Chapter 173: Tomorrow's Appointment
Honkai: Star Rail — Dan Heng: "...I thought you all would have noticed by now. It seems your focus was indeed elsewhere."
He sent the message with a hint of helplessness, then, along with Zhongli, began to explain the situation to everyone in the market via the group chat.
Honkai: Star Rail — Dan Heng: "According to the archives on Amphoreus, the root of this phenomenon lies in the 'Black Tide'—an apocalypse that enveloped this entire world. The Black Tide devoured the heavens' light, plunging the land into eternal night."
Genshin Impact — Zhongli: "Indeed. As the ancient texts state, after the apocalypse descended, the ominous Black Tide and an endless night consumed most of Amphoreus. At Okhema's most critical moment, it received the compassion and salvation of 'Kephale, the Burden-Bearer of the World'."
Honkai: Star Rail — Dan Heng: "The texts mention that the Titan named Kephale, with his supreme power, shouldered a miraculous creation known as the 'Dawn Machine'."
Honkai: Star Rail — Dan Heng: "It was this machine that dispelled the eternal night shrouding Okhema, bringing everlasting light and warmth to the city and its people. This allowed the city to endure the Black Tide apocalypse and gradually develop into the largest sanctuary on Amphoreus, which is the origin of its name: the 'Holy City'."
Genshin Impact — Zhongli: "And as the texts subtly imply, Kephale and the Dawn Machine he bears are intrinsically linked to Okhema's continued existence. Unless Okhema is destroyed, or Kephale himself falls, this Dawn Machine will operate eternally for this Holy City, like a vow. Night will never descend upon it."
Through Dan Heng and Zhongli's explanations, a tragic history of apocalypse, salvation, and eternal daylight slowly unfolded before the group.
Everyone in the marketplace fell silent, processing this staggering information. What they had initially dismissed as a strange celestial phenomenon was, in fact, built upon a foundation of immense sorrow and sacrifice.
"So... that's how it is..." March 7th murmured, a newfound reverence in her eyes as she looked up at the brilliant sunlight bathing the city.
"Bearing the light... that sounds so amazing, and so difficult..." Paimon's usual playful expression softened as she whispered her thoughts.
Lumine and Wise nodded silently, a deeper understanding of this world's plight—and the heavy burden carried by the Chrysos Heirs—settling upon them.
Stelle's focus, however, was slightly off-center, as usual. She typed a quick reply in the group chat.
Honkai: Star Rail — Stelle: "I see! Understood! Thank you, Teacher Dan Heng! Thank you, Mr. Zhongli! You two keep up the research! We won't disturb you!"
After sending the message, she immediately exited the chat, turned to Paimon and the others, and clapped her hands together. "Alright! Problem solved! Since that's the case, let's go find something to eat! Paimon, wanna try that classic platter from lunchtime again?"
Everyone: "..."
The deep sense of history and solemnity was instantly shattered, dragged back down to earth by the very practical matter of filling one's stomach.
Then again, this was quintessentially Stelle. Once she understood the truth of a situation, life had to go on. And enjoying delicious food was, without a doubt, the best tribute one could pay to the simple fact of being alive.
And so, with Stelle leading the charge, the group set off toward the Cloudstone Restaurant.
After dinner, they decided to experience another of Okhema's famous attractions—the Golden Grand Bathhouse. The mere thought of soaking their tired bodies and minds in a hot spring filled everyone with eager anticipation.
Following a simple meal, the group followed the signs and arrived at the massive public bathhouse, the Overflowing Main Pool, located in the Cloudstone Palace area.
Even before they stepped inside, a lively, boisterous energy washed over them. Misty steam, mingled with joyful laughter, billowed from the entrance. The spacious bathhouse was bustling with people; it was clear the residents of Okhema loved this particular way of relaxing after a long day of work or battle.
Under a massive dome, several hot spring pools of varying sizes were scattered like terraced fields of water. The main pool was the size of a small lake, its surface shimmering as steam rose and swirled around the ornate lights, creating a dreamlike scene.
"Wow! This is amazing!" Belle exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with delight.
"So many people..." Paimon floated up a little higher, looking around with wide, curious eyes.
However, after the initial excitement wore off, a practical problem presented itself.
While a public bathhouse was a fantastic way to experience the local culture, their group's identity was... special. Inevitably, their conversations would drift to topics like "other worlds," "points," "lotteries," and names from their respective homes. If they were overheard, it could lead to unnecessary suspicion, which would go directly against Aglaea's advice to "conceal their identity as outsiders."
Belle whispered, "Uh... it seems a bit too crowded."
"Should we... find another place?" Lumine voiced her concerns as well.
Though Paimon was a little reluctant to leave the "liveliness" behind, she understood what was at stake and nodded in agreement.
And so, after a brief stop to soak in the atmosphere, everyone unanimously decided to return to the private bathhouse that Aglaea had granted Stelle, Dan Heng, and March 7th for their temporary stay. That residence also had a well-equipped hot spring bath; while it lacked the bustling crowd, it offered far more privacy and peace of mind.
"Actually, this is even better!" Stelle quickly adjusted her mindset, ever the optimist. "In our own space, we can say whatever we want and soak however we want!"
Back at the private residence, the atmosphere was indeed much more relaxed.
Wise and Belle took out some snacks they had brought from New Eridu, sharing them with everyone. The group changed into comfortable bathrobes and slowly immersed themselves in the perfectly warm water.
Almost in unison, they all let out a collective sigh of contentment.
The warm water enveloped their bodies, and the day's exertions and lingering muscle aches from battle seemed to be gently soothed and carried away by the spring. Even the ever-energetic Stelle uncharacteristically leaned against the stone edge of the pool, quietly enjoying the tranquility.
While relaxing, everyone called up their chat group interface to check the progress of the [Temporary Stelles of Amphoreus] event.
"Oh? The exploration progress is almost at fifteen percent!" Paimon exclaimed in surprise.
For a day spent mostly wandering, that was unexpectedly good.
Stelle stroked her chin, an "I knew it" expression on her face. "See? Our aimless wandering and shopping today weren't entirely without rewards!"
March 7th giggled sheepishly. "Hehe, although we did spend most of our time playing... it definitely can't compare to the progress Teacher Dan Heng and Mr. Zhongli made poring over all those ancient texts. This progress is probably mostly thanks to them."
"That's true," Lumine affirmed. "Thank you both for your diligent research."
"You worked hard," Belle added with a grateful smile.
Facing the group's sincere praise, Dan Heng replied with his usual humility. "It's my duty. There's no need to be so polite."
Zhongli's response was even more composed. "I merely offered a small effort. It is good if it could be of some help to you all."
Afterward, Dan Heng began to briefly recount the historical outline of Amphoreus that he and Zhongli had pieced together, from the prosperity of the Golden Age to the advent of the Black Tide, and finally to Kephale bearing the dawn and establishing the Holy City of Okhema.
However, the weight of history proved a bit too heavy for minds that had just settled into relaxation.
Except for Wise, who listened with rapt attention and occasionally asked a thoughtful question, the girls' focus quickly began to drift. Lumine did her best to maintain a polite listening posture, but her eyes were already a bit unfocused. Paimon was completely lost in the world of snacks, unable to extricate herself. Belle leaned her head back against the pool's edge, eyes comfortably closed. March 7th tried to listen seriously, but her head soon began to nod like a pecking chick. As for Stelle, she had completely checked out, and was now intently examining a glowing stone at the bottom of the pool.
The history lesson quickly became unsustainable.
Eventually, the atmosphere in the bathhouse naturally divided into two distinct groups. On one side, Dan Heng and Wise continued their quiet, academic discussion. On the other side of the pool, started by who knows whom, the five girls devolved into lighthearted splashing and cheerful chatter, their laughter echoing off the high ceilings and filling the steamy air with joy.
The warm spring water, the misty steam, the leisurely atmosphere, and the company of good friends made time seem to fly by.
Finally, after a thorough session of relaxation and fun, it was time for everyone to return to their respective worlds. They all had their own affairs to handle and needed to ensure they were well-rested for the days ahead.
Everyone climbed out of the pool and began to bid each other farewell.
"Today was super fun!" Paimon chirped, flying in a little circle and waving her small hands.
"Thank you for your hospitality and guidance!" Lumine smiled warmly at Stelle, March 7th, and Dan Heng.
"See you tomorrow! We'll definitely work hard to increase the exploration progress!" Belle said, her voice full of enthusiasm.
Stelle, March 7th, and Dan Heng watched as their friends' figures slowly dematerialized beside the Domain Anchor.
"Alright, let's get some rest early, too," Dan Heng said. "Starting tomorrow, the real 'exploration activities' will officially begin."
"Mhm!" Stelle and March 7th nodded vigorously, their faces alight with anticipation for the next day's adventure.
Having agreed on a time to meet again, the private bathhouse gradually fell silent, leaving only the gentle, rhythmic sound of the flowing hot spring water to accompany the Astral Express trio as they brought their fulfilling and wondrous first day in Amphoreus to a close.
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