Star Rail: Starting with a Lyre, Living off Busking

Well, well, look at you! So dedicated, you've earned a little extra treat! 🎉

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After dealing with the two monsters that had pursued them, the Trailblazers tended to the injured lizardfolk priest.

His body was now wrapped in layers of bandages, but thanks to two minor healing miracles cast by the young cleric and a dose of her homemade salve, he had regained the ability to move.

Sitting on the grass, his voice raspy, the lizardfolk expressed his gratitude.

"I am Zaryus, an exiled priest. My clan name has been stripped, and I am a former silver-tier adventurer. I deeply thank you, great ones, for your assistance. Without you, my team would have perished here…"

His elven companion, who had taken a moment to change her innerwear and compose herself, returned with a solemn expression and spoke sincerely.

"I am Mimiya, an archer of the Forestfolk and a copper-tier adventurer. I will forever remember this debt. If you ever have need of my services, please don't hesitate to command me."

The Forestfolk were typically aloof and prideful, never showing weakness to other races, let alone offering themselves in servitude.

For Mimiya to utter such words clearly showed how shocking it had been to witness the demon general being obliterated. It had completely shattered her usual demeanor.

Meanwhile, the young cleric tightly gripped her staff—taller than she was—and spoke with a flushed face and unbridled admiration.

"I am Fina, a newly appointed cleric and a jadeite-tier adventurer. I am so grateful for the bishop's aid during this ordeal!"

As she spoke, she continuously bowed toward March 7th, her words laced with formalities. However, March 7th took a step back, awkwardly waving her hands.

"Ah, I'm not a bishop or anything like that! Honestly, I don't even pray that much… well, maybe a little when I really need something," March 7th said, her casual tone bordering on heretical in a world of devout believers.

"What? But how could you wield such powerful miracles of the Earth Mother if you're not a bishop?" Fina's eyes widened in disbelief, her small mouth agape.

"Uh…" March 7th hesitated. She enjoyed role-playing, but making up something without understanding the local world's rules would likely backfire.

Before she could find an answer, Zaryus stepped in with a cough.

"Fina, the great ones surely have their own reasons for being here. We owe them a great debt—do not trouble them further."

"Ahaha… It's not that serious," March 7th said with a sheepish smile. "We just acted on instinct when we saw someone in need of help."

Hearing this, Fina felt her belief in the Earth Mother's teachings deepen. She decided that March 7th's reluctance to explain must stem from some unspoken burden, making her reverence for the supposed bishop grow.

But who was this mysterious young and adorable bishop? And why did her presence exude a warmth reminiscent of the Earth Mother herself?

Unable to contain herself, Fina edged closer to March 7th like a loyal puppy, eventually leaning against her.

Thankfully, March 7th didn't mind and even ruffled Fina's hair, which made the young cleric almost tear up with joy.

Such power, yet so kind and approachable… what a perfect bishop!

In contrast, Mimiya seemed more inclined to interact with Dan Heng and Venti. Dan Heng's aloof demeanor, however, left her unsure of how to approach him.

Though she was accustomed to such personalities among her own kind, she found it easier to connect with Venti, whose gentle smile and approachable aura were disarming.

When she approached him, she found him carefully tending to his lyre with such care and focus that it seemed almost like an act of love. His delicate fingers and graceful tuning captivated her.

Forestfolk also had a deep appreciation for music and wind, and as an archer, Mimiya was intimately familiar with reading wind patterns. Venti's display of skill was enough to earn her respect.

"Hmm? Are you interested in my companion?" Venti noticed her gaze and offered a warm smile.

"Uh… I can tell just from the way you tune it—it must be incredibly well-maintained," Mimiya replied shyly, her view of the bard shifting.

He's different from those silver-tongued rogues at taverns, she thought.

"Would you like to try playing it? With hands as skilled as yours, I'm sure you'd connect with it effortlessly," Venti said, his tone encouraging.

Venti had noticed the calluses on her fingertips, some from pulling a bowstring, others from playing instruments—marks of her dedication to both crafts.

"Ah, yes… I'd love to," Mimiya said hesitantly, her fingers brushing against the lyre.

A gentle breeze flowed from the instrument as her touch produced a clear, resonant note. The sound was so pure, it made her feel as though she had transformed into the wind itself, wandering the world without a care.

Just as she began to lose herself in the sensation, a soft voice brought her back.

"It's time to wake up."

Mimiya snapped out of her daze, her gaze filled with a mix of gratitude and lingering awe. She realized how close she had come to forgetting her own identity as a Forestfolk.

Feeling both embarrassed by her moment of weakness and thankful for the experience, she stammered, "T-Thank you… I'll never forget this…"

"It's quite the unique experience, isn't it?" Venti teased lightly, grinning.

"Yes… I don't think I'll ever forget it," Mimiya admitted, clutching her forehead. Then, with a start, she added, "Oh, but I meant no offense!"

"Just call me Venti," he said easily. "That goes for my companions too. The cheerful one with pink hair is March 7th, the composed gray-haired one is Stelle, and the serious guy is Dan Heng. We're a team from another world, here to help investigate the calamities affecting this land."

As the group turned their attention to him, Venti continued smoothly.

"So, we're still learning about this place. Would it be alright if we asked you a few questions?"

"Of course, Venti—cough, I mean, yes, please ask us anything!" Zaryus responded quickly, his tone carrying both respect and enthusiasm.

He then began recounting the recent events.

"—A few days ago, a seed of calamity fell from the sky. Its arrival greatly strengthened many monsters across the land. Some Dryads who managed to escape claimed that any creature exposed to it became incredibly powerful.

"On that same day, the chief priests of every temple received divine revelations urging the races to form a united defense line against the surging monster hordes.

"At first, many didn't grasp the severity of the message. After all, in the past, heroes would rise to defeat the demon king. But ever since the last hero passed, no one has claimed the title.

"Several border towns were overrun before they could mount effective defenses. The kingdom's forces are spread thin, leaving them barely able to hold the frontlines."

Using his claw, Zaryus sketched a crude map on the ground, marking the towns along the frontlines and highlighting areas under attack.

"The monsters appear to be coming from what seems like a rift connected to a demonic abyss, transporting them all across the kingdom.

"Our team was tasked with investigating ruins, old nests, and monster activity. We were a temporary group, and before meeting you, we had a dwarf companion. Unfortunately… he wasn't as lucky."

Sorrow flickered across Zaryus's face as he mentioned his lost comrade.

"Initially, the ruins appeared devoid of activity, but deeper exploration revealed those two monsters you defeated. Their sudden appearance was entirely unexpected, much like the horde that has been plaguing us.

"Had we not encountered you, not only would we have perished, but the nearest border town would have likely fallen soon after."

"I see…" Venti mused, his expression thoughtful. After a pause, he asked, "So, are you planning to return to town to report your findings?"

"Yes," Zaryus confirmed, then hesitated before adding, "Would you and your team consider traveling with us?"

"Of course! Meeting here must be fate, don't you think?" Venti turned to his companions with a smile.

March 7th answered first. "No objections here! Traveling together sounds like a great idea!"

Fina, sticking close to March 7th, nodded eagerly, practically a shadow behind her.

Dan Heng, though initially surprised by Venti's proactiveness, gave a small nod. "We need to gather information on the monsters' movements. Investigating the town would be a good start."

"Then it's settled. Let's head to the nearest town together!" March 7th declared with enthusiasm, raising her hand in celebration.

As they set off, Zaryus, taking on the role of guide, began describing the town of Getlow. Hidden within the dense forests, the border town lay just ahead.

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T/N: she'll never forget her experience with... Venti?! How scandalous!

This bonus chapter is like an encore after a rousing performance—totally worth staying for, wouldn't you say? Oh, and don't worry, my lyre's got plenty more tunes to play next time!

But for now, it's time to take a bow. Thank you for the applause (and all that wonderful support). If you're feeling extra inspired, you know where to find me—[patreon.com/WiseTL]. Toss a coin, and who knows? Maybe the next bard will sing your praises!

Now, go forth, Traveler, and revel in the wonders of this world. Until next time! 🍃✨

Oh, and this bard must be off for now—another breeze calls my name. See you soon, dear friend!