[Vill-V: Can I research it next time? I'm still very curious about the technology that allows a structure like this to travel in outer space.]
[Vill-V: Just thinking about it is fascinating.]
[Himeko (Astral Express): The Astral Express welcomes visitors, but if you want to research it, it might not be simple. After all, the Astral Express relies mostly on the power of Trailblaze to navigate the star seas, which isn't something purely technical can explain.]
[Welt Yang: Some things can only be explained by Paths, just like on Earth, many things can only be summarized by Honkai.]
[Tesla: I know what you're going to say, it's just those things that can't be explained by science.]
[Mei: Perhaps it's the phrase 'Honkai can do anything'?]
[Einstein: Or maybe 'Honkai energy can explain everything,' since many past problems eventually got linked to Honkai.]
[Rosaliya: I always feel like what you're saying sounds a bit off, it's strange.]
[Liliya: Don't get distracted watching the live stream during rehearsal!]
[Rosaliya: I know, I know! No, wait! Aren't you secretly watching too? And you're telling me off.]
...
[Jing Yuan: Speaking of the Astral Express, most people in the live stream should have been guests on it, right?]
[Phainon: A Astral Express that can traverse the star seas sounds incredible. Although Amphoreus doesn't have stories about the outside world, everyone knows almost nothing about what's out there.]
[March 7th: Eh, really? That's such a shame, the outside world is so wonderful.]
[Topaz: Perhaps it's similar to the situation on Jarilo-VI? Just a longer period of isolation, so gradually there were no legends about the outside world anymore.]
[Cyrene: The story of Amphoreus is actually very simple... it's just that everyone only has a small piece of heaven and earth...]
[Cyrene: I hope through the live stream, Amphoreus can truly establish contact with the outside world, and let everyone see what it's like out there.]
[Lygus: I also look forward to that day, it will be a beautiful day.]
It always feels like Cyrene and Lygus are talking about the same thing, but upon closer thought, what they're thinking seems a little different... Who knows?
...Meanwhile, on the Astral Express.
"Hmm, I completely understand~ So, in short, it's to inherit the will of Akivili, travel across the stars, and carry out Trailblaze, right?"
After listening to the explanations from Himeko and Welt, Elysia had a general understanding of the Astral Express's mission.
She nodded, smiling as she spoke.
Himeko nodded in response:
"That's right. Although it hasn't been too long since the Astral Express restarted, it has been continuously engaging in Trailblaze during this time. The goal is to resolve the 'Cancer of All Worlds'—Stellaron—in various worlds."
"'Suppressing' Stellarons is our main task. Wherever Stellarons appear, disaster often follows."
Upon hearing this, Mei became somewhat interested. She tilted her head slightly and asked:
"Stellaron? What kind of thing is that?"
Welt took over, explaining simply:
"It's something that can cause disaster. It's somewhat similar to Honkai, but specifically, there are clear differences. The impact of Stellarons seems to lean more towards distorting the developmental trajectory of a world..."
His explanation was simple because he himself wasn't entirely clear on the specific principles.
Mei listened intently, then nodded after hearing it:
"Hmm... I think I understand. It certainly sounds like a troublesome thing."
Kevin also listened quietly nearby, coming to understand the work of the Astral Express.
Mei spoke up and asked:
"Although it might be impolite, since the Astral Express's mission is to retrieve Stellarons, can I see a Stellaron?"
Himeko paused, clearly not expecting Mei to ask that. She then asked:
"Why do you suddenly want to see a Stellaron?"
Mei explained:
"I used to be engaged in scientific research for a long time, and I'm very interested in things like this."
Elysia also quickly added with a smile:
"I can vouch for her, Mei is really super amazing~ She's researched a lot of incredible things~ ♪"
Himeko thought for a moment and said:
"This... sealing a Stellaron is already difficult; casually displaying it might pose a risk. However, speaking of Stellarons, there's a ready-made one, isn't there?"
As she spoke, her gaze turned towards Stelle, her words maintaining politeness while cleverly sidestepping Mei's request.
March 7th also reacted, quickly saying:
"Oh right! Stelle has a Stellaron in her body, and she's doing fine, isn't that amazing?"
Hearing this, Stelle proudly puffed out her chest, a smug expression on her face:
"Of course, the Stellaron and I get along very well."
"Can a Stellaron be contained within a human body?"
Mei was somewhat surprised; she hadn't expected such a situation.
Welt explained:
"The Stellaron in her body is in a remarkably balanced state. We can't fully explain the specific reasons for it."
Mei nodded:
"Hmm, I understand. It is indeed a very miraculous thing."
Facing these new things, Mei and Kevin both showed strong adaptability.
This world is truly quite miraculous, and there's also the power called Paths... Afterward, Elysia and Eden went with March 7th and Stelle to look at photos. Those photos recorded the Astral Express crew's past Trailblaze journey, each one with a story, which March 7th and Stelle enthusiastically explained to them.
Dan Heng, meanwhile, took Kevin and Mei to the Data Bank, where there was a lot of information about various worlds, which would allow them to learn more about this universe.
In the Observation Car, only Himeko and Welt remained. They were watching the constantly scrolling bullet comments in the live stream, deep in thought.
Himeko sighed softly and said:
"I always feel like this universe is about to change... With this live stream, many things have become different."
Welt nodded in agreement:
"Indeed. The appearance of the live stream will surely prompt action from all factions. After all, no one would ignore a power that can communicate across worlds and potentially influence destiny."
Himeko frowned:
"Hmm, but whether they want to win us over, or exploit us, or something else... is completely unknown. There are too many variables in the future."
Welt looked out at the star sea through the window and said:
"In that case, the Astral Express's situation will also undergo some changes..."
..."Welt, don't you have a chance to go home now?"
Himeko suddenly asked with a smile.
Welt nodded, his eyes showing a hint of longing:
"Yes, although I can exchange information with Earth through the live stream, I still want to go back and see how everyone is doing."
He paused, then added:
"But I also cherish the memories here. Trailblazing with you all, experiencing so many things, it's been wonderful. I won't forget this journey."
Indeed, even if he initially boarded the Astral Express by accident, this journey truly ignited the flame of passion within him... "It seems I returned a bit late and missed quite a lot of excitement."
A soft voice suddenly sounded beside the two of them.
Himeko was startled for a moment, then regained her composure. She looked at the woman with the veil and said helplessly:
"...Miss Black Swan, it would be better if you could give us a heads-up next time. Appearing suddenly is quite startling."
Welt also nodded in agreement.
Black Swan nodded slightly and said apologetically:
"My apologies, I just didn't realize that Miss Elysia had already arrived, so I was a bit rushed. She's been a focal point recently, so I should pay my respects."
Welt looked at her and said:
"I still remember your initial comment in the live stream; you were the first to raise a question."
Black Swan said frankly:
"A question? I believe most people would question such a power that can change destiny."
"And I seem to be the only Memory Master in the live stream. This is a very rare opportunity to collect various different memories."
She paused, then added:
"I know everyone's comments. For me, these are actually precious memories that can enrich my collection."
Himeko looked at her and said directly:
"So your intentions are already quite clear."
Black Swan didn't hide it:
"Yes, I won't hide my intentions. I'm very interested in her memories, and those of her companions."
"Then shouldn't you go say hello now?"
Himeko asked.
Black Swan nodded:
"Hmm, but before that, I have one more thing to say, and it's related to the Astral Express."
"What is it?"
Himeko had a bad feeling. Black Swan suddenly mentioning the Astral Express surely wasn't simple.
"I hope you can change your next destination to the Eternal Land—Amphoreus."
Black Swan said.
Welt pondered for a moment and said:
"That name sounds familiar. It seems there are also people from there in the live stream..."
Black Swan nodded:
"That's right. It's a place that even Akivili, the Aeon of Trailblaze, never visited... and the Astral Express has reasons it must go..."
As for how great the risks are, who knows?
But the Astral Express's path of Trailblaze is inherently about moving forward into the unknown, isn't it?