As the Train sliced through the Starry Sky, the screen went dark. A blue [12+ CADPA Age-Appropriate Content Advisory] logo appeared.
Next came the miHoYo Corporation logo, followed by text that officially marked the start of the Version 1.7 Special Preview Program.
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[This program is sponsored by the Interastral Peace Corporation!]
[The footage shown represents works in progress and does not reflect the final released version.]
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As the sponsor's message and disclaimer faded, a plump, fluffy white bird appeared on the live stream, looking undeniably delicious.
"Hiss... Is this for real? The Corporation actually invited Lady Lumina, the most renowned figure in the Cosmos, here?!"
"Hehehe... Looks like the Corporation finally recognizes my potential and is going to start grooming me for a promotion!"
The plump white bird, holding a slip of paper, scratched its head in disbelief as it read the message. Suddenly realizing something, its eyes lit up, and it began fantasizing about its glorious future as an executive.
"Oh no, is Owlbert really getting promoted?" Little Bear exclaimed, watching the opening skit of the preview livestream.
Indeed, the plump white bird on the screen was none other than Owlbert, the host of the preview special!
"No way, Owlbert! We're brothers who've shared thick and thin! You can't secretly get a promotion and a raise behind our backs!"
Seeing Owlbert in the skit, looking like he was about to be promoted and get a raise, Little Bear quickly chimed in with a "Blessing!"
"Heh heh heh... heh heh heh... heh heh heh..."
On the screen, Owlbert, lost in fantasies of his future promoted life, couldn't help but giggle foolishly.
As Owlbert was lost in his silly laughter, a pure white figure appeared on the screen.
"Hmm? Did I come to the wrong place?"
The pure white figure, observing Owlbert's behavior that resembled someone with a mental illness, covered her mouth with a hand and murmured in confusion.
"E-eh?! No, no, Lady Lumina! This is indeed the special preview broadcast studio! I'm Owlbert, the host here. You can just call me Little Owl, Lady Lumina!"
Hearing the voice, Owlbert snapped out of his reverie and focused his gaze in the direction of the sound.
Upon realizing that the newcomer was none other than Lady Lumina, the renowned physician of the Cosmos, his eyes widened instantly. He poked his palm, his face radiating reverence and flattery as he gazed at the Lumina before him.
"Ah, good. At least I didn't get lost," the chibi Lumina on the screen nodded before turning to Owlbert.
"Mr. Owlbert, when does the special preview broadcast begin?"
Lumina's voice was incredibly gentle, as if it could completely wash away all the negative emotions in Owlbert's heart.
"Heh heh, it's starting right now, right now!" Hearing Lumina's gentle tone, Owlbert's mood brightened, his smile widening.
After glancing around to ensure no one was nearby, Owlbert lowered his voice, covered his mouth, and asked Lumina with burning curiosity:
"Um... Lady Lumina, may I ask what terms the IPC offered to get you to come here?"
Owlbert's curiosity wasn't unwarranted; he was desperate for a promotion. The more generous the IPC's terms, the higher his standing within the company—and the closer he'd be to a promotion and raise!
"Hmm..."
On the screen, the chibi Lumina tilted her head thoughtfully for a moment before smiling and revealing the IPC's offer:
"Oh, they said if I agreed to participate in this broadcast, they'd package up the entire program, its department, and all its staff and give them to me."
"Huh?" Owlbert froze at these words, as if sensing an impending disaster.
"Lady Lumina, do you mean...?" Owlbert poked his tiny paw, asking cautiously.
"Hmm... From now on, I'm calling all the shots—the special preview program, this department, and its employees. All of it." The chibi Lumina smiled faintly, revealing a breathtakingly beautiful smile.
"No!!!!"
Upon hearing this, Owlbert clutched his head with both wings, his expression one of utter terror and disbelief.
Owlbert couldn't believe it. A promising employee like himself, along with this wildly popular special preview program, was being... abandoned by the IPC!
"My promotion... my raise..."
Tears welled up in Owlbert's eyes, shimmering like tiny pearls. As his words faded, a pure white flower drifted across the screen, marking the end of the skit and the transition to the Version PV showcase...