody the will of 【Destruction】 and can also be referred to as 【Voidrangers】."
"Their purpose is to exterminate all civilizations and life!"
"Surprisingly, it’s the Antimatter Legion? Who knows how many civilizations across the universe they’ve already destroyed!"
"What an epic start for this game!"
"Thankfully, our Xianzhou has Impregnable Defense; we don’t need to worry about such monster attacks."

"This woman looks so familiar..."
There was no doubt,
the opening CG sequence had successfully captivated both Guinaifen and the many viewers in the live stream.
Lin Yu observed this reaction keenly.
And yet,
this was merely the beginning!
The most explosive moments were still to come!

"Boom!"
An explosion suddenly erupted at the location of the woman in the coat, bathing the surroundings in an urgent red glow.
It interrupted her brief moment of amusement.
"It seems I’ve arrived at quite an inconvenient time," the woman spoke, her voice raspy yet captivating.
Simultaneously,
a silver-white emblem appeared on the screen before her.
It resembled the silhouette of a wolf.
A young girl’s voice resonated from the image:
"No, I believe you’ve come at just the right moment."

The scene shifted,
transitioning directly into the game’s content.
The girl’s voice continued from the screen:
"The system time is 23:47:15. You’re very punctual, Kafka."
"Kafka? That name sounds familiar." Guinaifen tapped her head, pondering.
Suddenly, her eyes lit up.
"That’s right, isn’t she the notorious villainess for whom the company offered an astronomical bounty...?!"

At the same moment,
as soon as this name was revealed,
the live stream erupted into chaos!
"I knew this woman looked familiar—it’s Kafka!"
"A dangerous individual with a bounty of 108.99 billion Credits from the company!"
"My goodness! Is this game for real?"
"Where can I download this game?"
"What’s the name of the game?!"

The Antimatter Legion, Stellaron Hunters...
From the very start, "Honkai: Star Rail" had unleashed its trump cards.
Guinaifen was utterly bewildered.
She had never heard of a game daring to introduce the Galaxy’s two most perilous factions right at the beginning.
Wiping the cold sweat from her forehead, she noticed the live stream’s popularity steadily surging. She tapped on the dialogue prompt on her phone screen to continue:
"Elio (of the Stellaron Hunters) never errs when foreseeing the future. What about that explosion just now? Was it part of his 【Scenario】?"
"Yes, 【System Time 23:44:59 - The pulse generated by the explosion caused widespread failures in the main control system.】"
"Did you cause it?"
"The Antimatter Legion did. They infiltrated the space station approximately two system times ago."
"Do we need to confront them?"
"I’m not sure. Elio didn’t mention it, so it must not be significant."
"Gotcha." Kafka whistled lightly. "From this point forward, I’ll take charge of our operations."

Anyone conversing with Kafka like this could only be another member of the Stellaron Hunters!
This conversation was utterly chilling! It felt like inadvertently eavesdropping on terrorists’ discussions.
How could it not instill fear and trepidation?
Furthermore, based on Kafka’s exchange with this unknown entity, they seemed poised to cause even more trouble!
It was unimaginable!
With both the Antimatter Legion and Stellaron Hunters descending upon the space station, just how devastating would the consequences be?!

Chapter Text

Chapter 4: Turn-Based Revolution – A Meta Shift in the Making?

At the Herta Space Station, the scars of recent catastrophe had finally been mended. Researchers moved through the halls with renewed ease, slipping back into their tranquil routines.

In one of the meeting rooms, a particularly disengaged scientist discreetly thumbed through his phone beneath the table. The droning presentation from his colleague at the podium couldn’t compare to the allure of the latest game releases.

As he scrolled through the new arrivals, one title seized his attention:

"Honkai: Star Rail?"

His eyebrows shot up.

"Wait—isn’t that the name of those Nameless travelers who helped us aboard the Astral Express?"

"I swear I just saw their train docked at the station’s platform!"

"Now this is interesting. Let’s take a peek…"

---

Meanwhile, aboard the Xianzhou Luofu, the ever-carefree Qingque was indulging in her favorite pastime: avoiding work.

Unfortunately, after a recent scolding from the Divination Commission’s iron-fisted leader, she could no longer slack off openly. Instead, she resorted to covertly browsing her Jade Abacus during breaks.

"Huh? Little Guizi’s streaming now?" She tapped into the livestream. "Since when did she switch from variety shows to gaming?"

Then her eyes widened.

"Wait, hold on—!"

"Is this even a game?!"

"Isn't this the wanted criminal Kafka!? I literally saw her bounty posters this morning!"

A grin spread across her face.

"Well, well, well… Forget card games after work. I need to see where this story goes!"

---

Aboard the Astral Express, the usual quiet hum of the train filled the spacious cabin. With most passengers away on their Trailblazing missions, besides the conductor Pom-Pom, only Welt and Himeko remained in the Parlor Car.

Welt sat by the window, a book in hand, though his gaze kept drifting to the frozen planet outside.

Himeko approached, carrying a steaming cup of coffee.

"Worried about those kids?" she asked, taking a seat beside him.

Welt chuckled. "It’s natural to be concerned. This is their first real Trailblazing mission, after all."

"Young ones need room to grow," he added, though his fingers tapped restlessly against the book’s spine.

Himeko smirked. "Then why not relax? Try this new blend I just brewed."

Welt’s throat tightened at the sight of the ominous dark liquid. He quickly reached for his phone.

"Ah… no, thank you. I prefer unwinding with games."

Truthfully, his phone was game-less. Desperate for a distraction, he opened the new releases section—Among the dazzling array of new games, he suddenly saw a game name that caught his attention.

Himeko noticed his sudden stillness. "Something wrong?"

Welt adjusted his glasses. "Take a look at this."

"Honkai: Star Rail?" Himeko tilted her head. "Seems to be themed around our Astral Express."

"Indeed," Welt murmured. "The logo even uses a train motif."

Himeko sighed. "In the past, some developers tried cashing in on the Express’s fame, but their games were… creative interpretations at best."

Welt knew she was being polite. Those games weren’t just inaccurate—they were outright nonsense.

Yet this time, something felt different.

His attention snagged on the first word of the title:

Honkai.

He could only hope the developers used it as an aesthetic choice—not a reference to the cataclysmic force he knew all too well.

"Since we’ve got time," he suggested, "why not check it out together?"

Himeko smirked. "Fine. But if it’s another cheap knockoff, I’m leaving."

---

Unbeknownst to Lin Yu, his newly launched game was already making waves across the galaxy.

And now, as Guinaifen’s livestream continued, the turn-based combat system of Honkai: Star Rail was about to be revealed—

A new voice crackled through the transmission, belonging to another Stellaron Hunter:

"Can’t this mission at least be fun? The last few were painfully boring."

Kafka’s lips curled. "Apologies. Today’s task is tedious—just delivering the target."

Then her tone shifted, playful and dangerous.

"But if you want to liven things up… I won’t stop you. After all—"

The space station’s door hissed open.

Kafka stepped forward, hands resting on her hips.

Before her loomed three snarling Voidrangers, their antimatter weapons humming with lethal energy.

"—what isn’t in Elio’s script doesn’t matter."

Twin pistols flashed into her grip.

Her pupils dilated.

A smile, wild and exhilarated, stretched across her face—as if she’d reached the crescendo of a symphony only she could hear.

The audience braced for chaos, expecting a blistering gunfight—

Then, abruptly, the screen froze.

Cracks spiderwebbed across the display.

When it cleared, the scene had transformed:

Both Kafka and the Voidrangers stood frozen in a turn-based formation, locked in a grid-like battlefield.

The chat erupted.

"HUH?!"

"I was ready for an epic shootout, and you give me this?!"

"No way—it’s turn-based?!"

"Talk about a letdown. The setup was so cool, but the gameplay’s ancient!"

"Ugh. I was hooked until now."

Guinaifen blinked at the backlash.

But Lin Yu only smiled.

The real revolution was just beginning.

Chapter Text

Chapter 5: The Developer's Gambit – Kafka's Ultimate Unleashed!

Guinaifen blinked, momentarily forgetting to breathe.

The transition had been so seamless—one second she was watching Kafka's elegant blade work, the next she was staring at twin submachine guns flashing like silver serpents in the dark.

She'd gotten too immersed.

For a heartbeat, she'd forgotten this was just a game.

"Uh… can I borrow your phone to play for a bit?" she asked Lin Yu, fingers twitching toward the screen.

Lin Yu smirked. "Go ahead."

Guinaifen quickly adjusted her streaming setup, angling the camera to capture every pixel. "Don’t write this off just because it’s turn-based, folks," she told her audience. "The animations? The details? This is lightyears beyond older-gen games!"

"Let’s give it a proper shot before judging."

The chat exploded:

"You tell 'em, Little Gui Zi!"

"Turn-based is still snooze-fest material, but damn, Kafka’s model is fine—"

"BRO. That’s Kafka. The Interastral Peace Company has her bounty at 108.9 BILLION credits. You want her to trace your IP?"

"I-I meant the in-game version! Not the real one! (cold sweat)"

Guinaifen ignored the chaos and tapped the Basic Attack prompt.

On-screen, Kafka’s blade flickered—a single, surgical strike.

Clean. Efficient.

Then came the Skill phase.

Kafka adjusted her stance, sword leveling horizontally.

"Let’s take them both out."

Three rapid slashes—CRACK!

The final strike sent lightning fracturing through the enemy’s form like a shattered mirror.

【Combat Ended】

"Huh? That’s it?" Guinaifen pouted. "I barely got to do anything!"

She spun to the camera. "Listen, controlling Kafka yourself is a whole different experience! It’s not just ‘I hit, you hit’—it’s fast, fluid!"

"And those animations? Chef’s kiss."

"Fight more monsters! Show us again!" the chat demanded.

Obliging, Guinaifen guided Kafka deeper into the space station’s wreckage.

Meanwhile, Kafka’s voice dripped with boredom over the comms:

"Since when did the Antimatter Legion become this pathetic?"

"This is the strongest force I could bait here," her companion replied. "Unless you want the entire Legion descending on us."

"With enemies like these, the Astral Express crew won’t break a sweat."

"Relax. A Doomsday Beast’s already en route."

Guinaifen’s eyes widened. "Wait—so the Stellaron Hunters lured the Antimatter Legion here?!"

"They’re using the chaos to execute their own plan!"

"Absolute menaces!"

Half the chat erupted into theory-crafting:

"Hold up—is this game from the Stellaron Hunters’ perspective?!"

"Starting with a twist this massive? Either the devs are geniuses or suicidal."

"Imagine if the real Stellaron Hunters see this…"

As Kafka advanced, the corridor walls displayed holograms of real-life luminaries—scientists, Trailblazers, even IPC executives.

The chat buzzed louder.

"Are they implying this game’s events are canon?!"

Then—combat resumed.

Five Voidrangers this time.

Kafka struck first, but the enemies retaliated—their twin blades carving vicious arcs.

Suddenly, an icon beside Kafka’s portrait flared to life.

【ULTIMATE READY】

Guinaifen didn’t hesitate.

"All good times must come to an end~"

The screen shifted.

Kafka’s blade vanished—replaced by twin submachine guns spinning into her grip.

Dark violet energy coiled around her like a living storm.

"It’s time to say goodbye."

What followed wasn’t an attack.

It was a symphony.

Kafka danced through the horde—twirling, backflipping, guns blazing.

Every bullet left trails of silver. Every impact sent shockwaves through the screen.

The camera zoomed in as she landed, fingers miming an explosion.

"Bong~"

The world detonated.

When the smoke cleared, not a single enemy remained standing.

The screen trembled.

The chat died.

For three full seconds, no one typed a word.

Then—

"WHAT. WAS. THAT."

"DEVS COOKED HARD WITH THIS ONE."

"I TAKE BACK EVERYTHING I SAID ABOUT TURN-BASED—

"JUST LET ME PLAY."

Lin Yu leaned back, grinning.

Hook. Line. Sinker.

Chapter Text

Chapter 6: Initial Promotion Success, Little Guizi Buys the Account 1

"Am I hallucinating, or is this real?"
"That’s absolutely mind-blowing!"
"You can actually use guns like that?!?"
Guinaifen's eyes shimmered with awe, as though she had just witnessed Kafka's ultimate move.
Even though her character was rebellious and often cast in the role of a villainess, there was no denying how undeniably cool she appeared in that moment!
The live stream audience was collectively stunned into silence.
"Wow! That’s insane!"
"Elegant. Truly elegant!"
"Is it possible the developers are secretly part of Stellaron Hunters? How else could they achieve such meticulous detail?! It looks exactly like Kafka’s assault rifle animation!"
"I’m living in the moment; I am the bullet casing."
This sequence completely shattered the viewers' preconceived notions.
They never imagined…
a turn-based game could be executed with such sophistication!
The intricate visuals, dazzling special effects, and lifelike character animations were nothing short of extraordinary. Even without actual combat scenes, simply showcasing the ultimate ability’s animation alone left audiences utterly astounded.
Moreover, it was fully controllable—
players could unleash it based on their own strategies!
"This is unbelievably amazing!"
"What game is this, exactly?"
"I want to play it right now! Right this second!"
"Streamers, please, I’m begging you! Tell us the name of the game!"
"Weren’t you all saying earlier that you wouldn’t touch turn-based games?"
"Where’s the person who claimed turn-based gaming was outdated?"
"Trolls, care to explain yourselves?"

After recovering from her initial shock, Guinaifen noticed the flood of comments pouring into the live stream:
"What game is this?" "What’s the name of the game?" "Tell us the title!"
The messages filled the screen uniformly, creating an overwhelming wave of curiosity.
Her own interest piqued, she couldn’t help but ask, "Hey, bro, what’s the actual name of this game? Why have I never heard of it before?"

Lin Yu smiled. While Guinaifen had been fully immersed in the gameplay earlier, he had already prepared his response. There was no need to reveal that he was the game’s developer just yet.
Although there was newbie protection shielding him from powerful entities, it didn’t make him invincible. Lin Yu first needed to secure some initial capital and acquire self-defense abilities from the System Shop.

He replied, "It’s a newly released mobile game; I only discovered it recently in the app store."
"The name is: Honkai: Stellar Rail."

As soon as Lin Yu finished speaking…
He swiftly opened the system interface.
In the backend data section, the initial download count was just single digits.
Suddenly, it jumped to several dozen.
Then it surged past a hundred.
Within half a minute, it skyrocketed to over a thousand!
This was the power of promotion!
The number continued to climb relentlessly.

A wild grin spread across Lin Yu’s face!
Each download represented potential capital for him.

At that moment, Guinaifen waved toward the camera and announced, "Hey fam, today’s stream with little Guizi ends here!"
"This game is actually quite intriguing! I’m planning to download it on my jade tablet for further exploration!"
"Tomorrow at the same time, we can discuss our progress in the game together."

As she spoke, Guinaifen prepared to close the live stream.
Clearly, she had already been captivated by Honkai: Stellar Rail’s charm and couldn’t wait to download it on her phone.

However, as soon as she mentioned ending the stream, a flood of dissenting comments appeared on the screen.
"Don’t go yet, little Guizi! I can’t play myself right now; watching you is my only option!"
"To be honest, I’m currently interning at a company and can only watch the streamer play!"
"Streamers, please have some sympathy for those of us who can’t game!"
"Witnessing little Guizi playing is even more entertaining!"

Guinaifen displayed a helpless expression.
Leaning closer to the camera, she whispered softly, "Folks, we can’t keep using this guy’s jade tablet just for gaming."
"I actually want to create my own account too!"

Although her voice was low, Lin Yu still heard it clearly.
He calmly responded, "No problem at all. Seeing as this account seems destined for you, I’ll gladly gift it to you."
"Notice the ID in the bottom right corner; it represents the registration order of players, and this one happens to be ."

"That’s true," Guinaifen glanced down.
"Well then, thank you very much."

With an available account ready for use, Guinaifen gratefully accepted. It saved her the trouble of starting fresh with a new registration.

However, discontent began brewing among the viewers in the live chat.
"Is just a ‘thank you’ enough from the streamer? No way, no way!"
"I’ve heard that many game IDs can be quite valuable. There’s even a company called South Pole Games that deliberately hypes up certain IDs for profit."
"Streamers should understand social etiquette, right? Someone introduced you to the game and gifted you this ID; shouldn’t you offer some form of gratitude?"

Lin Yu’s gaze skimmed over these comments.
On the surface, he remained unaffected, but internally, he silently praised these supportive viewers!
These viewers truly understand me! I love you guys so much!

Guinaifen’s face flushed with embarrassment.
"O-of course, I prepared something as a token of gratitude!"
"I always intended to properly thank this young man!"
"That… here, take these 500,000 Credits if you don’t mind. Please accept them!"
"And let’s not linger in this eerie place any longer."
"We should find somewhere cozy, grab some drinks, and continue our journey through Honkai: Stellar Rail!"

Chapter Text

Chapter 7: Herta Space Station? Can This Really Be Coincidence?

Lin Yu clutched the 500,000 Credits in his hand, savoring his first taste of effortless wealth. This windfall equaled what would have taken months of backbreaking labor to earn!

Stay calm. Keep your cool.
After all, his ambitions stretched far beyond this - he aimed to dominate the universal gaming market and become a premier developer!
This amount was merely pocket change compared to those grand dreams.

Yet...
Lin Yu couldn't suppress the grin splitting his face.
The thought of leaving behind his days of squatting in abandoned buildings eating instant noodles...
Pure euphoria flooded through him!
Today marked this commoner's genuine, unbridled happiness!

Fortunately, the dim alley shadows concealed his expression, and Guinaifen remained engrossed in Honkai Star Rail and her stream. Otherwise, she might have mistaken him for some deranged lunatic...

By the time they reached the neon-lit commercial district, Lin Yu had regained his composure. Guinaifen secured a teahouse private room for uninterrupted streaming while Lin Yu excused himself to satisfy his hunger. After exchanging contacts, they parted ways.

Surveying the vibrant night market, the intoxicating aromas of sizzling skewers, grilled fish, and seafood assaulted Lin Yu's senses...
Tears pricked his eyes as overwhelming emotion surged through him.
Damn it...
Finally... finally I can eat like a human being!

---

Meanwhile at the teahouse...

Guinaifen barely settled into her seat before whipping out her phone.
"Hey fam! Sorry for the wait!"
"Let's dive back into Honkai: Star Rail!"
"Truth be told, we've barely scratched the surface."
"Even if it takes all night, I'll show you what deeper gameplay looks like!"

The game had sparked unprecedented engagement in her stream, surpassing even her most dangerous stunts - chest-smashing boulders or throat-defying tricks. More importantly, Guinaifen herself had fallen completely under its spell.

"Folks, I'm betting Kafka's definitely the main protagonist here."
"With skills that flashy, she's clearly getting the VIP treatment."
"Can you even imagine another character topping her ultimate move?"

The chat exploded with agreement:
"Kafka HAS to be the MC!"
"Devs must be some no-name studio - probably blew their entire budget on Kafka's design!"
"Just checked - developer's called 'Feathered Spirit'."
"Feathered Spirit? Never heard of 'em!"
"Watching gaming history being made!"
"Need to see that 'bong~' effect again!"

Scanning the comments, Guinaifen noted the consensus - Kafka was clearly the game's flagship character, with all visual splendor concentrated on her. Most assumed she might even be the only playable unit, though the audience showed remarkable leniency toward the new developers.

As the story progressed...
Kafka effortlessly dispatched enemies until...
A new Voidranger materialized directly behind her!
Its blade flashed toward her neck in a lethal sneak attack!

At the final centimeter...
The weapon disintegrated into colorful pixels.
The entire creature fragmented into digital cubes, vanishing as if deleted from reality itself!

"Cleanup duty wasn't in my job description," quipped a girl manipulating incomprehensible holographic interfaces with one hand. She hopped down from her perch, blowing a pink bubble while casting an indifferent sideways glance.

Under normal circumstances, viewers might've commented "Adorable kid" or "Quirky teen." But now everyone understood:
This was no ordinary girl next door.
Another Stellaron Hunter!
A legendary hacker with reality-bending skills!
The voice they'd heard earlier belonged to her.

"Silver Wolf! It's really her!"
"Didn't expect another top-tier Hunter to appear!"
"IPC has her at 5.1 billion credits bounty!"
"Thought Kafka was unbeatable, but here's another monster!"
"Can we play as her? Dying to see her skills!"
"Keep dreaming! With Kafka's polish, Silver Wolf's probably NPC-only."

Despite this, Silver Wolf's appearance electrified the stream's atmosphere.
Two Stellaron Hunters on screen!
What were they planning?

The narrative continued unfolding...
"However many times I see it, your abilities remain astounding," Kafka remarked.
"Just basic reality data modification. Child's play."
"What had you so engrossed earlier? Let me see."
"Herta's toy collection - the Space Station's Curio catalog. Some amusing trinkets."
"Such as?"
"A gun that rates any lifeform it scans, 0 to 100."
"How's that interesting?"
"Aren't you curious about your score? I certainly am."
"If we pass by, we'll take a look."

Their casual banter resembled friends on a weekend outing rather than operatives executing a high-stakes mission!

Then suddenly...
Chat exploded with realization:
"WAIT! Streamer pause!"
"Did she just say 'Herta'?!"
"You mean... the Genius Society member?!"
"It's confirmed! This is Herta Space Station!"
"Herta Station, Antimatter Legion... holy hell! This is huge!"
"Huh? What's happening?"
"Remember the news..."
"Herta Station WAS attacked by Antimatter Legion! Astral Express assisted!"
"It was on Interstellar Peace News!"
"No freaking way! This can't be coincidence!"

Chapter Text

Chapter 8: Old Yang: Is Honkai Still Following Me?

*"Hurry up, streamer! Keep pushing the story forward!"
"I need to know if this game actually connects to reality!"
"Could this really be showing events from a Stellaron Hunter's perspective?"*

Guinaifen's tongue darted across her lips in anticipation.
If this game truly mirrored real events, things were about to get explosive.

In the game, Kafka turned to Silver Wolf with a question: "What's our target location?"
"Take the left corridor deeper inside," Silver Wolf replied. "There's a room containing a specific 【Curio】."
"The 【Stellaron】 - the Cancer of All Worlds - is stored there?"
"It will reveal the Stellaron's location."

*

At Herta Space Station, a scientist suddenly cursed aloud during an important meeting.

If earlier hints had been subtle...
Now with Silver Wolf's appearance and direct mention of the Stellaron... there could be no doubt!

This game was recreating actual events from the space station's recent history!
Unbelievably, some bold developer had turned their crisis into entertainment - and from the enemy's perspective no less!

The meeting's speaker froze mid-sentence.
Dozing colleagues jerked awake in shock.
The flushed manager looked like someone had just exposed his underwear on stage.

"Have you lost your mind?!"
"No, sir! I'm not opposing you!" The junior scientist scrambled to explain, "I was reacting to this game!"
"You're playing games during MY meeting?!"
"Wait! That's not what I—"

Five tense minutes later...

After frantic explanations, the chastised employee finally conveyed his discovery. Adjusting his glasses, the supervisor - after consulting nearby colleagues - ordered the live stream projected onto the conference room's main screen.

If these claims proved true, the implications were staggering. The game's developers possessed disturbingly accurate insider knowledge.
Was this some perpetrator's twisted way of boasting about their crimes? This blatant portrayal damaged both the space station's reputation and Lady Herta's standing!

Once verified, they'd need to immediately file complaints with the Interastral Peace Corporation.
How had such a game even been approved for distribution?

The entire conference room abandoned their work, eyes locked on the unfolding broadcast.

*

Meanwhile aboard the Astral Express...

Welt Yang and Himeko had already downloaded the game, progressing through its opening chapters.
Though unsettled by the storyline's eerie parallels to recent events, their years as Trailblazers kept their expressions neutral.

Until Silver Wolf appeared.

The moment the Stellaron Hunter's identity was revealed, Old Yang's jaw literally dropped.

That voice! That hacker aesthetic! That unmistakable silhouette!
No amount of hairstyle changes could disguise young Bronya!

"Don't think swapping to a single ponytail fools me!" Welt muttered in shock.

His right hand trembled as he reached for Himeko's coffee. The first sip hit like a freight train, sending liquid spraying across the table.

"Pfft—!!"

Himeko's eyes widened. Was my brew really that terrible?

But being Himeko - remarkably perceptive as always - she quickly understood.
When Silver Wolf appeared earlier, Welt's face had turned ghostly pale.

Clearly, this "Silver Wolf" character had triggered something profound.

Muttering apologies, Welt mopped up the mess with uncharacteristic clumsiness.
For someone who'd faced cosmic horrors without flinching, this reaction was telling.

First the game's ominous title - "Honkai."
Now familiar faces appearing out of nowhere.

The dual shocks left him feeling like Honkai itself was stalking him across dimensions.

Himeko placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "In an infinite universe, we were bound to encounter familiar echoes eventually."
"But remember - these are entirely new people with different lives."
"However similar their fates may seem, they're not the friends or enemies from your past."

Adjusting his glasses, Welt gave a slow nod.

Yes.
This had to be coincidence.
Nothing more.

*

Back in Guinaifen's stream...

While retrieving the space station's Curio (the Stellaron), the Stellaron Hunters found themselves ambushed by Voidrangers.

As battle commenced,
a new ally joined their ranks - Silver Wolf!

Having mastered ultimate ability mechanics, Guinaifen eagerly tapped Silver Wolf's skill icon.

"The combat experience needs optimization."

The screen transformed as Silver Wolf's avatar enlarged dramatically.
Beneath her materialized a glowing game console interface.

With blinding speed, Silver Wolf's fingers flew across virtual controls.
The score counter skyrocketed: 0...333...

"Hmph. Too slow for my taste."

At 999 points, a golden streak - like a shooting star - lanced through the Voidranger.
Its health bar evaporated instantly as the creature collapsed into a swirling black hole.

The chat exploded:

"NO WAY THEY ANIMATED SILVER WOLF'S ULTIMATE!"
"This is the flashiest combat sequence I've ever seen!"
"Just tuned in - is little Guizi playing a rhythm game now?"
"This game's too generous! Giving us premium characters for free?!"
"If this were reality, I'd play for a hundred years straight!"

Chapter Text

Chapter 9: Character Selection! Kafka's Verbal Ability Unveiled

【Popularity +10, +10, +10...】

Guinaifen’s live stream had exploded in viewership—more than triple her usual numbers! A captivated audience watched with bated breath, fully immersed in the unfolding narrative. If this game truly mirrored reality, they were witnessing history in the making.

Meanwhile, Kafka and Silver Wolf had infiltrated a secure monitoring room within Herta Space Station. Silver Wolf’s deft hacking had pinpointed the Stellaron’s location.

"Independent security system… Seems Herta doesn’t treat this Stellaron as just another trinket," Silver Wolf mused.

"Can we extract it?"

"Naturally. Even the great Herta can’t outmatch me in cyberspace."

With that, Kafka stepped forward, cradling the golden orb—the legendary Stellaron itself.

On another screen, Silver Wolf projected an image before Kafka.

"The vessels are prepped."
"Your call."

Suddenly, two figures dominated the screen—one male, one female. Both silver-haired, clad in sleek black coats. Beside them, two options flickered:

—Activate Carrier 【Stelle】
—Activate Carrier 【Caelus】

"Elio said this choice would change many things," Kafka remarked.

"He also said the decision had to be yours," Silver Wolf replied.

Guinaifen blinked in disbelief.

Wait—weren’t they here to steal the Stellaron? Why are we suddenly picking a vessel?!

"Guys, I’m lost. What’s happening?"

"Forget the streamer—I’m baffled too!"
"Wasn’t this Herta’s vault? Now it’s a delivery room?!"
"Is this the real protagonist reveal?"
"Why hesitate?! Pick Stelle—look at those legs!"

Guinaifen licked her lips, comparing the options. The female protagonist, Stelle, had an innocent, earnest face—eerily relatable. Decision made.

For simplicity, she kept the default name—Stelle.

A data bundle transmitted to Silver Wolf, and Stelle’s body began materializing. Kafka approached the newly formed figure, the Stellaron gleaming in her palm.

"How much does she remember?"

"At least she remembers you."

"Ha…"

In one fluid motion, Kafka slipped an arm around Stelle’s waist—and plunged the Stellaron into her chest.

Guinaifen’s jaw dropped.

That’s how you implant a Stellaron?! Just… shove it in?!

She inhaled sharply, her own chest tightening in phantom sympathy.

The perspective shifted abruptly—first-person. Stelle’s awakening.

Three dialogue options flashed:

【This... is... where?】
【Kaf...fa?】
【...Who...are you?】

Guinaifen chose the second.

Kafka’s lips curled into a "gentle" smile—though given the Stellaron Hunters’ notorious reputation, it carried an edge of menace.

"Oh, wonderful! You remember me."

She glanced at Silver Wolf, then back at Stelle.

"【Listen closely】: Your mind is in chaos. You don’t know who you are, why you’re here, or what comes next. I seem familiar, yet you’re unsure if you can trust me—

But none of that matters now. I must leave you here alone. So from this moment on, stop dwelling on the past. Stop doubting yourself.

Listen carefully: You’ll face dangers. Escape nightmares. But you’ll also find wonders—companions like family, adventures beyond imagination.

At the journey’s end, every puzzle will unravel.

This is the future Elio foresaw… Do you like it?"

【I do... probably.】
【No, I don’t...】
【Where are you going...?】

Guinaifen paused, rubbing her chin.

"Fam, is Kafka a riddle-wrapped enigma? What’s she even saying?"

Chat erupted:

*
"The ‘Listen to me’ part was highlighted—production team’s hinting at something!"
"No kidding, Sherlock."
"The color change means it’s a function declaration!"
"Intelligentsia Guild members in chat?!"
"Enough debate—I’m right! It’s Kafka’s Linguistic Power. Psychological suggestion to control actions."
"Holy hell! So meeting Kafka = instant mind-control victim?!"
"Relax, you’ll never meet her. Also, you’re already a joke."

Chapter Text

Chapter 10: The Trailblazer's Genesis?

Within the 【Herta】 space station's conference room, a captivated audience watched the screen, utterly engrossed.

"So, this is how the Trailblazer came to be?" someone murmured.

"They physically implanted the Stellaron!" another exclaimed.

A hesitant voice questioned, "Is it even appropriate for us to be seeing this?"

A more certain tone declared, "It's confirmed! The game's storyline mirrors recent real events, revealing details we never knew!"

"Quickly, someone get Station Director Asta!"

Moments later, Asta arrived, surrounded by a flurry of staff. One of them had already recorded the entire live stream. As they watched the chaotic invasion of the Antimatter Legion unfold on screen, Asta's jaw dropped in disbelief. The events played out with startling vividness, reopening the barely healed wounds of that disaster.

The truth was now apparent: the Stellaron Hunters had lured the Antimatter Legion! Those despicable Stellaron Hunters! They had casually interfered with artifacts in the space station's Storage Zone, acting as if they owned the place despite being there to steal Star Cores. And with such nonchalance, they had infiltrated Lady Herta's precious collection chamber. Then, they had implanted a Stellaron into a young girl.

Wait a minute! Why did this girl look so familiar? Oh no, wasn't that the Trailblazer?! So, the Stellaron Hunters had created her as a vessel!

Within moments, a torrent of information overwhelmed Asta, akin to suddenly facing three months' worth of overdue bills.

"Asta," a staff member ventured, "could 【Trailblazer】 be a mole planted by the Stellaron Hunters?"

"Nonsense! This is just a game; we shouldn't maliciously suspect our friend like that," Asta retorted, placing her hands on her hips, slightly annoyed.

"However," the staff member countered, "based on everything we've seen, the game's storyline perfectly aligns with reality."

"I'm still not sure. Let's observe further before jumping to conclusions." Asta switched the main screen to a live broadcast from a channel called "Little Gui Zi Streamer." In the screen's bottom right corner, little Guizi was barely visible. The rest of the frame showcased gameplay footage of Honkai: Stellar Rail.

On the screen, Silver Wolf's voice echoed, "How much longer do we need to watch? According to the script, the Astral Express's passengers, the Trailblazing Travelers, will arrive soon. We shouldn't miss meeting them."

"I know, Silver Wolf. Just a little more time, just a bit," Kafka responded, her tone almost playful before addressing the camera directly. "The moment is near; I must leave... 【Listen carefully】: Soon, someone will find you. Have faith and go with them. Remember nothing except me."

Although there was no voiceover, everyone watching could sense the protagonist's fresh awakening, the disorientation and bewilderment palpable.

"When you have the chance to make choices, don't let yourself regret them..." As Kafka spoke her final words, the screen faded to black, symbolizing the protagonist falling back into slumber.

The passage of time remained ambiguous. Then, a male voice broke the silence. "The coordinates weren't transmitted from the space station..."

Another female voice urged, "At this point, why quibble over details? This person is right here before us—can they be fake?"

"The heartbeat and pulse are both very weak. March, prepare to administer CPR."

"Ah?! I...I don't have much experience! Dan Heng, you do it!"

Just then, the protagonist's perspective shifted, and their eyes opened. A massive man's face loomed incredibly close, appearing enormous due to the proximity.

"Hold on—stop talking!" At a crucial moment, a hand intervened, pushing the man's face aside. The owner of the hand leaned forward instead. Short pink hair framed a pair of vibrant, bright eyes that smiled warmly at the protagonist.

"He's awake!"

"Are you okay? Can you hear me clearly? Do you remember your name?" the pink-haired girl asked.

Witnessing this scene, Asta was utterly speechless, her astonishment profound. It was none other than March 7th and Dan Heng! Although their identities had been revealed in the dialogue, seeing them in person still felt surreal to Asta. These were truly the characters from Honkai: Stellar Rail! The Trailblazer had even provided significant assistance at the space station. Who could have imagined their origin story was like this?

Asta knew she needed to contact the Astral Express Crew immediately. She grabbed her phone, her fingers hovering over the contact list. But as she was about to search for their information, she paused, a sudden realization striking her.

"Our researchers at the space station have all discovered this game; I bet the Astral Express crew must know about it too."

"Never mind, the game has just started. There's no need to rush any conclusions." She closed the contacts interface and instead opened the app store. She searched for "Honkai: Stellar Rail." Without hesitation, she began downloading it. With such compelling storytelling alone, she knew she'd be hooked. This game undoubtedly held more surprises in store for her.

Meanwhile, aboard the Astral Express, Old Yang and Himeko exchanged involuntary glances. At this point, everything began to make sense. After a moment of thoughtful silence, Old Yang spoke first, "Based on Dan Heng's report, he did indeed encounter her in Herta's Curio Collection Room with March 7th."

"You mean," Himeko asked, her tone a mix of surprise and understanding, "the game's storyline is genuinely based on real-life events?"

"From what we've seen so far, it seems highly likely," Old Yang replied.

"With the Stellaron Hunters' technical capabilities, could they have created such a game?" Himeko pondered aloud.

"I suppose...they might be able to," Old Yang responded uncertainly.

"At first glance," Himeko mused, "this creator named 'Feathered Spirit' must possess detailed knowledge about Kafka and Silver Wolf from the Stellaron Hunters. Otherwise, they couldn't have included intricacies even we were unaware of."

"What about the train? Don't forget, the game itself is titled after it," Himeko added, taking a deep breath, her eyes gleaming with intense interest. "Welt, I have a feeling that this game has only just begun."

On a nearby screen, a new feature had just unlocked. "Look, here's a newly unlocked feature—'Characters.'"

Himeko's curiosity was piqued. "I'm already curious about Little March and Star's abilities."

Chapter Text

Chapter 11: Starting with March 7th, I'm Absolutely Sobbing!

Perched on the rElysiang of a towering building, Kafka gazed at the bustling city below. A gentle breeze rustled her coat and hair, creating an air of serene leisure. If only I had a glass of wine, she mused, it would complete this perfect moment.

Beside her, Silver Wolf remained glued to her screen, fingers flying across the interface, lost in rapid commands. Finally, a triumphant smile touched the corners of her lips.

"Success!" she declared, pointing at a graffiti-like symbol on the screen. "Remember this? It's the digital graffiti I left at the [Herta] space station, my little backdoor program. And just now, I've achieved my goal." With that, Silver Wolf pushed her goggles down from her forehead.

Kafka offered a slight smile. "So, what's your next move?"

"Getting my hands on the 'Punklode Spirit' game cartridge, of course," Silver Wolf replied instantly. "There haven't been any decent new games lately; it's been agonizingly boring. This one is the only thing that's even remotely interesting."

"Well then, good luck." Kafka raised his hand in a mock toast, then returned to enjoying the rare tranquility.

Meanwhile, though physically present, Silver Wolf's mind was already light-years away, at the [Herta] space station.

Back in the live stream, the chat was buzzing with reactions to the initial playable characters.

"Hey folks! Just as I expected!"

"I knew Kafka and Silver Wolf were just a brief taste. They wouldn't give us such powerful characters right away."

"What a stylish entrance! One ultimate move wiped out all those Voidrangers!"

"Otherwise, our protagonist would look completely useless!"

"With characters as strong as Kafka and Silver Wolf, you'll definitely have to spend money to unlock them later."

"That's understandable, though. Considering the impressive effort they put into those ultimate moves, it's worth paying a bit to support them."

As Guinaifen continued the story, she shared her thoughts aloud. The narrative then shifted back to the protagonist's perspective, the pace finally slowing down. The protagonist, March 7th, and Dan Heng introduced themselves to each other. Following this, March 7th led the protagonist towards the Master Control Zone, while Dan Heng went to find Arlan from the Security Division.

The chat became even more animated.

"I think we should watch more and see if any other characters appear later."

"No matter how Kafka is introduced, I'm determined to get her!"

"Youngsters often underestimate Silver Wolf's value, mistaking the protagonist for the real prize."

"I want them all! I've already saved up a month's salary—hurry up and release these two characters!"

"Does the production team even understand?! Give us the purchase link!"

As Guinaifen observed the rapid stream of comments, she followed the game's instructions and opened the character interface. Her current team consisted of two members: the protagonist Trailblazer and March 7th.

"Regardless, I'm definitely going to pull for the Stellaron Hunters when they become available!" Guinaifen declared. "And it's not just because their ultimate abilities look incredibly flashy!"

"The characters on this screen should be our initial party members..." she noted. "Besides the protagonist, there's also March 7th, a member of the Astral Express Crew!"

Understanding the character stats was straightforward: health points, attack power, critical hit chance, damage multiplier, and so on—common elements in many games. Guinaifen didn't feel the need to elaborate.

"But what truly sets this game apart is," she emphasized, "each character has different attributes and Fates."

"Fam, check out Star in my team—the protagonist herself—is a Physical attribute Destruction Fate character, oh yeah!"

"And as expected, Miss March 7th from the Astral Express Crew is an Ice attribute Preservation Fate character~"

While explaining her understanding, Guinaifen maneuvered the protagonist to pick up a baseball bat as a makeshift weapon. Soon after, they encountered the roaming Antimatter Legion, marking the first battle for both the protagonist and March 7th.

"Let's take a look at their abilities," Guinaifen said. "Honestly, Little Guizi here isn't expecting much; just hoping they're half as effective as Kafka and Silver Wolf would be great."

"After all, our protagonist is wielding a mere baseball bat, and Miss March 7th doesn't exactly scream 'combat expert' either."

Before long, their energy levels were full. Guinaifen promptly activated March 7th's ultimate ability.

Whoosh!

March 7th's vibrant character portrait flashed briefly on screen.

[Ice Engraved Arrow Rain] initiated.

"It's about time I get serious," March 7th's voice declared. With a graceful swipe near her dress, an arrow formed from condensed frost appeared in her hand. "Have a taste of my prowess!" Looking pleased, she placed the arrow on the bowstring, leaped into the air, and unleashed a powerful shot forward. The ice arrow split mid-flight into numerous Pom-Pom dolls, raining down indiscriminate bombardment upon the enemies.

Guinaifen's eyes widened in excitement. "Wow, just like Kafka and Silver Wolf, she has her own unique close-up animation!"

"Ooh, ooh, these skill effects are impressive too!"

"I adore energetic girls like Miss March 7th—just as cute as us!"

"That's surprising! Could it be that every character has their own unique close-up animation?"

"Even without Kafka and Silver Wolf, starting with March 7th is still quite generous."

"In any other game, such a meticulously crafted character would easily cost at least 100,000 credits!"

"This game doesn't even have an option to recharge yet—I'm dying inside!"

Chapter Text

Chapter 12: No More Freebies\! I'm Seriously Worried They'll Go Bankrupt

"Now let's check out Stelle's ultimate ability\!" Guinaifen exclaimed excitedly, activating Stelle's Ultimate move. At this moment, what captivated her most was witnessing the unique ultimate ability animations of each character.

Every character possessed a distinct style and set of traits, brought to life with exquisite and lavish visual effects. This stood in stark contrast to the poorly made games she had encountered before. It was clear that the development team had poured meticulous effort into every detail. Even the brief flash of a character portrait upon activating an ultimate ability left her utterly impressed.

Guinaifen was genuinely amazed.

"Fwoooo\!"

Stelle's character portrait surpassed her expectations with its commanding presence. Balanced on one foot mid-air, she held a golden orb in her left hand, radiating an aura of undeniable dominance as she gazed down imperiously. A fusion of steel and steam enveloped her, with the massive Astral Express traversing in the background.

"Ace of Stars\!" With a cool demeanor, Stelle swiftly drew a baseball bat from her waist. This seemingly ordinary bat now shimmered with layers of lightning and star effects, instantly transforming into a divine weapon, as if enhanced to its maximum potential\!

"Rules are made to be broken\!"

Her subsequent group attack unleashed incredible power, almost as if it could shatter the screen itself\! Monsters caught in the blow instantly perished, displaying an unprecedented high damage of 124 points\! Previously, the damage dealt had barely reached double digits. Not only Guinaifen but also the viewers in the Live Streaming Room were visibly ecstatic.

"This protagonist's ultimate move is seriously impressive\!"

"Using a baseball bat like it's the Sword of the Galaxy—amazing\!"

"It's so well-made and thoughtful\! The skill animation is fantastic\!"

"What a badass female lead—I love it\!"

As Guinaifen continued watching, her admiration for the protagonist deepened. She was absolutely thrilled and eagerly sought out more monsters to engage in combat.

Upon reaching the elevator, they entered the next part of the storyline. A malfunction in the elevator's operating system blocked the protagonists' path to the Master Control Zone. Fortunately, Dan Heng appeared just in time. After some playful banter, they decided to head to the Monitoring Room to seek help from Arlan of the Security Division.

Following this dialogue sequence...

Suddenly, a purple flash illuminated the screen\! Beneath a winding maple tree, a man leaned against its trunk, his expression cold and composed. Holding a long azure spear across his arms, he exuded an air of detachment from worldly affairs.

[Dan Heng (Four-star, The Hunt) joined the party]

???

Guinaifen's jaw dropped. "Wait… they're giving him to us FOR FREE?"

She frantically checked her roster. Yep. Dan Heng was there, fully playable—no gacha, no paywall. The tutorial even prompted her to level him up immediately.

The live chat lost it.

"Three free characters ALREADY?!"
"If his ultimate's half as good as Stelle's, I'm sold!"
"Most games nickel-and-dime us—this one's handing out gold!"
"Devs, are you TRYING to go bankrupt? Let me throw money at you!"

Guinaifen shared their disbelief. Why give away such premium content? Considering the high-quality production, they could easily have sold these characters, yet they insisted on giving them away for free\! No further explanation was needed. The viewers in the Live Streaming Room were already astounded and wondering how this game would ever generate revenue\!

After encountering Arlan, March 7th remembered that she possessed the key to unlock elevator access rights. As she passed a room, she casually "picked up" a Light Cone. Reading through the tutorial, Guinaifen quickly understood: "...So, Light Cones are weapons unique to each character's Fate paths within this game."

"The designers did a great job integrating these elements; even in reality, they're rare items we can't afford," she commented. "In-game, they're categorized as three-star, four-star, and five-star levels. For now, I'm not sure how to obtain other Light Cones."

Equipping the protagonist with this three-star Light Cone, they arrived at the elevator entrance. This time, the enemy encountered seemed stronger than any before—a centaur-like monster. In the context of Voidrangers, it qualified as an elite foe.

"If I met such a creature in real life, I'd definitely take a detour, but since this is a game..."

"I want to test out Dan Heng's ultimate ability\!" Guinaifen declared determinedly, gritting her teeth. Without hesitation, she activated Dan Heng's ultimate ability.

[Realm of Illusion: A Dream Unfolding]

"Between life and death, a single thought suffices."

Dan Heng held his long spear at the ready. At its tip rested a seamlessly unified bead, half black and half white. Rings of white smoke emanated from around the bead, perfectly mirroring the ultimate ability's name: "Realm of Illusion: A Dream Unfolding." As a maple leaf gracefully swept across the screen, Dan Heng's surroundings transformed into a scene reminiscent of an ink-wash painting, with only crimson leaves interspersed amidst the black ink strokes.

Dan Heng opened his eyes, poised for action.

"Break\!"

With this command, he instantly materialized behind the Voidranger Trampler, the ink-like fluid splattering like blood from his spearpoint.

[Battle Concluded]

The chat exploded again.

"SO. DAMN. COOL."
"How does ink-wash art feel this lethal?!"
"Peak Xianzhou aesthetics—devs are cultural geniuses!"
"Free characters? Instant download."
"March 7th AND Dan Heng for free? TAKE MY MONEY!"

Guinaifen grinned. This game wasn't just generous—it was revolutionary.

Chapter Text

Chapter 13: Himeko Joins the Team, Winning Over Countless Fans

After witnessing Dan Heng's spectacular ultimate ability, Guinaifen's admiration for the developers grew even stronger—but so did her indignation. "How dare they not let me pay for a character like this!" she exclaimed. "Do they think I wouldn't spend money?!"

She even imagined herself as part of the game's planning team, devising monetization strategies for Dan Heng's abilities:

Tier 1: No cinematic close-ups.

Tier 2: Unlocks the close-up effect but excludes the ink-wash background visuals.

Tier 3: Full ultimate ability experience—available only with extra payment!

"Developers, don't you know how to make money? You should take notes from me!" she joked. But instead of implementing such ideas, the developers continued their generosity by giving away Dan Heng for free. Unable to contact the mysterious developer "Feathered Spirit," Guinaifen left her suggestions in the game's comment section before refocusing on the unfolding story.

The battle against the elite Voidranger intensified when it let out a fierce roar, summoning ghostly shadows that represented its lesser minions. March 7th protested, "Hey! Resorting to ganging up just because you can't win—what kind of play is that?" She cautiously began inching backward while Dan Heng took a defensive stance with his spear to cover their retreat.

Suddenly, a mechanical device resembling a propeller appeared on the scene. Spinning rapidly, it shredded one Voidranger instantly. Its circular saw extended outward, mowing down the remaining enemies effortlessly before delivering a final blow that shattered the elite Voidranger entirely. Seizing the opportunity, the group charged forward and broke free.

The scene shifted to another part of the space station, where jade-like hands gently lowered as a mature voice echoed, "Creating such close calls every time... but as long as they return safely." A woman with long red hair entered the frame, her gentle smile captivating everyone.

"A new character has appeared!" Guinaifen exclaimed excitedly. "And she's a sophisticated older sister!"

The live stream chat erupted:

"What a beautiful big sister!"

"I love mature and gentle women like her!"

"Hold on—don't you recognize her? She's Miss Ji Zi, the navigator of the Astral Express!"

"Oh, it's her! Not only is she a top-notch scientist, but she's stunning too!"

"From now on, I'm all about Miss Ji Zi!"

Aboard the Astral Express, Old Yang smiled knowingly as he watched the single-molecule saw appear. He had suspected earlier that Dan Heng's introduction would pave the way for Himeko's appearance—and now his hunch was confirmed. "True to form, Miss Ji Zi is incredibly dependable in these children's eyes," he remarked.

Meanwhile, Himeko remained composed as she worked at a nearby screen. Curious about her activity, Old Yang asked, "Himeko, what are you doing?"

"I've been searching for information about this game," she replied. "But there's surprisingly little available publicly. All I could find is that the developer goes by 'Feathered Spirit.' It's unclear whether that refers to an individual, company, or organization."

"And?" Old Yang prompted.

"But I did come across a related game livestream hosted by a young girl from Xianzhou," Himeko continued. "Just like us, she's starting her experience with Honkai: Star Rail."

She turned the screen toward Old Yang, revealing that Guinaifen's progress matched theirs closely. The real-time viewer count had already surpassed ten thousand—a significant jump from her usual few thousand viewers. Streaming Honkai: Star Rail had clearly attracted widespread attention.

"This game seems to be gaining popularity among the masses," Old Yang observed.

The live stream chat buzzed with comments:

"What qualities would it take to marry Miss Ji Zi?"

"She's so charming—I fell for her at first glance!"

"Even as a woman myself, I can't resist her!"

"Dream material for tonight."

Himeko discreetly turned off the chat and focused on the screen depicting Stelle's first encounter with her. Apart from minor variations in dialogue and expressions, everything matched Himeko's memories perfectly—as if an invisible camera had captured those moments and transformed them into this game.

This led Himeko to ponder: if Honkai: Star Rail ended its storyline at the space station, it would make sense since those events had already occurred and could be recreated technically. However, if further developments unfolded in Jarilo-VI or beyond, wouldn't she soon witness future events play out before her eyes?

Looking out at the snow-covered planet below through the window of the Astral Express, Himeko considered contacting Dan Heng and the Trailblazers but was interrupted by an incoming message from March 7th herself. The message summarized their progress: aided by a robot named Svarog who provided information about Stellaron, they planned to rest for the night and head toward Stellaron's location tomorrow.

Himeko hesitated but decided not to inform them about Honkai: Star Rail just yet. There would be time enough after their mission was complete tomorrow. For now, she resolved to monitor their situation closely to prevent any unexpected incidents.

Back in Guinaifen's livestream room, excitement reached new heights as Little Gui Zi exclaimed from her screen:

"Peeps! Am I seeing this right?! Miss Himeko is also a playable character! And she joined our team!"

"Ahhh! I must try out Himeko's skills immediately!"

Chapter Text

Chapter 14: What?! This Game Has Both Herta and The Nameless?

Xianzhou, Aurum Alley.

In a rented room near Aurum Alley's hotel, Lin Yu rented a room. It was clean and tidy, with all the necessary facilities.

Lin Yu sat by the window, sipping the hotel's complimentary specialty wine, and opened the system interface.

[Popularity Value: 20,000+]

[Spending: 0]

[Current Accumulated Points: 20,000]

[Congratulations to the host for reaching the first milestone, rewarding 5,000 points and a small promotional opportunity]

"Promotional opportunity?"

Lin Yu's eyes narrowed when he saw this reward.

Wasn't he already riding Guinaifen's live stream for a wave of publicity? What was this promotional opportunity from the system?

Clicking on the corresponding introduction, he quickly understood its purpose.

"Unconditional advertising within a certain range?"

"This..."

[Recommended Placement: Space Station [Herta] / Penacony]

Lin Yu pondered for a moment.

He originally wanted to place it in Penacony, after all, it was a gathering place for beautiful dreams, and the flow of people was very high, this game would definitely attract more attention.

But after opening the map and taking a look.

He couldn't help but complain: "This range is too small, isn't it?"

"Placing it in Penacony wouldn't even cover a single attraction!"

But

"Placing it in the space station would almost cover it."

"Forget it, let's place it in the space station first."

With Lin Yu's activation, all the advertising machines in the space station's main control section instantly changed color.

Advertisements for things like object finders and White Robot were all replaced.

[Latest Mobile Game - "Honkai: Star Rail", Get Three Astral Express Crew Members Upon Launch! Plus [Asta] and [Herta], All Free!]

[What are you waiting for? Get ahead of the game and start your Trailblaze journey now!]

The advertisement cover, in addition to March 7th, Dan Heng, and Stelle's silhouettes, the most eye-catching were Asta and Herta's character illustrations.

This was an advertisement specifically tailored by the system to the situation of the space station.

It could be said that this kind of simple and crude slogan was very effective for these staff members who were used to the same routine every day. Having seen all kinds of procedural advertisements, suddenly popping up with such an interesting thing, anyone would have to take a look.

"'Honkai: Star Rail'? Never heard of this mobile game before."

"Free game? And it gives away characters upon launch? Is it really that generous?"

"What does [Asta] and [Herta] mean in the advertisement? Did they turn Station Master Asta and Ms. Herta into game characters?"

"If that's the case, then I have to play it!"

"Advertising board, you wait, if it doesn't give it away upon launch, I'll complain immediately!"

The staff members who saw the advertisement stopped one after another.

They took out their phones and started downloading "Honkai: Star Rail" in the mall.

The space station wasn't that big to begin with.

The news spread quickly.

Soon it reached the conference room where Asta was.

"Miss, this is the situation."

Arlan explained with a serious face,

"All the advertising boards seem to have been hacked at the same time, and they all unanimously displayed, uh... advertisements for 'Honkai: Star Rail'."

"Should we turn off the power to all those advertising boards?"
"No need, no need..."

Asta shook her head while looking at her phone,

"This game is actually quite interesting, I'm just about to [Warp]."

"Warp?"

"Yes, this one, you can draw many characters you know in reality, such as March 7th, Himeko and the others, and maybe, you might even draw Ms. Herta!"

As she said that, Asta directly clicked on the [Warp x1] option.

An ordinary ticket floated in the universe, and the train then arrived.

With the appearance of the conductor Pom-Pom.

The rear door opened, and purple light overflowed.

Asta was a little excited: "Purple light... hmm, I should have drawn a four-star character!"

In the light.

The image that appeared was of a girl sitting next to a huge astronomical telescope.

[Asta (New), Fire Element, Four-Star, Harmony]

Arlan next to her was directly stunned.

Asta's small mouth was even more directly shaped into an "o".

Drawing a card,

Drew herself?

Arlan opened his mouth, and after a long time, he finally squeezed out the question he wanted to ask.

"Miss, you... are also one of the characters in this game?"

"I, I don't know!"

Asta seemed a little at a loss, it was the first time she had encountered this kind of situation while playing a game,

"But I did see myself in the game's story just now."

"So that's how it is..."

Arlan lowered his head and thought for a moment.

"Miss, I'll have the engineers under my command check if there are any other programs in the space station that have been hacked."

"Oh, okay, go ahead."

Asta gradually calmed down.

She eagerly opened the character interface.

And looked at her skill introduction.

"Combat Skill [Meteor Shower]... deals 4 additional instances of DMG..."

"Ultimate [Starlight Blessing], increases the SPD of all allies..."

"Hiss... how did this developer know that I like stars!"

On the other side.

After Arlan left Asta, he didn't contact the engineers under his command immediately.

Instead, he returned to his rest room.

Took out his phone.

His fingers trembled slightly as he began to search for "Honkai: Star Rail".

Soon, the download was complete.

While starting it, he muttered to himself: "I... I also want to draw Miss Asta!"

"And, I have to protect her."

"Even in the game, I can't let Miss suffer any harm."

Chapter Text

Chapter 15: Summoning a Railgun? How Elegant!

Within the space station, various departments paused their tasks to explore a fascinating new game.

Before long, someone found Little Guizi's live stream on the Xianzhou Live Streaming Platform. Those who couldn't play or simply wanted to watch quickly gathered to see her broadcast.

They even changed the largest screen in the station to show Little Guizi's channel, drawing in a crowd eager to keep up with the gameplay.

People pointed at the screen and discussed it animatedly:

"So this is Honkai: Star Rail?"

"I heard the game's storyline is based on real-life events. Look at those characters in the streamer's team—they're all familiar faces!"

"Is that really our Station Head Asta? Am I seeing that correctly?"

"And wow, each character's ultimate abilities are so flashy!"

With every moment, the crowd kept growing.

Excited by the buzz around the game, many rushed to download it immediately.

In the live stream, Guinaifen was practically glowing with excitement.

"Alright, everyone! Next, we're going to test out Miss Himeko's skills!"

She smiled, "I wonder what the Navigator's ultimate ability will be like?"

Guinaifen selected the trial version of Himeko.

She zoomed in, showing detailed visuals of Himeko on screen.

Her stunning white gown, adorned with golden rose accessories, was a sight to behold—right down to the small mole near her right breast.

As comments flooded in, excitement heightened.

"This streamer really knows how to engage the audience!"

*

"Are there any alternate camera angles?"

"Switching now may get us banned."

Facing off against a Voidranger, Guinaifen clicked to attack.

Suddenly, Himeko's suitcase appeared, and a chainsaw emerged, striking the monster directly.

Once they entered combat mode, the details of Himeko's weapon became clear.

Both her standard attacks and skills featured various tools emerging from her suitcase that sliced enemies with flair!

When she triggered her Talent for Follow-Up Attacks, sparks erupted dramatically.

This unique combat style sparked reactions among the researchers.

"Forget about the monsters; just watching this is painful!"

"Miss Himeko is absolutely beautiful, but she fights with such intensity!"

"Definitely! How else could she become the train's navigator?"

"Does her ultimate ability involve throwing the suitcase to cause an explosion? I heard she carries a satellite in there."

"I'm eager to see it!"

Soon enough, Little Guizi charged up enough energy for Himeko.

Facing three monsters in battle, they boldly hit the button to initiate [Fallen Star Fire].

"It's coming, folks! Here it is!"

Just then, Himeko unexpectedly chimed in, "I think you might not fully understand yet."

Guinaifen was taken aback.

"Why did the suitcase suddenly turn into a chair?"

"And Miss Himeko! When did you find time to brew coffee? We're in the middle of a fight!"

Typically, when others activated their ultimate abilities, they'd strike a dynamic combat pose. But Himeko shifted smoothly from standing to sitting, all while cradling a cup of coffee.

This transformation puzzled and intrigued everyone, leaving them eager to see what spectacle would follow.

She pressed the release button featuring a '?' symbol!

Himeko crossed her right leg over her left, adopting a relaxed pose and gazing up at the sky.

Alongside her, a red beam shot straight up, piercing through swirling clouds and reaching outer space.

"Humans have never concealed their desire to control the stars..."

The red beam acted like a signal flare.

In space, a satellite picked up the cue and swiftly prepared its weapon.

A railgun ascended vertically, poised to deliver a precise bombardment on the targeted coordinates below!

"Of course, I am no exception."

Remaining seated, Himeko calmly took a sip of her coffee, her expression unflinching.

The massive explosion beside her illuminated half of her figure and stirred her long, red hair. Yet she remained unfazed, not even turning her head.

As the ultimate ability animation came to an end, Guinaifen stood frozen, and the surrounding scientists were left momentarily speechless.

A few seconds later, the silence broke.

The scene erupted like a boiling pot as everyone leaped to their feet, filled with awe!

Exclamations flooded the air, some expressing excitement in their native languages.

"So elegant! Truly elegant!"

"Wow! A railgun?!"

"How incredibly badass!"

"If that were unleashed in a space station, it would obliterate an entire module!"

"Awesome! This game's visuals are mind-blowing! Who could've imagined Himeko's ultimate involves summoning a satellite to bombard the ground?"

Nearby, Asta watched Himeko's ultimate ability unfold on a nearby screen.

Unlike the ordinary scientists around her, who were visibly awestruck, she maintained her composure, though her eyes sparkled with admiration.

"Miss Himeko is just too elegant!"

"And when she said, 'Humanity never conceals its desire to control the heavens and I am no exception'... Ahh, that resonates so deeply with my heart!"

If not for the people nearby, Asta would have hugged her phone featuring Miss Himeko and joyfully rolled on the floor multiple times out of excitement.

At that moment, she decided:

No matter what,

she had to obtain Miss Himeko within this game!

Chapter Text

Chapter 16: Little Gui Zi Draws Cards—Wait, Why Is My Shangshang In There?

In the live stream, Little Gui Zi echoed the reactions of the researchers in the space station—she was almost speechless from excitement.

Once she regained her composure, her eyes sparkled with determination as she declared, "I must summon Miss Himeko!"

"I could watch that ultimate ability animation for hours!"

"Hey everyone! Just so you know, this version of Himeko is only a trial character. Unlike March 7th and Dan Heng, who were given for free."

"After this storyline ends, Miss Himeko will leave our team."

"I can't imagine playing Star Rail without Miss Himeko!"

"The streamer is about to start drawing cards! Oh wait, I mean 'Pulling!'"

Guinaifen switched to a local Luofu song that symbolizes good luck and opened the Pull interface.

For a brief moment, the live stream chat fell silent, likely stunned by the impact of Himeko's ultimate ability.

But as soon as they heard Guinaifen was going to draw cards, the comments came flooding back.

"I checked—Himeko is a Five-Star character!"

"That pose! Those effects! If she's not Five Stars, I might lose it!"

"Where can we draw her?"

"Definitely in the beginner pool! The description says there's a guaranteed Five-Star character after fifty pulls. We might even get lucky and snag Himeko!"

"Does that mean there are other Five-Star characters too?"

"Oh Emperor Archer, please bless me with Himeko on my single pull!"

"Himeko belongs to the Erudition Fate Path; so, you should be praying to All-Wise Tianjun."

First, Guinaifen used her free standard tickets.

Without fail, she pulled only Three-Star Light Cones—not a single Four-Star character.

Unwilling to give up, she looked over the Pull explanation again.

"Every ten Pulls guarantees at least one purple, meaning either a Four-Star character or Light Cone..."

"After a maximum of ninety Pulls, you're guaranteed a Five-Star character."

"So that's how the gacha system operates!"

"But for the beginner pool, just fifty pulls can yield a gold-tier result."

Having grasped the rules, Guinaifen wasted no time in opening the recharge interface.

"Fam! I finally found the recharge page!"

"[First-time top-up doubled per tier, limited to once]? Wow, why wait? Let me top up the first few tiers right away."

"These [Train Supply Vouchers] seem like a good deal too—I'll buy them as well."

To avoid revealing her payment password, a Little Gui Zi emoji popped up on the screen.

In no time, Guinaifen completed her initial recharge tiers.

At the same time, she cautioned her viewers, "The premium purchases in this game are pretty pricey. Even with the first-time double bonus, one ten-fold draw costs nearly ten thousand credits."

"That's about what most of us earn in a day."

"So everyone, please spend wisely!"

By then, Guinaifen had gathered over ten thousand Starexpanse points in the top right corner—enough for her guaranteed fifty draws from the beginner pool.

She turned up the background music for good luck and even went to wash her hands deliberately.

With everything ready,

it was time to [Pull]!

[Pulling 10 times.]

Behind Conductor Pom-Pom, purple light flickered.

The train doors opened.

On the screen, a series of three-star Light Cones and one four-star character appeared.

"Is that... March 7th?"

"But we already have a March 7th."

"Do duplicate characters transform into Eidolons? Can they unlock extra abilities for the character?"

Guinaifen followed the instructions to open the Eidolon interface.

It resembled fragmented shards of a shattered mirror, each piece showcasing close-up shots of the character from different angles.

Upon reaching the sixth Eidolon, Guinaifen's eyes widened immediately.

"This—this—this..."

"If I reveal any more, my stream is doomed!"

"Could it be that every character's sixth soul is like this...?"

She quickly checked other characters for confirmation.

After one minute...

Guinaifen silently swallowed hard.

"Um... let's continue drawing cards, shall we?!"

"It's only our first tenfold draw, and getting Miss March 7th isn't bad at all!"

Inwardly, however, tears began to well up at the corners of Little Gui Zi's eyes.

Damn you, game developers!

Unlocking original poses with the sixth Eidolon?

Who could resist that?!

Especially since it wasn't fully visible—just enough to tiptoe around acceptability.

Yet unexpectedly, this created a tantalizing sense of mystery, sparking vivid imaginations.

Taking a deep breath, Guinaifen realized she was irrevocably hooked by this game. But what could she do? She simply couldn't control herself!

For her second tenfold draw, another new four-star character appeared. Collecting herself, she looked at the screen.

"Hey folks, this seems to be a brand-new character."

"Hahaha, just from the portrait, she looks strikingly similar to one of my close friends!"

Suppressing a giggle with her hand over her mouth, she opened the new character's panel.

[Sushang (New), Physical Attribute, Four Stars, The Hunt]

"Haha, not only does the character resemble her, but even the name is the same as my friend's!"

Just as she finished speaking, Guinaifen froze momentarily before realizing:

"Aaaaaah, that's Sushang herself, isn't it?! How did you end up in this game too?!"

Shock washed over her, causing her to recoil several meters away from the screen, as if she had seen a ghost.

The viewers in the live stream reacted similarly, filled with surprise and uncertainty.

"No way! Is that really Miss Sushang?"

"I initially thought this game would only include characters from the Astral Express and the space station, not realizing they'd feature personalities from Xianzhou too!"

"Wait! Just how many hidden surprises are in this game that we don't know about?"

"Keep rolling, streamer! Now I suspect there might be even more unexpected characters! Who knows, maybe we could draw our own Xianzhou General!"

"You're probably overthinking it! Getting this Cloud Knight girl might just be a special Easter egg or something. If you want to draw Jing Yuan General, the production team would likely face scrutiny from the Ten-Lords Commission first."

After several deep gulps of her soda to steady herself, Guinaifen returned to the screen, her fists clenched tightly.

"I just have to see how they've portrayed our Sushang!"

"If the skill effects don't capture Sushang's true essence, I absolutely won't approve of it!"

Chapter Text

Chapter 17: Sweeping Across the Space Station - The Card Drawing Craze Begins! Part 2

In the Storage Zone, Guinaifen encountered a Voidranger that was wandering around. Excitedly, she added Sushang to her team and started a fight.

The way Sushang swung her heavy sword looked exactly like how Guinaifen imagined her friend would!

After using a combat skill, Sushang even wiped sweat from her forehead.

"Oh my gosh, this is practically Sushang herself!"

"Next is the important ultimate ability—let's see if Sushang has any secret powerful moves!"

With her energy full, Guinaifen excitedly tapped Sushang's Ultimate move.

Sushang announced, "Take this, Tai Xu Form Manifestation!"

She rested her sword, which she called "Xuanyuan," on her shoulder, surrounded by swirling gold and silvery-white particles.

This visual effect immediately surprised Guinaifen.

Could Sushang really have some secret, amazing technique?

Tai Xu Form Manifestation?

It seemed like Sushang had never used this move before.

"Rise, Phoenix!" Sushang smiled confidently and pointed her sword forward.

The entire blade was covered in a layer of golden light, making it look incredibly sharp.

"A Phoenix? Isn't that a legendary, divine creature?"

"Sushang, I didn't realize you were so powerful!"

Guinaifen expressed her amazement, but then...

In the very next moment, an unbelievably large, plump white chicken appeared on the screen.

Flapping its tiny wings energetically, it charged fiercely towards the enemy. As it got close, the chicken jumped high into the air.

"Duaaang!"

With a thud, it landed squarely on its rear end, right on top of the enemy's head.

"???"

"Ah... plop..."

"I-is that supposed to be a Phoenix?"

"Don't lie to me; I might not know everything, but come on!"

"What kind of game development is this?"

"Everyone else's ultimate abilities look so cool, but our Sushang does this?"

"But honestly, it really does fit Sushang's personality perfectly!"

After seeing Sushang's ultimate ability, Guinaifen's mouth hung open in disbelief. Eventually, she could only raise her thumb, giving a strong thumbs-up to the game creator!

"Damn, I'm blown away! With all those flashy ultimate abilities before, I really thought she was going to summon a Phoenix!"

"Even in other games, this would be incredibly impressive."

"You're right; that 'Phoenix' has a very charming appearance."

"Charming Chicken indeed..."

Taking Sushang's experience as a warning, Guinaifen became even more eager for his next attempt to draw characters. He wondered if another familiar face might unexpectedly appear from the cards.

At the thirtieth draw...

This time, the animation looked different from before, although he couldn't quite say how.

As Pom-Pom prepared to open the door, a bright golden light burst out from behind it. Before she could react, the force of the light pushed her aside.

Five golden stars briefly flashed on the screen.

An elegant and captivating woman appeared.

[Himeko (new), Fire Attribute, Five-Star, Erudition]

"I-I-I-I didn't just see that, right?!"

"It's really Himeko!"

"I summoned Himeko!" Guinaifen danced around excitedly with joy.

The viewers in the live stream were filled with intense envy, wishing they had been the ones to draw Himeko instead.

"Wow! Little Gui Zi's luck is insane!"

"Just thirty draws and you got Himeko?! Are you secretly working for the game developers, Little Gui Zi?"

"This has to be the first-ever five-star Himeko on the entire internet, right?"

"Is this the power of spending real money?"

"I want to draw too! Streamer, lend me some of your luck!"

Inside the space station, many researchers besides Himeko watched this Xianzhou streamer's success. Their eyes turned envious, becoming red with jealousy.

One by one, they opened their own teleportation interfaces, eager to copy Little Gui Zi and spend a little money to start.

Who knows? Maybe they too could quickly become popular, winning valuable rewards within just ten or twenty draws?

Soon, surprised exclamations echoed throughout the station.

"Brothers, I got [Herta]!"

"No way! Why is my Herta only Four Stars?"

"Looking at the picture, it seems like Lady Herta's puppet. The real character must be Five Stars for sure."

"I drew a character called [Sampo], is he any good?"

"Oh wow, I got Arlan from the Security Division!"

Inspired by Little Gui Zi, a wave of card-drawing fever spread across the space station.

Even Asta couldn't resist joining in, feeling quite eager herself. She had just reviewed her own abilities a few moments ago.

As a support character, her main focus was on providing buffs. Also, her combat skill involved multiple attacks, which should quickly break through enemies' weak-point shields.

Teaming up with Himeko's Fire element would definitely be very effective! The more she thought about how well they would work together, the more excited she became.

Working together with Himeko made perfect sense and would benefit both of them! Even just imagining fighting alongside someone like Miss Himeko, even if it was just in a game, made her blood rush with enthusiasm!

Her heart beat a little faster as she announced loudly:

"I'm going to draw cards too!"

In the meeting room, the staff members put down their phones and all turned to look at Asta.

"Is the Station Head going to do a Pull?"

"Miss Astria, this card drawing system seems quite unpredictable. I just spent 100,000 Credits and only got two Four-Star Light Cones; I didn't get anything else worthwhile."

"I think it's better to buy 'Train Supply Vouchers' and slowly collect Starexpanse."

"You're still young—be careful not to get addicted to gacha games."

Asta's gaze remained clear and determined, ignoring the suggestions around her.

Asta quickly opened the payment interface.

Her colleagues had kindly warned her because they were concerned, but seeing her determination, they didn't push the issue further. They themselves had made some purchases with little reward, so they felt understandably discouraged.

"How much do you plan to spend, Miss Asta?"

"Are you aiming for a ten-pull just to try it out or going straight for the guaranteed minimum?"

Asta shook her head.

As she clicked on the highest recharge option, she calmly stated, "I have only one goal—to invite Miss Himeko to join my team."

"And I need to equip her with a Five-Star Light Cone."

"Of course, ideally getting her to her maximum potential as well!"

The colleagues around her were taken aback, thinking they might have misheard.

Just how much money would it take to achieve that?

Before they could ask their questions, Asta began processing the payment.

"I wonder how much it will cost to reach this goal."

"Let's start with two hundred million Credits."

Colleagues: "???"

"What?! That's insane!"

Chapter Text

Chapter 18: The Wealthy Woman Spends 200 Million Premium Points Just to Summon Himeko

[Ding!]
[Recharge successful! Obtained 12,960 [Oneiric Shards].]

Watching Asta easily recharge at the highest tier of 64800 without blinking left her colleagues completely astounded.

This process repeated several times:
[Ding!]
[Ding!]

"Why can't we recharge this much at once? It's so annoying," Asta grumbled slightly.

Nearby, someone took out a calculator and began tallying up Asta's spending.

Moments later, their hands shaking, they revealed the total result on the calculator to Asta. "Station Head, please stop! Don't recharge anymore!"

"You've already surpassed 200 million!"

"Oh."

"My hand is getting tired too; let's call it quits for now."

Asta glanced at the calculator before cheerfully opening the teleportation interface.

A staff member filming with their phone nearby cautiously asked, "Um, Station Head, could I live-stream your teleportation process to our colleagues at the space station?"

"Sure, if you think it'll be useful."

"Thank you, Station Head!"

Before long, news of Asta spending 200 million Premium Points spread like wildfire through various group chats.

In the [Lady of the Herta Fan Club] group chat:
"No way! 200 million? She's so young! Where did she get that kind of money?"
"I heard Asta was actually planning to spend more but stopped because her hand got tired in the middle of it."
"Is she using public funds for personal gains after getting too hooked on gacha? How else could she afford such amounts?!"
"I just looked up Asta's background, and it mentions something about [Inherited Family Business]."
"Could Miss Astria be the daughter of a significant CEO?"
"Forget about pushing for the Lady of the Herta; I'd definitely want to cozy up to this wealthy benefactor instead!"
"My biggest rival now is Pepe!"

"Notification: You have been removed from the group chat."

In the Master Control Zone, a crowd of researchers gathered in front of a screen broadcasting live updates from the space station.

The current feed focused on Asta's card-drawing process.

As they saw the Starexpanse balance displayed in the top right corner, every researcher felt their mouths go dry.
"That's more than I have in my bank account!"
"This is great; now we can watch this with glee."
"Our Station Head is that wealthy?"
"Is she planning to drain the entire pool?"
"I wonder if there are any other Five-Star Limited characters besides Himeko..."

Without wasting time on small talk, Asta jumped straight into drawing cards.

Her focus was solely on obtaining Himeko from the gacha pool!

In her first ten draws, she got Dan Heng—a satisfactory addition that provided +1 Eidolon.

The second batch yielded March 7th's Light Cone, "[Day One: The Rest of My Life]." After a quick examination, Asta equipped it to March 7th without hesitation.

She continued drawing.
"This is taking a bit long."
"Huh? There's a skip function in the top-right corner."

Asta quickly skipped through the animations, her eyes locked on Himeko.

For her third tenfold draw, she ended up with the Destruction Light Cone—[Woof! Walk Time!].

Seeing that cover art, Asta burst into laughter.
"Even Pepé made it into the game?"
"You developers really know your audience!"
"I'll definitely keep this Light Cone; it'll make a fantastic collectible."

In the fourth tenfold draw, she obtained [Sushang] and [Natasha].

Since Little Gui Zi had already drawn Sushang earlier, there was little excitement. However, Natasha caught some attention.
"A new four-star character? I wonder how strong she is."
"Not from our space station; could they be another Xianzhou character?"

If it were anyone else, pulling such an unfamiliar new character would have sparked a thorough investigation. It might just turn out to be a powerful four-star addition.

But for Asta, at that moment, only Himeko mattered.

She merely noted that Natasha was an Abundance Fate character with Physical attributes but didn't delve any deeper.

The next ten-roll would be her fiftieth draw—the guaranteed five-star threshold!

This certainly meant she would get a five-star character! And it could likely be Miss Himeko herself.

"Shaa!"

Amidst a burst of golden light, a five-star symbol appeared on the screen.

However, it wasn't the Erudition emblem.

Instead, it bore the mark of Nihility.

On the display, a man wearing black-rimmed glasses extended one hand while holding a cane crafted from dark red and black gold in the other.

Red lightning crackled around him.
[Welt (New), Imaginary Attribute, Five Stars, Nihility]

"It's a new five-star character!"
"That's... that's not the guy from the Astral Express crew, right?"
"True, Welt is the only remaining member who hasn't become playable yet. It wouldn't make sense for everyone else to be available but him."
"He looks quite ordinary; what makes him worthy of being a five-star character in the game?"
"I wonder what his abilities are? What's his ultimate ability like?"

Seeing that her beginner pool guarantee wasn't Himeko, Asta didn't feel disappointed at all.

In fact, she seemed rather pleased.

With a smile, Asta addressed the crowd, "Don't underestimate Senior Welt—he's incredibly discreet yet a highly trustworthy ally."

"However, I won't rush to show off Mr. Welt's abilities right now; you will eventually get him yourselves."

"I'd rather focus on drawing Miss Himeko first."

Upon hearing this, nearby players couldn't help but silently admire Asta's dedication.
For the sake of Miss Himeko, she truly goes all out—it's heartbreaking!

Thanks to Asta's remarks, the players at the space station finally learned something new:
Aside from Himeko, there was another five-star character named Mr. Welt.

Hopefully, this character is reasonably powerful. Otherwise, anyone who draws him without Asta's financial resources might have to restart their game in tears.

Chapter Text

Chapter 19: Silver Wolf Visits the Space Station? Does Nobody Care About Me?

As card-drawing fever swept through the space station, a holographic projection quietly navigated one of the compartments.

"Is the management here really that poor? I've been lurking around for quite some time, and not a single person has acknowledged my presence—it's so dull," Silver Wolf muttered as she scoured the area for clues about the 'Punklord Spirit' game cartridge. During her last visit to the space station, she had come across many intriguing objects, but none were what she sought.

Thus, she had left behind electronic graffiti in various locations, serving as backdoor programs that would facilitate her subsequent infiltration of the space station. This would allow her to return and leisurely search for "[Punk-Lord Spirit]" after completing Elio's scenario.

"If it's not in the Anomaly Containment Center, there's a good chance Herta has hidden it inside the 'Simulated Universe'," Silver Wolf speculated. However, exploring the Simulated Universe came with its own set of risks. It had been designed by teams of geniuses, and any hasty intrusion could spell disaster. She certainly didn't want to jeopardize her efforts.

Just then, she spotted a familiar staff member heading her way. His name was Leonard, a cybersecurity engineer for Herta. Grumbling while clutching some documents, he said, "Dammit, why am I being summoned to review network security management right now? I just got my hands on [Herta], and before I even have a chance to look at it, work duties are piling up!"

"Got"? "Herta"?

Silver Wolf froze for a moment. These words were familiar, yet the combination created phrases that eluded her comprehension. Was it connected to the strange atmosphere she noticed around the space station? Had something intriguing emerged here recently? The corners of her mouth curled up slightly.

She quickly concealed her figure and made her way to the most crowded area—the Master Control Zone.

Before long, Silver Wolf noticed a group of scientists gathered around a large screen, intensely focused on something.

It was a live stream—a gaming livestream, to be specific.

The streamer was playing a game unlike anything Silver Wolf had encountered before. Upon closer inspection, the setting seemed somewhat familiar!

"Hey folks! It seems like the space station's scientists are struggling after the Antimatter Legion's invasion," the streamer commented. "I guess it'll take them some time to recover! Now let's go report to Asta!"

As the streamer controlled a character named Himeko, running through the map, Silver Wolf's eyes narrowed.

The style of the game closely mirrored reality. This map… clearly resembled the layout of the space station! And what had she just mentioned? The invasion by the Antimatter Legion? Wasn't that an event from not long ago?

"Could this game be based on real-life events?"

Even more astonishing developments were unfolding for Silver Wolf. As they approached Asta, a storyline trigger activated! Suddenly, numerous red hazard symbols flashed on the screen in front of Asta.

Everyone gasped in surprise. Suddenly, a claw resembling molten metal descended from the sky, piercing through the space station's force field with alarming speed.

"Take the train and leave; I'll stay behind," Asta commanded decisively.

The scientists, watching the scene unfold, erupted with exclamations of shock.

"Woah! It's really here!"

"I knew this monster would show up! It brings back memories of that horrifying day."

"Asta, the station director, is exceptionally brave."

"We're getting to see how the Trailblazer handles the Doomsday Beast firsthand!"

Meanwhile, Silver Wolf, hidden nearby, felt a slight jolt within her.

What kind of game was this? How could it so accurately depict the Antimatter Legion's creature?

She was no stranger to the Doomsday Beast. During her infiltration of the space station alongside Kafka, she had specifically lured part of the legion's forces in this direction, including the very same beast! This was deliberately done to delay the Astral Express crew.

Could the game's storyline be recreating their experience at the space station? As the Astral Express members arrived at the Supply Zone's Railway Platform for support, the Doomsday Beast made its timely appearance.

When it landed on the platform, it unleashed a powerful shockwave. However, instead of the chaotic battle scene Silver Wolf expected, the screen shattered. Both sides took their positions and faced off against one another.

"Is this... turn-based?" Surprise flickered briefly in Silver Wolf's eyes before she shook her head slightly.

"Turn-based gameplay was popular several Amber Eras ago. In most turn-based games, capturing the intense, high-stakes nature of combat is challenging," she mused. "What a pity; I thought the premise had potential."

Soon, the battle escalated to its peak intensity. The Doomsday Beast's broad attacks caused significant damage to characters without shields. The team's survival hinged solely on March 7th's protective barriers.

Under relentless assault and counterattacks, two characters' energy bars filled completely.

"The line between life and death lies within a single thought."

Dan Heng activated his ultimate ability: "Realm of Illusion, Eternal Slumber."

An ink-wash-style backdrop appeared as Dan Heng opened his eyes and thrust his spear forcefully towards the target.

"Break!"

The Dawn's Left Hand shattered instantly.

Then it was Trailblazer-Stelle's turn to unleash her ultimate move.

"Rules are meant to be broken."

"Finishing Strike!"

Silver Wolf's eyes lit up instantly. "So this is what the Astral Express Crew's Ultimate technique looks like? Impressive work! I admit I may have underestimated them earlier!"

From that moment, she began to pay closer attention to the turn-based combat mechanics of the game.

She soon discovered that each character had distinct roles organized by various attributes. The Doomsday Beast was segmented into three areas, each with its own attribute weaknesses. Moreover, every character had differing speeds that affected their turn order and could initiate their Ultimate at any time, creating a "queue-jumping" effect.

This game was far from a simple back-and-forth battle mode. Just the mechanisms she observed so far allowed for countless varied scenarios.

As Silver Wolf became more immersed in the gameplay, she found herself muttering as if speaking to herself, "In this battle, timing the release of character Ultimates is crucial."

"Since Ultimate abilities can swiftly exploit the Doomsday Beast's weaknesses, it is essential to interrupt its charging with these moves to prevent it from unleashing that powered-up attack."

"But with the characters currently available, they seem insufficiently strong?"

"The Doomsday Beast has three vulnerable spots that are all weak to Fire attribute attacks—Himeko is absolutely key! If only her Ultimate were more powerful; that would make this fight much easier."

Meanwhile, Dan Heng's health bar was nearly depleted.

Guinaifen intended to cast a shield to protect him, but a sweeping attack from the Doomsday Beast interrupted her, rendering March 7th momentarily immobilized.

She couldn't activate her Skill!

The next wave of assault followed swiftly.

Dan Heng collapsed instantly. The remaining characters' health bars were perilously low.

Guinaifen started panicking, unsure of what move to make next.

"Guys! This battle is even tougher than I anticipated!" she exclaimed.

"Dan Heng's down! Miss Himeko won't last much longer either!"

Viewers flooded the chat with comments.

"Is Little Gui Zi getting too nervous? Sweating profusely just from playing a turn-based game?"

"Wipe your sweat, Little Gui Zi! It's alright; it's just one battle in a game. If we lose, we can always try again."

"My advice is to retreat first and level up your characters' ranks with better Light Cones."

Guinaifen's expression flickered between teary and determined as she stubbornly replied, "But our opponents are the Antimatter Legion's Doomsday Beasts! Little Gui Zi really doesn't want to lose to them— not even once!"

"No way; I must continue fighting. Even if only one character remains, we can't give up!" Guinaifen reignited her determination.

Combined with stirring background music, this created an atmosphere reminiscent of heroic defiance against overwhelming odds.

Suddenly, amidst the chat, a line of shimmering blue text appeared.

The font featured unique particle effects, making it impossible to ignore:

"Could the streamer activate Himeko's ultimate ability for me to see? If it's a powerful group attack, there might still be a chance."

Chapter Text

Chapter 20: Silver Wolf's Perfect Moves—Are Kafka and I Characters Too?

"Who is this big shot?"

"Is that font reserved for top-tier VIPs? I've never seen anything like it before!"

"I've been watching streams for ten years, and this is the first time I've seen such a flashy comment style."

"Wait, didn't we already see Himeko's ultimate demo? Is this person new?"

Guinaifen couldn't help but notice the eye-catching comment as well.

Licking her lips, she leaned toward the camera. "Is that true?"

"Himeko's energy is almost full—she should be able to unleash her ultimate next turn."

Just then, the same blue-purple message flashed again:

"March 7th, keep shielding Himeko."

March 7th had just recovered from her restrained state.

Originally, Guinaifen planned to have March 7th shield herself since Himeko still had half her barrier intact, while both March 7th and the Trailblazer were completely unprotected.

More importantly, all three characters were dangerously low on health.

At this critical moment, whoever got the shield would likely survive!

After a brief hesitation, Guinaifen decided to trust the mysterious commenter's advice.

She refreshed Himeko's shield.

The enemy's turn arrived.

The [Antimatter Engine] unleashed a devastating single-target strike—

And its target was none other than Himeko, who had just been shielded.

The attack whittled her barrier down to a sliver, barely holding on.

If Guinaifen hadn't refreshed Himeko's shield just now, she might have been knocked out instantly!

What's more, the attack filled Himeko's energy gauge to the brim.

"Now we can finally hit that Doomsday Beast with Himeko's ultimate—Fallen Star Fire!" Guinaifen cheered, ready to unleash the attack.

But another blue comment cut in:

"Don't use the ultimate yet! Wait until the weakness on the Doomsday Hand's left arm recovers."

Guinaifen frowned.

Why wait? Shouldn't you always use an ultimate as soon as it's ready?

If the Doomsday Beast lands an AoE attack next, won't Himeko's energy go to waste?

Her hesitation allowed the Doomsday Beast to take its turn.

Instead of attacking, it focused both recently restored weak arms onto the Antimatter Engine, charging up for a devastating blow.

At that moment, the viewers finally understood.

"666666..."

"Ohhh! So Himeko's ultimate can instantly break all three weak points at once!"

"No way! That's insane!"

"Is this guy for real? I've watched over a dozen battles and never noticed this strat!"

"I suspect you still don't fully grasp it."

Himeko leaned back in her chair, sipping coffee as she gazed at the stars.

"Humans have never hidden their desire to conquer the cosmos—and I'm no exception."

A railgun descended from the void, piercing the battlefield.

A massive pillar of fire engulfed the Doomsday Beast, simultaneously exploiting all three of its weaknesses.

"You can't escape this time!"

Himeko's Talent triggered—a follow-up attack.

She tossed her briefcase, releasing a shimmering single-molecule saw blade that carved into the Doomsday Beast, further shredding its health bar as it entered its second phase!

The enemy's action gauge was pushed back dramatically.

Himeko's turn had only just begun—

The tide of battle had completely turned!

"Oh my god! Did the pro predict this too?"

"So this is how you're supposed to play!"

"A true master's understanding of the game is terrifying!"

"If I had this level of insight, I wouldn't even need five-star characters to dominate."

Silver Wolf, reading the flood of astonished comments, felt a faint blush rise to her cheeks.

Truthfully, she had only noticed one pattern during the battle:

Characters shielded by March 7th seemed to draw more enemy aggression!

Whether it was a hidden game mechanic or March 7th's passive taunt effect, she wasn't sure.

Her plan had been simple—lure the Doomsday Beast into attacking Himeko to charge her energy faster, ensuring her next move would be devastating.

But what followed—Himeko's ultimate breaking three weak points at once, triggering a follow-up attack—

That was beyond her calculations.

She had expected Himeko's ultimate to be strong, but not this strong!

The sheer impact wasn't just visually spectacular—considering the Doomsday Beast had Fire weaknesses on all three break points,

A single [Heavenfall Flame] had nearly exploited the game's core mechanics!

After all, Silver Wolf had only been observing for a short time and wasn't yet fully familiar with the characters' abilities.

But this battle had given her a glimpse of the game's essence.

She couldn't wait to download it herself!

"From what they're saying, Himeko is the only five-star, and the rest are four-stars?"

"Perfect! I want to pull Himeko too!"

On-screen, the Doomsday Beast's three weak points had been shattered, leaving it collapsed and defenseless.

Now was the time for the final assault.

The surrounding scientists erupted into cheers.

Meanwhile, the live chat exploded with messages like "Legend, you're insane!" and "Legend, carry me!"

Smiling to herself, Silver Wolf quietly exited the stream, content to remain the unseen mastermind behind the victory.

At the same time, she summoned an interface and remotely activated her phone—

Time to download Honkai: Star Rail!

Why bother tracking down the "Punklode Spirit" when this existed?

Was this game really more fun than hers?

As a decade-long fan of turn-based RPGs, she had to conquer this one herself!

[Download Progress: 100%]

Silver Wolf eagerly launched the game, her competitive spirit burning.

Suddenly, a scientist nearby gasped.

"Miss Asta hit pity again! But it's a new five-star!"

"Not Himeko or Welt?"

"No way! It's a completely different female character!"

"Wait—could it be Kafka? Or… Silver Wolf?!"

Her fingers froze mid-air.

Silver Wolf's ears perked up.

Did she hear that right?

Kafka?

Silver Wolf?

No way…

Were the developers this shameless?!

Had they really turned her and Kafka into playable characters in this game?!

Chapter Text

Chapter 21: Defeating the Doomsday Beast—The Aeon of Destruction Emerges!

Inside Herta's office, the Herta Puppet was engaged in a remote communication session.

Before her flickered the holographic projection of Screwllum, the mechanical noble.

Herta tapped her fingers impatiently.

"Alright, enough for now. Clear your schedule and come over soon—we need to discuss the new [Simulated Universe] project in person."

"Oh, and that hacker girl you've been dealing with? She's here too."

A glint of mischief flashed in her eyes.

"I still haven't settled the score with her for stealing the Stellaron last time. This time, she won't get off so easily."

Screwllum tilted his head.

"Herta, how can you be so certain Silver Wolf is on your space station?"

After all, Silver Wolf was his longtime rival, and he knew her methods well.

If traces of her had been found, it usually meant she had already achieved her objective.

Herta smirked.

"Not that hard. I had the Cybersecurity Division track her movements, but they ended up chasing shadows."

"Still, do you really think Silver Wolf could resist infiltrating the station for the Curio she's after?"

Screwllum gently tapped his temple, processing.

Herta sighed.

"Is this deduction based on organic emotions? Fine. I'll attend the meeting as scheduled."

With that, the call ended.

Herta sent a quick message to the space station about Screwllum's impending arrival before returning to her work.

She couldn't care less how the station's staff would handle the news.

Little did she know, the entire space station had collectively abandoned their duties—

All to immerse themselves in a game called Honkai: Star Rail.

From Asta to the lowest-ranking staff, Herta's messages were completely ignored.

Some were glued to Little Gui's livestream, watching his story progress or Asta's latest gacha pulls.

Others had already booted up the game themselves.

Everyone was utterly absorbed, lost in the world of Honkai: Star Rail!

After all, even the Station Head was busy rolling for characters—who had time for messages?

---

[Combat Ends]

In Little Gui's livestream, just as the audience thought the Doomsday Beast had been defeated—

A sudden twist!

A blinding light erupted from its skull, surging upward like a timed detonation.

A devastating beam lanced out—

Straight toward the exhausted March 7th below!

"March!" her companion shouted.

But it was too late.

March instinctively raised her arms in defense—

When a figure leaped in front of her.

The Trailblazer!

"Holy shit, is the protagonist really this heroic?!"

"That's true love right there!"

"How is she this cool?!"

"Does this kind of bravery exist in real life? If I were March, I'd swear loyalty for life!"

The Doomsday Beast's beam struck Stelle full-force.

Arms outstretched, she absorbed the torrent of destruction, shielding everyone behind her.

As the game's protagonist—and having survived this long—the audience quickly realized she'd likely be fine.

And sure enough...

Moments later, Stelle found herself in a strange, dreamlike space.

Above her, the sky itself seemed torn open, a gaping wound oozing golden, molten light.

Stelle plummeted endlessly, as if falling into an abyss.

A whisper echoed:

"It's time to embark."

While the act of blocking the attack had been thrilling, this abrupt shift left viewers stunned.

Weren't they just in the middle of a battle?

How did the scene change so suddenly?

---

Outside the crowd, Silver Wolf hesitated.

On one hand, the game's story had taken a critical turn—likely triggered by the vessel she herself had printed. Stelle's pivotal moment had arrived!

On the other hand, a new five-star character had appeared—possibly Kafka… or even herself.

In a split-second decision, Silver Wolf constructed an anti-gravity device using ether.

She propelled herself toward the livestream screen!

Characters could wait—she'd eventually pull them in-game. But the story was different.

This developer was no ordinary creator.

They had replicated character abilities and Doomsday Beast mechanics with terrifying accuracy.

All signs pointed to someone with deep knowledge—possibly even insider intel.

As a Stellaron Hunter, she had to uncover the truth.

Silver Wolf soared above the crowd, securing the best view.

The audience was packed so tightly around the screen that from the ground, all she could see were rows of awestruck faces.

Then, the camera slowly zoomed out—

Revealing that the golden wound wasn't in the sky.

It was a gash on someone's chest.

No—not just someone.

A GOD.

The Aeon of Destruction—Nanook.

Chapter Text

Chapter 22: "76 Accounts Banned? Time to Start Star Rail!"

An Aeon!

In this universe, Aeons stand as the supreme embodiments of their Paths, wielding power to reshape reality itself.

And now—impossibly—one had manifested within this game!

Though not the true entity, the game's content had mirrored reality with frightening accuracy thus far. This suggested the unfolding scene might depict the Trailblazer's actual experiences! Through this digital recreation, long-hidden secrets from that fateful moment could finally be revealed!

Every observer—streamers, viewers, researchers alike—leaned forward, terrified of missing a single frame.

As the Trailblazer stood frozen, the spectral voice continued:

"Reach the end."

"Arrive at that conclusion through your own will."

Suddenly, fragmented visions flashed like lightning—

Himeko's determined gaze.
The space station in ruins.
Kafka's haunting smile.
The Trailblazer shielding March 7th amidst a storm of stars.
Unfamiliar faces flickering too quickly to recognize.

"He has taken notice of you now."

A resonant hum vibrated through the air as golden eyes materialized, their oppressive gaze pinning the viewers in place. Nanook's true form unveiled itself in terrifying clarity.

Since the voice referred to Nanook in third person, it couldn't belong to the Aeon. Yet now, the protagonist stood irrevocably tied to Destruction's avatar. This single scene would undoubtedly become sacred text for every Aeon researcher across the cosmos.

Silver Wolf's mind reeled as the sequence concluded.

"They actually recreated this?"

"No wonder Kafka was so intrigued!"

"But how does the game know these details?!"

Her fingers twitched toward the now-launched Honkai: Star Rail on her display. The Astral Express glided silently through pixelated stars, and she suddenly understood—everything witnessed so far was merely the prologue.

A giddy grin split her face.

"Time to play this game seriously!"

(...)

Back in Little Gui's stream, the narrative resumed.

The Trailblazer convulsed under the Doomsday Beast's residual energy—until golden light erupted from their chest.

The Stellaron's awakening.

With a cataclysmic pulse, the Beast disintegrated instantly. But the explosion didn't stop—the Trailblazer levitated, body glowing like a supernova. The resulting shockwave nearly blew March 7th away as Himeko and Dan Heng raised defensive stances.

Just as the energy peaked—

Tap.

A red cane struck Stelle's forehead with surgical precision. All raging power dissipated instantly. The Trailblazer collapsed into March's arms as the cane's owner adjusted his glasses mid-descent.

Welt Yang.

"Uncle Yang, is she—" March began.

"Stable. We'll debrief elsewhere."

Chat erupted:

"Who's this DILF?!"
"Five-star energy right there!"
"The Station Head wasn't kidding—Welt's been sandbagging this whole time!"
"That's UNCLE YANG to you!"

Silver Wolf's eyes locked onto Welt's cane. Something about it thrummed with restrained power. If this weren't just a game scene, she'd have hacked its schematics already.

"Why theorize when I can just pull him?" she mused. "If characters mirror their real counterparts, this could be a goldmine of intel on the Express crew..."

Her gaze flicked to the Star Rail loading screen. Anticipation crackled through her—partly a hacker's thirst for data, mostly a gamer's euphoria at discovering hidden depths.

Then—

"Hello, Stellaron Hunter."

A Herta puppet materialized nearby, addressing her projected avatar directly. Silver Wolf's stealth mode should've made her invisible, but Herta had always been annoyingly perceptive.

"Your infiltration's unusually sloppy this time," Herta smirked. "Leaving digital breadcrumbs? I almost thought this was a trap."

Silver Wolf dropped the camouflage with a shrug. "Oh hey Herta! Honestly, I got distracted."

"By what? That Curio you wanted is already integrated into my Simulated Universe."

"I know."

Herta's puppet tilted its head. "Then why linger? To watch these plebs play mobile games?"

"You're half-right. This 'mobile game' happens to be fascinating."

"Pfft. My Simulated Universe is the pinnacle of gaming. Nothing else compares."

"Spoken like someone who hasn't played it." Silver Wolf's retort died as a notification flashed—her 76 Immortal Boat accounts had been banned for data leaks.

Herta's grin turned predatory. "Ah yes, I froze all your network accounts. Including save files. Still finding this interesting?"

For half a second, Silver Wolf's mask slipped—then she glanced at Star Rail's title screen and relaxed.

"Ban them. I've found better entertainment."

With that, her projection winked out.

Herta stared at the empty space, arms crossed. "No Curio. No accounts. Why isn't she furious?"

Her puppet turned toward a nearby ad screen displaying Honkai: Star Rail's promo art. For the first time, genuine curiosity flickered across Herta's features.

"...Is this game truly that compelling?"

---

(To be continued—Will Herta become a gacha addict? Find out in the next chapter!)

Chapter Text

Chapter 23: The Astral Express's Secret Ending? These Credits Reveal Too Much!

Himeko's lips curled into an amused smile as she read Welt's in-game character profile aloud:

"[Welt, the sagacious former leader of Anti-Entropy, inheritor of the title 'World,' has repeatedly rescued humanity from extinction-level crises.]"

She nudged her companion playfully. "My, my, Welt. I never took you for such a storied individual."

"'Sovereign'? 'Savior of worlds'? You've been holding out on us with these remarkable adventures."

Old Yang's expression grew increasingly uncomfortable. The sudden exposure of his past left him unsettled—but more disturbingly, it raised alarming questions about the game itself.

These were secrets he'd never shared. Not with his closest comrades aboard the Express. Not with anyone.

Yet the game's developers seemed to know everything.

Only one being in the cosmos possessed such intimate knowledge of both him and the Express crew:

That golden-haired man who'd departed prematurely.

If it's his work, creating this game would certainly be within his capabilities...

Yet something felt fundamentally wrong. The style was completely off—that man would never craft something like this.

"Then who else could—"

Welt cut short his own thoughts. "Let's focus on advancing the plot first. The game may yield more clues."

He needed to redirect Himeko's attention from his exposed history.

"Earlier, didn't Stelle get intercepted by Nanook at the critical moment?" he pointed out.

"Correct. The presentation aligns with our earlier hypotheses," Himeko agreed, then brightened. "Right now, I'm deciding whether Stelle boards the train. What if she stayed at the space station instead?"

"Reality can't be changed, but the game might show us that alternate path."

Intrigued, Welt nodded. With Herta and Asta's permissions, Himeko manipulated the choices to keep Stelle grounded.

The screen displayed a poignant farewell:

"Goodbye, Ms. Himeko."

Himeko, Welt, Dan Heng and March 7th boarding the Express while waving to the solitary Trailblazer. Text appeared:

After careful consideration, you decline Himeko's invitation. The Astral Express departs with a whistle, your newfound friends waving goodbye. This parting mirrors your sudden yet meaningful encounter.

"It actually triggered this ending?" Both veterans stared in shock.

What followed left them utterly unprepared.

The narrative continued:

With the Express gone, the space station begins reconstruction. You study the Stellaron under Herta... until she loses interest in both. Asta arranges your position as a researcher. At [Herta Space Station], life grows tranquil. The Express returns occasionally before vanishing permanently. From passing travelers, you hear tales of the Astral Express and Stellaron Hunters' universe-shaking finale. Sometimes, you wonder if boarding that train might have changed their fate.

But that is no longer your concern.

Himeko and Welt exchanged stunned glances.

The game had genuinely crafted a fully-realized alternate ending! With sparse yet masterful strokes, it conveyed decades of melancholy and roads not taken.

If life offered second chances...

The thought lingered. A quiet existence as station researchers—was that truly so terrible? Even these seasoned trailblazers found themselves moved by the path untraveled.

That "universe-shaking finale" between the Express and Stellaron Hunters...

What exactly awaits in our future?

As they gazed pensively at the stars, the credits began rolling:

[Leading Actor: Stelle]
[Dan Heng as Dan Heng]
[??? as March 7th]
[Himeko as Himeko]
[Joachim Nokian-Virtanen as Welt Yang]

Himeko's breath caught.

Welt felt ice water trickle down his spine.

Stelle and Dan Heng's credits were expected. Himeko voicing herself made sense. But—

Three question marks for March 7th?

Did this imply their March wasn't the original? The implication chilled them to the core.

As for Welt...

Seeing his birth name—the one he'd abandoned after inheriting Welt Joyce's title and Core—left him equal parts nostalgic and horrified. That information was buried deeper than any other secret.

"Himeko," Welt rasped, sweat beading on his forehead, "we need to investigate these developers immediately."

"The sheer depth of their knowledge... It's unacceptable."

Himeko nodded grimly, already pulling up search algorithms. "I'm on it. Whoever they are, we'll find them."

Chapter Text

Chapter 24: The Stellaron Hunters Take Notice

Bzzt!

Silver Wolf jolted violently as her consciousness snapped back from the Herta Space Station to the skyscraper where she and Kafka stood.

Seeing her startled reaction, Kafka raised an amused eyebrow. "That's quite the dramatic return. Did they finally catch you red-handed?"

The hacker's expression remained icy—this was no time for jokes. Immediately, she pulled out her phone and began frantically checking systems.

Moments later, her face twisted in dismay. "Gone... everything's gone! Not even fragments left... This is unacceptable!"

"Now, now," Kafka chided, "you're too old for tantrums."

"I'm not throwing a tantrum," Silver Wolf snapped, taking a deep breath to compose herself. Her sharp gaze refocused. "Kafka, there's something you need to see."

"Not that 'Punklode Spirit' again? You know I—"

"A different game."

Kafka fell silent.

"Silver Wolf," she sighed, "I get your passion, but can't you just hack a Miyatsuko server to restore your accounts? No need for such despair."

"You don't understand. This game... it's special."

With a swipe, Silver Wolf projected her phone's display between them. Kafka resigned herself to humoring her distraught companion—until the screen flared to life.

Honkai: Star Rail launched.

A vintage steam train glided through cosmic vistas.

"The Astral Express?" Kafka murmured. "A train-themed game? How quaint."

"Don't ask me—I'm new to this too," Silver Wolf said, excitement creeping into her voice. "But here's the thing: its plot mirrors real events. We might even be in it!"

Kafka's lips curved. "Now that intrigues me. I wonder how they'll depict—"

Her smile froze.

Silver Wolf's breath caught.

She'd speculated about their in-game appearances—but nothing prepared them for the immediate close-up of Kafka playing her Akashic Violin in the opening scene! No preamble, just their space station infiltration at its climax!

Kafka's playful demeanor evaporated. "Was our incursion recorded?"

"Impossible!" Silver Wolf countered. "I severed all surveillance links. Not even detection signals penetrated. And if we were monitored, why no resistance? Our exit was suspiciously smooth."

Kafka didn't argue. She knew their operation had been undetected—which made this flawless recreation unnerving. Every detail matched reality with terrifying precision.

Then came Kafka's ultimate ability animation—[Tragic Crescendo]—unfolding in stunning detail.

"Setting aside how they obtained this..." Kafka admitted, "they've captured my essence perfectly." The artistry impressed even her—a seamless blend of combat pragmatism and lethal elegance.

Silver Wolf grinned. "Told you this was cool! Now watch my move!"

Her excitement peaked as she triggered her ultimate:

[Account Permanently Banned!]

"What kind of ultimate name is that?!" Silver Wolf nearly choked.

The subsequent rhythm-game-style hacking assault left her nodding approvingly. "Not bad! They incorporated Ether Editing into the mechanics!" Then she frowned. "Wait—why's mine single-target while yours is AoE? And your single-target damage outpaces mine!"

Kafka shrugged. "I didn't code this."

"Ah!" Silver Wolf's eyes lit up. "My skill must have hidden effects! There's definitely—"

"Yes, yes," Kafka chuckled. "I believe you."

Beyond combat, they scrutinized the narrative's progression—until reaching the Stellaron chamber. Watching their digital selves implant the Stellaron into its carrier felt like rewatching security footage.

"Never thought I'd revisit this moment," Kafka mused.

"Enough!" Silver Wolf slammed the table. "The developers know too much! Even Elio's secrets aren't safe!"

Kafka's eyes gleamed with screen reflections. "Elio scripts possible futures. These developers have gamified our past."

"I'm alerting the group," Kafka decided.

The Stellaron Hunters' private chat—hosted on Silver Wolf's unhackable local network—soon pinged with her message.

Sam responded first: "Star Rail? Kafka, shouldn't you prep for Elio's next script?"

Kafka typed back: "Noted. Preparations underway."

Sam went silent—possibly downloading the game despite his dismissiveness.

"We're missing someone," Silver Wolf noted, aggressively tagging Blade.

After prolonged silence, he finally replied:

"Don't care."

Silver Wolf smirked and sent Dan Heng's ultimate animation clip.

Three seconds later:

"Inbibitor Lunae?!"

"Where was this recorded?"

"This isn't actual combat footage?"

"HIS LOCATION. NOW."

Silver Wolf replied with a devil emoji: "Game footage~"

Blade stopped responding.

Turning to Kafka, Silver Wolf grinned. "Think he'll play? I'd pay to see Bladie gaming."

Kafka smiled. "Hard to say. But for matters involving that man, Bladie becomes... remarkably attentive."

Chapter Text

Chapter 25: Game Completed? The Journey Has Only Just Begun!

In Little Gui Zi's live stream:

"Alright everyone, let's pause our Simulated Universe exploration for now."

"While the rewards are tempting, these battles are quite demanding. It's wiser to strengthen our characters and gear before tackling them again."

"What truly captivates Little Gui Zi at this moment is—"

"Now that the space station crisis has been resolved and our protagonist has boarded the Astral Express, does this signify the game's conclusion?"

The night deepened.

Yet Guinaifen remained completely engrossed in the game, unable to look away!

Within the live stream,

over 20,000 viewers were following her broadcast, eagerly anticipating the game's narrative!

"3 A.M. with 20,000 viewers? Little Gui, you're truly becoming a top-tier streamer!"

"I'm here to witness the Trailblazer's ongoing journey."

"Tonight, I must see Stelle board that train before I even consider sleeping!"

"Preparing for the grand finale and commemoration."

Many viewers echoed Guinaifen's sentiments.

The game's narrative was set against the backdrop of the legion invasion that preceded the space station era.

Having defeated the Doomsday Beast, the protagonist received the anticipated invitation to join the Astral Express.

What followed were events mirroring the current reality.

It seemed unlikely that new content would extend beyond this point.

All that seemingly remained were the space station's side quests and assisting Herta with the Simulated Universe tests.

Within the expansive space station,

a melancholic yet beautiful melody resonated softly.

Not only Little Gui, but even the viewers in the live stream felt deeply immersed, as if they were physically present.

The sensation of facing an uncertain future—a mix of bewilderment and anticipation—instantly overwhelmed her.

"Even when retracing familiar paths, new discoveries always await. That is the essence of Trailblazing."

Responding to the Trailblazer's inquiry, Himeko shared openly, her tone carrying the patience and warmth of a caring mentor:

"In the past, we have docked at numerous worlds, and in the future, we will continue this journey—the galaxy holds countless unexplored destinations."

"The vast expanse of stars is not merely my personal dream but also the train's inherent aspiration. I long to explore uncharted worlds, while the train yearns to reclaim its lost routes."

Concluding her conversation with Himeko,

Guinaifen selected "I want to board the train."

Instantly, the background music swelled!

["The way"]

["To celebrate"]

["I'll be waiting"]

["Till we make it..."]

Guinaifen, usually so vibrant, fell silent, completely absorbed by the indescribable atmosphere. It felt as though her very soul was embarking on this journey alongside the train, bidding farewell to all at the space station under the watchful eyes of Asta and Arlan, venturing into the boundless cosmos.

["Oh~"]

["We will see"]

["Come with me, take the journey"]

"This background music is absolutely heavenly!"

"Holy cow, I'm downloading Star Rail right now!"

"I'm crying! I wish I could be The Nameless!"

"If not for the burdens of life, who wouldn't desire to be a free-spirited traveler?"

"My dreams can only find expression through this game."

Even Guinaifen's eyes glistened slightly.

Of course, it wasn't due to drowsiness!

Instead, she was reflecting on her childhood spent wandering from place to place.

Dependent on the kindness of others, unsure of even basic necessities.

Thankfully, upon arriving at Xianzhou, her circumstances gradually improved.

While not yet famous or wealthy, she could acknowledge a degree of modest success.

Guinaifen, typically so lively and enthusiastic, suddenly experienced a wave of melancholy and introspection.

All blame rested on that evocative background music!

It instantly evoked memories from her past.

Suddenly, the gloom lifted from Guinaifen's face, replaced by surprise and delight!

"Thank you to [Cat Whisperer 8190] for the generous Listening Storm gift! You're too kind, boss!"

"[Quick, check out this new thing on the train]

...

"No problem at all, boss, I'll investigate immediately!"

On the train, a pair of large, crystal-clear eyes gazed intently at the Trailblazer.

"Hey! Hey, you!" someone called out.

Wearing a tall red hat, with two long ears drooping down on either side, the figure was undeniably distinctive.

Guinaifen quickly explained, "Boss, this isn't just any ordinary creature!"

"It's a mystical being that appears during each warp jump."

"The chances of obtaining gold or purple items are significantly influenced by it!"

"Little Gui Zi suspects this little fellow is unique to the train."

As anticipated, the subsequent introduction confirmed Guinaifen's suspicion.

"I am Pom-Pom, the conductor here. Should you encounter any issues while onboard, please do not hesitate to approach me."

"It's actually the conductor? No wonder it stands guard at the door during warp jumps."

"What a formidable mascot!"

"I had no idea the Astral Express was this vast and luxurious!"

"Well then, we've officially boarded the train!"

Driven by curiosity, Guinaifen began exploring the train.

Apart from the outer Parlor Car, there were also passenger cabins within. However, currently only Dan Heng's room, serving as the information archive, and March 7th's cabin were accessible.

Dan Heng's space featured a simple makeshift bedroll on the floor.

In stark contrast, March 7th's cabin felt considerably more inviting with its photo wall, sofa, computer desk, plush toys, soft bed... all the comforts one could desire.

Their individual styles presented a striking contrast!

Guinaifen meticulously explored March 7th's room, not overlooking a single detail, exclaiming she could happily reside there for an entire year!

Suddenly, the conductor's voice echoed throughout the train.

"Testing—testing—"

"Ladies and gentlemen, please pay attention. All passengers, please pay attention."

"The train is about to initiate a warp jump. Kindly gather promptly at the main hall."

Guinaifen was taken aback. A few seconds later, her face illuminated with ecstatic joy!

"Everyone, did you hear that?!"

"This game isn't over yet! We're going to experience another warp jump!"

"We might even reach the next destination!"

"Forget 'completing' the game—it feels like our journey has only just begun!"

Chapter Text

Chapter 26: Leaking the Trailblazing Journey Early? Searching Developers Worldwide

Guinaifen's excitement soared as she watched the latest developments in Honkai: Star Rail.

"Oh my gosh! Is this real? There's more to the game?" she exclaimed. The chat erupted with similar enthusiasm:

"Now we truly become The Nameless!"

"No way! But the upcoming storyline aligns with current events; can the development team improvise it on the fly?"

"If there's indeed a map for the next trailblazing phase, I'd kneel down to worship the dev team right now!"

"I'm ready to spend 10 sets of 6480 Premium Points instantly!"

Despite her anticipation, Guinaifen felt nervous. She feared this might just be an Easter egg rather than a full-fledged new map, as she eagerly hoped. After all, it was already astonishing that the recent disaster at Herta's space station had been depicted in the game. Could they truly create gameplay based on what the Trailblazers were currently experiencing in real time? That would defy belief! Yet, with these developers, there seemed to be no limit—only constraints on players' imaginations.

Following a train jump, the scene revealed a planet blanketed entirely in ice and snow. According to the Astral Express Crew, this white world was named Jarilo-VI—the destination of Stelle, Dan Heng, and March 7th's expedition to locate the Stellaron and clear its obstruction from the stellar rail. A thrilling adventure amidst barren winter nights was about to unfold.

"A new main quest has actually started?" Guinaifen muttered uncertainly. "By continuing now, aren't we essentially witnessing the Trailblazers' experiences in real time?"

Her chat flooded with informed replies:

"No way! It's been some time since the space station incident. If the Trailblazers were efficient, their exploration of this planet would have already concluded. Even if slower, they should be nearing the final stages."

"Can anyone from the Astral Express Crew confirm whether the Trailblazers indeed went to this planet?"

"This is Welt—give me a 6480 boost, and I'll share updates on March 7th and the others' situation."

Meanwhile, aboard the Astral Express, Himeko and Old Yang were too captivated by Stelle, March 7th, and Dan Heng navigating Jarilo-VI's snowy wilderness to interact with any viewers. Shock and disbelief stormed through their minds.

"How is this possible?" Old Yang asked incredulously. "Dan Heng only sent his exploration log today; we just saw it now, yet the game has already turned it into a storyline?"

"Welt, something isn't right!" Himeko said seriously as she turned her computer screen toward him. "I searched through all content on the Intergalactic Peace Network, and this game appeared completely out of nowhere—no prior hints or indications."

"And what about its developer?" Old Yang asked.

"The developer goes by [Feathered Spirit], but searching for them yields no relevant information beyond their alias," Himeko replied. "We know nothing about them."

Old Yang took a deep breath before speaking again. "Now things have become even more bizarre. The details shown earlier about the space station could still be logically explained. But replicating their ongoing Trailblazing journey—including what Little March and the others are experiencing right now? That's not something an ordinary game development team could achieve."

"I suspect that [Feathered Spirit] possesses some form of precognition or insight abilities," he added.

"If that's true," Himeko pondered aloud, "why would they create this game? Surely it can't just be for profit."

"Of course not," Old Yang agreed. "Perhaps if we continue watching, we'll find out. While Dan Heng's logs are detailed and include photographs taken by Little March, they're ultimately not firsthand experiences. Luckily, we can use this game to see exactly what they've encountered over these past few days—and compare it with Dan Heng's journal entries."

"I'm curious to see just how far this game's storyline can progress," Himeko concluded.

Elsewhere on a rooftop terrace buffeted by strong winds, Silver Wolf worked swiftly through system navigation while Kafka played Honkai: Star Rail, occasionally glancing at Silver Wolf's progress.

"Wait—seriously? No traces whatsoever?" Silver Wolf exclaimed in frustration after failing to uncover any information about [Feathered Spirit]. "Not even a hint of data left behind? It's as clean as a blank sheet!"

Even for an expert hacker like Silver Wolf, failing to find relevant data was crushing. She slumped back in her chair dejectedly.

"Even you couldn't uncover anything about the developer?" Kafka asked with surprise.

"That's right," Silver Wolf replied bitterly. "[Feathered Spirit] hasn't left even a digital footprint! I tried reverse-engineering their release channels but found nothing—any related data vanished instantly as if existing within an impenetrable void."

Silver Wolf continued agitatedly: "Their defense system surpasses even corporate firewalls—it's unbelievably robust! You could say they're operating on an entirely different level!"

Kafka gently patted Silver Wolf's back to comfort her. "Alright, Silver Wolf—the universe is vast; even we can't achieve everything as desired. By the way, what did Elio say?"

"Elio reached the same conclusion," Silver Wolf replied. "This game's emergence was entirely unexpected—it left him equally puzzled."

"I see..." Kafka mused thoughtfully before adding, "Compared to direct sabotage or combat missions, such matters seem far more complex. Still, I must admit—the developer [Feathered Spirit] shows remarkable promise."

Just then, Silver Wolf sprang up excitedly and rushed back to her computer. "We've got a lead!" she announced triumphantly.

"[Feathered Spirit] finally revealed themselves online!" she exclaimed.

"Huh? This is...the first-ever announcement from them!" Kafka remarked in amazement as both women stared at their screen in anticipation of what might come next.

Chapter Text

Chapter 27: Lottery Time! Eyes of Inquiry! Unrivaled Territory

Lin Yu reviewed the system panel, his face lighting up with satisfaction as he took in the data:

[Popularity Points: Over 80,000+]
[Premium Points: Over 500 million+]
[Total Accumulated Credits: 1.3 Billion+]

The promotional campaign for Honkai: Star Rail had exceeded his expectations. Points earned through the system could be used for lottery draws, while Premium Points directly converted into his personal account balance. In just half a day, Lin Yu had already amassed 500 million Premium Points, with two hundred million contributed by a single wealthy benefactor.

Reflecting on his past struggles—drifting aimlessly and surviving on meager meals—Lin Yu found himself momentarily unsure how to spend his newfound wealth. He opted for luxurious accommodations and indulged in gourmet cuisine, savoring the change in fortune.

"Life doesn't get much better than this," he mused contentedly while sipping a refreshing drink.

Next, Lin Yu opened the system's lottery interface. Though his current lifestyle was comfortable, he knew that long-term peace required formidable self-protection capabilities. The lottery interface offered three tiers:

Ordinary Lottery: 10,000 points per draw

Epic Lottery: 1 million points per draw

Legendary Lottery: 100 million points per draw (Contains only Legendary items)

Without hesitation, Lin Yu disregarded the first two tiers entirely.

"It's all or nothing when gambling!" he declared. "Go big or go home!"

He initiated ten Legendary-level draws. The first three attempts yielded nothing—true to its status, the Legendary pool refused to clutter itself with junk prizes. But on the fourth draw, golden light appeared!

[Eye of Prying (Legendary)]

Effect: Grants the host a permanent ability to observe a target's current actions, mental state, and behavioral patterns by meditating on them or identifying specific clues. This ability bypasses all obstacles and remains undetectable by the observed target.

Reading the description, Lin Yu was astonished.

"Isn't this the ultimate fantasy for a voyeuristic pervert?!" he joked before quickly adding, "But I'm definitely not that kind of person!"

After activating the ability and mastering its use, Lin Yu nodded in satisfaction and resumed checking the remaining draw results. With six attempts left, he wondered if another golden prize might appear—and it did during the final draw!

[My Territory, My Dominion! (Legendary)]

Effect: Grants the host a one-time use ability to designate up to three Territories (each up to 250 square meters). Within these Territories, the host possesses supreme control and can eliminate any threats within their bounds.

Lin Yu was stunned by this ability's potential. Initially hoping for Aeon-level power or Emanator-level strength, he realized these rule-based abilities were far more extraordinary than brute force. With [Eye of Prying], he could identify targets and guide them into his designated Territory—where they would be completely at his mercy. Even an Aeon would lose their power upon entering his domain!

Eager to test his new abilities, Lin Yu assessed his surroundings. Though luxurious by Xianzhou's standards, his hotel felt overly commercialized and lacked personal charm. With only three Territory designations available, he decided to use them wisely and began planning to purchase a small villa near Aurum Alley—a quieter area offering tranquility alongside dining and entertainment options.

Soon after booking a property viewing appointment online, Lin Yu was contacted by a foxfolk saleswoman who added him to her client list. True to her high-status role, she demonstrated impressive efficiency and charm while presenting three housing options:

Two traditional villa styles costing around 2 billion each

A quadrangle courtyard design priced at 4 billion

Lin Yu decisively chose the pricier option and paid in full upfront. The fox girl was visibly taken aback by his generosity but quickly recovered with admiration: "Little brother, you're so accomplished at such a young age—successful in your endeavors and now owning this magnificent estate! Truly awe-inspiring."

She continued enthusiastically: "The ownership papers are all sorted out. Would you like to accompany me for a tour of the manor?"

"Certainly!" Lin Yu agreed before she added with excitement: "However, I have a close friend here as well. Do you mind inviting her along for the visit?"

Curious about this bonus companion, Lin Yu raised an eyebrow as she elaborated: "My foxfolk friend is named Tingyun; she serves as a ferry envoy at the Sky-Faring Commission..."

Lin Yu froze momentarily upon hearing Tingyun's name. Was this Tingyun truly herself—or Phantylia's doppelganger? If it were the latter... things could get far more thrilling!

"No problem," Lin Yu replied smoothly. "Please discuss it with Tingyun when you return and send me a message beforehand so I can prepare a warm welcome for both of you."

"Aiya, Boss Lin—you're too gracious! I hardly know what to say," the foxfolk girl said with a charming smile before departing to finalize arrangements for their upcoming tour of Lin Yu's new estate.

Chapter Text

Chapter 28: Developer's First Announcement - Limited Card Pool Implementation

After the foxfolk little sister departed, Lin Yu began his inspection of his inaugural Xianzhou property.

The villa boasted a generous garden space, currently adorned with only common ornamental trees.

He envisioned its future arrangement, planning to cultivate flowers and various foliage to craft a charming, miniature garden.

Inside, the house was well-appointed with furnishings that were simple yet refined.

Lin Yu promptly accessed the system panel.

"Activate ability [My Territory, My Rules]."

[Confirm setting this property as your [Territory]?]

"Confirmed."

As Lin Yu spoke, an invisible energy emanated from him, permeating every corner of the villa.

He closed his eyes.

Upon reopening them, a spark of excitement gleamed within.

"So, this is the sensation of absolute control?"

His gaze shifted towards a nearby sapling.

With a mere thought,

The sapling began to sprout and grow rapidly, the transformation visible to the naked eye.

In moments, it matured into a small tree laden with fresh, tender fruits.

One fruit detached from its branch, floated gently downwards, and settled into Lin Yu's hand.

"Not bad, quite flavorful."

However, the surrounding vegetation appeared noticeably withered.

After all, the principle of energy conservation applied; the rapid growth of this fruit tree had consumed a significant amount of nutrients from the soil.

In the future, he could assign a dedicated maid to tend to this manor garden.

With fertile soil, such expenses would become unnecessary.

Seated on a swing near the manor, Lin Yu opened the game developer interface.

[Popularity Points: 100,000+]

[Premium Points: 600 million+]

[Current Remaining Points: 405 million+]

Beyond reviewing the basic reward information, he also briefly assessed the overall game status.

The most dedicated players had already reached Belobog, likely anticipating the completion of its storyline by the following day.

Lin Yu accessed the system store and swiftly selected a specific resource:

[Star Rail Version 1.0 Additional Content: Includes Seele & Jing Yuan playable characters, Light Cones, and character promotional videos]

The previous Honkai Star Rail version obtained through the lottery was the initial release, akin to Version 1.0 but lacking limited-time banner characters.

Now that his game had garnered some recognition, it was time to implement this crucial feature.

"Purchase!"

[Purchase successful. Cost: 50 million points.]

[Honkai: Star Rail Version 1.1 Update Contents: Including playable characters Silver Wolf, Luocha, and Yukong...]

[Selling Price: 1.5 billion points]

"1.5 billion, huh?"

"Not excessively priced; I can accumulate that in a couple of days."

"First, let's launch Seele and Jing Yuan's banners."

On the Intergalactic Peace Network's largest forum, Lin Yu created an account under the name "Honkai: Star Rail Developer." Subsequently, he posted his inaugural official game announcement:

[Thank you, esteemed players, for your unwavering support of "Honkai: Star Rail." As a token of our gratitude, all players will receive a complimentary gift of 1600 stars currency. Furthermore, we are introducing a limited-time banner featuring the highly anticipated five-star character [Seele]...]

After disseminating the announcement, Lin Yu implemented the additional content for Version 1.0. The rewards were distributed alongside the notification, reaching every online player via in-game mail.

Shortly after its posting, the announcement ignited a massive surge of excitement across the network!

Within a mere half-minute, hundreds of replies flooded beneath the announcement message.

"I can hardly believe my eyes! This is the verified account of the developer 'Feathered Spirit' himself!"

"It carries official verification; there's absolutely no way it's a fake."

"My goodness! Feathered Spirit, please accept my deepest admiration!"

"I stayed up all night watching Little Gui's stream of this game—it's utterly captivating!"

"1,600 Star Gems? The creator is unbelievably generous!"

"Arcana enthusiasts! Something extraordinary is on the horizon! A limited five-star character is bound to be incredible!"

"I'm going to relentlessly farm those pulls!"

While the general populace of netizens focused on discussing the game's new content, Silver Wolf's attention was more keenly drawn to Feathered Spirit, the enigmatic developer.

Without a moment's hesitation, she utilized one of her less conspicuous accounts to send a private message:

"Greetings, Feathered Spirit. I am a devoted fan of Honkai: Star Rail and am quite intrigued by its creator. Might you perhaps reveal your current location?"

Having sent the message, Silver Wolf sat idly, not anticipating a significant response from this developer. In her estimation, Feathered Spirit must be someone capable of joining the Genius Society—a figure typically characterized by arrogance and disdain for others.

Why would they deign to reply to such a commonplace comment? Even she felt her message sounded somewhat foolish.

To her utter surprise, a mere five seconds later, Feathered Spirit responded:

"I wouldn't disclose the precise location, but currently, I reside on Xianzhou."

Xianzhou! Xianzhou! Feathered Spirit lives on Xianzhou!

Silver Wolf's breathing quickened, her heart pounding faster than during even the most treacherous missions. Now, pure excitement coursed through her veins due to a single, simple reply.

Kafka, equally intrigued, leaned over to read the exchange between Silver Wolf and Feathered Spirit.

"But there are six major warships within Xianzhou! On which one could Feathered Spirit possibly be?"

Silver Wolf began typing a follow-up question but abruptly deleted the entire draft.

"No, no! That's far too direct! It will undoubtedly annoy Feathered Spirit!"

"If we inadvertently offend him, it will be the end of any potential interaction!"

Observing Silver Wolf's anxious expression, Kafka offered a confident smile.

"Silver Wolf, allow me to handle this."

"Certainly, you possess greater finesse in these matters than I do." Silver Wolf relinquished her seat to Kafka but offered a word of caution, "Just don't mishandle this opportunity!"

Chapter Text

Chapter 29: Deal Struck with Feathered Spirit! Kafka Prepares for Luofu Journey

Kafka carefully composed her message, knowing that understanding human psychology was key to drawing out her target. Though she couldn't know who exactly was on the other side of the screen, as long as they had thoughts and feelings like any individual, she could work with that.

"Xianzhou? I'm here on Xianzhou too," she wrote.
"I never expected to find someone like you, Feathered Spirit, aboard Xianzhou! It's truly delightful!"
"Might our paths cross by chance? Or perhaps near your location? If that happens, I'd be so thrilled I wouldn't be able to sleep."

Rather than directly asking for their location, Kafka subtly probed through indirect questions. Her approach showcased her mastery of persuasion. As expected, Feathered Spirit replied promptly:
"Ha ha ha, I'm actually on [Luofu], don't let your imagination run wild, Little Sister."

Luofu!
Luofu!

Kafka raised an eyebrow at Silver Wolf, signaling that their elusive target might not be as unreachable as they had thought. Silver Wolf licked his lips, sensing the progress. "Keep going, Kafka! Continue!" he urged.

Just as Kafka prepared to type her next message, Feathered Spirit sent another reply:
"Little Sister, would you like to meet me in person?"

"!!"

Even Kafka was momentarily taken aback by the directness. Skipping past all preliminary steps, they had reached the critical point far sooner than expected. Both Kafka and Feathered Spirit were Stellaron Hunters—among the galaxy's most dangerous individuals. Could Feathered Spirit truly believe he was speaking with an innocent young girl? Once his true identity was uncovered, Kafka had at least a hundred ways to control him and extract the secrets behind his knowledge and the creation of Honkai: Star Rail.

Without hesitation, Kafka typed a single word: "Yes."

Feathered Spirit replied:
"Then come to the Exalting Sanctum first. I'll guide you on the next steps once you arrive. After all, I'm just an ordinary person; encountering any dangerous elements wouldn't be ideal. Please understand."

"Of course, absolutely. Feathered Spirit, do take care to protect your privacy and avoid attracting attention from hazardous individuals," Kafka responded with feigned kindness.

"Ha ha ha, thanks for the reminder! Looking forward to your message."

Kafka exited the chat interface with an uncontainable smile. Silver Wolf took a deep breath, still processing what had just happened.

"That's all it takes?" Silver Wolf asked incredulously.

"Just that simple," Kafka replied confidently. "As he said, he's just an ordinary person."

However, noticing Kafka's excited gaze, Silver Wolf hesitated before adding a request: "Kafka, when you find him, could you please try not to harm her?"

"Why?"

"As a gamer, I respect developers like him. This game is truly exceptional—and I'm curious about that limited-time character too."

"Alright, I promise you," Kafka said with a faint smile.

To her, Feathered Spirit was merely an ordinary individual; handling him would be effortless. With a simple Vocal Charm, she could control his actions entirely. The real challenge lay in infiltrating Luofu Xianzhou smoothly—a task well within Kafka's expertise.

Closing the game on her phone, Kafka prepared for her journey to meet this mysterious developer in person. Meanwhile, Silver Wolf began hacking into Xianzhou's systems to facilitate Kafka's mission. If not for her lack of infiltration skills, Silver Wolf would have eagerly taken Kafka's place to meet Feathered Spirit herself.

---

Unbeknownst to them both, every move they made was already visible to Lin Yu inside his villa. As soon as Silver Wolf sent the private message to Feathered Spirit, Lin Yu activated his [Eye of Prying] ability and pinpointed their identities through their communication.

"Ah, Silver Wolf and Kafka," Lin Yu mused with a smirk. "I anticipated the Stellaron Hunters' interest in me long ago."

In the past, Lin Yu would have avoided responding entirely—knowing he'd likely be treated as a mere pawn if discovered by such dangerous individuals. But now? With his Territory established and his abilities in place, Lin Yu welcomed their pursuit.

"This villa is indeed too large," he remarked idly while glancing at his sparse garden. "It could certainly use a few maids to maintain it."

"The fish has taken the bait," he continued with confidence. "Now all that remains is for you to reel it in."
After all… "The true hunter often disguises themselves as the prey."

---

Meanwhile aboard the Astral Express…

Pom-Pom diligently cleaned the train carriages and paused at the Parlor Car when she noticed Himeko and Old Yang engrossed in playing Honkai: Star Rail. Surprised but unconcerned by their focus on gaming, Pom-Pom continued inspecting every nook and cranny of the train.

Himeko and Old Yang were fully immersed in experiencing Trailblazing from the perspective of children embarking on their journey—offering them a unique lens into events they had only read about before.

From landing on Jarilo-VI and meeting Sampo to engaging with Jepard of the Silvermane Guards and clarifying their identities before Belobog's grand protector—the gameplay unfolded seamlessly. Despite Little March's occasional impulsiveness during dialogue choices, their journey progressed smoothly.

As they approached Qlipoth Fort within Belobog City's storyline arc, Gepard explained:
"The current Guardian is Cocolia Rand—she oversees all major decisions within Belobog."

Hearing this name made Old Yang pause briefly as a flash of recognition crossed his mind. Cocolia? A vague image of a blonde woman surfaced before he dismissed it with a casual smile—likely just a coincidence.

The scene transitioned into Qlipoth Fort itself where a heated argument unfolded between two figures on a raised platform—one of whom appeared to be Belobog's grand protector.

"...but such sacrifices serve no purpose; you cannot—"

The grand protector interrupted sharply: "You may stand down, Bronya. Our guests have arrived."

Old Yang froze mid-action as he prepared to click through the next dialogue line… Wait! What did she call that girl?!

Note: The meeting with Kafka has been removed due to reason that this story might end up as your typical harem novel, where the MC collects game waifu. I would've removed this chapter altogether, but it might affect the overall story, so I'll just leave it.

Chapter Text

Chapter 30: Oh No, Everyone in Belobog Is Familiar!

The silver-haired woman on the screen turned her back to the camera, her long hair ending in distinct triple helix curls. Old Yang froze as recognition hit him like a bolt of lightning.

Bronya?!

As the woman turned around, Old Yang's suspicions were confirmed. It was unmistakably Bronya—her name, appearance, and demeanor all aligned perfectly with someone he knew. But why was she here? And why was she playing the role of the grand protector's daughter?

Old Yang's thoughts raced. Wait, no! The grand protector is Cocolia, and Bronya is indeed her daughter. But you two… did you accidentally switch scripts to become actors here? Have you completed your mission on Earth and found new employment in this world?

This wasn't the first time someone familiar had appeared in this game. Silver Wolf had already surprised Welt once before, but now there was no denying it—this grown-up version of Bronya bore an uncanny resemblance to the one he remembered. The scene passed too quickly for him to analyze further, but Old Yang felt certain she would reappear as the story unfolded.

Putting down his phone, Old Yang stood up and began pacing the train compartment. He gazed out at the vast cosmos and shimmering Milky Way, trying to suppress the absurd emotions rising within him.

Just then, Himeko let out a surprised exclamation. "Hmm? The developers gifted us 1600 Stellar Jade and announced a new limited-time character banner. Oh, it's already live?"

"Welt, look! There's a new character named 'Seele.'"

Old Yang froze mid-step. "Who?" he asked, his heart racing once more.

When he saw the illustrated image on Himeko's screen, he was utterly dumbfounded. That hair color! The butterfly motif! The iconic scythe weapons! This was clearly an older version of Seele.

First Bronya, and now Seele?! Old Yang couldn't believe it. Did everyone secretly collaborate on a game script while I was away? Belobog seemed filled with familiar faces!

"Welt, what's wrong?" Himeko asked, noticing his reaction.

Feeling that keeping this to himself might cause internal harm, Old Yang decided to share his observations with Himeko. After listening carefully, she pondered for a moment before responding thoughtfully:
"I've encountered similar situations myself. Some souls are exceptionally brilliant, leaving comparable imprints even across different worlds."

"However," she added, "encountering one or two is understandable. But if you claim every person on this planet resembles someone you know… that indeed seems quite peculiar."

"Uh… not all of them are familiar faces," Old Yang admitted reluctantly. "For instance, Sampo and Gepard at the beginning weren't people I knew."

"I see," Himeko replied with a nod. "In that case, I still lean toward the idea that they are merely coincidental resemblances."

Old Yang nodded helplessly but resolved to continue watching closely. If another familiar face appears… yes! If there's one more individual with the same name as someone from my past, I truly must visit this planet personally. Perhaps it would feel just like coming home.

---

Meanwhile, in Guinaifen's livestream…

Her game progress had been swift—she had already reached Belobog's Lower City and encountered Seele (an elite member of [Wildfire]), Natasha (an ordinary healer), and Hook (leader of The Moles).

Guinaifen is prepared to assist [Wildfire] in resolving a conflict between miners and vagrants over a new mineral vein.

Without hesitation, Guinaifen activated Himeko's ultimate ability. As Heavenfall Flame descended upon the battlefield, three vagrants were instantly defeated—followed by Himeko's additional attack that concluded the battle in one move.

"Himeko is truly amazing against groups!" Guinaifen exclaimed enthusiastically. "Except when facing elite enemies like Bronya—she might struggle slightly there—but otherwise she's incredibly useful."

She then had an idea: "What if I draw another character with extreme single-target capabilities? Wouldn't that make us perfectly equipped for any situation?"

The live chat erupted with responses:
- "Genius!"
- "How did you know I got Welt on my tenth pull?"
- "Heh heh, I just defeated Bronya with Welt in one go! His skill for breaking Imaginary Weakness Shields is incredibly fast!"
- "You both have five-star characters now? Can someone please tell me where to claim mine?"

As Guinaifen continued admiring Himeko's abilities, she equipped her with the best Relics available from her collection to maximize her potential. Then she opened the teleportation interface with excitement: "Fam, should I try my luck at drawing Mr. Welt? Wonder if he'd be incredibly powerful paired with Miss Himeko?"

Just then… a new banner appeared next to the regular card pool featuring Seele's image alongside a Light Cone themed after her.

Initially thinking it might be a glitch, Guinaifen checked her inbox after receiving a notification—and found an unexpected bonus of 1600 additional stars points!

"Oh my gosh!" she exclaimed in disbelief. "How did 1600 extra Stellar Jade appear in my inbox? Did the development team send out more rewards again?" Pausing briefly, she added with mock exasperation: "Wait… why did I say 'again?'"

Reading through the game announcement carefully, Guinaifen realized what had happened:
"What? A new five-star limited-time character?! I haven't even familiarized myself with all the characters in the regular pool yet—and now there's another one?! They made Seele a limited five-star right at the start?"

Her astonishment turned into admiration as she concluded:
"Feathered Spirit… your development speed is insane!"

Chapter Text

Guinaifen nervously opened the character trial interface, knowing full well that trying out Seele would likely seal her fate—she wouldn't be able to resist pulling for her afterward. But in Belobog, where scavenging through trash cans was commonplace, how could she pass up the opportunity to test this elusive five-star character?

"Forget it," she muttered, "let's check out Seele's skills first!"

Upon entering the trial scenario, Guinaifen activated Seele's Skill and targeted the enemy leader. The sidebar provided a concise overview of Seele's abilities:

- Both her Skill and Ultimate deal single-target damage.
- Killing an enemy grants an Extra Turn.

"Seele's abilities aren't overly complex," Guinaifen noted. "Now let's see how effective they are in combat."

---

[Entering Battle]

"When controlling Seele, start by activating her Skill," Guinaifen explained to her viewers. "Not only does it deal damage, but it also boosts her Speed for two turns!"

On the battlefield, Seele shifted fluidly, resting her scythe on her shoulder while flickering between reality and quantum realms. The animation effects were dazzling—befitting a limited five-star character. Upon release, Seele seemed to tear through space, folding across wormholes to strike with rapid combos that instantly defeated the monster and triggered [Resurgence].

Using another Skill, she swiftly eliminated a second enemy. At that moment, her Ultimate ability was fully charged.

"Buzz!"
"I'll break you from your chain."

[Butterfly Flurry] activated!

"Disappear among the sea of butterflies!"

Seele spun her scythe and launched forward like an arrow released from its string. Her incredible speed distorted her image on the screen as she dealt massive Quantum damage in a flurry of blinding light.

[Resurgence triggered!] It was Seele's turn again.

Guinaifen stared at the five-digit damage number displayed on-screen in astonishment. "How is it Seele's turn again? She's already moved four times! The monsters and teammates haven't even had a chance! Is this how you play a turn-based game?"

---

The viewers in Guinaifen's stream were equally stunned:
- "That ultimate animation… I half-expected Seele to leap out of the screen and hit me!"
- "Is this what limited five-stars are all about?"
- "She took down four monsters in one turn! Are you sure she's a Hunt path?"
- "Glad I didn't rush into pulling before—Rolling Seele now would be such a steal!"

Guinaifen wrestled internally as if hearing a voice whispering in her mind:
"This is exactly what I've been wanting—a single-target powerhouse!"
"The first limited-time five-star since Honkai: Star Rail launched—worth every bit of its rarity!"

In the end, temptation won. Moments later, Guinaifen's cartoon avatar appeared on-screen, obscuring her payment interface.

The chat erupted:
- "Little Gui, what are you doing?! Stop right there! We agreed not to spend real money!"
- "Oh no, Little Gui has succumbed!"
- "I've already recharged my account! can't wait for Seele's chaotic rampage!"

Guinaifen quickly purchased first-time recharge rewards for every tier. Initially feeling guilty before spending, she now only felt excitement as over ten thousand stars points appeared in her account.

"I wonder if my Stargate is lucky enough to unlock Seele and her dedicated weapon," she mused aloud. "No worries—I'll start with 'Good Fortune Awaits' first!"

---

Just then, Guinaifen noticed a notification at the top of her phone:

Wealthy Patron Confirms All Seven Five-Star Characters in Star Rail's Gacha Pool!

Intrigued by the groundbreaking news, she exclaimed:
"Seven five-star characters in total?! That means there are several I haven't even seen yet—let's check it out immediately!"

She opened the video showcasing a comprehensive test conducted by an anonymous wealthy patron who spent over 200 million Credits to reveal all five-star characters in the gacha pool. The rankings were subjective but served as a reference for fans:

### Tier One: Bronya
Bronya excels as a supporter with insane damage buffs and turn order acceleration for allies—the most powerful support character thus far.

### Tier Two: Gepard and Bailu
Gepard shields the entire team, ensuring smoother gameplay, while Bailu provides unparalleled healing and fault tolerance through resurrection.

---

"Bailu?" Guinaifen gasped. "Can't be the Draconic Lady I know, right?"

The video confirmed her guess as Bailu appeared grinning happily while holding her gourd—a renowned healer from Luofu now serving as a five-star Abundance character with healing and resurrection abilities.

---

As Guinaifen continued watching, she couldn't help but admire how each character brought unique strengths to Honkai: Star Rail. But for now, all eyes were on Seele—the ultimate single-target powerhouse who dominated battles with unparalleled speed and precision.

Chapter Text

"Bailu is absolutely adorable!"

"Our very own Xianzhou five-star character!"

"I can't wait to see how the Draconic Lady reacts when she finds out she's been turned into a game character."

"This character is incredibly powerful—once you get her, sudden deaths while progressing through the story or farming materials will be a thing of the past!"

"Just look at Bailu-sama's value!"

[Third Tier: Himeko, Welt, and Yanqing. These characters can all serve as primary DPS during the early stages of gameplay. Himeko excels against groups, Yanqing shines in single-target scenarios, while Welt is versatile, capable of handling both group and single targets with additional crowd control through slowing effects—an incredibly well-rounded character!]

Welt and Himeko were familiar faces to Guinaifen. However, upon seeing the young man named Yanqing, she was taken aback.

The chat erupted even more fervently.

"Huh? Am I seeing this right?"

"Isn't that Yanqing, the valiant guard by the General's side and reputedly Xianzhou Luofu's strongest swordsman!"

"If even he can be in the gacha pool, then could our Divine Strategy General possibly...?"

"The thought of Jing Yuan General joining the gacha is mind-boggling! Wouldn't every Luofu player go all out on summoning him?"

Even Guinaifen felt her mouth go dry with excitement!

As more content within the game was discovered, it continually refreshed players' understanding!

If one day they indeed introduced the Luofu General as a playable character, Guinaifen would be amazed but not surprised!

These developers truly have guts...

[Fourth Tier: Clara. A cute and seemingly harmless young girl, so her combat capabilities are somewhat weaker. She relies on passively enduring attacks to trigger robotic assistance for counterattacks. Currently, she doesn't seem well-suited for new players venturing into unexplored territory. If casual players draw her, their only option might be to reluctantly start over.

"This must be a Belobog character."

"And barefoot too, how adorable!"

Although the video creator deemed this character less powerful, Guinaifen believed there were no weak five-star characters.

Clara's skill mechanics were quite unique; once players leveled up and honed their skills, she might prove to be incredibly strong.

After watching the video, Guinaifen took a deep breath.

This footage had truly opened a new world for all Honkai: Star Rail players!

She felt just one emotion:

—I want them all!

Her wallet seemed to tremble with apprehension!

Suddenly, a new message surged to the top of her feed—an even more significant announcement this time!

It was from Feathered Spirit, the developer of Honkai: Star Rail, whom Guinaifen followed:

[Honkai: Star Rail - Seele Character PV: "A Quiet Night"]

As soon as Guinaifen clicked on it, 500 viewers joined simultaneously.

Then it jumped to 2,000.

6,000!
10,000!
20,000!
50,000...

Even the live chatroom fell silent, likely because everyone had received the notification and rushed to watch the character PV.

Real-time comments flooded the screen rapidly.

"Check out what I found!"

" Honkai Star Rail fans are having a field day today!"

"So cool!"

"This is insane!"

" The background music fits Seele perfectly!"

With the captivating rhythm of the background music, Bronya appeared on screen.

The duo seamlessly coordinated, showcasing their ultimate abilities and unleashing exhilarating combo attacks against enemies! It was as if the Feathered Spirit were teaching players—using Seele alongside Bronya could achieve twice the effect with half the effort!

After watching the video, Guinaifen immediately went all-in on Seele.

"I must have both the character and her exclusive Light Cone!"

Meanwhile, aboard the train...

Himeko and Old Yang were pushing the game's storyline forward at full speed.
Having resolved the conflict between miners and vagrants over the new mineral vein, they encountered the Robot Settlement [Svarog] in the Lower City and its adopted daughter, Clara.

They then helped Clara repair the settlement's power supply equipment and successfully persuaded her to lead them for negotiations with Svarog.

Their goal was to determine just how quickly this plotline could be advanced. Continuing beyond this point would synchronize the game's progress with March 7th's real-world timeline!

"We're almost at Svarog's Base—it seems like Little March and the others experienced this yesterday," Himeko remarked while preparing to open the base's entrance gate.

Through the Trailblazer's perspective, she had become emotionally invested in the unfolding narrative.

Whether it was her family on the Astral Express or the people of Jarilo-VI—like Clara, Seele, Bronya, and others—

Despite belonging to different factions, these young individuals possessed radiant souls.

Despite never having met them personally, Himeko hoped they could all thrive on this planet.
Old Yang said, "Based on Dan Heng's logs, they ultimately succeeded in negotiating peace with Svarog and even learned information related to the Stellaron."

"I'm aware," Himeko smiled.

Other players reaching this point might still feel tense and anticipatory. However, Himeko and

Old Yang were different; they already knew the outcome beforehand.

The negotiations began.

Our representative was Stelle.

"We-we are [Variable]!"

"No... We've come for the [Stellaron]."

If Himeko or perhaps Welt had led the negotiation, they might have employed more sophisticated strategies tailored specifically for robots. But for Stelle and their group, being young and experiencing this for the first time, they immediately brought up the Stellaron.

Mentioning the "Stellaron" right away seemed to instantly provoke Svarog. 1

Its red lights flared brighter!

In a deep mechanical voice, it warned,

"Throughout recorded history, humans have attempted multiple times to interact with the 'Stellaron.' Without exception, driven by their selfish desires, they sought to claim this substance for themselves."

"The Architect's directive states: Any attempt to engage with the 'Stellaron' will lead to severe consequences. Re-evaluating—target threat index reaches maximum level."

"There is no evidence suggesting you would be an 'exception'; maintaining original assessment results."

"Temporary suspension of peace maintenance protocol... requesting activation of extermination protocol."

Himeko was slightly taken aback.

Something isn't right here, isn't it?

Shouldn't both sides successfully negotiate in reality?

Could this be the point where the storyline deviates from actual events?

As she pondered, combat had already commenced.

Himeko's training and skill were commendable. To ensure smooth progression through the plot, she even made some minor in-game purchases.

Having secured her first guaranteed five-star character—Clara—Himeko decided to stop there for now.

However, since she hadn't yet encountered Clara in the story progression, she continued using members of the Astral Express Crew: Stelle, Dan Heng, March, and Natasha. With this balanced team capable of both defense and offense, Himeko was quite satisfied.

As for other characters...

Bronya, Seele, including herself... Of course, she wanted them too!
But currently, she remained primarily focused on progressing through the storyline as a plot-driven player.

Soon, Svarog's health bar dropped significantly, signaling the entry into the next narrative segment.

Natasha and Sampo arrived with reinforcements, reigniting the intense battle.

The outcome, however, was inevitable.

Svarog ultimately proved no match for their combined forces.

Just as Natasha prepared to deliver the final blow to Svarog, Clara suddenly rushed forward, tearfully shielding him.

"W-wait!"

"Please don't hurt Mr. Svarog!" Her flushed cheeks were streaked with continuous droplets like tiny pearls.

This sight stirred Himeko's heart; she found Clara both adorable and deeply pitiful.
The young girl possessed an untainted innocence, untouched by worldly corruption. Despite appearing fragile, her inner strength shone through.

Seeing her tears, Himeko felt an urge to berate the entire Astral Express Crew fiercely.

"Why do you bully poor Clara?! We agreed to negotiate, but instead, you ganged up on her centuries-old robot and left it in this state!"

"Do you have any humanity left?"

"Doesn't your conscience ache?"

Himeko gently patted Clara's head and wiped away her tears. She reassured her that everything would be alright—Big Sister Himeko would fix Svarog and take care of the situation."

Chapter Text

"Svarog... Please don't push yourself anymore. Can you share what you know with everyone?"

"You once said, Mr. Svarog, that you would fulfill all my wishes, right? Clara's greatest wish now is for everyone to unite, like...like a family."

"In recent times, Clara has learned something—the outcomes from [Calculations] may not necessarily bring happiness to everyone."

"Even if they know the world outside the cage isn't perfect,...people still yearn to peek beyond its confines."

Standing beside Svarog, Clara earnestly pleaded from the depths of her heart.

Himeko found herself genuinely curious about Clara and Svarog's unique partnership. It wasn't a master-servant relationship or even an employer-employee one; it felt more akin to family! She wondered how they first met and how they became such a close-knit unit. It must have been an extraordinary journey.

"Assessment system rebooting... Reboot successful. Converting variables..."

"Variable 1: Clara's request... Variable 2: Outsider's motivation."

"...Updated assessment result: Transfer decision-making authority to the outsider and allow access to information related to the Stellaron."

The burning history unfolded before them through a series of slides.

From the second-generation Great Guardian onwards, the voice of the Stellaron had been ever-present. Researchers had uncovered the truth—Alicia Rand, the first Great Guardian, activated the Stellaron, leading to this world being enveloped by perpetual cold.

Yet, none of the subsequent Guardians chose to make this public. To maintain the city's stability, they concealed all this information and secretly sought ways to destroy the Stellaron.

However, every clandestine research effort ended in failure.

At this point, it perfectly aligned with Dan Heng's journal entries, which briefly mentioned their agreement with Svarog to learn about the Stellaron. However, the actual events were filled with peril and unexpected twists.

"These few slides may not contain much detail, but they clearly depict Jarilo-VI's history and the lineage of Great Guardians," Old Yang remarked.

"Both the Stellaron and the Antimatter Legion brought such harsh calamities upon this planet," Old Yang sighed. "But on this small world, there still persists willpower and hope."

"Yes, flowers blossoming amidst adversity tend to be the most resilient and beautiful," Himeko added. "With time, perhaps the young generation could become truly exceptional individuals."

Suddenly, the computer next to Himeko beeped urgently, drawing their attention to the images displayed on the screen.

"It's a high-energy reaction detected from Jarilo-VI," Himeko announced.

They had been so engrossed in the game that they forgot to monitor the ground situation! They felt slightly embarrassed.

On the satellite imagery, they saw something astonishing—a colossal robot as massive as a mountain! Its immense mechanical body and claws emerged from beneath the snowdrifts, with light flickering across its face.

"A giant robot?" Old Yang's eyes lit up as he swiftly adjusted his glasses, regaining his composed demeanor. "It must be one of The Architects' machines. This model seems beyond our control capabilities; I'll immediately contact Little March and the others."

Himeko attempted to communicate but only received unstable, garbled signals. "The Stellaron's influence is too strong; it appears we can't reach them at the moment."

Old Yang promptly stood up and said, "Let me handle this. If the situation escalates beyond control, I will intervene. I also wish to personally observe that enormous machine... ahem, the relic left by The Architects."

"Alright, thank you for your help," Himeko replied.

Of course, Himeko wasn't going to sit idle either. She immediately activated the satellite and fired a railgun towards the coordinates, aiming to momentarily subdue the gigantic robot and buy some time for her Astral Express comrades.

While The Architects' machinery was formidable, the true danger in this battle lay with Cocolia herself. At that moment, she began undergoing a peculiar transformation, seemingly assimilating with the overflowing rift energy. Her body gradually lost its human characteristics.

Due to interference from the Stellaron, the satellite feed's quality deteriorated significantly. Just as Himeko tried to observe more closely, most of the screen became obscured by swirling wind and snow.

She sighed helplessly. With Welt on the scene, she no longer worried about the safety of her crewmates aboard the Astral Express. Regrettably, witnessing the entire battle would now have to wait until Dan Heng uploaded his Trailblazer logs.

"Hmm..." Himeko mused. "I do have Honkai: Star Rail at my disposal, don't I?"

"The current progress already aligns with the day March and the others reached Jarilo-VI..."

"If I continue playing, perhaps I can witness this battle within the game...!"

Himeko's gaze reflected mixed emotions. If true, it would confirm that the game not only mirrors reality but also predicts future events.

After taking a sip of coffee, Himeko decided to earnestly advance through the game's storyline. She wanted to see how accurately this game would portray the upcoming battle and how exactly it would unfold.

Chapter Text

"Seele is unstoppable!"

"My level 1 Seele effortlessly cleared enemies from the Lower City to the Upper District without breaking a sweat!"

"Now we're heading with Serval towards the Stellaron's location."

"There'll definitely be plenty of enemy ambushes along the way, but no worries because—"

"'Vanish alongside the fading illusions of yore, like moths upon the breeze!'"

After a night of playing Honkai Star Rail, not just Little Gui Zi but even the viewers in the chat seemed captivated by that line.

As the story neared its climax, more and more players tuned in to watch.

"At first, I thought Bronya and Seele were adversaries, but as the plot progressed, their dynamic took an unexpected turn..."

"It feels like adversity has brought out their true bond!"

"Now Bronya might be in grave danger. Whether considering it from the perspective of the Astral Express Crew or Seele herself, we must rescue Bronya and put an end to the disaster caused by the Stellaron!" Guinaifen declared firmly.

In the live stream, thirty thousand viewers were simultaneously online.

The active barrage of comments proved these weren't idle lurkers; they were actively engaged in following the Trailblazing journey on Jarilo-VI.

"This game is insane! It's only been one day, but I feel like I've known March 7th, Dan Heng, and the others for a whole year!"

"And Bronya, Seele—they're not just NPCs in a game; they're real people living at the edge of the cosmos! Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps!"

"The people of Jarilo-VI possess a rare spirit of resistance, something increasingly hard to find on planets taken over by corporations."

"Without realizing it, I'm already fully invested! Sniffle Bronya, you better be okay!"

"I'm skipping class today! Gotta see how Jarilo-VI's story ends!"

With her viewers' support, Guinaifen lived up to expectations.

From the Silvermane Guard Restricted Zone to the Corridor of Garden of Recollection, she fought her way through.

Along the journey, not just battles awaited but also glimpses of Bronya and Cocolia's lingering memories.

Through these echoes, everyone bore witness to the cold-heartedness and fanaticism of Belobog's current Great Guardian.

Upon reaching the final memory, Guinaifen couldn't help but bang on the table, exclaiming,

"Classic Cocolia, brainwashing lecture!"

"Is there even a shred of truth in what that Stellaron says? Who does it think it is?!"

"If we end up fighting her later, I'm gonna give her a harsh lesson with Seele!"

"Our Milky Way Bat isn't one to be trifled with either!"

Before Everwinter Hill, the tension of the impending showdown was palpable even through the screen.

Even Seele, who had been charging relentlessly, paused momentarily.

Looking ahead at the snow-covered plains, she spoke gravely, "In other words... Bronya, along with the fate of both districts, lies just ahead... within our grasp."

"Strange, I thought I'd feel fear or nervousness... but I don't. The only emotion I have right now... is disbelief."

"Does every Trailblazing journey end like this?"

"They should be used to these adventures by now."

"Resting eternally amidst the snowfields... sounds peaceful."

With a playful mindset, Guinaifen chose the third option.

After experiencing so many plot twists, it wasn't just Guinaifen; numerous players had grown accustomed to the Trailblazer's knack for injecting humor into any situation. It helped alleviate some tension before the decisive battle.

Initially, when selecting characters, Guinaifen thought March 7th was going to be a naive and straightforward protagonist. However, her choices repeatedly shattered that initial impression.

March 7th promptly retorted, "Hey, why do you keep saying such discouraging things?"

"As the train traverses through world after world, we are merely transient travelers, witnesses to countless stories," Dan Heng responded solemnly.

"We always strive to avoid being swept up in the tides that determine a world's fate..." he continued, "but there are times when circumstances leave us no choice."

March 7th grinned mischievously and chimed in, "In other words, Stelle—your first Trailblazing adventure has been ridiculously lucky!"

Shaking her head slightly, Seele's gaze sharpened once more. "I was about to say some disheartening words, but on second thought, I'll hold back. Adventuring with you all makes me feel like we can overcome any challenge."

"That's right! A thrilling adventure shouldn't be bogged down by too many rules," March 7th said with a smile.

"Helping those in need, befriending trustworthy companions, and casually saving the world a few times along the way—"

"—all embody the spirit of Trailblazing!"

They entered Everwinter Hill, traversing the icy path lined with Voidrangers frozen like statues.
Below towering mechanical structures, as expected, Cocolia was forcefully imposing the Stellaron's will upon Bronya!

In a cold, emotionless whisper, she urged, "Do not resist, Bronya—embrace our shared purpose! Witness the future they promise, Bronya! A world without poverty, cold, or suffering; a world where people no longer live like prisoners, constantly pleading for survival; a world we can protect forever."

Upon witnessing this scene, before Guinaifen could even react, the chatroom erupted in outrage.

"What kind of 'Great Guardian' is this? You believe whatever the Stellaron says?"

"Handling something like the Stellaron isn't for just anyone. It's already a miracle that Jarilo-VI has endured this long."

"Doubt the Stellaron Hunters, understand the Stellaron Hunters, surpass the Stellaron Hunters!"

"I'm fully immersed now! Can't help but want to smash Cocolia's head with a baseball bat!"

"Just go at her directly! Let's see how many rounds this Great Guardian can last!"

Chapter Text

At this moment, the entire internet was captivated by the climactic battle unfolding on Jarilo-VI. However, what most people didn't realize was that beyond the game, a real-world conflict was happening simultaneously—virtually live!

"Bronya! I don't know exactly what transpired between you and them. Even if you explained it here, I probably wouldn't grasp those complex matters. But there are two things I am certain about—

"First, these guys went through immense hardship to reach this place solely to seal away something called the 'Stellaron.'"

"Secondly, do you remember what I said before? If anything happens to you, I'll definitely come save you."

"So, understand this: Even if that woman brainwashed you and made you forget our pact completely—I will knock you out and bring you back!" Seele declared forcefully.

As Seele spoke, Bronya faced the most crucial decision of her life. After a moment, her gaze grew resolute.

"Cocolia, thank you for everything."

"But... I'm sorry, Mother. This time, I cannot stand by your side."

"You said the depths of human nature are filled with foolishness and cowardice, which might be true—desperation can reveal the darkest parts of one's heart."

"...But you overlooked those who strive to survive and fight amidst despair. I've witnessed their shining light on the Frontline, in the Underworld, and in the corners you disregarded."

"Our ancestors built this city with their own hands, striving to preserve civilization amidst raging storms. Even if this world is destined to crumble, the path leading to its end should be paved by humanity itself—

"—not by surrendering fate to this seed of calamity!"

The viewers were electrified by Bronya's speech.

"Wow...wow..."

"Help me! These two are just too shippable!"

"Bronya's speech was absolutely brilliant!"

"I'm fired up now, bros!"

"They're finally about to clash!"

After listening to Bronya's speech, Cocolia's face remained emotionless. Guinaifen anxiously watched the scene unfold before her, palms sweating slightly. If this truly mirrored events happening in reality... she still hoped that at this crucial moment, Cocolia would come to her senses. Even with her mind corrupted by the Stellaron, Guinaifen didn't believe Cocolia's love for Bronya could be feigned.

Following a low whisper from the Stellaron, Cocolia spoke, "I see... Your choice is... indeed so. I understand now, Bronya."

"What a pity... Unfortunately, you won't get to see the beautiful new world. You couldn't break free from the shackles of your thoughts... Did you know? You were meant to be... the 'Mother' of the new world."

As Cocolia finished speaking, the ground began to tremble incessantly. A mass of frost appeared in her hand, transforming into an icy spear.

"Without breaking from the old, there can be no path to the new."

As the Great Guardian, I command you to arise—

"—the Creation Engine!"

An enormous mechanical claw extended behind Cocolia as a colossal robot emerged from beneath the snow, towering like a mountain. Red lights illuminated its face, and steel arms swept towards the crowd below with unstoppable force! Cocolia, wielding the ice spear, hovered beside the Creation Engine, gazing down upon them.

[Battle Commencement]

Guinaifen licked her lips, exclaiming, "This battle isn't quite what I imagined!"

"Do we stand a chance against that Creation Engine?"

"And hey... weren't you supposed to abandon Preservation's power for the Stellaron, Cocolia? Still relying on The Architect's strength, huh? You're such a hypocrite!"

In the live stream chat, comments flooded in agreement, echoing

"Indeed."

Meanwhile, aboard the Astral Express... Himeko was extremely busy at that moment! On one screen, satellite imagery of Jarilo-VI displayed. Stelle, March 7th, Dan Heng, Bronya, and Seele were engaged in fierce combat against Cocolia and the Creation Engine amidst the silver snowfields.

Alongside icy blasts and swirling blizzards, occasional explosions lit up with massive bursts of fire. Welt had already descended below. Thus, the responsibility to oversee the train and advance the game's storyline fell entirely on Himeko.

Although the battles unfolding on both fronts differed, they now reached the same critical juncture simultaneously! Remarkably! Just as Himeko activated the railgun, the exact sequence appeared within the game! Her hands trembled involuntarily, heart rate quickening slightly. It felt as though she were controlling reality—an inexplicably surreal sensation!

Suddenly, the satellite feed showed Stelle being struck by Cocolia from atop the Creation Engine, engulfed in a violent flurry of wind and snow. Himeko's palms instantly grew clammy. However, in the very next instant... Stelle reappeared at the center of the battlefield, wielding a long spear engulfed in raging flames. Compared to her earlier demeanor, it was like witnessing a completely different person!

"That spear... It's The Architect's weapon..."

"Not only has it been unfrozen, but now it's ablaze?"

"What exactly happened in that instant?"

Himeko shifted her gaze towards another part of the screen. At this moment, the game entered a pivotal narrative sequence, showcasing an animated battle scene. Her expression turned grave.

"It must be at this critical juncture!"

She had a premonition! Much like their encounter with the Doomsday Beast last time, she anticipated that from Stelle's perspective, they would witness another extraordinary experience within her mental world!

Chapter Text

In Little Gui Zi's live stream, the tension was palpable. After an intense battle where Himeko's railgun provided critical support, the Creation Engine finally powered down temporarily. But this victory was fleeting—just the first step in a much larger fight.

Cocolia still hovered above the machine, her presence looming as the true threat.

At that moment, Stelle exchanged glances with her companions and leaped into action, climbing the massive steel arm of the Creation Engine like a bridge. "I've got your back!" Bronya called out, picking off every enemy that dared to block their path with pinpoint accuracy.

Suddenly, the Creation Engine roared back to life, its arm tilting vertically and sending Stelle sliding downward. Just then, ghostly blue butterflies fluttered past them, and Seele transformed into a blur, racing upward.

"Grab hold of me!" they shouted, locking hands with Stelle. Together, they swung like a pendulum, using the momentum to propel Stelle higher onto the next level of the towering structure.

Finally, at the peak, Dan Heng drove his spear into a narrow gap, creating a crucial anchor point! The sequence unfolded so seamlessly that Guinaifen was left speechless, overcome with excitement. She couldn't help but burst into applause.

"Our Star Rail protagonist is absolutely incredible!"
"Their teamwork is flawless!"
"Cocolia, there's nowhere left for you to run!"
"That combo move was mind-blowing! It's got me fired up!"

Atop the Creation Engine's shoulder, Stelle finally came face-to-face with Cocolia. Without hesitation, Cocolia enveloped herself in ice and snow, transforming into a new, terrifying form. Icy thorns covered her body, and her skin darkened to resemble the night sky, leaving only faint traces of humanity behind.

Her voice echoed from within this chilling shell: "Listen... Feel the surge of power... Hear it singing..."
"The promise granted to me by the Stellaron is the only hope for this world..."
"Seven hundred years ago, it expelled the Antimatter Legion—and today, it will erase your existence as well!"

Guinaifen was utterly stunned. She had expected a climactic showdown between humans, or perhaps even against colossal robots. But now, confronting Cocolia revealed she could transform entirely, exuding an overwhelming aura akin to challenging divine beings themselves!

The rapid background music mixed with howling winds created a suffocating atmosphere of tension and despair among the viewers. And in reality, the stakes weren't far off. At this point, only the protagonist remained to fight alone—no teammates, no backup, nothing.

As [Cocolia, Mother of Delusions], she retained her vulnerabilities to Fire, Lightning, and Quantum attributes. Yet, each attack dealt mere hundreds of damage, unable to penetrate her elemental shields.

"How are we supposed to beat her?!" Guinaifen cried out, watching their health bar dwindle while knowing more stages of Cocolia's transformation awaited. Tears welled up in her eyes.
"This is impossible!"
"Could it be scripted for some plot twist?"
"The Astral Express Crew's journey can't end here, right? Surely the game's storyline has been crafted carefully."
"I won't give up! Is there anyone who can help us?!"

Cocolia completed her charge, summoning a shimmering ring of frost before her. Her proclamation rang out coldly:
"Humans... always weak and foolish, constantly overestimating yourselves."
"Let me grant you despair!"

In that instant, Guinaifen and all the players held their breaths, hearts skipping a beat. An ice spear launched from Cocolia's hand, piercing straight through Stelle's chest. Defiantly, Stelle closed her eyes as her indestructible bat slipped from her grasp, and she fell from the Creation Engine's shoulder.

Guinaifen was paralyzed with shock, tears glistening in her eyes. The stream chat went completely silent. No one saw this coming.

But just seconds later... Stelle's eyes snapped open again, finding herself in a strange, otherworldly space. Guinaifen gasped, her grief replaced by astonishment and awe. The battle wasn't over yet! Viewers realized this marked the climax of the storyline—the pivotal turning point.

Everyone froze, not daring to blink. The whistling wind, Cocolia's declaration, and the tense music faded momentarily, replaced by serene silence.

"Is this... the universe?" Stelle murmured, gazing around. Nebulae, meteorites, and asteroid belts floated in the void. At the center stood something resembling entwined tree roots encasing a radiant crimson light that pierced the heavens.

"I was fighting Cocolia... so why am I here...?"
"...Last time I came here, Nanook glanced at me briefly. Could it be..." Unconsciously, she began walking toward the glowing presence.

Moments ago, it had been a desperate struggle for survival, but now she traversed an ethereal realm. The stark contrast sent shivers down Guinaifen's spine, raising goosebumps on her skin.

As Stelle walked, scenes from Belobog played out around her like phantoms—her military guards, former friends, even her own daughter. Cocolia had chosen a path of secrecy and detachment, leading to this very moment. Step by step, events converged until Guinaifen found herself near the spiraling tree roots.

There stood a young girl.
"This city is weeping... The power of Preservation is fading."
"In the end... we could not withstand the will of the Stellaron."

The girl introduced herself as [Will of the Protector], seemingly a manifestation of spirit and intent. With an ethereal voice, she continued, "...but we have no right to blame anyone."

"For seven centuries, the rift has grown wider every second. What we leave for our successors is neither faith nor wealth—but boundless despair. Watching the home under the vow of Preservation disappear before our eyes... is torment. Coupled with those persistent, seductive whispers..."
"Even the strongest will cannot escape wavering; this day was destined to arrive. His protection... is fated to leave us."

["—There will always be those who remain unshaken."]
Guinaifen chose this response decisively.

"You—"
"A mere passerby, yet willing to shoulder the fate of an entire world..."
"Well then. What more do I have to lose...? And what is there left not to try?"

"Touch the glow of Amber, Trailblazer. See if the will you [Preserve] within your heart is strong enough... strong enough to attract Their gaze."

The girl's gaze fixed on the radiant light at the center. Beneath it lay the riding spear, now free of ice and snow, revealing its true form—an amber-like shaft and a handle forged from black basalt. Red light swirled around it like dancing flames.

Approaching the spear, Stelle's resolve hardened. She extended her hand and grasped its handle. In that instant, players across the universe held their breaths! Guinaifen clutched the game controller tightly, almost crushing it with sheer determination—it felt as though she were holding the defiant Amber Spear herself!

Inside Herta Space Station, countless players watched the live stream on large screens. Asta had arranged ample seating, ensuring everyone could comfortably follow the unfolding narrative. Yet, at this moment—

Everyone involuntarily stood up, captivated! Researchers rose as one, eyes glued to the screen, yearning to leap into the scene and witness this extraordinary moment firsthand!

Inside the train carriage, Himeko's gaze grew deep and contemplative. Her slender fingers rested against her chest, momentarily forgetting to move, reflecting on the fantastical sight before her eyes. Such wonders were unimaginable, never seen in reality!

Within that brief instant, Stelle's mental world experienced a surreal and awe-inspiring journey. Without witnessing the game's storyline, how could one truly grasp its essence?

Chapter Text

The performance began!

Drumbeats pulsed rhythmically, resonating deeply with the unfolding scene. They carried an air of inevitability, infusing the moment with a sacred gravity. 

Stelle tightened her grip on the spear. 
Buzz! 
For a split second, it felt as though a sledgehammer had struck her mind, leaving behind a flash of intense clarity. Startled, she gasped for breath, wincing as if burned by something unseen. Without missing a beat, she surged forward. 

With firm resolve, flames erupted around her like a spiraling inferno. At the same time, layers of frost crystallized at the spear's tip, attempting to consume both weapon and wielder in their icy embrace. 

"Ahhhhh!" she screamed, her voice raw with determination. 

The ice shattered into countless shards, like broken glass scattering in all directions. A colossal pillar of fire shot skyward, illuminating the battlefield. Suddenly, a towering figure appeared briefly on the screen—a celestial presence exuding immense power. In its left hand was a massive hammer resembling a volcanic peak. 

The Aeon of Preservation—the Amber King! 

Instantly, everyone watching recognized that name. Among them were high-ranking IPC executives whose emotions churned at the sight. Their corporation, devoted entirely to the Amber King, had risen to become the most dominant economic force in the universe. Yet despite their success, they struggled to earn his notice. 

Meanwhile, it was this very Trailblazer who had captured the attention of Nanook, the Aeon tied to Destruction, during the climactic fight against the Doomsday Beast. And now, history seemed to repeat itself—this time involving Qlipoth, another pivotal Aeon. 

As soon as Qlipoth touched the gunstock, Stelle swung her hammer, ushering in a new era under the Amber King's divine blessing. Descending from above, she held her blazing riding spear aloft. White steam swirled around her, framing her descent like a celestial aura. 

Instead of attacking, the Creation Engine moved protectively toward Stelle, cradling her as though shielding her from harm. Gone was the relentless guardian that once obeyed Cocolia's commands—it now behaved more like a cautious partner, hesitant and caring. 

This transformation wasn't subtle; it was as if two entirely different machines existed within the same frame. Her teammates watched in astonishment, their delight evident. Stelle herself seemed aware of the change, a knowing smile playing on her lips before her expression hardened with purpose. 

Raising her right arm, she pointed the fiery tip of her spear directly at Cocolia mid-air. Time froze—the stage set for the final confrontation. 

"Wahh..." Unexpectedly, Guinaifen burst into tears. Wiping furiously at her face, she continued fighting through blurred vision, unable to explain why she cried. Perhaps it was awe or the sheer weight of emotion overwhelming her. 

This eruption of hope descending upon them felt volcanic, consuming every other feeling. As events unfolded, the background music swelled, the drumbeats growing faster and more urgent. 

"This..." 
"It can't be..." Panic crept into Cocolia's usually icy tone. 
"The will of Preservation has already chosen its champion…" 

Cocolia pressed on, her voice rising in desperation, "You know nothing of this world's suffering… Nothing of the fate awaiting it!" 

"An entirely new future!" The Frost Ring activated, locking onto March 7th among the team members. 

[Team Member Locked. Use Stelle's Skill.] 
[New Skill: Taunt Enemies – Redirect Cocolia's Attacks.] 

At that moment, Stelle's weapon transformed from a simple baseball bat into a flaming riding spear. Guinaifen noticed the prompt but paid no heed to the tutorial message flashing on-screen. 

Her eyes glowed red as she exclaimed, "I don't even want to fight anymore! I just… Aaahh, this music is absolutely electrifying!" 

Viewers flooded the chat with their reactions. 
"What kind of soundtrack is this? My ears are about to explode!" 
"These drumbeats are pounding straight into my soul!" 
"It's just a turn-based game—why does it feel tenser than anything else I've ever played?" 
"Suddenly, my office feels like Everwinter Hill, and my pen turned into a shield and flame spear!" 
"Holy crap, this is insane!" 
"This. Is. Unreal!" 
"All hail the Amber King!" 

Suddenly, the flame spear in Stelle's hands let out a sharp clang, as though activating some hidden mechanism. Above, the Creation Engine's visage lit up with a crimson glow. Responding to the command, it raised its colossal fist—not targeting the protagonist, but Cocolia instead. 

[Creation Engine Activated. Use It to Destroy the Lance of Eternal Breeze.]

BANG! 

The iron fist crashed down, obliterating chunks of ice and snow in its wake. With its devastating Fire attribute damage, it effortlessly dismantled both of Cocolia's constructs. 

"What just happened…?" Guinaifen muttered, momentarily forgetting she was live-streaming. 

"How did I suddenly gain control over the Creation Engine?! And why is it so much stronger than when Cocolia used it?!" 

"With this battle hymn roaring in my ears, my strength feels limitless—spanning across the entire cosmos!" 

While the previous protagonist aligned with Destruction, their abilities often felt fragile in practice. Now, wielding the Destiny of Preservation, activating Stelle's Skill rendered March 7th's frost attacks completely harmless to the team. 

They didn't even need her shield anymore. Holding the flame spear felt like carrying an impenetrable barrier, repelling everything in its path. 

"This feels unbeatable!" 
"Next…" 
"Let's unleash the ultimate ability of Preservation!" 

Energy fully charged, Guinaifen tapped the fiery red icon representing the flame spear, brimming with excitement and anticipation.

Chapter Text

"The spear tip ignites!"

In an electrifying moment, the Trailblazer wielding the flaming spear looked like a fiery Butterfly of Song. Bronya and Seele flanked her on either side, while Gepard and Serval stood tall behind them. Together, they charged forward as one unstoppable force!

Ever since Guinaifen started playing this game, she'd been mesmerized by the illustrations that accompanied the characters' ultimate abilities. Each piece captured their unique styles perfectly, deepening her love for the game. But the Hero of Preservation's illustration? That took things to another level entirely!

"Flame Spear, Charge!"

The spear rose, wreathed in twisting flames. Amidst a shower of sparks, the Trailblazer surged ahead against the tide, charging forward with unrelenting momentum.

A scorching trail blazed behind them!

Halos erupted all around, like multiple volcanoes awakening at once. Then, bathed in towering inferno, the Trailblazer slammed the flame spear into the ground. Behind them, an even more massive pillar of fire exploded upward, its blazing light threatening to consume everything in its path!

"Holy smokes! This Hero of Preservation ultimate is insane—so cool!"
"Guys, check out the background during the ultimate—it's Jarilo!"
"A new skill! A new Ultimate! This protagonist might actually surpass five-star characters now!"
"It says 'trial version' in the corner, but who cares?! If this Stelle state hits the card pool, I'm grabbing it for sure!"
"That weapon is incredible! Perfect fit for the Trailblazer!"
"These visual effects are absolutely over-the-top!"

With a devastating punch from the Creation Engine, Cocolia's health bar depleted, triggering her second phase.

"The sole redemption…"

[Prelude to Genesis]

Cocolia began amassing power. At the center of her forehead, Imaginary energy swirled and condensed into a radiant orb.

But Guinaifen remained unfazed! With the Hero of Preservation's ultimate ability and the mighty blows of the Creation Engine, she was confident they could crush even Cocolia's second form! Her mood mirrored the soundtrack—intense, exhilarated, and brimming with certainty!

The Hero of Preservation raised a shield wall, preparing to block Cocolia's incoming attack. In Guinaifen's eyes, surviving this strike would practically guarantee victory!

It was Cocolia's turn to act. Her breathing grew heavier as she roared, "The power of the Stellaron flows through me… You're all… merely struggling in vain before the collapse of the old world!"

As her words echoed, the background music paused for a brief moment—just one second.

Then it exploded with full force!

"We made a choice, to fight against your fate!"

The instant that voice boomed, Guinaifen felt her scalp tingle with intensity! Her pupils widened in shock as she stared at the spectacle unfolding before her!

Cocolia stood aloft, raising the glowing energy in her hand. Above her, concentric rings of golden storm clouds had formed. Light coalesced into countless conical structures, intertwining to create a star remnant radiating destruction! Shadows swallowed the sky, casting their darkness toward the earth.

"Let me personally forge the magnificent new world!"

The previous background music had already been incredibly stirring. But no one expected what came next—it escalated even further, becoming explosively intense!

Not just Guinaifen, but every viewer in the live stream felt their scalps prickle with excitement! Mouths agape, eyes wide, they couldn't recover their composure for quite some time.

"Who's the villain here?! Cocolia seems dead set on stopping us at any cost, ah ha ha ha!" Guinaifen laughed and cried simultaneously, overwhelmed with emotion.

"I thought I was done for when those meteorites started raining down!"
"But not yet… not yet!"

"Light up the spear tip!"

"Activating the ultimate Preservation ability to THIS soundtrack is INSANELY thrilling!"
"I think I've gone completely mad!"

Inside the Live Streaming Room, viewers were absolutely losing it!

"My head feels like it's about to explode!"
"What IS this song?! What GAME is this?!"
"I literally jumped out of my chair with excitement!"
"When that music kicked in, I felt ready to take on the Aeon itself!"
"Wow, is this leading to the grand finale?!"

Meanwhile, at the base of Everwinter Hill, Old Yang had arrived. He watched the battle unfold on the snowy plains, his gaze frequently drawn to the colossal Creation Engine. As a fan of giant robots, Old Yang couldn't help but feel a special connection to them, reminiscing about Alaha's legacy.

Of course, visiting Jarilo-Jarilo-VI wasn't just about seeing this massive machine. His primary concern was ensuring March and the others' safety. Now that victory seemed assured, Old Yang finally relaxed.

"It looks like I won't need to step in this time."

Watching Seele, Bronya, and the others fight brought a wave of nostalgia, as if he were transported back to his homeland, fighting alongside his former comrades...

"Whew…" Old Yang shook himself out of it.

It wasn't his place to intervene anymore. The final resolution should be left to these young warriors to decide.

Instead, he pulled out his phone. Finding a quiet spot, Old Yang decided to finish the unfinished storyline from earlier.

The larger plot was already in motion, but within the game, the battle was just beginning. Naturally, Old Yang chose the male protagonist.

As he watched Caelus raise his flame spear, pointing it toward the figure in the sky, Old Yang was stunned!

It was so similar! All that was missing was shouting those three words:

"Flame Unsheathed!"

Following this, Caelus engaged Cocolia in combat using his new Preservation stance. Every time the Creation Engine unleashed an attack, Old Yang's breath hitched slightly. The thunderous roar of metal clashing against steel made him feel as though he were piloting the robot himself!

When the battle entered its second phase, the sound of Wildfire reverberated, causing Old Yang to jolt in surprise! He nearly dropped his phone, gripping it tightly as he watched the intense scene unfold with bated breath.

Turning his attention to the completed battlefield on the other side, he took a deep breath and muttered, "Why does it feel like…"

"Is this game even more intense than reality itself?"

Chapter Text

"Uncle Yang, our battle here is over."
"The remaining Stellarons are yours to seal!"
"We'll meet on the train later; this Trailblazing journey has been quite challenging!"
"And during the final confrontation, something truly shocking occurred!"
"You might have observed it from your vantage point above, but not as clearly as we experienced it firsthand."

As Old Yang read each message from March 7th, he couldn't help but smile wryly. He genuinely didn't know how to explain it all. Should he say:

"Your entire Trailblazing journey was crystal clear to us."
"We had a continuous viewpoint following you closely, with real-time tracking."
"We could even witness inner monologues and events unfolding within your mental worlds vividly!"

Nope!

It's best to let Himeko handle the explanation.

Old Yang promptly replied, "Alright, sealing the Stellarons is my responsibility."
"Remember to find Himeko; she has something important to show you."
March 7th responded with a Pom-Pom emoji giving a thumbs-up.

In Boulder Town...

March 7th, Dan Heng, and Stelle had reported their triumphant victory to Natasha and informed her that the lockdown on both upper and lower levels would soon be lifted.

This news swiftly spread through Wildfire's intelligence network.

Residents of the Underworld rushed onto the streets, as if celebrating a festival.

March 7th enjoyed this festive atmosphere and enthusiastically dragged Stelle and Dan Heng to various landmarks they had visited before, taking photos at each spot.

Dan Heng, expressionless, spoke up, "With the restrictions between upper and lower layers lifted, we can now use the cable car to return to the Overworld."

"Don't rush so much! There are still several places we haven't explored down here!" March 7th exclaimed, full of excitement. "Aren't you eager to meet Hook, Clara, and those kids again?"

Dan Heng shook his head. "I'm not particularly good with children."

At that moment,

Stelle opened her phone.

Suddenly, Stelle's smile froze.

"That's...a video from Himeko?"

March 7th leaned closer and grinned, "What is it? Did Ji Zi and Uncle Yang send us some praise?" 

"Huh? It's a video?"
"Could they have recorded the process of sealing the Stellaron?"
"Quick, let's open it!"

Stelle was taken aback because the thumbnail showed her drawing the flame spear. However, this event occurred within a mental space akin to the cosmos—how could Himeko possibly capture such footage?

Perhaps...
Just a coincidence?

She tapped on the video.

A melodious tune instantly filled the air.

The scene that unfolded...

Was precisely her moment of drawing the spear within the mental world!

"How is this possible?!" Stelle stood stunned, her body completely rigid.

Beside her, March 7th's eyes widened, as if she too had turned to stone!

Seemingly isolated from the bustling crowd and children's chatter around them, their attention was wholly captivated by the content of the video.

Even Dan Heng, known for his icy demeanor, felt a ripple in his usually calm heart upon hearing the melody playing behind him. Just as he was about to inquire about the song, he noticed Stelle and March 7th staring at the phone screen with shock, already distancing themselves significantly ahead.

Dan Heng furrowed his brow, subconsciously reaching for his long spear.

Something about this scene felt...unsettling.

He swiftly approached the two of them just as the video displayed footage of someone engaged in battle. To his surprise, it was none other than himself!

"Realm of Illusion, Dream Unending."
"Shatter!"

The tip of the spear emerged from behind Cocolia, splattering ink across the screen like blood.

Next, Stelle's image appeared on the display:

[War-Flaming Lance]

"The spearhead ignites."
"Spear of flames, charge forth!"

Flames seemed to leap out from the screen, forming a colossal pillar that soared towards the sky!

"Is this...a game...?" Dan Heng observed some typical gaming elements on the interface but still couldn't be certain due to the striking realism and additional special effects.

"Was this recorded during our fight with Cocolia?" Stelle asked, puzzled.
"No way! Our actual battle wasn't anything like this!"
"What's going on with this video? Could Big sis be messing with us by creating something like this?" 
"But let's be honest, your combat scenes look seriously epic!"
"And me, what about me? Am I in there too?"
"Big sis wouldn't forget about me, would she?!" 

As soon as these words were spoken...

March 7th indeed took action.
"Stand still now; I'll bless you right away."

[Shield Boost]

"Huh?"
"What?"
"Just that?"
"Why do both of you look so cool?! Why can't I just add some buffs like this?" March 7th pouted, feeling quite disheartened by the stark contrast between her abilities and theirs. 2
Dan Heng's gaze turned serious, and he said sternly, "Quiet down, March.

"We're approaching a crucial moment."
March sulkily puffed out her cheeks, seeking sympathy from Stelle with pleading eyes.

However, her best friend completely ignored her, fully absorbed in the unfolding video scene.

"I shall personally forge a magnificent new world!!"

Cocolia unleashed the concentrated meteorite in her hand, accompanied by an immediate shift to vocal background music.

A shudder ran through Dan Heng's body.

Stelle's pupils contracted sharply, and the hairs on her back stood up!

March 7th's face was filled with shock, as if she had seen a ghost!

After a long moment, the trio gradually recovered from their astonishment.
"Is-this...this a game?"
"The combat scenes..."
"It feels even more intense than our actual battles!"

Chapter Text

"Himeko!"
"Himeko!!"
"Himeko!!!"

"What's going on with this video you sent us?"
"Why are my character, Dan Heng's, and Stelle's featured in it?!"
"Is this some kind of game?!"
"How is our battle against Cocolia part of its content?!" March 7th exclaimed, her agitation evident as she bombarded the group chat "Astral Express Family" with over a dozen messages tagging Himeko.

Finally, Himeko replied, "Yes, it is a game."
"The game is called Honkai: Star Rail."
"For more details, let's wait until you return to the train. Welt and I will explain everything then."

After reading Himeko's message, March 7th sighed in relief. At least now she knew Himeko was aware of what was going on.

Dan Heng asked hesitantly, "Should we stay here longer?"
"Stay for what?! This game is all I can think about right now. Until I figure it out, I won't even be able to eat lunch," March 7th snapped.
"Hurry up! Come back with me to the train!"

With that, March 7th grabbed Dan Heng and Stelle by their arms and rushed them toward the designated coordinates.

Meanwhile, on the Starpeace Network, discussions about Honkai: Star Rail exploded across the web following Guinaifen's live stream of the climactic battle against Cocolia! A dedicated forum section sprang up overnight, buzzing with player reactions.

"I had no idea turn-based combat could feel so intense!"
"At first, I thought it was just another standard boss fight, but the story twists kept coming! When Cocolia's final scream synced perfectly with the music, I got goosebumps—it felt like fireworks going off in my brain!"
"This morning, I watched the entire event live during Little Gui's stream. It started cloudy outside, but as the music crescendoed, sunlight broke through the clouds and lit up my room. For a moment, I felt like I'd been chosen by an Aeon!"
"In that instant, I truly believed I was the villain!"
"To Cocolia, the Astral Express Crew really does seem like the bad guys! The Stellaron offers one path forward, while the Astral Express presents another. But their sudden appearance makes them untrustworthy; Cocolia prefers what she can see—the promise of a new world!"

"Cocolia may come off as a major antagonist, but after carefully following the story, I don't think she's pure evil. She genuinely wants Belobog to enter the new world and for Bronya to become its mother. Initially, she didn't blindly trust the Stellaron—she simply had no other choice. With Belobog facing certain doom, she had to rely on the Stellaron."

"The Stellaron has immense power. Even if she were deceived, the outcome likely wouldn't change much. So, despite the arrival of the Astral Express Crew, she couldn't risk betting on these unfamiliar outsiders to save them. If she lost that gamble, the only chance for entering the new world would vanish completely. Her decision wasn't easy, but the Stellaron seemed likely her only option."

"...Wait, do you guys progress through the plot so quickly?"
"True Arcana Friends play the game themselves and follow Little Gui's streams for extra story progression."

Suddenly, Star Rail and Jarilo-VI became the hottest topics online. This pristine white planet, which might have otherwise faded into obscurity with barely a mention in interstellar news, had now unfolded into a poignant epic tale under the collective gaze of the internet.

In the Talent Exchange Group of the Interastral Peace Corporation—a chat usually dominated by high-ranking executives who rarely spoke due to their busy schedules, each focused on advancing the company's vision in their own way—an unexpected flurry of activity erupted today! Messages flooded the group chat nonstop. Blinking away from your screen for even a second resulted in over 99 unread notifications.

"Jarilo-VI was originally our department's responsibility!"
"We registered transactions with Belobog during the Star Core Crisis!"
"But because Belobog was engulfed by cold weather and lost contact with the outside world, management wrote those transactions off as bad debts!"
"Now that Belobog has continued as an independent political entity, naturally, any subsequent dealings should fall under our department's jurisdiction!"

Almost immediately, Topaz from the Strategic Investment Department chimed in:

"Heh, you're referring to events from the Amber Era."
"Those transactions with Belobog have long since turned into abnormal debts."
"Handling and recovering such debts falls squarely within the scope of work for our Special Debt Enforcement Team—something everyone in the company knows well."
"I've already consulted with my superiors and submitted a preliminary plan for debt collection. Isn't it a bit too late for you to jump in now and try to claim this business?"

"You…" The head of the opposing department tried to argue further, but before things escalated, a higher-ranking official stepped in to mediate the brewing dispute.

"All right, isn't arguing like this in the company group beneath your dignity? Each of you here is a valued talent of the company. Must we resolve the allocation of work through quarrels?"
"Look at how heated your exchanges have become—you're practically behaving like stock traders shouting at each other on the trading floor."
"We all understand that Jarilo-VI is destined to become a hot commodity in the universe, with immense potential for both tourism and commerce. I trust you all share this foresight."
"However, rules govern our company, and indeed, this assignment rightfully belongs to the Topaz Group."

Topaz responded promptly, demonstrating their readiness: "Mission guaranteed, rest assured, leaders!"

Chapter Text

"What?!"

"The game begins with the space station being assaulted by the Antimatter Legion? The plot mirrors exactly what we've experienced in real life?!"

"What?!"

"The Astral Express Crew, Kafka, and Silver Wolf are actual playable characters in the game? And they even have unique ultimate ability animations?"

"What?!"

"Our expedition on Jarilo-VI has been turned into the main questline? You completed it from start to finish? People are streaming it online too?!"

After hearing Himeko and Welt's explanation, March 7th collapsed onto the train carriage floor, feeling completely disoriented, as if her soul had left her body.

Who am I? Where am I? What did I do?

The sheer volume of information overloaded her brain, causing her mental circuits to fry.

Stelle's situation wasn't much better. Initially, this Trailblazing journey had been quite successful—the outcome could even be considered favorable, as she managed to secure the Great Guardian's weapon along the way. However, the sudden appearance of this game shattered any sense of victory, leaving her with endless questions.

"What on earth happened in the universe while I was out exploring?!"

"Who created this cursed mobile game?!"

"They exposed my prank hiding in that hotel closet!"

"How am I supposed to maintain my Milky Way Bat reputation now?"

Once she found the developer responsible, Stelle vowed to charge fiercely at them using her newly acquired huge lance!

In contrast to the distraught state of the two girls, Dan Heng appeared remarkably composed. True to his nature, he remained unfazed amidst turmoil, like a stoic little azure dragon.

Silently seated in a corner of the train carriage, he browsed content related to Honkai: Star Rail on his phone without uttering a word. Occasionally, his eyebrows would furrow, and his gaze would darken.

Being suddenly thrust under the scrutiny of the entire universe left him unsettled. Fame held no importance for him; what mattered most was...

the debt of vengeance weighing heavily upon him.

If "that person" saw him, despite his altered appearance, they would recognize him instantly—and undoubtedly pursue him relentlessly.

Even the Astral Express couldn't shield him from this scrutiny.

Dan Heng didn't want his troubles to endanger his fellow passengers on the train. A decision began to take root within him—perhaps it was time to disembark.

Just then, an announcement blared over the train's speakers:

"Hello-hello—this is your conductor."

"All passengers, please gather promptly at the main hall for an emergency meeting!"

"I repeat, gather immediately at the main hall for an emergency meeting!"

Upon arriving at the hall, Dan Heng found everyone else already assembled.

March 7th and Stelle held their heads, still struggling to process the overwhelming information. However, they appeared somewhat recovered from their initial shock.

Seeing that all were present, Pom-Pom cleared her throat and spoke up, "Regarding the game 'Honkai: Star Rail,' Himeko and Welt have briefed me on the situation."

"This game, developed using our Astral Express as its theme, exposes numerous previously unknown secrets about the train.

"And every passenger here, including myself as the conductor, without exception—

"We've all become characters within the game!

"While he did quite well, Pom...

"Without seeking our consent beforehand, this action severely infringes upon the privacy of both the train and its passengers!

"As your conductor, I believe we must confront this game head-on!"

Pom-Pom declared emphatically.

On any other day, March 7th would have enthusiastically chimed in with, "Yes! Fight to the bitter end!"

But now, she paid Pom-Pom's words no heed. Instead, she lowered her voice and turned to Stelle beside her. "You said you wanted to draw Himeko?"

"Lucky coincidence—I want to draw Himeko too!"

"And if we get Uncle Yang as well, combined with you and me, we'd form an unstoppable Astral Express Crew..."

With hands on hips, Pom-Pom approached March 7th sternly and demanded, "Passengers March 7th and your companion here... What exactly are you two up to?!"

March 7th sheepishly bowed her head like a student caught whispering during class.

Clearly not planning to let her off easily, Pom-Pom prepared for a lengthy lecture.

Just then...

Himeko interjected, "March, Stelle... If you hadn't returned to the train early, where do you think you'd be on Jarilo-VI right now?"

"Huh?" March 7th was taken aback by Himeko's question.

Stelle inadvertently responded, "We should...should probably be at Bronya's inauguration ceremony, right?"

"Oh, that's true. Bronya even sent us special invitations; I haven't had a chance to reply yet."

Himeko's expression turned grave as she projected a screen for everyone to see.

"Take a look at this."

On the display:

A live stream of "Honkai: Star Rail" was playing.

After the battle concluded, more story content followed.

And what was currently unfolding...

Was precisely the scene of Stelle, March 7th, and Dan Heng attending Bronya's inauguration ceremony on the square!

The train car fell silent, as if even the air had frozen.

After a long moment, it was Dan Heng who broke the eerie stillness with his deep voice.

"The developers... predicted our actions?"

Pushing up his glasses, Old Yang's expression remained serious. "I believe...it wasn't prediction," he said. "Unless there's been some error, the current storyline is exactly what you were meant to experience."

"This is the trajectory of your future."

His words intensified the tense atmosphere further.

March hesitated before asking uncertainly, "So you're saying, from this point forward, the game has surpassed our journey and is now showing us glimpses of the future?"

"I'm afraid that seems to be the case."

"B-but that's utterly absurd!"

"I'd rather believe we've encountered something supernatural!"

Chapter Text

Chapter 42: From Shock to Acceptance – Is There More to Sampo?

"In the Far North, I bore witness to the fierce battle between the previous Great Guardian and an indescribable force. In her final moments, she revealed her deepest regret..."

"...It was the blockade that had divided the Upper and Underworld for over a decade. As time passed, she came to realize the devastating consequences of her choice... Though burdened with guilt, there was no turning back."

"Thus, as she lay dying, she entrusted us with a request... When the Stellaron's influence fades, she hopes Belobog could be reunited once more. She wished for the people of both realms to embrace dawn together."

Inside the train, everyone gathered around Little Gui’s live stream.

At first, when they realized they were seeing scenes from the future, reactions ranged from solemn to stunned, even skeptical. But as the story unfolded, their initial tension eased.

After all, this was just a game—it wasn’t about to transform into some monster and swallow them whole.

With repeated exposure, March 7th grew somewhat desensitized, casually grabbing a plate of fruits and pastries. She plopped onto the sofa, engrossed in Bronya’s speech. Stelle joined her, indulging in the snacks alongside March 7th.

Since they couldn’t change anything about the game, they might as well lean into it and enjoy the ride!

And surprisingly—watching themselves from a third-person perspective turned out to be quite entertaining!

The duo decided: Once they had the chance, they’d catch up on every missed moment of the storyline without skipping a beat!

In the square before Qlipoth Fort, amidst the gathered crowd, Bronya’s speech neared its conclusion.

"I firmly believe that through our collective efforts, our world—the one Trailblazers call Jarilo-VI—will surely return to the stars’ embrace once more."

"However, until we achieve this goal, please allow me, humbly, to guide us forward..."

"As Bronya Rand, the nineteenth Protector of Belobog, I hereby swear—"

Amidst the cheers and jubilation of the crowd, her address ended flawlessly.

March 7th and Stelle spontaneously burst into applause.

"You have to admit, Bronya nailed that speech!"

"Yes, and she even mentioned us! Our struggles on Jarilo-VI weren’t in vain!"

"I’ve made up my mind—I’m determined to summon both Seele and Bronya for my team!"

"Let’s hope my budget holds up..."

As they chatted and watched, the next sequence took on a lighthearted tone, focusing mainly on March 7th taking photos and wandering around town.

Soon enough, March announced she was tired and wanted to head back to the Gode Hotel for a good night’s rest.

Seeing the hotel appear on screen made Stelle’s cheeks flush slightly.

She silently prayed the developers wouldn’t throw in any unexpected twists here again.

If this kept up, her carefully crafted image as the cool and suave Galactic Baseballer would be utterly shattered—turning her into just another meme character!

The moment she selected the option “Go to Bed,” the screen suddenly went dark.

A line of small text appeared:

【The Creation Engine, Cocolia, the illusory cosmic realm, and Preservation’s gaze—scenes from that climactic battle flashed intermittently, piecing together fragmented memories akin to grainy film.】

【The final frame froze at the instant before the Stellaron dissipated with Cocolia. In that fleeting moment, it seemed as though an unfamiliar voice whispered close to your ear... but then faded away...】

【Attempting to rewind to the previous memory, you found the filmstrip in your hand abruptly cut off, leaving a clean edge without a trace.】

"Then, once again, you hear the woman’s voice..."

"At the end of your journey, all the riddles troubling you will be unraveled."

The live stream fell silent for several seconds.

Then came Little Gui Zi’s startled exclamation.
"That… That sounds like Kafka’s voice!"

March 7th nudged Stelle, her expression brimming with curiosity and intrigue.
"Hey, spill it—what exactly is your relationship with Kafka?"

Stelle opened her mouth but had no answer herself. Tentatively, she suggested, "Mother?"

"Pfft…" March 7th suddenly sprayed soda from her mouth.
"You’re calling Kafka ‘Mom’?"

"No, not really..."

"How about ‘K-Mom’?"

"Don’t say it! Actually, that nickname kind of fits her."
"In that case, I’m your big sister, and Himeko would be your adoptive mother..."

Seeing March 7th veering further off-topic, Himeko gently cleared her throat, signaling there was no need to continue.

At that moment, another image appeared on the screen—completely unexpected by everyone!

It was someone who should have already exited the story—a character seemingly responsible for comic relief yet pivotal at crucial moments.

It was Sampo!

Facing an old-fashioned television set, he appeared to be talking to himself:

"—Yes, it truly was a close call back then! But thanks to my quick thinking, hey, I realized there’s no need for me to play the protagonist role, right? Being The Masked Jester suits us just fine."

"Turns out, this Astral Express crew is even more entertaining than I thought! You’re enjoying it too? Really? Ha ha ha, what a masterpiece indeed."

"...No, no, I’m not ready to leave here yet. What about Epsilon? What fun can one find in such a decadent place? ‘The greater the joy that elevates human dignity, the higher its value’—now that’s interesting!"

"All right, cheers. Give my regards to the folks at the tavern, and don’t forget to tell them—to stay tuned for Old Sambor’s next act! Now, it’s time for my curtain call."

With his conversation seemingly concluded, Sampo departed with a smile.

March 7th watched, utterly dumbfounded, before snapping back to reality.
"Quick! Open the chat to see what others are saying!"

Just like March 7th and her friends, the barrage of comments expressed complete shock at the unexpected turn of events.

"???"
"What is Sampo doing?!"
"At the end of the story, even old Sampo gets a role?"
"He’s not from this planet?"
"I’m genuinely shocked! I never expected Sampo to have another hidden identity!"
"This guy is definitely more than meets the eye!"
"I had a feeling something was off about him earlier; some main storyline options hinted at it too!"
"Could he be affiliated with the company?"
"Is Sampo somehow connected to the Stellaron Hunters?"

Amidst the flurry of speculations about Sampo’s identity,
Sampo suddenly reappeared on the screen, despite having left earlier.

He bowed slightly toward the viewers.

"This story is dedicated to you, dear audience—did it bring you even a hint of pleasure?"

"If you say no, ah, Sampo would be truly heartbroken."

Chapter Text

"Woah? Is Sampo directly addressing us through the screen?"

"Sampo, you're something else!"

"Elation! He mentioned elation!"

"The Masked Fool, supposedly under the Star God of Ecstasy, emerges when civilizations stagnate like dead water, stirring things up!" 2

"Could there be a possibility that Sampo is actually the developer of this game?! He might be 'Feathered Spirit'!"

(...)

Interastral Peace Corporation-

After Topaz took on the investment task for Jarilo-VI, another significant mission was presented to the executives.

"Well then, who is willing to undertake this assignment?—Capturing Sampo, suspected developer of 'Honkai: Star Rail'." 1

Reply from Aventurine, Strategic Investment Department: "It can't be that simple. If the game's developer 【Feathered Spirit】 truly is Sampo, why would he deliberately expose his identity at the end?"

"However, currently, there's no other information about the developer 【Feathered Spirit】. We cannot rule out the possibility that it was a clever ploy by the creator themselves."
Aventurine, Strategic Investment Department: "Alright, we still have some time before reaching Penacony. I am willing to accept this assignment."

"Aventurine, if Sampo really is the developer, he must have hidden tricks up his sleeve. I advise you to prioritize reclaiming control over Penacony; otherwise, you might fail on both fronts."

Aventurine, Strategic Investment Department: "Thank you for the reminder, but I have my own assets to rely on. Please don't worry about me."

(...)

On the Astral Express...

March 7th took a large bite out of her fruit, almost as if venting her frustration.

"This Sampo! Hiding so deeply he even fooled me!"
"Without this game's storyline, I would've truly believed he was just a local on Jarilo-VI!"

Himeko stepped in to comfort her. "Alright, March, don't let it get to you."

"Welt and I analyzed the situation," she continued, "and we believe there's a high likelihood that Sampo is one of the Masked Fools.

"Aha's followers can be unpredictable, but he hasn't done anything harmful to any of you. In fact, he has been quite helpful at times."

"True... But next time I see him, I'm still giving him a sound beating!" Stelle nodded emphatically beside her, clearly sharing the same sentiment.

After venting their frustrations about Sampo for a bit, everyone refocused their attention on the unfolding plot.

The night at Goethe Hotel passed uneventfully.

Now, it was time to leave Jarilo-VI and return to the Astral Express.

Under the clear sky, a shimmering star soared against gravity, ascending into the heavens.

At Qlipoth Fort, Seele, who had been heatedly debating priorities for town reconstruction with Bronya, suddenly paused mid-argument.

Pointing out the window, she exclaimed,

"Bronya, look!"

As they gazed upon the shooting star streaking across the sky, both women ceased their quarrel, simultaneously wearing expressions of relief and contentment.

"Along their journey...they'll undoubtedly face many more challenges," Bronya sighed.

"Hmm...perhaps even greater hardships than what lies ahead for us."

"But we will surely overcome them. Even if it means these kinds of disputes must continue..."

"...Hey, I'm quite skilled at arguing, you know."

The two interacted like a young couple who could quickly reconcile after bickering.

March 7th cradled Stelle tightly, swaying excitedly back and forth.

"They complement each other so well!"
"It's heartwarming to see—much better than our rushed reunion!"

In Little Gui's stream, Guinaifen watched this scene with an aunt-like smile.

"Heh heh heh..."

Viewers promptly reminded her:

Romance shipping is fine, but wipe that drool from your mouth!
Remember, you're live—you need to maintain your image.

Guinaifen retorted, "What drool?! Those are tears! Just some rogue drops slipping from the corner of my eyes, okay?!"

Her gaze shifted to the game screen.
Slowly, her smile faded.

"Sigh..."
"Here we go again."
"Do you think there will be new story content coming up?"

Barrages of comments swiftly filled the chat window.

"I'm March 7th! We just returned from Jarilo-VI, and I'd bet ten train tickets there won't be any new main storyline quests next! The Astral Express Crew hasn't even decided where to go for our next stop!"

"You're March 7th? Well, I'm Dan Heng then!"

"Based on common logic, the game's progress has indeed surpassed reality. If it continues further, it wouldn't be reflecting current events but predicting the future."
"If that's the case, it does seem unlikely for new mainline quests to appear."
"Even with the story at this point, this game deserves to be hailed as legendary."
"The streamer's progress is way too fast; I'm still working on the 'To Fading Star' side quest at the space station."
"Trust Feathered Spirit, Feathered Spirit is my god!"

Seeing this discussion among the stream's viewers, Guinaifen also began to feel anxious.

Opening one eye slightly, she gently tapped on the screen.

【New Quest: The Tranquil Galaxy】

Talk to Pom-Pom and prepare for the next journey.

"Aaaaaahhh...!!!" Guinaifen let out a high-pitched scream akin to a mouse.
"It exists!"
"There is indeed another journey!"
"This game is truly unmatched!!"
"I really..."
"Don't know what to say anymore!!"
"Feathered Spirit, you're amazing!!!!"

Chapter Text

"Where will our next destination be?" Stelle asked, her curiosity piqued as they prepared for the next leg of their journey within the game.

Pom-Pom's eyes lit up with fierce determination. "No matter where it leads, we can't follow the game's storyline!" she declared boldly.
"We absolutely won’t let it dictate our path!"
"If it goes there, we'll deliberately go elsewhere!"

Old Yang, however, remained calm and analytical.

Stelle chimed in thoughtfully, "Based on the events so far, the next destination is likely Xianzhou Luofu."
"This makes sense because several characters we’ve encountered originate from there."

At the mention of "Xianzhou Luofu," Dan Heng’s expression shifted ever so slightly, though he didn’t elaborate further. His gaze seemed distant, like the endless stars outside the train window.

"That’s great! Our original plan wasn’t to head to Xianzhou Luofu anyway, right, Himeko?" March 7th exclaimed excitedly. Her enthusiasm stemmed from a recent bet made during the live stream—though no one truly believed she was March 7th, nor had anyone taken her wager seriously.

Himeko, on the other hand, remained cautious. "Let’s just keep watching," she advised. "I’ll reserve judgment until the plot becomes clearer."

Soon, it was time for the Astral Express to transition through another Leap. Everyone braced themselves, anticipation at its peak.

Would the storyline lead them to Xianzhou Luofu, as heavily foreshadowed? Or would it reveal an entirely unexpected destination, yet unknown to the crew?

It felt akin to observing Schrödinger’s cat—a mystery waiting to unfold. Himeko refrained from commenting, fearing her input might influence the outcome. The best course of action was simply to observe how the story evolved.

Pom-Pom’s voice echoed over the intercom:

"Apologies for the wait, passengers! Thanks to the incredible efforts of our three Trailblazers, the rift activity has stabilized, and all stellar rail readings are back to normal!"

"The train will now resume its journey, departing Jarilo-VI. Please secure yourselves and give one final farewell to this planet!"

As everyone aboard eagerly awaited the announcement of their next stop…
A surprise unfolded!

The screen went black. A single line of text appeared at the center:

【Luofu Immortal Ferry - The Shackling Prison】

"Tick… Tick… Tick…"

In the dimly lit corridor, everything was shrouded in a thick, fog-like haze. A solitary figure trudged forward, flanked by two soldiers wielding long swords. His hands were bound tightly behind his back. Step by step, he approached the end of the corridor, where two figures stood awaiting him.

On the left sat a young man with his eyes half-closed, exuding an air of quiet authority. On the right stood a man clad in light battle armor, bearing a golden lion emblem on his shoulder. With his hands clasped behind his back, he exuded poised command.

The live-stream chat erupted instantly.

"Holy crap, what am I seeing?! It’s Yanqing!"
"Xianzhou Luofu! It really is Luofu!"
"What’s going on?! Why did the perspective suddenly shift to Luofu’s prison?!"
"The guy on the left is Yanqing, so the standing figure must be…"
"The Closed-Eyed General! No… Divine Strategy General—Jing Yuan!!"
"JING YUANNNN!!! (Already losing it)"
"This is insane!"

As the prisoner drew closer, Jing Yuan spoke sternly. "Yanqing, pay close attention to this man when he arrives."

By now, the prisoner had been escorted directly beneath the platform. Jing Yuan addressed him solemnly. "Do you remember me?"

"Yes," the man replied, despite his captivity, a strange smile flickering across his face. Then, unprompted, he added cryptically, "There were five individuals, with three as the price…"

Both Yanqing and Jing Yuan tensed visibly. Yanqing instinctively reached for the hilt of his sword.

The man continued, his voice carrying an ominous weight. "Jing Yuan, you’re not among them."

In the next instant, the prisoner’s complexion turned deathly pale, as if extinguished by a sudden gust of wind. His gaze locked intently ahead, and with trembling hands, he raised a battered sword, pointing it straight at the man.

"You… are one of them!"

Then, without warning, the scene shifted abruptly.

Dan Heng jolted awake in bed, drenched in cold sweat. Gasping for breath, his chest heaved violently as he struggled to shake off the nightmare.

Within the carriage, everyone turned toward him simultaneously. This event clearly involved him directly.

Dan Heng looked equally shocked and bewildered, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He hadn’t expected such harrowing imagery to manifest within the game. His panic mirrored that of his character’s reaction.

"How is this even possible…" Dan Heng muttered under his breath, still trying to steady his breathing.

Himeko handed him a cup of coffee, offering reassurance. "Relax, Dan Heng. We’re all here with you. No one will harm you."

"No, it’s just…" Dan Heng took a sip of the coffee but nearly choked, tears welling up in his eyes.

Old Yang patted him gently on the back, concern etched on his face.

March 7th leaned over to whisper to Stelle, "This is the first time I’ve seen Dan Heng like this."

"The man who appeared in that vision… must be his nemesis, right?"

"Who do you think that guy is? Even Dan Heng was terrified out of his mind…"

Stelle shook her head. "I don’t know either, but one thing’s certain…"

"As long as we keep watching, we’ll eventually learn his identity."

"And chances are, he’ll turn out to be a major boss, just like Cocolia!"

"When that happens, we need to make sure our characters’ levels and gear are top-notch so we can help Dan Heng defeat this enemy—and conquer his inner demons!"

Chapter Text

-The Divination Commission-

Qingque had been glued to Little Gui’s stream, following every moment from the space station to Jarilo-VI. The game was so engrossing that it even made her meals more enjoyable—she’d polished off two bowls of rice in one sitting! Suffice it to say, she was completely hooked.

In fact, she hadn’t played mahjong for nearly two whole days!

But now, the storyline had taken an unexpected turn toward Xianzhou Luofu. Not only did Yanqing make an appearance, but General Jing Yuan himself showed up too!

Before this point, Qingque could enjoy the unfolding events like a thrilling fantasy drama because they were distant and unrelated to Luofu or herself. No matter how chaotic things got with the Astral Express and Stellaron Hunters elsewhere, it all felt like harmless entertainment.

However…

Now the excitement has landed right on my doorstep!

She couldn’t stay calm anymore.

“It looks like the next major plot will take place on the Luofu Immortal Ship!”
“What about that person claiming to be March 7th? When are you sending me those ten train supply vouchers you promised?”
“Wait, hold on! Why is everyone still acting so relaxed? This storyline involves the Luofu Immortal Ship; Little Gui Zi might get shut down any second now!”
“Nah, it won’t come to that.”
“How can you say that?! Do you know who just appeared in that scene? It’s Blade—a Stellaron Hunter! There’s an 8.13 billion bounty on him from the company!”
“Luofu is in danger! Quickly alert the Divination Commission and the General!”
“Increase surveillance at The Shackling Prison!”

As Qingque read through these comments, her heart began racing. She sensed impending doom looming over them. Whispers suggested that every plot point in the game mirrored reality. Was it now predicting future events?

Moreover, whenever the main storyline unfolded, significant occurrences always followed—like the Grim Reaper calling out names for his reaping. And this time, the Luofu Immortal Ship seemed to be next on the list!

“Oh no! Our peaceful days are over!”

Qingque’s first thought was to urgently report this to Chief Astrologer Fu Xuan. If disaster struck later, at least they’d have informed her, shifting the responsibility onto her shoulders.

With that sense of urgency, Qingque didn’t even bother wiping her mouth before rushing straight to Fu Xuan’s office within the Divination Commission.

“Chief Astrologer, something terrible has happened!” she exclaimed breathlessly.

Inside, Fu Xuan’s lips twitched slightly as he observed the flustered figure outside her door. In a stern tone, she said, “Qingque! As diviners, we must maintain composure and strategic thinking, embodying poise and restraint. Your panicked shouting can be heard throughout the commission—what decorum is this?”

“I wouldn’t act like this unless it were truly urgent,” Qingque explained hurriedly.

“What is it? Tell me.”

Five minutes later, Qingque finished recounting everything she knew about Honkai: Star Rail, unsure if the Chief Astrologer fully grasped the gravity of the situation.

Fu Xuan closed his eyes without speaking, seemingly deep in thought. After a few seconds, he finally asked, “This game… can actually predict the future?”

“Ridiculous and laughable!”
“You stayed up all night playing cards again, didn’t you? Still not fully awake?”

“Chief Astrologer, I’m being wrongfully accused! It’s been two whole days since I last touched any cards! Instead, I’ve been continuously… well, constantly observing this game’s content!” Qingque protested, looking deeply aggrieved.

“Every word your subordinate says is true, Chief Astrologer,” she insisted. “Let me show you this video!”

Just as Qingque was about to search for “【Five Named Individuals】” on the Honkai: Star Rail forum, she froze. Her phone clattered loudly onto the floor.

“What happened?”

Qingque hastily picked up her phone and blew on it gently.

“Chief Astrologer, the developer ‘Feathered Spirit’ just posted another video moments ago!”
“It’s a short film titled A Flash!”

Fu Xuan took the phone from her.

The thumbnail featured General Jing Yuan, his eyes blazing fiercely as though caught mid-battle against a formidable foe.

“So what? Countless products in Luofu exploit the General’s popularity for promotion. This morning, I drank a cup of hot Luofu milk ‘strongly recommended by General Jing Yuan.’”

“My lord, perhaps you should watch it?”

“All right, let’s see then.”

Though Qingque hadn’t seen the video herself, she trusted the developer implicitly. When it came to delivering surprises, “Feathered Spirit” never disappointed. Expect only top-tier content!

“Huff… huff…”

A strong gust of wind echoed from the video.

The scene revealed a desolate landscape of shattered ruins floating in mid-air, surrounded by fragments of broken stone. Eerie blue-purple light flickered alongside flashes of sword beams. Below, a multitude of Cloud Knights lay sprawled across the ground—but they weren’t ordinary knights. They had been transformed into white ice sculptures, frozen in various poses amidst the battlefield.

Fu Xuan’s expression darkened slightly.

Then, he saw Jing Yuan steadily advancing through the chaos. Only now did Fu Xuan notice that the Jing Yuan in the video appeared younger than his current self, exuding youthful vigor and sharpness—a stark contrast to his present demeanor as an old slacker.

On the other side of the battlefield, standing amidst the wreckage, was a woman.

She wielded a longsword that gleamed coldly, her white hair flowing freely. Surprisingly, there wasn’t the slightest hint of a martial warrior’s aura about her. Her crimson eyes glinted dangerously, and the upward curve of her lips conveyed a frenzied madness.

A flicker of astonishment crossed Fu Xuan’s face as he blurted out, “This person is… Jingliu?!”

Beside him, Qingque’s jaw dropped in shock. “What?! It’s actually her!”

But despite her reaction, Qingque was utterly confused.

Jingliu? Who’s that?

The identity didn’t matter as much as Fu Xuan’s stunned expression. Something clearly wasn’t right. Qingque realized she couldn’t stand idly by while her superior reacted this way. She needed to actively support and empathize with her boss—provide emotional reassurance!

Chapter Text

Fu Xuan quickly turned to Qingque, her eyes sharp with scrutiny. "Do you know who she is?"

Under Fu Xuan's intense gaze, Qingque felt a wave of unease and stammered, "I... I don't..."

Fu Xuan let out a sigh. It was no surprise that Qingque didn't recognize Jingliu. Her records had been erased from Xianzhou’s history, branded as a traitor whose name was wiped clean.

Although Fu Xuan hadn’t lived through those times herself, her unique position often required her to perform calculations and analyze historical events, inevitably exposing her to some hidden secrets. This allowed her to be aware of Jingliu's existence and the significance behind her name.

As they continued watching:

Jingliu's expression abruptly changed. The dangerous smile vanished, leaving her eyes clear and bright like red agates.

"Hold fast to this oath: We, the cloud riders, shall shield Xianzhou like clouds veiling the sky."

"Draw your swords!"

Before the gathered Cloud Knights, the young Jingliu exuded unwavering determination, embodying valor among women!

The young man promptly responded, "Yes, Master!"

Seeing the youth's demeanor, Qingque burst into laughter, "Ha, he looks just like General Jing Yuan! Could he be his secret offspring?"

In the next moment, she met Grand Diviner's disapproving gaze, as if looking at a fool.

Realizing his mistake, Qingque cautiously asked, "Is this...a young General Jing Yuan? And the woman beside him, is that Jingliu? Was she once General Jing Yuan's master?"

"You still have some wits about you," Fu Xuan replied.

As their conversation ended, fierce combat erupted in the vision before them.

Jingliu's attacks were swift and deadly, forcing Jing Yuan to barely manage defense after defense.

Suddenly, the scene shifted back to the past.

Young Jing Yuan was vigorously swinging his longsword, drenched in sweat, panting heavily.

Beside him, his master remained stern and unyielding.

"Keep your grip tight! As a Cloud Knight, never let go of your weapon or allow your form to falter."

"Yes, Master!"

"Hummm—!"

The scene changed again.

Amidst flickering flames stood a soldier who had succumbed to the Demonic Yin Body transformation.

"Master..."

"He doesn't recognize us anymore..." The young Jing Yuan hesitated to strike against a fellow comrade.

Behind them, Jingliu remained expressionless as she drew her weapon.

"This is what happens when one succumbs to the Demonic Yin Body."

A cold flash illuminated the scene. Her opponent was instantly slain.

"The Demonic Yin Body is the fate of Eternal Life Beings. If ever I fall to it, you must show no mercy."

"Yes... Master..."

These words seemed prophetic.

In the following vision, Jingliu knelt on the icy ground, trembling and moaning in anguish—a stark contrast to the resolute swordswoman seen moments ago.

Jing Yuan stood outside the cage, helplessly witnessing this sight.

"Once consumed by the Demonic Yin Body, senses are inverted, and all humanity is lost."

"Go back, Jing Yuan. Jingliu has passed away."

"Bang!"

The past memories shattered as countless icy blades struck Jing Yuan, sending him flying backward several meters.

Yet, the demonized Jingliu continued her relentless approach, face devoid of emotion.

In General Jing Yuan's golden irises, a subtle shimmer of vulnerability flickered.

Fu Xuan and Qingque were utterly astounded!

From as far back as they could remember, General Jing Yuan had always been mature and composed. Never before had they witnessed him displaying such heart-wrenching vulnerability!

Before watching this footage, if anyone claimed that General Jing Yuan could feel anguish, indecision, or be driven to despair, they would have dismissed it outright!

Only after seeing this video did they realize:

No one is born a natural leader!

Nobody inherently possesses the qualities to excel as a General!

The journey towards becoming one must involve unimaginable pain and struggles beyond ordinary comprehension!

At that moment,

Jing Yuan's gaze gradually hardened, as if making a firm decision.

Golden aura radiated from his weapon-clutching hand.

His entire figure seemed enveloped in a blaze of golden flames.

A colossal golden silhouette began forming around him.

"Farewell, Master."

"Allow your disciple to repay your teachings..."

"...with this ultimate technique!"

With a sweeping motion of his weapon,

the Divine Monarch behind him mirrored the action, wielding a longsword forged of pure gold.

Amidst the radiant light akin to a blazing sun, Jingliu's figure slowly vanished.

Fu Xuan and Qingque stood speechless, mouths agape.

Within mere minutes, the helplessness and brutality of the Demonic Yin Body affliction, along with the complex grievances between Jing Yuan and Jingliu, were vividly portrayed!

Just as Fu Xuan was about to speak, the scene abruptly shifted.

The atmosphere brightened with sunshine.

"Nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-eight..."

"Nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine..."

"Ten thousand!"

It was a familiar setting, with familiar guidance.

However, the mentor-disciple pair had changed from Jingliu and little Jing Yuan to Jing Yuan and young Yanqing.

Jing Yuan's voice resonated sternly, "As a cloud rider, never let your weapon slip or your form disperse."

"Yes, sir!"

Jing Yuan smiled slightly, his tone becoming somewhat relaxed. "But you're still too young; you can't be considered a true cloud rider yet."

"I want to become like the General, leaving my name etched in legend on the Xianzhou!"

"What's so great about that? The path ahead won't be easy," Jing Yuan replied mildly.

"But, General, didn't you also reach where you are step by step?" Yanqing argued, determination and aspiration shining in his eyes.

After a brief silence,

Jing Yuan frowned, his expression deepening. Suddenly, he grinned, "Since you're so eager, shall we spar then?"

"Sure!"

"Don't expect me to go easy on you!"

With this, the short film officially concluded.

Within the Divination Commission, a profound silence fell momentarily, as both Fu Xuan and Qingque seemed immersed in the emotions conveyed by the footage.

A moment later,

Qingque sighed, breaking the silence, "General Jing Yuan, what a remarkable journey!"

"Seeing Jing Yuan and Jingliu back then compared to Jing Yuan and Yanqing now—it feels like another lifetime."

"And just imagine if it's indeed Yanqing who says, 'General... I shall repay your mentorship with this very technique...' in the future?!"

Fu Xuan sighed. "Qingque, if you have nothing meaningful to add, perhaps it's best not to speak at all."

"All right, Chief Diviner."

Chapter Text

---

After watching Fleeting Light, Fu Xuan was deeply moved but had no time to dwell on it; immediate action was required.

Her decision was swift:

"No, the people of Luofu must not see this! The former Sword Leader of Luofu—General Jing Yuan’s master—falling victim to the Demonic Yin Body and turning against our past Xianzhou... This information cannot go public. It would damage the reputation of our Xianzhou Loufu and erode trust in the Cloud Knights and General Jing Yuan!"

As Fu Xuan tried contacting the department overseeing jade tablets, she noticed the live viewer count had already surged into the tens of thousands, with chat exploding in real-time.

"It's too late..."

"Wahh, Mara-struck are so cruel!"

"Damn you, Yaoshi!, are you only satisfied when humanity is torn apart by betrayal? Mentor and disciple turned enemies, heroes losing their sanity…?"

"General Jing Yuan in his youth... he really was young!"

(Note: Jing Yuan has always been that "General" in their eyes, thus the sentence above)

"Before succumbing to the Demonic Yin Body, Jingliu was truly impressive! Such a loss for such talent..."

"Oh Feathered Spirit, please make Jing Yuan's final strike an ultimate ability!"

"+1!"

"Add General Jing Yuan to the gacha banner tomorrow! Don’t force me to kneel and beg!"

Seeing Fu Xuan’s distress, Qingque attempted to reassure her: "Chief Diviner, don’t worry—this is just the beginning, mere appetizers!"

"There will be even bigger revelations later!"

"And once the Luofu storyline unfolds, it'll be mind-blowing..."

Fu Xuan pressed a hand to her forehead. "Enough, Qingque... Truly, enough..."

"This matter... We need to urgently report it to the General."

"Yes, yes! Report it to General Jing Yuan and let him deal with it!" Qingque nodded enthusiastically, like a chick pecking at grains.

"Then, Chief Diviner, if you’ll allow it, I’ll take my leave and continue working."

"Wait, Qingque!"

"Since you’ve been closely monitoring the game for days, I’m assigning you to keep watching it. Report any extreme player reactions immediately."

Qingque, halfway out of the Divination Commission, sighed wearily but realized she hadn’t been given extra tasks beyond playing games. Wasn’t this better than most jobs? She could indulge guilt-free now!

With that thought, Qingque perked up, a flush of excitement coloring her cheeks.

After Qingque left, Fu Xuan resumed researching Honkai: Star Rail. The more she read, the more astonished she became.

"This... This is..."

"If our Xianzhou Luofu's storyline appears in the game, what does that mean?"

"Even Qiongguan Formation can only glimpse the past or predict future possibilities—but this game narrates future events as if they’ve already happened!"

"It’s... unbelievable!"

Initially skeptical, Fu Xuan found herself forced to believe the mounting evidence. Compiling her findings into a concise report, she submitted it to the Seat of Divine Foresight.

While waiting for a response, Fu Xuan paced anxiously within the Divination Commission.

"Will the General make these decisions?"

"Will he believe in this strange game?"

"If not, how can I convince him?"

Suddenly halting her thoughts, Fu Xuan pulled out her jade tablet and began searching for Honkai: Star Rail in the virtual marketplace. If divination couldn’t provide answers, she’d have to experience the game herself.

Just then, Jing Yuan appeared on the projection sand table, exuding calm confidence.

"General!" Fu Xuan asked urgently, "Have you reviewed the report I sent about the game?"

Unfazed, Jing Yuan raised a hand to interrupt her.

"I haven’t read it."

"You..." Fu Xuan started, about to stress its importance, but Jing Yuan cut in again. "No need for alarm, Minister Fu."

"I’ve been following this game closely for some time now."

"What?!" Fu Xuan exclaimed, stunned.

"On Xianzhou Luofu, there’s a streamer named Little Gui who began broadcasting Honkai: Star Rail yesterday. By chance, I stumbled upon her stream and have seen the entire narrative unfold firsthand."

Fu Xuan took a moment to process this revelation.

"Aha, truly fitting for our General."

Jing Yuan smiled. "Indeed, Our Sky-Faring Commision never falls behind in intelligence matters."

"All we need to do now is continue following Little Gui’s perspective."

Fu Xuan sighed in relief, finally sitting down—but quickly stood up again. "In that case, I should log into my account too."

"We both need to actively engage and guide discussions as ordinary viewers in the Live Streaming Room to prevent negative sentiment toward Luofu."

"No problem," Jing Yuan replied promptly.

In truth, he had already been posting comments in the chat.

"This is my account—please accept my friend request."

They quickly added each other as friends.

The corner of Jing Yuan’s mouth twitched upward. "Fu Xuan, your username is quite good."

"【Ruthless Divination Machine】" responded, "Yours is just as impressive."

"【Using Real Name Online】": "Alright, let’s hurry and join the Live Streaming Room together."

---

Chapter Text

At that moment, in the live stream room:

Little Gui wasn’t broadcasting the game’s storyline—instead, the screen was frozen on the Astral Express’ Parlor Car.

"Huh? Where did Streamer Little Gui go?" Fu Xuan asked, confused, instinctively glancing at Jing Yuan.

Jing Yuan shook his head. "Don’t look at me, I have no idea."

"She was just here a second ago."

Viewers quickly flooded the chat:

"Did Little Gui just vanish into thin air?"

"Alright, everyone, time to leave. The Cloud Knights must’ve already hauled the streamer away."

"Seriously? They shut it down?"

"Realm-Keeping Commission, really?! We were just about to dive into the Xianzhou Luofu storyline! At such a crucial moment, taking Little Gui away—does the future of Luofu have something to hide?"

"I’m logging into the game right now to see what major event is coming!"

"Give us back our Little Gui!"

Jing Yuan and Fu Xuan stared at their screens, completely baffled—especially Jing Yuan.

He had personally instructed the Realm-Keeping Commission not to interfere with the stream, ensuring Little Gui could broadcast smoothly!

So how did the streamer just disappear? Who could’ve acted so quickly?

Taking a deep breath, Jing Yuan immediately pulled out his jade tablet.

【Real Name User】 gifted Streamer Little Gui 1 Listening Storm!
【Real Name User】 gifted Streamer Little Gui 3 Listening Storms!
【Real Name User】 gifted Streamer Little Gui 5 Listening Storms!

As flashy gift notifications filled the screen, Fu Xuan instantly understood.

Right—send gifts!

The stream hadn’t been shut down, so the issue wasn’t with the broadcast itself.

Something urgent must’ve happened to the streamer.

But what could be more important than progressing the game’s plot?

The entire universe was watching this unfold!

Not wanting to fall behind, Fu Xuan also started spamming gifts.

【Heartless Divination Machine】 gifted Streamer Little Gui 5 Super Star Boats!
【Heartless Divination Machine】 gifted Streamer Little Gui 10 Super Star Boats!!!

"Whoa, what’s happening today? Are we witnessing a battle of the gods?"

"Little Gui, hurry back! With all these big spenders throwing money, I—" 【User: '...'】 "—am getting secondhand anxiety!"

"Both of you, stop! At this rate, you’ll actually summon the authorities!"

Suddenly, Little Gui executed a dramatic spin and somersaulted back into frame.

Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Thank you to our two amazing benefactors, 【RealNameUser】 and 【Heartless Divination Machine】!"

"Sorry, folks, I just ran to the bathroom! Been holding it in all night!"

"To repay your unwavering support, Little Gui will now redouble her efforts to uncover the story and deliver an even better viewing experience!"

Fu Xuan let out a relieved sigh.

Phew, she’s still here!

How would the Astral Express cross paths with the Xianzhou Luofu? What major events were about to unfold?

She was fully invested now.

If she could preview the upcoming plot, she could make informed decisions in advance—always better to be prepared!

---

Meanwhile, on the snowfields of Jarilo-VI:

Aventurine led a squad of IPC security officers, surrounding a highly suspicious trash can.

"Come on out, Sampo." Aventurine twirled a token between his fingers, his tone casual. "You really think a random trash can in the middle of nowhere isn’t suspicious?"

The moment he finished speaking, a figure crawled out from under the can.

"Hahaha, just a little joke for you all!"

"What brings my esteemed employers to seek out little ol’ me?"

An IPC guard stepped forward, gun raised, and growled, "Stop playing dumb—you’re Feathered Spirit, the developer of Honkai: Star Rail, aren’t you?"

Sampo raised his hands in exaggerated innocence. "What? Me? Feathered Spirit?" He gasped dramatically. "I’ve been framed! Completely and utterly framed!"

"I want to find that damn developer too! Just look at how they portrayed me in Belobog’s story!" Sampo continued indignantly. "I’m an upstanding, law-abiding citizen, and they turned me into some sleazy con artist! It’s slander!"

Aventurine narrowed his eyes, studying Sampo’s every micro expressions.

Just then, his phone buzzed.

A new announcement from Feathered Spirit—a short film titled "A Flash."

Sampo seized the opportunity. "See?! If I were Feathered Spirit, how could I be posting updates right now?"

"This Feathered Spirit is clearly setting me up!"

Aventurine smirked. "Not necessarily. Unless I’m mistaken, posts can be scheduled in advance, no?"

"Couldn’t this just be a clever misdirection on your part?"

A giant question mark seemed to float above Sampo’s head. After a beat, he sighed.

"You make a convincing argument. At this point, even I’m starting to believe I’m Feathered Spirit."

"Fine, take me in for the bounty." Sampo extended his wrists, feigning resignation.

Aventurine chuckled. "Don’t worry, the IPC will ensure you receive a fair trial."

Sampo nodded solemnly.

Then—

BOOM!

Smoke bombs rolled out from his sleeves, filling the area with thick fog.

By the time Aventurine waved the smoke away, Sampo was gone.

"Aventurine-sir… cough Should we pursue…? cough"

"No need." Aventurine smirked. "That was just a test—Sampo isn’t Feathered Spirit."

Gazing into the snowy distance, he murmured to himself:

"My mission was to confirm whether Sampo was the developer. Now, we have our answer."

"Case closed."

"As for tracking down the real Feathered Spirit—"

He chuckled. "Do you really think someone capable of creating this game would be easy to catch?"

"A job this difficult? Anyone who wants it can take it—I’m out."

Chapter Text

"Ding!"
"Ding!"

In a villa nestled within Aurum Alley, Lin Yu picked up his phone and checked the latest message.

It was from Guinaifen:

"HAHAHA, thank you so much, bestie!"
"I never would’ve found such an amazing game without your recommendation!"
"You’re seriously my lucky star!"
"Gotta dash—I’m off to stream now. Let’s grab dinner soon!"

Even her profile bio had been updated:

【Yu Lin, My Divine Hero!】

Lin Yu smiled faintly.

Little did Guinaifen know, the guy she’d met that evening was none other than Feathered Spirit—the legendary developer behind the blockbuster game Honkai: Star Rail. Interestingly, reversing the name "Feathered Spirit" revealed his true identity.

But as Lin Yu read that signature line, a sudden realization struck him—

If even an ordinary player like Guinaifen recognized "Feathered Spirit" as an immensely influential figure...

Would Kafka and her team truly be oblivious to this? Were the Stellaron Hunters really that naive? Had everything gone too smoothly? Did they just accept his words without question?

If even casual gamers wouldn’t buy such a story, why would the Stellaron Hunters?

The more he thought about it, the more something felt... off.

Just then, another message popped up—this time from Silver Wolf’s alternate account:

"I’ve arrived at the Luofu. Where are you?"

Lin Yu immediately focused.

【Eyes of Prying】—Activated!

A three-dimensional scene unfolded before him.

In a secluded corner of the Exalting Sanctum, a woman with understated makeup stood waiting patiently.

This was Kafka’s disguise.

Outwardly, she looked like an ordinary office worker, completely unrecognizable from her true self.

Her concealment skills were impeccable.

But...

Lin Yu realized he’d made a fatal miscalculation.

"I underestimated the Stellaron Hunters... again."

Quickly typing a reply, he sent:

"Do you really believe I’m 【 Feathered Spirit 】 ? Not just some random outlander?"

Kafka picked up her phone and responded:

"What else would you be? Wanting to meet your idol isn’t that strange, is it?"

The reply only deepened his suspicions.

Shifting his gaze toward Kafka, he probed further.

The Eyes of Prying didn’t just reveal actions—it also delved into psychological states and behavioral patterns, granting direct access to a person’s innermost thoughts.

The moment he peered deeper, a cool voice echoed in his mind—

"So, it’s you who’s been watching me in secret?"

Lin Yu’s hand trembled slightly.

Damn it.

He’d almost fallen right into their trap.

Digging deeper into Kafka’s thoughts:

"Elio mentioned you might possess 【Insight】 and 【Record】 abilities... so Silver Wolf and I put on this little act."
"If we played our parts well enough, you’d probably let your guard down, wouldn’t you?"

Wow. Impressive.

Uncovering the truth, Lin Yu couldn’t help but admire the Stellaron Hunters’ cunning.

They’d countered him perfectly!

Through careful analysis, Elio had deduced that Lin Yu might have similar 【Insight】 abilities.

As a result—

They assumed he was constantly observing them!

And every interaction he’d witnessed so far?

All an act.

Fortunately, Lin Yu’s ability didn’t just let him see actions—it also exposed thoughts.

Kafka’s mental monologue continued:

"Why no response?"
"Feathered Spirit... have you figured something out—"

"BEEP!"

A notification cut off her train of thought.

Lin Yu focused and glimpsed the message on Kafka’s screen.

The sender’s profile picture was a black cat.

The name read: 【Elio】.

"Mission aborted. You’ve been exposed."

Seeing this, Kafka sighed and shrugged.

Removing her glasses, she spoke to the empty air before her:

"That was quite the thrilling mind game, wasn’t it, Feathered Spirit?"

Lin Yu exhaled in resignation.

As expected of the Stellaron Hunters—they weren’t so easily fooled.

Just then, another message appeared in Kafka’s chat:

"In the script of fate, your path alone remains unseen."

Lin Yu knew these words weren’t for Kafka—they were meant for him.

"Feathered Spirit, I am truly delighted by your existence in this universe."

With that, "Elio" said no more.

Kafka pocketed her phone and addressed the unseen observer:

"Feathered Spirit... honestly, I’m very curious about what you really are."
"I’ll keep playing this game you’ve created. When my character takes the spotlight, make sure to polish it extra well, alright?~"
"Now, it’s time for me to step into the next act."
"And if you’re still watching..."
"Consider this next performance my exclusive gift to you."

With a casual wave, Kafka strode off.

From Lin Yu’s perspective, it felt as though she were speaking directly to him.

"Typical of them..." he murmured.

Opening the system interface, he wasn’t sure whether to feel pleased or disappointed. Then again, effortlessly outmaneuvering the Stellaron Hunters would’ve been boring.

【Popularity Points: 200,000+】
【Premium Points: 1 billion+】
【Current Points: 2,309,000,000+】

"First, focus on managing the game properly..."
"Let’s set a small goal—draw an Aeon-level ability!"

Chapter Text

"Wow! My first ten-pull and I already got a gold!" March 7th cheered excitedly in the Parlor Car.

"Of course! Pretty girls always have the best luck!" she added with a confident grin.

Dan Heng barely glanced at her, his mind still troubled. The memory of Blade’s smirk as he swung his sword haunted him.

His name had been called in the new main storyline. What awaited him and Dan Heng on the Xianzhou? At this moment, Dan Heng felt helpless against fate.

Or rather—

It felt like being slowly roasted over flames!

Dan Heng hoped the plot would hurry to his part. Whether it meant life or death, he just wanted it over with.

In his eyes, chaos on the Xianzhou Luofu was inevitable. A final showdown between him and Blade was coming, and their friends on the Express would surely step in to help.

The outcome?

Victory… or mutual destruction.

If his companions got hurt because of him—

That was a price he couldn’t bear.

"If only I knew the ending in advance, maybe I could change it," Dan Heng thought, sinking deeper into despair.

Meanwhile, March 7th was in high spirits, eagerly checking her gacha results.

Beside her, Stelle watched with equal excitement.

"It should be the next one!"

"Ready?"

March 7th nodded vigorously.

With a tap—

Five golden stars!

The background shimmered with the 【Erudition】 symbol.

March 7th instantly recognized it and nearly screamed with joy.

"Erudition! It’s Erudition!"

"Out of all the five-stars, only Himeko is Erudition!"

"I got Himeko!"

From the couch, the real Himeko sighed, muttering, "What strange words..."

March 7th blinked. "Huh? That was weird..."

The glow faded, revealing—not the character, but Himeko’s five-star Light Cone, 【Night on the Galactic Railroad】.

In the artwork, Himeko sat gracefully atop a train engine, her white dress draped elegantly, fiery red hair cascading freely as she gazed at the stars. The cosmos swirled above her in mesmerizing spirals.

"Whoaa~" March 7th leaned in, eyes sparkling. "It’s Himeko’s signature Light Cone!"

"So pretty..."

Stelle nodded approvingly. "Definitely worth it!"

"But... I don’t even have Himeko yet. Feels like this Light Cone should only be hers..."

"Ah, I get it!" Stelle gasped. "It’s a gacha trap!"

"First, they dangle the signature Light Cone, then make you whale for the character!"

"Ugh! Even knowing their tricks, I’d still swipe my card for her!"

Just then, Himeko walked over. "The new story’s starting. Are you two joining?"

"Yes!" they answered in unison, quickly putting their phones away.

Everyone gathered on the couches, including Pom-Pom, and focused on the unfolding storyline.

Pom-Pom appeared first on screen.

"Ladies and gentlemen! The Leap Route Conference begins now!"

"First, Pom-Pom thanks all Nameless passengers for resolving this station’s crisis, allowing our train to journey onward across the stars!"

"Next, your conductor will announce our next destination—"

Just as everyone held their breath—

A hologram of a woman suddenly materialized.

She held a black umbrella, her delicate face peeking from beneath its rim with a faint smile.

"Long time no see, Astral Express crew."

"I am Kafka."

"Perfect timing. Everyone’s here—well, almost everyone." She strolled past them casually.

Himeko narrowed her eyes. "No need for pleasantries, Stellaron Hunter."

Kafka chuckled. "Himeko, was it?"

"Forgive my intrusion, but after hearing my request, you’ll understand why I came."

"I’m asking you... to change your destination."

Himeko’s voice turned icy. "You’ve wasted your time, Kafka. We have no interest in your schemes. If you want to talk, visit us in person—then we’ll see."

Kafka smiled. "Have any of you heard of... the Luofu?"

---

Back in the Parlor Car, everyone’s expressions shifted.

The livestream played out on the cabin screens, mirroring the events in real-time—as if the game’s story was unfolding around them.

Luckily, the subtitles reminded them this was just a game.

March 7th gasped. "It’s really her!"

"And she wants us to reroute to Luofu? No way we’re listening to her, right?"

"I refuse to let her manipulate us!"

Pom-Pom jumped up. "Passenger March 7th is correct!"

"The Stellaron Hunters are dangerous, and the Xianzhou Alliance is no better."

"Pom-Pom suggests—stick to the original plan and head straight to Penacony!"

March 7th felt validated. "If Kafka actually shows up here like in the story..."

"I—I swear, I’ll throw the first punch!"

Stelle smirked. "Hey, that’s my line."

Then—

At the far end of the carriage, holographic particles shimmered into existence.

And standing there was...

Kafka.

Now, two Kafkas stood in the room—one on-screen, one in reality.

March 7th froze. She’d just been boasting, and now the real Kafka appeared?!

Worst. Timing. Ever.

Stelle’s eyes darted between them, a slow grin forming.

"Two Kafkas? Two mommies!"

"Double the fun!"

Chapter Text

Note: Due to not posting yesterday, +10 today

The Shackling Prison, Luofu

Inside his cell, Blade sat motionless, eyes shut, like a statue frozen in time. He knew Jing Yuan would soon arrive to interrogate him—standard procedure.

At the thought, the corner of his lips curled slightly.

"How I look forward to it..."

He had already prepared his words:

"Five were involved... yet only three have paid the price..."

Suddenly, a line of glowing text materialized before him.

Blade recognized it—Silver Wolf’s work, a reality-altering message visible only to the Stellaron Hunters.

【Plan change. Escape The Shackling Prison immediately!】

A spark ignited in Blade’s eyes.

He didn’t understand why the "script" had shifted.

Nor did he grasp why they needed to break out now, before Jing Yuan’s interrogation.

But deep contemplation wasn’t his strong suit in this state.

So, he simply followed orders.

BOOM—!!

The moment his eyes flashed, the prison cell erupted in a violent explosion.

The nearby guards jolted in alarm.

Then—they saw it.

A battered sword.

A figure lunged forward, seizing the blade in an instant.

"The prisoner has escaped! Alert the General!"

But before they could react, a crimson light slashed across their vision.

The disturbance quickly drew more Cloud Knights to the scene.

Unfazed, Blade dragged his ancient sword across the ground, leaving behind a trail like an unfurling scroll. Along its path, eerie red flowers—otherworldly safflowers—bloomed in full splendor.

A commanding voice rang out:

"Hold the perimeter! Do not let him escape until the General arrives!"

Blade smirked.

In the next breath, he appeared directly before the soldiers.

With a swift strike, he muttered coldly,

"Drenched in sin... yet you dare judge me."

"A world tainted by filth... yet you call it Xianzhou."

As he slaughtered, a long-lost frenzy surged through him—a twisted sense of release.

For a fleeting moment, Blade thought he saw that man’s silhouette, fueling his movements with even greater fervor.

But soon, his vision blurred. Shadows multiplied before him.

The curse of the Mara-struck was taking hold, eroding his control.

His breathing grew ragged.

Yet more Cloud Knights poured in—including several elite fighters rarely seen on the battlefield.

"...Strange..."

"How... did you know...?"

"That I would ... escape now...?"

Aboard the Astral Express

Kafka’s sudden appearance seized everyone’s attention.

"Long time no see, Astral Express crew."

March 7th shuddered, whispering to Stelle, "Even her opening line is the same!"

"Are they replaying the game’s storyline again?"

But her worries were quickly dismissed.

Instead of saying, "I am Kafka. Perfect timing—everyone’s here," she walked toward another projection.

Kafka, watching her live-streamed counterpart, remarked, "Impressive. You’ve been keeping up with this game."

Welt adjusted his glasses. "Since the Stellaron Hunters know about this game, you must realize—there’s now not just Elio foreseeing fate, but also a Feathered Spirit who turns destiny into a game."

"Your arrival here was already scripted in the storyline."

"Oh, yes, exactly," Kafka replied, her smile widening. "That was my original plan. Next, I’d say: ‘Fifteen system hours ago, a Stellaron aboard the Roaming Immortal Ark... exploded.’"*

Sure enough, the live-streamed Kafka repeated the line word for word.

"But now, the script has changed. How about this? Let’s watch this performance together first. Afterward, I’ll explain why I’m here."

March 7th frowned. "You didn’t hack our comms just to watch a stream with us, right?"

"Of course not. I have my own agenda." Kafka casually settled onto the sofa as if she owned it.

The gravity sensors activated—this was just a remote projection.

Himeko knew they could forcibly cut the connection, but that would be unwise.

"Let her stay for now. Let’s see what happens in the game plot first."

Welt nodded in agreement.

March 7th, originally seated at the edge, quickly swapped places with Stelle upon seeing Kafka’s hologram beside her.

"I don’t want to sit next to her..."

"You know her better—you take that spot."

With that, everyone settled in, eyes locked on the live stream.

In the unfolding plot, Kafka began explaining:

"...It’s simple. The Stellaron means nothing to us, but Xianzhou has already blamed the Stellaron Hunters."

"My comrade Blade was captured by the Cloud Knights. I must retrieve him, resolve the Stellaron crisis, and clear our name."

As she spoke, the projection shifted to show Blade.

The moment Dan Heng saw him, his gaze darkened.

So it’s true! Blade really is in this storyline!

According to Kafka, Blade had been taken by the Cloud Knights...

Earlier scenes had shown The Shackling Prison.

Given the timeline discrepancy...

In reality, Blade was currently imprisoned there.

Jing Yuan hadn’t interrogated him yet.

But Jing Yuan and his team must have seen these developments.

So what would they do?

Knowing Blade would escape...

They’d reinforce the prison with everything they had!

Originally, Blade’s capture was part of the Stellaron Hunters’ script.

But now? He might never break free!

Dan Heng’s mind reeled.

This was too sudden—too unreal.

Their relentless enemy had walked right into a cell!

He’d locked himself up!

Chapter Text

The story continued to unfold.

When Kafka claimed the Stellaron explosion had nothing to do with them, March 7th scoffed in disbelief.

"Who would buy that? There’s no way it’s a coincidence—right as the Stellaron detonates, you show up... And since when do we owe the Stellaron Hunters any trust? Why should we care about your innocence?"

"We should seal the Stellaron and help the Xianzhou."
"We could earn a favor from the Stellaron Hunters."
"What’s in it for us?"

Streamer Little Gui Zi chose the second option.

March 7th crossed her arms defiantly.

"No way! I’m not listening to her—the Alliance is powerful enough to handle a Stellaron on their own! We’re the Astral Express Crew, not some Stellaron-sealing experts!"

Kafka remained unfazed. "Of course, you’re free to walk away. The Stellaron hasn’t corrupted this sector yet—if you warp now, you can still reach the next world. But given time, this star route will be blocked again."

"Let me reveal what awaits: if you don’t go to the Luofu, the Stellaron will eventually consume the entire Xianzhou, costing nearly half its population..."

"Surely the valiant Trailblazer and the noble Nameless wouldn’t stand by and let that happen."

"...And your comrade, Blade—he won’t escape unscathed either, will he?" Himeko interjected.

"That’s not something I can answer," Kafka replied smoothly.

"Here are the coordinates. The choice is yours."

"Even with opposing goals, the paths of stars will cross. Farewell."

With that, Kafka’s hologram flickered out.

Streamer Little Gui Zi let out a sigh. "Somehow… Kafka’s gone from a terrifying extremist in my mind to just… a morally gray woman now?"

"I don’t even feel that much hostility toward her anymore."

"Wait—what’s happening? Did her words manipulate me without me realizing?!"

"Same here, streamer!"

"Himeko and Kafka are both stunning—how can I choose?!"

"Why didn’t you say anything when you boarded?! Kafka, don’t you love me?!"

"She’s the one who woke us up! Would a ‘mom’ like her ever harm us?"

Reading the flood of unexpectedly supportive comments, Kafka blinked before chuckling softly.

"This new generation of netizens is… fascinating."

Throughout the story, Kafka had committed every imaginable crime—infiltrating the space station, implanting the Stellaron into the protagonist, hijacking the Express’ comms…

She’d expected a wave of condemnation. Instead, the response was… the opposite.

Was this the charm of Honkai: Star Rail?

March 7th huffed. "Hey! That smug look on your face is downright shameless!"

"Let me make this clear—those opinions are just a vocal minority!"

"Most of us are still rational and objective—myself included!"

"I don’t buy your excuses for a second."

"If the Stellaron Hunters were truly innocent… why would Feathered Spirit frame the story like this from the start?"

"Just wait. Once all players see the truth of your schemes, let’s see if there’s any corner of the galaxy left for you!"

Rather than taking offense, Kafka smirked, almost amused.

"I admire your spirit, little girl."

"So," she mused, "if future events prove our innocence, you’d believe us?"

March 7th planted her hands on her hips. "Hmph! That depends on whether Feathered Spirit writes it that way."

Suddenly, Dan Heng—silent until now—stepped forward. His sharp gaze pinned Kafka in place as he spoke coldly:

"You’re lying."

"First, a Stellaron explosion alone wouldn’t cause the devastation you described unless outside forces interfered."

"Second, regarding Blade… I know him. His resilience is unmatched. A mere Stellaron blast couldn’t kill him."

"Your story doesn’t hold up, Kafka."

"There’s another reason you’re luring us to the Luofu."

March 7th nearly clapped in triumph as Kafka fell silent.

"Well said, Dan Heng!" she cheered. "What’s your excuse now, Kafka?"

Kafka’s eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Dan Heng. "...Another deviation caused by the game’s progression?" he muttered.

"This time, you weren’t supposed to be here..."

"Hey! No whispering!" March 7th cut in. "Planning to run now that your lies are exposed?"

Kafka straightened, her demeanor shifting.

"Fine. You’re right," he admitted. "The Stellaron Hunters did have ulterior motives. But because of Honkai: Star Rail, our carefully laid script has been disrupted."

"This time, I’m not making a suggestion—it’s a request."

"Blade is imprisoned in the Luofu’s Shackling Prison. Help me free him, and the Stellaron Hunters will reward you accordingly."

The crew exchanged glances—everyone but Dan Heng, who had anticipated this.

Of course Blade couldn’t escape alone. Kafka’s confession only confirmed it.

Chapter Text

"What do you mean 'trapped in the Shackling Prison'? That’s just a fancy way of saying he’s locked up, right?"

"So you’re asking us to break him out?" March 7th huffed, crossing her arms in disbelief at Kafka’s bold request.

Himeko and Welt exchanged glances, both subtly shaking their heads. This was clearly beyond what the Astral Express crew was willing to do.

Only Stelle, ever the pragmatist, asked, "What’s in it for us?"

Kafka raised three fingers.

"Three questions."

"After this mission, I’ll answer any three questions from the Astral Express truthfully—no lies, no omissions."

Stelle’s eyes flickered with interest, but ultimately, he shook his head.

"Sorry, but we can’t accept."

Himeko stood, her tone firm. "Kafka, while your offer is tempting, your request crosses a line. We won’t make enemies of the Xianzhou Alliance, much less aid the Stellaron Hunters against them."

As she spoke, Himeko reached for the console, ready to cut the transmission.

Sensing the rejection, Kafka smirked and logged off before Himeko could disconnect her.

Silence returned to the train cabin.

Only Guinaifen’s live stream continued playing in the background.

Kafka’s proposal was quickly set aside.

The crew’s attention shifted back to the unfolding events, now debating whether to proceed toward the Xianzhou Luofu.

A vote was cast.

Stelle and Dan Heng abstained.

Himeko, Welt, and March 7th voted in favor.

March 7th, noticing Stelle’s questioning look, grinned sheepishly. "After thinking it over… what if Kafka was telling the truth? If we don’t go, innocent lives could be at risk. This isn’t the time to be impulsive… hehe."

Watching this scene, March 7th gasped and covered her mouth.

Her first thought: Wow, I sound ridiculous!

But then—

"Huh? That actually sounds like something I’d say!"

---

Guinaifen’s Live Stream

As the Astral Express arrived at the Luofu, Guinaifen took a big gulp of Immortal Delight tea and grinned at her viewers.

"Hey everyone! Looks like it’s finally our turn for some action on the Luofu!"

"Before, when things were happening elsewhere, it didn’t feel real. But now? Every move the Astral Express makes—no, every second of this story has me on the edge of my seat!"

"And who knows? Maybe some familiar faces will show up in the plot!"

"Oh! Since Shangshang is an actual playable character, do you think she’ll make an appearance?"

---

The Trailblazers—Welt, March 7th, and Stelle—stepped onto the Luofu through the Jade Gate, only to be met with an unsettling silence.

The bustling port was deserted.

As they ventured further, they found Cloud Knights lying injured on the ground.

"Wow, just like in the game—wherever the plot goes, chaos follows! Even the Luofu isn’t safe."

"Didn’t Kafka say a Stellaron detonated here?"

"Wait, when did that happen? I didn’t hear anything!"

"Probably hasn’t happened yet…"

"Someone alert General Jing Yuan! Are there any officials in chat?"

"I live near Cloudford, and even I’m not panicking—though I did see a bunch of Cloud Knights rushing by earlier."

The Xianzhou players were fully immersed.

With their own safety potentially at stake, they were desperate to see what happened next!

Some viewers even spammed gifts, urging Guinaifen to hurry the story along.

She thanked them while keeping up with the narrative.

Soon, the crew encountered their first battle on the Luofu.

"Stay alert—these enemies are unfamiliar," Welt warned.

"Just waiting for your orders, Uncle Yang!"

Though the Astral Express had never seen these grotesque, mutated warriors before, the Xianzhou natives recognized them instantly—Mara-Struck Soldiers!

"These guys revive after being defeated once—classic Mara-Struck behavior," Guinaifen commented.

Then, a voice called out from ahead—

"Hey! Over here! We need help!"

The chat exploded the moment they saw her.

"Hah! Of course, the first person they meet is Miss Tingyun!"

"Who doesn’t know the Sky-Faring Commission’s Tingyun?"

"Still as stunning as ever!"

"Earlier, March 7th joked that the first person they’d meet would be the mastermind. Guess that theory’s busted."

"She’s always overthinking things. Did anyone actually believe her?"

The battle wrapped up quickly.

With Himeko’s Heavenfall Flame, Guinaifen easily wiped out the Mara-Struck Soldiers—even after their resurrection.

With a dramatic flourish, she declared:

"As you’ve all seen!"

"Luofu’s enemies revive—Seele’s resurgence won’t trigger here! Himeko’s AoE attacks are the real MVP!"

"This is why I didn’t pull for Seele—pure foresight!"

Chat erupted in laughter.

"Foresight? More like copium!"

"Little Gui spent 90 pulls on Seele’s banner and only got an extra copy of Himeko—spread the word!"

"I skipped Seele too. Love her character, but as a meta player, I’m saving for stronger units."

"Save for Jing Yuan! Or better yet, wait for Emperor’s Bow Lan. But hey, early pullers get early rewards!"

Chapter Text

On the train…

March 7th staggered, nearly losing her balance.

"Huh?!"

"We already turned down Kafka’s request! Why are we still going to the Luofu?"

Himeko smiled reassuringly. "Don’t worry, March. Welt and I talked it over—we’re not going because of Kafka’s plea."

"On the contrary, we need to warn the Luofu’s General about the Stellaron Hunters’ planned prison break and the impending Stellaron crisis."

"Ohhh…" March nodded in understanding.

Stelle chimed in, "And most importantly—we’ve got to protect our train’s guard!"

"Someone like Blade is too dangerous to leave running around. Keeping him locked up in the Shackling Prison is the safest option."

Dan Heng looked up, a faint smile crossing his usually stoic face.

"Thanks."

"Yeah! And this way, we can catch Kafka off guard too. I’d love to see her panic for once!"

March 7th’s excitement returned in full force, while Stelle shook her head slightly. Her expression darkened for a moment—strangely, she felt a pang of concern for Kafka’s safety.

What the—?

"…Have I really started thinking of her as my mom?"

Pom-Pom stepped forward, addressing everyone solemnly.

"Pom-Pom doesn’t like Kafka, and we won’t follow Feathered Spirit’s script. But the Trailblazer’s path and goals must be chosen by the Trailblazers themselves. That’s Akivili’s will."

"Good luck to you all!"

As Pom-Pom counted down, the Leap began.

Upon arriving at the Xianzhou Luofu, the team prepared to disembark, sticking to their original plan.

Naturally, Dan Heng wasn’t supposed to go, and Himeko would stay on the Express, monitoring the live feed and keeping in touch to flag any major deviations from the game’s storyline.

Just as Welt, March 7th, and Stelle were about to set off—

Dan Heng suddenly joined them.

"Dan Heng?"

"I’m coming with you this time," he said firmly, meeting their surprised gazes. "No matter what, I can’t keep running from my past."

"This time… I’ll face it." His eyes were calm but resolute, a newfound determination burning within.

Welt gave his shoulder an approving pat. "If that’s your decision, I respect it."

March 7th bit her lip nervously. "Dan Heng, quick—ask Himeko if this exact line was in the game’s script!"

"Characters who say stuff like this usually end up dying…"

Dan Heng froze.

Stelle tapped his dragon-emblazoned shoulder armor. "Or… maybe you should tell us about your secret powers first? That way, we can drop some spoilers on the Honkai: Star Rail forums!"

Dan Heng stayed silent.

…Maybe this was a mistake.

The port’s docking procedures began.

Unlike the eerie silence from the game’s plot, they were smoothly guided into Luofu’s harbor by the local staff.

Just as they were about to step onto Luofu’s soil, Himeko’s voice crackled through their earpieces with a warning.

"Everyone, in the game, you’d be ambushed by Demonic Yin Bodies here."

"While they shouldn’t be much of a threat, stay alert."

Welt nodded. "Understood." He summoned his cane, gaze sharp and steady.

Dan Heng, March, and Stelle readied their weapons, bracing for combat.

The Jade Abacus Gateway slowly opened—

And all four of them stiffened on the spot. Even Welt’s composure slipped for a second.

Instead of an empty dock, they were met with crowds of people!

Clusters of tourists posed for photos near stacks of shipping containers, angling to get the Jade Abacus Gateway in the background. The area had apparently turned into a hotspot for sightseers!

Hearing the gateway open, the crowd turned in unison—

And exploded into cheers and applause!

"They’re here! The Astral Express crew is really here!"

"WELT-SAMA! I’M YOUR BIGGEST FAN—AAAAHHH!"

"Welcome to Xia Dengzi’s livestream! The Trailblazers have arrived! Ten likes and I’ll go ask Stelle for a selfie!"

"Dreams fade, but one glimpse lasts an eternity!"

"Miss March 7th, bless me with your grace!"

Welt, Dan Heng, March, and Stelle stood frozen, completely unprepared for this madness.

Welt hastily dismissed his cane, and the other three quickly stowed their weapons.

But then—

The crowd surged forward like a horde of zombies!

Dan Heng reacted fastest, immediately turning to retreat through the still-open gateway. After years away, he never imagined his homeland would become this terrifying.

Stelle and March bolted after him.

March had always daydreamed about fame—but now, faced with these rabid fans, she realized:

Being popular is not as fun as I thought!

Just then—

A squadron of Cloud Knights rushed in from both sides, weapons gleaming like divine enforcers. They formed a barrier, halting the frenzied crowd.

At their lead was Yukong, Helmswoman of the Sky-Faring Commission.

"My apologies for the commotion, honored guests," she said smoothly. "General Jing Yuan anticipated your arrival. Please, follow me."

Chapter Text

At an open plaza in Exalting Sanctum,
a lightly made-up woman stood among the crowd, jade tablet in hand. But unlike the others—who were either immersed in Honkai: Star Rail or watching Little Gui Zi’s stream—she was communicating with an ally across the stars.

【Silver Wolf】: "Kafka, mission accomplished. The Astral Express has rerouted to Xianzhou Luofu."
【Kafka】: "Perfect. That completes my part of the script."

Earlier, she had staged an impromptu act aboard the train. While she hadn’t lied about the Stellaron Hunters having another objective, their true goal wasn’t self-serving—it was to forge a bond between the Astral Express and Xianzhou.

More precisely, they aimed to put Xianzhou in the Express’s debt.

Though the original plan to harness The Hunt’s power had hit obstacles, Kafka had still maneuvered events as intended.

【Kafka】: "Silver Wolf, I need you to unlock the Jade Abacus gateway."

Silence.

After three minutes with no reply, Kafka sent another message:
【Kafka】: "Hey, sweetheart, you there?"

Another three minutes passed.
【Kafka】: "Hello? If we don’t move soon, the Express crew will turn back!"

【Silver Wolf】: "Hold on."
"Let me finish farming these upgrade materials first."

Kafka sighed.

【Silver Wolf】: "Trying to level eight characters at once is a nightmare—materials are always short. So annoying."
【Kafka】: "Where did you even get all these five-stars?"
【Silver Wolf】: "I’m raising some four-stars too—March 7th, Asta, Tingyun. Their kits are fun to play, so I’m building them until better options come along."
"Alright, done for now."

【Kafka】: "Can we proceed?"
【Silver Wolf】: "Wait—they’ve already entered Luofu."
【Kafka】: "What? Wasn’t the gateway sealed?"
【Silver Wolf】: "Didn’t you read Elio’s script?"
【Kafka】: "Ever since Star Rail launched, fate’s been a tangled mess—you know that."
【Silver Wolf】: "It was sealed, but the site turned into a tourist hotspot. The Luofu staff opened it for them."
【Kafka】: "A Stellaron explosion site becoming a scenic spot? Xianzhou’s tastes are… unique."

【Silver Wolf has logged off.】
【Kafka】: "Hey, can’t we chat a little longer?"

【Silver Wolf has logged in.】
【Silver Wolf】: "You seem unusually cheerful today?"
【Kafka】: "I’m part of Elio’s script and the Star Rail storyline—why wouldn’t I be happy?"
【Silver Wolf】: "Just wait till you’re in the gacha pool. I’ll pull for you nonstop."

【Silver Wolf has disconnected.】

Finishing her drink in one gulp, Kafka gazed at Luofu’s sprawling skyline.
"All good things must end."
"Bladie, hang in there…"
"I’m coming to save you."

---

Star Ferry Sea – Palace of Astrum

Led by Yukong, the Astral Express crew stepped inside, where two holographic figures turned to scrutinize them.

"This is General Jing Yuan of the Luofu, and Lady Fu Xuan, head of the Divination Commission," Yukong introduced.

March 7th nudged Stelle, whispering, "So many big shots right away—I’m nervous."
Stelle nodded. "Same."

Before Old Yang could speak, Jing Yuan smiled warmly.
"Members of the Astral Express, your reputations precede you. Tales of your travels have spread far and wide—and through Honkai: Star Rail, I’ve witnessed your journey firsthand. Truly remarkable!"

March 7th fidgeted, flattered.
Of course! The game had taken Xianzhou by storm—even the Luofu General was a fan.

"This simplifies things," Old Yang admitted, relieved.
"Indeed," Fu Xuan added, hands on her hips. "Without the game’s context, the Divination Commission might’ve suspected you of colluding with the Stellaron Hunters. Now, we trust your intentions."

"Then let’s cut to the chase," Jing Yuan said, summoning a hologram of a familiar figure—Blade, the Stellaron Hunter.

"You all know who this is. Currently, he’s imprisoned in the Shackling Prison. We expect an escape attempt and have deployed heavy security."
He paused. "But the game’s plot also foretold another crisis—the Stellaron’s imminent eruption. With both threats converging, our forces are stretched thin."

"This is where we need your help—like snowbound travelers gifted coal."

March 7th brightened. "Oh! So you want us to investigate the Stellaron and seal it before it erupts?"

"No."

Jing Yuan’s gaze lingered on Dan Heng.
"We have our own methods for handling the Stellaron."
"What I ask is for you to reinforce the Shackling Prison—ensuring no one exploits the chaos to break out high-profile prisoners."

The crew froze.

Just hours ago, Kafka had tried hiring them to rescue Blade from the prison. Now, Jing Yuan wanted them to stop his rescue.

To save him or not to save him? That was the question.

Chapter Text

During Little Gui’s livestream…

After saving Tingyun, the group followed her lead and boarded a star ferry to the Central Starskiff Haven in the Star Ferry Sea. On their way to the Palace of Astrum:

Little Gui was buzzing with excitement, interacting with everything around him like never before. This thrill even surpassed his usual enthusiasm for exploring new in-game maps—after all, actually being in the setting made everything far more immersive.

"Look at this bridge—it’s the exact same one I saw heading to the Star Ferry Sea!"

"And this starskiff? Just like the one docked downstairs!"

"Those Cloud Knights? Identical to the others… Well, of course, most of them share the same NPC model."

"Amazing work, Feathered Spirit devs! It’s not just similar—it’s a perfect match!"

"Friendly reminder: These are in-game graphics, not a real livestream."

"I spotted the Astral Express crew at the Jade Gate earlier! Feathered Spirit never misses!"

"Got there too late—the area was already locked down by the Cloud Knights…"

"Speed up, Little Gui! I need to rush ahead and set up an ambush—time for a solo takedown of the Astral Express crew!"

After touring the Star Ferry Sea, Guinaifen reluctantly headed toward the Palace of Astrum.

There, the Sky-Faring Commissioner Yukong greeted them with cold disdain.

"Tingyun has already informed me of your purpose. Normally, receiving outsiders is not part of my duties."

"However, since you are aware of the Stellaron and claim to want to assist the Luofu, both logic and courtesy compel me to meet you in person… if only to formally reject your help."

Her words left everyone speechless—not just the Astral Express crew, but even Little Gui himself was stunned.

Yukong continued coolly, "A mere Stellaron is hardly a concern. The Alliance has long known of its existence and has the means to deal with it. Xianzhou has endured for eight thousand years, surviving countless existential threats. Though this crisis may seem dire, we have more than enough strength to handle it ourselves. We do not require outside aid to suppress this disaster."

"As honored guests, you need not involve yourselves further—do you understand?"

"Commissioner Yukong is so domineering!"

"Am I a masochist? Because I love this energy!"

"Did you hear that? To Jarilo-VI, a Stellaron is a civilization-ending catastrophe, but to Xianzhou? Just a minor nuisance. Are they really that powerful?"

"Off the top of my head: the Chaos of Suigang, the Treachery of the Golden Ones, the Remnants of Abundance… Compared to those, a Stellaron is nothing."

"Xianzhou has fought its way through eight millennia. A single Stellaron isn’t worth panicking over."

"No wonder everyone on the Luofu is so calm…"

Guinaifen nodded emphatically.

As an outsider herself, she had never felt safer or more at home than she did on Xianzhou.

Just then, a sharp knocking interrupted the moment.

"Little Gui, open up! Quick!"

"You’ll never guess what mission I got!"

"Orders from the Cloud Knights—I’m here to ensure your safety!"

Guinaifen’s face brightened with surprise.

"Shangshang! This game is unbelievable—it looks exactly like you!"

"Hold on, everyone! I’ll be right back after opening the door!"

---

Meanwhile, at Cloudford on the Luofu:

Tingyun had just finished entertaining a group of business partners collaborating with the Xianzhou Alliance. Even for her, the exhaustion was visible.

With a long sigh, she finally returned to her residence and shut the door behind her.

Alone in the spacious room, her usual gentle, delicate demeanor vanished in an instant.

"Finally… No more need to play the fragile little fox." Her eyes burned with an eerie blue glow, like spectral flames.

Staring at her reflection, she muttered, "This role really isn’t for me…"

"Those greasy, middle-aged men flirting with me? Disgusting."

"Such lowly, vulgar creatures deserve to die."

Then—

*

The blue fire in her right eye flickered, shifting to gold.

Her reflection morphed into the image of a cold, regal woman.

The woman spoke. "Phantylia, we’re in serious trouble."

"The Cloud Knights have locked down key areas and are systematically searching for the Stellaron."

Tingyun—no, Phantylia—narrowed her eyes.

"How did Xianzhou act so quickly this time? Were you exposed?"

The woman shook her head slightly.

The mirror’s surface rippled, revealing a new scene—a livestream of Honkai: Star Rail.

"Because of this game, our plans have been leaked prematurely."

"A game? A mere illusion?"

Phantylia had been too busy playing the role of Tingyun to pay attention to such trivial human amusements. Her mind was consumed by visions of Xianzhou’s ruin, the glorious chaos of its collapse.

"Even you, champion of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, have fallen for such mortal distractions?" She scoffed. "How pathetic."

Dan Shu’s expression darkened. "Phantylia, I’m not lying. This game follows the Trailblazer’s perspective—"

"Enough!" Phantylia cut her off. "How could illusions predict my actions? It’s nothing but coincidence. Watching Xianzhou panic over a disaster that hasn’t even happened is amusing, though."

Dan Shu exhaled in frustration.

There was no reasoning with this Lord Ravager.

"Then I must accelerate my plans," she said. "The Stellaron must be planted in the World Tree’s cavern to catalyze its rebirth and reignite the miracles of Abundance."

"But with this rushed timeline, the explosion’s impact will be minimal. You won’t get to witness the full devastation—the rifts corroding, the land festering…"

With that, Dan Shu severed the connection.

Phantylia stared at her reflection, her gaze flickering with dark anticipation.

"I, too, look forward to the World Tree’s revival."

"Perhaps… this undying body is what I’ve been searching for all along."

Chapter Text

"Ladies and gentlemen, General Jing Yuan certainly has a silver tongue!"

In Guinaifen’s livestream, Sushang now sat beside her, sipping a cup of Immortal Delight Tea with relaxed contentment. Though she wasn’t playing the game herself, she’d heard plenty about it from her colleagues and had even caught glimpses of Little Gui’s streams.

The game’s allure wasn’t limited to the Cloud Knights—rumor had it the Divination Commission was tuning in too! That’s why they’d assigned her to protect Guinaifen.

Little Gui’s really made it big now… Sushang mused. Better start buttering her up for those late-night barbecue runs.

Meanwhile, Guinaifen was utterly absorbed in the unfolding story. Even if no one was watching, she’d still be hooked—she had to know what happened next!

"They didn’t let us help hunt the Stellaron, but they gave us something even bigger—tracking down Kafka, who’s hiding somewhere in Luofu!"

"Little Gui, this mission feels impossible…"

"Who even is Kafka? We might not even find a trace of her!"

As they debated, Tingyun displayed an image of Kafka from earlier—when she’d hijacked the train’s comms.

"The coordinates are here; your path is yours to choose. Though our goals may differ, the stars’ paths will cross again. Farewell."

Rewatching the clip, Guinaifen frowned. She leaned in, listening closely—there was something odd in the background noise.

"What’s special about this?"

"Coordinates? Converging orbits?"

"Or… those faint sounds underneath her words?"

She picked the third option.

"Correct," Tingyun praised. "To most, those noises mean nothing. But to the Artisanship Commission, every machine hums like a distinct note in a symphony. The General had artisans analyze it—Kafka’s transmission came from the shipyards at Stargazer Navalia."

"Rest and prepare. When you’re ready, we’ll move to apprehend her—with your help, of course."

"Miss Tingyun, all this ‘benefactor’ talk is making me blush!"

"Kafka’s at Stargazer Navalia? Heh, I’m heading there now!"

"Don’t assume she’ll welcome you with open arms. You won’t even see your death coming."

"I’ll admit, she’s got charm in the story. But in reality? I’d run—the Stellaron crisis isn’t over yet."

"Dying under Mother’s feet would be a worthy end."

"Someone’s been brainwashed by the Stellaron Hunters—get ‘em!"

Glancing at the chat, Guinaifen sighed.

They’ve changed so much since the start…

Back to the plot!

Find Kafka. Now.

Welt suggested a short break first. "Chasing Kafka won’t be easy."

March 7th chimed in, "Oh! Let’s message the train to reassure them! Especially Dan Heng—ask what he’s up to and tell him we’re having a blast!"

Guinaifen’s eyes sparkled. "Dan Heng! Does that mean… he’ll join the Luofu storyline?"

She quickly sent him a message.

Both failed to deliver.

The scene shifted—to the Astral Express.

Dan Heng stood frozen in a compartment.

Himeko approached. "You’ve been spacing out for half an hour. Rare to see you so troubled. Worried about the kids? With Welt there, they’ll be fine."

After a pause, Dan Heng asked, "Himeko, do you still have the Stellaron Hunters’ transmission? I need to see it."

When Blade’s image appeared, Dan Heng’s pupils shrank.

"The Xianzhou is in danger! If he’s there, then Welt, March, Stelle—they’re all at risk!"

Himeko understood instantly. "He’s tied to what you were running from, isn’t he?"

"I can’t abandon them. But my past might drag them down…"

"Everyone carries burdens. Even March, with no memories, has her own weight."

"Every step we take, everything we see—it’s all part of us. It’s heavy, but it’s also what keeps us moving."

"Don’t overthink it."

Himeko added softly, "The train’s docked for seven days. Passengers are free to come and go. Pom-Pom and I can handle things here."

"Do what you must. No regrets."

As Dan Heng turned to leave, Himeko called after him, "You’ll come back to us afterward, right?"

Without a word, he nodded.

"Feels like a real family. I love this group dynamic," Guinaifen murmured, touched.

But the chat was in chaos:

"NO! Don’t hurt Dan Heng!"

"Luofu’s his hometown—he can’t die here!"

"This is giving me bad vibes…"

"If I were Feathered Spirit, I’d already have his grave picked out!"

"Someone find the Astral Express crew! Tell Dan Heng to get back on the train and LOCK THE DOORS!"

Guinaifen’s hands trembled. Now controlling Dan Heng alone, she logged into Luofu and messaged the group chat:

【 "Stelle, March, where are you? I’m coming." 】

Both messages failed.

With only Dan Heng, she had to navigate monster-infested Cloudford.

The chat’s mood grew darker.

Even Sushang whispered, "Is Feathered Spirit really going to kill Dan Heng? Can anyone save him?!"

---

In the Palace of Astrum, Jing Yuan gave the Astral Express crew time to deliberate.

Old Yang, March, Stelle, and Dan Heng huddled together. The decision rested on Dan Heng—Blade’s connection to him was too deep. If he refused, they’d decline Jing Yuan’s request.

Dan Heng took a breath. "Since we’re already here, I think—"

A message from Himeko interrupted:

"Dan Heng, if you’re planning to seek out Blade, watch the latest plot first. In it, you leave alone out of concern for the others. It feels… final. Like a goodbye."

Silence.

Dan Heng’s voice was quiet. "Even Feathered Spirit thinks I’ll… die on this journey?"

March 7th’s eyes welled up. "Don’t say that! We’re not taking this mission! Let’s go back to the train—straight to Penacony! It’s safe there!"

Dan Heng shook his head gently. "March, I’ll be fine. But… let’s see how the story unfolds before deciding."

Chapter Text

"You want to watch the story unfold before making a decision?"

"Yes," Jing Yuan replied, accommodating their request.

"Why not... watch it together here? We can project the Yuzhao images onto the sand table—this way, you can observe both the battle details and subtle map clues more clearly." He added, "If anything catches your interest, we can discuss it and adjust our strategy accordingly."

"Since you’re such gracious hosts, how could we refuse?" Old Yang responded politely.

"Uncle Yang, is your homeworld some kind of Xianzhou planet? You sound so natural using such refined language!" March 7th teased in surprise.

Old Yang didn’t elaborate.

Under Yukong’s arrangements, everyone took their seats around the sand table, joining Jing Yuan and Fu Xuan as they began watching the live broadcast.

The grand Palace of Astrum fell silent, the atmosphere resembling a cinema.

All eyes were fixed on the unfolding plot.

In the top-left corner, the current objective was displayed:

【Cross Cloudford and catch up with the exploration team.】

Dan Heng’s inner monologue played:

"Little has changed since I left..."

"In my memories of the Luofu, aside from darkness, this is the only place I remember."

March 7th couldn’t help but glance at Dan Heng beside her, catching only his cold profile. She desperately wanted to ask what he had experienced on the Luofu—why was this dock the only place he recalled? Had he never left it before?

But with so many important figures present, she knew it wasn’t the time. Instead, she focused back on the screen.

Not far away, a girl and a long-haired blonde man were surrounded by monsters. The girl confidently placed her hands on her hips and declared, "Just stay put over there!"

"Leave the rescuing to the professionals—!"

The man, leaning casually against an ornate black-and-white box, remained completely unruffled.

Watching this, Streamer Little Gui Zi gasped in disbelief. "Shangshang, am I seeing this right?! Someone actually came to save Dan Heng... and that someone is—you?!"

Li Sushang was stunned.

Rubbing his eyes and leaning closer to the screen, he suddenly shouted, "Aaaaaah, it really is me!"

"Mom! Look at me now!"

"I’m in a Star Rail storyline!!!"

The playful banter between the two girls in the livestream brought smiles to everyone’s faces.

But Old Yang looked as if he’d seen a ghost—his face drained of color.

Especially when the camera zoomed in on the blonde man. His appearance, his demeanor—it was unmistakably Otto!

Cold sweat broke out on Old Yang’s palms, his entire body tense.

Noticing his unease, Dan Heng asked, "Welt, what’s wrong?"

"These two... they’re both... people I know..." Old Yang forced out the words with difficulty.

"Huh?"

Meanwhile, in the story:

Dan Heng rushed forward to help Sushang fend off the Form Refiner from the Medicine King’s secret lineage.

This enemy was far stronger than ordinary Demonic Yin Bodies—its spear attacks even regenerated its health!

Sushang’s HP bar plummeted into the red, sending Little Gui Zi into a panic.

"Shangshang, you’re about to die!"

"What do we do? There’s no shielder or healer in the party!"

"Should we retreat and recover first? Maybe eat some 【 Great Cosmic Fried Rice 】 before trying again?"

Sushang nudged Guinaifen lightly. "But Dan Heng’s still alive! It’s not like the real me is actually in danger."

Then—the plot took a sudden turn!

*

The blonde man behind them finally moved!

With a swift hum, his elegant black-and-white sword plunged into the ground, leaving a teal floral pattern in its wake.

To Dan Heng and Sushang’s surprise, healing energy enveloped them.

"You both fought to save me. How could Luocha stand idly by? 【 Stay put 】 ."

His intervention was perfectly timed—graceful and effortless.

But...

The moment Old Yang heard his voice, he completely lost his composure.

He shot up from his seat, his forehead slick with sweat. Taking a deep breath, he wiped his brow, adjusted his glasses, and sat back down, his eyes locked onto the blonde man on screen.

"This has to be survivorship bias..." he thought desperately. "Only significant characters appear in game narratives, so of course I’m seeing familiar faces."

"Besides, it’s just a game. Their real-world counterparts might be completely different..."

He had to rationalize it—because the alternative was too unsettling.

These two were near-perfect replicas of Otto Apocalypse and Li Sushang from his world.

Sushang here was youthful, spirited, and carefree—a stark contrast to her original counterpart.

But the blonde man?

His presence carried an air of profound depth, the kind that hinted at untold schemes.

If the universe were a stage, this man would undoubtedly play the role of an irredeemable villain.

And that made him dangerous.

The battle resumed—this time with Luocha joining their team.

After Dan Heng took a heavy hit from the Form Refiner, Luocha raised his decorated hand and declared:

"White Flower Bloom!"

Instantly, Dan Heng’s HP surged back up.

With a healer now in their ranks, the fight became far easier.

They defeated the Form Refiner.

"Hah! We Cloud Knights are here to protect you. The area’s locked down now, and I’m helping evacuate civilians. Follow me—I’ll get you to safety."

Li Sushang insisted on escorting them to a secure zone.

"Let’s move! Stay close, both of you—Cloud Knight Li Sushang will keep you safe!"

"Oh, and later... could you help me write my name? I’m not great with characters, so I might mess it up..."

Dan Heng’s perspective paused temporarily.

March 7th sighed softly. "Well, at least Dan Heng’s out of immediate danger."

"That Cloud Knight girl is a bit reckless, but she means well."

"As for that Luocha guy... I can’t really get a read on him. What do you think, Uncle Yang?"

"Huh? Uncle Yang, what’s wrong?!"

Even Stelle turned to look.

They realized then that Old Yang—usually so composed—was sitting there drenched in sweat.

"You mustn’t underestimate him!" he said gravely.

"Since experiencing Honkai: Star Rail, I’ve met many people in this game who resemble—sometimes even share names with—those from my world."

"They exist across different worlds, yet their fates often follow similar paths."

"I’ve encountered two individuals like this Luocha before... and neither of them were good people."

"Both had the power to overturn entire worlds with ease," Old Yang finished darkly.

The room fell silent.

Even Jing Yuan and Fu Xuan wore expressions of surprise.

After a moment, Jing Yuan spoke. "If Mr. Welt holds such a strong opinion of this outsider... then I trust your judgment."

"I’ll notify the Realm-Keeping Commission and the Sky-Faring Commission to monitor this man’s background and movements closely."

March 7th clapped her hands together. "Brilliant decision, General!"

Stelle nodded firmly in agreement. "Investigate Luocha—thoroughly!"

Chapter Text

---

*Inside Little Gui Zi’s Live Stream:*

“Huh? The camera angle switched back already?”

“I was hoping to see more of your role in the story, Shangshang,” sighed Little Gui Zi wistfully.

“That’s enough!” Shangshang exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over. “I need to record this segment with my character appearance—I can’t wait to rewatch it later!”

Watching Sushang’s enthusiasm, Guinaifen couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. “I wish I could make even a small appearance in the storyline…” she muttered. “Even as a random NPC on the street would be fine.”

“Sigh, we’re not key characters or influential figures, so the chances seem slim,” she added glumly.

“Don’t lose hope, Little Gui Zi!” someone encouraged. “You’ve got plenty of side quests left in this game. With your talent for creating engaging content, Feathered Spirit is bound to assign you something!”

“Send them a private message ASAP, Little Gui Zi! You’ve gained so much popularity streaming ‘Star Rail’—they’ll definitely listen.”

“The perspective shifts are fascinating; I hope there’s more of that in the future!”

“Focus on capturing Kafka! I can’t wait to reunite with Mom!”

Little Gui Zi nodded firmly.

Yes! Capturing Kafka is the top priority now! If only they could get their hands on that devious woman! The Grand Diviner’s Office would surely extract invaluable information from her.

Back to the unfolding events…

Tingyun announced, “I’ve brought along an assistant who will undoubtedly aid you all, Crew. Capturing Kafka is critical—the Sky-Faring Commission cannot let her escape. So, I used some connections and borrowed this invaluable tool from the Artisanship Commission.”

A small copper creature blinked curiously, observing its surroundings.

“Oh… how cute!” March 7th squealed.

“So, what exactly is this treasure? Can it leap onto Kafka and hold her down?” asked March 7th.

“Yes, but not quite,” Tingyun explained. “This Ditngi was created by the Artisanship Commission, modeled after the five senses of my fox clan, but with even greater precision. Whether it’s footprints or scents, once it locks onto a distinct feature, it relentlessly tracks the target until the end.”

“As long as we find even the faintest trace of Kafka, no matter how well she hides, she won’t escape the Diting’s pursuit.”

To familiarize the Astral Express Crew with the Diting, Tingyun acted as bait, instructing them to practice locating her using the device.

Seeing the Diting’s adorable cluelessness, Guinaifen’s heart melted. She silently vowed to acquire a few Dittis for her next outdoor live stream—they’d surely double the entertainment value!

Meanwhile, within the Palace of Astrum, Yukong observed Tingyun’s competence in handling the situation—resourceful and meticulous, even ensuring crucial equipment was calibrated before departure.

Yukong was delighted, her tail perking up behind her, and her lips curled into an uncontrollable smile.

“Look at her! Truly worthy of being my most trusted subordinate. Even the Astral Express Crew follows her lead without hesitation!”

“Come to think of it, it’s been a while since I last saw Tingyun.”

“If the crew is heading to The Shackling Prison next, let her take charge.”

In Yukong’s eyes, Tingyun’s performance in the storyline was impeccable. Initially uncertain about grooming her as a successor, Yukong now felt fully confident in her decision.

It wasn’t just Yukong—surely the game developer, Feathered Spirit, must have been equally impressed with Tingyun!

Otherwise, why would she play such a pivotal role in the plot?

---

Luofu, The Shackling Prison

BANG!

Seven or eight Cloud Knights were sent flying simultaneously; their weapons shattered into pieces.

Blade wreaked havoc amidst the chaos, cutting through enemies left and right.

However…

Just as he broke through one wave, more Cloud Knights surged forward to replace them, unrelenting and endless!

Outnumbered, Blade stood alone against an unyielding tide of attackers. Yet these Cloud Knights seemed like wildfire—impossible to extinguish completely, always regenerating like spring grass after a storm!

Despite his unstoppable strength, fury boiled within Blade as he faced overwhelming odds, leaving him momentarily powerless.

Suddenly:

A woman’s voice rang out from the rear ranks of the military formation.

“Listen carefully: Everyone, drop your weapons.”

The Cloud Knights hesitated, then slowly began lowering their arms.

Suddenly, a sword’s cry pierced the air!

A youth riding a flying sword like a surfer darted toward the source of the sound.

CLANG!

His jade-like blade clashed with Kafka’s purple katana, the sharp impact snapping some of the controlled Cloud Knights back to their senses.

After exchanging the first blow, Yanqing hovered mid-air and declared coldly, “Stellaron Hunter—Kafka, correct?”

“The General foresaw your rescue attempt and specifically ordered me to wait here. This trap was meticulously prepared just for you!”

Kafka smirked faintly. Her purple katana vanished, replaced by two gleaming submachine guns.

“Don’t get too cocky, kid,” Kafka replied, recalling her ultimate ability in the game. Replicating it now might leave quite an impression.

“I’ll capture you first and leave your fate to the General!” Yanqing pointed his sword forward, and behind him, a fan-like array of shimmering blades materialized, resembling a peacock spreading its tail feathers.

SWISH—

SWISH—

SWISH—

Each sword attacked Kafka from different angles.

But in an instant…

As if swallowed by invisible black holes, the swords disintegrated into countless shimmering fragments and disappeared.

Yanqing’s expression shifted abruptly.

Another figure emerged beside Kafka.

Silver Wolf, casually blowing bubbles, remarked indifferently, “Let’s wrap this up quickly, Kafka. I still have to log back into the Simulated Universe later.”

“Agreed.”

Yanqing’s gaze turned grave as he raised his remaining sword.

“Excellent. It seems I might apprehend three Stellaron Hunters at once!”

Silver Wolf glanced disdainfully at Yanqing. “Where did they find this brat? So ordinary yet so arrogant. Kafka, you handle him—I don’t want bullying kids on my record.”

“Brat?!?” Yanqing snapped angrily.

“I am the Cloud Knight Lieutenant—Yanqing!” He challenged, “Outlaw, face my strike!”

While Yanqing focused on Silver Wolf, Kafka quietly moved behind him.

“[Hear Me]: Stand down,” Kafka commanded.

Yanqing froze, his fierce momentum dissipating instantly. He dropped to one knee, his sword clattering to the ground beside him.

The surrounding Cloud Knights tried to intervene but were repelled by a sudden burst of sword energy, creating an empty space around them.

Silver Wolf looked at the defeated Yanqing and sneered, “And you doubted me when I called you a kid? How easily manipulated you are.”

Blade approached Kafka and Silver Wolf, ready for their swift exit.

Suddenly, a voice echoed through the area:

“Oh?”

“It seems your age isn’t much greater either.”

A subtle smirk formed at the corner of Kafka’s lips as she remarked, “Today just keeps getting more interesting.”

Silver Wolf’s expression darkened.

As for Blade, his eyes glowed a blood-red hue, like a ferocious wolf catching the scent of prey. He roared toward the sky, “It’s you! You’ve returned too!”

White snowflakes drifted gently from above while icy blades erupted from the ground below, forming sharp walls of ice that isolated the pursuing Cloud Knights behind them.

Emerging from the shadows were a white-haired woman and a golden-haired man, walking side by side. The woman wore a black veil over her eyes, while the man carried a coffin.

“I am merely a humble merchant, truly honored to have this unexpected encounter with all of you.”

Chapter Text

"You've located us, haven't you? With 【Tingyun】, tracking must be even easier now."

"If Kafka's trail leads to Stargazer Navalia, activate this device to ensure she doesn’t escape."

Tingyun had finished testing.

All preparations were complete.

The Astral Express departed for Stargazer Navalia, the key shipbuilding hub of the Xianzhou Loufu.

Seeing this, March 7th asked, "Stargazer Navalia... The game’s plot already hinted that Kafka might hide there. Couldn’t General Jing Yuan set up an ambush in advance?"

"Ha ha ha..." Jing Yuan chuckled politely but awkwardly. "Miss March 7th, your thinking might be too simple. If we can predict this development, wouldn’t the Stellaron Hunters and their allies do the same?"

March 7th tapped her head thoughtfully. "I assumed we’d gain the upper hand, but if everyone sees the same developments, aren’t we back to square one?"

"Not necessarily. By adapting to circumstances and seizing opportunities, we might still gain an edge."

March 7th muttered, "Your words are so confusing."

"It seems General Jing Yuan is well-prepared; no need to worry," Old Yang explained.

Suddenly, Jing Yuan’s confident demeanor shifted. The holographic projection flickered as though disrupted by another signal. After about five seconds, the projection stabilized, but Jing Yuan’s calm was replaced with deep seriousness.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize, but I must urgently head to The Shackling Prison."
"What happened? Has the Stellaron Hunter arrived?" Old Yang asked.

However, Jing Yuan was too pressed for time to explain. The hologram abruptly vanished, leaving everyone confused.
"Uncle Yang, what should we do now?" March 7th asked anxiously.

With Jing Yuan gone, Fu Xuan took the central seat, subtly signaling she would take charge.
"Ladies and gentlemen, let’s stay calm. Since General Jing Yuan didn’t elaborate, it seems the situation hasn’t reached its peak yet. Kafka will likely appear soon. I’ll buy us time to observe the unfolding events before deciding our next move."

"Fu Xuan-sama, you’re very considerate," Stelle remarked appreciatively.

Meanwhile, Jing Yuan raced toward The Shackling Prison at full speed. To his surprise, not only had Kafka arrived, but another Stellaron Hunter—Silver Wolf—had also appeared, alongside Blade. It seemed the Stellaron Hunters treated Luofu like their second home.

Before Jing Yuan could provide more details, the communication link was abruptly severed. A screen on Yuzhao lit up, displaying two lines of information. After reading them, Jing Yuan was stunned.
"...What?! Even she’s here?! And Luocha too?!"

Under normal circumstances, the appearance of any single individual from this group aboard the Xianzhou would demand immediate attention. Yet now, they had all converged at The Shackling Prison! Even if they had come voluntarily to surrender, the prison wouldn’t have the capacity to hold them all. Jing Yuan felt overwhelmed.

"Yanqing, hang in there..."

Back at the Palace of Astrum, Fu Xuan reassured everyone, easing their concerns as they continued observing events unfold. By now, the scene had shifted to Stargazer Navalia.

Using Diting to track, they searched for clues across the map.
"This is... part of a Cloud Knight weapon, severed by something sharp..."
"It must be that wicked woman! She wields a long and swift blade!"
"This jade token belongs to a shipbuilder supervisor, used to open gates. Someone sabotaged it after use—perhaps Kafka."

As Streamer Little Gui Zi busily searched for clues, the audience relaxed, enjoying the show. Even Fu Xuan took a moment to sip water. Despite the tension of capturing Kafka, the atmosphere remained relatively calm.

Old Yang had settled back into his seat, steady as ever. However, unease seemed to pass to Dan Heng, who suddenly felt unsettled. Glancing between the narrative and the view outside the Palace of Astrum, he couldn’t shake the feeling that Jing Yuan’s abrupt departure was uncharacteristic of such a meticulous strategist.

In a daze, a haunting voice echoed in his mind:
"There were five souls, but only three paid the price..."

Before Dan Heng could speak, a major plot twist occurred in the game.

"When the prey’s trail vanishes abruptly, hunters must be cautious—for it often signals a reversal in the chase."

Kafka appeared on screen! Everyone froze, straightening in their seats. It was time to pursue her! Their success depended on their next moves.

"Darn it, there’s no way through here! We need to find a way to intercept her!"

"Benefactor, don’t worry about the closed door; we can bypass the conveyor belt," Tingyun suggested.

They reached the other side of the gate. To their surprise, Kafka was truly within sight! Even as the protagonist approached, she showed no intention of fleeing. This peculiar behavior raised suspicions.

"Welcome, members of the Astral Express. You’ve caught me."

Not just Fu Xuan and Old Yang, but even the live stream viewers sensed something was off.
"Why does this feel like a mother playing hide-and-seek with her child?"
"Is this part of their plan too?"
"Are we really about to capture Kafka? Could it be a decoy? A projection? A puppet?"
"She’s still smiling; I think we’re walking into a trap!"

"Show your hand, Kafka. Our arrival must have been part of your plan," Welt said.
"It’s not a plan, but rather 【the future】. We intervene among countless possibilities to bring about the best 【future】," Kafka explained with a smile. "Don’t flatter yourselves, Welt; Stellaron Hunters are merely 【Destiny’s Slaves】."

March 7th retorted, "The best future? Best for whom? I doubt you care about anyone else."
"The entire universe—do you believe that? Naturally, it means 'best' for me."

These words sounded absurd to everyone, including Guinaifen, who decisively chose the most straightforward option:

【"Let’s fight already, don’t waste time!"】

Welt responded, "We’ll take you to General Luofu. Since you claim innocence, explain yourself to him; he’ll render judgment accordingly."

Kafka shook her head slightly. "No can do. I detest following others’ pace."

"Time is running out. Act swiftly, or it’ll be too late."

The screen shattered. The first battle against Kafka began! Fu Xuan prepared to record the sequence, knowing it would help devise strategies for future encounters.

A captivating smile crossed Kafka’s face.

"Can you stay on your feet?"

With a swift pull of the red thread in her hand, the targeted character became immobilized. A prompt appeared:

【Use a skill to remove negative effects and counteract the 【Dominate】 state!】

"This must be Kafka’s Word Power ability." Under the influence of 【Dominate】, characters attacked their teammates. Fortunately, Little Gui Zi was highly skilled. Using March 7th’s Shield, they dispelled the control effect. In the end, they defeated Kafka at the cost of losing two team members, successfully advancing to the next chapter!

Kafka found herself surrounded, her hands poised above her submachine guns as if ready to lower them.
"You’re finally here."

In the next moment, she spun her weapons, firing indiscriminately into the sky. Bullets poured forth like rain! The scene slowed, as though someone had hit a slow-motion button. Amidst the chaos, a young girl moved effortlessly, almost leisurely strolling. With graceful gestures, she deflected each bullet’s trajectory.

Her every movement was calm and elegant, like removing imperfections from a delicate painting.
"A mere parlor trick."
"Your every move..."
"...has been foreseen within my divine sight."

On the tip of her toe, she executed a flawless landing before the crowd.
"Fu Xuan of the Divination Commission."
"I now take custody of the criminal."

As this unfolded, everyone present turned their gaze toward Fu Xuan. Maintaining her composure, Fu Xuan appeared calm, as if this outcome were expected. Beneath the surface, however, she was bursting with joy.

"Truly deserving of this venerable one’s title!"
"What a remarkably elegant and grand entrance!"
"This scene must be preserved; I’ll ensure Jing Yuan sees it later!"
"Even Stellaron Hunter Kafka had no choice but to surrender obediently before this venerable one."
"I am truly too incredible!" exclaimed Fu Xuan.

Chapter Text

Kafka had indeed been captured, stunning everyone. Even Fu Xuan’s predictions indicated that capturing Kafka would be a formidable challenge, yet it proved surprisingly simple. With Kafka securely detained, plans were set in motion to transport her to the Divination Commission for questioning.

"To extract information from this suspect, the Divination Commission will utilize undisclosed methods," Fu Xuan explained. "Rest assured, the interrogation will not proceed until you all are present."

"I have stationed a disciple at Exalting Sanctum Square who will guide you to the Divination Commission once everything is ready. I appreciate your patience."

Fu Xuan then revealed, "I am preparing to activate the Indigent Observation Formation 'Four-One-Zero'."

"Only through this formation can we uncover past events, predict future outcomes, and reveal the truth."

"Then Kafka will finally speak," she concluded.

March 7th nodded, beginning to understand. Meanwhile, Dan Heng, who had been silently observing, stood up and declared to the Astral Express Crew, "I must head to The Shackling Prison."

March 7th was taken aback, setting down her snack. "Dan Heng, are you alright?"

"The critical moment is Kafka's interrogation!"

"Shouldn't we watch to confirm Kafka's schemes?" March 7th asked.

Dan Heng shook his head. "Kafka allowed herself to be captured deliberately. The real threat aboard Xianzhou likely lies elsewhere."

"What about Jing Yuan? Any updates?" Dan Heng inquired.

Fu Xuan glanced at Yuzhao and responded, "Not necessary yet."

"But if you're concerned, I'll perform a divination for you." Fu Xuan extended her hand, calculating. Her expression shifted from suspicion to confusion, then shock.

March 7th sighed, "Even without hearing the results, something unexpected has happened."

"I performed three divinations. Both The Shackling Prison and the Stellaron Hunters' situations are disrupted by unknown factors, making outcomes indiscernible."

"As for General Jing Yuan...grave danger looms!"

Old Yang looked at Dan Heng. "You were right. We must leave immediately."

"Dan Heng, March, and Stelle, come with me to The Shackling Prison."

"March and Stelle, monitor Kafka’s live stream continuously. Inform us as soon as her intentions are clear."

"Understood!" Old Yang decided promptly.

He gathered the three, preparing to depart the Palace of Astrum. Yukong’s voice called out behind them.

"Wait, everyone."

"You’re unfamiliar with the area," Yukong continued. "I’ve notified Tingyun to meet you at the Star Ferry. She’ll guide you to The Shackling Prison."

"Thank you, Director Yukong."

In the bustling streets of Exalting Sanctum, Phantylia, disguised as Tingyun, frequently gazed at the distant tree.

"In about half an hour, we should witness its miraculous rebirth, piercing the celestial vault, don’t you think?"

Nearby, a storyteller and his assistant spotted “Tingyun.”

"Tingyun Miss! It’s really you!"

"How did you find time to visit Exalting Sanctum today? Shall I entertain you with a tale?"

"Sure," Phantylia replied with a smile, anticipating Luofu's upheaval triggered by the Ambrosial Arbor's growth.

The storyteller prepared to begin, even setting up paper lanterns.

Clearing his throat, he started eloquently:

"Legends are scarce aboard Xianzhou. With eternal life and longevity, what room is there for tales?"

"However, the tale of the Cloud Knight General begins with a distant legend..."

"This history dates back eight millennia when an ancient empire’s ruler yearned for eternal life."

"The ancestors of Xianzhou embarked on a grueling celestial journey."

Phantylia thought, feeling discontented. Using this worn-out tale to deceive people? No wonder no one was interested.

Soon, the storyteller introduced the seven heavenly generals of Emperor’s Bow:

"Might surging through skies, spirit soaring high... The Merlin's Claw General, Fei Xiao!"

"Luminous beyond measure, radiant with fiery blaze. The Flaming Heart General, Huaiyan!"

Phantylia knew these generals well. Such tales might captivate newcomers but not her...

Upon hearing exaggerated praise, Tingyun wished to overturn his stall.

"Surmounting Yujie’s heights, repelling celestial spears. The Divine Strategy General, Jing Yuan!"

"All commend him for extraordinary intellect and profound strategies!"

"Well done!" Tingyun applauded, tossing a few Strales onto the stall before continuing on her way.

At a nearby intersection, she arrived at an open-air plaza where people were engrossed in a large screen.

"Hmph, another episode of that Star Rail nonsense," someone scoffed.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted near the screen.

"Oh my goodness! Look at this—!"

"Jing Yuan Character PV - 'Heaven and Earth as a Chessboard'? Is it really General Jing Yuan?"

"No doubt about it! Check the video thumbnail—it perfectly captures our General’s heroic demeanor!"

"The General! The General is so cool, waaaaah!"

"Forget everything else—I need to rush home, sell my house, and prepare for the Jing Yuan gacha draw!"

"Hurry up, hurry up! I can't wait to see Jing Yuan's Ultimate move!"

Phantylia paused, extracting crucial information from their frenzied chatter.

This video seemed to showcase Jing Yuan's abilities?

"Well then, let’s take a quick look."

Chapter Text

"Huh?"
"Startled awake from a dream on the brink of death!"

"A character PV for Jing Yuan? Lao Yu, how could you not warn us about such a major event?!"
"The release of this video must mean Jing Yuan is entering the card pool, right? I'm not misunderstanding, am I?!"
"My goodness! What did I just see?!"

As real-time comments flooded in, the main video began to play. The previously lively crowd gathered in the square suddenly fell silent, every pair of eyes glued intently to the screen, as if under an invisible spell. Even Phantylia found the abrupt change in atmosphere somewhat unsettling.

The opening scene revealed a lush courtyard where a man and a youth were engaged in a game of chess. At first glance, it seemed like the overused trope of countless stories, but these two figures clearly represented the pinnacle of power aboard Xianzhou Luofu—Jing Yuan and Yanqing!

With one hand resting under his chin, Jing Yuan appeared almost drowsy, squinting slightly as though on the verge of falling asleep. A small bird landed on one of the chess pieces, momentarily startling him out of his lethargy.

Jing Yuan yawned and asked lazily, "So, have you decided yet?"

Yanqing’s eyes sparkled with determination as he made his move.
"hmmm...Oh"
"It's your turn, General."

Jing Yuan rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Tsk, tsk, tsk... Such aggression..."
"These youngsters nowadays..." As he spoke, Jing Yuan casually extended two fingers to catch a falling ginkgo leaf mid-air.

"But still...
"...too naive."

He placed the ginkgo leaf onto the chessboard as though it were another piece! Simultaneously, he rose to his feet, hands clasped leisurely behind his back. The serene melody of "Flowing Mountains" transitioned into the rousing anthem of "Ode to Liquor"!

In the bamboo grove before them, four Demonic Yin Body creatures unexpectedly emerged.

As Jing Yuan waved his hand dramatically, a decree unfurled like a painting, filling the screen with radiant golden light!

An explosion of cheers erupted from the crowd!
"Oh man, that's insanely cool!"
"The background music feels like a grand strategy unfolding across vast distances!!"
"The Feathered Spirit is going absolutely berserk again!"
"Yes, here it comes! Bring on the power!"

Behind them, Phantylia frowned slightly. Wasn’t it just a few Demonic Yin Body pawns showing up? Why all the excitement? Truly, they were like naive frogs trapped in their well, oblivious to the wider world!

In the next moment, a golden flash illuminated behind Jing Yuan. An enormous chessboard spread beneath his feet, transforming the entire courtyard scenery. Only Jing Yuan and the Demonic Yin Body soldiers remained visible.

Jing Yuan stood at the position marked for the "King," while the Demonic Yin Body soldiers occupied all the "Pawn" positions at the opposite end.

This sight startled Phantylia internally.
"Could he truly possess hidden strength?"
"The ability to transform the battlefield into a chessboard-like phenomenon?"
"Is this the secret to his unwavering composure?"

Phantylia's eyes glinted with intrigue as she focused intently on the unfolding scene.

The background music intensified with drumbeats resembling a storm's fury, akin to the call of war horns. Spectators clenched their fists excitedly, as if yearning to grab nearby stools or brooms and charge into battle themselves.

At the climax, Jing Yuan revealed his weapon—the formation blade known as Starfall Reverie.
"Thunder... manifest!"

Golden lightning surged along the blade's edge. The front-line "pawns" had already fallen, and the "generals" and "advisors" swiftly advanced.

Amid swirling clouds, a majestic golden spirit emerged. A colossal blade descended with immense force.
"Only thus can victory be achieved."

Phantylia unconsciously tightened her grip on the controller. She realized she had been deceived by this video! Contrary to appearances, Jing Yuan didn’t actually summon a massive chessboard positioning enemies and allies as corresponding chess pieces—it was merely a visual metaphor depicting his strategic prowess!

"Damn..."

Suddenly, the fallen bodies began twisting and convulsing, giving rise to a gigantic deer-shaped monster—the Abundant Ebon Deer. Upon seeing it, Phantylia let out a cold laugh.
"At last, something interesting emerges."

Jing Yuan stepped out of the chess illusion. Softly, he said, "It's time for an unexpected maneuver."

He raised his hand, lifting the Stone Fire Dream Body above his head. Golden lightning enveloped him, with imperial edicts circling around the blade. Even the spiraling cloud formations in the sky turned gold.

"Mighty spirits, heed my command."
The Divine Monarch behind him likewise raised his weapon.

With that order—
"Execute without mercy!"

With a strike akin to splitting the heavens, he cleaved through the realm before him. When they looked back, the Demonic Yin Body and Abundant Ebon Deer had vanished entirely. All that remained were silver maple leaves gently drifting down with the wind.

"Have you remembered all of it, Yanqing?"
"Yes, General."
"Excellent. Once you've forgotten everything, your apprenticeship will be complete."

Jing Yuan lightly patted Yanqing on the shoulder and walked away from the courtyard.

"What? So then..."

"Huh?"
"Oh no, General! You're stealing chess pieces again!"

The spectators burst into laughter. Meanwhile, Phantylia left the scene with a cold expression.

What demonstration of Jing Yuan's abilities?! What "heaven and earth as a chessboard, stars as the pieces"?! It sounded far more impressive than reality!

Though the video production was commendable, with stirring music throughout, Phantylia saw through the exaggerated exteriors to the core truth. Even against mere Demonic Yin Bodies and the Abundant Ebon Deer, Jing Yuan resorted to wielding The Hunt's bestowed might.

As one of the seven heavenly generals wielding Emperor Bow—Jing Yuan—he seemed devoid of any other significant abilities beyond those granted by the Divine Monarch. So this is what the Divine Strategy General truly amounts to!

Having reached this conclusion, a sudden idea sprouted in Phantylia's mind.
"Ah, Jing Yuan, since you're so weak, why not bestow upon you the power of 【Destruction】?"
"I'll transform you into a Voidranger of Destruction."
"With this, chaos will inevitably engulf Luofu, leading to its collapse without a direct assault."
"Yes, yes, this aligns perfectly with my aesthetic of destruction!"

Now there remained only one question: How could she entice Jing Yuan to take action? If he continued to operate from behind the scenes, her plan would be unfeasible.

Just then, she received several messages. They were from Yukong, the helmsman of the Sky-Faring Commission.
"Tingyun, where are you now?"
"The Astral Express Crew is about to head towards The Shackling Prison to support General Jingyuan, and I've recommended you as their guide."
"See this message? Reply immediately."

After reading it, Phantylia's grin stretched wide, nearly splitting her face apart!
"Truly... 【Fortune favors me】!"
"It seems luck is entirely on my side this time."
"Today marks the inevitable disintegration and utter destruction of the Xianzhou Loufu!"

Chapter Text

At the riverside crossing, March 7th and Stelle were glued to their phones, unwilling to tear their eyes away even for a moment. Nearby, Welt and Dan Heng stood guard, creating a scene reminiscent of modern-day Luofu families watching over their children during outings.

"Strange, why hasn’t Miss Tingyun shown up yet?" Old Yang muttered aloud.

"We can’t operate the starskiff without authorized personnel," Dan Heng added, glancing at the massive vessel prepared by the Sky-Faring Commission.

Despite being from Xianzhou, Dan Heng unfortunately lacked both a pilot’s license and the skills to operate a star ferry.

Meanwhile, March 7th and Stelle seemed completely unfazed. March 7th was engrossed in Little Gui Zi’s live stream, while Stelle repeatedly replayed Jing Yuan’s character promotional video, “Heaven and Earth as Chessboard,” pausing occasionally to comment in the live chat.

“Here I am, sorry to keep everyone waiting,” Tingyun finally announced as she arrived.

“I got held up with some minor issues. Please forgive me—and don’t mention this to Lord Yukong,” she pleaded.

“No problem, let’s board the star ferry first,” Old Yang urged.

In no time, everyone had boarded the ferry, with Tingyun taking the helm. She attempted to break the ice by introducing herself.

“My name is Tingyun, and I serve as a Ferry Guide within the Sky-Faring Commission’s merchant fleet. Are you all members of the Astral Express Crew?”

“No need for introductions—we already know you from Honkai Star Rail!” March 7th exclaimed warmly.

“Honkai Star Rail?” Tingyun asked, tilting her head.

“Oh, it’s that game you’ve been playing, right?”

“Heh… Yes, I’ve heard about how popular it is. Unfortunately, my duties haven’t left me any time to try it myself, or I definitely would have.”

“Hmm…” Old Yang responded noncommittally.

Dan Heng remained silent.

March 7th and Stelle continued to immerse themselves in the game.

Tingyun forced an awkward smile.

Phantylia thought to herself, Why does the atmosphere feel so different from what I expected? Could it be that this game reveals more than it should? No, if that were true, they wouldn’t have cooperated with us at all…

“Oh well, overthinking won’t help. Let’s just focus on reaching our destination.”

“Oh, and soon I’ll need to prepare precautions. We don’t want anyone getting caught up when the Ambrosial Arbor starts growing—that would certainly add some excitement.”

---

In Little Gui Zi’s live stream:

“Hey, everyone! As much as I’d love to witness Kafka’s interrogation, Fu Xuan needs to 【Prepare for Interrogation】.”

“For now, we’ll stay here at the Exalting Sanctum and wait for news from the Divination Commission’s guide!”

“But doesn’t this place feel familiar?”

“Remember where the Golden Spear choked us last time?” Guinaifen maneuvered her character around for a quick tour.

Soon, she noticed a crowd gathering in the square.

“Something’s happening! Let me go check it out!”

As she approached, a story event triggered. A Cloud Knight soldier lay writhing on a stretcher, covered in shimmering golden ginkgo leaves, his body beginning to mutate rapidly.

Suddenly, a pair of short legs sprinted toward the scene, kicking up dust behind them.

“Everyone, step back!”

A young Vidyadhara girl leaped into the air, spinning 360 degrees. Her tail crackled with lightning as it swept across the area. In an instant, the screaming soldier collapsed silently.

From beneath her wide sleeve, the girl produced a gourd and instructed those nearby, “Quickly give him this medicine and make sure he stays still!”

Her movements flowed effortlessly like water.

However, moments later, more Demonic Yin Bodies emerged, contorted and crawling across the ground.

“I… I meant…” the girl stammered with an awkward laugh.

“Make them lie down quietly!”

Bam!
【Combat begins!】

At the sight of the petite figure, March 7th screamed with excitement.

“Ahhh, it’s my daughter Bailu!”

Dan Heng and Old Yang were startled by her outburst.

“What?! Bailu is joining the fight?” Stelle quickly moved closer to watch alongside them.

Rolling his eyes, Dan Heng had initially planned to rest against the train window, conserving energy for what lay ahead. But as he glanced over, he saw Bailu appear exactly as depicted in the storyline—bearing the distinctive features of the Vidyadhara clan, complete with dragon horns and a dragon tail.

“Hmm?”

“She’s… this generation’s Holding Light Dragon Venerable?”

Intrigued, Dan Heng joined the others to observe closely.

March 7th shot him a surprised look. “No way, Dan Heng? Are you secretly a Bailu fan? I’m warning you, she’s my daughter, so don’t even think about…”

“Your imagination runs wild, March,” Dan Heng sighed helplessly.

Swiftly, the Demonic Yin Body soldiers were defeated, bringing the battle to an end.

Bailu placed her small hands on her hips and scolded, “After that stern lecture, can you now behave and lie down quietly?” Turning to address the Astral Express Crew, she said,

“Thank you, Uncle and Big Sisters, for helping calm the patients’ emotions. Your ‘Charged Anesthetic Strike’ technique is truly impressive.”

“However, because of your intervention, these cloud Knights have sustained additional injuries. I’ll need to work harder to realign their bones and bandage them properly. Ugh, this just adds to my workload!”

Seeing Bailu’s sulky demeanor, March 7th chuckled mischievously, revealing her sharp canines.

“How adorable! I must interact with my little Bailu daughter right away!”

As expected, the conversation unfolded according to March 7th’s wishes.

She asked Bailu, “Where did you come from (seriously, where)? What about your father?”

“I don’t have a father.”

“What about your mother?”

“I don’t have a mom either.”

Bailu shook her head, her large eyes filled with sincerity.

The March 7th from the storyline fell silent…

And so did the March 7th outside it.

“Waaaahh…”

“What am I doing?!?!”

Witnessing March 7th’s distress, Stelle sympathetically patted her on the shoulder.

Then, she opened the chat window.

“Ha ha ha! Sorry, but I can’t stop laughing.”

“Oh no, all my merit points for the week disappeared because of laughter!”

“How to Kill a Conversation in Three Sentences – A Guide by March 7th.”

“Sincerity is the ultimate trump card.”

“Unstoppable!”

“That night, March 7th lay in bed, thoughts swirling: ‘I’m truly doomed’.”

Chapter Text

The conversation with Bailu left March 7th deeply hurt.
And as if things couldn’t get worse, opening the stream chat only added salt to her wounds. Though it felt like kicking someone when they were already down, Stelle—ever the supportive sister from the Astral Express Crew—took a moment to comfort her.

“It’s okay, March,” she said gently.
“You also came from Six Forms Ice, just like her.”
“No parents, similar to Bailu’s situation…”
“In that case, maybe it wasn’t truly hurtful after all.”

“Thank you… you’re really good at comforting people,” March 7th replied, her voice trembling with unshed tears.

Little Gui hovered nearby thoughtfully. Meanwhile, Bailu was busy tending to patients nearby, making only a brief appearance without further plot developments tied to her for now.

Suddenly, an NPC named Dahao approached them.

“Excuse me, young lady, please stay for a moment,” Dahao began. “Your timely intervention earlier saved both the citizens of Exalting Sanctum and the Draconic Lady from grave danger.”

“The Draconic Lady from the Alchemy Commission—Lady Bailu,” he clarified.

March 7th raised an eyebrow in surprise. “That child sounds quite significant based on how you address her.”

Dahao didn’t dwell on Bailu but quickly shifted topics. “I heard from my friend at the Sky-Faring Commission that the General has invited several guests specifically to address the troubles brewing above Luofu. It seems you must be those individuals.”

“If you don’t mind, I hope you can spare some time to visit the Realm-Keeping Commission Chancery for a discussion. There’s trouble brewing beneath the Exalting Sanctum sky eye that we need to investigate…”

As soon as Dahao finished speaking, a game notification popped up:

【Adventure Quest: Viperous Birds, Enduring Peril - Accepted】

“A side quest?” Little Gui glanced at it skeptically.

“Why are we suddenly getting sidetracked? How am I supposed to attend Kafka’s interrogation while dealing with this new mission at the Realm-Keeping Commission Chancery?”

As he spoke, Little Gui prepared to switch the quest tracker back to the main storyline—the Trailblazing mission. But before he could, dazzling gift animations flooded the live stream chat window!

【【Cat Petter 8190】 gifted Streamer Little Gui Zi with 5 Listening Storms! Message: 【Stream the side quest first!】】
【【Cat Petter 8190】 gifted Streamer Little Gui Zi with 5 Super Star Ferries! Message: 【Check out the dangers lurking in the Exalting Sanctum!】】

Guinaifen blinked in surprise.

At first, she instinctively thanked her generous viewers. However, she still hesitated. After all, many of her audience members were eager to see the progress of the main storyline and the outcome of Kafka’s interrogation.

But then, another wave of gifts poured in!

【【Pit Nut Hunter】 gifted Streamer Little Gui Zi 10 Star Path Tickets! Message: 【Listen to my buddy Cat Lover!】】
【【Does Bailu’s Foot Smell】 gifted Streamer Little Gui Zi 15 Exclusive Star Path Tickets! Message: 【Do the side quest first, I’m more concerned about what trouble lurks near my doorstep.】】

Seeing this overwhelming support, Guinaifen clapped excitedly.

“Aiya, dear family, we’re on the same page!”
“We absolutely have to tackle this side quest first! Public safety comes first!”
“As they say—‘Safety over everything!’”
“I’m heading out right away, Little Gui fans!”

Inside the star ferry, March 7th wasn’t pleased when she saw Little Gui preparing to head straight for the Realm-Keeping Commission Chancery.

“No, Little Gui! I’ve been waiting to see the results of Kafka’s interrogation!”
“You need some principles! Don’t change your stance just because of a few gifts!”

However, her protests were drowned out by a flood of comments in the chat.

Only two sporadic replies appeared:
“No ticket, yet you still dare to complain?”
“Not from around here? Easy for you to act aloof, huh?”

March 7th fired back immediately. “How am I being aloof?! Isn’t this all for your beloved General Jingyuan?!”

But this time, no one responded. Fuming, March 7th opened her wallet, ready to top up and argue with the commenters until the bitter end.

“Forget it, March,” Dan Heng interjected calmly beside her. “I’m curious too about what hidden dangers lie within Luofu.”
“Kafka is merely an unpredictable external threat. In this incident, there seems to be another force within Luofu that’s been plotting for quite some time.”

Hearing this, Tingyun—who was piloting the star ferry ahead—glanced back at Dan Heng through the rear-view mirror. Could they finally be closing in on the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus? She sighed inwardly. Damn this game—it doesn’t even give me a moment’s rest.

Outside the vehicle window, the Tree of Foundation remained eerily dormant, showing no signs of growth.

Phantylia, visibly dissatisfied, muttered under her breath, “Pawn of Abundance, you’re moving far too slowly!”

Tingyun revved up the star ferry’s engines, speeding toward their destination. Old Yang looked up at Tingyun and keenly sensed the acceleration.

“Perhaps Miss Tingyun heard about the danger looming over Luofu and is feeling anxious,” he thought to himself.

Meanwhile, in Little Gui’s live stream, they had arrived at the Realm-Keeping Commission Chancery as scheduled. Initially, everyone assumed the threat involved hidden Demonic Yin Bodies within the Exalting Sanctum. However, something unexpected happened:

After handing over the item “【Unsent Letter Home】,” which they’d found earlier, Dahao—drenched in sweat—summoned General Jing Yuan’s chief strategist, Qing Zhu.

Qing Zhu was a prominent figure in Luofu. He explained gravely, “To outsiders, this letter appears to be a joyful update from someone who has recovered from a long-term illness. But upon closer examination, its contents violate the ‘Ten Unforgivable Crimes,’ constituting grave heresy.”

“The title ‘【Benevolent Medicine King】’ would never be uttered by any law-abiding citizen of our alliance. This refers to Xianzhou’s archenemy—the Star God of Abundance, now known as the Plague Author of Longevity, Yaoshi.”

“The mannerisms displayed here remind me of an organization eradicated from Xianzhou millennia ago…the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus.”

With these words, the chat exploded like a boiling pot!

“The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus?!”
“Holy crap! This morning, someone asked me if I wanted eternal life. I thought they were crazy and walked away. Now, could that person have been one of their followers?!”
“I’ve heard of them! They supposedly poison patients under the guise of treatment, conducting unethical experiments on unsuspecting victims!”
“This is terrifying! Are there such anti-social organizations lurking near my home?”
“I’m too scared to go outside now… seriously…”

Reading these frantic comments, Guinaifen exclaimed, “Friends! So you’ve experienced similar incidents too?”
“We outsiders in Xianzhou must prioritize our safety!”

In the background, Sushang chimed in reassuringly, “Don’t worry, Little Gui. For the next few days, I’ll stick with you wherever you go—even to the restroom, I’ll keep watch!”

Given the sudden revelation, Guinaifen had no choice but to take this side quest seriously. It now directly concerned the safety of Luofu’s populace! If only they could uncover the entire Disciples of Sanctus Medicus organization through this mission!

---

Back in the Grand Divination Commission, Fu Xuan watched the unfolding events on the live stream with a serious expression.

Initially, she had planned to accompany the Astral Express Crew to The Shackling Prison. However, witnessing this development caused her plans to shift.

“Currently, most of Luofu’s military strength has been deployed to The Shackling Prison, including the General himself rushing over there. If even I leave, wouldn’t Luofu become virtually defenseless?”

“Yes, yes, yes! This mission trigger couldn’t have come at a better time!”
“The internal threat—undetectable even by this venerable one—the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus.”
“This venerable one must uncover where exactly you’re hiding!”

Without delay, Fu Xuan used Jing Yuan’s command token to mobilize the remaining Cloud Knights within the city. Once the true nature of the “Disciples of Sanctus Medicus” was fully revealed in the unfolding storyline, she would swiftly dispatch forces to suppress them and eliminate these threats once and for all!

Chapter Text

Under the vigilant observation of Grand Diviner Fu Xuan and countless Luofu players, Little Gui Zi continued advancing through the quest "【Venom Brews, Immortality Looms】" with great care.

Qing Zhu provided intelligence: "Amidst the chaos, someone near the Exalting Sanctum is trying to sway outlanders. You should investigate there. Months ago, I sent an undercover agent who made progress but has since gone missing—likely exposed."

"As a newcomer and an outlander yourself, I trust you with this task," Qing Zhu concluded.

In the live stream, Guinaifen nodded thoughtfully before calling out, "Shangshang, quick, come here!"

"We're going undercover to infiltrate the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus!" she exclaimed. "Time to put your cloud rider training to use. Give us some ideas!"

Sushang entered the camera frame, her expression serious at the mention of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus on Luofu. Gripping her controller like a Void Sword, her gaze hardened with determination.

Soon, they encountered a peculiar figure lurking outside the Exalting Sanctum.

"Esteemed guest from afar, please wait. Do you yearn for eternal life?" the stranger asked.

【No.】 【Yes.】 【I yearn for power!】

After brief consideration, Sushang chose the third option.

Addressing the camera, she explained, "Expressing a direct desire for immortality often raises suspicion. We need to appear naive newcomers!"

The stranger paused, then exclaimed, "I understand now! You mean to say that you do indeed yearn for eternal life, right?! After all, living forever is a form of power itself!"

【No, I only yearn for pure power!】

"I'm at my wit's end with you, sis."

"Haha, what a peculiar person you are. I'll tell it to you straight — to outworlders I offer the chance of immortality... but perhaps someone like you would be better off joining the Antimatter Legion."

"Before attaining absolute power, wouldn't you also wish to live forever?"

The stranger grew agitated.

"The Xianzhou doesn't care one bit about the well-being of short-life species! They stubbornly blockade the glorious path to immortality."

"My name is Green Hibiscus," she continued. "I came to Exalting Sanctum in hopes of a fated encounter with one such as yourself — one who is also on the road to immortality."

"What do you say? How about we find a more suitable spot to talk about all this?"

Step one of going undercover—Success!

Sushang discreetly flashed a victory sign with her fingers, while Guinaifen gave a thumbs-up gesture.

Following Green Hibiscus, they arrived at an elegantly furnished courtyard. Apart from Green Hibiscus, several other members were present, including a Cloud Knight.

Green Hibiscus began, "Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am a sower, secretly trained by the Medicine King. It wasn't safe to reveal my identity earlier in Exalting Sanctum, but now I can confidently share this with you."

"The 'Disciples of Sanctus Medicus' is an organization dedicated to the teachings of the Benevolent Medicine King. As followers, we refer to ourselves as 'sowers.'"

"To attain the secret of eternal life, one must become a sower. However, becoming a sower requires passing certain minor trials."

"Please bear with us... As the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus grow stronger, we have attracted the attention of those bow-wielding cultists. Without such caution, the consequences would be dire."

As a Cloud Knight, Sushang naturally inquired about the presence of another knight immediately.

"No need to worry about this Cloud Knight. He, like you, is undergoing his own trial."

"'All who seek shall surely find.' The Benevolent Medicine King's heart is vast and compassionate; he does not easily dismiss anyone's wishes. Consequently, our initiation trials for the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus are not overly challenging."

"All that's required is to copy this booklet, 'The Thousand Hands of the Benevolent Medicine King: Salvation,' five hundred times. This demonstrates your sincerity to your fellow brothers and sisters, allowing you to become a sower."

"Huh?"

"That's the test to join the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus?"

"It seems so simple! Could I also seek eternal life this way?"

"Hey, watch your words—that's risky talk!"

"Good sir, please accompany me to the Realm-Keeping Commission."

"What?!"

"Copy it five hundred times?!"

Sushang's eyes widened.

She never anticipated that this undercover mission would be so challenging!

And what was the content of this scripture?

"【 At one moment, the Benevolent Medicine King, with myriad hands filled with compassion, traversed through realms accompanied by ninety-nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine sowers. They gathered beneath Rahu, where he imparted teachings. 】"

While she recognized most of the words, their combined meaning made absolutely no sense to her!

"At least this is within a game; if it were real life, I definitely couldn't complete it..."

【Your index finger feels slightly sore, and your shoulders are beginning to ache... But this is only the first iteration. Four hundred and ninety-nine more await you.】

This internal monologue perfectly mirrored Sushang's true predicament!

The immersion in this game was simply too intense!

Determined, she decided to give it a try—could she truly accomplish the feat of copying the text five hundred times within the game?

【Lowering your head, you tune out everything around you and quietly continue transcribing. The pain in your arm intensifies, but eventually, you finish the second iteration.】

【"Yaowang Caihuai, Tree of Foundation thrives. Sowers unite, ascending to bliss." As you begin copying this phrase for the third time, it starts resonating within your heart.】

【The pain in your arm and fingers has subsided. Perhaps you've grown accustomed to it, or maybe they have simply gone numb. You smoothly complete the fourth iteration.】

【While copying for the fifth time, the cloud rider beside you can no longer contain his curiosity and quietly moves closer.】

"Stop copying! Stop already! Are you addicted to this?! Let me finish copying for you, and you keep watch!"

Upon hearing these words, Sushang keenly realized:

This cloud knight is not ordinary!

He isn’t a traitor but rather, like herself, an undercover agent!

"All right, all right, finally finished copying... I recognize you now, you're a Trailblazer! A distinguished guest of General Jing Yuan!"

"I'm a cloud knight from the Exalting Sanctum's garrison. Noticing that 'Green Hibiscus' was acting suspiciously and spreading heretical ideas, I decided to infiltrate," he explains.

"I didn't expect to be suspected right from the start... It took immense effort just to convince them I genuinely wanted to join the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus..."

"Let’s make a deal: After you help me finish copying this scripture, you must cover for me while I go to the Seat of Divine Foresight to report our findings..."

By now, Green Hibiscus had secured the entrance.

Sushang understood that undercover missions carried inherent risks; one must commit fully to the path chosen. She had no intention of leaving prematurely.

She handed the completed scriptures, copied with the cloud knight's assistance, to Green Hibiscus.

This was merely the first step of the initiation trial.

"Don't worry, the second step is very straightforward and will conclude swiftly."

"Our principle within the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus is simple: we do not employ those we doubt, nor do we doubt those we employ. Therefore..."

"You two shall duel here. The survivor will officially become a sower."

With these words, the atmosphere instantly shifted!

"I was starting to waver, but these damned sowers truly aren't any good!"

"Poor Cloud Knight brother got dealt a rough hand."

"Woah! This courtyard looks so familiar! It's just like the one below my house! Let me open the curtains to show you guys!"

"Any updates from the scene?"

"What happened? Did you see any Disciples of Sanctus Medicus? Remember to take a photo."

After about half a minute, this streamer indeed uploaded a picture.

It was identical to the courtyard within the game!

However, with the gate tightly shut, it was impossible to discern any activity inside from outside.

【Bailu's Little Feet Smell?】 chimed in again, "Can't see inside the courtyard, but I spotted numerous Cloud Knights hiding behind the star ferries parked downstairs!"

"How thrilling!"

"Investigate further! Keep reporting!"

Chapter Text

When Sushang learned that she would have to duel the Cloud Knight, her expression immediately darkened with worry. Though impulsive at times, he was a responsible senior among the Cloud Knights. The thought of jeopardizing his undercover mission troubled her deeply.

Faced with their refusal to comply, Green Hibiscus remained firm. "There's no exception; these aren't my rules. If you refuse the trial, we'll ensure both of you keep our secrets forever."

"Wait, please wait... No, don't make us fight like this," the cloud knight pleaded desperately. "We came seeking longevity, not death. Suddenly forcing us into combat puts us in a difficult position!"

"It's not entirely compulsory for you to duel. Refusing is an option, but then neither of you will be allowed to leave."

"Alright... alright... Can I at least have some time to mentally prepare? I've never done anything like this before..."

"Time is precious; don't take too long."

As Sushang watched the situation unfold, she took several deep breaths. "What do we do?! What should we do?!"

"With our protagonist's strength, couldn't she just blaze a trail out with this cloud knight buddy?"

"We're not far from the Exalting Sanctum, so it might work..."

However, the cloud knight had a more clever idea than Sushang anticipated. "How about this... I've thought of a plan that lets you join the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus and allows me to escape unscathed..."

"You challenge me to a duel, and I'll deliberately lose, pretending you've defeated me. You can then claim to help dispose of the bodies, allowing us both to leave the scene..."

"This way, we can achieve our respective goals."

"Uh... considering your skills, please don't accidentally kill me for real..."

【I know my limits.】

【That's not reassuring...】

Sushang hesitated but ultimately chose the second option. After all, swords have no eyes!

And nearby stood a cultivator, a secret disciple of the Medicine King, observing them! With such circumstances, Sushang couldn't be certain of controlling her strength precisely!

"Don't overdo it... Be gentle... Ah, never mind, I got myself into this mess anyway. My fate now rests on luck. Just try not to kill me!"

【Entering combat】

Sushang muttered to herself, "Cloud Knight Eldest Brother, as the brave warrior who helped transcribe my books, I'll ensure you retain some health!"

It was Dan Heng's turn to act. Although his ultimate ability had cooled down, he didn't want to use it yet. Instead, he planned to employ a standard skill.

"I mean no conflict..." With a flurry like torrential rain, Dan Heng unleashed his attack.

Sushang froze in shock! She genuinely hadn't anticipated the cloud knight to be so fragile! Moreover, it exploited his Wind attribute weakness. With the bonus damage from exploiting this vulnerability, it was a perfect finishing blow! The Cloud Knight's health bar emptied instantly, and he collapsed to the ground.

"Ahhh, Eldest Brother, I didn't actually kill you by mistake, did I?!"

【 End Battle 】

Green Hibiscus approached, praising Sushang, "Truly impressive skills! You took down such a lively cloud knight just like that."

"It's good that you won. This fellow showed up in a cloud knight uniform, spouting nonsense about joining our cause. If he had somehow triumphed, I would've been concerned about whether we could really trust him."

"Violet Chrysanthemum, Blue Peach, find somewhere to dispose of this cloud knight."

【 I'll handle it. 】

"You will? Do you know how to take care of these things?"

【 I enjoy collecting them. 】

Sushang recalled the Luocha from earlier plotlines, carrying a coffin on their back—perhaps someone with similar interests.

Green Hibiscus, taken aback, said, "Uh...collecting? No problem, no problem. After all, one without quirks is unworthy of friendship."

"Hmm... that sounds reasonable. Our group has been spreading the teachings in Exalting Sanctum for several days now, likely attracting attention from those hounds... It would be safer if you handle it."

"Regardless... congratulations on becoming a cultivator! Your code name shall be... 'Grey Peony'!"

"Grey Peony, to avoid suspicion, let's part ways and reconvene elsewhere later. Farewell."

With a sorrowful expression, Sushang carried the cloud knight's body towards a safe location.

Suddenly, without warning, the cloud knight sprang back up!

"Pant... Panting..."

"Not bad with the fake death, huh?"

"That bunch is utterly deranged; be cautious when dealing with them in the future..."

"I'll head back to the Seat of Divine Foresight to report first. Please take care."

Sushang sighed deeply, patting her chest in relief. "Oh, thank goodness!"

"My fellow colleague, he's alright..."

Meanwhile, at the secret base of the scripture copiers...

The cultivators of Sanctus Medicus, including representatives from the Exalting Sanctum, were holding a clandestine meeting. Green Hibiscus respectfully addressed the man before her, "Lord Violet Rose, our missionary work has been increasingly challenging lately!"

"Not only have the locals of Luofu, but even those outlanders have become obsessed with that 'Honkai: Star Rail' game!"

"It took immense effort just to recruit these few individuals!" Green Hibiscus pointed behind her. Standing there were two bewildered outlanders and one cloud knight.

Violet Rose sighed, "Times are tense recently, and we've received no word from our leader. For now, let's advise our brothers and sisters to lie low."

"Once those Cloud Knight hounds lose our scent, they'll naturally give up," said Green Hibiscus.

"There seems little choice but to proceed cautiously," she added, turning towards the three newcomers.

"In these extraordinary times, the organization won't subject you to any formal trials," Green Hibiscus announced. "Since all of us seek ascension to immortality, please consume this elixir."

She handed each of them a pill.

The two outlanders eagerly swallowed their pills as if receiving priceless treasures. However, the cloud knight hesitated, staring at the capsule in his hand.

"Hey! What's with your hesitation? Are you perhaps a spy?" Green Hibiscus shot a meaningful glance at her subordinates.

With knives drawn, the two outlanders advanced toward the cloud knight.

"No, no, no! I was just mentally preparing myself!" The cloud knight's voice trembled noticeably.

He had a foreboding that consuming this pill would bring immense calamity!

But he had no choice!

Refusing it meant certain death immediately!

As the cloud knight placed the pill in his mouth, Green Hibiscus nodded approvingly.

"Excellent. From now on, we're all brothers and sisters under Medicine King's secret teachings. If anyone dares to betray our organization..."

Before she could finish, the door burst open.

A dozen squads of Cloud Knights descended like divine forces from the heavens, swiftly encircling everyone present!

Green Hibiscus and Violet Rose paled instantly, caught completely off guard by the swift action of the Cloud Knights!

Suddenly, the two outlanders who had consumed the pills collapsed onto the ground, emitting agonized screams. From their flesh, plant-like root structures began to emerge.

Witnessing this scene, the cloud knight hastily spat out the pill with a loud "Ugh!"

Raising both hands above his head, he signaled his surrender.

In the background, two plainclothes cloud knights stood nearby. One held a Jade Abacus device, documenting the entire arrest process. The other also wielded a Jade Abacus but was engrossed in streaming Honkai: Star Rail.

At that moment, the squad leader approached the cloud knight. He saluted Jing Yuan with a cloud knight's military gesture.

"Thank you for your hard work."

"This medicinal pill will serve as crucial evidence..."

"Uh, are you alright?"

The cloud knight removed his helmet, revealing a young and somewhat inexperienced-looking face, drenched in sweat. Seeing so many colleagues efficiently managing the scene, he broke down in tears.

"Wahh, you arrived just in time!"

"I was on the brink of succumbing to the Demonic Yin Body!"

With sympathy, The Captain patted him on the back.

"If anyone deserves thanks, it's Fu Xuan-sama and the developers of 'Honkai: Star Rail.'"

"Without them, our swift response and coordination wouldn't have been possible..."

The cloud knight vowed, "As soon as I get back, I'm buying ten 6480 bundles in 'Honkai: Star Rail'!"

Chapter Text

---

While the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus were being dismantled in the Exalting Sanctum...

In the game...

Sushang had successfully completed her undercover mission. After defeating Violet Moonflower, the leader, she acquired a prescription called "【 Coiling Dragon's Leap 】." This formula was beyond the understanding of ordinary pill cultivators and even included an ingredient known as "Enlightenment Marrow"!

Upon seeing it, Sushang clung fearfully to Guinaifen's arm for some time before regaining her composure.

Guinaifen took hold of the controller and muttered to herself, "Dan Shu, the genius Pill Master from the Alchemy Commission..."

"I wonder when she'll decipher the pharmacology of 【 Coiling Dragon's Leap 】."

While waiting, Guinaifen opened her character panel. Her current team consisted of Himeko, Dan Heng, March 7th, and Natasha.

This lineup had proven effective in Belobog, but now on the Xianzhou, facing Demonic Yin Bodies proved challenging. Encounters with elite enemies, like the Disciple of Sanctus Medicus they faced earlier, were even more difficult, often resulting in health bars fluctuating wildly and risking sudden character deaths!

Thus, she decided it was time to carefully optimize her Relics.

"Since when did I obtain this Musketeer of Wild Wheat outfit with CRIT Rate?"

"And it's even a four-star purple quality!"

"Quickly, fully upgrade it and equip it on Dan Heng!"

After swapping out the entire set for Musketeer of Wild Wheat gear, Guinaifen nodded contentedly.

"Now we're incredibly powerful!"

She exited the interface.

Suddenly, Guinaifen noticed a small red dot next to the 【 Pull 】 option. Curious, she tapped it open.

A snow-white lion appeared before her eyes.

"Huh? Where's Seele?"

Guinaifen had been considering saving up further, hoping to secure Seele through guaranteed pity pulls. To her surprise, a new card pool had unexpectedly opened!

Beside the white lion sat a man with silver hair. With his arm draped over the lion, he seemed to be dozing off, a slight smile curling at the corners of his lips—as if dreaming something delightful.

"Ah?! Is that... That is...?!"

An overwhelming sense of disbelief surged within Guinaifen.

Glancing at the name of the card pool in the top-left corner:

【 Swirl of Heavenly Spear 】

Chance to obtain 5-star Character 【Jing Yuan (Erudition · Lightning)】 increased

"Jing Yuan... General Jing Yuan is actually in the card pool?!" Guinaifen took a deep breath.

After confirming this reality, her eyes rolled back, and she fainted onto the chair behind her.

Fortunately, a timely hand intervened, pressing on her acupoint, just managing to revive her from unconsciousness!

"Jing Yuan's in the card pool! How could no one inform me about such a monumental event?!"

"The character PV was released half an hour ago! Little Gui, you really don't keep up with Feathered Spirit's updates at all!"

"I understand how Little Gui feels. When I saw General Jing Yuan added to the card pool, I almost fainted from excitement too."

"What?! We can now summon the General?!"

"Feathered Spirit, you've done it again! Just when I'd spent my entire budget on Seele, now I have no choice but to splurge for two more packages."

"Just finished watching the Jing Yuan PV—oh man, he's incredibly cool!"

"That Ultimate move is so badass, I nearly punched through the screen!"

"Why wait any longer?! Going all-in!"

Guinaifen and Sushang sat before their screens, having just watched Jing Yuan's promotional video.

Their eyes sparkled with excitement!

"Yes! Yes! Yes!"

"I've saved up over sixty rolls already, including a guaranteed pull!"

"Just one more purchase, and I'll definitely secure General Jing Yuan and his exclusive Light Cone!"

Eagerly, Guinaifen clicked on "【Pull 10 Times】." However, instead of immediately transitioning to the animation sequence, there was a two-second delay before the Astral Express finally appeared.

Guinaifen paid it no mind and proceeded to draw cards.

"March 7th? Not bad!"

"Tingyun Miss, awesome!"

"Two Shangshangs? Incredible value!"

After completing her sixty rolls, Guinaifen noticed that the accompanying four-star characters this time were March 7th, Tingyun, and Sushang.

Overwhelmed with excitement, she slammed her fist hard onto the table, causing even the live stream camera to shake momentarily.

"My goodness!!??"

"Even the four-star characters are all my favorites!!!"

"This is literally my dream card pool!!"

She swiftly navigated to the recharge page.

Forget about micro-spending or rational consumption—Guinaifen cared for none of that now! In the face of her absolute obsession, everything else was just empty talk!

Her frenzy approached the intensity of a Demonic Yin Body flare-up.

However, she initially couldn't even access the recharge interface. The loading circle spun for four to five seconds before finally allowing entry.

Without hesitation, Guinaifen started recharging!

As if fearing any delay would make her miss out, she initially planned to make only one purchase. But after completing it, Guinaifen felt it wasn't enough and promptly added two more transactions!

"Time to draw!"

On the 70th pull:

Obtained 【"Sword Exchange"】 and 【"Encounter with a Planet"】.

At the 80th pull:

This time, it was guaranteed for a major pity pull. Nevertheless, Guinaifen continued taking deep breaths, overwhelmed with excitement.

Amidst the dazzling golden glow of five blooms—

【Jing Yuan (New), Lightning Attribute, Five Stars, Erudition】

"Yes! Whoo-hooo!!!!!!"

After admiring the character illustration for a moment,

she swiftly switched to the weapon pool!

After sixty pulls:

【Before Dawn (New), Five Stars, Erudition】

The chat instantly flooded the screen.

"Ooooohhh!"

"Jing Yuan, my destined husband!"

"Jing Yuan's exclusive Light Cone—Before Dawn!"

"I hereby declare Jing Yuan as the best man in the world now!!"

"No bias here! General!"

Immediately, she equipped 【Before Dawn】 on Jing Yuan.

This was her first exclusive five-star item and character with a dedicated five-star Light Cone!

Eager to maximize Jing Yuan's potential right away, she couldn't wait to confront all the monsters across the game map!

Suddenly,

a notification appeared indicating a new email had arrived.

Knowing not to neglect messages from Feathered Spirit for fear of missing crucial information, Guinaifen promptly opened it:

Dear Trailblazers: We have received feedback about some Trailblazers experiencing lagging issues with the payment interface.

Feathered Spirit deeply apologizes for any inconvenience caused and appreciates your understanding and cooperation.

The issue has been resolved, and as compensation, please find 300 star points attached to this email.

Feathered Spirit reminds everyone: Please spend responsibly and avoid impulsive decisions.

"Rational spending? How can anyone be rational when faced with this?!?" exclaimed Guinaifen.

She began earnestly studying Jing Yuan's skills while contemplating whether to try her luck at drawing an Eidolon.

Upon seeing the content of the email, the chatroom instantly erupted.

"Don't rush it, folks! Calm down!"

"You've overloaded Jing Yuan's pool with your frenzy!"

"According to company insiders, within just the past half-hour, Xianzhou Luofu's revenue surged by dozens of times compared to usual! I thought there must have been a system error."

"And it's only been half an hour!"

"People, seriously don't go overboard! Luofu players, do you get tax refunds for your purchases or what?!"

"But it's General Jing Yuan we're talking about!"

Chapter Text

With her newly empowered companion, Jing Yuan, by her side, Guinaifen eagerly resumed her journey through the questline.

In the original storyline, she had always dreaded facing off against the Disciple of Sanctus Medicus—a formidable foe known for their devastating piercing attacks. Each time this enemy appeared, it summoned two Demonic Yin Body minions, which allowed the main attacker to continuously regenerate health as long as the minions remained alive.

Even Himeko’s area-of-effect skills could only chip away at their health bars, leaving Dan Heng to painstakingly eliminate them one by one.

But now?

Guinaifen was practically buzzing with excitement, ready for a fight! Summon minions? The more, the merrier!

Jing Yuan’s abilities were tailor-made for crowd control. As soon as Divine Monarch descended onto the battlefield, the screen erupted in massive damage numbers and dazzling visual effects. It was an overwhelming display of power that left Guinaifen exhilarated beyond words!

At this stage, the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus quest had entered its second phase, titled "【Blind Illumination: Heaven's Outcast】."

Dan Shu’s research on 'Dragon Coiling, Serpent Leaping' had finally borne fruit, proving once again why she was hailed as a "Genius Head Pill Alchemist."

During her investigation, Guinaifen accompanied Dan Shu to assist a blind little girl. Afterward, Dan Shu expressed her intention to gift the Trailblazer something special.

Guinaifen groaned in frustration. “Throughout this entire quest, there hasn’t been a single monster for me to hit!”
“I’m outrageously strong now!”
“I could slap any stray dog that crosses my path!”

The gift turned out to be a longevity-enhancing pill called "【Cloud-Eating Dew-Bearing Pill】."

Two options immediately appeared:
【Swallow it whole】
【Set it aside】

In the past, Guinaifen might have hesitated. Why would the story suddenly prompt her to take medication? Her heightened sensitivity to the word "medicine" made her wary, especially given recent events.

But now…

She had Jing Yuan! With him, she felt unstoppable—like she could “punch fierce tigers on southern mountains and kick mighty dragonfish in northern seas.” Overflowing with confidence, she chose 【Swallow it whole】.

Suddenly, her head throbbed painfully.
"(What’s happening…?)"
"(No… something’s wrong. My body feels so hot, so uncomfortable… It’s getting hard to breathe…)"

From all directions, thick branches began sprouting across the screen, spreading rapidly as if trying to engulf everything. Guinaifen gasped in alarm.

“What’s going on?!?”

Jing Yuan chimed in thoughtfully. “I’ve heard of a sedative called Spring Breeze Powder used in the jianghu; its effects seem somewhat similar to what the Trailblazer is experiencing right now.”

“Could it be that Dan Shu has… lustful intentions toward us?” someone suggested half-jokingly.

“What kind of thoughts are those?! Can’t you see these branches closely resemble the color of a Demonic Yin Body?” another voice countered.
“Dan Shu targeting us? That doesn’t make sense—she just helped a little girl moments ago! Clearly, she’s a decent person!”

Despite her confusion, Guinaifen managed to regain some composure. If the protagonist transformed into a Demonic Yin Body, it would spell disaster.

They quickly headed to the Seat of Divine Foresight to consult Qing Zhu. Meanwhile, more branches spread across the screen, and yellow leaves began budding from their tips.

"(Uh… my headache is flaring up again… Could there really be something wrong with Dan Shu’s ‘Cloud-Feasting Dew Pill’?)"
"(What’s happening? Isn’t this the Seat of Divine Foresight? Why are so many Demonic Yin Bodies appearing here…?)"
"(No… we can’t let them… get any closer…)"

The battle Guinaifen had been anticipating finally arrived—but not where she expected. Instead of fighting outside, they found themselves battling within the Seat of Divine Foresight against what appeared to be Demonic Yin Bodies. Combined with the protagonist’s deteriorating state, the situation felt deeply unsettling. Still, the fight had already begun, leaving no choice but to press forward.

“By the radiant might, heed my command: Execute without mercy!”

Equipped with the finest relics from his family, Jing Yuan unleashed a Skill followed by his ultimate ability, effortlessly wiping out the first life of a Demonic Yin Body. A subsequent attack from the Divine Monarch swiftly dispatched its second life.

“Jing Yuan’s damage is insanely high!”
“We’re killing these monsters in just two rounds now!”
“Battle! So exhilarating!”

But then Guinaifen froze.
“No, wait! The names above these creatures—they’re human names!”
“These aren’t Demonic Yin Bodies! These are Cloud Knights!”

Realization dawned too late. She couldn’t stop the Divine Monarch’s Follow-Up Attacks, even if she wanted to.

By the time combat concluded, Qing Zhu’s voice echoed urgently.
“Stelle! What happened to you?! Be careful, don’t hurt her…”
“The Trailblazer! Trailblazer! Wake up quickly, are you alright?!”

Suddenly, all the branches receded as though consumed by an unseen force.

“Oh, thank goodness! You’ve finally regained consciousness. I was terrified something terrible might happen—it scared me so much I broke out in a cold sweat.”

“You entered the Seat of Divine Foresight and suddenly started wielding your weapon uncontrollably. The way you lost control… it was identical to those who succumbed to the Demonic Yin Body.”

---

Back at the Divination Commission, Fu Xuan wasted no time upon learning about the adverse symptoms triggered by the 【Cloud-Feasting Dew】 pill.

She issued immediate orders: proceed to Exalting Sanctum and arrest Head Pill Alchemist Dan Shu. However, when the Cloud Knights arrived, they found Dan Shu gone—along with all her documents, medicinal ingredients, and supplies.

When this news reached Fu Xuan, her expression darkened.
“That traitor, just as suspected!...”
“Transmit my command: issue a warrant for Dan Shu’s arrest across all of Xianzhou!”
“And one more thing!”
“Send envoys to thoroughly investigate the Alchemy Commission!”

While issuing commands, Fu Xuan continued performing divinations. Suddenly, her eyes widened in shock.
“The Stellaron… Disciples of Sanctus Medicus…”
“Could their target be… the Tree of Foundation?!”

---

Meanwhile, in the Shackling Prison, Jingliu and Luocha approached Yanqing. Jingliu’s face was obscured by black silk, hiding her eyes and emotions, while Luocha wore a compassionate expression. They revealed golden ornaments in their hands, and a flash of azure light illuminated the room.

Yanqing trembled slightly before springing to his feet, scanning the surroundings warily. Upon realizing they meant to save him, he relaxed—but not entirely.

“Many thanks to this big brother… and uh… this big sister,” Yanqing said, subtly narrowing his eyes as he sensed danger emanating from the veiled woman.

He glanced at the ice wall isolating them from the outside world and the Cloud Knights, utterly bewildered by the turn of events. Clearly, these rescuers weren’t ordinary individuals either.

Despite his unease, Yanqing mustered courage and stated, “Honored friends, if you help me capture these three wanted criminals, Luofu will forever remember your kindness!”

On the side, the Stellaron Hunters reacted differently to Yanqing’s plea. Blade burst into laughter, finding it hilariously ironic.
“Hahahahaha…”
“Boy, do you even know who that person beside you is?!?”

A sickly cheerful grin spread across his face as he brandished his ancient sword and charged toward Jingliu.

Yanqing instinctively drew his own blade to protect her, but Blade swung with ferocious strength. A streak of crimson sliced through the air, knocking Yanqing’s sword away and sending waves of pain coursing through his body.

As Blade leapt high, preparing to deliver a fatal blow, a golden glow appeared on the ice-covered ceiling.

A massive blade descended, startling Yanqing. Overwhelmed with surprise and gratitude, he exclaimed, “General!!!”

Chapter Text

The divine slash descended in a blaze of golden light, revealing Jing Yuan with eyes wide open. His first glance was toward Yanqing, ensuring his safety, before surveying everyone present.

Then

To his left stood Jingliu, exuding a chilling aura, her ruby-red eyes concealed behind a black veil. Jing Yuan hesitated briefly but ultimately chose not to address her directly. Then, as his gaze fell on the person beside Jingliu, his turbulent emotions instantly settled.

"It’s you…" Jing Yuan murmured.

"We’ve never met, yet the General knows me? I’m honored," Luocha replied with a smirk.

"Not only do I know you," Jing Yuan said coolly, "I’m quite familiar with your kind."

"A friend once told me that people like you have a seventy percent chance of being irredeemably evil—and if they’re powerful, that likelihood doubles."

"Doubles?" Luocha gave a self-deprecating laugh. "So, in your eyes, I must be utterly despicable."

Jing Yuan didn’t respond further and instead turned his attention to the trio across from him.

"Stellaron Hunters—what an impressive gathering, sending three at once," he remarked.

Earlier, the Divine Monarch’s attack had interrupted Blade’s assault. Though Blade had intended to pursue Jing Yuan relentlessly, Kafka whispered something that calmed him down.

In a deep voice, Blade addressed Jing Yuan: "Jing Yuan."

"There are five of you," Jing Yuan continued. "Three are here now. One remains."

"Where… is he?"

Jing Yuan sighed. "He won’t be coming."

At this, the fiery glow in Blade’s eyes dimmed slightly, reflecting disappointment. Seizing the moment, Jing Yuan pressed on.

"Blade, Kafka, Silver Wolf—all three of you are infamous criminals with bounties placed by the company. However, today, I’ll pretend I didn’t see you and let you leave."

Blade remained stoic. Yanqing, alarmed by Jing Yuan’s decision to allow these dangerous fugitives to escape, nearly broke into tears. But Jing Yuan raised a hand, signaling there was method to his madness.

Blade’s sharp gaze shifted to Jingliu. Despite the veil covering Jingliu’s face, he could feel the intensity of Blade’s stare. In a cold tone, Jingliu declared, "My presence here has nothing to do with you."

The atmosphere grew tense, thick with unspoken hostility.

"Boring," Blade muttered dismissively, turning to leave.

"Kafka," Blade called out as he walked away.

"Ask Elio when our next script is due—mine and that guy’s."

"Certainly," Kafka responded smoothly.

As the trio prepared to depart, Jing Yuan internally sighed with relief. The situation had been precarious, but managing to send the Stellaron Hunters away first gave him room to focus on dealing with Jingliu and Luocha.

Meanwhile, elsewhere…

Dan Heng’s group remained oblivious to the unfolding events at The Shackling Prison as they raced toward their destination aboard the star ferry.

Inside, March 7th exclaimed, "I never imagined Dan Shu would turn out to be the mysterious leader of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus! She seemed so kind when we traveled together!"

Tingyun, steering the ship, smiled gently. "Miss March 7th, you truly have a pure heart. Though the leader of the Disciples may be blind, their other senses are extraordinarily sharp. It’s possible they’ve already sensed trouble and fled. After all, betrayal carries grave consequences."

March 7th nodded thoughtfully. "You make a good point, Miss Tingyun."

Old Yang adjusted his glasses and remarked, "While piloting the star ferry, Miss Tingyun somehow manages to keep up with live updates about the storyline—not just that, but even details like the leader being born blind. Such keen observation is remarkable."

Tingyun replied matter-of-factly, "As the merchant group’s envoy, staying observant and informed is essential for survival. Don’t take it personally, Mr. Welt!"

Old Yang nodded, then added, "Ah, Miss Tingyun, ever since entering Xianzhou Luofu, you’ve accompanied the Astral Express crew through every scenario. Now, as we head to the Divination Commission for Kafka’s interrogation, you’re still here. Clearly, your role holds significance."

"Oh? Is that so?" Tingyun’s ears twitched slightly. "I haven’t played this game myself; I’m still learning its intricacies."

"Could it be that Miss Tingyun knows Feathered Spirit, the developer of Honkai: Star Rail? Perhaps they favored your character during development?"

"Aiya… Mr. Welt, please stop flattering me! Knowing individuals like the Astral Express Crew feels lucky enough, let alone someone as renowned as the game’s developer. If you keep teasing me, I might not handle it!"

Inside the star ferry, the mood grew increasingly tense under Old Yang’s probing questions.

March 7th leaned over to Stelle and whispered, "What’s going on with Uncle Yang? Why is he suddenly so curious about Miss Tingyun?"

Stelle scratched his head. "Could it be that Uncle Yang likes her? Should we… help him somehow? Wait—what?!"

Suddenly, the star ferry shook violently, throwing March 7th and Stelle backward. Dan Heng managed to steady himself by gripping a seat, while Old Yang sat unfazed, surrounded by a faint crimson glow. No matter how hard the ferry shook, he remained perfectly still, as though immune to gravity.

"You," Old Yang said calmly, "have something to hide."

Up front, Tingyun released control of the star ferry. Her demeanor transformed dramatically from moments earlier.

"Well done… truly well done," she said, her voice no longer soft but resonant like clanging metal. "Welt… you’re more intriguing than I expected."

She radiated regal authority, her body shimmering with light before dissolving entirely. From within emerged a sphere of golden flame.

Unnoticed by others, Old Yang had retrieved his cane and slammed it downward, creating a small black hole. Yet, the fiery orb moved beyond physical constraints, slipping effortlessly through phase space and evading capture.

Its voice echoed throughout the cabin: "I planned to entertain you longer, but that incompetent pawn Abundance ruined everything. Phantylia must take her leave now. May you enjoy your time… with these performers."

The powerless star ferry began tilting dangerously, heading straight for another vessel. With a gentle tap of his cane, Old Yang stabilized it, guiding everyone safely to the ground below.

"But… what just happened, Uncle Yang?! Why did Miss Tingyun change so suddenly? Her body disappeared, and what was that fiery orb?!" March 7th exclaimed.

"March, I’ll explain later," Old Yang replied. "The enemy approaches."

Following his gaze, March 7th looked up to see a massive black vortex opening in the sky, unleashing waves of monsters from the Antimatter Legion.

Chapter Text

“What on earth is that?!”
“Oh no! It’s the Antimatter Legion!”
“I just defeated the Doomsday Beast boss—how did all these Voidrangers appear out of nowhere?! Is this game breaking into reality now?!”
“My attack button disappeared!”
“Silver Bat, Champion of the Galaxy! Nemesis of the Doomsday Beast! Grey Peony! Help us—please!”

On the star ferry routes...

As swarms of the Antimatter Legion filled the sky, everyone was left stunned. Once they recovered from their shock, travelers quickly steered their star ferries away in panic. They understood well enough to separate fiction from reality!

Besides, such an overwhelming horde of elite enemies had materialized all at once—even within the game, retreat would be the only option.

However, one daring pilot aboard a star ferry decided not to flee immediately. Instead, they parked nearby and leaned out the window, capturing footage with their phone up close.

Predictably, disaster struck when a blast from a Voidranger: Trampler hit them directly, sending the person tumbling through the shattered window.

“Aiee!” cried the young girl, clutching her phone tightly as she fell.

Dan Heng, who happened to be closest, swiftly flew into action, catching the twin-tailed maiden mid-air and gently placing her back on solid ground. With a stern tone, he warned, “Stay safe.”

“Hehe, sure thing,” the girl replied cheerfully, adjusting the fox mask perched lightly on her forehead.

She muttered under her breath, “I knew it! There’s always something thrilling happening here on Xianzhou Luofu!”

With that, she skipped off, her golden-red tails flickering in and out of sight.

The skies were thick with attackers, resembling a swarm of locusts to any unknowing observer.

March 7th continued firing arrows while grumbling, “Why are there so many enemies?!”

“Did that fake Tingyun leave us to deal with the entire Antimatter Legion?!” March seemed overwhelmed, instinctively moving back-to-back with Stelle as they defended each other against waves of attacks.

Old Yang’s voice rang out, “Hold on a little longer—the reinforcements from Luofu will arrive soon!”

But Old Yang didn’t realize that part of the city’s forces had been dispatched elsewhere—to eliminate the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus or track down Dan Shu. Though Fu Xuan had sent aid after assessing the situation, it would still take time. Even Yukong, known for their speed, was estimated to arrive in at least five minutes.

Caught between internal conflict and external threats, Luofu’s predicament mirrored the escalating tensions of Honkai: Star Rail’s unfolding story—a spark igniting a chain reaction of chaos!

After speaking those words, Old Yang turned his attention away from Stelle. As if responding to some unseen command, most of the Voidrangers began converging on him!

Stelle wielded her riding spear in one hand and a baseball bat in the other, shouting loudly, “Dan Heng! Where have you been hiding, you scoundrel?!”

“Hurry up and unleash your hidden power already!”

Her voice echoed just as…

A colossal water dragon surged forward, instantly scattering dozens of Voidrangers around them! The dragon roared fiercely, twisting and soaring through the air, annihilating every enemy in its path.

March 7th and Stelle stared in awe. Nearby in the sky, a figure emerged—familiar yet strange. Standing atop a lotus pedestal, one hand formed a sword gesture while the other held the black-and-white Abyssal Orb, commanding the water dragon’s relentless assault.

“That… That’s Dan Heng?! He really did have hidden powers all along!”

His once-short hair had grown into long locks reaching his waist, and a pair of azure dragon horns adorned his forehead. Instantly, the tide of battle shifted!

Stelle caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a fleeting dragon tail.

“He’s about to transform into a dragon?” he marveled aloud.

Regaining composure, March 7th suddenly realized the opportunity before her. Pulling out her camera, she began snapping photos of Dan Heng in mid-air, exclaiming excitedly, “Perfect… I’ll post these exclusive shots of Dan Heng’s transformation on the Star Rail forums!”

To Stelle’s surprise, March 7th’s boldness inspired her too. Without hesitation, she pulled out her own phone to join the photography spree.

“Yes, yes, exactly!” Stelle chimed in enthusiastically. “Since Honkai Star Rail will likely include this transformation eventually, let’s beat them to it and be insiders for once!”

In no time, the remaining enemies were wiped out.

Dan Heng descended slowly, pondering how to explain his new form to his friends. However, he was met instead by March 7th and Stelle critiquing their photos of him.

Even Dan Heng couldn’t help but twitch at the corner of his mouth. “While I risked my life saving you two, all you did was act like war correspondents taking pictures?!”

His eyes flashed with an intense azure glow.

March 7th grabbed Stelle, and together they bolted.

“Uncle Yang, save us!” March 7th cried.

“D-Dan Heng looks terrifying like this!” Stelle stammered.

As everyone regrouped, even Old Yang was slightly taken aback by Dan Heng’s transformed demeanor, though not entirely shocked.

“That flame earlier called herself Phantylia,” Old Yang explained. “I’ve heard that name before from members of The Nameless. She’s one of Nanook’s seven great Monarchs, fascinated by mortal self-destruction. Many have fallen prey to her schemes…”

“Our mission grows more urgent,” Dan Heng said firmly. “We must hurry to The Shackling Prison, inform Jing Yuan about Phantylia, and confront her together.”

“The Shackling Prison isn’t far from here,” Dan Heng added. “We can reach it quickly without using a star ferry. Let’s move immediately.”

Inside The Shackling Prison, Jing Yuan stood observing Luocha’s figure intently. Yanqing stood nearby, hand resting on his sword hilt, ready to protect the General at a moment’s notice.

“It’s time to clarify your purpose for coming here,”

Luocha said calmly. “General, our smooth arrival is largely due to that game. Therefore, there’s no rush—we have ample time.”

“Yes, Jing Yuan,” Jingliu interjected. “Both the omens in reality and the narrative within the game point to one undeniable truth—the Xianzhou stands at a critical juncture in fate’s decision.

“The Imperial Bow, Plague Author of Abundance, Scourge of Embers… This is a divine chess match. If you don’t side with the victor, you become the loser. And this time…”

Before Jingliu could finish, wild laughter erupted!

“Hahahaha… He’s arrived! Kafka!”

“He… has come…”

Chapter Text

At the edge of The Shackling Prison, two paths diverged.
One led toward Xianzhou Luofu’s bustling city center, while the other stretched out to the docks beyond Luofu.
Standing at this crossroads were Kafka, Silver Wolf, and Blade.

Initially, Blade maintained his usual calm demeanor. But as the approaching figures drew closer, his composure began to unravel, replaced by growing agitation and frenzied energy.
"...Those emotions are surfacing again, Kafka," he muttered, his voice trembling. "It's happening all over again! This feeling...this overwhelming..."
"Then release it—the Demonic Yin Body," Kafka whispered softly, her tone almost soothing.

Ahead, four figures advanced steadily toward their position.
Silver Wolf stroked her chin thoughtfully, a smirk playing on her lips. "What an interesting coincidence!" she remarked.
"It feels like we've wandered straight into another one of Elio's scripts."
"Well, whatever."
"You two handle them; I'll check out the new character release."
"Huh, would you look at that! Isn’t that our very own General Jing Yuan?"

At first, Silver Wolf seemed disinterested and listless. But upon spotting the newly added card pool, her eyes lit up with excitement, sparkling with uncontainable enthusiasm.
To her, the world of Honkai: Star Rail was far more captivating than reality itself.

For Blade, however, everything around him faded into the background. His sole focus was on Dan Heng.
"The time has come!" he declared, his voice brimming with intensity.
"Look at yourself now!"
"Have you finally mustered the courage to confront your past?!"
"Holding Light Dragon Venerable."
"Drinking Moon Monarch!"

Blade, who was typically reserved and sparing with words, couldn’t restrain himself in the presence of Dan Heng. In those fleeting moments, he spoke more than he had in the entire previous year, each word carrying a weighty conviction.

Deep within The Shackling Prison, the commotion drew Jing Yuan, Yanqing, Luocha, and Jingliu to the scene. Their expressions were grim, as though the surrounding air had turned viscous, swirling and clashing in turbulent currents.
Yanqing wiped the cold sweat from his brow. "【 Inbibitor Lunae 】..."

*

"I’ve heard of this infamous name."
"A traitor guilty of unspeakable crimes..."
"...who abandoned Xianzhou and sowed chaos."
"The sinner exiled for eternity."
"What’s going on in Xianzhou today? How did so many dangerous criminals suddenly infiltrate?!"

Now Yanqing understood why General Jing Yuan had initially chosen to let the Stellaron Hunters go.
It was simply impossible to capture them all—they were beyond reach!

As Blade’s excitement grew, Dan Heng frowned and reiterated, "I’ve told you and that woman countless times... I am 【 Dan Heng 】."
"My past has no connection to your history."

"Dan Heng... Do you truly believe that changing your appearance and identity can erase your sins? You...you haven’t even faced death yet..." Blade paused, his voice hardening. "To make you understand this torment, 【 Dan Heng 】, I will ensure you experience the agony of 【 Death 】!"

With that, Blade launched his attack without hesitation.

Meanwhile, Dan Heng stepped forward, intercepting his Astral Express teammates, choosing to face the threat alone.

From a distance, Stelle spotted Kafka, who responded with a gentle smile.

March 7th glanced between their group and the opposing Stellaron Hunters, unease flickering across her face. "We don’t have to fight them, right? I’m still sore from battling the Antimatter Legion earlier."
"Relax," Stelle reassured her. "This is currently a phase of individual duels; we haven’t reached the team battles yet."

Suddenly, Old Yang stepped forward, his expression turning grave as he noticed someone emerging from The Shackling Prison behind him—the man calling himself Luocha.

Luocha also looked up, sensing Old Yang’s piercing gaze. Initially surprised, he remarked, "I don’t believe we’ve met before, Mr. Welt?"
"Why such hostility toward me?"

"You bear a striking resemblance to someone I once knew," Old Yang replied.

"Oh~" A realization dawned on Luocha’s face.
"I assume General Jing Yuan was referring to you as his friend, Mr. Welt."
"Cough... Jing Yuan?"
"General?" Luocha observed Jing Yuan’s slightly uneasy expression and clarified, "General Jing Yuan, I assure you, I am not lying." As he spoke, Luocha prepared to show Jing Yuan the ornament in his hand.

He intended to add, "General, it’s true that my power originates from 【 Abundance 】. However, like you, I am Yaoshi’s enemy."

But from Old Yang’s perspective...

Luocha’s movement resembled drawing a weapon aimed at Jing Yuan.

Instantly, a chilling sensation shot down Old Yang’s spine!

Garden of Eden, Zero-rated Power, activate!

Weren’t we supposed to stick to one-on-one fights?! Why is even steady Uncle Yang suddenly intervening without warning?!

In mid-air,
besides the intertwining water dragon and blood-red glow,
emerald radiance and dark crimson lightning now flared to life.

At that moment,
Jing Yuan stepped forward and commanded, "Yanqing, follow me."
"Yes, General."

The two swiftly positioned themselves directly in front of Kafka.

"Kafka, I had intended to let you all leave, but you’ve hesitated and lingered instead."
"And so?" Kafka asked, smirking slyly.
"So now, you cannot depart anymore."
"With the assistance of the Astral Express Crew, bringing the Stellaron aboard Xianzhou is a grave offense for which you must answer!"

Upon hearing Jing Yuan’s declaration, Yanqing’s gaze hardened, internally cheering, "Yes!"
Having previously suffered defeat at Kafka’s hands, he was determined to redeem himself. With the General joining the fight, this was the perfect opportunity to apprehend such a notorious criminal!

Kafka calmly responded, "What if I say... it wasn’t me who brought the Stellaron aboard?"
"Then what purpose do you and your grandly conspicuous Stellaron Hunters serve by appearing here?" Yanqing demanded.

"Sigh..."
Kafka let out a resigned breath. "It seems no matter what we say, you won’t believe us."
"In that case, let’s take action."
"The situation is chaotic enough already."
"Let us stoke the flames further."

"Silver Wolf..."

However, Silver Wolf nearby seemed oblivious to their exchange, fully absorbed in his Pull animation. He muttered irritably while drawing cards, "Why ‘Predator’s Gaze’ again? Who keeps releasing ‘Resolution’?!"

Kafka remained silent for a moment before speaking up.
"Silver Wolf, lend me a hand."
"I’m busy drawing cards, don’t disturb me."
"I don’t need you to fight; just help me switch the game stream’s display."
"Oh, sure." With casual taps on his wrist device, Silver Wolf complied.

Before Yu Jingyuan and Yanqing’s eyes, Little Gui Zi’s live stream appeared on their screens.
"Please take a look, gentlemen."
"In this game’s storyline, I’ve already been captured by you, and Grand Diviner Fu Xuan is about to use the Indigent Observation Formation to discern my true intentions."
"Even if you don’t trust me, the content of Honkai Star Rail speaks for itself."
"Now, we can finally clarify whether our actions have any connection to Xianzhou’s calamity, right?"

Chapter Text

In Little Gui Zi’s livestream, Guinaifen had no idea how many viewers were following her progress. Meanwhile, the unfolding events in the game were shaping what lay ahead.

Guinaifen let out a sigh of relief. "Finally finished restarting the three foundational arrays for the Indigent Observation Formation." Then she added with frustration, "And why are we handling this? Isn't this supposed to be the Divination Commission's job?"

A viewer named "【 Playing with Fate 】" chimed in, "Tell me about it!"

Another added, "Even the Grand Diviner in the storyline is lazy, passing all the work to subordinates. Things must be worse in real life!"

Suggestions poured in: "Investigate the Grand Diviner!" "Reduce working hours and increase vacation time!"

However, 【Heartless Divination Machine】, who was at the top of the gift leaderboard, disagreed. "The Grand Diviner is commendable! Being strict helps subordinates grow into capable pillars."

Supporters backed this up: "Fu Xuan is adorable! Whatever cute girls say must be right!"

With the task complete, Fu Xuan announced,

"Good work. The talismans of the Indigent Observation Formation have been reactivated. Next, I'll interrogate Kafka. Those at the formation's center might experience some impacts."

Kafka was brought in by the Cloud Knights.

"Was all this necessary? I said I’d cooperate," she remarked.

The chat quieted down as Kafka appeared, but something seemed off. Her usual sunglasses and coat were gone, and her pupils were visible. Viewers were stunned!

"What's going on? Why does Kafka suddenly have visible pupils?"

"Is this a fake Kafka?"

"Her natural eyes look so gentle..."

"Wow, Kafka without makeup looks pure!"

This moment was captured by countless viewers taking screenshots.

Outside the Shackling Prison, chaos and harmony coexisted. Dan Heng battled Blade, while Old Yang fought Luocha. Below them, Silver Wolf sat with March 7th, Stelle, and Yanqing. Kafka, Jingliu, and Jing Yuan stood behind them like guardians, watching the Honkai: Star Rail stream.

March 7th asked Kafka, "What brand of contacts do you use? They look so natural!"

Kafka smiled, "I'll send you the link later."

Back to the story—

Fu Xuan addressed the restrained Kafka: “You’re a notorious criminal skilled in using 【 Speech-Spirit 】 arts to manipulate minds. I have no interest in your words.”

“Say whatever you wish. But I will only trust the Divination Matrix’s verdict.”

“The Divination Commission has ways to extract the truth from you—far more than mere words can reveal.”

Kafka nodded slightly. “Then let the Master Diviner bear witness to my fate.”

Brought to the center of the Divination Matrix, Fu Xuan began her calculations.

An invisible force lifted Kafka into the air.

Though undergoing interrogation, Kafka wore a confident, unshaken smile.

Meanwhile, Fu Xuan, the interrogator, looked horrified—

as if their roles had reversed!

“Hum!”

The Divination Matrix’s verdict was complete.

Fu Xuan involuntarily stumbled back several steps.

She seemed to have witnessed something unbelievable.

“You... for this?”

“For something like this?”

“Well? Do you like this truth?” Kafka asked with a smile.

“Unbelievable...”

“...But the Divination Matrix cannot be wrong.”

After her exclamation, Fu Xuan turned her gaze to the Express crew.

“Kafka has no connection to the Stellaron. But you all... it’s actually you...”

“Ha! Absurd! That something like this could happen...”

This was the most critical moment in the storyline.

Yet,

Fu Xuan turned cryptic: “Ask her yourselves—take as long as you need.”

“I must report to the general immediately. Excuse me!”

Even Jing Yuan couldn’t help but click his tongue at this scene.

He muttered, “This Fu Xuan... still being vague at a time like this.”

“So, General, do you believe now that we have nothing to do with the Stellaron?” Kafka asked.

“While you’re unrelated to the Stellaron, your true motives remain hidden.”

“The others seem to need more time. This is a rare opportunity—why don’t we keep watching?”

“Sure.”

And so, the six of them huddled together like two families, continuing to watch!

Now, it was the protagonist’s turn to question Kafka.

Bare-faced, Kafka appeared on-screen in a first-person perspective, still restrained but exuding the same confident calm.

“Hi, Stelle.”

“You... haven’t changed at all.”

“Sorry you have to see me like this—so untidy.”

【 Don’t act like we’re close. 】

【 Are you okay? Are you hurt? 】

【 You look fine... not untidy at all. 】

Among the three options,

Little Guizi hesitated for a moment, then hovered over the first option—

before suddenly scolding, “WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD PICK THE FIRST ONE? AAAAH!”

“Oh my god! She’s so beautiful!”

“So gentle—who wouldn’t fall for her?!”

Kafka on-screen chuckled softly.

【Are you okay? Are you hurt?】

“Are you worried about me? I’m fine. The Xianzhou has always treated prisoners politely.”

“On the Express, I didn’t speak to you because I knew we’d have this private conversation here. So I thought—why not save everything for now? You seem to have many questions for me.”

【What did Fu Xuan see?】

“...Ellio said he foresaw three questions, but they all boil down to the same thing. If I hear one of them, I’m to tell you our purpose here in full.”

“Since you asked one of the three, it means everything’s gone smoothly. Ready to hear my answer?”

“The Stellaron crisis on the Xianzhou has no direct connection to us. But from Ellio’s perspective, the Stellaron Hunters aren’t entirely innocent. We foresaw it all yet did nothing until the right moment to intervene.”

“The reason Lady Fu was so shocked is that she learned three facts: First, the Stellaron Hunters are not the Xianzhou’s enemies—you already knew this, though you never believed it.”

“Second, the Stellaron’s arrival and activation on the Xianzhou were orchestrated by others—traitors within and enemies without, seeking the Luofu’s downfall. The Master Diviner rushed to inform the general of this.”

“But that’s all she knows, because Ellio didn’t share key details with me. He foresaw the Divination Commission would use the Matrix on me. To prevent mishaps, at this moment, I only know what the Xianzhou Alliance should know.”

As this dialogue concluded,

Yanqing was stunned!

The Stellaron Hunters had nothing to do with the Stellaron crisis on the Xianzhou?!

Had he not seen this Honkai: Star Rail gameplay firsthand, he’d never believe the Stellaron Hunters came to the Xianzhou without ulterior motives!

Were they just here to sightsee?

Then,

the explanation for the Stellaron Hunters’ actions finally arrived!

“As for the third fact... I doubt the Xianzhou Alliance could ever imagine it. Haha. The third fact is: If the Stellaron Hunters didn’t cause this, then why are Blade and I here?”

Kafka concluded.

“—It’s for you.”

---

Chapter Text

Yanqing quickly activated his Jade Abacus, preparing to document the unfolding events.

Kafka continued, "Here’s the intriguing answer: The Stellaron Hunter's arrival, Blade's capture, and my confinement in this Matrix of Prescience were all orchestrated to bring the Astral Express to Xianzhou."

"In Elio's envisioned future, 'The Hunt' is essential. To achieve this, it was crucial for you to connect with the alliance..."

"That's why I had to deceive you into coming here. I needed you to interact directly with the General of Luofu, help them resolve the chaos caused by the Stellaron, and earn their gratitude."

"This way, in the distant future, at the most critical moment, Xianzhou will support you."

After hearing this dialogue, Jing Yuan fell deep into thought.

As I looked at Stelle again, she seemed like a precious treasure. Even Stelle appeared slightly embarrassed under his gaze.

Suddenly, the scene shifted.

Behind Kafka, a golden figure emerged.

It was Nanook, the Aeon of Destruction!

Against this backdrop, Kafka revealed even more crucial information:

"Elio didn't disclose the key details to me. The possibilities of the future are endless; learning the truth at the wrong time could ruin our efforts."

"Regarding the future, I can only tell you one thing: In both the best and worst scenarios, you will ultimately face Nanook, the embodiment of 【 Destruction 】. At that moment, you'll need all the help you can get, as it will be a brutal battle on the scale of Aeons."

"It's beyond the reach of you, me, or even the Astral Express. In most futures, destiny ends there. However, if you follow Elio's 'script,' there might be a glimmer of hope."

"...Did you know? Even an Aeon can be killed."

Upon hearing these words,

Jingliu, who had remained silent, suddenly lifted her head.

The black veil covering her eyes disintegrated into wisps of ash.

Her crimson pupils locked onto Kafka.

"Your ultimate goal is also to kill an Aeon?"

Silver Wolf, seemingly enjoying the drama, chimed in, "Do you want to slay an Aeon too?

"How coincidental! We're aiming for the same thing!"

"I see we're kindred spirits with shared ambitions!"

"Why don't we stop their fight, sit down together, add each other as game friends, and figure out how exactly to take down the Aeon once and for all?"

Silver Wolf's dry humor left everyone momentarily frozen, as if under a group silencing aura!

Feeling awkward, March 7th looked skyward, pretending to divert her attention.

"They're still not done fighting?"

In the live stream:

Guinaifen and Sushang's eyes widened, their mouths agape, looking utterly stunned.

Over 100,000 viewers bore witness to this moment together!

"Is this something I'm allowed to witness?"

"I knew interrogating Kafka would reveal many secrets, but I didn't expect her to spill everything!"

"Well, now the entire universe knows the future storyline."

"We can already foresee the climax of the final chapter—the Trailblazer stretching their hands towards the sky: 'All my friends across the cosmos, lend me your strength!'"

"Holy shit?! With that revelation, we might as well be there already!"

Amidst the uproar and speculation about this unfolding narrative,

the story was far from over.

Kafka had more explosive revelations to make!

To be precise,

it was Feathered Spirit revealing them!

Without Feathered Spirit turning these events into plotlines, they wouldn't have been witnessed by so many players!

"Long of 【 Permenence 】, Idrila of 【 Beauty 】, Ena of 【 Order 】, Tayzzyronth of 【 Propagation 】, and... Akivili of 【 Trailblaze 】."

"These were once names that resounded throughout the universe, but now, all have vanished, leaving behind only unclaimed destinies."

"As currently known to humans, there are three methods for causing an Aeon's fall."

"Firstly, when overlapping destinies collide, the broader destiny will swallow the narrower one—such as how Ena of 【 Order 】 was assimilated by Xipe of 【 Harmony 】."

"Secondly, through divine wars between Aeons. The stronger party eliminates the weaker—the case of Tayzzyronth of 【 Propagation 】's demise. Similarly, under the guidance of 【Hunt】, the Xianzhou Alliance traversed the starry seas, purging the abominations spawned by 【 Abundance 】..."

"...And finally, what they ultimately wish to achieve."

Why does Xianzhou want to kill 【 Abundance 】?

How did Tayzzyronth die?

What about Akivili? Did they perish at the hands of another Aeon?

These questions were undoubtedly of immense significance!

Regarding "Why does Xianzhou want to kill 【 Abundance 】?", Guinaifen, despite being an outlander, had some understanding of the reasons. Even just examining the game's Mara Struck's Body and Disciples of Sanctus Medicus lore made it clear.

As for the second question about the Propagation Aeon, no related storyline had emerged in the game yet, so it hadn't garnered much attention.

Thus, she chose the third option:

What about Akivili? Did they die by the hand of another Aeon?

"I don't know; Akivili's disappearance is quite mysterious. Only Nous, the Aeon of Erudition, could likely answer that. After all, Machine Head—Nous's nickname—knows everything."

What is the third method?

With a slight tremble, Guinaifen selected the new dialogue option.

Oh, Aeon!

They were now discussing how to kill an Aeon!

Such blasphemous and heretical scenarios could only unfold within this game!

However, the question remained unanswered.

Suddenly, Kafka spoke up, "...Wait, it should be about time."

"Oh, here it begins!"

At the center of Xianzhou, that section of tree root began to swell, generating billowing white smoke. Its tip rapidly ascended, as if poised to pierce the heavens themselves!

Branches sprouted from the tree's top, with golden leaves unfurling gracefully.

Simultaneously,

Kafka broke free from her restraints and walked towards the edge of the Matrix of Prescience.

Stelle hastily pursued her.

But a Blade descended from the sky, blocking their path...

"Let's go, Bladie," said Kafka. "There are still two more places we need to visit."

Turning around like an actor exiting the stage, he leaned back and leaped down.

Blade swiftly followed suit.

"Feathered Spirit, you dare to write anything! First exposing the Aeon's secret, and now hinting at the rebirth of the Ambrosial Arbor?"

"I'm impressed with no one else but this game's developers!"

"The events unfolding over these few days are more thrilling than most of my life combined!"

"Before the Ambrosial Arbor starts regenerating, I'd better hurry up and buy some insurance!"

"By the way... do you guys really believe the Ambrosial Arbor will be reborn? This segment from Feathered Spirit seems overly dramatic! It must be embellished purely for theatrical effect."

"I agree, it feels impossible. How could such a mind-boggling event occur in reality?"

"This is too damn fake! If it happens, I'll gift every viewer here a 648000 credit voucher!"

"You lot sound like professional trolls, don't you? Every major event in Honkai: Star Rail since its inception has mirrored real-life occurrences. And yet, there are still doubters among us regarding our great Feathered Spirit?"

"I've got my eye on that guy promising the 64800 vouchers!"

"Don't play dead when the truth unfolds!"

---

Chapter Text

---

"Gifting 6480 credits?" Silver Wolf scoffed at the bold claim made in the live stream chat.
She quickly split her screen, launching a hack on the user who had made the boastful remark.

In no time, she uncovered their full name, address, online habits, and more. With ease, she accessed their bank account balance.

"Tch, that’s all they’ve got?" Her fingers trembled slightly as she divided the amount into over a hundred red packets worth 6480 credits each, sending them out during the live stream.

"Wow, he actually sent them?!"
"I’m so spooked I checked outside—no sign of the Ambrosial Arbor yet?"
"Respect! A man of his word indeed!"
"Weren’t we supposed to get one each worth 6480? There are only around 100 here! I didn’t even grab any."

Jing Yuan looked up at the sky. The storm of battle was finally calming.
Turning to Kafka, he said, "Alright, Stellaron Hunter, Feathered Spirit has proven your innocence."
"Take him and leave this place now."

Kafka gazed at the sky, sighing. "Bladie truly had quite the adventure this time."
"At moments like these, even I wouldn’t be able to stop them."

Just then, Jingliu transformed into a beam of moonlight, leaping into the sky. Whether he intended to join or halt the fight between Dan Heng and Blade remained unclear.

---

Half a minute later, Dan Heng, Blade, Jingliu, Welt, and Luocha descended from the sky, forming a line.

Old Yang turned to Luocha. "This battle… has shown me that you’re no longer the person I once knew."

"My apologies, perhaps I got carried away,"

Luocha replied calmly. Earlier, he had been impeccably dressed and composed, but now, his attire was torn, leaving him disheveled. Despite this, he maintained his composure. "No matter, as long as it clears your doubts, sir."

"Well, Bladie, are you satisfied now?" Kafka asked.

Blade suddenly lifted his head.

"Not yet!"
"It’s not enough!"
"Today, I’ll keep fighting until my body can’t stand anymore!"

With that, Blade charged directly at Jingliu, unleashing the full power of his ancient sword. Jingliu, Dan Heng, and Jing Yuan were caught in the chaos. Their eyes glowed crimson, emitting streams of dark energy.

Kafka furrowed her brows, realizing Blade had lost control. She moved forward, ready to cast her Vocal Charm. However, Blade’s berserk state drove him to attack indiscriminately—even targeting Kafka herself.

"Everyone, help me restrain Blade," Kafka urged.

Before she finished speaking, Jingliu, Jing Yuan, and Dan Heng had already begun their techniques. But Blade’s attacks were wild and intense, momentarily overpowering them. Seeing this, Old Yang and Luocha prepared to intervene.

Suddenly, in the distance, massive tree roots surged upward, swelling rapidly before their eyes. The ground trembled, and a surge of abundant energy swept over them.

Startled, Blade turned toward the Tree of Foundation.
"The Tree of Foundation…"
"Plagues Author…"

The chaotic aura around Blade began to fade.

"First, let’s deal with those hindering us; we’ll settle accounts later."

Watching the majestic Tree of Foundation sprout anew, Jingliu’s eyes flashed with killing intent.

"Yes," she agreed.

Jing Yuan thought to himself, "Antimatter Legion, Phantylia… What impeccable timing."

"Thanks to you diverting attention, we might have avoided the complete destruction of The Shackling Prison today."

"Not only did you reveal the location of the Stellaron, but you also accelerated the growth of the Tree of Foundation, exposing Abundance’s hidden threat…"

"Phantylia, having you is truly a blessing for our Xianzhou!"

---

In Little Gui’s live stream room, Guinaifen stretched her arms contentedly.

"Three challenges against Doomsday Beasts completed!" she exclaimed.

"That should be enough materials for Jing Yuanyuan to craft his trailblazing gear!"

Meanwhile, Sushang browsed nearby jade tablets.

Breaking news emerged:

"...a sudden disaster involving the Antimatter Legion erupted on the Star Ferry Highway near Eastern Shackling Road!"

"According to Miss Sparkle at the scene, 'There were so many Voidrangers—it was like a swarm of insects!' However, she added, 'But those folks from the Astral Express know their stuff! They swiftly cleaned up all those soldiers.'"

"After verification by the Divination Commission and jade tablet recordings, it was confirmed—the Astral Express Crew intervened, preventing further escalation!"

"The Realm-Keeping Commission has mobilized to maintain order and commence reconstruction efforts!"

Hearing this, Guinaifen burst into laughter.

"Hah! It was actually the Antimatter Legion? I was just battling a Doomsday Beast—what a coincidence!"

"Now let’s return to the main storyline and see how Luofu’s Celestial Grotto has transformed after the growth of the Tree of Foundation."

As she spoke, a loud rumbling sound echoed outside the window. Sushang tossed aside her phone, gripping the Xuanyuan Sword tightly as she stood guard before Guinaifen, fearing enemies might emerge.

Guinaifen peeked out the window. The sight left her speechless.

"Oh wow..."
"It’s really starting to grow?!?"
"Little Gui, you’re amazing! This is the precursor to becoming an Aeon—your words manifest reality!"

Mystery solved! All these calamities are due to Little Gui playing games!

"It’s not too late for the streamer to turn herself in now."
"Holy shit, this is truly spectacular!"

After gulping down water to calm themselves, Guinaifen and Sushang prepared for their mission: reaching the Alchemy Commission’s sanctuary near the Tree of Foundation. Along the way, they passed through the Artisanship Commission.

Inside, they spotted a massive cauldron entangled by the Tree of Foundation’s roots, being lifted high into the air. An elderly craftsman named Mister Gongshu rushed over to rescue what he called the "【 Cauldron 】." Their task was to safely extract him.

Gazing at the colossal cauldron, Guinaifen wondered aloud, "I wonder what’s inside?"
"Shangshang, do you know?"

Sushang shook her head. "I’ve only recently been assigned to Luofu, so I’m not sure either."

"Oh."
"It could be a furnace for refining medicine or crafting items. Surely nothing monstrous would come out of it, right?"

"Heh heh..." Guinaifen smirked.

Reorganizing her team to include Jing Yuan, Tingyun, Asta, and Natasha, they charged into the Artisanship Commission, now overrun by monsters.

"Looks like there are plenty of monsters inside!"
"The invincible General Jing Yuan strikes again!"
"I volunteer as tribute!"

Chapter Text

Inside the Artisanship Commission, massive tendrils snaked through the area like coiled dragons. Although Guinaifen had never been here before, she instantly realized this wasn't its original state. New monsters roamed the map—demonic mechanisms unlike anything seen before.

For instance, there was a frog perched on a bell-like contraption called the Foggy Golden Toad, and another resembling a goldfish known as the Lit Dragon Fish.

Guinaifen scoffed, "These monsters are laughably weak!"
"My Divine Monarch didn’t even need to strike before they were wiped out."
"The names are too hard to remember..."
"Let’s just call them Frog and Goldfish."

Soon enough, on a bridge, they encountered a middle-aged man in the uniform of the Artisanship Commission. Before him stood both the frog and goldfish, seemingly guarding his presence.

"The Artisanship Commission is strictly confidential! Intruders, retreat—retreat now—yā yā yā!" he shouted. "Stay back! One more step closer, and don’t blame me for being impolite!"

Hearing the master craftsman’s voice, Guinaifen burst into laughter through her tears.
"No, Master! Are you practicing your vocal exercises here?"

【Battle Commenced】

March 7th tried to reason:

"Hey, hey, at least let us explain! We’re not ba—"

"What’s there to explain? Just excuses like 'we happened to pass by,' 'it was unintentional,' or 'the door was already open'—all nonsense!"

"A calamity struck our commission today; I suspected foul play from the start! And sure enough—"

"Since security’s no help, let me show you the might of these mechanisms!"

Guinaifen promptly unleashed Jing Yuan’s ultimate ability:

【 Radiant Self 】

Most of the monsters were weak to lightning, and with one swift strike, only a battered frog remained.

"【Foggy Golden Toad】! 【Lit Dragon Fish】!...

What happened to you?! Quickly, get up! I raised and taught you as if you were my own children..."

"Fine, engage them if you must, but why destroy these little companions so thoroughly—compensate for them!" The old craftsman wailed miserably.

【Are you Master Gongshu?】

"A youngling like you knows this elder’s name?"

"Has the reputation of 'First Ingenious Hand at Refining Metal,' Gongshu Liang, truly become that renowned?" he wondered aloud.

After some explanation, Master Gongshu realized the Astral Express Crew had come to assist him.

"Oh? You’re sent by the General? A misunderstanding, indeed! No matter, those trinkets—it’s fine if they’re broken!"

"But alas, there’s little I can do myself. This Artisanship Commission has been overtaken by an unknown wood elemental fiend! Even our most precious treasure, the Creation Furnace, has been stolen by that wooden demon."

"That creature is formidable! It makes all mechanical devices around it act as if imbued with their own will, circling protectively. Anyone approaching risks certain death!"

"Yet, no matter how I ponder it, we cannot simply leave. After all, within that Creation Furnace lies..."

【Save time - Where to go, whom to confront?】

Guinaifen decisively chose this option. Her hands itched for action, craving a fight—not against those fragile monsters that crumble at the slightest touch, but against a worthy opponent!

Using the Painted Screen of Changing Realms, they arrived at the location of the Creation Furnace. Then, employing Lustrous Flow from the Box, they shattered all surrounding entanglements of the Tree of Foundation. Having accomplished these tasks, they finally stood before the Creation Furnace itself!

"Young one, hurry and assist me! Together, let’s chop down that entity before it breaches the furnace!"

Just as Guinaifen was about to step forward, Old Yang cautioned her, "Be careful! That thing is undergoing a transformation..."

The flower bud near its root system slowly unfurled, revealing... surprisingly, a deer! Its body shimmered with radiant hues, covered in golden pollen. The Black Deer shook itself vigorously, emitting a powerful aura that radiated outward!

"Just what... kind of monster is this?" Gongshu Master exclaimed, astonished.

Tingyun, however, spoke with admiration, "Truly deserving to be called a divine miracle, effortlessly creating life. This force is truly remarkable..."

"Tingyun’s tone sounds off!"
"Miss Tingyun, your thoughts are quite dangerous!"
"Don’t say that! I also think this monster looks pretty cool. Those shimmering golden leaves are captivating!"
"Fire, Ice, and Quantum weaknesses? Seems tailor-made for Seele, huh?"
"Little Gui: 'Finally, a challenge worth our mettle!'"

Five minutes passed. Scratching her head, Guinaifen couldn’t help but exclaim, "This Abundant Ebon Deer is incredibly tough to fight!"
"It can even summon roots!"
"Every time Jing Yuan gets controlled, not being able to unleash Divine Monarch’s strike drives me crazy!"

Watching as the Divine Monarch repeatedly missed his chance, she grew visibly flustered. They paused the game and opened the monster’s detailed information for inspection.

"Wind resistance... and Lightning resistance?!"
"No wonder it’s so hard—this thing has inherent 40% Lightning resistance!"
"Folks, it seems unrealistic to expect our main DPS to effectively deal cross-element damage. Feathered Spirit really nailed the balance in this game."
"But here’s some good news!"
"We still have an ace up our sleeve—the Erudition powerhouse—Miss Himeko, it’s your turn to shine!"

The subsequent battle went relatively smoothly. After the Abundant Ebon Deer regenerated twice, March 7th exclaimed, astonished,

"It can heal from any injury... That’s just absurd!"

"...We have no choice but to temporarily retreat. Follow me!"

After escaping to a relatively safe location, March 7th continued lamenting, "Oh my gosh, no wonder Xianzhou fears these Abominations of Abundance! That regenerative ability is utterly absurd!"

"Miss Tingyun, do all Eternal Life Beings on Xianzhou... have such capabilities?"

"This Black Deer likely serves as a guardian created by the Tree of Foundation, closely connected to its root system. Most beings on Xianzhou don’t possess such outrageous abilities..." Tingyun explained.

"The Black Deer seems to heal wounds instantly, but appearances can be deceiving. Perhaps it’s drawing sustenance from somewhere." Following Old Yang’s line of thought, their next task was clear—to use Master Gongshu’s Lustrous Flow from the Box and dismantle the entanglements around the Tree of Foundation wherever they found them.

Guinaifen seemed thrilled with this mission, finding it rather stress-relieving to eliminate a massive quantity of monsters in one go.

Meanwhile, on another side...

A grand procession was making its way towards the cave where the Tree of Foundation resided.

Behold!

Approaching head-on is General Jing Yuan, representing Xianzhou Luofu’s local forces! Accompanying him are the Cloud Knight Lieutenants, including his personal disciple—Yanqing! They exude vigor and confidence, their presence commanding respect!

Next to enter the scene is the Astral Express Crew: Welt, Dan Heng, March 7th, and Stelle, marching with synchronized steps, each stride firm and resonant! Following closely behind are the Stellaron Hunters: Blade, Kafka, and Silver Wolf. Lastly, Jingliu and Luocha join them. Though silent and expressionless, they steadfastly keep pace at the rear of the group, refusing to fall behind!

Amidst the crowd, Silver Wolf suddenly burst out laughing softly. "Moving as such a large group... feels quite peculiar." Gently pulling down her goggles from her forehead, she released a small satellite from her wrist. It positioned itself to capture the entire scene.

"I need to record this moment," she said. "For posting on the 'Star Rail' forums!"

Silver Wolf’s subtle action did not go unnoticed by the others. However, most paid it little heed, walking silently ahead like a mixed procession of animated corpses and living beings. But!

*

March 7th immediately sensed trouble brewing!
She whispered urgently to Stelle, "Not good! Silver Wolf has caught on too!"
"She’s already started recording!"
"And she plans to leak information as well!"
"No way!"
"Absolutely not!"
"We must beat her to it! We have to expose the insider scoop first!"

Chapter Text

---

On March 7th, she quickly opened her phone and compiled all the photos she'd taken earlier along with Stelle’s video footage for an immediate upload. She created a special thread on the forum:

【"Honkai: Star Rail" Insider Scoop Revealed!】

With Stelle's help, she added some extra flair to the post:

【 Still wondering who might be in the next card pool? Anxious about how to spend your Stellar Jade? Worried about what lies ahead for the Astral Express Crew? 】
【 Let Photograph-taking Machine, the internet's first insider, give you an exclusive sneak peek at upcoming characters in "Honkai: Star Rail"! 】

As soon as the post went live, it immediately attracted a flood of players.

---

"WTF! There's actually an insider for Honkai: Star Rail?! For real?"
"Hey, Internet user 'Photograph-taking Machine,' why do you claim to be an insider? Are you really working at Feathered Spirit's Studio?"
"I don’t buy it! The boss, Feathered Spirit is practically godlike! How could there be leaks from some insider?"

However, the first image uploaded left players utterly speechless!

Dan Heng stood on a lotus pedestal, hands clasped behind his back.

But this Dan Heng was quite different from the one everyone was familiar with!

His long hair cascaded freely down his back,
and a pair of dragon horns jutted out from his forehead!
He glared at the camera with an intimidating side gaze!

"???"
"That’s Dan Heng?!"
"What happened to Dan Heng?! Why does he look like this?"
"Holy crap! Why do I feel like he's about to leap out of the screen and stab me?"

Two more photos were uploaded.
The first showed Dan Heng wielding the Abyssal Orb, obliterating a Voidranger: Trampler with a single strike. The second was a close-up, allowing a clear view of Dan Heng’s expression—cold and tinged with dissatisfaction. Even his red eyeshadow was vividly visible!

"Not only has he sprouted dragon horns, but his ears are now pointed too!"
"T-These are traits of the Vidyadhara race!"
"Goodness! How did you manage to capture these photos? I’d believe you if you claimed to be March 7th!"
"Dan Heng, what have you been through?!"
"If you’re being held captive, just nod your head!"
"I absolutely adore that murderous gaze!"
"Holy cow! Dan Heng truly has hidden powers!"
"Just like our protagonist, is this a new form?!?"
"Photograph-taking Machine, photography genius! You’re officially the top scoop-leaker on the web! Please, share more insights!"

More and more players flocked to join the discussion.
Soon, this post skyrocketed in popularity, becoming one of the top threads on the forum, pinned for everyone to see!
The likes and followers grew exponentially, as everyone was astonished by Dan Heng's new form.

At that moment...

Photograph-taking Machine posted fresh content once again!

This time, it was unexpectedly a video lasting over ten seconds!

In the footage, Dragon-form Dan Heng stood tall, with a water dragon coiling around him. With a swift gesture forward, he unleashed a torrential assault on the surrounding black shadow enemies.

As the water dragon surged forth, it resembled an unstoppable steel tide, crushing everything in its path!

Instantly, the screen cleared of foes.

The videographer clearly seemed like a novice; the footage wasn't very clear and exhibited noticeable shaking. As the camera zoomed in, seemingly aiming for a close-up of Dan Heng.

Dan Heng suddenly turned his head.
His eyes gleamed with azure light!
It appeared as if he had detected the cameraperson.
With a final jolt, the video abruptly ended.

"Photograph-taking Machine, you've outdone yourself!"
"He's risking his life to give us this scoop!"
"The hidden power! Incredible!"
"Controlling dragons in battle?! Holy crap, that's so badass!!"
"I must have this Feathered Spirit item right now!"
"Feathered Spirit, hurry up and add it to the game already!"
"Aaaaaahhhhhh!! (Dan Heng fan going insane)"

---

Within Little Gui's live stream:

Guinaifen had already disrupted three instances of the Tree of Foundation entanglement, weakening the Abundant Ebon Deer's ability to regenerate infinitely.

She returned to the location of the Creation Furnace.

This time, she prepared her characters accordingly in advance.

Swiftly, they pushed the Abundant Ebon Deer into its second phase.

In this stage, the deer summoned a new type of Tree of Foundation branch adorned with several fruits—shiny golden and plump.

March 7th observed, "It bears fruit? Those peaches look huge... I kind of want to pick one and taste it."
"March," Old Yang cautioned sternly.
"I don't mean anything by it; it just seems a waste for them to hang there and get destroyed."

After their dialogue triggered, a notification popped up on the screen—

【 The Abundant Ebon Deer's 【 Spotted Dragon Touch 】 has fully charged! 】

With a startling noise, strands of golden light converged above the Black Deer.
Once fully condensed, it fired! A beam as thick as a barrel pierced through the team...

"...I didn't want...to be alone..."
March 7th was instantly defeated!
"But I'm...a doctor..."
Natasha fell too!

Guinaifen was stunned. Wow, this boss deals massive damage!

Fortunately, Himeko and Asta remained standing.

Their fire attribute attacks successfully exploited the Abundant Ebon Deer's weakness!

With one final burst of output, they finally defeated it!

Welt remarked, "General Jing Yuan said that the Tree of Foundation possesses extraordinary immortal powers..."

"That deer appeared no different from ordinary lifeforms, yet even with fatal wounds, it instantly healed. Now I understand why the Xianzhou people pursued The Hunt to eradicate Abundance."

"An indestructible entity, if allowed to propagate unchecked, would utterly collapse the world's ecosystem—"

"No wonder the Xianzhou people roam the universe with their starships, never settling on any single planet..."

Master Gongshu sighed, "Mister Yang has profound insights. Unfortunately, eight thousand years ago, our ancestors as Elixir Seekers could not foresee this underlying concern—

"Perhaps some among them did realize it and rejected the Plagues Author's 'gifts.'

However, can an entire civilization truly resist the allure of eternal life?"

"How ironic: the wise lie beneath the earth, while fools endure forever..."

This scene unfolded before Guinaifen and Sushang's eyes, both watching intently.

One was an outlander, and the other, a barely educated young girl. They had limited knowledge of Xianzhou's history and didn't fully grasp why its people pursued "The Hunt" to eradicate "Abundance."

This sequence served as an excellent primer for them.

Guinaifen opened the chat window, curious about how Luofu players were reacting to this segment. However, she discovered that their discussions seemed entirely unrelated to the current plotline!

"Why is everyone saying it's Dan Heng?! I don't think he even resembles him!"
"Dan Heng uses a spear, but this person controls dragons. There's no clear connection at all!"
"Just finished watching, and wow, he's precious now! Dan Heng has transformed into someone far beyond my reach!"
"Forget reminiscing, Little Gui! Hurry up and check the pinned thread on the forums! It might disappear soon!"

Guinaifen blinked, her eyes filled with confusion and bewilderment.
"What are you guys talking about?"
"Did something significant happen while I was progressing through the story?"
"Have I missed another major revelation again?!"

Chapter Text

“What?! A dragon-form Dan Heng?!”
“With a lotus throne and dragon horns?”
“How can my Dan Heng transform like that?!”
“Do we need to max out his level and Eidolon points to unlock this appearance?”

After reading the scoop, Guinaifen eagerly opened her chat for answers from fellow viewers, her mind swirling with questions.

One user quickly chimed in, “Little Gui, what are you thinking?! This insider leak doesn’t guarantee when—or if—it’ll ever be implemented in the game.”

“Oh~ So it’s just a premature leak!”

Guinaifen closed the Warp interface and declared, “Well then, starting now, I’m going to accumulate Stellar Jade for Dan Heng’s dragon form!”

Suddenly, another viewer posted:
“Everyone! I think I’ve stumbled upon some shocking news!
“This person isn’t who you all assume—Dan Heng!
“The moment I saw these leaks, the figure seemed eerily familiar.
“I went back and reviewed the wanted notices for past convicts, and guess what? I found the true identity!”
“Can you guess who this person is?”

A flood of players jumped into the conversation.
“Who is it?”
“Don’t keep us in suspense, just tell us already!”
“The Riddlers can die!”

The streamer replied, “It’s too complex to explain here in Stream; check out my new post on the forums!”

Guinaifen promptly navigated to the forum and refreshed the page. Sure enough, beneath the latest scoop thread, a new reply had appeared:

Thought Photograph-taking Machine revealed Dan Heng as the character? You’re all wrong! The truth and evidence are right here!

She clicked on it. At the beginning was a confidently cited reference:

Luofu Dragonlord, bearer of Azure Dragon lore. Bringing rain and clouds, entrusted with guarding the undying Tree of Foundation—venerated as Imbibitor Lunae.—From Annals of the Xianzhou: Five Dragons' Great Exodus.

Some of you may have heard of Imbibitor Lunae before, and yes! He was the previous generation’s Venerable Vidyadhara!

The Dragonlord, not only a revered elder of their race, also wields the power of dragon ancestors, enabling them to assume draconic form as a Vidyadhara. Entrusted with overseeing the 【Life, Plague, and Calamity Vestiges 】 across various Xianzhou ships—that is, the Tree of Foundation!

“However, according to the Judges, Imbibitor Lunae coveted the power of Abundance, creating monstrous entities that wreaked havoc in Scalegorge Waterscape. Not only did this sever the lineage of the Venerable Vidyadhara, but it also constituted one of the gravest sins known as ‘Ten Ultimate Betrayals.’

"After committing such a heinous betrayal against Xianzhou, Imbibitor Lunae was permanently exiled and hasn’t been heard from for many years. Even the Vidyadhara clan suspected he might be dead by now.”

“Yet unexpectedly, today we witness the return of Imbibitor Lunae’s presence at Luofu!”

“Moreover, his strength seems undiminished. Could he have come to reclaim his title as the Venerable Vidyadhara Dragonlord and regain his position?”

“So everyone, stop claiming this person is Dan Heng!

"Dan Heng may bear some resemblance, but he is part of our Astral Express Crew and has no connection whatsoever with Imbibitor Lunae!”

Upon posting this thread, its popularity surged rapidly, quickly matching the heat of the original exposé post! Whether players of Honkai: Star Rail or not, all who heard about it flocked to follow this significant event!

In an instant, “Imbibitor Lunae” became the talk of Xianzhou!

At a crucial location within the Vidyadhara territory, numerous Dragon Master elders had gathered. They stared intently at the jade tablet display before them. Its content was none other than Photograph-taking Machine’s exposé from the forum!

An elderly Dragon Master, his beard reaching down to his chest, spoke with great excitement. Pointing at Dan Heng’s close-up on the jade tablet, he exclaimed, “No doubt about it! It must be him!”

“He’s back! Imbibitor Lunae has returned!”

“With just one strike, he repelled that horde of Destruction Voidrangers? Now that is the true bearing of our Dragonlord!”

“Exactly! What does that ‘Medicine-Bearing Dragon Girl’ amount to? She merely possesses a dragon’s appearance and extraordinary healing abilities—how can she compare to the legendary Dan Feng?”

“The hundred-year cycle has come full circle! Let us welcome the return of our Dragonlord!”

Within the Alchemy Commission, a group of physicians had gathered, including a small figure seated amidst them. All stared incredulously at the scene unfolding before their eyes.

“Is it truly the former Dragonlord, Dan Feng? Has he really returned?”

“Dan Feng is back, seeking to reclaim what was once his?”

“Bailu Miss is an exceptional gem, embodying compassion and nurturing life far surpassing Dan Feng’s qualities by leaps and bounds!”

“Moreover, since Dan Feng chose her as the Dragonlord, she is now Luofu Vidyadhara’s rightful leader. Destiny decrees; we willingly honor her as our supreme ruler!”

“Regardless of whether the person in this vision is him or if he indeed came back to Luofu, we stand as the legitimate lineage of the Dragonlord!”

Only Bailu, sitting quietly on her high chair, remained silent, gently pinching her chubby cheeks.

As she scanned the forum posts, a glint of realization flashed through her clear eyes.

“I’ve heard... all this content comes from that recently popular game—Honkai: Star Rail?”

“And it features ‘me’ too?”

“But our clan’s elders forbid me from engaging with such things, and even the healers won’t let me see it.”

“They say many people in Luofu have become obsessed with this game, neglecting food, drink, sleep, and rest.”

“Just how captivating can this thing be? To make perfectly capable individuals stare at the screen for hours like puppets on strings!”

“It seems I must find an opportunity to sneak out and experience it myself!”

In Little Gui’s live stream room...

After reading the post, Guinaifen felt uncertain despite her initial determination to save Stellar Jade for “Dragon Form Dan Heng.”
“Could it really be Imbibitor Lunae?! But why does he look so much like Dan Heng?!”

Guinaifen opened the character panel, carefully comparing her Dan Heng with the figure mentioned in the leak. She couldn’t definitively tell if it was genuine or not.

Initially, defeating the Abundant Ebon Deer had filled her with a sense of accomplishment, but now all she felt was bewilderment.

At that moment, Tingyun sent another message. Without thinking, Guinaifen clicked to read it.

“Speaking of which, Mr. Sponsor, did you see it earlier?”
“When that Abundant Ebon Deer stomped its hoof, vines sprouted from the ground out of nowhere.”
“The miracles wrought by 【 Abundance 】 truly defy imagination.”
“In all my travels across the star seas, I’ve never witnessed such divine wonders before.”
“I noticed golden fruits forming on those branches, just as described in the legends of Xianzhou’s celestial vessels.”
“Legend has it that during ancient times, the ancestors of Xianzhou obtained the immortal godfruit from the Tree of Foundation, transforming them into Eternal Life Beings.”
“If this humble one were to consume these fruits, would she too gain boundless life like the people of Xianzhou...?”
“Mr. Sponsor, aren’t you tempted by such an opportunity?”

Three options appeared:

【"That sounds quite perilous..."】
【"Once eaten, there’d be no turning back..."】
【"Of course, I’m very intrigued..."】

Guinaifen was an outlander, but she aimed to be a positive influence—a virtuous streamer!

She chose the first option:

“Miss Tingyun, wouldn’t this violate Xianzhou’s prohibitions?”

“Oh dear.”
“Please forgive Tingyun for her rudeness; it was merely a small test to gauge your character.”
“As expected, Mr. Sponsor is indeed a sincere and upright young lady.”
“However, I now understand your intentions well enough.”
“Alas, with the Abundant Ebon Deer reduced to ashes, not even a trace of the Tree of Foundation’s fruit remains.”
“Such opportunities come once in a lifetime yet vanish in an instant.”
“Just like life itself…”

The text conversation concluded.

Guinaifen looked puzzled. “Why do I feel like there’s something off about Miss Tingyun?”
“Her curiosity for immortality mirrors those Disciples of Sanctus Medicus!”
“Will she betray us later in the plot?”

Following this exchange, another new message arrived:

【Dan Heng】: Our star ferry has deviated from its course. How is the situation at your end?

Guinaifen was taken aback. Just moments ago, she had been wondering about Dan Heng’s connection to Imbibitor Lunae. And now, here comes Dan Heng’s standalone quest!

Perhaps there’s a chance to uncover the true nature of Dan Heng’s relationship with Imbibitor Lunae within this storyline! Could it be that the leaked character mentioned earlier is indeed Dan Heng?!”

Chapter Text

...

【Dan Heng: Our star-skiff has deviated from its course. What's the situation on your end?】

【You're alive again?】

【Dan Heng: Yes. What's the situation on your end?】

【We caught Kafka, but it went too smoothly. It's a bit strange.】

【Dan Heng: What about Kafka's companions? Did you see 【Blade】?】

【She was alone when we caught Kafka. What's wrong?】

【Dan Heng: Be careful. That person is very dangerous.】

【Dan Heng: I'll find a chance to shake off the Cloud Knights and catch up with you.】

【Wait, what's going on over there?】

【 Start Dan Heng's Story— 】

Seeing this option appear, Guinaifen clicked on it without hesitation.

The last time she saw Sushang appear was in Dan Heng's story.

Now, restarting this plot line, it indeed begins with Dan Heng, Sushang, and Luocha appearing on the screen.

"Sushang, it's your time to shine again!"

Sushang hurriedly tidied her hair and sat next to Guinaifen.

She began to watch the story attentively.

"Hey, Luocha, you only told us half the story about the 【 Aeon of Propagation 】. Keep going, it's quite interesting. It's rare, even Aeons can die? Aren't they invincible?" Sushang asked in her clear voice.

"There is no absolute invincibility in this world, nor is there eternal immortality. It's just an exaggeration from the perspective of mortals. However, the fall of 【 Propagation 】 does indeed transcend mortal scales. He fell at the hands of other Aeons," Luocha said.

"...I don't understand. They're all Aeons, why do they have to fight and kill each other?"

"Are you... really a Xianzhou native?! Putting aside other Aeons, you should at least know the story of 【 Lan 】 and 【 Yaoshi 】, right? Isn't the Alliance's ultimate goal to eliminate the Aeon Yaoshi?"

"Of course I know! Well, I know a little. I'm supervised by my mother to practice swordsmanship all day, so I haven't been to school much..."

In the live stream.

Sushang's face flushed instantly.

She had performed quite well in the previous story, and her superior had even sent her a message of praise not long ago.

Commending her for demonstrating the demeanor of a Cloud Knight even in times of crisis!

But when it came to the continuation of this mission.

The opening exposed the fact that she hadn't read much!

"It's over, it's over, my image is going to be ruined."

Sushang was even a little afraid to look at the comments.

Afraid that the viewers would all be scolding her for being a fool, a dimwit, and the like.

But!

Guinaifen not only didn't turn off the comments, but instead randomly selected comments and began to read them aloud.

"【 My Sushang has a kind of beauty that hasn't been tainted by knowledge 】, hahaha, I think so too, Little Guinaifen!"

"【 Sushang's eyes reveal a kind of clear stupidity 】, no, why do you say such blunt truths out loud?"

"【 Sushang is so cute 】, of course!"

The two then talked about the large box behind Luocha.

Luocha said that it was a 【 Lingjiu 】, commonly known as a 【 coffin 】, used specifically for collecting the remains of the deceased.

Then.

The topic turned to the ways in which Xianzhou natives die.

"I heard that Vidyadhara live for a long time, or when they are injured and near death, they will turn into a pearl-like egg, and then hatch into a newborn in the form of a child..."

"My mother calls Vidyadhara 【 Dragon Descendants 】. When I was a child, I heard stories from my mother that the Vidyadhara could transform into giant dragons, but I don't know if it's true..."

Dan Heng opened his mouth and said, "Only special Vidyadhara can transform into dragons."

"Good heavens, Mr. 【 Silent Gourd 】 is speaking."

Dan Heng continued, "...Your mother is right, Vidyadhara are 【 Dragon Descendants 】, that is, descendants of the Aeon 【 Immortality 】. Therefore, among the Vidyadhara, there were once people who could transform into dragons, but not everyone has this qualification."

"This power is a rare inheritance, and it must be accepted through numerous rituals and tests. For the successor... It's hard to say whether it's a blessing."

Seeing this.

Guinaifen was struck as if by lightning!

The comments also went blank for a few seconds.

Then.

Guinaifen excitedly clapped her hands and said, "Case solved! Case solved!"

"Why does Dan Heng know so much about Vidyadhara? Because his father is a Vidyadhara!"

"The Imbibitor Lunae betrayed the Xianzhou, and then met a human woman on another planet. The two fell in love and gave birth to a son named Dan Heng!"

"Dan Heng later boarded the Astral Express and became a Nameless, and came to the Xianzhou Luofu on his journey, which happened to be his father's hometown!"

"Therefore!"

"When Dan Heng encountered a crisis, his father, the Imbibitor Lunae, came to help him!"

"Thus, a perfect closed loop is formed!"

"Am I really a genius? I've already figured out Feathered Spirit's script!"

Sushang saw that Guinaifen was so excited and thought about it seriously.

Then she nodded.

"Hmm...it makes sense!"

Guinaifen began to continue advancing Dan Heng's story.

Following the star-skiff, they drifted and came to a secluded grotto.

While looking for a way out.

In a blind spot, a girl was surrounded by Mara-Struck, and she seemed to be injured.

It was time for a hero to save the beauty again.

"【 Silent Gourd 】, Luocha, let's go together, quickly deal with these guys and save that girl!" Sushang said.

"Didn't you say before that you could handle it all?" Luocha teased.

"I, I can't fight four hands with two fists! Please, after it's done, I'll give you two the 【Good Samaritan】 award!"

Dan Heng: "Stop dawdling, let's go!"

In this story, there are three fixed characters.

Dan Heng, Luocha, and Sushang.

Among them, Luocha is uncontrollable.

When to attack and when to heal are all his own actions.

After the energy is full.

The ultimate skill is automatically activated!

【 Coffin of Eternal Lament 】

"...Sleep is not the end..."

In the portrait, Luocha leaned against the coffin, sitting next to a small pond full of white flowers.

Quiet and elegant.

Ultimate skill released!

"The deceased shall return!"

He stood the coffin in front of him.

Streams of green fireflies emerged from every corner of the coffin like wandering souls, attacking all enemies.

When they gathered at the top.

The phantom of the coffin descended from the sky like a giant blade.

The ginkgo leaf effects on the two Mara-Struck instantly disappeared.

Guinaifen revealed a look of realization: "Luocha's ultimate move is a group attack, and it can remove the enemy's buffs."

"These Mara-Struck can't be resurrected now!"

And after the ultimate move was released.

Another one of Luocha's abilities was triggered.

【 Cycle of Life and Death 】

"What is taken must be repaid!"

He stabbed the rapier into the ground.

A flower-shaped mark bloomed.

Forming a circle of flower-entwined light bands around the battlefield.

Each subsequent attack.

Can restore a mouthful of health!

After one round.

The three people in the team directly recovered to full health!

Guinaifen was preparing to give these monsters the final blow.

Sushang moved her chair closer to her.

She muttered, "Could it be that Luocha's coffin is filled with a bunch of 【 deceased 】?"

"He looks well-dressed, but could it be that he likes to collect these?"

Guinaifen shrugged her shoulders: "You have to ask the you in the story about that."

And the viewers in the live stream.

Seeing Luocha's skills and mechanics, they instantly perked up!

……

"Damn, the resurrection of all the Mara-Struck is removed, this Luocha is the Mara-Struck's daddy!"

"Natasha in my hand is instantly not so good anymore."

"A Male healer... no, healer daddy character! I definitely have to pull one!"

"I want to pull every character I meet, my wallet can't handle it at all!".

Chapter Text

"This Little Gui is really bold with her guesses!"

Seeing Little Gui's magical brain circuits in the live broadcast room, March 7th was instantly amused and exasperated.

Then, after reading through Luocha's skill effects.

She couldn't help but say to Luocha behind her, "So you're a healer... uh, no, a 'heal-dad'!"

"Heal...dad?"

Luocha himself seemed a little hesitant to pronounce this extremely inelegant term.

"It means your role in Honkai: Star Rail! It's a class that can heal teammates."

"Oh." Luocha revealed an expression of understanding.

"So this is the type of character that Feathered Spirit has positioned me as."

Luocha then took out his Jade Abacus.

He searched for his name.

Soon, he found the content he wanted to see.

Clips of him releasing skills in the story had already been edited into videos by Star Rail players, and the skills and mechanics of the 【 Luocha 】 in-game character were predicted pretty accurately.

After watching it.

Luocha smiled slightly.

"Not bad."

"It meets my expectations for myself."

The group avoided the areas where the Xianzhou people were active, and were now preparing to take a boat to Scalegorge Waterscape.

"There are too many people, let's split into two groups," Jing Yuan suggested.

No one objected, and no one refused.

Jing Yuan was the first to board the first boat.

Jingliu followed closely behind.

Blade, seeing this, also followed.

Dan Heng sighed, exchanged glances with the Astral Express crew, and also entered the first boat.

"Looks like we'll have to squeeze in," Kafka said with a smile.

Old Yang was still a little worried: "That Blade, won't he lose control again?"

"Don't worry, they have no concerns right now, Blade won't be able to cause any trouble."

"In my opinion, Blade is much more obedient than that... Jingliu."

As they talked.

The first boat had already set off.

Inside the cabin.

It wasn't as tense as imagined, but rather calm, unexpectedly calm.

Blade sat in the innermost part of the cabin.

Hiding himself in the darkness.

The previous battle had taken a bit too much out of him, and he seemed to have entered a standby mode. Jingliu put on her black veil again.

She opened her mouth once or twice, wanting to say something, but in the end, she didn't.

Dan Heng was a little unaccustomed to the atmosphere in the cabin.

He came to the deck.

Jing Yuan was also here.

The usually most silent and aloof of them had to take on the role of starting a conversation.

Dan Heng looked at the glowing Ambrosial Arbor in the distance.

He said, "Right now, Phantylia... should be absorbing the power of the Ambrosial Arbor, right?"

"That's right, I hope she can absorb more, so that this Abundance threat will be unable to grow for thousands of years to come," Jing Yuan replied.

"In any case, Phantylia is also a member of the Destruction Gang. If she obtains the power of the God of Abundance, she might... reach an unprecedented realm."

Jing Yuan smiled.

He gently patted Dan Heng on the shoulder.

Then he raised his eyebrows.

He looked into the cabin and then at the second boat following behind.

The meaning was already clear—

"With the Cloud Knights of yesteryear, the Astral Express, the Stellaron Hunters, Yanqing, and Luocha... how can we lose?"

"It's a guaranteed win!"

…………

In Little Gui's live broadcast room.

The battle with the Mara-Struck had ended.

Sushang asked the rescued girl, "Miss, are you alright?"

"...Obviously not," the girl replied coldly.

"Ah... sorry, I didn't see the blood, I thought you were fine... so you're a Handicraft Mecha."

The girl said, "The kinetic loom is broken, I can't move."

"Are you a Cloud Knight?... Good, please send me to the Seat of Divine Foresight."

"Ah, this..."

Sushang scratched her head and said to the two behind her, "Luocha, Silent One, sorry, we might have to delay again... this girl is a Handicraft Judge belonging to the Ten-Lords Commission, and as a Cloud Knight, I have to prioritize her instructions."

"Sorry... I knew I shouldn't have let you two come with me; if you had gone by yourselves, you might have arrived already..."

Seeing this scene.

Guinaifen immediately revealed an incredulous expression.

"This girl is a Handicraft Mecha?"

"Wow, this kind of system exists in the Xianzhou?"

"She's a judge from the Ten-Lords Commission..." Sushang reminded in a low voice.

"It's best not to discuss these people; they might target you and come looking for you tonight."

Guinaifen nodded.

As an outsider, she was still a little curious about the Ten-Lords Commission.

But more than that, it was awe!

She was a short-lived species, but she still wanted to live a few more years!

In the game, you can discuss the generals and marshals of the Xianzhou, and even plot how to kill the Aeons!

Because these beings are very far away from ordinary people, they won't come looking for you through the internet cable.

But if it's a judge from the Ten-Lords Commission...

It might really be possible!

The word "elusive" is specifically used to describe them!

However.

The viewers in the live broadcast room didn't think so!

They began to speak recklessly.

…

"I think this Judge girl is still charming!"

"Judge: I know you don't want to come with me, but what if I'm a short-haired girl + white silk?"

"Are all the Handicraft Mechas on the Ten-Lords Commission like this? If so, then I'm going to prepare to report."

"Let me be more straightforward: I am Judge-sama's dog!"

…

Exalting Sanctus.

In addition to the Cloud Knights.

The Ten-Lords Commission also dispatched judges and martial officers to carry out the task of searching for the remnants of the Sanctus Medicus.

The two judges leading the way were Xueyi and Hanya.

Seeing Hanya staring at the Jade Abacus, Xueyi couldn't help but remind her, "Little sister, do not look at the Jade Abacus during the period of arrest and suppression."

Hanya blinked and said, "Sister, you are the 【 Detainer 】 of the four judges in charge of detention, confinement, punishment, and interrogation, while I am in charge of 【 Interrogation 】, and I need to be familiar with the cause and effect of the prisoner's sins, and of course, I also need to be well-versed in the information of the mortal realm."

"This game called Honkai: Star Rail has been recognized by the Ten-Lords Commission, and all the information in it is true and valid."

"Isn't it because of it that we were able to suppress the remnants of the Sanctus Medicus so quickly this time?"

Xueyi nodded: "I was worried that you wouldn't watch the road and accidentally break your arms or legs, which would be inconvenient after all, unlike my Handicraft body, which can be replaced at any time."

"Thank you for the reminder, sister."

Suddenly.

Hanya stood still, staring at the Jade Abacus screen, revealing a complex expression.

"What's wrong?" Xueyi asked.

"In this plot, sister, you appeared, and the comments about you in the live broadcast room..."

"Me..."

Xueyi was slightly stunned.

She herself had forgotten many things, but she didn't expect to be able to appear as a character in this game.

So much so that she was watched by countless Xianzhou netizens.

This feeling of suddenly being exposed to the spotlight.

Even she was a little overwhelmed for a while.

But soon.

Xueyi returned to her steely expression.

"It doesn't matter, as a judge of the Ten-Lords Commission, I have already abandoned those useless emotions."

"Whether they curse us for being cold and ruthless, let them say whatever they want."

"No, sister, the comments are not like that."

Hanya opened the barrage and showed it to Xueyi.

Xueyi quickly saw words such as "still charming", "white silk girl", "I am your dog" and other disrespectful words!

Immediately, her eyes narrowed.

The chains in her hand were dragged, making a "clanging" sound.

"These netizens are deeply sinful!"

"If I didn't have an important task today, I would definitely thoroughly investigate these people and interrogate these disrespectful people who speak wildly one by one."

Chapter Text

Guinifen changed her posture and continued to push Dan Heng's storyline.

According to the current situation, they needed to send this puppet judge back to the Luofu Detention Division first.

At this moment.

Luocha suddenly said, "I have some knowledge of medicine; perhaps I could try to heal this young lady's injuries."

"Uh, you don't know, she's a puppet. Should we just send her to the Luofu Detention Division?"

"It's alright, Miss Sushang—leave it to me."

With that,

Luocha came before the girl and revealed the golden ornament in his hand.

A gentle halo of light spread out.

"It shouldn't hurt, but there might be some strange sensations… perhaps sour, perhaps numb. Can you try to remain still?" Luocha asked.

The girl lying on the ground said expressionlessly, "It's useless… my body is a construct of artifice, not flesh and blood."

"Artifice or flesh and blood… they are but things with form. As long as you don't mind the methods I use…"

Under the light,

The damaged parts of the girl's mechanical body actually returned to their original state!

"…Amazing," the girl praised.

Her name appeared in the dialogue box—Xueyi.

"You, how did you do that—this isn't medicine at all!" Sushang exclaimed in surprise.

"【 Abundance 】…" Dan Heng said quietly.

…

"Huh?"

"Slightly knowledgeable in medicine"

"You can even heal inorganic life!?"

"This Abundance power is quite useful!"

"Can it cure Mara-struck?"

"He's so polite; now I have to pull for Luocha!"

…

Xueyi sat up straight. "Very well, no need to return to the Luofu Detention Division. Continue the mission."

"According to the 【 Ten-Lords Commission 】 rules, I, as a judge, do not involve myself in external affairs. But since you helped me escape, I will offer a word of advice: leave as soon as possible."

"I am here to rectify the source and capture a wanted criminal—a Stellaron Hunter. This person's swordsmanship is extraordinary, wielding a divine weapon, and is extremely dangerous."

Hearing this description,

Dan Heng was immediately shocked.

"If it weren't for a strange… occurrence, my 【 lifespan 】 might have ended here."

"A strange… occurrence?"

"Follow me."

Following Xueyi forward,

The interior of the Artisanship Commission came into view.

A massive furnace was tightly entwined by the roots of the Ambrosial Arbor, lifted high into the air.

Guinifen let out a sudden "Oh~" of realization.

This scene corresponded to the one in the main storyline!

"So, Dan Heng arrived at the Artisanship Commission first and witnessed the impact of the Ambrosial Arbor's growth."

"If March and the others were a little faster, they might have run into each other here!"

…………

Cloudford.

Hanya stopped again.

Xueyi: "What is it now?"

"Sister, look, this furnace seems to be the Artisanship Commission's 【 Cauldron of Creation 】."

"The one that seals the 【 Heliobus 】?"

"Exactly."

Xueyi pondered for a moment and said, "This is reminding us that the Xianzhou might face an Heliobus escape disaster next."

"Let's carry out the task at hand first."

"Those Heliobus have been imprisoned in the 【 Cauldron of Creation 】 for many years and are already extremely weak. It will be difficult to cause a large-scale disaster immediately."

"Once this task is completed, we will report this matter to the Ten-Lords Commission for a decision."

"Okay, Sister."

Hanya nodded.

Continuing to watch the livestream,

Besides trying to obtain other important information,

Her main focus remained on her sister.

She thought, "Dan Heng, Sushang, and Luocha are already playable characters."

"Sister, do you also have a chance to become a playable character?"

"If that's the case… hmm…"

"I have to download the game quickly!!!"

…………

Back to the story—

Looking at the scene before them,

Sushang couldn't help but exclaim, "This is the Xianzhou's 【 Ambrosial Arbor 】? It's my first time seeing it."

"Our Yaoqing's Plaguemark is a moon, tsk tsk, I feel like it's better looking than the Luofu's."

"…I heard that the 【 Ambrosial Arbor 】 had already withered… how could it suddenly grow and spread?" Luocha wondered.

"It's the evil influence of the 【 Stellaron 】, there's no other explanation. We must return to the Ten-Lords Commission as soon as possible! I am injured and unable to move freely, so I will requisition you for a ride. Once we find the Starfaring Passage, you will be free to act as you please."

"…Uh, well, everyone on the Xianzhou has an obligation to help the Ten-Lords Commission with their cases…"

Sushang was a little embarrassed.

"We're delaying your time again. I'll treat you to a meal after we send you back."Preparing to head to the Starcruiser Jetty,

Xueyi suddenly said to Dan Heng, "Your appearance is very familiar."

Dan Heng: "…"

"No need to be nervous. I have already compared you to the portraits in the Shackling Prison's registry, and there is no match."…

"Everywhere is hinting at Dan Heng's relationship with Imbibitor Lunae!"

"Could Little Gui be a genius?"

"Why did Imbibitor Lunae betray the Xianzhou back then! And why has Blade been chasing after Dan Heng?"

"I want to see Dan Heng fight Blade! Who is stronger?"

…

Continuing the escort,

Sushang couldn't help but ask, "To be honest, it's my first time meeting a judge from the Ten-Lords Commission… what are you all responsible for?"

Xueyi replied, "Overseeing the lifespans of the long-lived and matters of the Mara-Struck."

"Oh, well, it's probably best if we don't meet…"

"Indeed."

After traveling for a while,

They saw a middle-aged man standing at the staircase in the distance.

He was accompanied by a goldfish and a small Aurumaton.

"Why does this scene look so familiar?"

The middle-aged man seemed to be talking to himself, "How could I, Gongshu Liang, be someone who fears death? The safety of the Artisanship Commission now rests entirely on me!"

"Woof woof!" The Aurumaton seemed to respond.

"No! Ah Cai, you escape on your own. The Cloud Knights haven't arrived for a long time. For now, this old man can only turn the tide~!"

Hearing this opera-style singing, Guinifen instantly knew who this person was!

Master Gongshu!

What a coincidence!

In the story,

Sushang reminded him, "Uncle, don't try to be a hero."

Master Gongshu was shocked.

He looked at the Aurumaton on the ground in disbelief.

"Ah Cai, y-you, how did you start talking?"

"Who are you calling a puppy?" Sushang pouted, dissatisfied.

Only then did Master Gongshu notice Sushang and her group approaching.

"I'm sorry, miss. I was wondering if I had installed a human voice for the little guy…"

"Oh? More people are here? The apprentices have all run away; I'm the only one left in the Artisanship Commission. You few, hurry and escape!"

"You just said 【the Cloud Knights haven't arrived for a long time】. I, as a Cloud Knight, have arrived."

"Leave things here to me; you should come with us!"

But Master Gongshu righteously said, "No! As the Chief Artisan, I have a responsibility to stay in the department."

"Looks like I have to resort to some drastic measures. Are you going to move on your own, or should I have the young man in the white coat behind me pack you into his white box and carry you away?"

"I, I… can you give me a stick of incense's worth of time to consider?" Master Gongshu was startled.

He obviously didn't expect this Cloud Knight girl to be so direct and blunt.

"Now! Immediately!" Sushang wished she could speak for her with her fists.

…

Luocha: "..."

"Enthusiastic citizen, Miss Sushang!"

"You can see that Yaoqing is indeed full of martial spirit."

"So that's what Shangshang is like! If that's the case, then I, I… I like her even more!"

"We Yaoqing have always valued efficiency; Shangshang, good job! You didn't embarrass our Yaoqing's Cloud Knights at all!"

Chapter Text

(...)

In front of the Artisanship Commission.

Master Gongshu stopped.

"This old man will go no further..."

"A few more steps and we'd be at the gate. Thank you for the escort, let's part here."

Sushang: "It's just a few more steps, won't you leave with us?"

"Everyone has their duties. From the day I entered the Artisanship Commission, I've taken care of the instruments in the department, never slacking off for a single day, and I can't today either."

"The students retreating to the gate is only right. But I can't let them see their old master being a coward. Getting here with you is enough; next, I need to see what else I can do for the Artisanship Commission."

"Little girl, no need to persuade me, this old man cherishes his life, I won't do anything reckless, hurry up and leave."

Master Gongshu turned around with Diting, leaving a silhouette.

Stubbornly looking towards the Artisanship Commission.

In the face of danger, only responsibility remains.

However, Guinaifen knew.

Before long, Master Gongshu would shout "It's over! The furnace is done for!" and rush into the Artisanship Commission.

And eventually be saved by the Astral Express crew.

So there was no need to worry about him.

The mission continued.

——Escort Xueyi to the Artisanship Commission wharf.

Suddenly.

An 【 Aurumaton Gatekeeper 】 blocked their path.

Seeing this monster. Guinaifen immediately felt a headache coming on.

"Crap! We've run into a Gatekeeper again!"

They had encountered this monster once before.

After activating 【 Evil-Warding Mode 】, not only were weaknesses ineffective, but it would also summon two goldfish monsters.

After that, every hit with the stick would put the character into a weakened state!

Controlling the characters to death!

"Last time, this guy controlled my Jing Yuan for two rounds in a row!"

"The Lightning Lord just ran up and got pushed down, just ran up and got pushed down!"

"I wish I could tear this Gatekeeper apart myself!"

Guinaifen said through gritted teeth.

【 Battle Start 】

After releasing two skills in a row, the laser on top of the 【 Aurumaton Gatekeeper 】's head swept across.

"Insolence~"

Seeing the ten-layer Lightning Lord about to strike.

Guinaifen shouted: "Help me! Mr. Lightning Lord!!!"

However.

Next, there was no "Leave it to Jing Yuan." from the Lightning Lord.

Because the Aurumaton Gatekeeper slammed Jing Yuan down with a heavy blow!

So skilled, as if it wasn't a monster in the game.

But a real player with experience controlling it from behind!

Lightning Lord,

Had to start charging again!

Guinaifen's blood pressure immediately shot up.

If Sushang hadn't held her down in time.

She might have started smashing the controller by now.

"Splash~"

The goldfish monsters also began to breathe fire.

Jing Yuan's health was pushed below half.

Just then!

The story Luocha in the team suddenly raised his right hand.

"Bloom!"

Jing Yuan, who was accused of bowing his head and thinking about life, straightened up in an instant!

"Thank you!"

The next second.

The ten-layer Lightning Lord arrived as scheduled!

"Boom——!!!!!"

The two goldfish monsters self-destructed on the spot, and the Aurumaton Gatekeeper was also beaten into a critical state.

"Huh?!"

Guinaifen, who was originally planning to restart, almost popped her eyes out when she saw this scene.

"So, Luocha's skill is automatically triggered!"

"And it can remove negative effects from teammates!"

"Wow!"

"It's so useful!"

"This is simply the best survival teammate for Jing Yuan!"

…

"I see!"

"Can dispel debuffs, can be released automatically, can heal a lot... this is definitely the strength of a five-star limited character!"

"For Jing Yuan! I must pull one!"

"Can greatly improve the overall resistance in any team."

"Okay, okay, well designed! I just can't pull Bailu and Gepard, and finally, a five-star Abundance healer is out!"

…

Guinaifen naturally doesn't need to say much.

After experiencing such a battle-changing scene in the battle, she has engraved Luocha on the list of must-pull characters in the future.

Back to the plot.

The journey with this judge named Xueyi seemed to be coming to an end.

"Everyone, I see the star-skiff." Xueyi said.

"The rebirth of the Ambrosial Arbor will inevitably bring many disasters. The Cloud Knights are stationed in the Alchemy Commission, which is adjacent to the 【 Ambrosial Arbor 】, just go there."

"Thank you all for protecting me along the way. I will report this good deed to the Ten-Lords Commission, and if there is an opportunity in the future, I will definitely repay it."

Xueyi boarded the star-skiff and left under the gaze of the three.

Turning around.

Sushang said to the two: "Okay, we've finally done another good deed along the way."

"She said 【 the Cloud Knights are in the Alchemy Commission 】, I plan to find a ship and return to the team. What do you say?"

【 Alchemy Commission... let's go together. 】

【 Shall we part ways here? 】

Guinaifen remembered that in the main storyline, the Astral Express crew went to the Alchemy Commission through the Artisanship Commission.

Now she definitely had to let Dan Heng reunite with the protagonist group!

She immediately chose the first option.

Sushang smiled: "After walking together all this way, you can't bear to part with us, right. Then let's go."

Seeing that the next mission was about to begin.

Guinaifen stretched.

And said to the camera: "Next, the Astral Express crew is finally going to reunite!"

"By the way, I haven't been to the Alchemy Commission yet."

"I wonder what the scenery is like there, hehe, playing games is also like traveling and scouting."

"If that place is good, Little Guizi can consider choosing it for the next outdoor live broadcast."

Just as Guinaifen cheered up and was full of confidence to continue...

A prompt suddenly popped up on the interface.

【 Challenge Success 】

【Reward: Stellar Jade 30, Traveler's Guide 2...】

"What!?"

"T-that's the end?"

"I don't want the reward, give me more!"

After exiting the level.

Guinaifen quickly opened the task list.

And found that in the 【 Trailblaze Mission 】 column, there were no more subsequent tasks.

Only the words,

【To be continued...】

Close the task bar, then open it again.

Repeatedly confirmed it several times.

There really was no new main quest!!

But she had accumulated a lot of other side quests.

Some on the train, some on the space station, some on Jarilo-VI, and some on the Xianzhou.

And realizing this.

The live broadcast room exploded directly!

…

"It's gone, it's really gone!"

"Little Guizi has really played to the end this time."

"Feathered Spirit is too good at cliffhangers! We're about to get to the most critical moment! Dan Heng may reunite with the Astral Express crew, or he may run into Kafka and Blade, and Imbibitor Lunae may also appear..."

"I can't imagine how exciting the later plot will be!"

"Ahhhhhhhh I can't wait for a second, I want to see the sequel now!"

"Quickly invite 【 Photo-taking Machine 】 to reveal the subsequent plot content!"

…

Guinaifen was a little lost.

Following the main storyline all the way to the present, she seemed to be completely immersed in one trailblazing journey after another.

Now suddenly being forced to stop, a feeling of loss and emptiness rushed over her.

"Family members, although I really want to see the sequel, Feathered Spirit also needs time to develop the game."

"Let's just say, give Feathered Spirit some time!"

"Type 【 Believe in Feathered Spirit 】 on the public screen!"

However.

Just as Guinaifen was about to take the lead in typing this line of barrage.

Looking at the empty 【 Trailblaze Mission 】 column.

Suddenly, she seemed to be stimulated by something!

"Wait... wait my ass!"

"I can't wait at all!"

"Feathered Spirit, I advise you to be sensible! Today! Hurry up and give me the subsequent plot!"

"I want to see the complete trailblazing journey on the Xianzhou!"

"Now! Immediately!"

Inside the live broadcast room.

Many people had already typed "Believe in Feathered Spirit" and lined up.

But Little Guizi suddenly went crazy, making the viewers collectively stunned for a few seconds.

Then.

Was an even stronger outbreak!

"Agree with Little Guizi!!!!!!"

"Little Guizi said it so well! She spoke my mind!"

"Feathered Spirit, can you hear us! This is the bond of our many players!!!"

"Go directly to Feathered Spirit's account and leave a message! Blow him up!"

"I will lead the charge!".

Chapter Text

(...)

【Popularity: 1.08 Million +】

【Premium Points: 124 Billion + 】

【Current Remaining Points: 300 Billion +】

Looking at the game data statistics on the system panel, Lin Yu felt a chill down his spine.

A single Jing Yuan banner almost crippled the recharge system!

Previous revenue was in the billions.

But just on the first day of release, revenue exceeded a hundred billion!

Now his credit point balance was truly just a string of numbers.

He anticipated the game would be popular.

But he didn't expect it to be this popular!

It was more terrifying than a volcanic eruption!

Of course.

Lin Yu hadn't been idle during this time either.

Besides using 【 Eye of Insight 】 to observe his wives,

(Note: That's what he calls the characters.)

He had also been paying attention to player feedback.

And.

Discovering items suitable for himself in the system shop!

Now that he had 300 billion points, he could basically buy any item in the shop.

【Star Rail Version 1.1 Update Content: Includes playable characters Silver Wolf, Luocha, and Yukong...】

【Price: 1.5 Billion Points】

"Bought."

Lin Yu directly purchased version 1.1.

He spent 15 points of time browsing the content of this version.

The main content was the three new characters, Silver Wolf, Luocha, and Yukong, as well as four companion missions.

—Silver Wolf's 【 Punklorde Mentality 】.

—Luocha's 【 A Stranger Knight 】.

—Bailu's 【 Evanesce Like the Morning Dew 】.

—Yanqing's 【 Frosty Blade's Trial 】.

And a large event 【 Winter City Museum Ledger of Curiosities 】.

Lin Yu's eyes immediately darkened.

"This is it? Who's going to play this?"

"If the guys next door see this, they'll think we can't afford to develop new content!"

"Keep adding!"

"Add another major version's worth of content!"

【 Star Rail Version 1.2 Update Content—1: Trailblaze Mission 【 Cloud Tree Canopy , Skyscraper Shelter】, roughly about Dan Heng showing his Imbibitor Lunae form, battling the immortal god Phantylia with Jing Yuan and the Trailblaze team... 】

【 2: New Playable Characters: Blade, Kafka, Luka 】

【 3: New Event: The Tale of the Fantastic... 】

【 Price: 5 Billion Points 】

He directly purchased the resources for this version as well.

He originally wanted to buy up to version 2.0 directly, but only these two versions' content were available for now.

He opened his favorites list.

These were all the items Lin Yu had found that he wanted during this time!

Now he could buy them all at once.

【 Expand Territory: Further expands the range of 【 Territory 】. The expansion range is determined by the host; the larger the range, the more points are consumed. 】

【 【Rules are Made to be Broken!】: From now on, within the 【Territory】, the host ignores the laws of physics, ignores the law of conservation of energy, and has absolute control! Furthermore, this ability will not be detected by any other unit. 】

【 Dream Master: Creates a dream perfectly controlled by the host, and can forcibly pull any observed object into the dream. 】

Three items.

The first two were to further perfect the rule-based abilities of 【 Territory 】.

The third ability, combined with 【 Eye of Insight 】, could form a wonderful effect.

For example—forcibly pulling Black Swan into the dream space.

Even if the other party was a Memokeeper, they would have no room for resistance.

In this dream, everything was up to Lin Yu.

Similar to the effect of 【 Territory 】.

The difference was that one was in reality, and the other was in a dream.

The latter didn't have to worry about the risk of exposure.

And he could do some more dangerous and crazy experiments!

"For example, let the corresponding characters personally participate in the preview live broadcast."

"...They can even act out some PVs from outside the game themselves!"

Lin Yu's eyes lit up.

【 All items require a total payment of 160 billion points. Confirm purchase? 】

"Confirm purchase!"

After the transaction was completed.

First, he began to use 【 Expand Territory 】.

The scene of the Xianzhou Luofu appeared before him like a 3D map.

He continuously expanded the range of the territory, which was originally only his villa.

【 Current point consumption: 1 billion...5 billion...20 billion... 】

It didn't stop until 120 billion points were consumed.

"Expanding the territory range really consumes a lot."

"However, it has already covered the entire Aurum Alley."

With a thought.

Everything in this neighborhood entered his eyes and could be manipulated at will!

He could even change the laws and create life.

Of course, Lin Yu wasn't idle enough to play God.

"Let this neighborhood continue to develop at its current pace."

"Of course, if there is anything or anyone unpleasant, let it disappear."

Now, it was time to implement the content of the new version.

Lin Yu noticed.

The comments under his online account had been flooded!

Everyone was urging him to update quickly!

"Hmm...let's set a small goal first."

"Earn enough points to turn the entire Xianzhou Luofu into my 【 Territory 】."

"...After that, the entire Xianzhou."

"And after that, the galaxy, the universe..."

............

Guinaifen's livestream.

Because of the end of the main quest, Guinaifen began to explore other things.

In the information list.

An important person was actually ignored by Guinaifen!

【 Pom-Pom: Are you there? 】

【 Pom-Pom: Are you there? 】

【 Pom-Pom: Hello? 】

Seeing these messages, Guinaifen felt bad!

"Oh no, how could I have ignored Pom-Pom's messages! No wonder I haven't gotten a double gold in so long!"

"Pom-Pom, don't panic, tell me what's going on!"

However, the protagonist's reply only had one option—【 Not here 】

Guinaifen could only helplessly choose this one.

Pom-Pom didn't seem to have time to joke with the Trailblazer.

He sent another message.

【 Pom-Pom: The train is weird, it's like there's something invisible... 】

【 Pom-Pom: Come back and take a look!!! 】

【 Calm down, I'll be right back 】

【 om-Pom: Come back quickly! If this isn't resolved, the train won't be able to leave! 】

Returning to the train.

Guinaifen immediately saw the timid Pom-Pom, the conductor!

Standing in the center of the observation car, looking around, as if afraid that some monster would suddenly rush out and snatch it away.

"Trailblazer, you're here!"

Pom-Pom looked like he had seen a savior.

"Where's the weird thing?"

"I don't know, but it's on the train! No one knows Akivili's train better than Pom-Pom. There's something strange on the train, Pom-Pom can feel it!"

"You come and look too, we have to find it."

Guinaifen scratched her head.

This train car was so big, but at first glance, there was nothing!

The gramophone, no problem!

The omni-synthesizer, no problem!

The potted plant, no problem!

Then she could only talk to Welt and Himeko.

"Mr. Welt, have you noticed anything unusual?"

Welt replied: "No. I'm quite sensitive to danger and hostility, but there's no such feeling on the train."

"The galaxy is so big, maybe some kind of invisible creature has come to our train..."

He continued to ask: "What is the weird thing that the conductor is talking about?"

"I don't know, Pom-Pom can't say either, he just has a feeling."

"But when it comes to the train, I tend to believe Pom-Pom's intuition."

Himeko's answer was similar.

"Since Pom-Pom is so worried, there must be something on the train."

"Check the car to see if there's anything strange."

Guinaifen continued to wander around the car.

With her confidence strengthened, soon, a light next to the potted plant caught her attention.

After getting closer.

A broken mirror appeared.

"There really is something strange!"

【 A mirror has attracted your attention...you feel confused— 】

【 Why am I so good-looking? 】

Chapter Text

"Did the Trailblazer passengers discover anything?" Pom-Pom asked.

"There's a strange mirror..."

Guinaifen answered truthfully.

"Waaah! Pom-Pom knew there must be something strange!"

"Think of a solution quickly, Trailblazer!"

After discovering the mirror, Guinaifen had already spoken with Welt and Himeko, but both said they couldn't see any mirror at all.

This thing had become the only thing visible to the protagonist.

Guinaifen knew that there would be many bizarre things on the Astral Express, but this was the first time she had encountered something that could create different perceptions for different people.

She stepped forward.

And investigated the broken mirror again.

【 You approach the mirror, and a figure slowly appears in the reflection—but it doesn't look like you at all. In the mirror is a hooded girl, her face obscured by a strange mask, making it impossible to see her appearance. 】

【 Before you can react, the girl steps out of the mirror. 】

"Wow, this is the 【 Astral Express 】?"

Guinaifen narrowed her eyes and began to talk to this inexplicably appearing girl.

A few minutes later.

"【Garden of Recollection】?"

"A messenger of 【 Remembrance 】?"

"The Garden wants to preserve my memories?"

Guinaifen pouted, slowly digesting the information.

"Do you want to enter the 【 Forgotten Hall 】?" the messenger lady asked.

"Enter!"

Presented before her was an interface composed of numerous stages.

【 Echo of War: Everwinter City 】

Looking at the introduction on the interface, Guinaifen suddenly understood!

"Isn't this just a fighting dungeon!"

"Making it so mysterious, I thought there would be some heavy plot!"

"This system is packaged complexly enough!"

Since it was already open, she naturally had to test the waters.

Guinaifen had great confidence in her Jing Yuan.

Jing Yuan, Tingyun, Asta, plus Natasha, this was the best team composition she had concluded so far!

Once Luocha came out, she would replace Natasha with Luocha!

This Jing Yuan-centered team would then be completely finished!

【 Battle Start 】

The opponent was a Level 32 Voidranger: Trampler.

Although it didn't have a Lightning Weakness, it was instantly killed in one turn in the face of Jing Yuan's ample damage.

Her Jing Yuan was already Level 60.

Next.

Echo of War 2, Echo of War 3, Echo of War 4...

All the way to the tenth stage!

All were victorious!

Guinaifen became more and more courageous as she fought!

The strong enemy battles she had been longing for were finally found here!

Clearing the tenth stage.

She was already feeling excited and her hands were burning!

"Besides the 【 Simulated Universe 】, this 【 Forgotten Hall 】 is the most difficult dungeon in the game, right?"

"Little Guizi, since I was guided by that big shot, my understanding of this game has undergone a qualitative leap!"

"Clearing ten stages in one go, I ask, who else can do it!"

...

"Little Guizi, you just discovered this dungeon? I already cleared the tenth stage a long time ago."

"After I pulled Seele, I've been rampaging in the 【 Forgotten Hall 】."

"I've cleared the first eight stages using all four-star characters, and I'm saving my Stellar Jades only for Kafka!"

"I have to say, the rewards given by this 【 Forgotten Hall 】 are really generous!"

...

Seeing that the players in the live broadcast room were already familiar with this 【 Forgotten Hall 】.

Guinaifen smiled nonchalantly.

Although...

No one has cleared this 【 Forgotten Hall 】 yet!

There were a total of 15 stages.

She had only reached the tenth stage now.

Just as Guinaifen was preparing to challenge the eleventh stage, she discovered that it was divided into upper and lower paths.

The team of Jing Yuan, Tingyun, Asta, and Natasha was indeed very strong, with each character being at least Level 60.

But the other characters' levels were much lower.

There was only one Level 50 Himeko! The other characters, Sushang, March 7th, and the Trailblazer, were all stuck at Level 40 and hadn't broken through yet!

Currently, she was really lacking materials.

It was already not easy to raise one team!

Guinaifen tried it out.

And was directly defeated!

She was bombarded by fireballs thrown by the 【 Flames Afar 】 until she was numb!

"It seems that you can't beat it without a second fully formed team."

She looked at the camera.

And ruthlessly exposed the current situation of many players—"I think I know why no one has cleared it, who has the resources to cultivate a second team now!"

"No wonder you all say you're rampaging... who isn't rampaging in the first ten floors?"

"When asked if you've cleared it, everyone is silent!"...

"The streamer is so heartless! Exposing us like this, sob sob sob..."

"Ah? Fifteen floors? I thought there were only five floors in total."

"Friend, why don't you try swiping to the right again?"

"I think I'm already very powerful for reaching the eighth floor, but you actually need two teams later on?"

"Take your time, it'll be easier to beat when the overall levels go up in the future."

...

Returning to the main interface of the 【 Forgotten Hall 】.

Guinaifen gently tapped the reward column with her small hand.

【Stellar Jade 2000】

???

"...So many!?"

Guinaifen calculated it again herself.

"Clearing with three stars is 200, and I cleared all 10 floors with three stars, um, that's right, it's indeed 2000 Stellar Jade!"

"The rewards of this 【 Forgotten Hall 】 are too generous!"

"Feathered Spirit is still as generous as ever!"

After converting all the Stellar Jade into Star Rail Passes.

Guinaifen couldn't help but open the warp interface again.

That's right!

Her gacha addiction had flared up!

Having just obtained some Stellar Jade, plus what she had left over from before.

She now had over 70 pulls in her pocket.

"Should I pull an Eidolon for Jing Yuan?"

Looking at the description of Eidolon 1, she hesitated a little.

She logged into the forum.

To find the opinions of other experts in the strategy section!

Guinaifen believed that there must be professional players in this game who had studied these values very deeply.

Like that big shot whose account was banned in the live broadcast room before.

If she also browsed the forum, Guinaifen would definitely follow her as soon as possible!

There were more and more players of "Honkai: Star Rail" now, and there were also many hardcore players making guides here.

【 The strongest team composition for Jing Yuan in the current version! 】

【 Character Guide - Seele Super Complete One-Picture Guide 】

【 Tingyun is the light of four-star Harmony! The skill mechanism is too excellent! Click here for details. 】

【 Old Jing's after-sales service is here! Luocha's skill can remove negative effects from teammates, and Lord Lightning never has to worry about crashing again! 】

"That's right, I have to save Stellar Jade to pull Luocha!"

"The improvement of this Eidolon doesn't seem to be that big; it's better to save it and pull for Luocha!"

Guinaifen felt that her choice was wiser.

She was a light-spender and didn't dare to squander casually!

There would definitely be Silver Wolf and Kafka banners later!

The Stellaron Hunters were naturally a must-pull!

There were so many characters she wanted.

How could she do it without restraining herself?

Chapter Text

"You said 《Honkai: Star Rail》 released a new character? The 【 Divine Strategist General 】 Jing Yuan from the Xianzhou Luofu's Seven Arbiter-Generals?"

-Space Station, Main Control Zone-

Listening to Arlan's report, Asta took a deep breath.

"What happened in 《Honkai: Star Rail》 while I was working?"

"Oh no, oh no! At this rate, I won't be able to keep up with the players' progress!"

Asta hurriedly started 《Honkai: Star Rail》.

Previously, she received news that Screwllum was about to visit. As the Space Station's master, she naturally had to worry about and guide many things.

Now that she had finally finished her work, she heard this news from Asta just as she was about to play the game for a while!

"Does that mean my Eidolon 6 Himeko is out of meta?"

"No way, no way! I'm Himeko-sama's number one fan!"

"Then I'll just pull another maxed-out Jing Yuan and have him fight monsters for my Himeko!"

"Himeko-sama only needs to sit aside and drink coffee."

Arlan swallowed.

He knew that Asta had spent 200 million on the game last time, and there were still quite a few Stellar Jades left.

"Madam, as long as you're happy."

Asta nodded.

She started pulling cards.

Several hundred pulls later, she successfully obtained an E6 Jing Yuan!

"This signature Light Cone 【 Before Dawn 】 has very good stats, but the cover of the Light Cone is Jing Yuan. It's still not as good as Himeko's 【Night on the Milky Way Railroad 】."

"Just superimpose it to level 5, no need to pull extra for Himeko-sama."

Asta understood.

Madam is purely playing this game based on her own preferences!

She doesn't care about strength or stats at all.

Pulling E6 Jing Yuan is just to have him work for Himeko!

A true waifu player!

The card-pulling ended.

Asta controlled Himeko and started playing happily.

Her main story progress was very slow.

Most of the time, she was just wandering around the Space Station map.

It seemed that for Herta, just watching Himeko run around on the map was a kind of enjoyment.

She had found the most essential joy of the game.

"By the way, where is the Trailblazers' next Trailblazing journey?" Asta suddenly asked.

"Madam, you finally remembered the game's main story?"

"No, I'm curious if there will be any Himeko-sama's story later."

Arlan: "..."

"After leaving the Space Station, the Trailblazers went to a planet called Jarilo-VI, and then to the Xianzhou 【 Luofu 】."

"However, Himeko-sama did not participate in either of these Trailblazing journeys."

"I see." Herta was a little disappointed.

But soon a light flashed in her eyes.

"As expected of Himeko-sama, ordinary Trailblazing journeys don't need her to take action at all!"

"Let me see where the latest plot is."

Saying that.

Herta switched to another screen.

She opened Pela's livestream that she had been following.

"According to convention, Feathered Spirit should let Himeko-sama appear once, right..."

After entering the livestream.

Asta was slightly stunned.

"Why is it still on the Space Station map?"

"Arlan, you're not lying to me, are you?"

Arlan didn't know what to say for a moment.

"No, Madam! I..."

At this time.

From the livestream. Came Loittle Guizi's voice singing a rhythmic story.

"With nothing to do, I returned to the Space Station. I want to do all the side quests."

"It's all Feathered Spirit's fault for cutting off the main story, I'll see when it's updated!"

After the singing section.

A look of realization appeared on Asta's face.

"So the main story is temporarily interrupted, Little Guizi is back to the Space Station to do side quests."

Arlan wiped his sweat.

He thought that the Xianzhou's lyrics were really powerful, summarizing the situation in a few words.

Should the Security Department try to report their work in this way in the future?

"Giving the family members who just entered the livestream a heads up."

"We're back to the Space Station today because we received a prank text message."

"A guy named Rocky confessed to a female colleague he has a crush on, haha, but this female colleague didn't reply to the message at all, let's see what's going on!"

Hearing Little Guizi's description.

Asta was stunned.

"Rocky?... Rocky, isn't that the name of the staff member who submitted his resignation application to me this morning?"

"Could it be that his resignation application is related to this side quest?"

Keep watching!

【 No reply is a polite rejection... 】

Little Guizi chose this option.

Rocky immediately became anxious: "Impossible, if she wanted to reject me, would she chat with me so much? What's more..."

"In the communication before my confession, she also described a magnificent starquake to me."

"Think about it, that's the death of a star! Others can't avoid it fast enough, but my Leslie not only obtained first-hand observation data, but even rescued a hitchhiker who had escaped death."

"You don't know how happy her tone was in that reply, even the repeater's signal was so happy!"

Inside the Space Station.

Little Guizi's livestream was constantly playing on the big screen.

The staff members who were watching burst into laughter when they saw this scene.

They couldn't help but joke: "Rocky is still too naive!"

"He's a young man in love, everyone understands!"

"Women are traps, Rocky! This woman is clearly trying to hang you!"

"Speaking of which, I haven't seen Rocky all day, where did this kid go to sulk again?"

In the livestream.

Guinaifen also said that she was not optimistic about Rocky's relationship.

Next, she went to the Storage Zone to find the repeater.

To completely give up on Rocky!

This task should be over soon.

"What's this?"

"Rocky's Poetry Collection, Part One, Part Two, Part Three..."

Guinaifen clicked to read them.

"Leslie, my Leslie..."

"Leaving from Herta...""Besides giant rings and starlight..."

After reading them.

Guinaifen said: "From my personal point of view, it's quite interesting, with a unique sense of humor."

Space Station.

The staff members who were watching laughed again.

"As expected of a streamer, her EQ is high!"

"High EQ: humorous. Low EQ: sour poems!"

"This Rocky! I must criticize him when I see him - simps get nothing!"

"What simp! This is called a pure love war god! When I was young, I also had such an unrequited love..."

Guinaifen found the superalloy parts.

Repaired the damaged repeater.

Originally, she planned to leave, but when she saw that the interface showed that she could view the past signal translation records, she had a flash of inspiration.

"Anyway, Rocky is already like this."

"Let's just take a look at his and Leslie's chat records to see if Rocky is bragging or deceiving himself?"

【Source: Unknown light years away (beyond detectable distance)】

【Recipient: 【Herta's Space Station】 Rocky Martinez】

【Translated text as follows...】

Guinaifen began to read page by page carefully.

A few minutes later.

She couldn't help but show a puzzled expression: "Just looking at this chat log, Rocky and Leslie do have a lot to talk about."

"From Leslie's situation after landing in the Abundance Domain, to the usage of the 【Starquake Probe】... and then to the experience of encountering the starquake later..."

"These two are caring about each other, and there are occasionally some small frictions between them..."

"This, this is clearly the performance of a couple in love!!"

"Leslie didn't hang him either!"

"Why did she suddenly stop replying...""What exactly is going on?"

All the staff members watching in the Space Station were surprised.

This information does not lie.

The previous judgment that Rocky was in unrequited love was instantly overturned!

"It seems that the situation is not what we imagined."

"From an objective point of view, Rocky and Leslie are indeed... in love with each other."

"Then what's going on?"

"Could the problem be on Leslie's side?"

Inside Asta's office.

She also put down her phone at this moment and began to pay attention to Rocky's experience.

"So there is such a hidden story."

"As the master of the Space Station, of course, I will do my best to support staff members who like each other!"

And at this time.

Space Station's return capsule.

Rocky had already put on his protective suit.

About to embark on a journey!

Because he didn't have enough funds, he could only choose the most basic and ordinary spaceship.

In the future, he may be drifting alone in the endless space.

He may lack food and supplies, or he may encounter great dangers...

But for him, none of this matters.

As long as he moves forward, there is still hope!

At his feet, there was a huge metal box.

This was the mobile repeater he bought with most of his funds.

With this, he could determine the location of the star field where Leslie was, and... receive that distant signal.

Holding the repeater in his arms.

His eyes became firm and persistent.

"Leslie, wait for me."