Chapter 42 - 41: Premonitions of the Future? This Game Is Getting Increasingly Absurd!

"What?! "The game starts with the space station under attack by the Antimatter Legion? The storyline mirrors exactly what we experienced in reality?!" "What?! "The Astral Express Crew, Kafka, and Silver Wolf are actual playable characters in the game? And they even have unique ultimate ability animations?" "What?! "Our expedition on Jarilo-VI has been turned into the main questline? You completed it from start to finish? People are streaming it online too?!" After hearing Himeko and Welt's description, March 7th collapsed onto the train carriage floor, feeling utterly disoriented, as if her soul had left her body. Who am I? Where am I? What did I do? The sheer volume of information overloaded her brain, causing her CPU to fry. Stelle's situation wasn't much better. Initially, this Trailblazing journey had been quite successful—the outcome could even be considered favorable, as she managed to secure the Great Guardian's weapon along the way. However, the sudden appearance of this game shattered any sense of victory, leaving her with endless questions. "What on earth happened in the universe while I was out exploring?! "Who created this damned mobile game?! "They exposed my prank hiding in that hotel closet!" "How am I supposed to maintain my Milky Way Bat reputation now?" Once she found the developer responsible, Stelle vowed to charge fiercely at them using her newly acquired huge lance! In contrast to the distraught state of the two girls, Dan Heng appeared remarkably composed. True to his nature, he remained unfazed amidst turmoil, like a stoic little azure dragon. Silently seated in a corner of the train carriage, he browsed content related to Honkai: Star Rail on his phone without uttering a word. Occasionally, his eyebrows would furrow, and his gaze would darken. Being suddenly thrust under the scrutiny of the entire universe left him unsettled. Fame held no importance for him; what mattered most was... the debt of vengeance weighing heavily upon him. If "that person" saw him, despite his altered appearance, they would recognize him instantly—and undoubtedly pursue him relentlessly. Even the Astral Express couldn't shield him from this scrutiny. Dan Heng didn't want his troubles to endanger his fellow passengers on the train. A decision began to take root within him—perhaps it was time to disembark. Just then, an announcement blared over the train's speakers: "Hello-hello—this is your conductor." "All passengers, please gather promptly at the main hall for an emergency meeting!" "I repeat, gather immediately at the main hall for an emergency meeting!" Upon arriving at the hall, Dan Heng found everyone else already assembled. March 7th and Stelle held their heads, still struggling to process the overwhelming information. However, they appeared somewhat recovered from their initial shock. Seeing that all were present, Pom-Pom cleared her throat and spoke up, "Regarding the game 'Honkai: Star Rail,' Himeko and Welt have briefed me on the situation." "This game, developed using our Astral Express as its theme, exposes numerous previously unknown secrets about the train. "And every passenger here, including myself as the conductor, without exception— "We've all become characters within the game! "While he did quite well, Pom... "Without seeking our consent beforehand, this action severely infringes upon the privacy of both the train and its passengers! "As your conductor, I believe we must confront this game head-on!" Pom-Pom declared emphatically. On any other day, March 7th would have enthusiastically chimed in with, "Yes! Fight to the bitter end!" But now, she paid Pom-Pom's words no heed. Instead, she lowered her voice and turned to Stelle beside her. "You said you wanted to draw Ji Zi?" "Lucky coincidence—I want to draw Ji Zi too!" "And if we get Uncle Yang as well, combined with you and me, we'd form an unstoppable Astral Express Crew..." With hands on hips, Pom-Pom approached March 7th sternly and demanded, "Passengers March 7th and your companion here... What exactly are you two up to?!" March 7th sheepishly bowed her head like a student caught whispering during class. Clearly not planning to let her off easily, Pom-Pom prepared for a lengthy lecture. Just then... Himeko interjected, "March, Stelle... If you hadn't returned to the train early, where do you think you'd be on Jarilo-VI right now?" "Huh?" March 7th was taken aback by Himeko's question. Stelle inadvertently responded, "We should...should probably be at Bronya's inauguration ceremony, right?" "Oh, that's true. Bronya even sent us special invitations; I haven't had a chance to reply yet." Himeko's expression turned grave as she projected a screen for everyone to see. "Take a look at this." On the display: A live stream of "Honkai: Star Rail" was playing. After the battle concluded, more story content followed. And what was currently unfolding... Was precisely the scene of Stelle, March 7th, and Dan Heng attending Bronya's inauguration ceremony on the square! The train car fell silent, as if even the air had frozen. After a long moment, it was Dan Heng who broke the eerie stillness with his deep voice. "The developers... predicted our actions?" Pushing up his glasses, Old Yang's expression remained serious. "I believe...it wasn't prediction," he said. "Unless there's been some error, the current storyline is exactly what you were meant to experience." "This is the trajectory of your future." His words intensified the tense atmosphere further. March hesitated before asking uncertainly, "So you're saying, from this point forward, the game has surpassed our journey and is now showing us glimpses of the future?" "I'm afraid that seems to be the case." "B-but that's utterly absurd!" "I'd rather believe we've encountered something supernatural!"