บท 24: Chapter 24: Astral Express
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"Reward? How much money are we talking about?" Stelle blinked, her golden eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Herta spread her hands and said, "I can afford any amount you desire, but I advise against making excessive demands. Angering me won't be beneficial for you."
"In any case, once you've made up your mind, feel free to find me at my office anytime."
With that, Herta stepped aside, seemingly lost in thought, as if her presence here was not necessary anymore.
"But isn't she right beside us?"
Noticing Stelle's confusion, Himeko explained, "This body is merely a puppet controlled by Herta; she must have logged off now... Talking to it won't yield any response..."
"Logged off? Just like that, without worrying someone might take her puppet away?"
Bochang stroked his chin, puzzled.
Hearing this concept for the first time, Himeko smiled wryly. "If you dare to carry it away, you're welcome to try. No one at the space station would attempt such a thing anyway. Besides, later, someone will come to retrieve and secure this puppet."
As the saying goes, "one misstep could lead to certain doom." Bochang dared not act recklessly; after all, her counterpart was an Emanator who had twice paid homage to Aeon, facing such enigmatic beings head-on...
Shaking her head, Bochang replied, "Let's forget about that then."
"So... have you both made up your minds to join us? Take some time to consider it carefully before deciding. Our journey carries unknown risks, like today's battle... which, unfortunately, is not uncommon for the Astral Express crew."
It was clear that Himeko wanted to take Bochang and Stelle with her.
However, such decisions indeed required careful thought. Addressing any potential conflicts now would save trouble later.
"I've already decided," said Bochang, looking at Stelle. "We're not from the space station anyway, right? Why not venture out and explore the world beyond?"
"Hmm... If Bochang feels this way, I have no objections either."
With Stelle's agreement, the matter was settled amicably.
With Himeko leading the way, they arrived at the Railway Platform. Nearby, Dan Heng and March 7th, who were guarding the Astral Express, noticed their approach.
Dan Heng did nothing, merely glanced briefly before turning his attention away.
March 7th stepped forward and asked, "Stelle, Bochang, have you both decided to join us on this journey?"
The gray-haired girl nodded calmly.
Bochang scratched the back of his head.
"Of course," he replied. "After all, we agreed earlier that Dan Heng would teach me how to use a spear."
"Huh?" March 7th leaned slightly backward, surprised. "Is that all you care about?"
[Dating Options activated.]
[Option 1: Directly tell March 7th, "Absolutely, what else could it be?" - Completion Reward: Physical Attribute increased by 100%.]
[Option 2: Gaze unwaveringly at March 7th and say, "No? I also care about you, which is why I'm boarding the train." - Completion Reward: Stalker's Gaze. Note: Beware your back!]
[Option Three: Gaze affectionately at Stelle and say, "I just wanted to explore the outside world with you." — Completion Reward: Guaranteed Car Accident Upon Leaving Home.]
Faced with these three options, Bochang felt utterly speechless.
What kind of straightforward response is Option One?
Options Two and Three seem more like genuine dating choices, but seriously, what's up with those rewards?!
"Obsessive Stare? What even is that? So bizarre, with no further explanation provided. Just 'beware your back'? Do they mean Stelle? She doesn't seem obsessive at all!"
"And wait, we can't even flirt ambiguously with Stelle, right? What kind of dating options are these, huh?!" Bochang internally grumbled.
In the end, he honestly chose the first option.
"Of course, what else could it be?"
March 7th was momentarily at a loss for words.
Silence fell.
Silence reigns tonight over Cambridge.
[Reward being granted—Congratulations on receiving a 100% physique enhancement.]
The system once again strengthened his body.
Bochang's aura grew noticeably stronger, but this subtle change went unnoticed by everyone around him.
"Of course, the main reason is that I want to explore out there," Bochang added, expressing his true sentiment.
While unsure what might happen if he mentioned the other two options, Bochang's rationality advised against attempting it.
Himeko placed her hands on Bochang and Stelle's shoulders, saying, "Alright, let's discuss any further matters once we're onboard."
"Huh? Are we departing now?" March 7th's eyes lit up excitedly.
Himeko smiled and nodded.
"Yes! Time for another adventure." Stretching lazily, March 7th exclaimed, "Let's go, come on!"
The pink-haired girl's bouncing figure was undeniably adorable, catching Bochang's attention involuntarily.
Beside them, the Astral Express resembled a modern steam train from Earth.
This train was manufactured by Trailblaze Aeon Akivili and had been previously used by him. It traversed numerous worlds along tracks set amidst the starry sky.
Originally, both the starting and final stations bore the name of Akivili's hometown—Pegana. However, due to the spreading effects of the Stellaron Debuff, the Astral Express temporarily stranded near Himeko's home planet. After she repaired it, the train embarked anew.
And thus unfolded the story of the Star Rail.
Originally leaning against the wall, Dan Heng straightened up and headed towards the boarding entrance of the Astral Express.
Stelle and Bochang walked side by side, following Himeko onto the train.
Having received the news, Herta, Asta, and Arlan all came to bid them farewell.
During this space station crisis, thanks largely to the crew of the Astral Express—especially for diverting and defeating the Doomsday Beast—the station's researchers were spared from significant casualties.
While Herta wouldn't consider herself indebted to Himeko, any future request she made would likely not be refused. Perhaps she could obtain another Curio?
On March 7th, Stelle and Bochang stood near the window, watching as the figures on the platform gradually receded into the distance.
The space station was occasionally visited by the Astral Express, so...
This wasn't a permanent goodbye.
When waving goodbye to Asta and others, March 7th's face showed no hint of sadness; instead, they appeared quite cheerful.
"Hey! I'm talking to you two!"
Just as Bochang's thoughts wandered...
The conductor of the Astral Express made its entrance.
It was a lop-eared rabbit dressed in a red uniform, wearing a tall hat, and speaking with human-like mannerisms. Its name was Pom-Pom, having been present on the Astral Express since its inception.
Due to its small stature,
Stelle initially didn't spot it until slightly lowering their head.
"I've already heard about your situation from Himeko. Listen up, newcomers..."
Pom-Pom proceeded to brief them on the rules for traveling aboard the Astral Express.
Both Bochang and Stelle nodded in agreement.
For the following time, no one paid attention to Bochang and Stelle. Pom-Pom allowed them to explore the Astral Express freely.
And so...
a new journey began, opening a fresh chapter.
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