"Acting Grand Master Jean, I plan to visit Mondstadt next."
"I hope you will allow it," Takagi said.
Acting Grand Master Jean: "You are coming to Mondstadt?"
Takagi: "Yes. Since I am here, it would be a pity not to visit. Also, Acting Grand Master Jean, just calling me by my name is fine."
Acting Grand Master Jean: "Alright, Takagi. You have helped us, and the Knights of Favonius should properly host you. Mondstadt welcomes you."
Although Takagi's identity remained mysterious, Acting Grand Master Jean would not turn him away. This did not align with the spirit of Mondstadt.
"I also need to return to the city as soon as possible. Takagi, you can come back with us," she added.
"Let's take my Astral Express instead. Don't worry, it won't take you to the stars; it will simply take you to Mondstadt," Takagi pointed to the train and smiled.
"This..." Acting Grand Master Jean looked at Venti.
"What does it matter? I'm quite curious about this train anyway," Venti said with a grin.
Seeing that Venti had no objections, Jean agreed. Immediately, Diluc, Paimon, and Lumine followed Takagi into the carriage.
"Wow! These are all things I've never seen before! It feels so amazing!" As soon as Paimon entered the Astral Express, she couldn't help but exclaim.
It wasn't just Paimon, Jean, and Lumine; even the audience in the live stream was surprised. Although the layout of Takagi's train was relatively simple, the advanced technology within it was undeniable. For the people of Teyvat—especially those from Sumeru and Fontaine who valued knowledge and industrial development—the items inside were particularly astonishing.
"Takagi, what is this thing?" Paimon floated in front of him, holding a rectangular object.
"Ah, that is a mobile phone. It's a device used for long-distance communication across the universe. However, in Teyvat, it can only be used to play games that don't require an internet connection," Takagi explained.
The mobile phone was part of the Astral Express's inventory. Since Teyvat lacked connectivity, Takagi hadn't brought it out earlier.
"Long-distance communication? Like the Teyvat Forum? Oh, right—what kind of game are you talking about?" Paimon asked curiously.
"I'll help you set it up. Oh, and you can close the live stream now, Paimon," Takagi said. Since the advertisement had already reached the continent, he didn't need the people of Teyvat to keep watching. If anyone wanted to travel, they could private message him through the forum.
[Focalors: Wait, don't close it! I still want to see more!]
[Yae Miko: Yes, please don't close it yet. I'm very curious about these devices from another world.]
[Alhaitham: Such advanced equipment—what principles does it operate on? I really want to observe it up close.]
[Grand Sage Azar: Knowledge! This is unknown knowledge!]
[Dori: Each of those things inside should sell for a lot of Mora, right? If I book a trip, will he give me an item from the train?]
[Alice: Seeing a mobile phone here pretty much confirms that Takagi is a visitor from another world.]
[Klee: Mommy Alice, what is a mobile phone?]
[Alice: Klee darling, it's a very advanced communication device. However, the ones I've seen can only communicate within one planet. I've truly never seen one that works across the universe.]
[Albedo: In other words, the object in Paimon's hand possesses very advanced technology? I wonder if it can be studied!]
[Arataki Itto: Am I the only one curious about the game Paimon is playing? Damn it, I want to play too! If I place an order now, can I play?]
[Kuki Shinobu: Boss, don't be impulsive. The Arataki Gang doesn't have enough money for a ticket to the stars.]
[Arataki Itto: Working some part-time jobs should be enough, right?]
[Kujou Sara: Are you the kind of person who can actually work a part-time job properly?]
...
"Fun! This is really fun! Takagi, can you give me this mobile phone?" Paimon said excitedly while playing. She had completely forgotten about closing the stream.
"If you become my customer, I can give you one. I have plenty of them," Takagi replied.
"What? That's too stingy! Just give it to me," Paimon pouted.
"No means no," Takagi shook his head. He reached out and grabbed Paimon, who was engrossed in the screen, and placed her on the sofa.
"The Astral Express is about to depart. The speed is quite high, and there will be a moment of turbulence. To avoid falling, stay on the sofa."
After speaking to Paimon, he turned to the others. Lumine, Jean, and Diluc also found seats and sat down.
"Ready? Then, let's depart."
Takagi activated the controls. The next moment, the Astral Express transformed into a beam of light and vanished from Starfell Valley.
"So fast," Venti remarked, looking at the scenery flashing past the window. It was already too blurry to see clearly. This speed surpassed even his own full-speed flight. Knowing that Takagi's vessel had such capability, Venti's estimation of him grew even higher.
"After all, it is a train that navigates the stars. If the speed isn't high enough, it could be captured by a planet's gravity," Takagi smiled and stood up.
"Alright, we have arrived at the gates of Mondstadt. Everyone, please exit in an orderly fashion."
"Wait, what? We're already here?" Venti was startled and looked out the window. His eyes widened. Diluc and Jean also stared in surprise. There stood the city of Mondstadt.
"We arrived in just a few sentences. Is this train not teleporting?" Diluc muttered.
"No, it's just a little bit faster."
Takagi opened the door, gave a playful gesture, and smiled at the group. Lumine, carrying Paimon, came to the exit. Looking at the familiar bridge, she froze in place.
"If I had this train, could I travel across the Seven Nations in one day?" she muttered.
"Sorry, this train only accepts inter-universe travel. Local projects within Teyvat are not on my list for now," Takagi said with a smile.
As Paimon arrived at the entrance, the people of Teyvat saw the city through her perspective. At that moment, everyone had the same thought: "The Astral Express is way too fast!"