"Woah? Is Sampo directly addressing us through the screen?"
"Sampo, you're something else!"
"Elation! He mentioned elation!"
"The Masked Fool, supposedly under the Star God of Ecstasy, emerges when civilizations stagnate like dead water, stirring things up!"
"Could there be a possibility that Sampo is actually the developer of this game?! He might be 'Feathered Spirit'!"
Interastral Peace Corporation.
After Topaz took on the investment task for Jarilo-VI, another significant mission was presented to the executives.
"Well then, who is willing to undertake this assignment?—Capturing Sampo, suspected developer of 'Honkai: Star Rail'."
Reply from Aventurine, Strategic Investment Department: "It can't be that simple. If the game's developer [Feathered Spirit] truly is Sampo, why would he deliberately expose his identity at the end?"
"However, currently, there's no other information about the developer [Feathered Spirit]. We cannot rule out the possibility that it was a clever ploy by the creator themselves."
Aventurine, Strategic Investment Department: "Alright, we still have some time before reaching Penacony. I am willing to accept this assignment."
"Aventurine, if Sampo really is the developer, he must have hidden tricks up his sleeve. I advise you to prioritize reclaiming control over Penacony; otherwise, you might fail on both fronts."
Aventurine, Strategic Investment Department: "Thank you for the reminder, but I have my own assets to rely on. Please don't worry about me."
On the Astral Express...
March 7th took a large bite out of her fruit, almost as if venting her frustration.
"This Sampo! Hiding so deeply he even fooled me!"
"Without this game's storyline, I would've truly believed he was just a local on Jarilo-VI!"
Himeko stepped in to comfort her. "Alright, March, don't let it get to you."
"Welt and I analyzed the situation," she continued, "and we believe there's a high likelihood that Sampo is one of the Masked Fools.
"Aha's followers can be unpredictable, but he hasn't done anything harmful to any of you. In fact, he has been quite helpful at times."
"True... But next time I see him, I'm still giving him a sound beating!" Stelle nodded emphatically beside her, clearly sharing the same sentiment.
After venting their frustrations about Sampo for a bit, everyone refocused their attention on the unfolding plot.
The night at Goethe Hotel passed uneventfully.
Now, it was time to leave Jarilo-VI and return to the Astral Express.
Under the clear sky, a shimmering star soared against gravity, ascending into the heavens.
At Qlipoth Fort, Seele, who had been heatedly debating priorities for town reconstruction with Bronya, suddenly paused mid-argument.
Pointing out the window, she exclaimed, "Bronya, look!"
As they gazed upon the shooting star streaking across the sky, both women ceased their quarrel, simultaneously wearing expressions of relief and contentment.
"Along their journey...they'll undoubtedly face many more challenges," Bronya sighed.
"Hmm...perhaps even greater hardships than what lies ahead for us."
"But we will surely overcome them. Even if it means these kinds of disputes must continue..."
"...Hey, I'm quite skilled at arguing, you know."
The two interacted like a young couple who could quickly reconcile after bickering.
March 7th cradled Stelle tightly, swaying excitedly back and forth.
"They complement each other so well!"
"It's heartwarming to see—much better than our rushed reunion!"
In Little Gui's stream, Guinaifen watched this scene with an aunt-like smile.
"Heh heh heh..."
Viewers promptly reminded her:
Romance shipping is fine, but wipe that drool from your mouth!
Remember, you're live—you need to maintain your image.
Guinaifen retorted, "What drool?! Those are tears! Just some rogue drops slipping from the corner of my eyes, okay?!"
Her gaze shifted to the game screen.
Slowly, her smile faded.
"Sigh..."
"Here we go again."
"Do you think there will be new story content coming up?"
Barrages of comments swiftly filled the chat window.
"I'm March 7th! We just returned from Jarilo-VI, and I'd bet ten train tickets there won't be any new main storyline quests next! The Astral Express Crew hasn't even decided where to go for our next stop!"
"You're March 7th? Well, I'm Dan Heng then!"
"Based on common logic, the game's progress has indeed surpassed reality. If it continues further, it wouldn't be reflecting current events but predicting the future."
"If that's the case, it does seem unlikely for new mainline quests to appear."
"Even with the story at this point, this game deserves to be hailed as legendary."
"The streamer's progress is way too fast; I'm still working on the 'To Fading Star' side quest at the space station."
"Trust Feathered Spirit, Feathered Spirit is my god!"
Seeing this discussion among the stream's viewers, Guinaifen also began to feel anxious.
Opening one eye slightly, she gently tapped on the screen.
[New Quest: The Tranquil Galaxy]
Talk to Pom-Pom and prepare for the next journey.
"Aaaaaahhh...!!!" Guinaifen let out a high-pitched scream akin to a mouse.
"It exists!"
"There is indeed another journey!"
"This game is truly unmatched!!"
"I really..."
"Don't know what to say anymore!!"
"Feathered Spirit, you're amazing!!!!"