"Oh, my old friend, I know it's been a long time since we last met, but you were a bit too excited just now, weren't you?"
Otto said with a smile, his arm around Welt's shoulder, looking at the members of the Astral Express crew behind him—some unfamiliar, some familiar. "And it seems you've brought many new friends… Heh, some very familiar-looking new friends."
The fluctuations from the battle that erupted between Lee and Elysia earlier were simply too immense. Although the barrier around the Blue Earth could nullify the physical destruction caused by the battle, the soaring Honkai energy and aura were impossible to conceal.
Just like Kevin, Otto had also rushed to the scene as soon as he became aware of the situation, albeit slightly slower than Kevin. In fact, it wasn't just him; even Raiden Mei, Fu Hua, and others had arrived. Even Makima was observing the situation from a distance.
Even disregarding the earth-shattering battle that had just occurred, the mere fact that someone could crash a train into the Blue Earth was enough to warrant serious attention.
This was especially true given how strikingly familiar the people on this train looked.
For instance, Kiana and the others from St. Freya were excitedly gathered around Himeko.
After all, even though Kiana and her group had already played Honkai: Star Rail, it was still hard not to get excited when a Himeko who looked identical to their teacher—currently imprisoned by Schicksal—appeared before them.
In fact, even Cecilia and Durandal had, at some point, sidled up next to the Astral Express crew, because they had played…
What made Welt feel rather disheartened was that Bronya, a rising star of Anti-Entropy, was also completely ignoring his awkward situation as a Herrscher predecessor and former Sovereign, her attention solely focused on Himeko… In comparison, the Astral Express crew was such a warm and welcoming family!
It was just a pity that Twilight wasn't around; otherwise, why would he have to endure Otto's nauseating presence?
At this moment, Welt suddenly understood March 7th's past feelings—that sensation of knowing someone powerful would always have your back. It was truly an exhilarating feeling, enough to make one feel on top of the world.
Yes, the current Welt now remembered things about Twilight.
These weren't memories received from Caelus, but his own recollections that should have faded due to the changes in causality. In fact, it wasn't just him; Himeko, March 7th, and Dan Heng were the same.
Everyone, except for Caelus who had already remembered everything, now recalled Twilight.
Considering the fleeting trace of Twilight's aura they had sensed the moment the Astral Express broke into the Blue Earth, Welt was certain they had indeed arrived in the same world as Twilight.
Because Twilight still existed in this world, all information pertaining to her had returned to normal—just like how at Herta Space Station, Twilight's notes had momentarily been restored by the influx of information.
It was precisely because of this that Welt was now interacting amicably with Otto and Kevin here, instead of immediately starting a fight. It wasn't that Welt was afraid of them; after all, although he didn't have much confidence in his own strength, the Astral Express crew now had two powerhouses: Dan Heng and Caelus.
Especially Caelus, whose current strength was worlds apart from before. If a real fight broke out, Welt even felt the Astral Express crew had a better chance of winning.
However, their Astral Express crew was here to find someone, not to pick a fight. If there was no need for combat, teaming up with these people and asking for their help in finding Twilight was the best approach.
Especially Otto. Since this man could still speak to him so calmly and peacefully here, did it mean he had already achieved his goal? If he already had experience, then naturally, Welt had to find a way to learn from him. For this, Welt was willing to temporarily suppress his prejudice against him.
However, Welt did have some worries. Although these two scourges, Otto and Kevin, could no longer threaten the Blue Earth, even Kiana and Fu Hua were actually here now… Didn't that mean the Blue Earth was currently undefended?
If another Herrscher were to appear on the Blue Earth now, would they have to rely on lost Titans to fight it… or on Tesla and her group? Or perhaps Cocolia and hers?
Merely imagining such a possible scenario made Welt feel that the future of the Blue Earth was bleak.
Despite the myriad frustrations in his heart, Welt could only refocus his thoughts on the current task of finding Twilight. After all, worrying about the Blue Earth's situation wouldn't help for the time being, but March 7th's eyes behind him were practically shooting sparks from staring so intensely…
"Otto, I'm in no mood for your nonsense right now." Welt brushed Otto's hand off his shoulder and looked at him seriously. "Have you seen any sign of Twilight or not? If not, step aside and don't hinder us."
Although he had just arrived, Welt felt no nervousness at all because there were so many familiar faces.
He also had no doubt about the information he might get from these people—after all, even if Kiana had wised up a bit during her wandering days, her mother's and sister's skills in deception could only be described as tragic.
Therefore, with them present, the possibility of anyone hiding something or successfully deceiving them was basically zero…
"Old friend, I know you're anxious, but don't be too anxious—"
"Miss Elysia," Welt interjected, turning to her, "have you seen a child who looks like this? Or perhaps like the white-haired woman in this other photo… Her name is Twilight. From what Kiana and the others said, you might have already seen her in this world's game."
Seeing Welt unhesitatingly turn to someone else after hearing his 'nonsense,' Otto didn't feel saddened by being disliked. His gaze shifted to the Astral Express on the ground, then to Caelus, who was silently meeting Kevin's eyes. A smile uncontrollably tugged at the corners of his mouth.
The importance of intelligence was undeniable. And Otto, being on the Blue Earth, had naturally experienced Honkai: Star Rail, a game related to Honkai. Thus, he was perfectly clear about the Astral Express crew before him and their objective.
Undoubtedly, Caelus and his group's goal was to find Twilight, just as he himself had once wanted to find Lihua.
Since their goals and predicaments were similar, it was only natural for Twilight's situation to be similar to Lihua's—regardless of whether this was actually the case, Otto could make it [the same] to gain this powerful fighting force.
As for what might happen if he resorted to deception, Otto couldn't care less right now. His sole priority was to rescue Lihua from that damned thing controlling her from the shadows.
Not only did he have the assistance of Herrschers from the Current Era and the heroes left from the Previous Era, but also demons and the powerful Astral Express crew… This lineup was as solid as a rock. In that case, perhaps… the final plan could be initiated ahead of schedule…