Chapter 127 - 126: Topaz: Meeting the Aeon [Game], Chosen by Destiny!

2 extra chapters as a small gift for y'all. ****** In the Outlying Snow Plains near Jarilo-VI's outskirts, Topaz was slowly walking alone across the snowy landscape. Beside her, Numby occasionally burrowed into snowdrifts and rolled out, clearly enjoying itself immensely. Topaz wasn't here merely for sightseeing or a leisurely stroll. With headphones on and a serious expression, she participated in a voice conference organized by their Strategic Investment Department. Hence, she deliberately chose this secluded location. "Ladies and gentlemen, the recent surge in popularity of 'Honkai: Star Rail' has significantly impacted our company, as I'm sure you've noticed. "Firstly, we're seeing a diversion of capital across various regions, and secondly, Stellaron Hunter: Kafka invaded news studios just to endorse her character within the game..." "In light of these events, does anyone have any thoughts or opinions they'd like to share?" However, after the woman spoke, no one responded. Everyone simultaneously chose to play dead, as if collectively going offline! Even Topaz seemed not to hear, casually kicking at small branches near the snowdrifts. "Cough... cough..." The woman appeared slightly awkward as well. Adopting a less "official" tone, she softly said, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is an internal meeting of our Strategic Investment Department; there's no need to be so formal." "I won't interpret your words as strategic directives either." "I merely wish to hear everyone's perspectives before the impending storm arrives." Her reassurance immediately elicited several sighs of relief from around the table. A man's voice then rang out, instantly recognizable to Topaz—it was Aventurine. "What's your take?" "I'll just enjoy some fine wine while watching it unfold!" "We're not like those old geezers from the Marketing Development Department; they're the ones most anxious about Honkai: Star Rail's popularity. What does it have to do with us in Strategic Investment?" "As long as we focus on our tasks and proceed with utmost certainty, even if a massive wave comes crashing down, it won't drown us." Topaz couldn't help but chuckle aloud. "Well," she said, "you certainly live up to your reputation, Director Aventurine, always so confident. However, given the current situation, I believe that confidence might be somewhat misplaced." "Honkai: Star Rail has already had significant impacts across various industries. Don't assume our Marketing Development Department can remain unaffected." She paused briefly before adding, "To be honest, my debt-collection mission on Jarilo-VI was directly influenced by this game..." Immediately, someone asked, "Oh? How so? Director Topaz, please share your experience; it could help us colleagues anticipate potential issues." However, Topaz's voice grew fainter and eventually disappeared entirely from the audio conference. The woman who had initially spoken called out, "Director Topaz? Topaz?" "Topaz's work performance has always been our department's benchmark; she wouldn't disappear midway without reason. Something must have happened to her." "Ladies and gentlemen, check your individual navigation maps. Whoever is closest to Director Topaz, swiftly go assist her!" Aventurine, having just departed Jarilo-VI not long ago, fell silent... On the snowy plains, Topaz felt her eyelids growing heavier. An irresistible wave of drowsiness swept over her. With a sudden thud, she collapsed into the snow. Seeing this, Numby sprinted to Topaz's side to check if she was still breathing! Realizing that Topaz had merely passed out, with her breaths steady, it seemed somewhat disappointed and shook its head. Time to play in the snow! Within the Dreamscape, Topaz looked around at the vast expanse of white, feeling puzzled. She pinched herself gently. "Am I...dreaming?" "How did I fall asleep during a conference call halfway through? "I haven't even been staying up late lately!" "And this dream... Hiss, why does the pain feel so real?!" Just then, a voice leisurely echoed. "It was I who brought you into this Dreamscape." Before Topaz appeared a young man with extraordinary presence and long white hair. "...Who are you?" "The developer of Honkai: Star Rail, Feathered Spirit." Upon hearing that name, Topaz gasped sharply! Meanwhile, Lin Yu gestured courteously to invite her attention. Instantly, their surroundings transformed into an elegant, well-lit café. The two found themselves in a quiet private booth, each with a cup of coffee on the table before them. "My apologies for reaching out to you so abruptly without your consent." "No, no, not at all! What are you saying? It's truly an honor to be acknowledged by someone like you," Topaz exclaimed gratefully. Seeing the other take a seat first, Topaz hastily followed suit. There was no doubt about it! Only the legendary figure capable of such incredible feats could have summoned them here. Topaz cautiously took a sip of her coffee. The temperature was perfect, its aroma invigorating. The meticulous detail in creating even a simple Dreamscape object indirectly showcased Feathered Spirit's immense power! This individual, sought after by the entire universe—despite deploying all available resources, their company hadn't managed to find a single trace of him... And now, he sat calmly across from her, casually sipping coffee! How could Topaz not feel overwhelmed with excitement? "Gulp..." Normally, Topaz sipped her coffee with grace, but today, perhaps due to excitement and nervousness, she couldn't help but chug it hastily. She stole another glance from the corner of her eye. "Tsk tsk tsk..." "Look at that presence!" "Clearly a top-tier figure." "I've never felt this much pressure even when meeting [Diamond]..." "He's an Emanator?... No, no, that's too low!" "Aeon?!... Hmm, quite likely!" "Even if not, he must be close to that level." Topaz was rendered speechless. Had she just witnessed the Aeon of this game...? But what could his purpose be? Lin Yu fully understood the extent of Topaz's awe. An Aeon of the game? Not a bad title; he could use it as one of his aliases in the future. Seeing the moment ripe for revelation, Lin Yu spoke up: "I've observed your actions in Belobog. "Therefore, "in the next update, "I plan to incorporate your quest for retribution on Jarilo-VI into the storyline of Honkai: Star Rail." Topaz was utterly dumbfounded. What?! He wants to turn my debt collection mission into part of the plot? It was just one ordinary task among countless others at his company. Wait! It must be because of this planet—Jarilo-VI! This is the world favored by Feathered Spirit! And I happened to undertake a mission related to it. Suddenly, Topaz had an epiphany! No wonder Bronya vehemently opposed involving the company with Jarilo-VI! She truly made the right bet! As long as Jarilo-VI remains under the control of the Berunbergians, it holds value for Feathered Spirit! In essence, alongside Preservation, they now have another Aeon—the Game—to support them! Moreover, unlike other Aeons who show indifference and apathy towards the human world, the Game Aeon's focus is specifically on observing the universe and reality itself. Phew, that's fortunate! I made the correct choice! And look, it has indeed caught Feathered Spirit's attention! Just as Topaz affirmed his decision, Lin Yu continued: This revelation stunned her so much she almost thought it was all a dream! Wait. Maybe this is just a dream?! "Furthermore," "I will introduce 'Topaz' as a limited-time five-star character." Topaz was momentarily bewildered! Fortunately, being one of the company's "Ten Stonehearts," she had experienced significant events before. After her heart raced for a minute, she managed to compose herself and cautiously asked, "But..." "As an employee of [the Company], isn't this... somewhat inappropriate...?" What Topaz meant was whether her involvement could negatively impact the popularity or content of "Honkai: Star Rail." Typically, characters featured directly in games were those with ideals, romantic backstories, and distinct personalities - like members of the Astral Express crew or Stellaron Hunters... Topaz believed she didn't possess anything particularly special. "Oh, I understand." "Employees at your company usually don't act without some benefit..." Upon hearing this, Topaz paled instantly! A misunderstanding occurred! Feathered Spirit, please clarify quickly! She hastily explained, "How dare I ask you for money?! Being featured in 'Honkai: Star Rail' as a playable character is already an immense honor!" "In fact, I should be paying you a production fee!" "Please feel free to request anything!" Lin Yu exclaimed. "For instance, like Kafka's self-introduction showcasing her abilities, I have absolutely no issue with that!" "And if you think it's not suitable, having Numby appear instead is fine too!" Lin Yu inwardly smiled, knowing his objective had been achieved. "That sounds great." "If there's any need, I'll be in touch again." "Perfect, take your time. I eagerly await the release of the new version!"