"What do you mean by 'trapped within Luofu's The Shackling Prison'? Isn't that just saying they've imprisoned him?"
"You're asking us to help stage a jailbreak?" March 7th puffed up indignantly, taken aback by Kafka's audacious request.
Himeko and Old Yang exchanged glances, both subtly shaking their heads. Clearly, this proposal exceeded the Astral Express Crew's boundaries.
Only Stelle, ever pragmatic, asked, "What reward are you referring to?"
Kafka held up three fingers, signaling her answer.
"Three questions."
"After completing this task, I will truthfully answer any three questions from the Astral Express Crew, providing all the information I possess without reservation."
Stelle's gaze flickered slightly, but he still shook his head.
"I'm sorry, we cannot agree to your terms."
Himeko stood up, making her decision firm. "Kafka, although your proposed reward is enticing, the request itself goes too far. We cannot become adversaries with Xianzhou, let alone aid the Stellaron Hunters against them."
As she spoke, Himeko opened the computer screen, preparing to forcefully cut off communication with Kafka.
Realizing the situation, Kafka showed self-awareness and logged out before Himeko could act.
Inside the train carriage, calm was restored.
Only Little Gui's live stream continued unabated.
Kafka's matter was quickly set aside.
Unanimously, everyone shifted their focus back to the unfolding narrative.
The Astral Express Crew was deciding through democratic voting whether to proceed towards Xianzhou.
In the end, neither Stelle nor Dan Heng raised their hands.
However, Himeko, Welt, and March 7th did vote in favor.
Facing Stelle's questioning gaze, March 7th smiled sheepishly and explained, "Uh, after calming down and giving it more thought, what if that woman wasn't lying? If we don't go to Xianzhou, many innocent lives could be at risk... This isn't the time to act on whims... Hee hee."
Witnessing this scene, March 7th covered her mouth in surprise.
Her first reaction was, Wow, how absurd of me! But upon further reflection:
"Huh? It seems I really am like that!"
In Little Gui's Live Streaming Room...
As the train arrived at Luofu through its jump, she picked up the Immortal Delight Tea from the table and took several hearty gulps.
"Hey fam! Who would've thought our turn for adventure has finally come at Luofu!"
"Earlier, when events were happening elsewhere, it didn't feel quite real. But now, every move by the Astral Express Crew—no! Every second of this unfolding storyline grips my heart tightly!"
"And who knows...we might even see familiar friends getting involved in the plot!"
"Oh right! Since Shangshang is an actual playable character, do you think there's a chance she'll make an appearance?"
This Trailblazing expedition was led by Old Yang, accompanied by March 7th and Stelle.
Upon passing through the Jade World Gateway into Luofu's territory, they were immediately met with an eerie atmosphere.
Surprisingly, not a single person awaited their arrival at the vast port!
As they continued forward, their eyes fell upon the scattered casualties of the Cloud Knights.
"Wow, it's just as expected from this game—trouble always strikes wherever the plot goes! Even Xianzhou Luofu isn't exempt."
"Didn't Kafka mention earlier that a Stellaron exploded on Luofu?"
"When did this happen? How come I didn't know about it?"
"It probably hasn't occurred yet..."
"Hurry and notify General Jing Yuan! Are there any official representatives in this group?"
"My home is near Cloudford, but even then, I'm not panicking! Although, I did see many Cloud Knights passing by downstairs just now."
The players of Xianzhou Luofu were now deeply immersed.
With their own safety at stake, they couldn't wait to learn what unfolds next in the storyline!
In the Live Streaming Room, many viewers even started flooding with gifts, urging Little Gui to accelerate the plot progression!
Guinaifen continuously expressed her gratitude while keeping up with the narrative without missing a beat.
As she moved forward,
they soon encountered the first battle on Luofu.
"Be cautious; these are unfamiliar creatures," Welt warned.
"Just waiting for Uncle Yang's command."
While the humanoid monsters, covered in grotesque mutations, might have been alien to the Astral Express Crew, they were well-known to the Xianzhou people—Mara-Struck Soldiers!
"These enemies can resurrect once after being defeated, truly fitting the characteristics of Mara-Struck Soldiers," Guinaifen remarked.
At that moment,
a cry for help echoed from ahead.
"Hey, you guys, come quick and lend a hand!"
Instantly upon seeing this person, the chat erupted.
"Ha! So the first person they encountered at Luofu is Miss Tingyun!"
"Who doesn't know about Miss Tingyun from the Sky-Faring Commission?"
"She's still as beautiful as ever!"
"Just earlier, March 7th claimed the first person they'd meet must be the mastermind behind everything. Looks like that theory fell flat."
"That just shows how she spooks herself easily. Did you really believe her?"
Soon enough, the battle neared its end.
With Himeko's Heavenfall Flame, Guinaifen swiftly dispatched three Mara-Struck Soldiers that had already resurrected once before.
In a meaningful tone, she declared, "As you've all witnessed!"
"Luofu's monsters can respawn; Seele's Remanifestation won't trigger anymore! Miss Himeko's area-of-effect attacks truly shine here!"
"I knew I made the right call not drawing Seele from the start—it was sheer foresight!"
"Was that your grand foresight? I'm almost embarrassed to point it out!"
"Little Gui spent $90 on gacha for Seele and ended up with just one extra life of Ji Zi—spread the word!"
"I didn't roll for Seele either. Although I like her character, as someone who prioritizes strength, I believe there'll be even more powerful characters coming."
"You guys should save your rolls for General Jing Yuan—or better yet, wait for Emperor's Bow Siming. But hey, whoever gets lucky first enjoys the rewards sooner!"
On the train...
March 7th stumbled, nearly falling to the floor.
"Huh?"
"We already declined Kafka's request! Why are we still heading to Luofu?"
Himeko smiled gently. "Don't worry, March. Welt and I discussed it, and our decision to go to Luofu isn't because we agreed to Kafka's plea."
"On the contrary, we need to inform Xianzhou Luofu's General about the Stellaron Hunters' planned prison break and the imminent eruption of the Stellaron."
"Oh, I see..." March looked enlightened.
Stelle also stepped forward, adding, "The most crucial part is protecting our train's guard!"
"That Blade must be quite a headache for Dan Heng; keeping individuals like him confined in The Shackling Prison seems safer."
Upon hearing this, Dan Heng lifted his head, revealing a rare hint of a smile.
"Thank you."
"Yes! This way, we can catch Kafka off guard too. I can't wait to see her flustered!"
Seeing March 7th's energetic spirit return, Stelle couldn't help but shake his head slightly. His eyes momentarily dimmed, as unexpectedly, he felt a sudden concern for Kafka's safety.
What nonsense is this?!
"Have I really started seeing her as my mother?"
Pom-Pom nodded and stepped forward to address everyone.
"Pom-Pom doesn't like Kafka and won't follow the game plot created by Feathered Spirit. However, the path and goals of the Trailblazer must be chosen by the Trailblazer themselves. This is Akivili-sama's belief."
"I wish you all the best!"
As Pom-Pom counted down, the Leap began.
Arriving at Xianzhou Luofu, the Trailblazing team preparing for their journey aligned with the decisions made in the game narrative.
Naturally, Dan Heng could not proceed to Luofu, while Himeko would remain on the train, monitoring the live stream and maintaining contact with the group. This allowed them to promptly communicate any significant deviations from the storyline.
Just as Old Yang, March 7th, and Stelle were about to embark,
Dan Heng suddenly joined them.
"Dan Heng?"
"I've decided to join you this time," Dan Heng declared firmly amidst their surprised gazes. "No matter what, my past is something I must confront eventually."
"This time, I won't run away again." His eyes regained their usual calm and sharpness, with an unprecedented determination flickering deep within.
Welt patted him on the shoulder. "Since this is your decision, I respect it."
March 7th, slightly worried, chimed in, "Dan Heng, quickly ask Himeko to check if you said these exact lines in the game's storyline!"
"Characters who utter such phrases usually end up meeting a tragic fate..."
Dan Heng remained silent, taken aback.
Stelle gently touched Dan Heng's dragon-patterned pauldron. "Perhaps...you should tell us about your hidden powers beforehand? That way, we can leak some spoilers on the 'Honkai: Star Rail' forums ahead of time!"
Still speechless, Dan Heng suddenly felt a twinge of regret.
The port began guiding them for docking.
Unlike the prolonged silence depicted in the game's scenario, they smoothly entered Luofu's harbor under the assistance of local staff.
Just as they were about to step onto Luofu's land, Himeko's voice came through their earpieces with a warning.
"Everyone, in the game's storyline, you would encounter an attack by Demonic Yin Bodies here."
"While it might not pose much of a challenge for any of you, still... be cautious at all times."
Welt responded, "Understood." He promptly drew his cane, his gaze steady and composed.
Seeing this, Dan Heng, March 7th, and Stelle also retrieved their weapons, readying themselves with utmost vigilance.
The Jade World Gateway slowly opened.
All four individuals were instantly stunned on the spot—even Old Yang momentarily lost his composure!
Near the densely packed shipping containers stood throngs of people!
They grouped in twos or threes, striking various poses for photos, aiming to capture the Jade World Gateway in the background as well.
It seemed that instead of being a place for travelers to disembark, this area had transformed into a popular tourist hotspot for taking selfies!
Drawn by the sound of the opening gateway, everyone spontaneously turned towards them.
A second later, a wave of enthusiastic cheers and applause erupted from the crowd!
"They're here, they're here! The Astral Express has truly arrived!"
"Welt, I'm your biggest fan, aaahh~!"
"Welcome to Xia Dengzi's live stream! Finally caught sight of the Astral Express Crew members. Ten likes and I'll go ask the Trailblazer for a selfie!"
"Dreamscape illusion, one dig into eternity!"
"Miss March 7th, please bless me with your touch!"
Welt, Dan Heng, March 7th, and Stelle were utterly dumbfounded, completely unprepared for this spectacle!
Welt hastily stowed away his cane, while the three others beside him quickly sheathed their weapons.
However...
The crowd surged forward like a horde of unleashed zombies!
Dan Heng reacted quickest, immediately attempting to return through the still-open Jade World Gateway. After years away, he found his homeland had become terrifyingly transformed!
Stelle and March 7th swiftly followed suit.
March 7th often daydreamed about becoming famous, but now, confronted by these frenzied fans, she realized—
Going viral might not be such a good thing after all!
Just then,
a contingent of Cloud Knights rushed in from both sides, wielding weapons that glinted menacingly, as if divine soldiers descending from the heavens.
They formed a barrier, shielding the enthusiastic crowd from advancing further.
Leading this group was Yukong, the helmswoman of the Sky-Faring Commission.
"My apologies for startling you, esteemed guests," she said. "General Jing Yuan anticipated your arrival. Please follow me."