Dan Heng's words had barely settled when Stelle clasped her hands together, starting to pray, "Let me go, I'm not tasty…"
March 7th quickly chimed in, afraid of being left out, "Me! Me too…"
"Huh?" March 7th frowned slightly, turning to Stelle, "No, no, if it's really like Dan Heng said, this thing could swallow the train whole without a second thought. It wouldn't care about being picky!"
Argenti, after pondering for a moment, said, "I see. This explains my earlier encounter with Velite."
According to Argenti, he had faced the giant bug before rescuing Velite.
Just then, the train shook violently.
Dan Heng was almost certain it was the same "Giant True Sting" they were dealing with. He suggested everyone gather in the carriage to discuss their next steps.
Soon, the entire train crew assembled.
Welt Yang, hearing about the "Giant True Sting," furrowed his brow, "So that's how it is. If the train has truly been swallowed into its stomach… Perhaps we could try overloading the train's engine temporarily, ramming the bug's stomach to escape the Giant True Sting's body at high speed."
"Uh…" Stelle raised her hand, "Why not just warp away?"
Dan Heng, with a grim expression, explained for Welt Yang, "Warping requires extensive preparations, and the process might attract the bug swarm's attention."
"Moreover," Welt Yang lowered his head, his glasses reflecting light and hiding his expression, "This method does carry risks. The engine could catch fire… but there's no better option."
Even the calm and mature Welt Yang wasn't confident, and a heavy, pessimistic atmosphere filled the carriage.
Stelle, unwilling to spend her final moments in such gloom, began talking with the train's crew, soothing their emotions.
[No surprise there, Stelle's comforting everyone even at a time like this.]
[She's a Stellaron vessel, after all. No skills, no way.]
[While everyone's hunting bugs, she's being abstract. Stelle's got some serious guts. I'm curious how Caelus's version plays out.]
[My take? Caelus's acting feels forced; Stelle doesn't seem like she's acting at all.]
[66666.]
After fully calming everyone's emotions, Stelle approached Welt Yang.
Welt Yang looked at her. Though he usually walked with a slouch, carefree and laid-back, at critical moments, he was reliable.
"I've checked the engine. The warp device can't be activated immediately, but a temporary acceleration should be feasible. If there are no strong objections, we'll start preparations…"
"Mr. Welt," Argenti's voice came from behind, "Please wait a moment. I apologize—I've just had an idea that might help resolve this crisis. While the train prepares, I'd like a chance to discuss it with her alone."
March 7th exclaimed, "You! At a time like this, can't you just say it outright?"
"This idea… if I proposed it publicly, you'd reject it immediately. But as a knight, I must help the train resolve this issue."
"Huh? You're already mentally prepared for rejection…"
Welt Yang said, "It seems you have a plan. I'm unfamiliar with the traditions of the Knights of Beauty, but… March, no need to rush."
Argenti gave a gentlemanly bow, "Thank you."
Stelle shook her head and followed Argenti to a corner of the train.
Argenti exhaled, speaking slowly, "I apologize for the abruptness. Requesting to speak with you alone must seem odd. In truth, I feel strongly that, as a Knight of Beauty, this is a battle I must face. I propose I disembark the train and confront the Giant True Sting head-on—using my lance to strike its stomach wall, causing it to convulse and regurgitate the train."
Stelle's pupils shrank, "You, alone?"
Argenti sighed faintly, "I can't quite describe this feeling… but when I witness certain things, I feel 'beauty' well up from deep within, vague yet instinctive. Perhaps because I've roamed the galaxy alone for so long, I struggle to understand where this feeling comes from. But I know, as a knight, my duty is to protect the seeds of 'beauty,' to stand before them and shield them from all harm. Right now, the Astral Express is that seed. It gives me a sense of belonging, a warmth like 'home,' which I believe stems from the deep bonds between all of you. Thus, I swear to be a shield, defending this warmth, rather than hiding behind it as my own shield. I will protect these seeds of 'beauty' again and again, letting them bloom into pure, radiant flowers to prove my devotion to Her… This is an inevitable part of the journey called 'Argenti'…"
[Wow, this dialogue is amazing!]
[No wonder Argenti's so popular. He feels like such a pure person.]
[Exactly, 'pure' is the perfect word. The scariest people in the world are the truly pure ones.]
[Hold on, I've got a question. Could Elysia play the Pure Beauty Goddess?]
[I'm all in for that!]
"Ehe~♪" Elysia laughed awkwardly, "Don't tease like that, okay♪ The pure beauty Argenti pursues—sure, I'm a cute and pretty girl too♪ But She is a faith, something truly special to Argenti♪"
[Makes sense. I really want to see how the real-life Argenti would react to meeting Elysia.]
[You know, that's not a bad idea. I heard the scripts for the Honkai: Star Rail web drama were written based on the characters' personalities. Argenti's totally the type to wander around the interactive city like a charming street performer.]
[Looking forward to it!]
[Exactly! Pink fairy lady, don't forget to livestream if you go to the interactive city.]
Elysia nodded earnestly, "Alright, everyone, stay tuned♪"
"Idrila?" Stelle met Argenti's gaze, shedding her usual carefree demeanor, exuding poise.
"She is the faith we pursue, the goal of our Path. When I've bled and lost myself in battle to defend beauty, I've seen Her traces countless times in my unconsciousness, stretching from beneath my feet toward an unknowable future."
"Reason tells me it's not so, but I hope it is."
Argenti continued, speaking of fighting to protect 'beauty,' to see 'Her,' whether out of duty or personal desire. He would always walk the path of Pure Beauty. He wanted to face the giant bug alone and find a way to escape. But Argenti wasn't good at expressing himself. He followed the principle of bonding through combat, answering his heart with his lance.
"Forgive my untimely actions. Though we've only known each other briefly, our sparring has forged a bond—one I regret we haven't completed! Before I leave, I wish to resolve this regret. I will prove my will with my lance, defending my honor through martial courtesy. Win or lose, I'll accept the outcome and bid you farewell."
With that, Argenti drew his lance, and Stelle pulled out her baseball bat.
Their actions drew the attention of the train's crew once more.
"Uh… Uncle Yang, Dan Heng, Sister Himeko, I don't get it. Why are they fighting again?" March 7th looked at Stelle, confused.
Welt Yang adjusted his glasses, "Perhaps this is the Knight of Beauty's way of bonding through combat. Notice how, despite drawing their weapons, they haven't attacked immediately."
"Yes, Little March, no need to worry. I can't guess their reasons, but they'll find the answers they seek in this fight," Himeko added.
Dan Heng, though silent, nodded seriously.
Seeing everyone's agreement, March 7th trusted them completely. She approached Pom-Pom, who had a dark cloud over their head, "It's okay, Conductor. If things get messy, I'll help you clean up, alright?"
"Thank you, Passenger March."
The scene returned to Stelle and Argenti.
They locked eyes, nodded, and charged at each other. Since they were on the train, they fought within limited space, taking care not to puncture the carriage.
After a few rounds, their weapons stopped just short of contact—a draw, but a result nonetheless.
Argenti smiled brightly, "Your demeanor, strength, and martial courtesy… I'm thoroughly convinced. If I were to evaluate this duel—spectacular, exhilarating! Meeting an opponent like you proves the existence of 'Pure Beauty.' Forgive my earlier boldness. I knew this fight's end would mark my exit from the train's story, and now that moment has come."
Though their time together wasn't long, Stelle could feel Argenti's noble spirit, "Are you sure you can escape safely?"
"I assure you, I'm not reckless. I'll make thorough preparations and seize the right moment to escape."
"Will we meet again?"
"I came to the train to help resolve this crisis. Once my mission is complete, I'll return to the galaxy. But… the galaxy is vast. We might cross paths again."
Stelle fell silent for a few seconds, then looked up into Argenti's sincere eyes, "I think I'm ready to say goodbye."
Argenti nodded, "Very well, my dear friend. Once my mission as a Knight of Beauty is complete, I'll seek the next place in need of protection… As a knight, I carry the resolve and honor to triumph; my body, forged through countless battles, won't break easily. This brief… chance encounter. Meeting the Astral Express crew, your bonds… they're so radiant."
Stelle slumped, sighing heavily, preparing to share the news with the others.
Soon, the train's crew gathered around Stelle.
March 7th exclaimed, "What?! Argenti wants to disembark alone to challenge the Giant True Sting?!"
"Aaah? Passenger Argenti's going alone? No, no, pa! That's too dangerous!" Pom-Pom cried.
"…It's the duty he's determined to uphold."
Welt Yang crossed his arms, "I see. I'm not surprised he'd think this way… I must admit, seeing such actions sometimes reminds me of my younger self. Rationally, I don't approve, but… Stelle, what do you think?"
"I…" Stelle glanced back at Argenti, "I support Argenti."
Welt Yang smiled faintly, as if recalling the past, "At its core, it's about whether you support his understanding and devotion to 'Pure Beauty.' If you're certain, I trust your judgment."
Just then, Velite approached Stelle, yawning, and mentioned a strange dream about Argenti.
Stelle blurted out, "He wants to challenge the Giant True Sting alone."
"What?! That huge bug, and he's going to face it alone? This guy said he'd die without regrets, talking about saying goodbye to a potted plant—was he serious? You didn't agree to this, did you?"
"You're starting to worry about him?"
"Don't talk nonsense! I'm not worried at all. I'm only concerned about what happens to my big break if he dies! It's baffling—better to live poorly than die nobly. What's he so stubborn about? …Okay, fine, I'm worried. This single-minded idiot! Is his faith really more important than his life? No way, I'm going to argue with him!"
[Haha, this company clown is so cute.]
[I knew it, tsundere never goes out of style.]
[Can I ship this?]
[Shipping everything will only hurt you! Feels like Velite's been subtly influenced.]
Velite stormed up to Argenti, starting to argue, "This is just brainless! You're putting yourself in danger. Does it have to be your knightly duty? Can't you do it another way? Us common folk can't understand."
Argenti's eyes gleamed, almost delighted, "Are you concerned for me? Perhaps you haven't noticed the nobility in your own soul—different from mine, but still with its own brilliance. I hope I can uphold my oath: to help you reach your destination."
Velite offered to help, but Argenti politely declined.
With everything settled, Argenti took his lance and stood before the carriage door.
At that moment, countless rose petals fell. He turned back with a gentle smile, his red hair swaying in the breeze.
His tone was soft, "Do not worry. I will shout, 'The Pure Beauty Goddess Idrila is unparalleled in splendor!' After ensuring the train's safe escape, I'll find my own way out, unharmed, until we meet again. If you witness this… you'll understand my fervent ideals. In the scarlet night of the cosmos, my life is more loyal than a newborn's!"
The scene shifted to outside the train.
Suddenly, a bright light appeared ahead, beyond the scarlet—the direction of the exit.
The Astral Express sped forward, finally escaping the giant bug's stomach.
In this scene, the massive train seemed minuscule compared to the bug's maw.
"Woohoo, we did it!" March 7th jumped for joy, but the next moment, she noticed romantic fireworks blooming outside the carriage, "What's this? Did the train cause… a cosmic explosion?!"
Welt Yang, gazing at the fireworks, seemed lost in thought, as if reminded of something, "No, this is an illusion caused by the Giant True Sting. With such a spectacle, we've likely all inhaled its 'wing dust.'"
"What? That bug is that huge? Is that an illusion too?"
Welt Yang's face darkened, "Unfortunately, that's probably real."
The screen faded to black, with only a few rose petals drifting by.