I, The Aeon of Trailblaze, Trailblazing the Multiverse

The scene etched itself into the hearts of the three girls, stirring something profound within them.

The setting sun cast its golden rays behind the five figures, stretching their shadows far and wide until they covered the girls' faces. It was like a moment ripped straight from the kind of anime they'd watched growing up—heroes who defeated the demon king, raised the banner of victory, and left a thriving world behind without a trace, only to quietly walk away.

Saeko Busujima snapped out of her reverie and waved. "I'm coming—please wait for me."

Saya Takagi and Rei Miyamoto quickly followed behind her.

"Wait for me too! I want to board the Astral Express!"

At that moment, a frantic voice called out from the distance.

"Wait—please wait for me! Don't leave me behind!"

Everyone turned toward the voice.

They saw a blonde woman dressed in travel gear, lugging a large backpack, running toward them while panting heavily. The heavy straps of her backpack pressed tightly against her chest, threatening to burst free from the strain.

"Wait for me! Don't leave me!"

Himeko's golden eyes widened slightly in surprise.

March 7th had mentioned earlier that Saeko Busujima had stepped onto the Path of Trailblaze and would join as a new companion. But now, it seemed it wasn't just one new companion—they had four at once! The train's roster was doubling.

Trailblazers on the Path of Trailblaze could sense each other—a subtle awareness, akin to knowing they were part of the same kin, like members of a secret order who instantly recognized one another.

"This is going to make the train a lively place," Himeko said, smiling brightly.

In the past, such a sudden increase in passengers would have made her fret over room arrangements. Even Dan Heng's room had originally been converted from the archives.

But now, with Elias—Akivili—onboard, expanding the train with new compartments wouldn't be an issue.

Saya Takagi's eyes widened. "Dr. Shizuka Marikawa? You're a Trailblazer too?"

Shizuka Marikawa, gasping for breath and resting her hands on her knees, displayed her usual air of ditzy innocence. "Yes… yes, it seems I've become a miko somehow!"

"A miko mustn't leave her divine lord's side! So I ran here in a hurry when I saw you all about to leave." Her teary-eyed expression was almost comically pitiful. "Wuuu, I almost twisted my ankle on the way!"

Himeko regarded the group thoughtfully—the composed Saeko Busujima, the nervous Rei Miyamoto and Saya Takagi, and the adorably clueless Shizuka Marikawa—and greeted them with warmth.

"I am Himeko, the navigator of the Astral Express. Since you've all stepped onto the Path of Trailblaze, that makes you Trailblazers. If there's nothing else holding you back, it's time to board the train."

Saya quickly raised her hand. "I-I'd like to say goodbye to my mom first. Could we… wait a little?"

Himeko smiled gently. "Of course. While it's easy to return whenever you'd like, a farewell is important."

"Thank you, Himeko-senpai," Saya said gratefully.

Himeko-senpai is so kind, Saya thought to herself, feeling a warmth she hadn't felt since losing her father.

Saya ran off to bid her mother goodbye.

Meanwhile, after learning of Rei's loss, Himeko rested a comforting hand on her head.

"I don't have the perfect words to console you, but I'll say this: live your life with strength and purpose."

"As a Trailblazer, the rest of us are your family and companions now. You can rely on us."

In the vast universe, the Trailblazers were known as one of the most united groups. Each generation's will and ideals were passed down to the next.

Sniffling, Rei nodded. "Thank you, Himeko-senpai."

Himeko turned to Shizuka. "Welcome aboard, Ms. Marikawa."

Shizuka thumped her chest with determination, which sent waves rippling through her figure. "Please take care of me! I'll learn everything I need to become a proper miko!"

Himeko tilted her head. "Miko?"

Shizuka nodded earnestly. "Yes, it's an honor to be chosen by the divine lord! I'll do my best!"

She turned her wide-eyed, reverent gaze toward Elias, who stood nearby with his hands in his pockets, a small smile on his face.

March 7th scratched her head in confusion and glanced at Dan Heng. "Am I missing something here? Why can't I understand what Ms. Marikawa's saying?"

Dan Heng shook his head. "I don't understand it either."

Welt adjusted his glasses, the light reflecting off them as he gave a small cough. "Ahem, this is simply part of Ms. Shizuka's cultural customs. It's normal if you don't quite understand it."

As a human from Earth, he understood well enough, being quite familiar with the customs and cultures from around the world. After all, this was also "Earth," and the traditions here were exactly the same.

March 7th shrugged her shoulders. "Alright then." Suddenly, something seemed to dawn on her.

"Ah! That's right! I need to pick up some souvenirs from this world as keepsakes!"

"How about we stay and play for an hour before departure, Himeko, Uncle Yang, Lord Elias?" she asked eagerly.

Elias responded indulgently, "Alright, alright, as long as it makes you happy, little March."

March 7th jumped up in excitement. "Yay!"

Welt couldn't help but sigh in admiration. Lord Akivili truly lives up to the title of the most 'approachable' of the Aeons. He spoils his followers so much.

He could scarcely imagine how safe the Astral Express would become as it traveled the universe under Elias's watchful eye. Which faction would would dare show even the slightest hostility toward the train now?

After spending a heartfelt moment with her mother, Saya Takagi returned to the group with a travel bag slung over her shoulder.

Meanwhile, March 7th had bought an overwhelming amount of souvenirs. Unable to carry them all, she enlisted Welt's help, who used gravity manipulation to make them float in midair.

Elias surveyed the assembled old and new members of the crew and raised his hand high.

"Alright! I hereby declare that this world's coordinates have been successfully charted. It's time to move onward!"

"Yes, sir!" Eight voices of varying tones responded in unison, brimming with resolve.

With a flash, everyone disappeared from where they stood, reappearing moments later in the Astral Express's parlor car.

Astral Express

Parlor Car

The massive blue planet hung in the background like a sapphire jewel.

"Wow! So this is what Earth looks like from outer space. It's incredible," Saya exclaimed, her face pressed against the glass.

"Yeah, it's completely different from watching videos. Space feels so vast," Rei said, her wide eyes reflecting the planet's glowing outline.

Even Saeko Busujima was mesmerized, her gaze lingering on the brilliant blue sphere.

They were still just teenagers, seventeen or eighteen years old, untouched by the complexities of the adult world. Their thoughts remained simple, unburdened by life's many layers.

Shizuka Marikawa also leaned against the window, marveling at the view. "It's so beautiful…"

March 7th, watching the row of girls pressed to the glass, crossed her arms and struck a pose of seniority. "You know, you'll get to see sights like this every day from now on! And not just planets—there are countless incredible scenes in the universe, far more breathtaking than this."

Himeko approached with two cups of coffee in hand. "Anyone want to try my coffee?"

Dan Heng's expression shifted slightly, and he coughed. "I, uh, used quite a bit of energy earlier. I should go rest in my room."

Welt's stomach seemed to churn on cue. He quickly added, "Yes, I've also overexerted myself with the synthetic black hole. Best to avoid coffee for now."

Himeko shook her head lightly, then turned toward the four new companions who were still glued to the window. "How about you? Would you like some coffee?"

Perhaps they'd enjoy her coffee, even if Welt and Dan Heng couldn't.

Saeko turned around and nodded politely. "Coffee? Thank you, Himeko-senpai." She reached out to accept the cup.

[Welcome back, passengers.]

[The train will begin its warp in one minute.]

[Please find a seat and secure yourselves.]

...

Meanwhile, back on Earth, a streak of multicolored light cut across the sky.

All over the world, people looked up.

"Goodbye, heroes from beyond the stars."

Thanks to Earth's intact communication systems, everyone had learned of the extraterrestrial heroes who had saved their planet. Discussions were already underway in various nations about constructing monuments to honor them.

...

Star Rail Universe

In the vibrant expanse of space, a streak of multicolored light tore through the fabric of time and space.

Gradually, the streak slowed.