"Damn, what is that?!"
"Holy crap! It's the Antimatter Legion!"
"I just finished off the Doomsday Beast weekly boss—how did so many Voidrangers suddenly appear?! Is this game affecting reality now?!"
"My attack button is gone!"
"Silver Bat, Champion of the Galaxy! Doomsday Beast's nemesis! Grey Peony! Quick, help us—please!"
On the star ferry routes...
As countless members of the Antimatter Legion swarmed across the sky, everyone passing by was left utterly dumbfounded. Once they snapped out of their shock, they hastily steered their star ferries to flee! They knew well enough to distinguish between the game and reality!
Moreover, such a massive horde had appeared all at once, with most being elite-level enemies! Even within the game, one would have no choice but to run!
Inside one particular star ferry, its pilot—a natural daredevil—chose not to escape immediately. Instead, they parked the vessel nearby and leaned halfway out the window, capturing footage on their phone from close range!
Unsurprisingly, disaster struck. A blast from a Voidranger: Trampler hit them directly, causing the person to plummet through the window.
"Aiee!" cried the young girl, still managing to secure her phone amidst the fall.
Dan Heng, being closest to the scene, swiftly soared into the sky and rescued the twin-tailed maiden, gently setting her back on the ground. With a cold tone, he warned, "Stay away."
Hehe chuckling, the girl responded, "Sure thing." She then adjusted the fox mask resting lightly on her forehead.
She muttered to herself, "I knew it! There's always more excitement on this Xianzhou Luofu!"
With that, she skipped away, her golden-red tail flickering in and out of view.
The sky was densely filled with assailants; an unknowing observer might mistake it for a locust plague.
March 7th continued firing arrows while grumbling, "Why are there so many enemies?!"
"Did that fake Tingyun leave us all the Antimatter Legion forces?! She seemed overwhelmed, instinctively falling back-to-back with Stelle as they supported each other against the onslaught from behind.
Old Yang's voice rang out, "Hold on just a bit longer—the reinforcements from Luofu should arrive soon!"
However, Old Yang didn't realize that part of the city's remaining forces had gone to eliminate the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, while another contingent was tracking down Dan Shu. Although Fu Xuan observed the situation and dispatched aid, it would still take some time! Even Yukong, the quickest responders, were estimated to arrive in at least five minutes!
Luofu's predicament, caught between external threats and internal strife, could only be blamed for escalating tensions. As the story of Honkai: Star Rail unfolded, it ignited like a spark setting off a chain reaction of explosions!
After uttering those words, Old Yang had no time to spare for Stelle anymore.
As if responding to some special command, the majority of these destructive Voidrangers began converging on Old Yang!
Even March 7th was now wielding her riding spear with one hand and a baseball bat with the other.
March 7th shouted loudly, "Dan Heng! Where have you been, you scoundrel?!"
"Hurry up and unleash your hidden power!"
Her voice echoed just as...
A massive water dragon surged forth, instantly scattering the dozen or so Voidrangers surrounding them!
The water dragon roared ferociously, continuously twisting and soaring through the air.
In its path, every enemy was annihilated by this overwhelming force!
March 7th and Stelle were astounded!
In the sky nearby, a figure both unfamiliar yet strangely recognizable emerged.
Standing atop a lotus pedestal, one hand formed a sword gesture while the other held the black-and-white Abyssal Orb, commanding the water dragon's relentless assault!
Sweeping away remnants like scattered clouds!
"That... That's Dan Heng?!?"
"You really did have hidden powers all along!"
His once short hair had transformed into long locks reaching down to his waist.
On his forehead, a pair of azure dragon horns stood majestically.
Instantly, the tide of battle turned!
Stelle also noticed what seemed like a fleeting glimpse of a dragon tail.
He marveled, "Is Dan Heng about...to turn into a dragon?"
After recovering from her initial shock, March 7th had a sudden realization. She whipped out her camera and started furiously snapping photos of Dan Heng mid-air! As she clicked away, she excitedly exclaimed, "Perfect... I'm going to capture this form of Dan Heng and post it on the Star Rail forums as an exclusive scoop!"
Taken aback, Stelle hadn't anticipated such boldness and creativity from March 7th! Without hesitation, he also pulled out his phone to join in the photography spree.
"Yes, yes, exactly!" Stelle chimed in enthusiastically. "Since Honkai Star Rail will inevitably include this transformation in their storyline eventually, let's be insiders for once!"
In no time, all nearby enemies were vanquished.
Dan Heng descended slowly from the sky. Initially pondering how to explain his new appearance to his friends, he was caught off guard by March 7th and Stelle critiquing his photos!
Even Dan Heng couldn't suppress a twitch at the corner of his mouth. "While I was risking my life to save you both, all you did was take pictures like war correspondents?"
His eyes flashed with a bright azure glow!
March 7th hastily grabbed Stelle, and they bolted away together.
"Uncle Yang, help us!" cried March 7th.
"D-Dan Heng looks terrifying like this!" Stelle stammered.
As everyone regrouped,
Even Old Yang was slightly taken aback by Dan Heng's demeanor, though not entirely surprised. He explained, "That flame earlier called herself Phantylia. I've heard this name before from other members of The Nameless.
"She is one of the seven great Monarchs under Nanook, with a fascination for the self-destruction of mortals. Many beings have been lured to their doom by her hand..."
"Now, our mission becomes even more urgent," Dan Heng continued. "We must swiftly proceed to The Shackling Prison and inform Jing Yuan about Phantylia, then confront her together."
"The Shackling Prison isn't far from here," Dan Heng said. "We can reach it quickly, even without using a star ferry.
"There's no time to waste; let's depart immediately."
Within The Shackling Prison, Jing Yuan was intently observing Luocha's figure.
Yanqing stood nearby, his hand resting on his sword hilt. At any sign of danger, he would unhesitatingly protect the General's safety.
"Now, it's time to explain your purpose for coming here," Luocha said mildly. "General, our smooth arrival this time is largely thanks to that game."
"Therefore, there's no need to rush. We have ample time to clarify our intentions."
"Yes, Jing Yuan," Jingliu chimed in. "Both the omens in reality and the unfolding narrative within the game point towards one undeniable truth—the Xianzhou has reached a pivotal moment of fate's decision.
"The Imperial Bow, Plaguebringer of Longevity, Scourge of Embers... This is a divine chess match. If you do not stand with the victor, you become the loser.
"And this time..."
Before Jingliu could finish, her words were abruptly interrupted by a burst of wild laughter!
"Hahahaha... He's arrived! Kafka!"
"He...has come..."