Dan Heng spoke up, interrupting Aglaea. "Lady Aglaea, could you wait a moment? Now that the turmoil has settled, we'd like to complete one mission first: leave an 'Trailblaze' beacon here. I assure you, this will bring no negative consequences—please consider it a ritual of the journey."
Aglaea paused for a moment. "'Trailblaze'… 'beacon'…"
The next moment, she gave a slight smile. "No problem. Please go ahead, both of you."
[Although, although I know Caelus and Dan Heng are good people, isn't this Aglaea a bit too lacking in vigilance?]
[I also think it's a bit strange, kind of airheaded with big… assets.]
[Didn't Phainon say they're good people?]
[What if it's all an act? We have god's-eye view and know everything's fine, but Aglaea doesn't know the Express crew's true identities, right?]
[Maybe Aglaea has some way of knowing? Still, I don't think Honkai: Star Rail would make such a low-level mistake.]
— —
Hearing Aglaea's response, Caelus waved his right hand toward an empty spot.
Whoosh—
A "Domain Anchor" appeared before everyone.
Dan Heng actually showed a smile. "Now Amphoreus has a 'Domain Anchor' too—another great step for 'Trailblaze.'"
[Sorry, I couldn't hold it in—so all those pillars that appeared before were stuck in one by one by the Nameless?]
[So the anchors are all self-provided!]
[So can Pom-Pom sense that one more marker appeared?]
[For some reason, I suddenly feel like laughing.]
[So that's how it works?]
— —
Caelus nodded noncommittally. "Praise Akivili!"
"Uh…" Dan Heng reacted after a few seconds. "You meant Akivili, right?"
Aglaea stood silently to the side, watching the two perform. Once it was over, she spoke. "What a wondrous departure ritual. I'm growing even more curious about your origins.
But for now, allow me to fulfill my duties as host… The conversation ahead will be rather long, honored guests. Let's find a place suitable for listening."
With that, Aglaea led the two to the front of a bathhouse. She pointed to the central bath basin, explaining that it was a gift left by the Ocean Titan and could answer the doubts of the two Express members.
Though a bit embarrassed, Caelus and Dan Heng still entered and approached the bathhouse spirit.
An old man's voice suddenly rang out. For some reason, Caelus yawned upon hearing it.
Then, the spirit began recounting Amphoreus's past and present.
This segment of setting exposition carried an overwhelming amount of information—Titans this, Titans that, wars, Chrysos Heirs, Coreflames…
It made Caelus irritable and restless.
At this point, Aglaea interrupted the bathhouse spirit and asked Caelus, "What's wrong? The spirit's tale isn't finished, yet I sense… anxiety and unease from you."
[What is any of this even saying?]
[I seriously didn't understand a single word.]
[Too much information, too broad a scope—this is the first time Star Rail has dumped so many settings right at the start.]
[Who could possibly follow this? It's harder than my Chinese teacher's lectures.]
[But did you notice? Caelus didn't say anything, just felt irritated inside, yet Aglaea picked up on it.]
[And she used the word "sense"!]
— —
After some communication, Aglaea understood the source of Caelus's frustration.
She then addressed the spirit. "Bathhouse spirit, listen to me. Please continue the tale for this honored guest in words he prefers—"
The next moment, another butterfly-like spirit flew out.
This time, it spoke in Tribbie's voice.
"Alright! Sit properly, sit properly—the Amphoreus history lesson is continuing!"
Caelus gave a thumbs-up. "Now I understand."
"Hey—don't interrupt! We're in class right now, ahem. Where were we last time—oh right!
In the beginning, Amphoreus was a mass of chaos!
Then, three Fate Titans wove the laws of the world; three Pillar Titans created the land, oceans, and skies; three Creation Titans fashioned life—you, me—
—Finally, three villain Titans descended upon the world, unleashing terrible calamity!
The Titans grew furious, none yielding to the others, and their peoples began to hate and fight one another.
This divine war lasted a very, very long time, bringing misfortune to every living being in heaven and on earth. Until one day—something monumental happened!"
Caelus put his hands on his hips. "And here I come, shining bright!"
"Not your turn yet! No talking out of turn in class!
A divine oracle appeared! It suddenly descended upon Amphoreus—
The triune oracle declared there was only one way to end the war—
Gather a group of mighty heroes, mighty enough to challenge the twelve Titans and rekindle their 'Coreflames.' Only then would the gods' wrath subside, and the world return to peace."
Bathhouse spirit: "And this group of heroes shared one common name. Remember what they're called? That's right—the Chrysos Heirs!
So, everyone understand? Eat well, drink well, keep exercising—so when you grow up, you might become great heroes and devote your strength to Amphoreus—"
[Alright, now I get it.]
[How did this switch from educational channel to kids' channel?]
[Epic opera instantly turned into toddler cartoon.]
[Switches narration style based on the listener—no wonder the Stellaron is a Stellaron!]
[Only two years old, that's how it is.]
— —
"Hm? Did something happen again this time?" Aglaea asked.
Caelus scratched his head. "It seems to have taken me for a child…"
"I see… You must be quite a complex person—some innocence, some sharpness."
Still, through this retelling, Caelus gained a basic understanding of Amphoreus's predicament.
"You two now have a basic grasp of Amphoreus's history. Next, let us get to the main topic. Please follow me." With that, Aglaea left the bathhouse and continued forward.
Soon.
The three arrived at a device resembling an elevator.
But Aglaea stopped. She tactfully explained that upward led to baths reserved exclusively for Chrysos Heirs. However, given the two's identities, she was willing to make an exception this once.
Only…
Only one person could go up at a time.
[So this is what they were waiting for!]
[They want to separate the two, huh?]
[I also feel something's off. Aglaea just gives weird vibes overall.]
— —
Caelus and Dan Heng exchanged a glance. Ultimately, Dan Heng decided to let Caelus go first, following after.
[Teacher Dan Heng is still so kind!]
[This is the story of Dan Heng giving up his seat—got it, everyone?]
[Heh… The comments are so dumb.]
[Dan Heng is so smart—surely he can tell?]
[I bet Dan Heng did it on purpose. He probably guessed something and is keeping himself as backup by going second.]
[True. Don't forget Dan Heng still has that draconic form release.]
After reaching the second level, Aglaea led Caelus to sit at a stone table by the bath.
"Find a comfortable posture, then close your eyes."
"Close my eyes again?"
"This isn't coercion, but… when people bathe in water, it's inherently to 'meet with honesty.' Are you willing to trust me?"
Caelus shrugged, sat down, and closed his eyes.
Though he couldn't see Aglaea, her tone made it clear she was pleased with his compliance. "…Thank you. Now, please shift a little to your left—it will feel warmer."
Caelus exhaled deeply and leaned slightly left.
Miraculously, moving just a few centimeters made the surrounding water noticeably warmer.
"Now, place your left hand on the table, raise your forearm, palm forward, fingers slightly spread…"
Caelus followed Aglaea's instructions exactly.
"Just like that—very good. Allow me a belated self-introduction. I am Aglaea the Goldweaver, Dressmaster of Okhema, one of Amphoreus's Chrysos Heirs. By the trust of my comrades, I currently lead the Chrysos Heirs' actions.
Though my profession is weaving splendid garments, in my private time, my favorite place is this bathhouse. After all, clothing is a barrier, concealing both body and heart… but here, we can set aside all pretense. The flowing water draws us closer.
Now, you may open your eyes. Look—we are already connected."
Caelus slowly opened his eyes. A familiar golden thread was wrapped around his left hand, its other end held in Aglaea's grasp.
His expression grew serious. "What kind of trap is this…"
Aglaea's smile never wavered. "A trap? Of course not. Think of it as a ritual of exchange. Mnestia's golden threads entwine us both. They detect even the slightest tremor, ensuring neither of us can lie to the other.
Next, I will tell you the truth of this world. In return, I ask for a small promise from you.
Once this exchange is complete, I can guarantee your journey across Amphoreus will be smooth."
Caelus replied calmly, "And if I can't make that promise?"
Aglaea seemed unsurprised by his response. She then explained Amphoreus's current plight from another angle.
The Chrysos Heirs were this world's sole hope. Only by gathering all the Coreflames could the shattered world be reborn.
"A band of heroes embarked on the god-slaying journey, claiming the twelve Coreflames to achieve the great work of re-creation. We stand in the end times and must guide countless people toward the mountaintop. Okhema urgently needs more allies to become our steadfast support. Perhaps you are the 'reinforcements' the Chrysos Heirs have awaited."
Now Caelus understood—they had been waiting for him. "Saving the world really is our specialty."
At that, Aglaea smiled knowingly. "You must have witnessed many miracles in person to say that without hesitation. Perhaps I'm being too hasty… but for Amphoreus's sake, I'm willing to try.
I have bared my heart to you. Now, I only ask for one promise: No matter what, do not reveal the existence of the 'outer realms' to the citizens."
Caelus couldn't help frowning. "Why?"
"Because Okhema's time is running out. I don't wish to give people false hope… The world has been deeply wounded by it before. Can you grant my request?"
[Wait! What does 'has been' mean?]
[So someone came here before?]
[Is this foreshadowing?]
[So what exactly can't be said?]
[Maybe if the citizens here knew about the outer realms, they'd want to go outside or seek help or something.]
[But wouldn't that be better?]
[Remember how the Express car got speared down at the start? Maybe going skyward triggers attacks.]
[But that feels forced.]
[So that's why the bird must fly toward the sky.]
[There'll probably be an explanation later. We're only just starting—official said Season 8 is terrifyingly long, might take a whole year to finish. We're nowhere near the end yet.]
[Don't tell me this foreshadowing gets resolved six months later—I'll actually cry!]
— —
After thinking it over, Caelus nodded. "I swear."
The words barely left his mouth before the golden thread around his hand shone brightly, then was withdrawn by Aglaea.
She said that although she'd love to chat more, Dan Heng seemed impatient—his anxiety was disturbing the water flow.
She suggested Caelus reunite with Dan Heng first, perhaps stroll around the holy city, and meet again later.
…
Not long after.
Caelus hurriedly ran up to Dan Heng.
Seeing Caelus's figure, Dan Heng quietly breathed a sigh of relief. "You're finally back. What did she say to you?"
Caelus relayed the information gained from Aglaea and the agreement they reached.
After listening, Dan Heng rested his chin on one hand, falling deep into thought.
"I didn't expect her only concern to be us spreading rumors of interstellar travel among the people. It matches Phainon's reaction in the Abyss of Fate perfectly.
This world really is strange. Closed off like Jarilo-VI, yet the locals there had basic knowledge of space, even Paths and Aeons.
But here in Amphoreus, the sky feels more like… a prison. Even mentioning the outer realms is taboo. With technology so advanced…
Remember that chaos substance shrouding the world? I have a feeling Amphoreus was deliberately sealed off. Those Titans in the myths might be connected to some Aeon."
Caelus, on the other hand, didn't care much. "I'm only worried about your broken spear…"
Reminded by Caelus, Dan Heng had an idea. "Phainon said he'd handle it. If we run into him, we can ask.
For now, let's follow Aglaea's suggestion and look around. We helped defend the holy city—while the impression is still fresh, we can ask the people for information. Along the way, take a few more photos for the record."
[I'm certain now—the photos will definitely come in big later!]
[Oh my god, Dan Heng still cares so much about March 7th.]
[Joking aside, Dan Heng treasures his current companions. In his past life, one went mad, one went insane, one died, and the last carried mountains of pressure!]
[Hey hey hey, why are the comments throwing knives too?]
[Though Teacher Dan Heng is a bit stoic, he always keeps his companions in his heart. Super reliable!]
[Can you imagine the chaos if just Trailblazer and March 7th went off alone? What kind of mess could they cause?]
— —
Not long after.
Dan Heng and Caelus arrived in the holy city's marketplace.
Seeing the bustling crowds, it was hard to believe this place had just endured a war.
"The citizens returned really quickly."
The next moment, Dan Heng noticed a crowd gathered ahead. "What are they clustering over there for?"
Following the principle of minding their own business to avoid extra trouble, the two approached the gathering.
"Excuse me, do you need any help?"