AN: Here is the 2nd update for this week!
So what did you all think about yesterday's chapter?
I really hope you all liked it and that it made you expect more about the future chapters of this arc.
Then, without further ado, enjoy this update and let me know your thoughts afterward.
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Astral Express, Star Rail Universe…
"VA, time for you to shine," Noah said, calling out to his ever-reliable partner, Void Archives.
[Acknowledge.]
A projection of the Silver Rails and the surrounding star map unfolded before them, the view quickly zooming into a distant sector.
[After cross-checking Dormammu's projected coordinates with our current position, it will take us two jumps to reach the nearest world at the edge of the Silver Rails, followed by three additional jumps to reach the possible planet where Dormammu is currently hiding.]
The route traced itself across the map, a clear path cutting through the stars.
[Along the way, we will encounter two worlds,] Void Archives continued, marking both planets as their images appeared.
[The first is Aetherion IV—a gas giant that does not support life. Aside from a few mining colonies in orbit, there is little of note.]
"According to the Databank, Aetherion IV is the fourth planet in the Aetherion system, managed by the Astryx Federation," Dan Heng explained smoothly.
"When the Nameless passed through here six Amber Eras ago, they acquired rare minerals to upgrade several systems within the Express."
"Hmm… still not an ideal place to restock our supplies," Himeko said, tapping her chin lightly. "We'll likely just pass through without stopping."
[The second planet we will pass is a similar gas giant with 14 moons. Surprisingly, those moons do harbor life. However, as it lies outside the Silver Rails, we have no available data on it. Notably, it is also absent from the IPC's cosmic trade routes.] Void Archives reported.
"It's here! It's here!!!" March 7th bounced in her seat, practically glowing with excitement. "A brand-new world untouched by the Trailblaze!!!"
Off to the side, Noah frowned slightly and crossed his arms. "Hmm… a completely unknown world, huh? Do we have anything on its counterpart in our universe, VA?"
[Unfortunately, even on our side, there is no available information regarding this planet, Captain.] Void Archives replied without hesitation.
"…I see." Noah's expression tightened just a little.
Noticing that, Sirin finally released Pom-Pom, floated over, and wrapped her arms around Noah from behind.
"Relax," she said softly. "Isn't this exactly what I'm here for? I handle scouting and gathering information on new worlds in our universe, right? I can do the same here."
Noah let out a small breath as the tension left his shoulders. "…Yeah. You're right. Thanks, Sii."
"Mm. As long as you get it." Sirin gave a small nod before letting go and floating back to her seat.
Only then did she notice it; everyone was staring at her with warm smiles and knowing expressions.
"…Eh?"
The realization hit her all at once like a fast speeding train.
Sirin's face turned bright red—like she might start steaming—and she quickly grabbed Pom-Pom again, pulling the poor conductor in front of her like a shield.
"Again?! Passenger Sirin, Pom-Pom has said this many times—the conductor is not a stuffed toy!!!"
"Muu… lucky Sirin-chan…" Hayate pouted, clearly a little jealous.
"Awawa! So bold, Sirin-san!" Reinforce covered her face, peeking through the gaps between her fingers, her voice full of flustered excitement.
"…You all saw that, didn't you?" Sirin muttered, shrinking further behind Pom-Pom.
"Very clearly~," Caelus and March answered in perfect sync.
"Ahahaha…" Noah scratched his cheek, letting out a helpless laugh.
"Fufufu, you two really do have a good relationship," Himeko said warmly.
"Indeed… It's a good thing," Welt added with a small, relieved smile. 'If only the Sirin of my world had met the Captain of our world, then perhaps her ending would be different…'
"Yes, that was really bold," Caelus grinned, glancing between Noah and Sirin. "Ten out of ten. Hug from behind, an instant critical hit."
"Eeeeh?! You can't just say that out loud!" March pointed at him, half-panicking. "She's literally right there!"
"I'm just stating facts."
"That's not helping!" March leaned closer, whisper-shouting, "You're supposed to protect the embarrassed person, not expose them!"
"Hey, I am protecting her," Caelus shot back. "By recognizing how great that move was."
"That's not protection, that's commentary!"
"…Really?" Caelus tilted his head, suddenly curious.
"Really!!" March fired back without hesitation.
"Hmm… then prove it," he said, a little too casually. "You could try doing the same."
"Eh?"
"With me," he added, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. "For… research purposes."
March froze. "…Hah?"
Her face started turning red. "W-Wait—why me?! And what do you mean by 'research purposes'?! That doesn't even make sense!"
"I mean, you said we should protect embarrassed people, right?" Caelus shrugged. "So if you go first, I'll understand how it feels."
"T-That's not how it works!" March's voice jumped a bit higher. "You can't just twist my words like that—!"
"…So you won't?"
"I didn't say that—wait, I mean I did! No—I mean—ugh!"
She cut herself off, hands flailing for a second.
"…Hold on."
March narrowed her eyes at him, suspicion settling in.
"…You're messing with me, aren't you?"
Caelus didn't even try to hide it this time.
"…Maybe."
"YOU—!"
March grabbed the nearest thing—unfortunately, a cushion—and immediately swung it at him without holding back.
"HEY! Violence is not allowed on the Express!"
"You started it!"
"You escalated it!"
"You deserved it!"
"…Enough." Dan Heng let out a small, tired sigh, eyes moving between the two. "You're getting louder. Keep it down, we're still in the middle of a briefing."
"…Sorry," March mumbled, shrinking a little.
"…Not sorry," Caelus muttered under his breath.
Dan Heng's eyes went to him.
"…I heard that."
Caelus looked away. "…Still not sorry."
A soft chuckle slipped from Himeko as she lifted her cup. "You two really don't change, do you?"
Welt adjusted his glasses, a faint smile forming. "It does make the journey… more lively."
Noah watched them as a small, nostalgic smile appeared on his face.
It reminded him again of his own grandparents, same noisy arguments, easy laughter, and the kind of warmth that made their home feel lighter.
Beside him, Sirin peeks from Pom-Pom's back. "…They really are lively."
Another sigh escaped Dan Heng before he turned back to the matter at hand. "Let's... just get back on track,"
"Then, VA-san," Reinforce spoke up, picking up the thread, "after passing the second planet, we should be able to jump straight to Dormammu's location, correct?"
[That is correct, Little Zwei.] Void Archives replied.
[At present, I can only estimate the coordinates due to the lack of star map data. However, once we reach the second planet, I can utilize the Express's navigation and long-range observation systems to generate an accurate mapping of that sector.]
"So to end this chase, reaching the second planet is the key," Noah said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Still… not having any information on it beforehand is a bit concerning."
"It seems you're quite cautious, Noah," Himeko said with a small smile.
"Ahahaha… I just want to make sure we have a solid safety net before we trailblaze a new world." Noah rubbed the back of his head, a little embarrassed.
"…Back in our universe," he continued, glancing at the star map, "we often visit planets that aren't recorded on the Silver Rails. So I try to make sure the expedition team is at least prepared for whatever might be waiting for us."
"…A reasonable approach," Welt nodded. "Unknown variables should never be taken lightly."
"And it also means fewer surprises when we land," Dan Heng added, understanding his approach.
"That is a great quality," Himeko said, clearly pleased.
Her smile widened as she looked at everyone.
"Now that our route is decided, we'll proceed with our first jump toward the Aetherion system," Himeko declared.
"But we won't be stopping there. We'll pass through and head straight to the next unknown planet."
Everyone listened carefully. As the navigator of the Astral Express, her words set their course.
"Since the next world isn't part of the current Silver Rails, it will be an ideal place to refuel the Express," she added.
"Furthermore, it will give Noah, Sirin, and Hayate the chance to properly map the surrounding star systems and locate the Dimensional Entity, Dormammu."
Noah, Sirin, Hayate, and Reinforce nodded, exchanging small, grateful smiles with Himeko.
"Does anyone want to add anything to the plan?" Himeko asked, looking around the room.
"Sounds solid to me," Caelus said first, giving a small nod.
"Yeah! No complaints here," March added, raising her hand enthusiastically.
"I agree," Dan Heng said simply.
"Same here. I believe this plan is the best course of action for us," Welt followed, adjusting his glasses.
"Mm. I trust your judgment, Miss Himeko," Hayate said with a gentle smile.
"Mm! I trust everyone, too. And I'll do my best to help!" Reinforce floated a little higher, placing her tiny hands on her hips.
"…No objections," Sirin added softly from her seat.
Noah glanced around, then gave a small nod. "Looks good to me, too."
Himeko gave a small smile. "Alright then… if there's nothing else to discuss—Conductor, shall we depart?"
"Mhmm, mhmm! Don't worry, Himeko. Pom-Pom will prepare the Express for the first warp!" Pom-Pom puffed his chest proudly, then glanced at Sirin. "So… Can you please release Pom-Pom now, Passenger Sirin?"
"…Ah."
Sirin blinked, then quickly let go. "S-Sorry."
Pom-Pom straightened his uniform, clearing his throat.
"Finally… Ahem!"
He raised his voice, returning to his usual professional tone.
"Attention all passengers! Please prepare yourselves—the Astral Express will soon make its first jump toward a new world! Once again, we expand the Silver Rail of Trailblaze!"
He paused for emphasis. But everyone could clearly see his excitement.
"We will depart in thirty minutes. Until then, please make your final preparations. That is all!"
—------
As everyone settled into their seats for the jump, they waited for Pom-Pom to initiate the first warp.
Welt sat back in his seat, fingers lightly tapping his cane while he checked something on his phone, calm as ever.
Himeko relaxed with her coffee in hand, taking a small sip as she watched the others with a satisfied smile.
March, who had been scrolling on her phone, leaned closer to Caelus—who was focused on a game—and whispered something to him. He blinked, glanced at her screen, and then a grin spread across his face.
"Wait—no way," Caelus muttered.
"I told you!" March giggled, nudging him.
A second later, the two were laughing together, their shoulders touching as they compared something on their screens.
"Okay, okay—look at this part," March whispered, covering her mouth as if it would somehow hide the laughter.
Caelus leaned in a little more. "That's unfair… how did you even find that?"
"Secret talent~," she shot back with a playful wink.
"Cheater."
"Hey!"
Their voices dropped again into soft giggles, the kind that spread without trying, warm and easy. Even when they tried to lower it, it didn't really work.
Dan Heng, seated beside them, watched with half-closed eyes, his chin resting on his hand. He had the look of someone far too used to March and Caelus's antics.
"…You two should just get married already," he muttered with a small voice that was drowned out by the giggles of March.
Even so, his eyes occasionally went across the lounge, keeping track of everyone. That was when he noticed Noah and Sirin. The way they looked at March and Caelus—there was wonder there… and something familiar, like a sense of nostalgia.
"…Noah," Sirin murmured, lowering her voice so only he, Hayate, and Reinforce could hear. "Do you think… Granny Mitsuki and Grandpa Caelus were like them when they were young?"
Noah tilted his head, humming as he thought about it.
"From what I saw growing up… Grandpa and Grandma Mitsuki were really close. After all, they were childhood friends, so they didn't hold back from each other," he said slowly.
"And dad also mentioned that they already mellowed out a lot compared to how they used to be."
His expression softened as he watched March and Caelus lean close together, laughing without a care for personal space.
"So… yeah. I think they might've been like Miss March and Caelus."
"Now, I'm getting even more curious about them, Noah-kun," Hayate said with an excited smile. "If they were really like how March and Caelus are now… then their relationship must have been really sweet."
"…Yeah," Noah murmured, a gentle warmth in his voice. "Maybe… even a bit too much."
"…So it is like Noah-san with Hayate-chan and everyone else?" Reinforce said innocently.
"Pfft!!"
"R-Rein?!"
"Hmm?!"
Reinforce blinked, tilting her head slightly. "…Did I say something strange?"
"B-but N-Noah… even if it's nice seeing them like this… aren't you a direct descendant of Granny Hotaru?" Sirin quickly cut in, trying to steer things away. "From what you said before… didn't she already…?"
"A-Ahh… well…" Noah nodded slowly, clearly thankful for the save, though his expression still dimmed a little. "…Grandma Hotaru in my homeworld may have already passed on, but… with Grandma Mitsuki, Grandma Cassie, and Grandma Robin still with us, they keep our home full of warmth."
"Noah-san…" Reinforce said softly, her expression turning gentle. She floated closer and hugged the side of his head, trying to comfort him.
"…Mm," Noah closed his eyes, leaning slightly into her touch.
"I see…" Hayate listened, then tilted her head. "Still… you must be curious about Granny Hotaru's counterpart's fate in this universe, right?"
Muttering a silent 'thank you' to Reinforce, Noah scratched his cheek, a little embarrassed as he answered Hayate. "…Yeah, a bit. After all… if things turned out differently here… then the 'me' of this universe might've been born because of them."
The four of them turned their attention back to March and Caelus.
March was still laughing, lightly hitting Caelus's shoulder while he tried—and failed—to defend himself, the two of them completely at ease with each other.
"…They really don't hold back," Noah murmured.
Sirin tilted her head as she observed March more closely. Then blinked once… before a small cold sweat slid down her temple.
"…Do you think March has that… other side?" she carefully said.
"Other side?" Reinforce repeatedly.
"…Granny Evernight."
"…Oh," Now even Noah stiffened.
His heart picked up just a little as he slowly turned his attention toward March's bright, carefree laughter.
"…Is Granny Evernight really that scary?" Hayate asked, curious after seeing their reactions.
Noah and Sirin glanced at each other… then slowly turned toward her. The seriousness in their expressions made Hayate and Reinforce flinch slightly, unconsciously gulping.
But before they could answer, Pom-Pom's voice suddenly rang out through the lounge.
[Attention all passengers! The Astral Express is now ready for warp! All passengers, please take your seats and secure yourselves properly!]
"This is a brand-new experience for me," Noah said, looking up with a small smile. "I've never done the jump from the lounge before."
"Ah… that's right," Sirin nodded. "In our universe, you're usually in the driver's cabin initiating the jump yourself."
"Ohh… Noah-kun really does everything himself back there, doesn't he?" Hayate smiled softly, nudging his shoulder. "Then… you should treasure this rare chance. Only here can you experience it like this."
"This is so exciting!!!!" Reinforce bounced excitedly on Noah's shoulder, her tiny hands gripping his collar for balance.
"Whoa—careful there, Rein," Noah chuckled softly, raising a hand just in case.
"Hehe~! I'm fine, Noah-san!" she smiled.
The lights dimmed slightly as the familiar hum of the engine began to rise.
March's eyes twinkled as she stood up and walked to the middle of the lounge. "Hehehe! It's finally time for this lady's challenge!"
"You're really not going to give that up, huh?" Caelus looked at her, equal parts exasperated and amused.
"Of course not!" March puffed her chest proudly. "Just watch—this time, I'll stay standing even through the warp!!"
Caelus gave her a flat look, then glanced at Dan Heng. "Want to bet she can actually do it this time?"
"Let's not bet on something we both know she'll fail," Dan Heng replied, just as deadpan.
"Hey! I can hear you two!!" March pouted, stamping her foot.
Caelus and Dan Heng simply shrugged in sync, completely unbothered.
"Unbelievable…" March huffed, though she still held her stance.
Off to the side, Welt let out a chuckle as he straightened in his seat, preparing for the jump. Himeko shook her head with an amused smile before turning her eyes toward the window, watching the stars ahead.
[The train is about to make the jump! Hold on, everyone!] Pom-Pom's voice rang out once more as the countdown began.
[5... 4…]
Noah leaned back into his seat, exhaling slowly.
"…First jump in this universe," he murmured.
Sirin glanced at him from the side. "…Nervous?"
"No." He shook his head, a small smile forming. "Just… looking forward to what's next."
Sirin's lips curved into a faint smile.
From the middle of the lounge, March planted her feet firmly. "Alright! This time for sure, I'll stay standing!"
"You say that every time," Caelus replied, barely holding back a grin.
[3... 2…]
Outside the window, the stars began to stretch into long streaks of light. The Astral Express roared to life, the floor humming beneath them.
[...1]
And in the next instant…It leapt forward. The Silver Rails expanded once more, cutting across the stars.
Toward a world no one had ever reached before.
—-------
???, Star Rail Universe…
In the middle of the forest at night, a young man in his twenties stood at the edge of a magical circle. He was performing a ritual—one meant to summon a powerful being that could aid him in his plan.
In his hand was a wand, its tip glowing with an eerie light as he chanted. With it, he drew a line across his palm. As if sliced by an invisible blade, blood came out and dropped onto the magic circle.
The moment his blood touched it, the circle flared to life—glowing a deep crimson, oozing with something dark and malicious.
Then, with a sudden burst of light, the young man instinctively covered his eyes. When he opened them again… the forest was gone.
He is now standing in the middle of an unknown realm.
A void stretched endlessly in every direction, yet nothing felt distant. Massive, broken structures floated around him—jagged fragments of rock, twisted ruins, and shapes that defied any natural form. Some drifted slowly. Others remained completely still, as if time itself had forgotten them.
"So… you are the one who dared to call me."
The young man heard a deep, cold voice from above.
When he looked up, he saw a being that made him realize just how insignificant he was. The pressure alone weighed down on him. His body trembled, his breathing grew heavy, and his vision blurred under the sheer force of the entity's presence.
Above him was a towering, god-like silhouette of pure mystical energy. The being's most striking feature was its head—perpetually engulfed in flame. A crown of burning magic framed a face of changing darkness, cut by vertical shadows and pupil-less, glowing eyes that radiated malice. What should have been a face was only rippling cosmic energy. Its presence is both overwhelming and otherworldly.
"I-Indeed I am," the young man replied, forcing himself to appear brave. Even before a being that could erase him with a thought, he held his ground. For this madness. For his desire.
Dormammu observes him, eyes narrowing, and sees something within him that catches his attention. "Interesting… you have intentionally split your own soul."
The young man grinned. "A small price to pay for immortality."
"Hmph. A crude and vulgar method," Dormammu said with clear distaste. "…And yet, effective."
He studied the human again, more closely this time. "You show me something new—even if it is uncouth. As a reward… I will hear what you have to say."
The young man exhaled, a hint of relief slipping through despite the sweat at his brow.
"I want to make a contract with you!"
"A contract?"
"Yes! I desire power—true power! The kind that would make this world bow to me!"
The young man's voice rang with desperate conviction.
"Hm…"
"For that… I'm willing to pay any price. So tell me, oh great being—name your price for the power I seek!"
Dormammu narrowed his eyes at the young man's audacity.
Though he still appeared overwhelming before this human, the memory of his recent defeat had not faded.
Those three… especially the one who called herself a "magical girl."
Her control over dimensions had surpassed even his own. The pain of that battle—his injuries etched into his very existence—reminded him that his loss had been real.
Even after escaping, they had managed to track him. Even now, as he hid within this world… he knew it was only a matter of time before they arrived.
So…
"…Very well," Dormammu said.
"I shall grant you the power you desire. But in return… You will pay a price worthy of it."
"Name it," the young man said.
"Feed me with the life force of this planet," Dormammu replied, voice heavy and cold. "And defeat my enemies that are coming for me from beyond the sky. Do this… and I will grant you the power to rewrite reality."
The young man didn't hesitate. "Deal."
"…Then the contract is sealed."
As Dormammu's voice faded, something surged into him—power unlike anything he had ever felt, flooding through every part of his body.
"Kuh—!! Agh—!!"
He collapsed to one knee, body trembling as the power took hold. It burned, twisted—rewriting him from the inside out.
He could feel it. His very existence… is changing.
"AAAHHH—!!"
His skin darkened into a deep, blood-red hue. His limbs stretched, bones shifting under pressure. His nose flattened, his features warping as raw magic poured into him without restraint. His surroundings trembled as his already vast magical energy expanded further.
Then… after a while, it finally stopped. His convulsing body went limp.
"Haaahaaa…Heh…haaahaa…hehe," a low laugh escaped him while catching his breath.
"Ehehe… heheheh… AHAHAHAHAHA!!"
He slowly rose to his feet, looking down at his hands, then clenching them, feeling his newfound power respond to him instantly.
"…So this is it…"
His grin widened. "AHAHAHA!!! With this power, I can rewrite the very laws of this world! No one can stop me now!! Not the Great Merlin! Not the Grand Sorcerer… not even the past Dark Lords…"
He raised his head, eyes burning with madness and ambition.
"Because now… I crown myself…"
The power inside him poured out, twisting the space around him. The ground under his feet cracked under the pressure.
His grin widened as the pain faded, replaced by pure confidence.
"…the King of Magic!"
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