The Astral Express, judging by its exterior alone, was an old-fashioned steam locomotive. But its interior was a different world altogether—luxuriously furnished with leather sofas, priceless antique phonographs, and spaces far more expansive than one would expect from the outside. Each carriage was equivalent to a long, rectangular house of over a hundred square meters.
This train truly captivated Gu Fan's imagination. It was the map he explored most frequently in the game, rich in functionality and, for players, a second home.
It served not only as the main cast's vessel for traversing the universe but also as their residence, housing wondrous places like the "Forgotten Hall."
The train doors stood wide open. The Express crew harbored no suspicion, and besides, the space station posed no threat to them. Yang should be on the train, and Gu Fan was about to board.
A blue and white figure, stirring up a pleasant breeze, darted past Gu Fan, slipped into the train, and closed the door behind them.
The figure made a face at Gu Fan through the train window, sticking out their tongue.
March 7th bent down, saying something to Gu Fan through the window.
Gu Fan didn't listen closely. March 7th's aqua blue pupils, showing mild disdain, appeared different from what he had seen in the game, giving her a unique charm.
The sound of high heels clicking on the ground came from behind Gu Fan. Turning around, he saw Himeko with her crimson hair standing there.
"Himeko," Gu Fan said instinctively, without taking time to observe her.
Himeko opened the train door, and March 7th didn't dare to stop her. Gu Fan followed inside.
"Sister Himeko, why did you let him in?" March 7th pouted.
Himeko asked with a smile, "What did he do to offend you, little March?"
"He... hmph!" March 7th put her hands on her hips and turned away.
Since March 7th didn't want to answer, Gu Fan explained on her behalf: "There's been a misunderstanding. I accidentally saw up little March's skirt."
"You dare to admit it!" March 7th retorted, hands on her hips.
"Oh, so that's all it is," Himeko reassured her. "I believe this gentleman didn't do it on purpose."
March 7th glared at Gu Fan, her gaze practically shooting sparks: "Sister Himeko, you don't know..."
"Alright, alright, I'll have him apologize to you," Himeko said gently, giving Gu Fan a look.
Gu Fan understood Himeko's meaning. He cleared his throat and said, "I'm sorry, little March."
"Don't call me 'little March'!"
"Sorry, wife!"
March 7th said, "Sister Himeko, you see!"
Himeko shook her head and addressed Gu Fan directly: "Since you've come to our train, you're a guest of the Astral Express, and I should properly host you. I assume you're not someone who wanders aimlessly. What brings you to our train?"
Gu Fan looked Himeko over. She had long, fiery red hair adorned with several yellow rose ornaments. She was tall and slightly voluptuous, wearing an elegant, off-shoulder white gown with a slit that nearly reached the top of her right thigh.
Looking closely, one could spot a brown beauty mark above her right breast.
Gu Fan continued to look up. Himeko's amber-yellow eyes enhanced her overall graceful aura.
"Sister Himeko, just look at him," March 7th said.
Gu Fan coughed twice and averted his gaze.
"Little March, don't say such things," Himeko said with a smile.
Gu Fan said seriously, "I came to ask Welt Yang about something."
Himeko looked at Gu Fan, perhaps wondering what business he had with Old Yang. After a brief contemplation, she said, "Follow me."
She turned and left first.
As Himeko walked away, Gu Fan followed, and March 7th's footsteps pitter-pattered behind them.
"Hey, what are you doing on our train?" she asked.
Gu Fan replied with a straight face, "My name isn't 'Hey,' it's Gu Fan."
A tall figure leaning on a cane stood by the train's porthole, with countless stars twinkling brilliantly outside.
"Uncle Yang!" March 7th called out cheerfully.
Old Yang turned around, adjusting his black-rimmed glasses.
He wore a brown scarf around his neck and a loose, light gray coat.
"This person says he has something to ask you," March 7th said, moving closer to Old Yang.
"Little March, don't be impolite," Old Yang said.
March 7th turned her head away.
Gu Fan said, "You're quite inscrutable and surely knowledgeable. I have something I'd like to ask you about."
The words "special identity" seemed to carry a deeper meaning to Old Yang.
Gu Fan asked, "I want to know if rapid switching between multiple Paths affects the body."
At this question, before Old Yang could respond, March 7th burst into laughter.
"I thought you were going to ask something serious. Even I know that's impossible."
"Little March, show some respect to our guest," Old Yang gently reprimanded.
March 7th secretly made a face at Gu Fan.
Old Yang nodded to Gu Fan, offering a slight apology: "Though March 7th was impolite, what she says is true. Rapid switching between multiple Paths is unheard of."
"I know it has never happened before. I'm asking purely theoretically—is rapid switching possible?"
"It's hard to say. Paths have existed since ancient times. Intelligent life forms follow Paths, drawing power from the Paths themselves or directly from the Aeons. Generally, few can draw power from two Paths or Aeons. Even if one were fortunate enough to have the opportunity, rapid switching would be impossible. Paths are mutually exclusive, just as a person cannot have two blood types flowing simultaneously. For one person to possess two Paths is already a testament to the Paths' tolerance."
Gu Fan said, "Old Yang, I'm not asking if it's possible. I'm asking if it would affect the body."
He already had three Path points, allowing him to unlock three Paths. Whether it was possible or not, he could find out by trying. What concerned him was the potential physical harm from rapid switching.
"Assuming someone could rapidly switch between multiple Paths," Old Yang said, "I don't know, because it's inherently impossible. Different Paths vary greatly, and how could one person utilize them simultaneously?"
Drawing power from the Paths themselves—Gu Fan searched his memory. He recalled the game's backstory, where similar Paths would be assimilated into one. For example, Order and Harmony: although Order already had its own Aeon, it was still absorbed and merged by Harmony. It seemed that the Aeon of Order, enjoying life one moment, was suddenly assimilated by Harmony the next, perhaps without even making a sound. If it still had consciousness, it must have been truly frustrated.
In the entire Star Rail universe, intelligent life forms were countless, but those who could become Aeons were few. After the long and arduous journey to become an Aeon, being directly assimilated... Gu Fan put himself in their shoes and found the thought unbearably frustrating.
Even Old Yang wasn't clear about the implications of rapid switching.
"Sir..." Old Yang began.
"My name is Gu Fan."
"Mr. Gu Fan, what are you planning to do with this information?"
Gu Fan didn't hide anything. "I possess three Paths and am concerned about the effects rapid switching might have on my body."
End of Chapter