Astral Express.
March 7th plopped down on the sofa in her room.
Letting out a satisfied sigh.
"Ah... it's so comfortable to be back home~"
Stelle sat on the other side.
Feeling the soft texture of the sofa.
Marveling at how well the room was arranged.
Unlike her own room.
Which only had a bed and a table.
As clean as her wallet.
Even.
In "Honkai: Star Rail," she didn't have her own dedicated room!
Maybe Yu Ling thought her room was too simple, so to save memory, they didn't bother creating one on the train.
In front of Stelle and March 7th.
Was the live broadcast of the Honkai: Star Rail storyline.
Although the main force in saving Penacony was the Astral Express Crew, the 2.3 mission plot didn't seem to have much to do with them.
The company and the family were discussing the future ownership of Penacony.
No matter the final outcome.
It had nothing to do with the Astral Express Crew.
Stelle took a sip of tea and couldn't help but sigh, "Our crew has always been like this..."
"Braving the wind and rain, hiding our achievements and fame."
"Even after saving Penacony, we didn't get any tangible benefits..."
March 7th comforted her, "Don't be so materialistic."
"Doing good deeds brings inner peace."
"I predict something good will happen next!"
Really?
I don't believe it.
Just as Stelle thought this.
In the storyline.
The negotiations between the two sides seemed to have concluded.
Old Oti laughed, "Hoho, alright, alright! You've convinced me."
"Now tell me, what's the solution? Let's see if we're thinking the same thing."
"Then let's continue the previous topic. Topaz, invite Ganlu to the table."
Jade turned her head.
Then.
Led by Topaz.
An elegant woman slowly entered the negotiation scene.
Upon seeing this figure, Stelle and March 7th's eyes widened in surprise.
"Thank you for coming, Ms. Himeko."
"Mr. Oti, allow me to introduce you—this is one of the future shareholders of Penacony, Ms. Himeko from the Astral Express!"
Himeko has made her entrance!
Originally, it was thought that the Astral Express Crew was just making a brief appearance on The Radiant Feldspar.
But who would have expected Himeko to show up at such an important occasion!
Without any prior notice.
It seems like she's planning something big!?
Jade then spoke up, "Everyone is already somewhat familiar with the general content of the proposal. According to the plan, after this round of financing, the company will hold 30% of the shares in Penacony."
"Subsequently, the company will transfer 5% of its equity to the Astral Express and nominate Ms. Himeko as an independent director. This is to honor the sacrifices and contributions made by the Nameless in the history of the Dreamland."
Both Stelle and March 7th were stunned!
They couldn't help but stand up.
Stelle was still holding a cup of hot tea.
But she was too shocked to put it down.
Her hand froze in mid-air.
Himeko calmly responded, "Although everything is not yet settled, we are deeply honored by your recognition of the Trailblaze path of the Astral Express."
"The Nameless embark on their journey not for fame or profit. But if the family and the company have such intentions, we will fulfill our duties as board members."
"After a unanimous vote by all members of the Astral Express Crew, the Astral Express will assist in the reconstruction of Penacony. In addition, in our future travels, we will also strive to bring the beautiful dreams of the Planet of Festivities to more worlds."
"Of course, all cooperation is based on one premise—"
"The path of Harmony upheld by Penacony must not be distorted again. The same tragedy must never happen a second time."
It's confirmed...
It's confirmed!
The benefits are here!
Stelle and March 7th were at a loss for words.
They felt that this sudden surprise was a bit too overwhelming...
Their bodies were still warm.
Their mouths were dry.
All sorts of wild thoughts were racing through their minds.
The barrage of comments at this moment perfectly captured their psychological state!
These players...
It was as if they were voicing their innermost thoughts!
...
"Huh?"
"We're rich, we're rich!"
"Thanks to the Nameless of the past, the Astral Express now has a good reputation."
"The Trailblaze technology is enough for the Astral Express to invest in any organization."
"Now we've really inherited the Watchmaker's legacy."
"What, only 3%? I want 30%!"
"The Watchmaker's legacy naturally belongs to the Astral Express!"
"5%! Now the Astral Express can buy a star destroyer on its own."
"This is too outrageous. I thought 2% or 3% would already be more than enough, but it's actually 5%..."
"The Astral Express will never be short of money again!"
"We're taking off, folks!"
"The Astral Express Crew is financially free!"
...
Stelle gulped down several mouthfuls of water.
She almost choked.
March 7th, on the other hand, exclaimed excitedly, "I told you something good would happen!"
At that moment.
Stelle's phone suddenly vibrated.
It was a new message notification.
She took it out and looked at it.
Soon, a strange expression appeared on her face.
"What's wrong?"
"I received an invitation."
"It's an offline gathering for Honkai: Star Rail players. The organizers invited me to attend. I don't have to do much, just walk around."
"The reward is..."
"5 million Credits?!"
Her hand holding the phone.
Trembled slightly.
Compared to the uncontrollable non-liquid assets like the 5% equity in the game.
The solid 5 million Credits seemed much more appealing, didn't it?
After all.
Honkai: Star Rail is so popular right now!
The players' enthusiasm is so high!
As the protagonist.
Shouldn't I respond to that?
"Then go. It's not like the Astral Express has much going on recently."
"By the way, did they invite me?" March 7th asked.
"It seems not..."
"..."
After making the decision.
Stelle packed up a few things and decided to set off.
After all, it was just a matter of walking around at the event.
Arriving at the coordinates 0...
The organizers were quite generous.
They directly provided a 2 million advance payment!
"The host will call you in a moment. When that happens, just go on stage and greet everyone."
Stelle glanced at the "hefty" number in her account balance.
Suppressing the corners of her mouth that kept wanting to curl up.
She nodded.
Sitting backstage, waiting.
Soon.
The host's voice came through.
"Next, let's welcome our heavyweight guest for tonight's performance!"
"The Nameless of the Astral Express—"
"Also the protagonist you and I play in 'Honkai: Star Rail'—"
"The Trailblazer—Stelle!"
Walking in, entering.
As Stelle stepped onto the stage.
The venue erupted into a tsunami-like roar of cheers!
"Sister Stelle is amazing!"
"Galactic Baseball Hero!!"
"Stellaron Baby~"
"The boss has arrived!"
Stelle took a deep breath.
Facing such a scene for the first time, she was a bit nervous.
But thinking about her performance in the storyline.
And the Trailblaze journey she had been on recently.
It seemed there was nothing to be nervous about.
This was the treatment she deserved!
Waving to the audience in the stands.
This gesture immediately triggered even louder screams and cheers!
Seeing the atmosphere was about right.
The host spoke up: "Thank you all for your fiery enthusiasm!"
"As expected of our Trailblazer, always maintaining such confidence and elegance!"
"Next..."
"Let's enjoy a compilation of the Trailblazer!"
Following the voice, Stelle turned around.
On the large screen behind her.
Images began to appear.
It was actually a video montage about herself!
[The reason the protagonist is called the protagonist...]
[Is because...]
[They step in to help when their companions are in danger]
After the subtitles.
As the prelude to Robin's song "Hope Has Feathers and Wings" played.
A scene from the space station appeared.
Back then, she had just been "born," picked up by March 7th and Dan Heng.
Then, when facing the Doomsday Beast.
March 7th made a slight misstep.
And was about to be hit by the Doomsday Beast's attack!
At that moment.
It was she who stepped forward.
Standing right in front of March 7th!
Seeing this scene.
Stelle couldn't help but feel a bit emotional.
Back then.
It was completely an instinctive move!
She didn't want March 7th to get hurt!
Looking back at this scene now.
Stelle was actually moved by her own actions!
Her eyes even felt a bit sore!
Meanwhile, the live comments on the video were scrolling.
...
"This is our Trailblazer!"
"Stelle's boyfriend energy is off the charts!"
"The little gray-haired one really steps up when it matters!"
"The origin of 'taking a big move to the face.'"
"This is~ love~"
"The protagonists in other games have no presence, but this game makes me want to call myself [Grandpa]!"
"In another game I play, the protagonist just sleeps when something happens… sigh…".