Astral Express.
"So, everyone?"
"Did this Trailblaze journey to Amphoreus disappoint you all?"
At this point in the story,
Black Swan smiled as she asked the Astral Express Crew.
In her view, the world of Amphoreus could be described as dazzling and spectacular!
Although facing a world-ending crisis, which world the Astral Express had previously reached didn't have major crises?
Moreover,
these beings called Chrysos Heirs had distinct personalities, considerable strength, and rich histories.
They seemed... quite compatible with the Nameless of the Astral Express!
In Black Swan's eyes,
everything shown so far could be considered a successful Trailblaze journey!
Dan Heng nodded slightly.
Looking at his and Stelle's journey from a third-person perspective, their previous experiences had been thrilling yet safe.
But the Trailblazing on Amphoreus was unprecedented.
"Though there were some twists and turns, everything was under control..."
Himeko also remarked: "Helping locals defeat villains... a very standard adventure journey."
"But there are still some issues worth noting: like March 7th's symptoms, and... this world seems to have some peculiarities in its details."
Old Yang's expression was somewhat serious.
He still felt uneasy inside.
Mainly because Phainon resembled that person too much!
And,
the twelve Chrysos Heirs... also gave a sense of déjà vu similar to the Thirteen Flame-Chasers of the previous civilization!
Although he hadn't personally experienced the Elysian Realm, Old Yang had heard Mei recount that incredible period.
Just as everyone was lost in their own thoughts,
suddenly,
a cry from March 7th shattered the silence!
"Something bad happened!!"
Everyone immediately stood up!
March 7th was now the Express's key protection target!
She came running out of her room,
holding her phone in one hand and pointing at its screen with the other.
She seemed to have stumbled upon some terrifying post!
Everyone gathered around.
It was a post from the player section of the Honkai: Star Rail community.
[Any experts want to team up to explore Amphoreus together?]
[OP: As titled, after watching the story for a while, I feel Amphoreus's power level isn't that high. We can totally experience the story while descending upon Amphoreus, giving these locals a little extraterrestrial shock!]
[OP: Addition: Must depart immediately, hesitant and wait-and-see types need not apply. We aim to be the first players to descend upon Amphoreus!]
[Reply: I've had this idea for a while, DMed you OP! Only worry is, what if we get attacked and crash during descent?]
[OP: My ship is coated with the Intelligentsia Guild's quantum protective layer, should be fine]
[Reply: In that case, count me in. I'm a Pathstrider of Preservation and can provide some technical assistance. My galactic coordinates are...]
[Post time: Half a system hour ago]
"Pfft, just this?"
Stelle didn't seem concerned.
She took a sip of her drink, expression calm.
March 7th grew quite anxious: "Look at the timestamp on their reply—it was half a system hour ago! By now, they might have already formed a team and prepared for the jump!"
"Trailblazing Amphoreus is a mission we Nameless are duty-bound to undertake. How can we let others beat us to it?"
Black Swan's gaze darkened slightly as she said, "It's not that easy. Amphoreus is a world that can only be reflected by the Mirror of the Garden of Recollection... Even if they intend to go, without the help of a Memokeeper, they simply cannot reach it."
March 7th scrolled further down the post.
Her eyes widened instantly!
"Look at this person on this floor! They said they could find the corresponding coordinates based on the starry sky background that appears at the beginning of Honkai: Star Rail!"
"What if they actually find clues and manage to get in!"
Just as Black Swan was about to elaborate on the abilities of the Mirror of the Garden of Recollection,
Himeko spoke up, "Actually, this matter isn't entirely coincidental."
"If it weren't for this game, we might have already set off for Amphoreus long ago..."
"The Nameless never stop Trailblazing."
"Honkai: Star Rail has indeed brought tremendous changes to the entire universe, preventing many tragedies and making the world a better place."
"But it's undeniable..."
"As the protagonists, we have also become hesitant and cautious because of it, losing our usual decisiveness."
Stelle nodded deeply in agreement, "For a long time, I've felt like I've been living in the shadow of Star Rail. It seems we've truly lost some of our Trailblazing spirit."
Pom-Pom patted his chest and said, "This conductor also bears responsibility. I've been too engrossed in Honkai: Star Rail lately, almost forgetting my duties."
"Since everyone shares this expectation, then this time, let's rediscover the meaning of Trailblazing," Old Yang said solemnly.
He looked toward the screen in the center of the Parlor Car.
A battle was unfolding in the game.
It was likely depicting Dan Heng and Stelle following Phainon to clear out enemies.
"Next should be facing the Strife Titan. I propose we watch this part of the story, confirm the Titan's strength, and then prepare to depart—this will also give us a general understanding of Amphoreus."
The Astral Express Crew nodded in agreement.
Himeko added, "Although we've decided to go to Amphoreus in person, someone still needs to stay on the train to prepare for support and... keep up with the Star Rail storyline in real-time to confirm any subsequent risks."
Old Yang smiled wryly, "It seems we'll have to stay on the train and handle the adult responsibilities. The task of Trailblazing in Amphoreus will have to be left to the younger ones."
Stelle immediately declared, "I, the first Preservation of the Astral Express, request to join the mission!"
"I'll go with you. The team still needs someone who's good at thinking things through."
March 7th exclaimed, "Yay! Now I can see that pink rabbit with my own eyes and even get to pat Tribbie's head~"
However,
the very next moment,
a bucket of cold water was poured on her.
"March, you won't be participating in this warp jump."
"Ah, why?"
Old Yang said seriously, "Although the current storyline hasn't reached the Astral Express yet, I feel the foreshadowing at the beginning isn't simple. There's a possibility things might worsen later..."
"To avoid that outcome, little March should temporarily go to another region for now."
The light in March 7th's eyes instantly dimmed.
Fortunately,
she was a sensible child.
After thinking for a moment,
she sighed.
"Alright, it seems this girl has no fate with this Trailblazing journey."
However,
Soon after,
Her eyes lit up again!
"Then drop me off at Aurum Alley on the Luofu—there's lots of good food there!"
"I'll watch the story while keeping an eye on your situation!"