Back on the Express, March 7th stumbled, nearly falling flat on her face.
"What? Didn't we just reject Kafka's request? Why are we still going to the Luofu?"
Himeko smiled gently. "Don't be in such a hurry, March. Welt and I discussed it. Deciding to go to the Luofu isn't because we agreed to Kafka's request. On the contrary, we need to pass the intel about the Stellaron Hunters' jailbreak attempt and the impending Stellaron burst to the General of the Xianzhou Luofu."
"Oh, I see..." A look of realization dawned on March.
Stelle stepped forward as well. "Most importantly, we have to protect our Express guard! Blade must be a real headache for Dan Heng; someone like that is much safer locked away in the Shackling Prison."
Hearing this, Dan Heng looked up, a rare, faint smile touching his lips. "Thank you."
"Alright! This way we can catch Kafka off guard. I can't wait to see the look on her face when she fails!"
Seeing March 7th return to her usual energetic self, Stelle couldn't help but shake her head. Her eyes dimmed for a split second. For some reason, in that brief moment, she had actually felt a twinge of worry for Kafka's safety.
What the hell!
I couldn't really be thinking of her as my mom, could I?
Pom-Pom nodded, walking over to the group. "Pom-Pom doesn't like Kafka and doesn't want to follow the plot of the game Yuling made. However, the path and goals of a Trailblazer must be chosen by the Trailblazer themselves. That is the creed of Lord Akivili. I wish you all a safe journey!"
As Pom-Pom began the countdown, the Warp commenced.
They arrived at the Xianzhou Luofu. The trailblazing team heading down matched the one in the game. Dan Heng, naturally, was to stay behind, while Himeko would remain on the Express to watch the stream and stay in contact. If any major changes occurred in the "plot," she could communicate with the team immediately.
Just as Welt was about to lead March 7th and Stelle toward the exit, Dan Heng suddenly followed them.
"Dan Heng?"
"I've decided. This time, I'm going with you."
Under their surprised gazes, Dan Heng spoke seriously, "No matter what, the past is something I must eventually face. This time, I won't run away."
His gaze had returned to its usual calm and sharp state, but deep within, there was a new, unprecedented resolve.
Welt patted his shoulder. "If that is your decision, I respect it."
March 7th, however, looked worried. "Dan Heng, quick, ask Himeko to check if you said that line in the game! Characters who say stuff like that usually get knifed later..."
Dan Heng: "..."
Stelle felt Dan Heng's dragon-scale pauldron. "How about... you tell us about your hidden power in advance? That way we can go to the Honkai: Star Rail forums and leak it early!"
Dan Heng: "..." He was starting to regret his decision.
The port guidance began the docking procedure. Unlike the game's plot where no one responded for ages, they entered the Luofu port smoothly with the assistance of the relevant staff.
As they were about to step onto Luofu soil, Himeko's voice came through their earpieces.
"Everyone, in the game's story, you're supposed to be ambushed by the Mara-Struck here. Even though they shouldn't be a problem for you... be careful."
Welt replied, "Understood." He pulled out his cane, his gaze serious and composed.
Seeing this, Dan Heng, March 7th, and Stelle each drew their weapons, standing ready for a fight.
The Jade Gate slowly ground open.
The four of them froze on the spot! Even Welt was momentarily stunned.
Near the rows of shipping containers stood a massive, dense crowd of people! They were gathered in small groups, striking various poses for photos. Everyone was trying their best to get the Jade Gate in the background of their shots.
This place... didn't look like a landing zone for travelers at all. It looked like a viral social media hotspot for influencers!
Drawn by the sound of the gates opening, everyone turned their heads simultaneously. A second later, the scene erupted into a tidal wave of cheers and applause!
"They're here! The Astral Express is actually here!"
"Mr. Welt! I'm a huge fan! Ahhhh!"
"This is Little Deng's stream! I finally caught the Express Crew members! Give me ten likes and I'll go up and ask the Trailblazer for a photo!"
"A world of caves and heavens, a long dream unearthed!"
"Miss March 7th, please give me a blessing!"
Welt, Dan Heng, March 7th, and Stelle stood there like wooden statues. They had never seen anything like this!
Welt hurriedly hid his cane, and the other three quickly put their weapons away.
However, the crowd began to surge forward! It was like a horde of zombies being released from a cage!
Dan Heng reacted the fastest, immediately trying to turn back through the Jade Gate before it finished closing. Having not returned to the Luofu for years, he found his hometown had become terrifying!
Stelle and March 7th were right on his heels. March usually complained about wanting to be famous, but facing these crazed fans, she realizedbeing viral might not be a good thing!
Just then, squads of Cloud Knights rushed in from both sides, weapons gleaming coldly like divine soldiers descending from heaven. They blocked the enthusiastic crowd, forming a defensive line in front of the Express Crew.
The woman leading them was none other than the Helm Master of the Sky-Faring CommissionYukong.
"Forgive us for the fright, Nameless. General Jing Yuan anticipated your arrival. Please, come this way."
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