Honkai Star Rail Simulation: I'm Surrounded By Characters

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Kafka explained her purpose for being there. She mentioned an impending catastrophe about to strike Luofu and hoped the train would alter its course, setting the next stop as Xianzhou.

As Kafka spoke, she recalled Elio mentioning how someone's unexpected appearance had caused slight deviations from the original script, accelerating the timeline for reaching Xianzhou.

However, it wasn't a concern. As long as the final outcome remained consistent, minor fluctuations along the way were inconsequential.

In fact, it could influence destinies through its script.

Kafka's gaze briefly swept over someone...

As expected of Su Qing, huh?

[Seele: 6, that's quite favoritism.]

[Himeko:...I can only say her thought process is indeed unique.]

[Kafka (smiling): Should I mimic Stelle now and proudly place my hands on my hips?]

[Stelle: Go for it! You're welcome to try anything!]

After these remarks, Kafka departed on her own accord.

Himeko, undeterred by their strained relationship, focused on the task at hand. She suggested that everyone take some time to rest and reflect before the train reached a suitable location for transition. Afterwards, they would vote on whether to change the destination or not.

***

In Su Qing's room aboard the train, he looked around the space that would be exclusively his from now on, planning to tidy it up.

Suddenly, he heard a faint noise behind him.

"...Kafka, is that you?" He turned around.

"Oh dear, caught already." The light flickered as Kafka's holographic projection materialized within the room.

The elegant beauty in a stylish suit, with hands clasped behind her back, spoke cheerfully, as if she had just been found during a game of hide-and-seek.

Kafka casually asked, "Cleaning up your room? Let me help."

Even holographic projections can interact with objects.

"Mm-hmm." Su Qing handed over a few books. "Just place them on that bookshelf over there."

[Bronya: If everyone on the train knew that the Stellaron Hunter who had them all fearing for their lives just moments ago...]

[Bronya: Were now so obediently helping Su Qing tidy his room, I wonder what their reaction would be...]

[Firefly: They'd probably not believe their eyes, huh~]

[Stelle: Fun fact, I might even say: "Su Qing, could you possibly be a mole for the Stellaron Hunters?!"]

[Seele: And if he truly was?]

[Stelle: Count me in then.]

[Seele: Nice.]

[March 7th: I'd definitely be curious about their relationship! @Himeko, how do you think Sister Himeko would react?]

[Himeko: ...I'd cut off her signal and make it clear she's no longer welcome.]

[Qingque: Ha ha ha ha! Just as expected! High EQ version: "No longer welcome," Low EQ version: "Get lost!" ]

[Kafka: How heartless, indeed~]

With Kafka's assistance, they quickly tidied up the room.

Su Qing sat down on a chair, recalling the earlier incident, and suddenly asked, "Why did you insist on using an umbrella inside the car?"

If anyone else had posed this question, Kafka might have simply laughed it off. However, upon hearing Su Qing's inquiry, she pondered for a moment before responding earnestly, "To create an aura of mystery, perhaps?"

"I see," Su Qing nodded. "That makes sense."

[Silver Wolf: As everyone knows, villains may lose battles, but they must never compromise their style. Once that goes, their fate is sealed.]

Kafka leaned her hand against the edge of the table near Su Qing.

After exchanging a few words, it seemed she didn't have any particular agenda; she just wanted to casually meet up with him again.

Su Qing glanced around, "Did Silver Wolf help you get here? Is she not joining us?"

Kafka replied, "I told her the script specifically stated she couldn't be present here, as it would affect our plans."

"And what's the truth?" Su Qing asked.

Kafka smiled, "I made it up."

[Silver Wolf: ... (deep breath)]

[She always believed the script was written that way, until now, after so long, she learns the truth.]

[Silver Wolf: ?? Kafka, you &¥#@!!!!]

[March 7th: Stay calm! Don't lose your composure!]

[Sparkle: Looks like Silver Wolf's about to bite the dust.]

Su Qing couldn't help but chuckle as well.

Wisely, he refrained from mentioning what exactly happened after pulling Silver Wolf away that day. Even if Kafka asked, he deliberately avoided the topic.

For now, Su Qing managed to pacify Asta, but honestly, he still had no idea how to handle their current tangled relationship dynamics.

How could he make Kafka and Himeko coexist harmoniously?

And how could they peacefully accept each other's actions on that fateful day?

These were incredibly challenging questions indeed.

Kafka, reassured by the prospect of seeing Su Qing again, seemed quite content, her mood visibly uplifted.

Seizing this opportunity, Su Qing subtly brought up the issue between her and Himeko.

"Alright, I'll leave it to you," Kafka nodded obediently, indicating she would strive for a better relationship with Himeko.

Feeling somewhat helpless, Su Qing knew that "better relationship" might not mean much in practice.

Kafka then added, "By the way, since both you and Himeko are Trailblazers, we can consider you colleagues now, right?"

Su Qing pondered briefly. "I suppose so."

"Well, rumor has it, workplace romances aren't advisable." Kafka leaned slightly closer, whispering into Su Qing's ear.

With a tantalizing tone, she murmured softly, "Because, you see, if anything were to happen and you accidentally broke up with Himeko, imagine how awkward it would be seeing her every day on the train."

[Seele: Well played! Taking down two love rivals at once!]

[Qingque: She certainly made this trip worthwhile.]

[March 7th: How did Su Qing react?!]

Su Qing remained noncommittal.

He was aware of the tension between Kafka and Himeko, so he selectively considered her advice on such matters.

[Himeko: ... (sighs in relief)]

Kafka lingered for a moment longer.

"It's time to go."

She leaned forward as if wanting to get close to Su Qing's cheek, perhaps for an affectionate touch, but hesitated, fearing his rejection. In the end, she simply gave him a hug and left with a gentle farewell: "Bye-bye~ See you then... on Xianzhou..."

Inside the carriage, Himeko continued conversing with March 7th.

After discussing whether they should visit Xianzhou, March 7th brought up another topic that piqued her interest.

"Seems like there's some tension between you and Kafka, Sister Himeko," said March 7th. "Could it be that you were once rivals, maybe even romantic rivals?!"

[Black Swan: Little March is indeed quite perceptive.]

Himeko shook her head. "I'm still not entirely sure."

Even now, she couldn't fully grasp the nature of Kafka's relationship with Su Qing. And moreover, how did Su Qing view Kafka himself?

Only by understanding these dynamics could she determine if Kafka was indeed her romantic rival.

However, Himeko's silence seemed to imply acknowledgment, further fueling March 7th's excitement. "So then, you and Su Qing..."

Himeko raised a finger gently, signaling that this topic should be avoided for now.

Diving into it would open up too much discussion. At least, not until her relationship with Su Qing had been properly mended.

[Kafka: Looks like we won't get a chance to talk about it.]

[Himeko: Chuckle.]

Seeing Himeko unwilling to discuss it, no matter how curious March 7th felt, she had to suppress her questions.

But rivalry! Long-standing feud! Confrontation!

March 7th's enthusiasm flared!

Instead of asking directly, she approached from a different angle, "Then, then! Sister Himeko, how would you deal with a romantic rival?"

At that moment, Su Qing approached their carriage.

He believed Himeko was reasonable; if he explained his relationship with Kafka to her, they might at least maintain a cordial rapport. Contrary to Kafka's suggestion, exploring the stars together was precisely their initial dream.

Now, aboard the Astral Express, resolving their past issues and rekindling their bond seemed like a promising choice...

[Kafka: !!!]

[Himeko: (Smiling) (Elegantly lifting her coffee) Someone seems rattled?]

The door between compartments was slightly ajar, and as Su Qing approached, he overheard March 7th's question.

Slowing his pace unconsciously, Su Qing reached out to open the door.

He too was curious about this response.

How to deal with romantic rivals?

Himeko recalled their encounter at the auction, Kafka's manipulations, their intense rivalry, and ultimately Silver Wolf being stolen...

Her myriad thoughts culminated in a cold snort. "Help them... find a decent cemetery."

March 7th exclaimed, "Ooh, what a cool answer!" Then, pausing, she added, "...Huh? Wait, 'them'? There's more than one rival?!"

Upon hearing Himeko's reply, Su Qing's hand froze on the door.

[Himeko: (Setting down her coffee)(Heart pounding)]

It seemed Himeko's emotions were equally strong.

Finding a decent cemetery for rivals... That sounds intensely hostile!

After experiencing multiple simulations and various incidents, Su Qing indeed felt weary.

Having finally boarded the train and entered a new chapter, all he desired is to explore the world leisurely and joyfully.

Su Qing sighed deeply.

Perhaps Kafka's perspective does hold some truth?

As a Trailblazer now, it's time to focus less on romance and prioritize career goals instead.

Moreover, based on Himeko's response, reconciling with Kafka appears genuinely challenging.

Ah well.

Su Qing turned around on the spot.

Indeed, it seemed best to check out the train's kitchen first. Discussing matters with Himeko could wait until later.

[Himeko: ... (Her heart finally gives up)]]

[Clunk! Himeko collapses face-first onto the table!]

[March 7th: No! Sister Himeko!!!]

[Kafka: (Laughs) (Gracefully lifts coffee cup)]

[Kafka: Someone seems flustered? Or perhaps just overly dramatic.]

[Sparkle: Enjoying this drama.]

[Stelle: Kafka has started drinking coffee too!]

[Qingque: Has coffee become a symbol of claiming victory now?]

[Kafka: (Takes a sip)(Frowns)(Why is it so bitter??)]

March 7th cheerfully resumed chatting with Stelle.

Himeko sat alone on the sofa in the coach, absentmindedly playing with her hair.

Although she had declared intentions to have her rivals choose a decent burial ground, deep down, she knew it couldn't be Su Qing's fault.

She believed those deceitful women must have misled him; all she needed was a plan to drive them away eventually.

[Kafka: I can't take this anymore.]

[Silver Wolf: It's all our fault, right?]

[Firefly: @Himeko, such double standards!]

[Himeko slumped onto the table, too drained to respond. But she desperately wanted to ask: Do you guys really have the right to judge me??]

Speaking of which, Su Qing truly became a Trailblazer now.

Himeko couldn't help but daydream.

On this train, once the doors close, it doesn't matter whether it's Kafka, Silver Wolf, or Asta - they all take a backseat.

When the opportunity arises, without anyone else around, I could take things further with Su Qing...

Given his personality, he would surely also...

Blushing, Himeko gently twirled her long red hair, her thoughts swirling with myriad emotions.

[Sparkle: ?? Still lost in fantasies?!]

[Sparkle: Your Tian Hu start has crumbled yet again...]

[March 7th: Why!? This time it even collapsed unnoticed!]

[March 7th: Is Sister Himeko forever destined for a tragic downfall from Tian Hu to utter ruin...??]

[Himeko: ... (forcing herself to stay optimistic)]

[Himeko: No worries, there will be plenty more chances ahead.]

[Seele: Speaking of which, Kafka met with Su Qing and tricked both Silver Wolf and Himeko. Now Himeko's had another small Honkai.]

[Seele: What about Firefly and Silver Wolf? What are they doing now?]

[Stelle: @Black Swan, #Check Silver Wolf's status#]

With that, Black Swan switched the scene.

In a hidden location surrounded by electronic screens, Silver Wolf tapped idly on her keyboard, feeling somewhat bored.

Unfortunately, due to script constraints, she couldn't yet appear on the train herself; otherwise, she would have joined Kafka to meet Su Qing too.

[Seele: @Silver Wolf, ah? You really believe it?]

[Natasha: Little Silver Wolf is still too gullible.]

Feeling genuinely bored, Silver Wolf opened her contacts and sent a message to a friend with a mecha profile picture.

[Firefly: Hey-hey, talking about me?]

A moment later, Firefly replied, "Have you completed your mission already? That's great news."

[Firefly: It's truly me! I finally get another appearance?!]

[Herta: Well, even if just through messages, at least it counts as a cameo.]

[Seele: Congratulations, congrats!]

Receiving the reply, Silver Wolf's spirits lifted, and his typing speed soared as he rapidly composed a lengthy message.

Firefly: "Really? You're saying you were invincible during this mission, successfully defeating Kafka and Himeko from the Astral Express?"

Firefly: "...Wait, Kafka was your teammate. Why did you defeat her??"

Silver Wolf: "Heh heh, that's another story~ I'll tell you all about it when we meet up!"

Penacony.

Smiling, Firefly put away her phone. It seemed like her teammates' missions had also gone quite smoothly.

***

At the space station, Asta was chatting with Herta.

[Firefly: Wait!!! My role is already over?!]

[Sparkle (bursting out laughing): Ha-ha-ha-ha!]

[Qingque: ? Suddenly, Firefly's roasting herself.]

[Stelle: Laughed so hard.]

[Sparkle: Enjoying it, @Firefly, calm down! Don't disrupt things; we're watching the plot unfold.]

[Firefly: ? Calm down? How can you expect me to stay calm!?]

[Firefly: The hens have finished pecking their grain, the fire has burned through the lock, and even little Silver Wolf won the championship! Why am I still just playing a minor role?!]

[Qingque: Ha ha ha, looking at it this way, Firefly does seem rather unfortunate.]

[Black Swan: Perhaps by Penacony, Firefly's situation will improve. (Probably)]

[Firefly: Approximately... ??]

[Black Swan: Ahem, anyway, at the space station, Asta is chatting with Herta...]

[Sparkle: Oh joy, forcing the plot back on track, huh?]

Knock knock.

Arlan entered, carrying several boxes. "Miss, regarding the money Su Qing gave..."

Asta waved her hand, uninterested. "Su Qing has already left; what use do I have for these things now? Just transfer it back to his account."

"Oh, alright." Arlan considered and agreed—it was true that to Miss Asta, this money was merely paper, far less valuable than Su Qing himself.

Thus, Arlan departed from the meeting room to return the funds to Su Qing.

Sighing, Asta turned to the person beside her. "Herta, where do you think Su Qing got all that money from? I haven't seen him leave the space station or take up any part-time jobs."

Herta was about to shake her head, indicating she didn't know. However, deep within her thoughts, a piece of information surfaced...

I did recommend him to the chief editor of our company's novel website once. Could he have earned it from there?

[Stelle: Congratulations, correct answer!]

[Seele: Asta: Who would've thought, betrayed by none other than Herta!?]

And so, Herta chose silence.

Noticing Herta's silence, Asta found it peculiar.

She then asked, "Do you think Su Qing might have been taken care of by some bad woman?"

Asta activated her keen radar for women: "Does Himeko seem like a wealthy seductress to you? She appears quite threatening!"

[Stelle: Congratulations, your process was entirely wrong, but the result is spot-on!]

[Bronya: How did you guess that?!]

However, Asta's speculation was just a spontaneous guess.

After Herta suggested it seemed unlikely, she sighed, "True enough. Su Qing has always been at the space station, with no chance to meet Himeko."

Following their conversation, Asta entered Su Qing's room once more.

Looking at the somewhat cluttered desk, she smiled faintly, "Honestly, couldn't even tidy up before leaving?"

She considered helping Su Qing organize and putting items away in drawers to prevent dust accumulation.

But feeling disheartened, she lacked the energy to do so.

Instead, Asta sat down in Su Qing's chair and rested her head on the table, lamenting softly, "Wahh... Su Qing, when will you come back..."

In the lower left corner drawer beneath where she sat, lay quietly the pristine love letter.

[Black Swan: Alright, having seen this, I'm sure everyone now understands their respective states and progressions before the end of the space station scenario.]

[Black Swan: And now, it's time for Xianzhou's story~]

[Stelle: Yay!!]

[Seele: A new chapter!]

[Firefly: Should we celebrate??]

[March 7th: ...But just now, did some really alarming information slip by nonchalantly?!]

***

Inside the Astral Express.

After a vote, everyone decided to change their destination to Xianzhou.

The jump tunnel opened.

The train entered, and once again, the vast starry river returned to tranquility.

(Space Station Arc - End)