"Alright, let's move on to the next collaboration announcement!"
With the Lumina × Charity Foundation partnership explained, the Special Preview Program wasted no time and immediately transitioned to the next collaboration announcement.
Lumina x [Random Magazine Publisher]
Though unexpected, the second collaboration announcement was still logical: it also involved Lumina.
[Lumina x XX Magazine]
Those Years: The Most Beautiful Memories
White Moonlight refers to someone or something that is desired but unattainable... In everyone's heart, there may exist their own unique White Moonlight.
This could be a person, an event, an object, a game character, or even a game storyline.
[ Honkai: Star Rail ] will soon collaborate with XX Magazine to publish an article themed around White Moonlight. There is no word limit or style restriction.
Authors whose submissions are selected for the magazine will receive varying levels of rewards.
These rewards include, but are not limited to: a max- eidolon Lumina with a max-level signature Light cone, a single Lumina, a signature Lightcone, and various merchandise prizes.
For [ Trailblazers ] who participate but are not selected, they will still receive 3 Special Passes.
-
"Um... this collaboration probably has nothing to do with us," March 7th and Stelle awkwardly remarked during the Special Preview Program, a sentiment echoed by Little Bear in the real world.
The rewards were undeniably enticing, but even at their most tempting, they remained completely irrelevant to him.
Besides, how did Honkai: Star Rail even end up collaborating with a magazine publisher?!
Little Bear felt a mix of bewilderment and indifference. It's not like it affects me anyway. Let them collaborate.
[Oh my god, I'm going to burst out writing an essay right now! (facepalm)]
[Unstoppable, brothers! As a 985 literature major, I'm confident I can secure E6S5 Lumina! (smug)]
[Hey, you should know one thing: in Honkai: Star Rail, we have experts from every domain imaginable! (facepalm)]
[You're right, but that's just how it goes here. We have talents everywhere!]
"Alright, that brings us to the end of the Version 1.7 Special Preview Program." With the introductions of the two collaborations concluded, the program was drawing to a close.
Hearing Owlbert's words, the viewers in the official live stream began to dwindle rapidly.
Of course, a significant portion of the audience remained, hoping the official team would deliver one final, grand reveal at the program's climax!
"The new planet, the new regions, and the truth behind Lady Lumina's origins—we invite you, Trailblazers, to thoroughly explore them when the new Version arrives!"
"So let's meet again in the next broadcast... Uh..."
Just as Owlbert was about to bid farewell to the audience with his usual closing remarks, he suddenly remembered that he and his entire department had been abandoned by the IPC and handed over to Lumina...
Tears welled up in his eyes, and his voice choked with sobs.
"Dear viewers... this might be my last broadcast... From now on, I'll be working construction, carrying bricks..."
"Over the years, I've worked diligently for the IPC. Even if I didn't achieve great merit, I certainly earned my keep..."
"And after so many years of dedicated service, I've grown attached to this job... I'm going to miss you all so much!!!"
As Owlbert spoke these words, tears streamed uncontrollably down his face, flowing like they were free.
"Uh... Is Owlbert... heartbroken?" March 7th scratched her head, a puzzled look on her face as she watched Owlbert's meltdown on the Preview Program.
"I don't know... maybe he is," Lumina, the true culprit, shook her head, feigning ignorance.
Ding-a-ling, ding-a-ling, ding-a-ling.
Before Owlbert could even cry for a few seconds, his phone rang.
"Director Topaz?"
Seeing the name on the screen, Owlbert knew the IPC was about to make the announcement...
Forcing back his tears, Owlbert answered the call.
"Director Topaz, are you here to deliver the verdict?"
Though Owlbert tried to sound composed, the sobs in his voice betrayed him, impossible to hide...
"Hmm? Yes, the next Special Preview Program will have some... special arrangements." Despite hearing the distress in Owlbert's voice, Topaz remained unconcerned.
"Understood, Director Topaz. I'll pack my things and leave immediately..."
Was Topaz hinting that I should leave? Owlbert wondered, his tears becoming even harder to suppress.
"Hmm, do as you wish. The IPC has granted you fourteen days of paid leave. You can spend it however you like."
"Ah?"
Topaz's crisp voice crackled through the comms, leaving Owlbert frozen in place.
"Director Topaz, do you mean... I haven't been abandoned by the IPC?" After a moment of stunned silence, Owlbert regained his composure and asked cautiously.
"Hmm? Why would the IPC abandon you?" Topaz sounded genuinely puzzled on the other end.
Why would the IPC abandon a hardworking tool like Owlbert—a young man burning with passion for promotion and a raise?
"Since Miss Lumina will be a guest on the upcoming Preview live stream, I'll personally review the broadcast afterward to assess your professional performance and assign a rating."
"Anyway, that's all."
Though oblivious to Owlbert's inner turmoil, Topaz remained unconcerned. She delivered her final words and abruptly ended the call.
"Th-this... Lady Lumina..."
Watching the call disconnect, Owlbert finally snapped out of it. The tears in his eyes vanished, replaced by the determined smile of someone striving for their dreams.
Sensing Owlbert's gaze and his unspoken questions, Lumina gently shook her head and said:
"Rather than dwell on this, Mr. Owlbert, shouldn't you be considering what evaluation Director Topaz will give you after watching the entire Preview Program?"
Lumina covered her mouth to stifle a giggle, her exquisite features betraying no hint of malice.
"Huh? Eh?! EHHH!!!"
Hearing this, Owlbert recalled his performance throughout the program and Topaz's earlier words.
"N-No! Please! Nooooo!"
Realizing he might be doomed, Owlbert clutched his head in both wings, his face contorted in horror.
As Owlbert's final words faded, the Version 1.7 Special Preview Program finally came to an end...