!!! - EDITED - 12/30/24 (Only had adjustments on the Dialogues to fit the current changes I've made)
Disclaimer: I don't own Honkai Star Rail and any of their characters. All belonged to their rightful owners - Hoyoverse.
+++===+++
The Master control zone was as massive as ever. It was the center of everything, the controls of the station, and how the station operates. If this was a ship, it would be the captain's cabin. A large hologram of a planet was seen for display for everyone to look at. For the name Planet, I frankly have no clue at all.
Despite that, I held no means of small admiration of the Hologram. It was like the inner child within me was screaming after seeing such a thing that could only be found in fiction. The way I said made it feel like I was only here for a few hours, not months. Seeing how humanity could advance like this, you can't help but admire it.
"So, what made you convinced to join us?" Dan Heng asked as the two of us were behind the group.
"Your navigator has a way of words," I replied. I can't believe I fell for it. What's wrong with me?
"I can tell."
"Projectile Radar Tracking, normal. Telemetry signal frequency, is unusually high. Maintain at normal levels," Asta was heard giving a report as we slowly approached her. I noticed guards were stationed surrounding the area she was in. She was heavily protected. Judging from her worried tone, I was sure it was serious enough to make me nervous about my safety again. I tried to assure myself that it must be something that I shouldn't be too worried about but it didn't do much as what she added next was enough to make me fall into a state of depression. "Our measurements predict that the Legion is about to unleash over ten waves of continuous attacks. Everyone brace yourselves."
Ten waves? That's right, I heard it clearly. I tried to maintain my calm facade. It seemed that the people beside me showed no reaction to that specific information. Of course, why would they?
"Asta, we're back!" March said with a wave.
Asta turned around, relief evident in her tone as she spoke. "Whew, I'm glad that you're all back safe. Arlan just told me about the situation at the storage zone and about his injury…" Her expression seemed saddened as she said those last bits of words but went right back up as she added "Thank you for all your help,"
"Don't worry, Asta. As long as we can do something to help" Himeko said "So how's everything handling."
"About that..well, I realize more and more that the space station's researchers are its most valuable assets… Alas, we were ill-prepared for such emergencies…" Asta says, frowning "We should have built up more towards our security and combat departments."
Knowing how rich she was, why couldn't she just buy a fleet of spaceships guarding this gigantic spaceship? Is her father limiting her allowance to prevent such a thing? Nah, that couldn't be it. What kind of father would make their daughter vulnerable, especially in outer space? I fell into deep thought as Asta continued.
"On the other hand, the entire crew of the Astral Express seems to be extraordinarily skilled." Asta's eyes gazed at us and appeared to be locked onto me. "And it appears you have new faces. You're bringing in new recruits? It seems Ethan is also here as well, is he a part of it?"
"Uhm, I don't–" I tried to say but was interrupted.
"That depends if they want. Trailblazing is not just limited to us; it is open to all people who want to join," Himeko answered with a smile. That smile somehow added chills. Literal chills. It felt like I was some sort of rabbit in a cage.
Well, it's not like I'm gonna join them and it's not like they're gonna force me.
Right?
"Ms. Asta, may I ask what's the current situation of the space station?" Dan Heng asked.
Asta took a moment to answer as she reconsidered her words. "The situation is under control… for now. The damage to our security system was minor. The intruder only managed to alter a small amount of data, so it was an easy fix." She paused as her expression took a slightly grim turn. "The real problem lies with the researchers…"
Eh? I stared wide-eyed at her. What did we do? I started to get nervous. Would she fire most of them, maybe including me? I knew it; she was angry at us for being so useless. I started sweating as my thoughts ran wild.
Stelle appeared to notice me shaking a bit and I saw her smiling. I shot her a look of confusion. What's that smile for?!
It appeared I was worried for nothing as Asta continued, "They trust Madam Herta wholeheartedly and never thought that the space station would be breached by the Legion. A broken spirit is far worse than a broken body."
Oh, so that's what it's about. I breathe a sigh of relief.
"Like I said earlier Asta, you don't have to do this alone. Let us share the burden," Himeko offered with a smile.
"I know, Himeko. I still haven't forgotten your words earlier."
"That's good to know. How about this, we'll go speak with the researchers, and with Ethan here, it would be easy to talk to them. Right now, the space station can't afford any more unexpected turns, especially from within."
Eh? Wait, why am I getting included in this?
"That would be helpful.." Asta nodded along with her words.
"That said, have you tried contacting Herta?"
"I sent multiple letters, all met with silence," Asta tapped her foot impatiently on the ground. "You know her, Himeko, the space station is but a mere warehouse for followers and rare items. She doesn't really care about it." At the last word of her sentence, she began to look to the other side, clearly frustrated.
Himeko placed a hand on her hips, eyes showing a flash of understanding. "I knew it." She shook her head. "No matter. I'll also send a letter to Herta and tell her that we've brought the rare item she seeks from a while back. At least that might get her attention."
Asta's expression softened into one of relief, a small smile curving on her lips. "Thank you, Himeko. I'll leave the reassurance of the researchers in your hands."
"Don't worry, Asta. It's for the good of all," Himeko replied then turned to us. "I'm sure all of you know what to do?"
"Of course, Ms. Himeko. You can trust us with this task. It'll be a walk in the park," March said, nodding firmly.
"I'll talk to Arlan," Dan Heng offered indignantly. "I'm gonna have an update on his condition."
"Wait, I'll come with you," I said, catching Dan Heng's eye. He nodded.
"Alright, while Stelle and I begin questioning the researchers," March added, pulling Stelle by her hand. Stelle just stayed silent as usual, but I could feel like she was against the decision, judging by how she seemed to try to wiggle herself out of March's grasp.
Eh, maybe that's just me.
+++===+++
It didn't take long for us to spot Arlan. He was situated nearby on what seemed to be an advertisement board.
" Arlan!" I called out. As I closed in enough, I noticed the pained expression on Arlan's face, but it quickly disappeared as he saw us coming.
"Ethan? And... Mr. Dan Heng? What are you guys doing here?" Arlan questioned. He wasn't surprised to see me; rather, it was Dan Heng.
"We just came here to check on you," I replied, staring at him with concern. "Are you doing alright?"
"I'm fine, this pain is nothing, really. I'm used to it," Arlan tried to brush it off.
"But you did go to the medical department, correct?"
"Of course! If left untreated, it would be infected" Arlan quickly gave a reply. "In fact, I should be proud of it. It's a reminder that I can protect everyone." His expression quickly took a turn. "But don't tell Asta what I just said."
"Don't worry, my lips are tightly sealed." I motioned, zipping my mouth to show I understood. "Also, when you look at it that way, then I suppose that's a very good mindset to have."
"Indeed. A scar is not something to fear, but to be proud of. It represents your experiences, both the suffering and the growth that comes from them," Dan Heng said, agreeing with me.
I shot him a suspicious look. Now, I was actually considering he is some old master from xianxia novels or something. The way he sounded it looked like his age was beyond my years. Double that of my old life.
"T-That is true, Mr. Dan Heng. Thank you for your insights," Arlan replied, still nervous. "Still, I feel bad for the researchers who didn't make it. Most of them came to the space station because they admired Madam Herta. But now they can't reach her or even their own families."
I could see his hands quickly curled into a fist. He was distraught. No one was to blame really. In fact, the only ones to blame were the Antimatter legion. Some were lucky to survive, while others were unlucky and died alone, screaming. I glanced at my watch. If it weren't for this, I would be one of them.
With that thought in mind, I really needed to figure out how to activate this damn watch.
"Alright, Arlan, we'll give you some space to rest." Both mentally and physically. Physical wounds can heal, but for the mind, it could vary.
Those were the last words I spoke to him as we quickly bid him goodbye. While walking, I took a single glance at Dan Heng. "So should we interview the remaining researchers to see how they're doing?"
"It would be appropriate. It will help gain more understanding about their situation." He replied.
I hummed, snapping my head in a random direction. If I were to pick a person to be interviewed, what method would I use? Well, the answer to that question is...
'Eeny, meeny, miny, moe…' My finger stopped at a random person. " Why don't we start with that guy over there?"
A couple of minutes later…
Boring minutes would I call it? Dan Heng took the role of interviewer while I took down notes. Mentally, since I have nothing to write on or type on. I was guaranteed to remember it due to my highly good memory.
"We talked to seven people, and all of them had the exact same reaction and feelings" I began recalling. "Which is kinda obvious from the start."
"Agree. It's normal,"
"That said, I never saw you once afraid, have you ever been afraid of something?" I asked him.
Dan Heng nodded. "Of course."
"You don't show it though," I pointed out with a raised brow.
"Just because I don't show it doesn't mean I'm not afraid,"
"Right. I only wish I could fight like you." I sighed, shaking my head at the thought of me being like them, only a dream.
" If you tried hard enough and used that watch of yours, then you could," Dan Heng replied. I blinked and glanced at him, confused. Watch? Wait, how did he—
Before I could update on Dan Heng's statement. March's voice quickly took us by surprise.
"Oh, Ethan! Dan Heng! Over here!"
"March, how was your side doing the mission?" Dan Heng questioned as we finally closed in on them.
"Oh, it was fine, but all of them seemed pretty scared and nervous about this whole thing," March commented with a sad look. "And the others well….they don't look so good"
Stelle said nothing as she stared off at something in the distance.I was about to question why but it was interrupted by a loud alarm.
[ALERT!]
[Outer shields are under attack.]
[OUTER SHIELD CAPACITY 87%!]
"What's happening!" I shouted loudly as the alarm was even louder that it even managed to mask my voice. The surrounding researchers began to panic and scream.
I saw Asta going towards the interface and much to my relief, The alarm sound was now gone Then a hologram lit in front of us. We could only watch in horror as it showed a gigantic dragon starting to break through the shields. A heavy silence enveloped us, everyone who was panicking in the area turned deadly silent at the sight of what the Hologram bestowed upon us.
I could hear Asta take a deep intake of breath. "Take the Express and leave."
"What about you, Asta?" Himeko asked, taken aback by what she said.
Asta took a breath. Deep down she was nervous, I could tell from her hands shaking. "I'll stay," she finally said with a resolute expression, gone was the nervousness.
I wanted to say something but I couldn't find the words to let out.
A flash of hesitation crossed Himeko's face, but seeing the determination on Asta's face, she relented. "Let's go," she said to us before leaving in a hurry together with March and Dan Heng who followed after her.
"It's better for you to go with them, Ethan" Asta turned her head to me "I could tell, they are the right people for you"
"I think you're perspective might be flawed on that one"
She blinked, chuckling "You always say the strangest stuff."
I smiled. Stelle hadn't run off yet, and before I could question why, she suddenly grabbed my hand and ran, pulling me in the process.
"Hey, let go—!" I tried to untangle her grip but to no avail.
"We don't have time. Let's go," Stelle replied sternly as she only tightened the grip on my arm. I stared at her blankly, feeling like I had no choice but to obey. Why? Well, for starters, I couldn't do anything since she is unsurprisingly stronger than me. Talking would be just as useless seeing how stubborn she was. I felt like my pride as a man was starting to break as I was dragged like a puppy by its owner. I was so embarrassed that I had to hold my tears as I saw my fellow researchers looking at me.
++++====+++
"The supply zone shields won't hold on for much longer. You all need to hurry…"
"I'll be here; you've got to fend them off."
"You… hurry…"
"That's the last of the message until the communication cuts off completely," Dan Heng stated as the communicator shut off on its own.
Everyone had a grim look on their faces as another heavy silence enveloped us. It was then Dan Heng who spoke again, breaking the silence. "Are you thinking of going back? Let me remind you, that thing put there is the legion planet destroyer. Unless we have a planet-destroying canon, we can't hope to stop it"
"Wait, did I hear you say Planet Destroyer?" I couldn't help but want to clarify. I must have heard it wrong, right? There's no way that thing could destroy planets. Why would it be here?
"Yes. It's infamous for its capability to burn civilizations on any planet they set their eyes on. It won't be long before we get the same treatment," Dan Heng affirmed, and just like that, I felt dread as I stared off at a random wall.
"Dan Heng! You don't have to make it sound like we have no hope," March pouted accusingly, her glare set on him.
"I'm just saying." Dan Heng shrugged.
"Don't worry, Ethan, this space station is tougher than it looks. It's, after all, Herta's own creation. As long as the Lord Ravager does not intervene, then there should be no problems," Himeko assured with a warm smile.
The way she said it almost convinced me but is it really true? Doubt lingers on my mind as I stare at her for a short two seconds before nodding.
"B-But we can't just run away like this, right? It feels wrong," March sputtered, frowning. She was right; aren't they basically meant for this type of situation? I might have vouched for her if it meant defeating this planet-destroyer of a dragon and saving my only home in my second life. But on the other hand…. there's a chance they might not defeat it and we will be doomed either.
It's like choosing which college to go to after failing the national exam in my homeland. Either way, we're all fucked unless something happens that could shift the tide.
"The Doomsday Beast can rip apart the shields like tearing through paper, and Herta is not here. The station's defenses are too weak to stand against the Antimatter Legion," Dan Heng explained. "Either way, the legion has the blessing of the Aeon, Nanook. They came prepared, and everyone here is not."
And of course, where there is a moral supporter of the group, there is one who will decrease that moral while saying it in the logical side of things. While staring at the xianxia boy, I couldn't help but ask.
"But then what about Aeon, Nous? Madam Herta is from the Erudition, right? Then shouldn't Aeon help us in this situation?"
"That's more complicated than it is." Dan Heng stated "Also, there's no military might in this station other than a few guards. Even if we got the blessing of the Aeon, Nous, the chances of beating the full might of the Antimatter Legion are still slim."
"Then that's why we take Stelle and Ethan with us," Himeko added, much to my surprise.
"Eh?" I blurted out. Me?
Stelle blinked, showing a confused look but didn't say anything.
"Stelle and Ethan?" It seemed the three of us were surprised by Himeko's decision, though I felt like Dan Heng was a lot less surprised than us. Then for March who looked clueless about why Himeko brought those up.
"They're that important?" March questioned, eyes set on Himeko, waiting for an answer.
"I have a feeling that both of them can help us turn the tides… though I could be wrong," Himeko said, appearing to be deep in thought.
"Wait, wait, wait," I spoke up after my short moment of trance. All heads turned to me. "Okay, I get Stelle's part, but how can I turn the tide exactly?.
Like how can I do shit, woman?
Himeko blinked, and she giggled. I shot her a puzzled look.
"What? What's funny?"
"Ethan, tell me what's on your right wrist?"
"My watch?"
"Do you believe it's ordinary?"
It took me a moment to get her words right into my head before staring at her in shock. Does she know? Wait, wasn't this what Dan Heng just said a while ago? Something about my watch. Do they both know? I quickly took a glance at March. Nah, she doesn't know.
"How—" Before I could question it, Himeko suddenly grabbed my wrist. I resisted for a bit, but she was obviously stronger than me, so I just let her be rather than risk a broken arm.
"This watch of yours isn't normal. Ethan, you may not know or perhaps had a guess." Himeko stared intently into my eyes. She took something from her dress, it was like a pen but had a shard edge. "If it weren't Dan Heng telling me about this, It might not be on my radar"
"Dan Heng?" I looked at the person in question. "How?"
"It was within a span of a second. While you were jolted awake, your watch turned bright yellow in that second which quickly dimmed. I was able to discern that it contained a power source" He didn't even bother hiding it and told me honestly.
Wait, how was he able to catch on that quickly? That reaction time must be crazy. I stared at him in a newfound admiration.
"From what I could tell, this watch of yours contains an energy similar to Imaginary Energy. It is the highest form of energy that every civilization could ever hope of containing. Like Stellaron and even the Aeons themselves use this energy for their own uses" Himeko explained.
"Imaginary Energy" I mumbled those words in my mouth, attempting to see if anything, from this previous owner's body memories and mine from the three weeks I spent here could remember what that is.
Imaginary energy, imaginary energy, imaginary energy….
But all I got was nothing.
"Interesting. It seems my sensor can't detect anything.." Himeko pursed her lips, showing a mixture of surprise and… excitement. "This watch of yours Ethan might be more than it seems, apparently"
Recalling the events of my near-death experience. The moment where I heard the voices in my head. I couldn't help but agree with her silently.
My brows furrowed. Something from her words clicked on me. "Don't tell me that you backed up Stelle to bring me along was—"
Himeko chuckled. "Bingo."
"...." What a deviant woman she is.
"Wait!" March suddenly shouted. "You're telling me, He had powers all along?" She turned to me "Why didn't you say so?"
"Uhm, well, for the record, I don't even know how to use it" I replied, bluntly. "I didn't know this watch of mine even worked after thinking it was broken for months."
"Ah, you may have a point right there," March said, sheepishly.
"I think we may need to continue this conversation later on," Dan Heng interrupted. "There is still the Doomsday Beast problem going on."
"Dan Heng's right. For now, let's focus on the situation at hand," Himeko said as she brought out a hologram map of the station and enlarged it, showing where we were in the station. "Alright listen up, this is where we are now, the supply zone where the maintenance crew works. There's a path here that leads to the nearest railway platform. Let's head over there and meet up with Welt."
"Welt? Another one of yours?" I turned my head to March.
"Of course. He's been on the Astral Express after Himeko," March replied, then placed her attention back on Himeko. "Isn't he on the Astral Express, Ms. Himeko?"
"The Astral Express tracks our coordinates in real-time…. And with such a huge change in the space station's movements, there's no way that Mr. Yang wouldn't have noticed," Dan Heng answered instead.
"That is true," March began, nodding slowly, accepting Dan Heng's reasoning.
I began wondering why they held him in such high regard. Is he someone powerful? I took a pondering look as Himeko continued the conversation.
"Hmm, I can almost guarantee that your Mr. Yang is on his way," Himeko assured. "Right now, we might be able to handle things if it's just the Doomsday Beast. But if the Destruction Emanator were to appear…"
"It would lead to complications or worse," Dan Heng nodded along with her words.
Somehow I had a feeling that this would end very badly.