Chapter 23 - 23: Hidden Ending of the Astral Express? The Acknowledgments Reveal Too Much!

[Welt, the wise former leader of Anti-Entropy, inherited the title 'World' and has repeatedly saved humanity from the brink of destruction.] Reading the character profile for Welt within the game, Himeko couldn't help but smile. He playfully teased his companion, "Welt, I had no idea you harbored such a wealth of stories." "And even being called a 'Sovereign'? Saving the world multiple times... How come you never mentioned these extraordinary experiences before?" Old Yang's expression looked somewhat uneasy. On one hand, the sudden exposure of his past left him feeling unsettled. On the other hand, he began to harbor doubts about this game. He had never shared these personal experiences with anyone! Not even with his friends on the train did he reveal them. Yet, it seemed the developers of this game were intimately familiar with his past! Considering who among the vast universe could possess such deep knowledge about both himself and the Astral Express Crew, only one person came to mind: The golden-haired man who disembarked prematurely! "If it was him, perhaps he truly has the capability to create a game like this..." However, Old Yang felt something wasn't quite right. This unease stemmed from an instinctive realization. To put it simply, the style just didn't match! If that person had developed this game, its style would never be like this! "Then who else could it be..." "Forget it; let's advance the plot first and see what information we can gather from the game." With that thought, Old Yang decided to shift the conversation. He couldn't allow Himeko's focus to remain solely on him. He spoke up, "In the previous scene, wasn't Stelle caught by Nanook just at a crucial moment?" "That's correct. Based on the presentation, it aligns with our earlier speculation." "There are many peculiar aspects about that child." "Yes, right now, I'm deciding from her perspective whether to board the train or not." Himeko lifted her phone slightly and smiled, saying, "I'm quite curious, if she hadn't chosen to board the train and instead stayed at the space station, how would the outcome have differed?" "The reality cannot be changed, but within this game, there might be a chance to witness an alternate ending." Upon hearing this, even Old Yang became intrigued. With Herta and Asta's consent, Himeko successfully managed to keep Stelle at the space station. "Goodbye, Ms. Himeko." On the screen, a scene unfolded: Himeko, Welt, Dan Heng, and March 7th were preparing to board the train, bidding farewell to the Trailblazer. An accompanying caption appeared: After careful consideration, you decline Himeko's invitation. The whistle blows as the Astral Express is about to depart, your newfound friends waving goodbye. This parting mirrors the sudden yet steadfast encounter. "It actually triggered this ending?" Both Himeko and Old Yang were taken aback. The subsequent sequence caught them completely off guard! Following the departure of the Astral Express, the space station vigorously initiates its reconstruction efforts. Meanwhile, you begin studying the Stellaron with Herta. However, soon enough, Herta loses interest in both you and the Stellaron. Under Asta's arrangements, you become a researcher at the space station. At [Herta], you lead a tranquil life. The Astral Express returns several times but then disappears without further news. From travelers passing through the space station, you hear tales of the Astral Express and the Stellaron Hunters' universe-shaking conclusion. Occasionally, you can't help but wonder if boarding that train might have led to a different future for them. "However, that is no longer of concern to you." Himeko and Old Yang exchanged glances. Both saw astonishment and shock mirrored in each other's eyes! Who could have imagined they would truly achieve such an unprecedented ending?! The journey had genuinely come to its end. With just a few strokes, the production team managed to convey the profound melancholy and desolation of the future! If life could be lived anew... They couldn't help but fall deep into contemplation. Living quietly as ordinary individuals, spending their entire lives at the space station— Perhaps this conclusion wasn't such a bad choice after all? Even for Himeko and Old Yang, facing this outcome stirred complex emotions within them. The earth-shattering finale of the Astral Express and Stellaron Hunters...? What exactly will transpire in the future? As they gazed out at the starry sky, lost in thought, the closing credits began to roll: [Leading Actor: Stelle] [Dan Heng as Dan Heng] [??? as March 7th] [Himeko as Himeko] [Achim Nokian-Virtanen as Welt] Upon seeing these lines, Himeko was utterly speechless. Welt felt his scalp tingle with unease! The credits for Stelle and Dan Heng were expected. Himeko portraying herself also made sense. However, March 7th's name was replaced by three question marks, indicating her true identity remained unknown! Did this imply that the March 7th they knew might not be the real one? The thought sent chills down their spines! As for Old Yang, seeing his own name evoked both familiarity and strangeness. Indeed, it was his original birth name. Later, after inheriting Welt's title and Lawbreaker Core, he adopted his mother's surname, transforming into Welt Yang—the new bearer of the Law of Reason! Yet such information was his deepest secret! How could the game developers possibly know about it? Old Yang began to break out in cold sweat. With a hoarse voice, he addressed his equally astonished companion, "Himeko, I think we need to investigate these developers." "The amount of information they possess... is just too much!" Himeko nodded emphatically, "Agreed, I'll start the investigation right away."