AN: PLEASE SEE THE FIRST CHAPTER. I'VE REWRITTEN THE PAST CHAPTERS AND DID SOME REVISIONS FOR SMOOTHER EXPERIENCE.
!!-EDITED 12/30/24 (Only have some slight adjustments and some few additions from the Beginning and MAJOR OVERHAUL FROM THE LAST PART - (Optional: Only read the part where the MC fights the kidnappers for those who've read the old chapter )
Disclaimer: I don't own Honkai Star Rail and any of their characters. All belonged to their rightful owners - Hoyoverse.
+++====+++
Boulder town,
A place that reeks of alcohol and other stuff I wouldn't want to know. There weren't a lot of people around. Mostly the people I found were either vendors or drunkards which explains the smell.
Was it late at night? I couldn't quite tell. That might explain the lack of people in the streets or was it normally like this? Lifting my head to the sky won't be of help either. That makes me wonder, how do the people here know if it's night or day? Do they have their own standard time here like the space station?
I paused that thought. It seemed I was moving away from what I originally thought I should do.
I gathered my thoughts and began recollecting what I now know regarding my situation. Stelle and the others were in the mines doing some protagonist-saving-the-day stuff. The question remains, Should I go there? Would they even recognize me?
…Yeah, no doubt they will recognize me. Aside from my shrunken body, my facial features haven't really changed that much aside from the fact I looked a decade younger.
It was the biggest hurdle that I've got no clue how to return back to normal. Staying as a kid was not an option Honestly, it hasn't even been that long since I joined the Astral Express. So why does it feel like I'm already dealing with the fallout from my decision?
That thought lingered in my mind for a while before I was snapped back to reality when Luka's voice reached my ears.
"Hey Kid! Do you want some Crystal Lizard Satay? It's still steaming hot"
I looked up, confused by what he said "A-What?" Did he just say lizard?
"Here" Instead of answering, He handed me a piece of what seemed to be a kebab. There was some meat and some weirdly strange vegetables that I had not yet seen attached to it. I cautiously glanced at it, still doubting if it was safe to consume. It does have a strange smell to it.
"It's one of my favorite go-to foods ... well except the vegetables," Luka smiled sheepishly.
"See, I took the vegetables out of mine but I didn't do the same to yours. Since you're still growing, vegetables would be important for you."
"Ah, I see." I've had plenty of shared experiences of not wanting to eat vegetables when I was a kid back then, but eventually, I grew out of it and began eating it as part of my regular diet.
"Well, let's dig in!" With an excited expression, he took a single bite from his own food. Chewed it for a short while before munching on the rest until there was none left. What's even more impressive is that he did it in under ten seconds. Like wow.
"So tasty…" He wore a blissful expression as he commented on the food.
He does make it seem that it's tasty. I watched him chow down the food like there's no tomorrow.
Looking back at the food in my hand, it was honestly starting to look good. I took a nibble out of it out of pure curiosity and caution and was surprised at how good it tasted. I then took another large bite of the meat together with the vegetables.
It was surprisingly good.
However, it seemed that the first impression was not gonna last as I felt another strange flavor that came out of it. When I started to chew much longer, that strange flavor turned to something else I couldn't quite explain and immediately assaulted my tongue. It felt like there was a jolt around my body as I felt the urge to throw up.
Yet, I did my best to swallow what was in my mouth. I didn't want to make a scene out in the open.
"Gah" I let out a breath as that disgusting piece of my food entered my stomach. I shuddered at the thought of having a stomach ache later on from this.
"So was it good, kid? " Luka asked, looking at me expectantly. "I can tell it was quite good from your expression by now"
I let out a strained smile. Is he blind? Or is he just dense? "Depends, how do you define good?"
Luka pulled out a confused look "Huh?"
"Nothing" Well, there's my plan on eating this anytime soon. It was now added to my new list, the food ban list. "Ahem, so where are we going?"
Since Luka was the one who was assigned to be my guardian, I wondered what his plan was for me.
Luka's smile grew wider as he stretched his arms "That's an easy kid. We're going to have fun!" he declared, pumping his fist in the air.
"Fun?" I looked around. The palace looked gloomy to be fun. Don't tell me that he's gonna send me to a playground? The thought of playing kids around my current age was a bit underwhelming.
"We go to a fight club!"
Eh?
++++++=====++++++
Never thought I'd see the day when I would go to a street fight club. Apparently, his reason for stating this was that - "Kids love it when they see me in the ring". Despite harboring curiosity regarding that, I found no way to refute it and reluctantly agreed.
"Finally we're here! Looks amazing, am I right kid?"
"The name's Ethan" I reminded him, seeing he called me kid many times without referring to my name was starting to annoy me. It felt odd to be called a kid. I wasn't even a kid.
I stared at the sign above with two boxing gloves that had lights, one red and one green, facing off against each other. They even found the people outside of the club talking excitedly about the outcome of the previous match and that some guy apparently lost a few of his teeth during that match.
Luka is a fighter. I gave a look of acknowledgment. I guess I was right.
"Yosh" I saw him, lifting his arm with his curled hand facing directly at me. "Come on kid, don't you know how to fist bump?" He then gasped "Don't tell me, has your amnesia gone that bad!"
I sighed and did what he wanted me to do.
His look of horror quickly died down to relief. "Oh, it seems I was worried for nothing." He smiled "Come kid, Onward!"
"The name's Ethan" Do I have to really remind him of that every minute?
Before we could enter the club, An Old man called out "Luka"
He was situated beside the entrance. His gaze went towards me before it drifted elsewhere.
"Old man.." I curled my brow at Luka's tone. It was less cheerful and more like…caution.
Before the old man could speak again, Luka grabbed me by the arm and led me inside the club.
"Who was that?" I asked as he let go. He acted quite oddly after seeing the old man.
I heard him take a breath "Well..he's the owner of the fight club" He answered, frowning "Let's just say he got some reputation going around the place"
Even I could tell it was quite bad. I felt the need to ask for some clarification regarding that but seeing I was a kid now, I felt like he would shrug it off and say it as if it was none of my concern. So, I just stayed silent till someone called out from the crowd, bringing the attention of a certain red-haired boy.
"Luka, you're here!"
"Dig!" Luka's frown quickly turned into a smile.
I saw a guy with glasses, wearing a similar pattern of color on his shirt like everyone else in this underworld apparently coming to approach us "Are you here to sign up?"
"Hah! Of course. How could I not be?"
"Heh, it's been a while since we saw you fight. People in the club are starting to doubt you, you know?"
"What? Seriously? Come on, I've been the champion many times. Isn't that enough proof that I still got it?"
"Apparently, ever since you've been absent from the ring for these few weeks, a few have claimed the title of champion during your absence"
"Seriously?"
"Yes. You got yourself some pretty strong competitors Luka"
Luka seemed to be deep in thought before his expression turned into diery determination "Alright! Sign me up!"
"Now that's the spirit!" The man, Dig, happily exclaimed. He raised his hand up into the air, waving. "Everybody! Listen up. Luka, the ex-champ, is back in the ring!"
"Seriously?!"
"Is he serious? Did I hear that right?!"
"I mean, he's literally standing there–"
"Oh my!"
"Ah! We got a lady who fainted here! Help!"
I blinked seeing the crowd's reaction. Even though I knew he was a popular figure, it still failed to surprise me to see how the crowd ... or fans, acted around him.
"How about it, kid–"
"Ethan"
"Ahem, Ethan." He corrected himself "You got to see me fight, isn't that exciting?!"
"..."
"Oh come on, you could at least show some emotion."
I forced a smile.
"Uh, maybe something genuine?" Luka said, hesitating as he took a closer look at me. Sorry, Luka, but I'm not interested in fighting, especially with my own. I'd rather avoid it if I can, honestly.
"Look, what do we have here? The fearless Champion is back at it once more!" A voice cuts through the past silence together with a slow resounding clap. By the entrance, four men came to approach us. Three of those four men seemed to be bodyguards from who was at the front-middle, a man with formal clothing with his gray hair kept nicely wearing an arrogant smirk on his face. The three behind him had weapons in their hands which appeared to be an axe infused with a spear, the same ones that those Silvermane guards had but less regal looking due to it looking rusty. They wore the same type of clothing as the rest of the people here in the underground but In addition to a weird-looking mask.
I gave a short glance at the surrounding people. Their faces were filled with shock, fear, surprise, and annoyance. Especially the man named Dig who looked a bit troubled and…mildly annoyed for some reason. Was this guy a sign of trouble? Probably yes, judging from their reaction.
Seeing that, I kept my guard up in case something went out of hand.
"Cole" Luka muttered a name. It seemed to be directed at the gray-haired man. "What are you doing here?"
"What else? To greet you of course and…" The newly arrived, Cole gave a rather forced smile then paused shortly before continuing "To get you a welcoming gift. Can you guess it?"
"Money?"
"Ahh yes, money—Wait no! I mean a fight, a fight!"
"Ah," Luka then nodded "Alright, you're on!"
Cole sighed " Seriously.." His eyes kept firmly locked on Luka then went past me and landed on the man beside me. " Dr. Dig, kindly please register us, right at this moment"
"Of course"
"Thank you" Cole smiled before his attention returned to Luka "This won't be like last time, Luka"
"I'll be looking forward to it"
"You better be. "
"Of course," Luka responded calmly. The tension seemed high when the two just did a staring contest before the latter broke it off
"Come on boys, we better get you prepared,"
"Yes Boss!"
I watched the four of them leave and head towards the other side with a curious look.
"Is he your friend?" I asked, trying to sound as a kid as I could. It was hard.
"A friend would be stretched" Luka scratched his head, pressing his lips together "But I guess you can call him a rival...Yeah, a rival"
He sounded unsure. That I could tell but decided to not voice it.
++++===++++
The area inside of the club was strangely a lot smaller than I expected. That was my conclusion after getting a good look around the place. There was a massive metal cage at the center, a second floor, a punching bag hanging on the side, and several others around the area, messy tables filled with booze and stuff that I didn't recognize.
Despite that, the place was filled with Vibes. I could tell that from all the excited people around me, even the kids starting to cheer as well. I guess Luka didn't lie when he said kids like to watch him fight.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! On the left corner, we have a man who has claimed the title of champion so many times we've lost count. With a blazing fire of passion and fists! I present to you all…..LUUUUUKAAAAA!"
"Go, Luka!"
"Give them a beating!"
"Please marry me!"
Seriously, his fans are a bit crazy in some aspects. Looking at the crowd of female onlookers, I just wanted to sigh.
I watched as Luka stepped right up to the three guards. It still surprised me that a three-against-one was even allowed in the ring, but apparently, it was within the rules.
Could Luka actually win this? I wondered, doubt began growing as I watched their confrontation.
"There's go Luka with his ever-satisfying hunger for punching!"
I grimaced slightly as one of the guards got shoved against the edge of the metal cage like a ragdoll. Seeing one was just knocked out like that, my doubts evaporated in an instant.
Yeah, he's gonna absolutely destroy this.
"What are you three doing? You're embarrassing me!" Cole shouted, bringing the attention of several people near him.
"B-But Boss-" One of the guards tried to say something but was rudely cut off
"No buts! I spent weeks training you guys and this is what I get?!"
"Y-Yes Boss!"
"We'll do better, we promise!"
And there goes another one flying. I had to feel a little sorry for the three guys stuck in the ring with Luka. Having a boss like that must be a serious headache. It kind of reminds me of a strict professor I had back in university.
"What a spectacular hit by Luka!"
"Damn it! Useless fuckers" I saw Cole cursing out loud, drinking some kind of booze. His head suddenly turned toward my direction "What are you looking at kid?" He growled at me.
I put out the most innocent face I could muster. "Uh, a guy that is about to lose?"
If his face was flushed from his drink, it was definitely fuming now "Why you-!" He was about to say something but the announcer cut him off
"AND ANOTHER TERRYING PUNCH FROM LUKA! Please get Luka a medic quickly cause he's on FIRE TONIGHT!!!"
I snickered, barely holding a laugh.
The match ended shortly after with Luka dominating the battlefield. With his fist high up in the air, he declared victory with a smile.
"LUKA!"
"LUKA!"
"LUKA!"
"LUKA!" His fans cheered him on as he waved.
"There you have it! We have a winner, folks! The unbeatable Champion Luka proves his title once more!"
"Fuck!" There was the sound of shattered glass. I turned to see Cole standing up and went somewhere to vent his anger from the looks of it. The bystanders that were near him instantly went out of the way away from him.
"Well, that was a good exercise," Luka said, stretching his arms. He wore a satisfied expression as he asked "How did I do, pretty great right?"
I pulled a thumbs up. He did pretty well, if not better than what I was expecting. It was like watching boxing on television but a lot more exciting.
"Hah! That's great to hear. Still got it" Luka smiled.
"Luka! I need you here for a sec"
"Coming Dig!"
When Luka turned to leave, I overheard one of the newly arrived people gossiping behind me.
"Hey, have you heard what's happening to the mines?"
"You mean the strange-looking people who decided to get into the mess? Of course, I have"
"Are they stupid? The Wildfire can't help them, what are they gonna do?"
"I heard that the princess of Belobog is with them"
"What's that girl doing here of all places? Does she have a death wish?"
"I know, right? Well, if she's dead then good riddance."
I couldn't help but want to furrow my brows and frown at the spot. Princess? Belobog? Wait, don't tell me that silver-haired girl is here as well? What was her name again….Ronya? Branya? Bronya? Probably Bronya.
Having realized that the people here in the underground seemed to harbor a grudge or anger towards the silver-haired girl made me assume that there was probably bad blood going on between the surface and the underground.
I glanced at Luka who seemed to be busy talking with Dig. This might be my chance to leave.
It's not like I can get lost on my own, right?
With a moment of contemplation, I began moving forward toward the exit. Sorry Luka, but I am needed somewhere else. Just as I got close to the exit, I heard footsteps behind me. I found it odd and was skeptical. When I stopped, they stopped too. Before I could fully turn around, a hand made its way over me and clamped my mouth shut.
What the—? Another arm wrapped around my waist, and suddenly, I was lifted off the ground. The grip they had on me was strong..with my feeble body currently, I was unable to free myself.
"I got him-Ow!"
"Idiot! You want to announce it to everyone else?" The guy told the one was was holding me tightly.
Hearing those, I felt it was familiar.
"Sorry I was–"
"Just go!"
I was then carried towards the exit drawing surprised gasps from the people all outside the club.
"Ah!"
"Hey watch where you're going!"
Damn, am I getting kidnapped? I looked around at the surrounding people. The fuck are they not doing anything? I'm getting kidnapped in plain sight here!
Nevertheless, I stayed calm despite having a bit of panic internally. Knowing I had the watch with me, I could probably switch out to my form, and poof, these bastards gonna pay.
I let them do their thing to see who in their right mind would kidnap a child. I was curious if that was all and if things got out of hand, well the rest will follow.
"He's awfully calm about this," one of my kidnappers said, appearing confused.
"Maybe he shit his pants? That would be funny."
"Uh, hopefully not because I'm the one holding him."
They carried me towards a dark alley that led to who knows where. I couldn't keep track of the twists and turns they had me go through. When they stopped in their tracks, I saw a familiar person up ahead which together confirmed my suspicions about who it was.
"Boss, we got him!"
"Good. At least you three could do something right for once." That was the final nail in the coffin. So it was them, the three guards who got their shit beaten by Luka. Appearing in the darkness was none other than Cole, lighting a cigarette. "You think I'll let that slide you punk?" He eyed me deeply. His tone was anything but friendly.
I blinked, slowly getting on what he meant by that. Wait, does he mean what I did earlier? Seriously? He did do this whole thing just for that?
I would have laughed if it weren't for the hand covering my mouth. Does he have beef with a kid like me? How low can this guy get?
Technically, I did provoke him but I didn't expect this development at all.
"Boss, what are we gonna do to him?"
"Teach him a lesson or two about respect," Cole replied dismissively. "As long as he regrets what he did."
"Uh, boss, no offense but what did this kid honestly do to you?" Huh, it seemed that one of them got a clear head to answer that.
"Do I look like I want to answer?"
"Uhm probably?"
"...."
" no?"
"Then there's your answer"
"Still boss, he's just a kid–"
"I don't fucking care, got that?" Cole snapped. The one holding me quivered out of fear.
"....Y-Yes Boss."
"So how are we gonna do that, Boss? The teach him a lesson part"
"I don't know, you guys do it, I need a drink."
Not only is this guy despicable, he is lazy as well. Not much of a surprise there.
The three guys moved me to somewhere with enough space and privacy. With that, they threw me against the wall. I hissed in pain. Why is it always my back?
Okay, now I am starting to think I was gonna enjoy punching the hell out of them.
"So how are we gonna start this?"
"I don't know…I'm not some guy who beat a kid to a pulp."
"I mean, you just threw him to a wall."
"That's beside my point!"
"Wait..guys, he's laughing"
Indeed I was. "You guys are fighting like little kids. Seriously, if you guys want to punish me, at least corporate, you know?"
"The fuck you on about kid?"
"I don't know, just telling three idiots to stick their heads together instead of separating," I grinned. Normally I wasn't like this but man, I have to enjoy myself sometimes you know.
"Why you little–"
When his hand started reaching out to me, I immediately grabbed the dial case of my watch.
Yeah, I'm little. "Elemental Form Lightning!"
"What the–"
"What's happening?!"
"Ah!"
I immediately punched the first guy out of my line of view. "That's for my back,"
My eyes snapped at the two who took a step back, frightened. If it weren't for their mask, I would very well see those kinds of expressions.
"What are you?" One of them shakily asked.
"I don't know. I have not yet thought of a superhero name" I shrugged. That reminds me, I need to come up with a nickname for myself soon. Cringy as it may sound, it might be helpful in some cases.
I caught a glimpse of them reaching out for their weapons.
I grinned. "So who's first?"
+++++=====++++
They didn't put out much of a fight.
I dusted my hands as I watched, amused at the sight of the three of those guards lying against the wall. All unconscious.
Despite not being good at fighting, my raw power makes up for it. Knowing later or sooner, I would eventually need to learn how to fight. This universe has real gods for goodness sake, I doubt I can take on anything with this alone.
I wasn't arrogant or overconfident in my abilities. I only have one elemental unlocked of the seven. I still have a ways to go.
My thoughts were then snapped as a sharp pain struck my head
[ALERT!]
[SYSTEM…..COMPROMISED–!?]
[Activating—!]
"Hey, Orion? Orion? Orion!" I shouted, feeling the pain all around my head. I bit my lip, preventing myself from screaming. It was like someone was bashing into my skull. Damn, it's happening again! "Orion, answer me!. What's happening?!"
[SYSTEM—--]
[Initiating—!]
Whatever was wrong with Orion was definitely having its effect on me. Its effects were no joke. It was like I was in a live surgery without anesthesia.
I took a look at my wrist and saw another familiar purple light flashing through the screen of my watch. It was blinking like it was Christmas lights. However I didn't pay much attention to that, rather it was to ease the pain I was feeling.
What I did first was to do a series of breaths which did little to no help. Realizing this, I was fucked. Thankfully,I was still in my lightning form.
"I need to–" What I was about to say got interrupted by a yell to my right
"What's the hold up there boys? Is your business there done—What the fuck!"
I turned my head and saw the horrified and shocked expression of Cole.
"You—Who are you?! Explain yourself!" He shouted angrily at me, pointing his finger as if threatening me.
I really don't have the time for this.
"You…" He took on a dawning realization "You're that kid…how?"
Damn it. I need to go.
I gritted my teeth as my vision was starting to get affected. I barely noticed Cole coming at me. His foot slammed into my face, knocking me back to the ground.
"Hah! Take that!" Cole laughed madly as he continued kicking me in the stomach. "You think you're all high and mighty just because you beat up my men? The joke's on you!"
I never thought he'd attack me like that. A flash of anger spiked through my eyes as I wiped the dirt scattered around my face and glared at him. For a single moment, I discard the pain as I gather a volt of electricity down my palms.
"Wait, what are you—AHHH!" Cole's words turned into a scream as I sent him flying with an electric bolt.
"Shit, I need to go" It felt like my consciousness was beginning to slip away. This place was dangerous in case I passed out, I needed to lie somewhere safe.
I lifted my gaze. Within a second, I blitzed myself out of the alley.
+++++====+++++
"Hey, what was that?!"
"Why are you looking at me like that? I didn't even do anything!
"Mommy!"
"Look, you just made her cry!"
"Huh? Why is it my fault now?!"
Having successfully relocated to somewhere where I could keep a hold myself. I leaned back against a rocky wall, now reverted back to my original self.
I took a series of breaths, feeling my head pounding. My vision was hazy to the point I could barely see anything.
"Come on, Ethan. Don't fall, Don't fall" Every breath felt heavy. I wanted to lie down and just passed out right there but I took a hold of myself. Passing out was probably a bad idea. "Don't fall, Don't fall"
I took a large intake of breath as the pain started to subside. There, I did another series of breaths, slowly finding myself at ease. The pain was there but more bearable.
I massaged my temples. "That was something…" I mumbled to myself
I turn to glance at my watch. That confirmed one thing. However it was, something was definitely wrong with my watch
"Orion? You there buddy?"
Orion didn't respond.
I pressed my lips into a flat line. I didn't know if I should be more concerned about that or be worried more about myself. Whatever happened to Orion was definitely gonna bite me back.
I tried tweaking the dial case and found it locked, stuck, like it was before at Belobog.
Great, I can't even use my watch. This is gonna be problematic.
"This is not the day for me." I chuckled to myself. I was in a dark alley and it reeks here from all the garbage being thrown at this place. I think it was better for me to leave. I probably need to find them as it would be the best course to go. Without a phone, It was gonna take me a while and of course, my watch is out of use for now. Hopefully, Orion will come back as soon as possible.
When I tried to walk, I felt my body extremely dried out of energy for some reason.
"Why am I tired?" Did everything that happened have an after-effect on my body? It felt like I'd run a marathon and had just made it to the finish line without stopping.
"Hey kid, are you alright?" A concerned voice reached my ears, causing me to lift my face. I was greeted by the sight of an old man with white hair and a white beard. He appears to have a mechanical left arm which reminds a bit of Luka.
"Uh, just tired from the running" I let out a sheepish smile as I made up an excuse on the spot.
"Running? What sort of running causes you to like that?" The old man didn't seem to believe it. Was I looking that bad from the outside? It would seem so judging from his reaction.
"Uhm…the kind of running that does that?"
The old man blinked at my response and chuckled "Funny"
Yeah, I doubt he found it funny. Seeing this, I took this opportunity to ask.
"Is it alright if I ask you a question?"
"Hmm, what is it?" The old man looked at me curiously
"Do you know where the mine is?" I scratched the back of my head "I'm a bit lost"
" Huh? What business do you have there, kid? I doubt a kid like you would be interested in the mines of all places." I saw the Old Man's eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"Uhm…" I struggled to put out an explanation. Shit did not think this through. What type of kid would ask that question?
"I guess you're one of those" I heard him sigh.
Huh? I stared at him, puzzled. If possible, there would be a question mark floating in my head.
"Gotta warn ya, kid—you can't go into the mines right now. Something's going on down there, and I wouldn't recommend it."
"Yeah, I've heard of that" I nodded, recalling a memory of that. "So….Can you tell me?"
He sighed again, then raised his mechanical arm, pointing in a specific direction. "See that lamppost over there? Turn left there and go straight until you find the entrance to the mines. You'll spot it easily before you reach the entrance since there's a bridge before it. That's your marker, understand"
"I see. Thank you, sir"
"Alright, Don't mention it, Kid." The old man waved. "Just promise me. Don't go further than that until the situation is settled there, got it? Whatever your business may be down there, it can wait unless you want to put your life on the line."
I nodded. "Also, aren't you looking far more mature than your age or it's just me?"
I shrugged "Life works in mysterious ways" I simply answered.
"Heh," The old man chuckled, "That's a nice saying, won't mind if I use it?"
"Sure" It wasn't mine to begin with.
"Alright, see ya kid. Keep safe"
"You too" I waved him off as he headed in the opposite direction of where I was headed. I stared at his disappearing figure, thinking 'Hmm what a nice old man.'
Well off to the mines. It's not like something is worse down there.
Right?