"This is Punklorde? How did it become like this…"
Aboard the Astral Express, March 7th leaned against the window, her expression grim as she murmured to herself, looking down at the planet below.
"The… Stellaron's influence is this severe…? It seems this assessment won't be easy…"
Resting her chin on her hand, Topaz was also stunned by the tragic sight of Punklorde. She had come to this planet dozens of times to negotiate various business deals, and every time she had been struck by its prosperity and vitality… except for now.
"How could this happen… What in the world is going on?"
Dan Heng frowned, looking at the planet that seemed to be "burning."
Punklorde, a world whose neon lights were said to touch the sky, was now engulfed in what looked like a sea of fire. As far as the eye could see, battles were raging. This was the frontline of life's resistance against a Stellaron, and one of the few planets that had been able to react and organize a defense when the Stellaron erupted.
"We've arrived. This is Punklorde… It was once known as the Planet of Hackers, but now… it too has been plunged into the flames of war."
Himeko gazed at the planet before them. Although this was not the first time she had seen such a tragic scene, every time she witnessed a Stellaron begin to consume a world… her heart was deeply shaken.
"What exactly happened down there? The Corporation found no trace of Antimatter Legion mobilization in the nearby star systems. The movements of the Lord Ravagers are unknown, but it's impossible for one to descend upon a planet and incite a civil war like Phantylia did… As for Phantylia, that's even more impossible…"
Welt's mind raced, trying to analyze the possible causes for Punklorde's current state, but no matter how he looked at it, nothing seemed to fit.
"In any case, the situation this time is special and rather urgent."
Himeko turned to face the crew, her expression serious.
"Fellow Nameless, this mission will require the participation of all Nameless. I will be leading the operation personally. Welt will be in charge of the Express and will provide us with support from orbit. Our mission, as always, is to retrieve the Stellaron and re-establish the Star Rail. Everyone, if you have any objections, now is the time to voice them."
A minute later, Himeko looked at the silent crew with satisfaction.
"Good. Since there are no objections, I will now divide you into teams, just in case."
Himeko looked at the group, her face resolute.
"Um…"
Wende suddenly thought of something. His gaze drifted behind him, only to see that, with the exception of Dan Heng and Topaz, the other four were staring at him with burning gazes, like four ferocious wolves.
And so, after more than ten minutes of entanglement, the Jingliu-Tingyun group emerged victorious in the Great Wende Tug-of-War. March and Stelle could only look on resentfully at the triumphant duo.
Dan Heng watched this scene with a look of resignation. Actually, this grouping was for the best. At least Jingliu wouldn't be singling him out…
Himeko and Welt exchanged a look, seeing the helplessness in each other's eyes.
But this was the result of drawing lots. Himeko hadn't expected Wende to be so perfectly assigned to the same team as Tingyun and Jingliu…
I get the feeling some scriptwriter is trying to stir up trouble again, just like with Dan Heng during the Xianzhou plotline.
Wende felt a wave of cold from one side and heat from the other, complaining silently in his heart.
"In that case, I hereby declare that the Trailblazing mission to Punklorde has officially begun!"
Following Himeko's command, two streams of azure light slowly descended from the skies of Punklorde… wait, why was there a third?
---o---
"Himeko, Himeko! Look! You got her to max Eidolons! It's so weird, why do I keep pulling you, just like Fu Hua?"
In the Valkyrie dorms, Theresa pouted. She had been spooked by Himeko multiple times in a row!
"What does that have to do with me? It's not like I can influence your gacha results. By the way, the first rate-up character in this game is called Seele, right? She looks pretty strong."
Looking at Seele on her phone, Himeko gave a serious analysis. By Valkyrie standards, she would definitely be considered an A-rank, right?
"Speaking of which, is it really okay to keep playing this game? It has 'Honkai' in its name…"
While playing, Himeko also appropriately raised her concerns. She had seen more and more reports about the game recently. In just a few days, it had become a global phenomenon. With such a wide reach… was it really okay?
"Don't worry! Grandpa said we can play it without any issues. Schicksal won't interfere."
Theresa said dismissively.
"Oh, right! Himeko, should I have someone custom-make an outfit of your in-game counterpart for you? You'd definitely look beautiful in it!"
Theresa sat up from the sofa and looked at Himeko with a serious expression.
"Oh? If the Principal is offering me a gift, then I suppose I can reluctantly accept. Just remember not to embezzle the academy's funds, okay~"
Himeko smiled benevolently at Theresa.
"After all, that incident where our dear Principal embezzled public funds to buy Homu manga… I had a very hard time covering that up."
"Ah~ (Despairing frog-like wail)~ Himeko! You're so mean!"
"Alright, alright~ You're a grown woman now, stop acting like Kiana."
Himeko helplessly supported Theresa, who was now throwing a tantrum all over her.
"Hmph! It's all your fault!"
---o---
"So… we're just going to let this game be? Damn it! This is so frustrating!"
Tesla was sprawled out on the sofa in a most unladylike manner—not that she was a lady to begin with.
"Dr. Tesla, could you please explain the fluctuations in your account funds?"
Einstein pressed a hand to her forehead, calmly watching Tesla, who was busy fiddling with her phone.
"Me? I used it for my latest scientific research. What? Is there a problem?"
Tesla said nonchalantly, her hands never stopping.
"Then can you explain the two pictures you posted on social media, with the caption: 'Max Eidolon Welt and max Superimposition Light Cone secured'… What does that mean?"
"Uh… well…"
Tesla instantly deflated like a punctured pufferfish, frozen on the spot and stammering incoherently.
"How much did you spend?"
"200,000… dollars."
"It's fine. It's your allowance anyway. It won't be reimbursed."
"Tch…"