"I'm not sure, Host. You might be able to embody multiple Paths simultaneously. However, I don't know what consequences hot-switching would have. When Path powers surge, they tend to repel other Paths. So far, most multi-Path Trailblazers only use cold-switching."
The system's answer poured cold water on Gu Fan's enthusiasm. What if something went wrong during hot-switching? What if he experienced something like a cultivation deviation from those wuxia and xianxia stories?
He paced to the corridor window, gazing at the cracked glass of the outer walkway, beyond which stretched the boundless void of space. Countless shimmering stars stirred Gu Fan's thoughts, temporarily freeing him from his worries.
Which of these stars was Belobog on the Jarilo-VI? Which one was Penacony, where Firefly would go? And which one was Xianzhou Luofu, where Kafka was born?
The Star Rail characters he had once dreamed of were now right before him, within reach. This gave Gu Fan an indescribable sense of unreality.
[Remaining Time Limit: 50 System Hours]
...
A white object floated past the window, catching Gu Fan's eye.
March 7th?
March 7th had a safety tether attached to her body and appeared to be repairing the space station's outer wall.
As a Path-walker, March 7th couldn't move freely through space, but she wouldn't suffer adverse effects from the vacuum, lack of oxygen, or other negative environmental factors.
The members of the Astral Express, which traverses the universe, were generally quite meddlesome. Since the train was currently docked at the Herta Space Station, it made sense that March 7th would help Herta repair the outer wall.
March 7th drifted freely in the vacuum, her body tilting at an angle. Her face displayed a childlike smile.
After seemingly having enough fun, she straightened her body and began repairing the station's exterior.
She noticed Gu Fan watching her, lowered her head, and met his gaze. The delightful smile on March 7th's face—a result of her novel experience floating in the vacuum—instantly froze. She quickly held down her skirt, her face turning bright red.
Bracing herself against the space station, she stuck out her tongue and made a face at Gu Fan.
Cute. Star Rail had certain characters who remained adorable even when angry: Bailu was one, Huohuo was another, and March 7th counted as half of one.
March 7th adjusted her position and appeared to shout something at Gu Fan. Obviously, the station's high-quality glass provided excellent soundproofing, and as commonly known, sound cannot travel through a vacuum.
March 7th seemed to realize Gu Fan couldn't hear her. She exhaled against the glass, but no moisture appeared on its surface.
Whether from anger or embarrassment, March 7th's face turned crimson.
She repeatedly mouthed something to Gu Fan.
Although Gu Fan wasn't skilled at lip reading, judging from March 7th's expression and the general shape of her lips, he deduced she was probably saying "pervert."
She might not have used exactly that word, but the meaning was likely similar, Gu Fan thought. It wasn't his fault—if something white came floating through space, anyone would take a second look.
March 7th disappeared from Gu Fan's view as she moved along her safety tether.
Seeing March 7th reminded Gu Fan of something. The system had given him a 50 system-hour deadline, but the Astral Express would depart in 20 system-hours!
At that point, who knew when he'd encounter March 7th and Himeko again? Wait, he had the Belobog teleporter—he could complete his mission and then teleport directly to Belobog to wait for the crew...
But what about Sam and Stelle? Perhaps Himeko would take in Stelle, but Sam would have to remain at the space station.
Lost in thought, Gu Fan decided that regardless, he needed to deal with Herta quickly and complete the system task. Then, no matter who the next target character was, he and Sam would board the Astral Express!
The only way Gu Fan knew to attract a super genius like Herta was through hot-switching between multiple Paths. But he didn't know what consequences hot-switching might have. What if he exploded on the spot?
He couldn't die yet—he hadn't boarded the Astral Express to get close with March 7th and Himeko; hadn't gone to Belobog's underworld to touch Clara's little feet; hadn't personally seen the diamond-shaped openings in Cocolia's stockings in the upper district. How could he die now?
He needed to find someone knowledgeable about multiple Paths. When it came to worldly experience, Old Yang, the leader of the Anti-Entropy Alliance, was one option; Sam, as a Stellaron Hunter, might know something about multiple Paths as well. Asking Sam would also let him probe into his identity. Having made up his mind, he was about to leave.
Turning around, he found March 7th standing before him, her gaze unfriendly.
"What were you looking at just now!" she narrowed her eyes, her gaze sharp.
March 7th was typically cheerful and kind, but the men around her were all first-class gentlemen—without quotation marks. How could she have encountered a normal male like Gu Fan before?
Gu Fan remained silent for a moment, appreciating the March 7th before him.
March 7th had short pink hair, a blue and white outfit, and a light blue miniskirt on her lower half. A blue camera hung at her waist.
When describing her appearance in fan fiction, half the time she was compared to "Intertwined Fate come to life." Seeing her in person, Gu Fan had to admit the color scheme was indeed similar.
Gu Fan's silent examination made March 7th think he was reflecting on his actions. She sighed, her tone softening: "Don't look at things you shouldn't, understand?"
Gu Fan nodded; little March was indeed the kind-hearted girl he knew. "Alright... wife."
"Who's your wife! You're crazy!" March 7th pointed at Gu Fan, nearly unleashing her Path powers.
Gu Fan laughed: "Little March, don't be angry. I wasn't even aware of what I was looking at."
"Really~?" she stretched out the final syllable, narrowing her eyes and staring intently at Gu Fan, as if trying to see into the depths of his soul.
Gu Fan cooperatively put on his best innocent puppy face.
March 7th seemed to believe Gu Fan's explanation, her gaze softening a bit. "Good that you recognize your mistake. Don't do it again. And don't call me 'Little March.'"
"Alright, wife."
March 7th stomped her foot and let out an angry grunt. She asked fiercely: "Do you want me to freeze you with my Hexagonal Ice?"
"Hexagonal Ice" was March 7th's ability, which functioned like ordinary ice powers. The Astral Express had discovered March 7th within this Hexagonal Ice.
Little March's puffed-up cheeks were a delight to behold—in the Star Rail game, one rarely saw March 7th angry. Gu Fan quietly enjoyed the sight.
"I'm an honored guest at the Herta Space Station. If your train crew lays hands on me, aren't you afraid of causing a diplomatic incident?"
March 7th's face turned red as she leaned forward. Her azure eyes filled with fury as she demanded: "What's your name?"
Gu Fan had no reason to conceal it and casually gave his name.
"Gu Fan, is it? Don't let me see you again! Otherwise, you'll be sorry!" March 7th glared at him like a little tiger, then turned and strode away.
If only March 7th were his target character—he had several methods to get under her skin. He knew this character who had accompanied him since the beginning of the game all too well.
End of Chapter