"The winner is—Iron Arm Luka!"
The voice of the host, Owlbert, rang out.
"Unexpectedly, Luka, a newcomer, has already secured a victory. But how far can he go on this path? Let's wait and see!"
Inside the spaceship.
A round of enthusiastic applause erupted!
Luka himself, however, felt a bit dazed.
Did I...
win?
It seems I really did!
But Sushang even came over to teach me personally, clearly just playing around and going easy.
Even so.
I only barely managed to win.
Perhaps... this is as far as I can go.
In a daze.
He heard Svarog's reminder.
"The second round of the Knockout Tournament has begun."
What?
So soon?
Luka focused his mind.
And looked at the screen.
"I didn't expect the people of Jarilo to start becoming active in the galaxy. I'm glad to see you at this Martial Arts Ceremony."
Behind Topaz.
Were the company's security personnel and a massive mech.
All bearing the company's emblem.
Exuding an intangible sense of authority.
...
"My goodness! Who is Luka fighting?"
"Huh? I'm fighting one of the Ten Stonehearts? Is this real?"
"How is Luka supposed to fight Topaz? With his head?"
""The Battle of Rivals""
"Topaz: Last time in Belobog, I didn't use the Cornerstone. This time, I'll give it a try!"
"We, Jarilo, have our own Yanqing."
...
Topaz greeted Stelle.
"Long time no see. I didn't expect to see you here either."
"I heard you became the coach of the Belobog team. I was quite surprised."
"The Astral Express, you previously helped Belobog mediate their debt issues, and now you're helping them participate in the Martial Arts Ceremony... Haha, the child is old enough to learn to walk on their own, right?"
Luka spoke up, "Belobogians have always lived in harsh conditions. We children have long since learned to walk our own path."
"Hmph, bold words. I bear no ill will toward Belobog. I just want to confirm whether, after surviving that debt crisis, the people of Belobog truly have the ability to stand on their own."
"If they only rely on the kindness of the powerful to get through tough times, then they will never become truly free people, but only slaves granted the right to freedom."
Inside the spaceship.
The Belobogians looked solemn.
Ever since Honkai: Star Rail became a sensation across the universe.
Xianzhou, Penacony...
They witnessed the prosperity of the outside world.
They saw how powerful other civilizations were.
And they couldn't help but feel their own insignificance and backwardness.
But!
The Belobogians grew up in hardship and crisis.
They did not lose heart or give up on themselves.
Instead, they actively built up their own planet!
Believing that one day.
They too could become a radiant civilization in the universe!
At this moment, the event's storyline.
For other players.
Might just be a somewhat inexplicable, even scoff-worthy competition.
But for them.
Luka carried the hopes of Belobog!
For the first time, Belobog was witnessed by the entire universe!
At this very moment.
Gepard, Serval, Seele, and others could fully immerse themselves in this feeling!
"The winner is—Iron Arm Luka!"
"The Belobog team defended their dignity with their own strength! How thrilling!"
Luka won!
Not just Luka in the storyline.
Many players watching were also utterly surprised!
...
"Huh?"
"How did he win?"
"Is this just a favor to Stelle and Luka?"
"Topaz was just playing around, purely here for the company's formalities."
"Topaz went easy on him!"
"Luka's really lucky!"
"Anyone else would have definitely lost this one."
"Protagonist halo, kid!"
...
Topaz smiled and said, "Luka, you did well. You won."
"You didn't go all out, did you, Miss Topaz? Are you looking down on me?" Luka questioned.
"Uh, don't misunderstand... For the Ten Stonehearts, going all out is something we only do in life-or-death situations. A small sparring match like this, it's best not to risk lives, not even injuries, otherwise the company's protective gear won't sell."
"You won—be confident, it's a fair victory."
"And... forgive me for saying so, but aren't you the one looking down on me?"
Luka was taken aback. "How could I? What right do I have to look down on a big shot from the company?"
"You see everyone with a company title as the company's lackeys. You think we're slaves who sold our souls for money. No need to deny it, I'm used to seeing that look."
"The company doesn't need something as ethereal as a soul. All it wants is profit."
"My hometown is no different from Belobog. We're all struggling in this cruel universe, yearning to survive and find happiness. And the Messengers of the Amber King showed me an opportunity, just as I've shown the same opportunity to others."
"So, you see, the similarities between us far outweigh the differences. Luka, I hope Belobog can revive on its own strength."
"Now that you've stepped out of your home, wanting the entire galaxy to see you, that's certainly good. But in this galaxy full of ill intentions, are you prepared to face greater crises? Whether you are or not, I wish you success."
"Keep it up, win a few more. Since I've had my fun, it's time for me to go. I still have a lot of business to discuss on the Luofu."
Just as Topaz was about to leave.
He hurriedly said, "Miss Topaz, wait..."
"I didn't mean to look down on you. I understand, anyone striving to survive is remarkable."
...
"Topaz, she really... I'm moved to tears!"
"She truly is the most adorable among the Ten Stonehearts!"
"My idol sister is genuinely beautiful inside and out!"
0 ...
"In this match, even if Numby had stepped in, Luka still wouldn't have won, yet she chose to take action herself!"
"Topaz has really been more than fair to Belobog..."
...
Inside the spaceship.
Luka's hand clenched slightly.
Having experienced the main storyline, he naturally understood.
In the Interastral Peace Corporation, how many people would stop at nothing to climb the ladder.
Yet Topaz genuinely wanted to give Belobog a chance!
For this, she even faced demotion and a pay cut!
And the first time he met her in the storyline, he had harbored such strong hostility.
He even felt he had been a bit too stubborn!
He had almost offended her!
Yet she not only didn't mind but also patiently explained.
Her magnanimity and grace were truly admirable!
Fortunately,
he had apologized to her before they parted.
Otherwise, he would have been too ashamed to sleep at night!
Serval couldn't help but sigh, "Miss Topaz is truly a benefactor to our Belobog."
"Indeed, if it were any other member of the Ten Stonehearts, our Jarilo would probably already be the company's asset."
"Miss Topaz has also contributed greatly to Belobog's tourism development."
"She is truly a trustworthy partner."
Even Gepard couldn't help but nod slightly in agreement.
In reality.
Topaz was only responsible for providing financial and technical assistance.
Everything else was left to the Belobogians to develop and build themselves.
Preserving the Preservation style of Jarilo to the greatest extent.
And the results proved.
She was right.
Tourists visiting Belobog praised it highly, with rave reviews!
Even,
it made it onto the list of interstellar tourist destinations!