As the saying goes, coincidences make the best stories. The one appearing before everyone now is actually Sushang?
After Stelle and Sushang exchange greetings, they head straight into the first match.
The two sit comfortably in the coach's seat, beginning to discuss what a coach should be able to do and what they ought to do.
Luka, meanwhile, is going at it fiercely with two Cloud Knights.
But the more they fight, the stranger Luka's state becomes.
In his vision, the Cloud Knights have turned into Rift monsters.
Fortunately, he holds on with sheer stubborn willpower.
By the time he snaps out of it, Luka has already won.
[What the heck? Hallucinations mid-fight?]
[Too much psychological pressure.]
[That makes sense. He thinks he's carrying too much—Belobog's reputation, "I can't lose," all that self-pressure builds up until his movements get messed up.]
[Yeah, checks out.]
— —
After the match ends, Luka truly recognizes the gap between them.
From Sushang, he learns that the Cloud Knights he fought are everywhere on the Luofu—just average ones—and Luka barely managed to beat them.
He sits silently in the waiting room. Carmella and Stelle watch him quietly.
Suddenly, Luka looks up, eyes blazing as he stares at Stelle. "Those Cloud Knights actually said they're just ordinary soldiers. These tough enemies... are the Luofu's most basic fighters...
Jarilo-VI has been cut off from the galaxy for too long. Things everyone else takes for granted—I know nothing about them.
Forget combat strength; the gap in common knowledge can't be closed overnight.
But no matter how big the difference, I still have to throw punches, fight, and win!
Right now, Lady Bronya, Master Oleg, Seele... the people back in Belobog are working tirelessly to keep it running.
Mr. Gepard trusted me so much—he handed me the chance to represent Belobog. I can't let them down. I want to dedicate this victory to them!
So... Stelle, I want to formally ask you to be my coach!"
Stelle nods, then shakes her head. "How did the topic suddenly turn to me?"
"Because you're strong, and you know a lot of powerful people... In that match earlier where you pretended to be my coach, you really helped me a ton.
I want to close the gap between me and this world... Stelle, can you help me?"
Stelle never realized she was this impressive. As they say, heaven bestows great responsibility on those destined for it. "Leave it to me!"
Carmella is moved to tears by the scene. The three decide to strive together toward the championship.
...
Their first opponent is named "Iron Shield · Dunpai Feichang Ying."
[That pun is gonna cost you points!]
[Shield super hard?]
[Hahaha, that name screams "city wall."]
[Bro, is there a "city wall" character in Star Rail?]
[Right, "Ningdan Wall"?]
— —
Though the name sounds tough, his strength is soft. Luka pins him down and rubs him into the ground in just a few moves.
In the end, the guy is obsessed with manufacturing hype, building his brand, and riding a wave of massive traffic.
[Sigh, art imitates life.]
[Isn't this just the influencer life?]
[A lifetime spent scheming trash, and it's all rotten now.]
After several qualifier matches, Luka finally earns enough points.
Next up are the real powerhouses.
This one is none other than Topaz!
Of course, while Luka has never met Topaz, he's heard of her deeds.
So naturally, he doesn't have much goodwill toward her.
But time is short—time to face the opponent.
...
Stelle and Luka step onto the arena.
Because of the history between Topaz and Belobog, the fight carries extra personal stakes.
As they say, grudges make things even more exciting.
Under host Owlbert's introduction, Topaz and Luka make their official entrance.
Topaz speaks first. "I never expected someone from Jarilo-VI to start making waves in the galaxy. I'm glad to see you here at the Martial Exhibition Ceremony."
Luka: "I'm looking forward to this match too, Miss Topaz! This is a great chance to show you the dignity of us Belobog folks."
Stelle politely waves. "Long time no see."
"Long time no see. I didn't expect to see you here either." Topaz smiles faintly. "I heard you became the coach for Belobog's team—I was genuinely surprised.
The Astral Express... You helped Belobog negotiate that debt crisis before, and now you're helping them compete in the Martial Exhibition Ceremony... Haha, the kids aren't little anymore. Shouldn't they learn to walk on their own?"
Luka curls his lip. "Belobog people have always lived in harsh conditions. Us kids learned to walk our own path long ago."
"Hmph, big words. I bear no malice toward Belobog. I just want to confirm whether, after dodging that debt crisis, the people of Belobog can truly stand on their own.
If they only get by thanks to some big shot's charity, they'll never become truly free—they'll just be slaves granted the right to freedom."
"The people of Belobog have never been slaves!"
"Sorry, just speaking my mind. Got a bit too intense there. Let's get on with it, Luka of Belobog."
Luka swings his iron fists. "You're right! Bring it!"
[Whoa, that's some villain monologue!]
[Hahaha, Topaz must be thinking of her own planet and projecting.]
[Too bad Topaz's planet never got a visit from the Astral Express.]
— —
The match officially begins.
Topaz stands casually to the side, sending out IPC mechs.
But under Luka's iron-fist barrage, they quickly fall.
At that moment.
Topaz slowly walks to the center of the stage. "No helping it. Some things you just have to handle personally."
Luka clenches his fists tight. He doesn't hold back just because his opponent is a woman.
But the next instant.
He blinks—Topaz has turned into Cocolia?
"L-Lady Cocolia?"
"Huh?" Topaz frowns slightly. "What did you just call me?"
"N-Nothing... Come on! Miss Topaz!" Luka says nothing aloud, but in his heart he knows the hallucinations are getting worse!
[I was hoping to see Topaz fight.]
[Turns out it's Cocolia.]
[miHoYo, you've done enough evil!]
[I remember Topaz saying her abilities aren't that visual-based.]
[But don't you want to see Topaz in combat?]
[I do, but the Director herself said she won't use Amber Lord's power.]
[There are nine more who can fight like Aventurine!]
— —
A pity, though.
The footage shows Luka battling Cocolia.
But wherever Cocolia appears, the effects are maxed out.
It brings back memories of days dominated by Wildfire.
In the end, Luka wins the match without major incident.
Owlbert's passionate voice booms over the broadcast: "The winner is—'Iron Arm' Luka! Belobog's representative team has defended their dignity with their own strength! How stirring!"
Topaz presses a hand to her forehead. "I can't stand this. Isn't this snow owl an IPC employee? Why is he so sincere?"
She turns to Luka. "Luka, you fought well. You won."
Though Luka won, after so many years boxing in Belobog's Underworld, he knows one thing clearly. "You didn't go all out, did you, Miss Topaz? Do you look down on me that much?"
Topaz gives an awkward laugh. "Uh, don't misunderstand... For the Ten Stonehearts, 'going all out' is something you do when you're fighting for your life.
A little friendly spar like this? Best not to have fatalities—or even injuries. Otherwise, how are we supposed to sell IPC protective gear?
You won—be confident. This is a fair and square victory.
And... to be blunt, aren't you the one looking down on me?"
That comeback leaves Luka speechless. "How could I? What right do I have to look down on an IPC big shot?"
"You see anyone with an IPC title as the company's lapdog. You think we're slaves who sold our souls for money. No need to deny it—I've seen that look plenty.
The IPC doesn't need vague nonsense like 'souls.' It only wants profit.
My homeworld was no different from Belobog. We're all struggling in this cruel universe, yearning to survive and find happiness. The Amber Lord's emissaries showed me an opportunity—just as I, representing the IPC, gave you the same chance.
So, you see? You and I have far more in common than differences. Luka, I hope Belobog can revive through its own strength.
Now you've stepped out of your home, wanting the whole galaxy to see you—that's great. But in this galaxy full of ill will, are you prepared for even greater crises? Whether you are or not, I wish you success."
[Feels like Topaz just dropped an entire ocean.]
[Why didn't she say this earlier?]
[If this segment were in a Topaz solo movie, it'd bump the rating a few points.]
[Yeah, but miHoYo patched it in nicely.]
[Not patched—Topaz's character was always like this from the start. The writers could write her motivations; they just didn't include this bit back then for some reason.]
[Getting it in now is enough.]
[Everyone say one thing: Director Topaz is awesome!]
[Director Topaz is awesome!]
[Director Topaz is awesome!]
[Director Topaz is awesome!]
[…]
— —
Facing the silent Luka, Topaz offers her blessing. "Keep it up—win a few more. Now that I've had my fun, I should get going. I still have plenty of business to negotiate on the Luofu."
"Miss Topaz, wait..."
"Hm?"
"I didn't mean to look down on you. I understand—anyone fighting hard to survive is amazing."
Topaz laughs—a genuine one. "Don't take it to heart. Pre-match trash talk is tradition in fighting competitions, isn't it?"
Then comes a press conference hosted by Stelle.
Stelle + press conference = instant gold content, no explanation needed.
Sure enough, after Stelle's absurd comments, the audience bursts into laughter.
[Press conference? More like breakdown conference.]
[I knew Stelle would do something completely different.]
[It's fine—just mildly abstract.]
...
Meanwhile.
News of Topaz's upset elimination and Luka becoming the dark horse spreads across every street and alley of the Luofu.
Gradually, people start paying attention to Luka—and learn that there's a planet called Belobog in the universe.
But...
Stelle rubs her chin. "Luka's hallucinations are getting worse. We need to find a way to treat it."
Good thing she has friends everywhere. Stelle may not have much, but she has plenty of connections.
Soon enough.
She arrives at Luka's waiting room.
Carmella and Luka are both there—and surprisingly, Hook too.
"So it's the pitch-black Lord Hook!" Stelle snaps to attention instantly.
Hook nods solemnly. "Not bad, not bad. The honorary member is still full of energy."
Luka sighs, interrupting them. "My hallucinations are getting worse. When I fought Topaz earlier... guess who I saw?
I saw Lady Cocolia standing across the ring, summoning icicles like knives at me..."
Stelle replies: "Maybe the Supreme Guardian came to bless you."
"Bless me?! That cold icy rain slapping my face hurt like hell!"
[Hahaha, I'm dying.]
[Luka has real comedy talent.]
[Guys who gets it—I'm drinking water and spat it all over my laptop when I heard that.]
[You really live life!]
Hook: "Oh! Hook knows! It must be some IPC baddie dressed like the Supreme Guardian on purpose so you wouldn't dare hit her!"
"There's a break period coming up—no matches scheduled for a while. Player Luka can take this chance to rest properly," Carmella says.
Luka nods. "Yeah, I should rest. I'm not made of iron. Speaking of iron... Lord pitch-black Hook, why are you here alone? Where'd Mr. Svarog go?"
"Svarog said he had to do some data sampling. He told Hook to wait here and not disturb big brother Luka's match! Hook's been good—staying here all alone!"
"Data sampling? Whatever, not my problem..." Luka holds his forehead. "Coach, I don't think I can drag this symptom out any longer. But how do you even see a doctor on the Xianzhou?"
Stelle pats her chest. "To the Alchemy Commission. I know people there."
"Please. I hope their medical skills are as good as Natasha's."
[Way better, actually.]
[Stelle: Come on, I'll take you to get an expert appointment.]
[Luka's seriously lucky. When it comes to connections, hardly anyone on the Luofu can beat mine.]
[Lingsha, Bailu—those two should be enough.]
[Natasha: Brag all you want, just leave me out of it.]
Just then, Stelle's phone buzzes twice.
She gets a message from Lynx: The jade pendant from Igor earlier was actually a Jade Abacus containing Igor's records.
Lynx thinks Luka would be very interested, so she's sending it over.
Stelle shares the news with everyone immediately.
After discussion, though, they decide seeing the doctor comes first.
In the end, Carmella takes Hook to Aurum Alley for local delicacies, while Stelle takes Luka to the Alchemy Commission.