Unknown Planet's Star System, Star Rail Universe…
With a flash of silver light, the Astral Express exited its jump, arriving at its destination.
[Attention, dear passengers! This is your conductor speaking. We have arrived at our destination—a new world untouched by the Trailblaze. Please hold on as we navigate toward the moon we've detected that harbors life. In the meantime, enjoy the view. Thank you.]
After Pom-Pom's announcement, March 7th rushed toward the windows, her camera already in hand.
"Woaahh… this is incredible."
"This is amazing… it doesn't look like the worlds we've seen before," Caelus murmured as he stepped beside her.
Outside, the view slowly unfolded.
Three stars lit the system: one bright yellow, one softer orange, and a distant red glow farther out. Their light blended, casting it across the planets.
Massive gas giants orbiting their respective stars, each planet's surface has these magnificent swirling clouds. Some had rings of ice and debris that reflected starlight, giving a fantasy look. Smaller rocky planets moved along them, some wrapped by thick atmospheres, others bare and dry.
Further ahead, one gas giant stood out from the rest. Surrounding it were multiple moons, each with different sizes and features, but one in particular caught their attention. It was vibrant and alive. Even from this distance, its atmosphere glowed with colors of life.
"…It's that one, isn't it?" March whispered, already snapping pictures.
"Yeah… that's definitely it," Caelus nodded.
"Based on the Express's observation systems, this is a trinary star system," Dan Heng said as he stepped closer. "A yellow dwarf star and an orange dwarf star orbit each other, while a red dwarf star lies farther out and circles them both."
Noah, Sirin, Hayate, Reinforce, Welt, and Himeko stepped closer as Dan Heng continued.
"There are about sixteen planets in this system. Five around the yellow dwarf star, eight around the orange dwarf star, and three around the red dwarf star."
"Sixteen… that's quite a lot for one system," Welt said, raising a brow.
Himeko gave a small nod. "Then our target world should be, as Noah mentioned, one of the fourteen moons of the fourth planet orbiting the yellow dwarf star."
One by one, they glance toward Noah. He was staring out the window with a distant, faraway look. His soft expressions had changed to a serious one. Ever since they were about to leave Aetherion IV… something was constantly tugging the Force.
"Noah-san… how do you feel now?" Reinforce asked softly, floating a little closer, her small hands at his collar.
He gave the little fairy a light touch with his finger before answering.
"…I can hear them clearly now."
Reinforce's brows knit. "…Hear them…?"
He pressed his lips together as he continued.
"…I can now hear their cries… their call for help."
As he said that… the lounge went silent. March's grip on her camera tightened as she nervously glanced at Caelus. He met her eyes, worry clear on his face. Dan Heng's expression sharpened, already alert. Himeko's attention turned back to the stars, her eyes narrowing slightly. Welt adjusted his glasses; his grip around his cane was tight.
Sirin floated closer, wrapping her arms around Noah's side, resting her cheek against his shoulder. Hayate gently held his hand and gave it a soft squeeze. Reinforce held his finger with both of her hands, offering as much comfort as she could.
Noah slowly exhaled.
"Whoever they were…" he murmured, "they're in so much pain and desperately need help."
[Captain, I'm detecting fifteen ships orbiting our destination moon.]
Void Archives' golden cube form suddenly appeared beside them, reporting in.
[Possibly more. I'm also detecting signals coming from within the moon itself.]
Noah's expression tightened at once. His heartbeat spiked as his eyes snapped toward the distant world outside the window.
"…fifteen?" Caelus frowned.
March lowered her camera. "…That many ships… around one world?"
Everyone in the lounge straightened, the mood changing in an instant.
[Based on their signal patterns, they are not part of any known interstellar civilization or faction.]
Void Archives fell silent for a second.
[Conjuncture: This force is either a newly emerged faction… or one that has remained undetected until now.]
Noah's hand slowly clenched.
"…It's them," he murmured.
"Noah-kun?" Hayate glanced at him.
Noah didn't look away from the window.
"…It's them," his voice was tense. "The reason this world is calling for help."
Silence fell over the lounge. No one needed to ask anything else; they all could imagine what that meant.
"…I don't want to think about it, but…" March bit her lips as she spoke, her voice unusually small. "…Are they perhaps invading this world?"
Caelus reached for her hand without thinking.
"Hey… we don't know that yet." He gave a small squeeze. "They could be here to help. Like us."
March shook her head. "But… if what Noah's feeling is right… then those people aren't here for anything good…"
Himeko's expression darkened further. "...Then we can't just let that continue."
Welt's eyes remained locked on outside the window as he spoke. "Regardless of their true purpose, whether they came to help or to invade, we still need to see it for ourselves."
His eyes narrowed as he continued, "We need to go down there, learn what's really happening… And then decide our next move."
Noah nodded, then turned to Himeko. "…Miss Himeko, does the Express here have a camouflage system?"
"Yes, we do," Himeko answered. "Though… we've rarely used it. The Express isn't something we usually try to hide."
Noah hesitated for a moment, then looked at her, "…Can we use it this time?"
Himeko met his eyes, noticing the seriousness within them.
"I don't want them noticing us yet," he added. "Not at least until we're sure what they are."
Himeko pursed her lips as she considered his words, then gave a small nod. "Understood. We'll activate it as we approach."
Outside, the Astral Express lit up before slowly fading from sight as it moved closer to the not-far-away world. Now that they were within the yellow dwarf star's gravitational influence, the Astral Express could fully observe the system.
Reinforce flew upward, small Belkan magic circles spinning around her, and read the results of scans in real time.
"There are two terrestrial planets and three gas giants in this region," she explained, voice clear but gentle. "Our destination is one of those gas giants… more precisely, a life-bearing moon orbiting it."
She stopped for a bit, eyes narrowing a little as new data streamed in.
"…But there's something odd," she added, tilting her head. "They're focusing only on this moon… even though there's another nearby with almost the same size and environmental conditions."
She raised a tiny hand, pointing at the projection forming beside her.
"Both are showing strong biosignatures from this distance… so ignoring the other one doesn't make much sense."
Void Archives projected a wide screen in sync with her words, mapping the system in real time. Another display zoomed in on their target moon and the ships surrounding it.
"Thank you, Rein," Hayate said, giving her a small, appreciative smile.
Reinforce nodded and floated down to sit on Hayate's shoulder, steadying herself lightly with one hand.
"…I'll keep monitoring the data," she added softly, eyes still on the projections.
"…So that's them," Caelus muttered, leaning closer.
"This level of technology… it may not match the interstellar standards we're used to, but for them to reach another star system like this… that's already a massive leap." Welt's eyes narrowed as he studied the ships.
The ships came into clearer view. They were massive skeletal-like structures, built around a long central frame. Rotating rings spun slowly along the body, with extended radiators and heavy engines at the rear. It didn't look like a normal interstellar ship, but a moving industrial complex.
"…It looks uncomfortable," March said, frowning a little.
Welt mused as he analyzed the ship's structure, "Comfort wasn't their goal. They prioritized functionality… and efficiency."
Dan Heng nodded at Welt's words, "With this kind of ship design, their home planet shouldn't be too far from here."
He narrowed his eyes, "A vessel like that sacrifices long-term sustainability for raw transport capability, meaning they likely operate within a relatively close interstellar range rather than a deep, prolonged travel."
Reinforce blinked at his words, then raised both hands as small magic circles formed around her.
"Let me check that…" she murmured as her scan expanded outward.
She carefully cross-checked the star map with her results before speaking again.
"…There is a habitable planet… approximately 4.423 light-years away from here," she reported, her tone more certain now.
With a small wave of her hand, the scan results appeared on the screen.
"…That would support Dan Heng-san's conclusion," she continued, glancing back at the projection. "This civilization is likely still early in interstellar travel… but capable of making repeated trips between systems."
She lowered her gaze slightly, thinking it through.
"…So this isn't a one-time expedition. They've been coming and going for a while."
"…So they've been doing this for a while," Noah muttered.
Reinforce gave a small nod. "…Yes. And with this level of traffic… they won't likely stop for some time."
Everyone kept watching as smaller transport ships moved back and forth, carrying containers between the world below and the larger ships above.
"…That's a lot of cargo," Caelus muttered, leaning closer.
Hayate's brows furrowed. "Don't tell me… they came all this way just to gather resources?"
Noah didn't answer immediately. His eyes stayed on the screen.
"…VA, Rein… can both of you scan and check what's inside those containers?"
[Orders received… Scanning… Compiling… Complete.]
Void Archives responded quickly.
[They are extracting natural resources—metal ores, crystalline materials, and rare minerals. They are also collecting biological samples: animals, plants… and people.]
"…P-people?" March's voice dropped, and she felt her body become weak.
"…Y-you're joking, right...?" Caelus' eyes widened.
Reinforce, bit her lips as she slowly nodded her head. "…They were taking them as biological samples."
Her voice trembled as she continued speaking. "They're likely extracting genetic data from the natives of this world… mapping it, cataloging it… trying to understand them at a deeper level."
Himeko's expression slowly darkened as she watched the display.
"…So they're not just mining here," she said. "…They're taking everything they can from this world."
Noah's hand clenched at his side as he heard Hayate and Sirin gasp.
Reinforce took a deep breath before continuing, trying to calm her feelings.
"I'm also detecting an unknown mineral with high superconductive properties in those shipments…"
[Hypothesis: this material is likely unique to this world and may be the reason for their operation—either for energy production or technological development.] Void Archives added.
Silence settled over the lounge. No one dared to speak for a moment.
Himeko let out a deep breath and clapped her hands once, snapping everyone from their thoughts.
"…Alright." Her eyes moved across everyone.
"For the exploration team… I assume you four will be going down, correct?"
"Yes," Noah answered without hesitation.
Sirin stepped forward. "We're going too."
Hayate nodded. "We're not letting Noah-kun go alone."
"Of course I'm going too," Reinforce said without hesitation. "I won't leave Hayate-chan, Noah-san, and Sirin-san's side no matter what!"
Himeko nodded, then looked at March, Caelus, and Dan Heng. "How about you three?"
Caelus didn't hesitate. "I'm going as well."
His voice was more serious than usual. "There's no way I'm staying out of this after seeing… all of that."
March stepped in right after him. "Then I'm going too."
She crossed her arms, but her tone carried more concern than attitude. "I'm not letting Caelus go alone in this kind of situation."
Caelus let out a small sigh. "…Yeah. I figured you'd say that."
Dan Heng gave a slight nod, arms still crossed. "If these two are going, then I'm going as well. The three of us have always moved together. That hasn't changed."
Caelus glanced at him and gave a faint smile. "Yeah… it hasn't."
He raised a fist toward Dan Heng. Dan Heng met it with a light bump, returning the same small smirk.
March, feeling left out, puffed her cheeks. "Hey—what about me?"
The two boys looked at each other… then both shrugged at the same time.
"HEY—!"
March stepped forward and grabbed Caelus by the sleeve, giving it a small, annoyed tug. "You two are seriously the worst."
Caelus chuckled. "You just missed it."
"That's not how that works!"
Himeko watched the three of them for a moment, then a small, proud smile formed at the corner of her lips.
"I understand your choices."
She straightened slightly. "Then the six of you will go down, establish contact with the locals, and learn what's really happening."
Her attention went briefly toward the world outside before returning to them. "Welt and I will remain on the Express. We'll continue observing from orbit and provide support if needed."
"Himeko… this—" Welt frowned, about to object, but Himeko raised her hand to stop him.
"I know you want to go as well; to make sure they're safe," Himeko said. "But… we need you here more."
She held his stare. "With your abilities, it's more effective for us to defend and counter from orbit than on the ground."
Welt went silent, thinking it through. If things escalated… if those ships made a move… Then, as Himeko said, only he and she could respond strategically based on their abilities.
"…Fine," he said after a moment. "I don't like it, but… you're right."
Himeko smiled softly. "Thank you, Welt."
Then she turned to the six.
"Listen… I know all of you are strong—very strong—but be careful down there." Her tone grew more serious. "From what we can see, this world may already be a war zone."
She looks at each of them, making sure her words sink in. "Stay together. Watch each other's backs."
" " " Yes." " "
Noah, Sirin, Hayate, Reinforce, Caelus, March 7th, and Dan Heng answered.
Himeko gave them a small, warm smile.
"Alright… go. And come back safe."
—--------
"Woooaaaahh…"
"This is… so beautiful…"
March and Hayate couldn't help but gasp as the world opened up before them.
A vast blue sky stretched above, filled with drifting clouds. Massive chunks of landmasses floated high in the air, hanging there as if gravity had simply let go. Thick vines connected them like natural bridges, while trees and plant life wrapped around their surfaces. Waterfalls poured from the edges, falling into open air before fading into mist long before they reached the ground.
Reptilian creatures soared between the floating landmasses, their wings cutting smoothly through the sky.
Behind them was a dense forest, its towering trees thick enough to make a person look small. Strange animals moved along the branches, stopping now and then to peek curiously at Noah and the others.
It was truly a breathtaking world to see.
Reinforce opened a magic circle and began scanning the surroundings, watching the results come together in front of her.
"…This moon is a bit smaller than most habitable worlds," she said, thinking as she spoke. "Gravity's lighter too… around eighty percent. The air is denser, and the environment feels warm and humid."
She frowned for a bit as she explained the readings from her spell.
"…But… It's not safe to breathe."
Everyone's heads snapped toward her.
"The atmosphere looks normal at first," Reinforce continued, a hint of unease in her voice. "But… there's too much carbon dioxide, and traces of xenon, methane, and hydrogen sulfide."
She glanced up at the sky for a second, then back to them.
"…Even a short exposure without protection would be dangerous. It's a habitable world… but normal humans can't survive here naturally."
"…So you are saying… that it's not actually safe to breathe here?" March said, her earlier cheer gone as a bead of sweat slid down her temple.
"…Yes," Reinforce nodded, "There's far too much poisonous gases in the air… humans wouldn't be able to breathe here."
She hesitated for a bit before continuing, "Without proper protection, it would become dangerous very quickly. You'd feel it almost right away… and it wouldn't take long before you lose consciousness."
"…Ohhh," March almost panicked.
"All hail Akivili! All hail the Trailblaze for keeping us alive out here!" Caelus said with a relieved laugh.
A few of them let out a breath they didn't realize they were holding, the tension leaving them entirely.
After a moment, Caelus stepped toward the glowing plants near the forest entrance, curiosity getting the better of him.
"…Can I touch it?"
"You're already touching it," Sirin said flatly from behind.
"…Oh." Caelus blinked, then grinned. "Nice."
The plant reacted at once; it brightened lightly, then it gently folded toward his hand, as if responding to him.
"…It moved." Caelus' voice was full of unhidden surprise.
"…Yeah, it definitely moved," Sirin tilted her head. "Everything here… looked alive?"
"…It does feel alive," Dan Heng added, his eyes moving across the forest. "More than usual."
Noah didn't join their conversation. He remained standing with his eyes closed, taking a deep breath—then another—letting the sensation of this world sink into him.
"…Yeah," he murmured, "…this world is truly alive."
But his words weren't just about the plants or the animals around them, but something deeper, something bordering on mystical. It was silently watching them, curious yet wary.
He opened his eyes and watched the world around them.
"…Noah?" March tilted her head. "Are you okay? You've been staring off for like… ten seconds now."
"…Five," Dan Heng corrected.
"…That's still long!"
Reinforce floated closer to Noah's shoulder, "Noah-san… are you sensing something?"
Noah blinked once, then let out a small breath and smiled at them.
"…I'm fine." He wasn't lying. "…This world is just… full of wonder."
Sirin glanced at him from the side. "Mhmm… I can feel it too. This world… there's more to it than what we see."
"…Yeah," Noah murmured, thinking for a moment, trying to put it into words.
"…It's like…" He tilted his head slightly. "…everything here is connected."
March blinked. "…Connected? How?"
Noah gave a small shake of his head. "I'm not sure either…"
While he can feel that there is something that connects every living being in this world, Noah is sure that it wasn't like the Force. Just something similar or close to it.
Following his instincts, he slowly walked toward the nearest tree and placed his palm against it. He closed his eyes, letting the Force guide him.
Everyone's eyes widened as they watched the world respond to his touch. A gentle breeze brushed past them, playfully, like a curious child. The tree swayed gently, as if welcoming his touch. The plants around him lit up, their glow soft, moving as if they were reaching back.
"…Huh?" Caelus leaned forward. "Did that plant just react to him?"
"...You notice it too, right?" March said carefully
"Yeah. It didn't do that much to me earlier."
"…Maybe it just has good taste."
"HEY."
Ignoring the couple's usual banter, Dan Heng's attention remained on Noah, keeping a watchful eye, ready to take action in case anything happened.
Reinforce simply floated nearby, her small hands clasped together as she watched Noah, waiting patiently for him to finish.
Sirin and Hayate, however, were far more relaxed. Knowing who Noah really was, they fully trusted him.
Noah didn't respond to the noise around him. His focus followed where the Force was gently leading him. He was reaching for something within this world. Not physically, but… something on a spiritual level.
And…he saw it. A vast tree, overflowing with life. Its roots stretched everywhere, connecting through every living thing in this world, from the smallest grains of sand to the widest lands. Wherever there was life… that connection existed.
As if sensing Noah's presence, it answered him. Not through words nor even with thoughts…But with feelings.
'…You are not from this world.'
Noah's eyes opened in surprise. He didn't expect to actually meet the 'Will' of the world.
"…Yes. We are visitors from the stars," he answered. "My companions and I… we came here after I heard your cry."
'You… heard us?'
"…I did." Noah answered, "I heard your call for help… I felt your pain. That's why… we came."
'…You are… different from them.'
Noah nodded, understanding that it was comparing him to the other humans. "Yeah… we are."
He let out a small smile. "We're here to be your friends."
The 'Will' went silent for a moment before answering him. '…We believe you.'
Something has changed around them the moment the world said that.
The breeze felt softer, brushing against them like a gentle touch. The leaves followed, rustling gently. Even the trees and plants rustled as if truly welcoming them.
"…Woaaahh…" March trailed off, looking around.
Sirin blinked as she looked around. "… Something's different."
Caelus rubbed the back of his head, trying to put it into words. "It feels like…"
"…the world is giving us a hug?" Hayate finished.
Dan Heng remained silent for a moment, then gave a small nod. "…and like the world trusts us now."
Reinforce gently lowered herself beside Hayate, her expression soft, a little uncertain.
"…Just like everyone said... It's like the world is accepting us. Like it's telling us we're welcome here… that we're safe here."
While they didn't fully understand it, they could feel it. This world had accepted them.
Then, the Will showed Noah one last image.
Humans… and the natives of this world, tall, blue‑skinned humanoid beings, fighting side by side against the other humans invading their home.
The battle was chaotic. Desperate even. Although many of their own fell… they kept going. Fighting, never turning away... all for the world they called home.
Noah couldn't help but let out a sigh as he watched them fight. He could tell they weren't warriors. That they were peaceful beings… but they were forced to become one.
The vision changed again, rising toward the sky.
A floating landmass came into view, covered by thick roots and plants. Figures rushed across it, carrying the wounded, preparing for what comes next.
It was a base, a place for those who had no choice but to leave their homes behind.
'…Please… help our children…'
The voice was faint… but it reached him clearly.
Noah nodded, "…Leave it to us."
And then he opened his eyes. Everyone was already looking at him.
"…It's a war," Noah told them. "The natives are holding on… but slowly... they're being pushed back."
March bit her lip. "…So it really is an invasion…"
Noah gave a small nod.
"There's a base," he continued, "Inside a floating landmass. That's where the resistance is."
"Mhmm, we can't afford to waste time anymore," Sirin said, placing her hand on her hips. "We can't let things continue like this."
"We'll protect them too," Hayate's expression tensed, nodding. "We will stand alongside them."
"That's right!" Reinforce said, nodding firmly, her small fists clenched with determination. "No one should have to lose their home like this."
"I…I will document everything that will happen here," March said, gripping her camera a little tighter than usual. "I want their story to be told in the right way."
"Then there will be much for us to do," Dan Heng added as he looked at the distance. "If we are going to join them, we have to do it right. There will be a lot of lives depending on this."
"Heh… with the Galactic Baseballer and his merry friends…" Caelus grinned, rolling his shoulders. "There is nothing to be worried about."
Noah looked at each of them, then gave a nod.
"Let's go," A small smile formed; it was small but filled with resolve.
"We have a world to save."
======