On the train...
March 7th stumbled, nearly falling to the floor.
"Huh?"
"We already declined Kafka's request! Why are we still heading to Luofu?"
Himeko smiled gently. "Don't worry, March. Welt and I discussed it, and our decision to go to Luofu isn't because we agreed to Kafka's plea."
"On the contrary, we need to inform Xianzhou Luofu's General about the Stellaron Hunters' planned prison break and the imminent eruption of the Stellaron."
"Oh, I see..." March looked enlightened.
Stelle also stepped forward, adding, "The most crucial part is protecting our train's guard!"
"That Blade must be quite a headache for Dan Heng; keeping individuals like him confined in The Shackling Prison seems safer."
Upon hearing this, Dan Heng lifted his head, revealing a rare hint of a smile.
"Thank you."
"Yes! This way, we can catch Kafka off guard too. I can't wait to see her flustered!"
Seeing March 7th's energetic spirit return, Stelle couldn't help but shake his head slightly. His eyes momentarily dimmed, as unexpectedly, he felt a sudden concern for Kafka's safety.
What nonsense is this?!
"Have I really started seeing her as my mother?"
Pom-Pom nodded and stepped forward to address everyone.
"Pom-Pom doesn't like Kafka and won't follow the game plot created by Feathered Spirit. However, the path and goals of the Trailblazer must be chosen by the Trailblazer themselves. This is Akivili-sama's belief."
"I wish you all the best!"
As Pom-Pom counted down, the Leap began.
Arriving at Xianzhou Luofu, the Trailblazing team preparing for their journey aligned with the decisions made in the game narrative.
Naturally, Dan Heng could not proceed to Luofu, while Himeko would remain on the train, monitoring the live stream and maintaining contact with the group. This allowed them to promptly communicate any significant deviations from the storyline.
Just as Old Yang, March 7th, and Stelle were about to embark,
Dan Heng suddenly joined them.
"Dan Heng?"
"I've decided to join you this time," Dan Heng declared firmly amidst their surprised gazes. "No matter what, my past is something I must confront eventually."
"This time, I won't run away again." His eyes regained their usual calm and sharpness, with an unprecedented determination flickering deep within.
Welt patted him on the shoulder. "Since this is your decision, I respect it."
March 7th, slightly worried, chimed in, "Dan Heng, quickly ask Himeko to check if you said these exact lines in the game's storyline!"
"Characters who utter such phrases usually end up meeting a tragic fate..."
Dan Heng remained silent, taken aback.
Stelle gently touched Dan Heng's dragon-patterned pauldron. "Perhaps...you should tell us about your hidden powers beforehand? That way, we can leak some spoilers on the 'Honkai: Star Rail' forums ahead of time!"
Still speechless, Dan Heng suddenly felt a twinge of regret.
The port began guiding them for docking.
Unlike the prolonged silence depicted in the game's scenario, they smoothly entered Luofu's harbor under the assistance of local staff.
Just as they were about to step onto Luofu's land, Himeko's voice came through their earpieces with a warning.
"Everyone, in the game's storyline, you would encounter an attack by Demonic Yin Bodies here."
"While it might not pose much of a challenge for any of you, still... be cautious at all times."
Welt responded, "Understood." He promptly drew his cane, his gaze steady and composed.
Seeing this, Dan Heng, March 7th, and Stelle also retrieved their weapons, readying themselves with utmost vigilance.
The Jade World Gateway slowly opened.
All four individuals were instantly stunned on the spot—even Old Yang momentarily lost his composure!
Near the densely packed shipping containers stood throngs of people!
They grouped in twos or threes, striking various poses for photos, aiming to capture the Jade World Gateway in the background as well.
It seemed that instead of being a place for travelers to disembark, this area had transformed into a popular tourist hotspot for taking selfies!
Drawn by the sound of the opening gateway, everyone spontaneously turned towards them.
A second later, a wave of enthusiastic cheers and applause erupted from the crowd!
"They're here, they're here! The Astral Express has truly arrived!"
"Welt, I'm your biggest fan, aaahh~!"
"Welcome to Xia Dengzi's live stream! Finally caught sight of the Astral Express Crew members. Ten likes and I'll go ask the Trailblazer for a selfie!"
"Dreamscape illusion, one dig into eternity!"
"Miss March 7th, please bless me with your touch!"
Welt, Dan Heng, March 7th, and Stelle were utterly dumbfounded, completely unprepared for this spectacle!
Welt hastily stowed away his cane, while the three others beside him quickly sheathed their weapons.
However...
The crowd surged forward like a horde of unleashed zombies!
Dan Heng reacted quickest, immediately attempting to return through the still-open Jade World Gateway. After years away, he found his homeland had become terrifyingly transformed!
Stelle and March 7th swiftly followed suit.
March 7th often daydreamed about becoming famous, but now, confronted by these frenzied fans, she realized—
Going viral might not be such a good thing after all!
Just then,
a contingent of Cloud Knights rushed in from both sides, wielding weapons that glinted menacingly, as if divine soldiers descending from the heavens.
They formed a barrier, shielding the enthusiastic crowd from advancing further.
Leading this group was Yukong, the helmswoman of the Sky-Faring Commission.
"My apologies for startling you, esteemed guests," she said. "General Jing Yuan anticipated your arrival. Please follow me."