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In Exalting Sanctum, at an open-air plaza,
a woman with light makeup held her jade tablet, engrossed in its content just like everyone else around her.
However, unlike the others, she wasn't playing Honkai: Star Rail nor watching Little Gui Zi's stream.
Instead, she was communicating with her companion across the Galaxy.
[Silver Wolf]: "Kafka, as per your request, the Astral Express has changed course and is heading towards Xianzhou Luofu."
[Kafka]: "Excellent. This completes the corresponding part of my script."
Not long ago, she had improvised a performance aboard the train.
In truth, she wasn't lying. The Stellaron Hunters indeed had another objective, but it was not for their own benefit. Their aim was to foster a connection between the Astral Express and Xianzhou.
To put it more bluntly, they sought to create a debt of gratitude from Xianzhou towards the Astral Express.
In the foreseen outcome, acquiring power through The Hunt seemed unattainable. Despite some complications, Kafka managed to complete her part of the plan.
[Kafka]: "Silver Wolf, I'm counting on you to open the Jade World Gateway."
However, there was no response from the other side of the screen.
After waiting three minutes, Kafka couldn't resist sending another message:
[Kafka]: "Hey, darling, are you there?"
Another three minutes passed.
[Kafka]: "Are you there, there, there, there, there?! If we don't act soon, the train crew will head back."
[Silver Wolf]: "Don't rush."
"Let me finish farming these materials first."
Kafka remained silent.
[Silver Wolf]: "Trying to level up eight characters at once—there's just not enough materials. It's so annoying."
[Kafka]: "Where did you even get all these five-star characters?"
[Silver Wolf]: "I'm also leveling some four-stars like March 7th, Astelle, and Tingyun."
"Even though they're only four stars, their skills and mechanics are quite interesting. Cultivating them until better alternatives appear isn't a bad idea."
"Ah, finished grinding for now."
[Kafka]: "Can we start now?"
[Silver Wolf]: "Let me check... Oh, they've already entered Luofu."
[Kafka]: "Huh? Wasn't the Jade World Gate sealed ahead of time?"
[Silver Wolf]: "Didn't you read Elio's script?"
[Kafka]: "Ever since Star Rail emerged, fate has become such a mess—you know that as well as I do."
[Silver Wolf]: "Although it was sealed, it turned into a popular tourist spot. The Luofu shuttle attendant opened the gate for us."
[Kafka]: "The site of the star core explosion becoming a trendy Instagram-worthy location? Xianzhou people sure have their quirks."
[Silver Wolf has logged off]
[Kafka]: "Babe, can we chat a bit more?"
[Silver Wolf has logged in.]
[Silver Wolf]: "Seems like you're quite happy today?"
[Kafka]: "I'm featured in Elio's script and even have a role in Star Rail's storyline—how could I not be thrilled?"
[Silver Wolf]: "Just wait till you enter the card pool; I'll summon you relentlessly."
[Silver Wolf has disconnected.]
Ending the conversation, Kafka downed the Caleb before her in one gulp and gazed at the dense cluster of buildings in the distance.
"All good times must come to an end."
"Bladie, just wait..."
"I've come to save you."
At the Star Ferry Sea, within the Palace of Astrum, Yukong led the Astral Express crew to their destination.
The moment they stepped inside, two holographic projections on the projection sand table turned towards them with intense gazes.
"...This is General Jing Yuan of Luofu, and this is Fu Xuan, head of the Divination Commission," Yukong introduced each figure in turn.
Feeling slightly overwhelmed, March 7th whispered to Stelle, "So many important people right off the bat—I'm not used to it."
Stelle nodded in agreement. "Me neither."
As Old Yang prepared to introduce himself, Jing Yuan smiled and spoke first, "Members of the Astral Express, your reputations precede you, stirring admiration from afar."
"Not only have I heard rumors about you all throughout the universe, but through the narrative of Honkai: Star Rail, I've witnessed your trailblazing journey from start to finish—it's truly been epic!"
March 7th bashfully fidgeted her fingers.
As expected!
This game had already taken Xianzhou by storm—even General Luofu was well-informed.
"This makes explaining many things much easier," Old Yang sighed with relief, nodding.
"Indeed! If not for experiencing the game's storyline, the Divination Commission would undoubtedly suspect you as accomplices of the Stellaron Hunters," Fu Xuan said, hands on her hips. "But now, I am entirely confident in your intentions."
"In that case, let us get straight to business." With a wave of his hand, Jing Yuan recreated the figure of a man within the sand table before them.
It was none other than Blade, the Stellaron Hunter.
"I assume everyone is familiar with this individual's identity," Jing Yuan began. "Currently, Blade is imprisoned at our Luofu's Shackling Prison. We anticipate his attempt to escape and have deployed most of our forces there for surveillance.
"However, the game's plot also foreshadowed another event—the impending eruption of the Stellaron!" He paused briefly. "With these two critical situations overlapping, Luofu's military strength is severely strained.
"This is precisely when we need the Astral Express's assistance like coal delivered amidst snowfall."
March 7th's eyes lit up. "I understand now! So, General, you want to entrust us with finding clues about the Stellaron and sealing it beforehand to prevent the disaster of its eruption, right?"
"No."
Jing Yuan cast a meaningful glance at Dan Heng.
"We have our own means to handle matters concerning the Stellaron."
"What I wish to request...is for you all to go to The Shackling Prison as unexpected reinforcements, preventing anyone from taking advantage of this situation to rescue high-profile prisoners."
Upon hearing these words, Dan Heng, March 7th, and Stelle were all taken aback!
Not long ago on the train, Kafka had intended to commission the Astral Express Crew to visit The Shackling Prison and help her rescue Blade. Now, Jing Yuan was also asking them to go there, but to prevent someone from rescuing Blade!
To save or not to save? That was the question!